Posted inBusiness

Small Business Collective launches in Middletown to support Rhode Island entrepreneurs

A new nonprofit aimed at supporting small business owners has launched in Rhode Island. Small Business Collective, based in Middletown, will offer collaborative workspace, community events and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs across the state, according to an announcement Tuesday. Mollie Frazer Williams has been named executive director of the organization. She previously served as director […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Carol L. Dutton

Carol Lynn Dutton, age 73, passed away peacefully at Newport Hospital on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Carol was born in Pleasantville, NJ, on March 26th, 1952. She was the daughter of Florence (Angell) Ridenour and Harry Ridenour. Along with her husband, Michael, she is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Lewis, Meghan (Dutton) Leighton and Katelin […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Constantine Gianetis

Constantine (Costa), also known to many as Gus, Gianetis, age 83, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at home on November 27, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife and family, following a courageous four-year battle with multiple cancers. Costa was born on April 10, 1942, in Newport, Rhode Island, to the late Stamos and Elizabeth Gianetis. […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Mildred Banal

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mildred Anne (Bailey) Banal, “Millie, Nani, Gigi”, our loving mother, cherished grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend, who entered into eternal rest on November 25, 2025, at the age of 87.Millie was born in South Boston, MA to Ernest and Anne (Harrington) Bailey on December 13, 1937. She was raised […]

Posted inCity & Government

As winter heating costs rise, so does consumer anxiety in Rhode Island, poll finds

Feeling anxious about how to pay for your winter heating bill? You’re not alone, according to the latest Ocean State Poll from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, which found roughly 78% of Rhode Islanders feel the same way about their upcoming winter heating bills.  Unease over heating prices has risen since last November, […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Rhode Island releases 2025 holiday ornament honoring nation’s first integrated regiment

A new commemorative holiday ornament honoring soldiers from the nation’s first integrated military regiment is now available from Rhode Island’s semiquincentennial commission. Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, who chairs the Rhode Island Semiquincentennial 250th Commission, announced Friday the release of the 2025 limited-edition ornament featuring the First Rhode Island Regiment. The ornament depicts six […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Marianne Toole

Marianne Eileen Toole (Barry) passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025 surrounded by her loving family, after a second battle with breast cancer which she faced with courage and grace. She was predeceased by her parents, Gordon Barry and Dorothy Barry (Ketchum). Marianne was a beloved Wife, Mother, Nini, and Sister, whose warmth and vibrant […]

Posted inSports

Devin Farrell throws 2 TD passes and Rhode Island hangs on to top Central Connecticut in FCS opener

KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) — Devin Farrell threw for 365 yards, including two first quarter touchdowns, and Rhode Island defeated Central Connecticut 27-19 on Saturday in a first-round game of the FCS playoffs. Ninth-seeded Rhode Island will play No. 8 UC Davis in the second round. The Aggies had a first-round bye. Farrell threw a touchdown […]

Posted inSports

Celtics end Pistons’ winning streak at a franchise record-tying 13 with 117-114 victory

By KEN POWTAK Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and the Boston Celtics ended Detroit’s winning streak at a franchise record-tying 13, outlasting Cade Cunningham and the Pistons 117-114 on Wednesday night. The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons squandered a chance to break the record they share with the 1989-90 and 2003-04 championship teams. […]

Posted inNews

Rhode Island Energy proposes increases in customer electric and gas service charges

More bad news for Rhode Islanders struggling to pay their energy bills: Hikes are coming. Rhode Island Energy unveiled its long-anticipated request to increase service charges for gas and electric customers in a press release the day before the Thanksgiving holiday. An application was simultaneously submitted to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission for review. […]

Posted inThings To Do

What’s up this weekend in Newport County: Nov. 27-30

Discover all that’s happening for live music, entertainment, and events this Thanksgiving weekend in and around Newport. Organizing an event? Add it to What’sUpNewp’s event calendar. Thursday, November 27 Things To Do 8:30 a.m.: Newport County YMCA 40th Annual Thanksgiving Day Pie Run at Newport YMCA 11 a.m.: Thanksgiving Day Meal at Seamen’s Church Institute […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Jamestown Chamber announces holiday events, including Santa’s boat arrival

