Reginald Blaine Cooper, 83, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away on July 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 22, 1943, in Sistersville, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Paul Cooper and Mabel (Lazear) Cooper of Paden City, WV. A proud United States Navy veteran, Reggie was the owner of Aquidneck […]
Newport County
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Samia Menassa
Samia Menassa, 89, passed away peacefully at her home on July 15, 2026. Born on March 5, 1937 in Tyre, Lebanon to Afife and Joseph Menassa, Samia came to America in 1970. Along with her parents, her brother Sami Menassa and his wife Marie, Samia made a life in Newport/Middletown, Rhode Island.She spent over 30 […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: A look at 13 recent trades across Newport County (July 13 – 17)
Thirteen properties changed hands across Newport County last week, representing another week of activity across Jamestown, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, and Tiverton. While inventory remains below where many buyers would like it to be, we are beginning to see more consistent movement in the marketplace, a trend that I hope continues as we move through the […]
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Ryan Pearl and Chantalle Schultz Rathbun top the field at the 2026 Newport Beer Run at Fort Adams
NEWPORT, R.I. – Ryan Pearl of Hamden, Conn., and Chantalle Schultz Rathbun of St. Petersburg, Fla., claimed the top spots at the 2026 Newport Beer Run on Saturday at Fort Adams State Park, leading a field of 974 finishers through the 5K before celebrating with 40 breweries at the post-race festival. Formerly known as the […]
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Viking Hoops Basketball Camp celebrates 30th year — and a homecoming at Rogers High School
NEWPORT, R.I. — Viking Hoops Basketball Camp marked its 30th year this July with a homecoming at Rogers High School, returning to the place where the program’s founder spent more than two decades coaching the Vikings. Jim Psaras started Viking Hoops in 1995 with a straightforward goal: bring basketball to Aquidneck Island in an accessible […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Rhode Island health officials issue food safety reminder as multistate Cyclospora outbreak is linked to Taco Bell lettuce
The Rhode Island Department of Health is reminding residents to follow food safety practices as federal health officials investigate a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states. The CDC and FDA have advised consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to consider splash pad, playground, tennis court repairs, and drone program at July 22 meeting
The Newport City Council meets Wednesday, July 22, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway, with a agenda that includes several infrastructure contracts and grant acceptances. Among the items from the city manager: The council will consider contracts for restoration of the Rogers High School tennis courts, replacement of the Aquidneck […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: James R. Baillargeron
As a young teenager Jim Baillargeron wanted to fly. One day in July 1965 he walked into an Air Force recruiter’s office in Newport, Rhode Island. But the fact he never attended high school was not to his advantage. Disappointed, on his way out the door a Marine recruiter grabbed the tall, slender teenager, “So […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Jane Pickens Theater’s legendary Jaws Party returns this weekend with live music, beer tastings, and a 4K screening
The Jane Pickens Theater’s annual Jaws Party is back this weekend, bringing Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic back to the big screen in a new 4K restoration for three nights of shark-fueled summer celebration. Tonight, Friday, July 17, The Teledynes — a surf rock and rockabilly trio of electric guitar, upright slap bass, and drums — […]
Posted inNews
Newport Gulls hosting bone marrow registry drive tonight for 5-year-old East Greenwich boy in need of a donor
A free bone marrow registry drive will be held tonight at Cardines Field during the Newport Gulls game, organized by the family of Jack Palms, a 5-year-old East Greenwich boy being treated for a rare and serious bone marrow condition. Jack has been diagnosed with Acquired Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia (AAMT), a rare disorder that causes bone […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Lucy Marum
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lucy Labonite (Gayta) Marum, a beloved mother, grandmother, godmother, wife, sister, auntie, and friend, who passed away on July 8, 2026. Born on March 10, 1952 in Barcelona, Sorsogon, Philippines, Lucy built a life full of generosity, devotion, tenderness, and love. Lucy graduated from Gubat National […]
Posted inCity & Government
Jamestown Democratic Town Committee endorses Foulkes for governor, Reed for U.S. Senate
The Jamestown Democratic Town Committee has announced its endorsements for the 2026 election cycle, backing Helena Foulkes for governor and incumbent U.S. Sen. Jack Reed for re-election, along with a full slate of state and federal candidates. The committee’s full list of endorsements: U.S. Senate: Jack Reed Governor: Helena Foulkes Lieutenant Governor: Sue Anderbois Attorney […]
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Influential AFL-CIO opts not to endorse in RI Democratic gubernatorial race
