Posted inNews

Counties with the highest unemployment in Rhode Island

While today’s unemployment rates are significantly lower than the COVID-19 pandemic peak of 14.7% experienced in April 2020, the fear of job losses remains as workers stare down an uncertain economic future. Experts are mixed in their views of a potential recession. The return of student loan payments, continually high gas prices, persistent inflation, and […]

Posted inReal Estate

Home on Indian Avenue in Portsmouth sells for $8.5 million

Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the sale of 179 Indian Avenue in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The off-market waterfront 1.92 acre-property, boasting 200 feet of Sakonnet River frontage and deeded beach access, sold today for $8,550,000. The sellers were represented by Dina Karousos and Nicki Lucenti of Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty. Lila Delman Compass […]

Posted inCity & Government

Fifth Annual Stormwater Innovation Expo to explore nature-based solutions for climate resilience

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition (RIGIC) will host its fifth annual Stormwater Innovation Expo in partnership with the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center, the American Planning Association Rhode Island, and The Rhode Island Public Works Association. The event will take place on October 18, 2023 from 8:30AM-3:30M at the Roger Williams Park […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up Newp: Tuesday, October 3

⚓ Today is Tuesday, October 3 – the 276th day of the year; 89 days remain in 2023. 🏆 The Rhode Island district of the Small Business Administration is accepting applications for its 2024 Small Business Awards, recognizing individuals and businesses in several categories. 🚧 The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority today released details of upcoming improvements […]

Posted inBusiness

RI SBA calls for annual award nominees

The Rhode Island district of the Small Business Administration is accepting applications for its 2024 Small Business Awards, recognizing individuals and businesses in several categories. Winners also compete for regional and national awards. The deadline to submit applications is December 7. For guidelines and forms, and further information. Email Katie.Charron@sba.gov. Awards are presented for: Small […]

Posted inCity & Government

RITBA: Lane restrictions on the Newport Pell Bridge may cause delays

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority today released details of upcoming improvements that will impact travel times for those crossing the Newport Pell Bridge. “We wanted to give commuters and those who rely on the Newport Pell Bridge advance notice that they may experience delays in the coming months,” said Lori Caron Silveira, Executive […]

Posted inBusiness

Nearly $700K in grants available to support local food and seafood businesses in Rhode Island

Governor Dan McKee, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), and members of the Rhode Island General Assembly today announced that close to $700,000 in Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grant funding is available for projects that help support the growth, development, and marketing of local food and seafood in Rhode Island. The LASA Grant Program provides […]

Posted inReal Estate

What Sold?: 25 Newport County properties find new owners in recent sales 

Newport County property transfers were busy last week, with 25 homes changing hands. The increase in local real estate activity last week shows that the local market is still consistent, despite higher interest rates and low inventory. From serene coastal retreats to stylish condominium units, here’s a brief overview of 25 properties that sold between […]

Posted inCity & Government

Regulators approve temporary extension on Portsmouth LNG facility for upcoming winter

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentOctober 2, 2023 For the fourth consecutive winter, a Portsmouth liquified natural gas facility will serve as a temporary, backup heating source for Aquidneck Island. The Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board (ESFB) on Monday unanimously approved extending a temporary waiver allowing the LNG storage tank and vaporization facility for […]

Posted inNews

Women’s Resource Center: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Women’s Resource Center (WRC), the only domestic violence resource organization serving the East Bay community, is launching their annual campaign during the month of October to raise awareness about domestic violence in our community. Executive Director, Jessica Walsh shares, “1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.  That is a truly […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Cat of the Week: Hugo

Meet your new best friend, Hugh – this week’s adoptable cat of the week! Hugo is a 10-year-old male domestic shorthair and is available for adoption from the Potter League for Animals in Middletown. “Hugo is an incredibly handsome beefy, buff boy. He can sometimes be a bit of an independent loner, he’s earned that […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Raymond F. Gray

Raymond Gray (60) of Middletown, RI Raymond was a graduate of Rogers High School were he met and married his high school sweetheart, Carol (Quereux) of Wyoming. He leaves his daughter Elizabeth Zimmerman (Geno) and grandchildren Julian and Hunter from Bristol, RI. His sister Victoria Settle (Tom) of Portsmouth. He also leaves behind his life […]