The Jamestown Chamber of Commerce has announced its lineup of holiday events for 2025, featuring a red ticket promotion, holiday stroll and visits with Santa. Beginning Thursday, Nov. 28, participating retailers and restaurants will distribute a red ticket for every $50 spent in Jamestown Village. At restaurants, red tickets are awarded for gift card purchases […]

Posted inNews

Emmanuel Church unveils pollinator garden to support community food programs

Emmanuel Church has completed a new pollinator garden designed to bolster the church’s year-round efforts to provide fresh food to neighbors in need while supporting local ecosystems. The garden, located beside the church’s newly constructed accessible Community Bridge entrance, features plantings that support bees, butterflies and birds — pollinators essential to agriculture and global food […]

Posted inOpinion

Letter to the Editor: Assault of student with disabilities should spur commitment to inclusion

The horrifying assault of a student with disabilities at Rogers High School is heartbreaking and deeply troubling. While accountability is essential, this moment must also prompt us—as a community—to reflect on how we support, include, and value people with disabilities in our schools and across Newport County. It is too easy for people with disabilities […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Lawrence James Ferguson

Lawrence James Ferguson, known to family and friends as “Larry,” passed away peacefully at the age of 79. He was born on August 8, 1946, in Bangor, Maine, the son of the late Donald D. and Barbara L. (Black) Ferguson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Francine (Koniares) Ferguson, and his children Alyssa Ferguson, Colin […]

Posted inColumns

The Importance of It All: Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island

There is a refreshing vibe of positivity and connection when you visit Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island headquarters in Providence. All around you is a spirit of pride and purpose for what is both a logistically complex and emotionally demanding mission. I was taken aback, not because it seemed unbelievable, but because the energy […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Jamestown Arts Center announces Members’ Show awards; Molly Dickinson wins Best in Show

Molly Dickinson has been awarded Best in Show at the Jamestown Arts Center Members’ Show for her painting “Windfall (Primal Places),” an acrylic and oil work on birch panel. Judge Michael Rose, gallery manager at the Providence Art Club and founder of New England Art News, selected Dickinson’s piece from submissions by 150 artists. “It’s […]

Posted inOpinion

Letter to the Editor: Newport Hospital birthing center’s future remains uncertain

I read with interest the 2 articles you published recently regarding the panel discussions for the future of the Newport Hospital Birthing Center. My concern is that as long as Brown University Health has a large financial obligation to pay off the loans that they acquired when they purchased Lifespan, the Birthing Center’s existence will […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Heritage Restaurant Group launches holiday gift card campaign benefiting MLK hunger relief

Heritage Restaurant Group is running a holiday gift card promotion through Dec. 31, 2025, that pairs customer purchases with donations to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center hunger relief programs. The promotion offers two tiers: customers who purchase $500 in gift cards receive $125 in bonus cards, while the restaurant group donates $25 to […]

Posted inArts & Culture

National Park Service launches ‘All-American Road Trip’ with Newport events

The National Park Service has launched the All-American Road Trip, an America 250 initiative inviting the public to retrace the historic 1781 Allied march to Yorktown that secured American independence, with major events planned in Newport. The announcement by the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail coincides with the premiere of Ken Burns’ six-part PBS […]

Posted inNews

Nonprofit secures $750,000 to launch food waste recycling in Newport County elementary schools

Every elementary school in Newport County could soon have student-led cafeteria food waste recycling programs thanks to $750,000 in grants awarded to a Rhode Island nonprofit. The Rhode Island School Recycling Project will use the funding to expand its Get Food Smart program, which is already operating at Pell Elementary School in Newport, to elementary […]

Posted inNews

Letter to the Editor: Newport Hospital Birthing Center Panel lacks true community voice

On Tuesday, Brown University Health announced the 12 members of its Community Advisory Panel (CAP) that will discuss the fate of our beloved Newport Hospital’s Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center. Of the 12 individuals named, five of them are employed in some capacity by Brown University Health and two of them sit on the Newport […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport Hospital forms community panel to review birthing center future

