Posted inCity & Government

Elm Street Pier repair, Easton’s Beach revenues, biennial budget on Newport City Council Docket

Newport City Council’s upcoming meeting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, June 11 features a packed agenda, covering a range of topics, including budget discussions, event permits, and ordinance changes. The council will pick up where it left off on the FY2026-FY2027 Biennial Budget, which was recently put on hold. They’re holding a public hearing on […]

Posted inNews

What’sUpNewp invites readers to champion local journalism through Press Club

What’sUpNewp, a trusted source for news and information in Newport County, today announced an enhanced opportunity for readers to support its mission of providing free, independent local journalism: the What’sUpNewp Press Club. Launched with the goal of helping readers save time and learn more, the Press Club offers exclusive benefits while directly funding the expansion […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Arthur Frazzano, MD

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Arthur Andrew Frazzano – a devoted physician, esteemed educator, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend – who left this world on June 2, 2025. Born in Montclair, New Jersey, on October 24, 1949, Arthur was the eldest child of Arthur Rocco Frazzano and Gilda […]

Posted inCity & Government

Letter to the Editor: Newport’s buried history, brought to light

Recently, large interpretive plaques were installed throughout Newport’s historic gravesites.  Simmered underground for decades and even centuries, we can now learn of people and events long forgotten. These new plaques help bring our buried history to the surface and invite us to see our present differently and appreciate the struggles and triumphs of the past.  […]

Posted inEnvironment & Health, News

Ground beef sold at Whole Foods may be tainted with E. coli, USDA says

U.S. agriculture officials are warning that ground beef sold at Whole Foods markets nationwide may be contaminated with potentially dangerous E. coli bacteria. Officials on Tuesday issued a public health alert for 1-pound, vacuum-packed packages of Organic Rancher beef, produced on May 22 and May 23, by NPC Processing Inc., of Shelburne, Vermont. The products have use-by […]

Posted inNews

Uzo Aduba, Angela Kinsey join lineup for Hall of Fame induction celebration

Tickets for the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s 2025 Induction Ceremony honoring Maria Sharapova and Bob and Mike Bryan are now on sale, along with single-event tickets to the 2025 Induction Celebration’s multi-day lineup of new and returning programming, including Courting Fashion, Fitz and the Tantrums concert, and the first ever Hall of Fame Celebrity […]

Posted inNews

From ‘Tudo bem?’ to ‘Gracias,’ a growing share of US residents speak a language other than English

By MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press Spanish may be the most spoken language at home behind English, except in three U.S. states, but the second most-popular, non-English languages used in each state show off the diversity of the United States in unexpected places, whether it’s Korean in Alabama or Vietnamese in Kansas. Almost 22% of U.S. residents […]

Posted inCity & Government

Letter to the Editor: Community stakeholders must be at the center of Newport-Middletown merger talks

As conversations about merging Newport and Middletown school districts continue, we urge decision-makers to lead with something more meaningful than efficiency: community and legacy. Like the preservation work of Doris Duke—who didn’t just save buildings but safeguarded the spirit of a place—our public schools deserve the same care. They carry the hopes and values of […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Peter Flynn

Newport, RI: Peter C. Flynn of 11 Kay Blvd, died of natural causes at his home on May 31, 2025 at age 73. He had been suffering from diabetes for decades and Parkinson’s disease in recent years. There will be a private funeral in Newport. Peter was born in Stamford, CT on May 28, 1952. […]

Posted inInstagram, News

Australian National Maritime Museum confirms Captain Cook’s vessel as shipwreck in Newport Harbor

The Australian National Maritime Museum has released its final report confirming that the shipwreck site RI 2394 in Newport Harbor, is the remains of HM Bark Endeavour, the vessel made famous by Captain James Cook’s voyage of discovery to Australia and New Zealand. The report, released June 4, represents the culmination of 25 years of […]

Posted inCity & Government

Governor McKee proclaims June Pride Month in Rhode Island, State House to shine with pride colors

Governor Dan McKee today issued a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month in Rhode Island. “This proclamation not only honors the history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ individuals but also reaffirms that Rhode Island is a place for everyone,” said Governor McKee. “During Pride Month and beyond, we will continue to stand firmly against intolerance to […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Edalene Menzi

