Norman F. Chelf, 98, formerly of Portsmouth, RI, and Elkton, MD, passed away on April 20, 2025, in the Village House Nursing Home. He was the husband of the late Gail (Carson) Chelf for 30 years. Born in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Arthur and Mary (Sanford) Chelf. Norman lived a […]
Newport County
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Elizabeth Yashura
Elizabeth (Betty) Yashura, 100, passed away on April 24, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Home in East Greenwich. Born in Phoenixville, PA, she was the daughter of the late Demeter and Anna (Badaski) Savchyn. She was the wife of the late Michael Yashura. Her parents met in Philadelphia after immigrating from Ukraine. Her mother was from […]
Posted inSports
Party like it’s 2009: Jarren Duran pulls off Boston’s first straight steal of home in 16 years
By BRIAN DULIK Associated Press CLEVELAND (AP) — Jarren Duran barely had time to catch his breath after tripling in the third inning. It didn’t matter, he had already made up his mind to run again. Duran pulled off Boston’s first straight steal of home plate in exactly 16 years, scoring on the next pitch from Doug […]
Posted inNews
It’s a perilous time to be a school superintendent
These are challenging times for superintendents of schools. From Pawtucket to Chariho to Newport, superintendents have been under fire from school committees, teachers’ unions, and residents. Jobs have been threatened, some superintendents have either left or been replaced, and others have been subjected to angry public disputes that have impugned their integrity, and that have […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island among 19 states suing Trump administration over push to end diversity programs in public schools
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Nineteen states that refused to comply with a Trump administration directive aimed at eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools went a step further Friday, filing a federal lawsuit challenging what they consider an illegal threat to cut federal funding. The lawsuit filed in Massachusetts by Democratic attorneys general seeks to block the […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
One year after diagnosis: Middletown Tree Commission continues to fight beech leaf disease in Albro Woods
One year ago, Middletown’s Tree Commission and Open Space Committee joined forces and created a pilot program to rehabilitate the canopy of Albro Woods from beech leaf disease. The discovery of the disease in the nine-acre forest spelled disaster: beech leaf disease causes beeches – especially the American beech tree – to lose their canopy […]
Posted inReal Estate
Tyler Bernadyn: What $500,000 (or less) buys you in Newport County right now
We’ve all heard the buzz: home prices are up, inventory is tight, and interest rates have changed drastically over the last 3 years. But if you’re a buyer with a budget of $500,000 or less, you’re probably wondering is there still anything out there worth considering in Newport County? The short answer? Yes. But you’ve […]
Posted inColumns
Gerry Goldstein: In any lingo, some amusing sports jargon
This may sound a bissel meshuga (a little crazy), but the name of a common play in pro football these days comes straight from Yiddish. And the term has given new meaning to the most important part of the game, the end zone. That’s because we have witnessed the rise of the “tush push,” the strategy of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee, Rhode Island AI Task Force invite public input through statewide survey
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force are inviting Rhode Islanders to participate in a quick online survey on their awareness of and experiences with AI. Public feedback will inform the Task Force’s recommendations, guiding how Rhode Island responsibly and effectively adopts AI to spark innovation and create efficiencies in government and […]
Posted inNews
Goose, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jensen McRae, and Remi Wolf & Friends added to 2025 Newport Folk Festival lineup
The Newport Folk Festival continued rolling out its lineup for its 2025 event this week, announcing Goose, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jensen McRae, and Remi Wolf & Friends will be performing in Newport this July. Set for July 25-27, the festival has already sold out but continues to reveal its performer list, with more names expected […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire
Newport Police need help identifying shoplifting suspect
The Newport Police Department is asking the community for help in identifying a suspect involved in a recent shoplifting incident at a local boutique. Police have shared three photos of the individual on social media, looking for information about the theft that happened on April 21 at Thryn Boutique on 433 Thames St. Detective Brett […]
Posted inNews
How gas prices have changed in Rhode Island in the last week
Gas prices have gone up by about 4 cents per gallon since this time last month but are still down by nearly 50 cents compared to this time last year. The national average fuel price is about $3.17, with Mississippi seeing the cheapest state-level prices at $2.68 and California with the most expensive at $4.81. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown Center Project advances with Planning Board approval
The Middletown Planning Board has given the green light to zoning amendments for the proposed Middletown Center development. This unanimous approval paves the way for the project to be reviewed by the Town Council. The board’s positive recommendation comes with a few strings attached. The development team has already made about two dozen changes, and […]