Posted inReal Estate

‘Meadowgrass’ on Third Beach Road in Middletown sells for $5.9 million

Lila Delman Compass today announced the sale of ‘Meadowgrass’, 664 Third Beach Road, in Middletown for $5,900,000. Alex Thursby, Sales Associate of Lila Delman Compass’ Newport Office, represented the Buyer. According to data maintained by the Rhode Island Statewide MLS, this transaction marks the second-highest sale in Middletown, and the second highest sale in Newport […]

Posted inNews

RIDOT provides an update on Aquidneck Avenue, Pell Bridge Ramps projects

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today provided updates on two ongoing construction projects on Aquidneck Island. Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2, Newport “On Thursday night, October 5, we are scheduled to move to the final traffic configuration on Admiral Kalbfus Road, removing the current lanes shifts and opening lanes that had been closed […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Craft Beer with a Cause: Rejects Beer Co. and Potter League for Animals unite for ‘Whiskers Rebellion’

Rejects Beer Co. and the Potter League for Animals have announced the release of their creation, “Whiskers Rebellion,” a brew that’s as bold as it is compassionate. This extraordinary beer brings together the artistry of brewing with the spirit of rebellion, all in the name of furry companions and philanthropy. Potter League for Animals provided […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Rhode Island Road Report: Travel Advisories for Sept. 30 – Oct. 7

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 October 1 – 7, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Right Lane Closure- 10/2 to 10/6- 7 am to 3 pmEastbound Right Lane Closure- […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up Newp: Friday, September 29

⚓ Today is Friday, September 29 – the 272nd day of the year; 93 days remain in 2023. Today is National Coffee Day and Sukkot! 🥁 Although the weather has had difficulty cooperating this summer, Sunday looks great for several outdoor concerts scheduled around the state. Read all about them and more in our weekly column Six Picks Music. […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Aquidneck Land Trust announces 2023 Art & Writing Contest

The Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) announces the start of its annual Art & Writing Contest, a competition in which local students portray their favorite Aquidneck Island vistas. The contest encourages students to create artwork, written essays, and poems that express their appreciation of the Island’s natural beauty. Winners are awarded generous cash prizes and family […]

Posted inNews

PPL Foundation supports sustainable agriculture education at Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm with a $20,000 grant

The Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm has received a generous grant in the amount of $20,000 from Rhode Island Energy and the PPL Foundation’s Empowering Communities Grant program to support programming at the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm. The Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm serves as a hands-on educational platform for students, driving them towards immersive community farming experiences. By integrating […]

Posted inBusiness

Cassandra Earle named new Communications Director at Discover Newport

Cassandra Earle has joined the Discover Newport team as the new Communications Director, he official destination management organization announced today. Earle will be responsible for implementing public relations and media strategies for Discover Newport and facilitating editorial coverage of the destination.  “Cassandra brings a unique expertise of the coastal communities we serve with her experience […]

Posted inBusiness

Flo’s Clam Shack announces end of season closing dates for Middletown, Portsmouth locations; new location in Naples

Flo’s Clam Shack dropped some “sad news, good news, and great news” on Facebook recently. “We have some 𝘚𝘈𝘋 𝘕𝘌𝘞𝘚, 𝘎𝘖𝘖𝘋 𝘕𝘌𝘞𝘚, and 𝘎𝘙𝘌𝘈𝘛 𝘕𝘌𝘞𝘚 to share! SAD NEWS: Flo’s Drive-In Island Park will be closing for the season on October 9th. GOOD NEWS: Flo’s Clam Shack Middletown will be open until November 27th! GREAT […]

Posted inMusic & Entertainment, News, Things To Do

What’s Up Newp: Wednesday, September 27

Good Morning, Today is Wednesday, September 27 – the 270th day of the year, 95 days remain in 2023. Today is also World Tourism Day and Ancestor Appreciation Day! 📺 Join the conversation: Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain sits down with What’sUpNewp today at 1:30 pm for a live virtual video conversation. We will discuss […]

Posted inSports

Goba gives Salve Regina three late goals to secure 4-0 win over Mass. Maritime

 Freshman striker Daniel Goba (North Kingstown, R.I.) scored three goals in a seven-minute span late in the second half as Salve Regina University men’s soccer defeated Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 4-0, in non-league action at Toppa Field on Tuesday night. The Seahawks improve to 5-4-0 overall and conclude a four-game home stand. INSIDE THE MATCHUPFinal: Salve Regina 4, Mass. Maritime 0Records: Salve Regina (5-4-0), […]