Edalene Joanne Menzi, wife of Jan Menzi, passed away at the John Clarke Senior Living Center on May 28, 2025. She was born in Fall River to the late James and Rita Moffitt Lindquist, on July 11, 1940. She was preceded in death by her son Edward (Teddy) Menzi, her twin brother, Edward Lindquist, sisters, […]

Posted inSports

Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs attends first practice since viral boat video emerged

FOXBOROUGH. Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs participated in his first offseason practice since video appeared on social media showing him passing what appeared to be a bag of pink crystals to women on a boat. Diggs attended Monday’s voluntary practice session six days after videos were posted online of him chatting with three […]

Posted inCity & Government

Supreme Court rejects 2 gun rights cases, but state assault weapons ban issue may be back soon

WASHINGTON (AP) — A split Supreme Court on Monday rejected a pair of gun rights cases, though one conservative justice predicted the court would soon consider whether assault weapons are constitutional. The majority did not explain its reasoning in turning down the cases over high-capacity magazines and guns like the AR-15, popular weapons that have also been used […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Patricia Murphy

Patricia H. Murphy, a beloved resident of Royal Middletown, previously Forest Farm community, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on March 16, 1928, in Cranston, Rhode Island. Patricia was the daughter of the late Timothy and Gertrude (Notine) Murphy. She is preceded in her passing by her brothers; […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Donald F. Shea

Donald F. Shea, 89, of Tiverton, RI, formerly of Brockton, MA, passed away on May 30, 2025, in the Catholic Memorial Nursing Center in Fall River. He was the husband of Marjorie F. (Medeiros) Shea, and of the late Pauline (Decelle) Shea. Born in Dorchester, MA, and raised in Quincy, he was the son of […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Belmont Chapel Restoration to receive National Award from Victorian Society in America

Professor Emeritus Richard Guy Wilson, noted archi­tectural historian who is serving in his last year as director of the Victorian So­ciety in America, visited the Belmont Chapel on May 31. Dr. Wilson’s specialty is scholarship involving the architecture, design, and art of the 18th to the 21st centuries in America and abroad. His research, publications, […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Sam Waterston to revisit ‘The Great Gatsby’ in Newport lecture

Emmy-winning actor Sam Waterston is bringing Nick Carraway back to life in a special event celebrating the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby” at Newport’s historic Rosecliff mansion. The Preservation Society of Newport County is hosting “The Great Gatsby Revisited: An Evening with Sam Waterston” on July 9, 2025. Waterston will sit down with NBC […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Ronald Murdock

Ronald (Ron) Murdock, who made his home in Portsmouth, RI, died on May 24, 2025, from complications due to Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. He was 65. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ron’s youth and early adult years were spent in a variety of settings before settling in Burlington, VT, in his teen years. A graduate of […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Charles L. Roberts: We don’t always know if something is fragile, until it’s broken

“Freedom is very far from being the natural state of mankind; on the contrary, it is an extraordinarily unusual situation.” – Milton Friedman on Freedom. Reflecting on the Fragility of Freedom It’s curious to me that Milton Friedman – a lauded American economist, statistician, and 1976 Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences, is nearly as […]

Posted inInstagram, Real Estate

On the Market: A look at 59 Open Houses in Newport County this weekend (May 31 – June 1) 

We are now in the heart of the Spring real estate season, and this weekend offers a prime opportunity for buyers to explore the incredible variety of properties currently available across Newport County. Last weekend was a bit “hit or miss” with Open House attendance, as is typically the case with holiday weekends. But I […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment

SNACKTIME serves up brassy joy at Boston Calling 2025

Philadelphia’s own SNACKTIME brought the sunshine—literally and figuratively—during their high-octane opening set on Day 3 of Boston Calling 2025. As the first band to hit the massive rotating main stage Sunday morning, the brass-fueled collective shook off any lingering festival fatigue with a jolt of funk, soul, and swagger that had the crowd dancing from the first […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Martin Lynch

Martin Paul Lynch, 94, died in the arms of his loving wife on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025, at the John Clarke Retirement Center, Middletown, RI. He was born May 28th, 1930, in Framingham, Massachusetts, one of seven boisterous Lynch siblings. He served in the US. Navy from 1950-53, was a veteran of the Korean War, […]

Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do

Yagi Noodles to host intimate ‘Izakaya and Nihonshu’ sake dinner with expert guide

Sake lovers are in for a treat as Yagi Noodles prepares to host a special “Izakaya and Nihonshu” dinner on June 3. This intimate gathering, limited to 26 guests, will feature six premium sake selections paired with izakaya-style dishes. Dila Lee from Kome Collective will be on hand to share insights into each sake’s background, […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Luxury Meets Seaside Chic: Fashion Pop-Up coming to The Chanler at Cliff Walk in June

The Chanler at Cliff Walk is gearing up for a Mediterranean-inspired fashion pop-up on June 27 and 28. The event will showcase curated women’s wear from independent designers. Teaming up with luxury women’s boutique Nocca, the hotel is transforming its Cliff Lawn into a seaside shopping haven. Both guests and locals can browse a collection […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Robert Morton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Simon Morton, Jr. on May 26, 2025, at the age of 88. Robert, known to all as Bob, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and a true gem in the Newport community-having moved to this picturesque island in 1993, where he […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Dino Christy

Dino Christy passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years old. Dino leaves behind his wife Helen and children Jennifer and Billy, along with his wife Heidi and their daughters, Chloe and Lila. He is additionally survived by his remaining siblings Demetra and Matthew. Dino was born […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Ellen Seigler

Ellen Seigler, a vibrant soul who lived life to the fullest, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on November 11, 1938, in Newport, Rhode Island, she was the beloved daughter of Ralph and Margaret (Ward) O’Neil. Ellen spent many joyful years in Houston, Texas, where she formed cherished […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport City Council approves Middle Passage Port Marker Memorial, Murphy Field flagpole

The Newport City Council on Wednesday night approved a resolution supporting the design and construction planning for the Middle Passage Port Marker Memorial at a new location on state-owned land at America’s Cup Avenue. The council also backed a resolution to install a flagpole at Murphy Field in honor of Private Michael Murphy, a World […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Nancy Blanchard

Nancy Jane Blanchard, 87, born and raised in Newport, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully in San Jose, California, on 10 October, 2024. Born Nancy Jane Shea on 2 June, 1937, to Mr. Martin Christopher Shea and Mrs. Ella MacCauley Lawton Shea, she grew up with her brothers Martin and Howard, and her sister Joanne in […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Newport County organizations receive portion of $8 million in Champlin Foundation grants

The Champlin Foundation announced today (May 28) that it will award $8 million in grants to support improvements for 89 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island, with several Newport County organizations among the recipients. The grants support capital projects in healthcare, historic preservation, social services, and other critical areas. “A core value for The Champlin Foundation […]

Posted inCity & Government

DEM: 5,000 local food benefit cards available for eligible seniors

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will distribute about 5,000 benefit cards to eligible seniors to purchase fresh, RI Grown fruit and vegetables, as well as local honey. The SFMNP benefit cards preloaded with $50 will be distributed from senior centers throughout the state starting June 1, 2025, and are valid through November […]

Posted inJobs

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 inNews, Police & Fire, Things To Do

Morning Notes: Aquidneck Growers’ Wednesday Market opens today on Memorial Boulevard

Good Morning, Newport! Today is Wednesday, May 28, the 148th day of 2025. There are 217 days left in the year. 🥎 Tiverton High School’s softball team has secured a spot in the Division 2 state tournament semifinals after beating Pawtucket Co-Op 11-1 on Tuesday. What’sUpNewp’s Justin Walker was on hand for the game and […]

Posted inInstagram, Real Estate

What Sold: A look at 11 homes that traded hands last week in Newport County (May 19 – 23)

Last week, 11 properties sold across Newport County, with Newport leading the way and seven of those closings happened right in the city, including two that topped $2 million. This kind of activity shows that even in a market where buyers are being more thoughtful, demand is still there. Especially when it comes to well-located, […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport City Council to vote on limiting parking stickers to only residential properties

Newport City Councilor David Carlin III is introducing a resolution at Wednesday’s council meeting to limit parking sticker distribution to only properties and property owners tied to residential properties. The proposal aims to tackle Newport’s ongoing parking challenges by tightening the rules on who can get city-issued parking stickers. “Parking in Newport has been and […]

Posted inOpinion

Letter to the Editor: Has Middletown forgotten its veterans in Pottsy Field development?

