Westerly’s Jen Christina spent three years on tour with the traveling company of “Annie.” “I was very happy being home in Rhode Island,” she said in our recent phone interview. “I was finally settled in after being on the road for three years, settling into my groove.” But after six months being home, she got […]
Newport County
Posted inNantucket
Authorities are using deep-sea tech to try find the sunken fishing boat off Massachusetts
By RODRIQUE NGOWI and PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press GLOUCESTER, Mass. (AP) — A coalition of authorities is deploying technology to try to locate the wreck of a fishing boat that sank last month off Massachusetts, killing all seven aboard. But winter weather and sea conditions have thus far slowed their efforts. The 72-foot (22-meter) vessel […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Movies and TV shows casting in Rhode Island
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Frances L. Benevides
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Frances L. Benevides, who left us peacefully on February 10, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on June 14, 1944, in Newport, Rhode Island, Frances lived a life filled with warmth, love, and dedication to her family and community. As a proud graduate […]
Posted inNews
Shooter killed ex-wife and a son in Rhode Island ice rink attack, police say
By KIMBERLEE KRUESI Associated Press PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — The person who opened fire Monday during a youth hockey game at a Rhode Island ice rink was specifically targeting family members, killing an ex-wife and son as many fans dived for cover while a handful rushed the shooter to stop the attack, authorities said. Pawtucket Chief of […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Edward W. Macdonald
Edward Wolford Macdonald passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a battle with cancer on February 6th, 2026. Born April 26th 1938 to Edward and Ann (Hosie) Macdonald who were both born in Scotland on the Isle of Skye, making Ed a 1st generation in Pennsylvania, PA. His father passed away before […]
Posted inPortsmouth
What Sold: A look at 10 recent sales across Newport County (Feb. 9-13)
Activity remained consistent across multiple price points, with recent sales ranging from the low $300,000s to over $1.3M including single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-family properties. What continues to stand out is how much the outcome depends on positioning. Properties that enter the market with thoughtful preparation and realistic pricing are attracting attention and moving efficiently. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Narragansett Bay Symphony Community Orchestra to present ‘Tradition vs. Innovation’ concert March 8
The Narragansett Bay Symphony Community Orchestra will explore the tension between classical tradition and musical innovation when it takes the stage for its winter concert on Sunday, March 8, at 3 p.m. at East Providence High School. Guest conductor Zeke Fetrow will lead the orchestra through a program spanning more than a century of orchestral […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Daniel Lee Mulligan
With heavy hearts but joyful spirits, we announce the passing of our beloved Daniel Lee Mulligan, who passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026. Born on May 22, 1950, in Charleston, SC, to Domenic Mulligan and Lulu Allston Mulligan, Daniel’s vibrant life was celebrated by all who knew him.Daniel was a proud veteran who began […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Finton Wallace II
Finton Wallace II, 83, of Newport, RI, passed away on February 11, 2026, at Newport Hospital. Born in Hartford, CT, he was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Susan (Dwyer) Wallace; his parents, J. Finton Wallace and Ellen (Connolly) Wallace; and his brother-in-law, Eugene Johnson. He is survived by his son, James Finton Wallace […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Little League opens registration for spring 2026 season
Registration is now open for Newport Little League’s spring 2026 youth baseball, softball and T-ball season. The league serves children ages 4 to 12 in Newport and neighboring communities, with divisions tailored to different age groups and skill levels. T-ball is co-ed for ages 4 to 6. Softball divisions for girls include coach pitch for […]
Posted inRhode Island
On the Market: A look at every Open House in Newport County this weekend (Feb. 14-15)
Even with February temperatures and a few snowstorms mixed in, the housing market across Aquidneck Island and the surrounding towns has quietly started to wake up. Showings have increased week over week, open houses are drawing steady traffic, and buyers who paused during the holidays are actively re-engaging. The early signs point towards what will […]
Posted inRhode Island
Portsmouth Middle School girls basketball captures state championship with 51-40 win over Gallagher
Simone Orr scored 15 points to lead Portsmouth Middle School to a 51-40 victory over Gallagher Middle School (Smithfield) in the girls basketball state championship on Thursday. The seventh grader paced a balanced Portsmouth attack that featured four players in double figures. Ryen May added 13 points, while Paige Anderson and Camryn Donovan each contributed […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Larry E. Ryan
