Microplastics Surge in Narragansett Bay | Police Alert Public to Panhandling Scam

Issue #007

29 Sep

In this South Kingstown Insider Issue…

📅 Upcoming Local Events

🌤️ South Kingstown Weather

🌊 Microplastics Surge in Narragansett Bay: Potential Health Threats Under Investigation

👮‍♀️ Police Alert Public to Panhandling Scam Using Sick Child Images

💰 Rhode Island Ends Fiscal Year with $410M Surplus, Exceeding Expectations

🎣 Rhode Island Gears Up for Columbus Day with Trout Stocking in 25 Waterways

🌕 2023's Last Supermoon: The Mesmerizing Harvest Moon Lights Up September Skies!

🏀 Rhode Island Basketball Teams Set to Shine at Homecoming Hoopfest

🏫 Upcoming South Kingstown High Varsity Events

🤔 South Kingstown Trivia

Upcoming Local Events

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

Microplastics Surge in Narragansett Bay: Potential Health Threats Under Investigation

University of Rhode Island researchers discovered over a thousand tons of microplastics in the top sediments of Narragansett Bay's seafloor, with the concentration increasing significantly in the past two years.

These microplastics, smaller than a grain of rice, often break down from larger plastics like bottles and containers. The research showed high concentrations of microplastics even in rural waters, which was unexpected.

Another parallel study found that microplastics could pose health risks, such as Alzheimer's disease and depression, to humans. Researchers emphasize the early stage of their studies but express concerns for both the ecosystem and human health.

They advocate for reduced usage of single-use plastics and recycling, and for industries to reconsider the types of plastics they produce and their post-use strategies.

Police Alert Public to Panhandling Scam Using Sick Child Images

West Warwick Police warn of a panhandling scam in Rhode Island where a group uses images of a sick child to solicit funds for purported medical or burial expenses.

Investigations revealed the collected money is directed to personal bank accounts.

The group frequents major intersections briefly before moving on. The police advise the public to be cautious.

Rhode Island Ends Fiscal Year with $410M Surplus, Exceeding Expectations

Rhode Island ended the 2022-23 budget year with a $410 million surplus, $41 million more than expected. This was higher than the previous year's $217 million surplus.

The increase was due to revenues surpassing estimates and departments underspending.

Most of the surplus, $369 million, will be used for the 2023-24 budget. The remainder will be divided between the state pension and rainy-day funds, with about $29 million left for Governor McKee's 2024-25 budget considerations.

The state's total budget is now around $14 billion, up $4 billion since the pandemic onset, with the rainy-day fund at $271 million.

Rhode Island Gears Up for Columbus Day with Trout Stocking in 25 Waterways

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will stock 25 waterways with trout, including brook and rainbow trout, from Thursday through Oct. 6 in preparation for the Columbus Day holiday.

Anglers aged 15 and older need a 2023 fishing license and a Trout Conservation Stamp to keep the fish.

Some of the waterways to be stocked include Barber Pond (South Kingstown), Bradford Fishing Area (Westerly), Kings Factory Bridge (Charlestown), Lower Shannock (Charlestown), and Silver Spring Lake (North Kingstown).

2023's Last Supermoon: The Mesmerizing Harvest Moon Lights Up September Skies!

The harvest moon, which is the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox, will be the last supermoon of 2023 on Friday.

The moonrise timings in Rhode Island are at 6:49 PM on Friday, and 7:13 PM on Saturday. This moon is notable for its consistent rise times and will reach full illumination at around 2 AM.

The combined effects of its proximity to Earth and a visual trick known as the "moon illusion" make this moon especially worth viewing. The harvest moon typically occurs in September, aligning with the fall harvest, but can sometimes appear in October.

The orange hue sometimes associated with the harvest moon is not unique to it.

RAMS

Rhode Island Basketball Teams Set to Shine at Homecoming Hoopfest

The 2023-24 Rhode Island men's and women's basketball teams will be introduced at the Homecoming Hoopfest in the Ryan Center on Friday, Oct. 13.

The event includes team introductions, a shooting contest, a 20-minute scrimmage, and an autograph session. Performances by the URI drumline and the Ramettes are also scheduled.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with a special meet-and-greet at 5 p.m. for season-ticket holders.

The Hoopfest is part of the URI Homecoming Weekend, which features football, volleyball, and men's soccer games.

REBELS

South Kingstown High School Varsity

Upcoming home games for Varsity

Girls Soccer - September, 29th 6 PM @ Curtis Corner Middle School
Girls Volleyball - October, 2nd 6 PM @ South Kingstown High School
Girls Cross Country Meet - October 3rd, 4 PM @ Curtis Corner Middle School
Boys Cross Country Meet - October 3rd, 4 PM @ Curtis Corner Middle School
Girls Tennis - October 3rd, 5 PM @ Broad Rock Middle School

🤔 South Kingstown Trivia

Yesterday’s Answer: Roger Williams

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