In the September 9, 2021, issue of Newport This Week, Middletown was recognized on August 16, 2021, as becoming a Purple Heart Town.   The following quotes are from that article.  “The Middletown Town Council unanimously approved a resolution on Aug. 16 declaring the town a “Purple Heart” community, making it one of only nine in […]

Posted inMartha's Vineyard, News

Swimmer circumnavigates Martha’s Vineyard ahead of ‘Jaws’ 50th anniversary

By LEAH WILLINGHAM Associated Press VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. (AP) — A British-South African endurance athlete became the first person to swim around the island of Martha’s Vineyard on Monday, completing a 60-mile (97-kilometer) trek over multiple days to raise awareness about the plight of sharks as the film “Jaws” nears its 50th birthday. Lewis Pugh, 55, began swimming multiple […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Veronica Bruno: Newport gallery report

Newport, RI has a pretty vibrant gallery scene. Dwarfed by perhaps Providence, we feel that the intimate art galleries throughout Aquidneck (and Conanicut Island) don’t get quite the attention that they deserve. Maybe it’s just that there’s so much to do here—especially during the popular summer season—that these art house gems can sometimes get lost […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island Secretary of State presents Civic Leadership Awards to local high school students

On Monday, May 19, 2025, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore honored the 130 high school students selected as 2025 Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award winners at a State House ceremony. The award is given annually to high school students who have made outstanding contributions to their schools and communities over the past year. “Every […]

Posted inCity & Government

Congressman Amo introduces R.U.B.I.O. act to limit Secretary of State’s roles

Representative Gabe Amo (D-RI), the Democratic Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has introduced new legislation aimed at limiting the Secretary of State’s role to a single government position. The Reaffirming Unified Boundaries for Integrity and Oversight (R.U.B.I.O.) Act seeks to ensure the Secretary of State can focus exclusively on managing U.S. […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Puddingstone Music unveils inaugural Summer Festival for 2025

Newport’s historic venues will host the first Puddingstone Music Festival, which will feature a range of classical performances from June 24 to 28, 2025. The festival includes three main concerts, open rehearsals, and a live podcast recording of music from four centuries. “We’re excited to bring this musical experience to Newport’s beautiful historic settings,” the […]

Posted inNews, Sports

Genie Bouchard, Christina McHale and Anna Frey announced as Hall of Fame Open WTA wildcards

The Hall of Fame Open has awarded its first WTA main draw wildcards to former world No. 5 Genie Bouchard and American Christina McHale, while rising star Anna Frey has accepted a qualifying wildcard. “We are thrilled to welcome accomplished players like Genie Bouchard and Christina McHale, and rising star Anna Frey, to Newport,” said Brewer Rowe, Tournament Director. “Hosting […]

Posted inNews, Weather

NOAA’s 2025 hurricane forecast warns of a busy season – a storm scientist explains why and what meteorologists are watching

Colin Zarzycki, Penn State U.S. forecasters are expecting an above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, with 13 to 19 named storms, and 6 to 10 of those becoming hurricanes. Every year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other forecasters release preseason outlooks for the Atlantic’s hurricane season, which runs June 1 through November 30. So, […]

Posted inCity & Government

Cliff Walk restoration, Easton’s Beach concessions on Newport City Council’s May 28 docket

The Newport City Council will take up a diverse agenda at its May 28 meeting, including contracts for beach concessions, utilities supplies, and pavement marking, along with several ordinance amendments addressing smoking regulations throughout the city. The Council is set to award a one-year agreement to Rhody Surf, Inc. of Newport for umbrella and chair […]

Posted inNews, Weather

Rare May nor’easter brings rain and chance of snow to New England before Memorial Day

By PATRICK WHITTLE and ISABELLA O’MALLEY Associated Press SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — An unusual May nor’easter soaked New England on Thursday and threatened to bring snow to higher elevations as the states prepared for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Nor’easters usually arrive in the end of fall and winter and bring high winds, rough seas and precipitation […]

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