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current July 15, 2026 The focus of the governor’s race temporarily shifted one block west of the State House Wednesday to a nondescript office building where leaders of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO met but opted not to endorse in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. The labor federation boasts more than 80,000 members, […]
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Air quality alert issued for Rhode Island today as wildfire smoke moves in from Minnesota
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has issued an air quality alert for Wednesday, July 15, as bands of heavy wildfire smoke from fires in northern Minnesota move into the region. Fine particle readings are expected to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups on the Air Quality Index beginning midday, with elevated readings continuing […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Lea Marques
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Léa Gomes Marques, who left us peacefully on July 9, 2026, at the age of 66. Born on April 26, 1960, in Recife, Brazil, Lea was a beacon of joy and warmth in the lives of everyone who knew her.Lea will be lovingly remembered […]
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What Sold: A look at 17 recent sales in Newport County (July 6-10)
We are entering the third week of July, and after a slower start to the month with the holiday weekend, it feels like the market is beginning to regain some momentum. Last week, 17 properties changed hands across Newport County, highlighted by the $6,000,000 sale of 205 Indian Avenue in Portsmouth. While luxury sales continue […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rhode Island Philharmonic brings free outdoor concert to Rosecliff lawn on August 9
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a free outdoor concert on the back lawn of Rosecliff on Sunday, August 9, starting at 7 p.m., hosted by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Conducted by Troy Quinn, the program includes the “William Tell” and “1812” overtures alongside music from Phantom of the Opera, West Side […]
Posted inCity & Government
On the Ballot: The race for Governor
What started as a very crowded field for the governor’s race has narrowed considerably, but a spirited primary election looms for both parties, with a well-known independent entering the fray in the general election. Meanwhile, there have also been some updates (as of noon, July 14) to the total number of signatures collected by candidates […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Karla Bonoff, Garrison Keillor, and The Irish Tenors coming to the Jane Pickens Theater this fall
The Jane Pickens Theater has announced three new shows from Spectacle Live this fall and winter, with tickets going on sale Friday, July 17, at 10 a.m. at janepickens.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774. Singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff opens the run on Saturday, September 12, at 7:30 p.m. Bonoff has written hits recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna […]
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Newport Restoration Foundation names Miramar restoration and Bailey’s Beach clubhouse among 2026 Doris Duke Historic Preservation Award honorees
The Newport Restoration Foundation and the City of Newport have announced the honorees for the 20th annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards, recognizing two outstanding preservation projects in Newport County and a lifetime achievement honoree. The ceremony takes place Friday, September 11, at Rough Point. Tom Perkins receives this year’s President’s Award for lifetime excellence […]
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The Newport Show returns for its 19th year July 25-26 at St. George’s School
The Newport Show returns for its 19th year on July 25 and 26 at the St. George’s School Ice Rink in Middletown, with a Gala Preview Party kicking things off the evening of Friday, July 24. This year’s show features more than 30 dealers offering art, antiques, and furniture, including new exhibitors Spiral Haus of […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Larry McCabe
Larry McCabe spent 25 years in the United States Navy, sailed around the world for a full year, befriended naval officers on almost every continent, and still considered dropping his daughter off at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail one of his finest (and hardest) moments. That was Larry; equally at home brokering international […]
Posted inNews
Women’s Resource Center hosts Seaside Celebration fundraiser July 20 at The Bohlin
The Women’s Resource Center will hold its signature summer fundraiser, Seaside Celebration, on Monday, July 20, at 5:30 p.m. at The Bohlin, 20 Commercial Wharf, on Newport Harbor. The event is co-hosted by Elizabeth Leatherman and Susan Sipprelle — the same Susan Sipprelle who recently wrote about RENEWport’s volunteer library program at Pell Elementary — […]
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Rhode Island Foundation is offering three composers $30,000 grants — applications due Aug. 10
Rhode Island composers have until August 10 to apply for $30,000 fellowships from the Rhode Island Foundation, with three grants available to emerging and mid-career musicians looking to advance their work. The grants come through the Foundation’s Robert and Margaret MacColl Johnson Fellowship Fund and are unrestricted — meaning recipients can use the money however […]