By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Workers in several New England states are looking forward to a bump up in the minimum wage in 2024 while advocates in Massachusetts are pushing a ballot question aimed at phasing out the state’s subminimum wage of $6.75 per hour for tipped workers. In Rhode Island, the […]
Newport County
Posted inBusiness
Construction is underway for NOAA Marine Operations Center in Newport
Construction began this month on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Operations Center in Newport. The center will serve as the home for NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations in the Atlantic region. The U.S. Navy awarded the $147 million contract for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The project is […]
Posted inNews
18-year-old faces alcohol-related charges in Newport
An 18-year-old man from Bellingham, Massachusetts, was summoned at 5 am on Wednesday, December 27, on two alcohol-related charges, the Newport Police Department said. At 5 am on Wednesday, December 27, Max Walker was summoned/cited on a charge of Alcohol, Drink, Possess, Open Container In Public and on a charge of Alcohol, Drink, Possess By […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up in Newport: Thursday, December 28
This story was originally published as a What’sUpNewp newsletter. Join the 17,000+ who wake up to our newsletter in their inbox every weekday morning by signing up below. Good Morning! Today is Thursday, December 28, 2023. 👉 With the start of Rhode Island’s legislative session just a few days away, we reached out, as we […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Theatre Review: ‘Moulin Rouge: The Musical’ at PPAC
“Moulin Rouge: The Musical” starts before the first big song medley begins. Scantily clad women and men interact in slow motion on a fully lit stage behind a hanging neon-lettered “Moulin Rouge.” The set is done up in red – heavy on the “rouge” – with ever-smaller heart-shaped arches. The performers exit slowly, and the […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Marilyn Ann “Lyn” Kelley
Marilyn Ann “Lyn” Kelley, 86 of Newport, RI passed away on December 24, 2023 at St. Clare Nursing Home following a lengthy illness. Lyn was the daughter of Rose (Toppa) Nelson and Frederick Nelson. After graduating from Saint Catherine’s Academy, she raised five children in Newport and then embarked on her journey through life, earning […]
Posted inCity & Government
Legislative Outlook: Rep. Alex Finkelman
With the start of Rhode Island’s legislative session just a few days away, we reached out, as we have these past few years, to the area’s legislative delegation with a brief survey looking at their initiatives in the past session and what they hope to accomplish in the 2024 session. We also asked about their […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island’s top baby names of 2023 revealed
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has released its preliminary lists of the most popular baby names in Rhode Island for 2023, with Charlotte and Noah taking the top spots. According to the RIDOH, Noah, Liam, James, Theodore, Lucas, Michael, Julian, Benjamin, Henry, and Luca were the top 10 popular names for male babies […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIPTA to run Sunday schedule on New Year’s Day
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will run all of its fixed bus routes on a Sunday/holiday schedule on New Year’s Day, the agency announced Wednesday. All RIPTA offices will be closed when the holiday, as well as flex service and paratransit services, will also not be available. The RSide program, however, will operate on […]
Posted inColumns
Gerry Goldstein: Changing names that ruffle feathers
We know a rose by any other name would smell as sweet because Shakespeare told us so. Now the question arises: would a bird by any other name tweet as sweet? The answer is a definite “yes,” according to the American Ornithological Society, which has announced plans to rename all birds currently named after people. […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Michael Allan Reynolds
Michael Allan Reynolds, known to his loved ones as Mike, passed away unexpectedly on December 19, 2023, at the age of 36 in Newport, RI. Born on December 24, 1986, in Newport, Mike brought joy and laughter to those around him. He had a smile that was contagious, an infectious laugh, and a crazy sense […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Christopher Browe
Christopher Browe, 63, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2023. Christopher was born September 1, 1960, in Newport, RI to Gerald C Browe and Eleanor. Christopher was a lifelong resident of Middletown, RI graduating from Middletown High School and later from University of RI with a bachelor’s in chemical engineering. Chris […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Wednesday, December 27
This story was originally published as a What’sUpNewp newsletter. Join the 17,000+ who wake up to our newsletter in their inbox every weekday morning by signing up below. Good Morning! Today is Wednesday, December 27, 2023. 👉 More than two decades ago, with the dream of re-opening the historic Newport Opera House, a group of […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Performing Arts Center – waiting for the “fat lady” to sing
More than two decades ago, with the dream of re-opening the historic Newport Opera House, a group of individuals began a sometimes-troubled journey to raise the funds needed to bring the more than 150-year-old building back to life as a significant performing arts center. Some renovations have been done, with much more ahead, and a […]
Posted inBusiness
Quonset Business Park thrives with $361 million investment
The Quonset Business Park had a busy year in 2023 with new construction projects continuing throughout the business park and the Port of Davisville. The business park grew by over 465,000 square feet in 2023 with a total investment of $361 million from private investors. This new construction is part of the park’s $234 million […]
Posted inNews
Providence Viaduct getting new traffic pattern Jan. 6
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will change the Providence Viaduct’s traffic pattern on January 6, 2023. The change is part of the Providence Viaduct Northbound project, which aims to make the highway safer and reduce traffic. The most notable change will be the relocation of Exit 38 (old Exit 23) for Route 146 […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold? Recent Real Estate Sales in Newport County
According to data sourced from the Rhode Island Statewide MLS, Newport County saw 9 homes change hands right in time for the holidays. Of these recent real estate transactions, five of the nine properties sold for asking price or over asking price. This staggering notion demonstrates the strength and resiliency of the local real estate […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
RIPTA ends free rides in Central Falls, Pawtucket
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will conclude its pilot program that aimed to increase public transportation ridership by offering free rides in Central Falls and Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center. The pilot program, launched in March 2022, will conclude on December 31, 2023. During this time, a virtual boundary (geofence) was created around Central […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island powers ahead with clean energy goals
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources released a list of its accomplishments for 2023, underscoring the state’s progress in its efforts to meet the goals outlined by the Rhode Island Act on Climate. The OER highlighted its key programs and policies to diversify the state’s renewable energy portfolio, reduce emissions, and increase energy efficiency. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up in Newport on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do on this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in and around Newport, Rhode Island. Sunday, December 31 Things To Do Christmas in Newport throughout Newport Holidays at the Newport Mansions 9 am to 12 pm: Bellevue Ball Drop at Hotel Viking at Hotel Viking 10 am to […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Tuesday, December 26
This story was originally published as a What’sUpNewp newsletter. Join the 17,000+ who wake up to our newsletter in their inbox every weekday morning by signing up below. Good Morning! Today is Tuesday, December 26, 2023. 🎄 I hope you all had a very merry Christmas! 🏥 Frank Prosnitz turns to healthcare in his latest […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Frances M. Potter
Frances M. Potter, 92, of Portsmouth, RI, passed away on December 25, 2023, at home with her family and friends by her side. She was the wife of the late Wilfred E. Potter. Born in Portsmouth, RI, she was the only child of the late Manuel S. and Frances “Fannie” (Lopes) Mello. Frances dedicated many […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Clara A. Kalil
Clara A. (DeLoura) Kalil, 92, formerly of Middletown, RI, died on Thursday, December 21, 2023 in Boaz, Alabama. She was the wife of the late James G. Kalil. Born in Middletown, RI on September 22, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Anna (Chaves) DeLoura. Clara attended Middletown Schools and Milgrim Business […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Road Report: Dec. 23 – 30
Here are the weekly road construction reports from the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority (RITBA) and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). All schedules are weather-dependent. Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority December 24 – 30, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell Bridge Upcoming improvements in the roadway between the old toll plaza and the bridge which […]