Newport Hospital has appointed a 12-member Community Advisory Panel to evaluate the future of the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center, drawing cautious praise from a state lawmaker who urged transparency throughout the review process. The panel, announced Tuesday, includes patients, maternal health experts, hospital employees and representatives from philanthropic and community organizations. Members will provide […]

Posted inSports

Women’s empowerment event at ITHF headlined by Rennae Stubbs made a huge impact

The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) TeamFAME middle and high school girls were joined by the Salve Regina University Women’s Tennis Team at the first ever Rally for Her: From Teammate to Leader empowerment event. Launched by ESPN and Tennis Channel commentator and six-time major champion Rennae Stubbs, the event included an afternoon of […]

Posted inNews

Roger Federer elected to International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1st year of eligibility

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer Well, this will come as no surprise to anyone who’s paid any attention over the past quarter-century: Roger Federer was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, the Rhode Island-based Hall announced Wednesday. The first man to win 20 Grand Slam singles titles, and part of […]

Posted inNews

Sakonnet River Bridge to light up green for injury prevention day

The Sakonnet River Bridge will illuminate green Tuesday evening as part of a statewide effort to raise awareness about injury and violence prevention, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced. The lighting coincides with National Injury Prevention Day and recognizes injuries and violence as the leading causes of death and hospitalization nationally for people ages […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week wins international motoring award

Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week has been named Motoring Event of the Year at the 2025 International Historic Motoring Awards, the organization announced Monday. The award, presented by Lockton in London, is one of the collector-car world’s most prestigious global honors. Audrain joins previous winners including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and International St […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Newport Mansions to launch holiday celebrations Nov. 21

Four historic Newport mansions will open their doors to holiday celebrations beginning Nov. 21, featuring elaborate seasonal decorations and an illuminated outdoor light display at The Breakers. The Preservation Society of Newport County will present Holidays at the Newport Mansions at The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Chateau-sur-Mer, according to a news release issued […]

Posted inBusiness

West Place Animal Sanctuary wins prestigious Defender Service Award

West Place Animal Sanctuary has won the top prize in the 2025 Defender Service Awards, culminating a five-year effort by the Rhode Island farm animal rescue organization. The Tiverton-based nonprofit was named winner in the Honorees category on November 15 at an awards ceremony in Temecula, California, following a 17-day public voting campaign in October. […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Bernard Rajkumar

Bernard (Ben) S. Rajkumar, 85, formerly of Tiverton and Bristol, Rhode Island, died on November 13, 2025. He was the husband of Gemma (Lake) Rajkumar. Ben was born in Princess Town, Trinidad, on September 29, 1940. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Sean (Nicole), Karen Cooper (Rich), and Brett (Michelle), his grandchildren, Jillian, Justin, […]

Posted inFood & Drink, Instagram, News

Heritage Restaurant Group to acquire Jo’s American Bistro

Heritage Restaurant Group announced Monday it has entered into an agreement to acquire Jo’s American Bistro, the Memorial Boulevard restaurant that has served American cuisine with Italian influences since 2013. The acquisition is expected to close in approximately 90 days, subject to customary closing conditions. Jo’s American Bistro, located at 24 Memorial Boulevard, was founded […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Kaitlyn Bric

Kaitlyn “KB” Bric, age 36, of Middletown, RI, passed away on November 13, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital, surrounded by her family and close friends. Born to Leisha Hackett and Peter Bric, Kaitlyn was the beloved daughter whose warmth and spirit brightened every room. Her stepfather, Sean Hackett, was a loving, steady presence in her life-someone she […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Colleen Dopart

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Colleen Marie Dopart, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, who entered into eternal rest on November 13, 2025, at the age of 73. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, Colleen was a lifelong resident of Portsmouth, where she touched countless lives through her deep commitment to […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Susan Niazy

Susan Olivia Stone Niazy passed away on November 6, 2025. Brilliant, creative, and endlessly resilient, she lived a life defined by compassion, intellect, and quiet strength. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, she dedicated her career as a speech pathologist to helping children with learning disabilities find their voices and overcome barriers to learning. Her […]