Larry E. Ryan February 16, 1938 – February 4, 2026 Larry E. Ryan, formerly of Union WA and most recently of Tiverton, RI, passed away on February 4, 2026, just days before his 88th birthday. Born in Deadwood, South Dakota, on February 16, 1938, Larry grew up with a strong sense of adventure, discipline, and […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Audrey Denton
Audrey (Johnson) Denton, 81, of Palm Beach, Florida, passed away on February 6, 2026, after a long illness. She was the beloved wife of Peter Denton. Born in New Haven on May 7, 1944, and raised in Cheshire Connecticut, she was the only child of the late Helen and Ted Johnson. She grew up surrounded […]
Posted inOpinion
An open letter to the community from the employee-owners of the Castle Hill Inn
There are places that are so special they become part of who we are — places that hold our memories, mark our milestones, and connect us to one another. Castle Hill is one of those places. As employee-owners and stewards of this historic property, we feel a deep responsibility to care for it so it […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Elizabeth Ann Sawyer
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Ann Sawyer, known affectionately as Liz, who left us on February 9, 2026, at the age of 63. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, Liz spent her life in the beautiful Ocean State, making her home in Middletown, where she cherished the simple joys […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rogers High School principal placed on leave following independent investigation
Rogers High School Principal Jared B. Vance has been placed on leave for the remainder of the school year following an independent investigation into the assault of a special needs student, according to a memo released Tuesday by School Committee Chair James Dring. The investigation, conducted by former Rhode Island State Police Col. Steven G. […]
Posted inNews
St. George’s School completes $26 million renovation of historic dormitory in Middletown
St. George’s School has completed a $26 million renovation of its historic Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, transforming the building into a community hub designed to bring boarding and day students together. The project, designed by Philadelphia-based Voith & Mactavish Architects, adds a central addition beneath the dormitory’s iconic clock tower that serves as community space, a day […]
Posted inNews
401Gives returns March 31 with goal of topping $5 million; more than 300 nonprofits already registered
Registration is open for the 2026 edition of 401Gives, Rhode Island’s largest statewide philanthropic initiative in support of local nonprofits, with organizers aiming to surpass $5 million raised this year. More than 300 nonprofits have already signed up to participate in the event, which will kick off on Tuesday, March 31, and run until 6 […]
Posted inNews
URI students seeking public input on sustainable design solutions for Easton’s Pond area
University of Rhode Island landscape architecture students are inviting Middletown residents to share their ideas for sustainable design solutions along Easton’s Pond at a community workshop next week. The workshop will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road. Food will be served starting at 6 […]
Posted inReal Estate
Home of the week: 11 Barton Lane, a 4 bedroom 2.5 bathroom Raised Ranch under $700,000 in Middletown
Finding real value in today’s Aquidneck Island market is getting harder and harder. Right now, there are only 14 single family homes on the entire island priced under $700,000. When you factor in size, condition, location, and potential, 11 Barton Lane stands out as, in my opinion, the best value for your dollar. Tucked away […]
Posted inColumns
Just My Opinion: What is the United States of America?
What is the United States of America? We are white, black, brown, red, yellow … we are a rainbow. We are Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, evangelicals, atheist, agnostic. We embrace all who worship and those that do not. We are Latino, American Indian, Asian, German, French, English, Italian, Irish, African, Portuguese, Iranian, Israeli, multi-racial. We […]
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When your period is disrupting your life, it’s time to talk about it
For many women, heavy or irregular menstrual cycles are often brushed off as “normal”—something to endure quietly while juggling work, family, and daily life. But changes in menstrual bleeding can be a sign that it’s time for a closer look—and effective treatment options are available. Heavy Bleeding Is Common — But Not Normal At the […]
Posted inHistory
This Day in RI History: February 11, 1907 – New England’s Titanic
On this day in 1907, the steamship Larchmont collided with the coal schooner Harry Knowlton in the worst maritime disaster in Rhode Island’s history. Between 150 and 200 lives were lost according to newspaper reports at the time. The exact number of deaths has been the subject of much speculation as the passenger list was […]