Posted inNews
Arson investigation launched after fire at Tiverton home
Police are asking for the public’s help in an arson investigation after a fire broke out at a home on Main Road near Little Compton. The Tiverton Police Department and Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office are looking into the incident that happened on April 19 around 11:30 p.m. Someone called 911 to report a […]
Posted inSports
Tiverton falls to North Smithfield in high school baseball showdown
Tiverton High School’s baseball team came up short in a 5-2 loss to North Smithfield at their home field on Thursday (April 24). The Tigers struggled to get on the scoreboard until the sixth inning, when they finally manage to put two runs up, cutting into North Smithfield’s lead. Tyler Garside stepped up for Tiverton’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Historical Society launches QR Code Tour for The Colony House
The Newport Historical Society (NHS) announced today (April 24) a new self-guided, QR code tour of The Colony House, the fourth oldest statehouse still standing in the United States and a key site in Newport’s Revolutionary War history. The project was made possible thanks to a $149,000 shoulder season tourism grant from Rhode Island Commerce. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Mansions to host inside “The Gilded Age” tours
A special guide-led tour in May and June will explore four of the historic Newport Mansions that appear in HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” offering insights into the making of the Emmy-winning period drama series. The Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour will take visitors through Marble House, The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer and The Elms, all of which […]
Posted inNews, Weather
April showers bring ‘dirty rain’ to New England after storm absorbs desert dust 2,000 miles away
By HOLLY RAMER Associated Press CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — No, New England, that wasn’t a new strain of spring pollen coating your cars. It was dust carried across the country in a phenomenon known as “dirty rain.” April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but the light rain that fell across the region last Friday and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum presents first museum solo exhibition of visionary artist Bobby Anspach
This summer, the Newport Art Museum will present Everything is Change, the first museum solo exhibition celebrating the groundbreaking work of Bobby Anspach. The exhibition emphasizes the late artist’s unique ability to create a sense of connection and community through his immersive, sculptural installations and will feature a selection of Anspach’s innovative works, including his Place for […]
Posted inBusiness
People’s Credit Union partners with Bike Newport to support the Community Bike Garage
People’s Credit Union has announced its sponsorship of Bike Newport’s Community Bike Garage, a vital resource that provides bicycle repairs, education, and access to bikes for the community. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement. Bike Newport’s Community Bike Garage empowers bicyclists through hands-on learning, collaborative repairs, and expert guidance […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Jeffrey Belli
Born on November 23, 1973, Jeffrey was the son of Mary Cecilia (Moitozo) and Joseph A. Belli of Middletown. He is survived by his parents, his niece Madison Rose Belli of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and sister-in-law Melissa and her husband Steven Breth of Lakewood, New York. He was predeceased by his brother, Captain Stephen J. Belli, […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” G. Cook
It is with deep sorrow and profound remembrance that we celebrate the life of Lawrence “Larry” G. Cook, 77, of Portsmouth, RI, who died on April 17, 2025. He was the husband of Elaine (Farias) Cook. Born in Unity, ME, he was the son of the late George and Lorraine (Swazey) Cook. A retired firefighter […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Potter League, Women’s Resource Center team up for film screening on domestic violence and pet safety
The Potter League for Animals, in partnership with the Women’s Resource Center, invites the public to a special screening of the short documentary film Tipping Point on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:00 PM at the Potter League’s Animal Care & Adoption Center in Middletown. Directed by award-winning local filmmaker Susan M. Sipprelle, Tipping Point shares the stories of eight […]
Posted inReal Estate
Rhode Island ranks last, earns ‘F’ grade in Realtor.com’s State Housing Assessment
Rhode Island sits at the bottom of a new national housing report card, highlighting the state’s ongoing struggles with affordability and homebuilding. The report, released by Realtor.com®, grades all 50 states on how well they’re tackling housing challenges through affordability measures and new construction. Rhode Island gets an F grade and ranks 51st overall, including […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: JoAnne Torres
JoAnne Torres, 83, of Portsmouth, RI, formerly of Palm Harbor, FL, passed away on April 22, 2025, in the Grand Islander Nursing Center. Born in Fall River, MA, she was the daughter of the late John and Alice (Butler) Comisky. JoAnne embarked on a successful career as a claims adjuster for AETNA Insurance, where her […]