Posted inBusiness

Newport Hospital earns top ranking

Newport Hospital was among several hospitals in Rhode Island that achieved an A rating from the hospital watchdog group Leapfrog in its fall ratings. Three hospitals – Roger Williams Medical Center, Kent, and South County were awarded C or below, a pattern of declining ratings over the last few years. Additionally, Women and Infants Hospital […]

Posted inMusic & Entertainment

Salve Regina University to present REDUX dance concert at Casino Theatre

Salve Regina University’s Dance Program will present REDUX, an evening of innovative and reimagined choreography, Nov. 20-22 at the historic Casino Theatre. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21; and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. REDUX, meaning “to revive” or “to bring back,” celebrates dance as an ever-evolving […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Museum of Newport Irish History to host lecture on artist Helen Hooker O’Malley

The Museum of Newport Irish History will present a lecture on the artistic legacy of Helen Hooker O’Malley on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. at the Wyndham Newport Hotel. Cormac K.H. O’Malley, a retired international corporate lawyer, will speak about his mother’s work in “The Artistic Legacy of Helen Hooker O’Malley (1905-1993): Capturing Ireland […]

Posted inInstagram

Newport housing advocate gets new roof from local partnership

A Newport housing advocate who has spent decades fighting for underserved families received a new roof Tuesday through a partnership between local and national organizations. Pauline Perkins-Moye, 86, affectionately known as “Ms. Pauline,” had the roof and skylights at her Burnside Avenue residence replaced by Middletown-based A1 Roofing & Construction in collaboration with GAF, North […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Sharon Haymes

Formerly of New York City and Palm Beach, Sharon Stevens Haymes died suddenly on October 28,2025 She was the daughter of Stephanie Bobst Vanden Heuvel of Newport and the late Dick Haymes Jr. of New Mexico. She was the great-granddaughter of pharmaceutical pioneer Elmer Holmes Bobst, known as “President Nixon’s Godfather.” Sharon was also the granddaughter of […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Todd Brundage

Todd W. Brundage Sr. (Mello), 60, of Newport, Rhode Island, passed away on November 6th, 2025. He was the loving and devoted husband of Holly Brundage (Libby) for 23 years. Born March 31, 1965, he was the son of the late Joaquin “Jack” Mello and Sharon (Bourcier) Mello. He was a lifelong Islander, and a […]

Posted inBusiness

Heritage Group acquires Glorious Affairs Catering, forms Heritage Hospitality

The Heritage Group announced Monday the formation of Heritage Hospitality through the acquisition of Glorious Affairs Catering and its combination with Audrain Hospitality, creating a full-service catering and event planning company serving Southern Rhode Island. The deal brings together Glorious Affairs, a boutique caterer with more than 25 years of experience in Newport County, and […]

Posted inBusiness

Newport Restaurant Week returns Nov. 7-16

Newport Restaurant Week will return for its annual celebration of the region’s culinary scene from November 7-16. The 10-day event showcases participating restaurants across nine coastal communities offering special prix-fixe menus designed to highlight the flavors of the area. Diners can choose from lunch menus priced at $20 or $30, and dinner menus at $30, […]

Posted inInstagram, News, Nonprofit

Aquidneck Island Land Trust opens Maya L. Auchincloss Boardwalk on Sakonnet Greenway Trail

The Aquidneck Island Land Trust has replaced and reopened a 700-foot boardwalk on the Sakonnet Greenway Trail, dedicating it in memory of Maya L. Auchincloss. The boardwalk, located between Sandy Point Avenue and Bramans Lane, had deteriorated after years of use. It has been rebuilt with longer-lasting materials requiring minimal maintenance, according to a press […]

Posted inNews

Revolution Wind developer records $77M impairment due to stop work order

Revolution Wind is back on track, but the monthlong pause prompted by the Trump administration continues to ripple down the project developer’s balance sheet, according to third-quarter earnings reported Wednesday. Ørsted A/S, the Danish renewable energy company co-developing the project, ended the three-month period $261.8 million in the red, a marked reversal from the $795 […]

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