Posted inSports

Salve Athletics: Costello and Decker power 7-0 Bison defeat

In a triumphant 7-0 success Seahawk field hockey defeated the Nichols College Bison on the road Tuesday night.   Salve Regina wasted no time scoring three goals in the first period against their former Commonwealth Coast Conference challenger, Nichols. The team posted a total of 17 shots on goal and had 14 penalty corner opportunities. The Seahawk offense was […]

Posted inNews

VitaSea Sun Care sponsors Sail for Hope

California-based sun care company VitaSea has joined the sailing community in Newport for a fundraising event to benefit the Maui Food Bank. Sail For Hope is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, which starts outside Newport Harbor and races around Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay. “It is wonderful Sail Newport is using its fundraising event to assist Maui families. From […]

Posted inCity & Government

Portsmouth Community Electricity announces electricity prices for Winter 2023-2024 

The Portsmouth Community Electricity program is announcing new winter electricity supply prices to go into effect beginning with the November meter read. The new prices are fixed for six months and will be adjusted to summer rates in May 2024. Current participants do not need to take any action to remain in the program and receive […]

Posted inSports

Leander Paes is the first Asian man nominated as a player to the International Tennis Hall of Fame

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Leander Paes, the owner of 18 Grand Slam titles in men’s doubles or mixed doubles, is the first Asian man to be nominated for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the player category. Paes, who is from India, was one of six player candidates announced Tuesday for the Class of 2024, along with returning […]

Posted inNews

Greater Newport Chamber to host Women in Business Dinner with Author, TV Contributor, Samantha Ettus

The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce will welcome best-selling Author, TV Contributor, and Women’s Advocate Samantha Ettus, as keynote speaker at their Women in Business Dinner taking place on Thursday, October 19th at Rosecliff. Guests will enjoy networking and dinner in the ballroom and hear Ms. Ettus speak on The New No Boundary Workplace: How to Thrive […]

Posted inOpinion

Letter: Save the Transfer Station

For unknown reasons the Portsmouth Town Council is trying to close the Transfer Station.  Thisclosure will deny residents the ability to remove trash from their homes in a cost effective manner.  The Transfer Station is a self-sustaining operation funded completely by approximately 3,000 users.  Why close an efficient and effective trash removal operation with one of the highest recycling rates in […]

Posted inReal Estate

What Sold: Newport County Real Estate Market Update – Sept. 18 – 22

The real estate market in Newport County, Rhode Island, remains consistent even with a severe lack of inventory currently available to potential buyers. Here’s a summary of recent noteworthy sales, based on data provided by the MLS:  Little Compton  ● Address: 59 Oak Forest Drive, Little Compton  ● Price: $1,325,000.00  ● Bedrooms: 3  ● Bathrooms: […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Alliance  Française de Newport is offering two levels for learning French language and culture

The Alliance Française de Newport is offering two levels for learning French language and culture for the Fall 2023 semester: French 1-Beginning and French 4-Conversation Salon. There is still time to register to learn French and to savor the joys of French culture. The French 1-Beginning class will be held on the campus of Salve […]

Posted inCity & Government

CDC: Rhode Island remains a vaccination leader nationwide

Rhode Island continues to be a national leader in adolescent immunizations, with Rhode Island teens at or above the national averages for every vaccine type, according to recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Rhode Island’s immunization success is directly attributable to the dedication of our community partners and healthcare workforce, including primary care providers, school nurses, and pharmacists,” said Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH, Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). “Prevention is a fundamental principle of public health. By vaccinating Rhode Island children so well, we are helping to control healthcare costs, we are preventing the serious health consequences of many illnesses, and we are giving everyone in our state the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. With flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine to be widely available in Rhode Island in the coming weeks, I encourage everyone to continue putting prevention first by getting vaccinated.”
Rhode Island highlights:
• Rhode Island saw minor decreases in adolescent vaccination coverage rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, but overall coverage increased from 2021 to 2022, returning to rates similar to those in the 2020 survey (which represents pre-pandemic levels).
• Rhode Island has the nation’s highest rate for 13 to 17-year-olds who are up to date on their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. 94.6% of Rhode Islanders in this age group have had at least one dose, compared to 76.0% nationally.
• Rhode Island continues to exceed national vaccination averages for adolescent Tdap vaccination (preventing tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). 95.1% of Rhode Islanders 13-17 years old have had at least one dose, compared to 89.9% of adolescents in this age group nationally. Rhode Island is also a national leader in MenACWY vaccination (meningococcal conjugate vaccine). 96.2% of Rhode Islanders 13-17 years old have had at least one dose, compared to 88.6% of adolescents in this age group nationally.
The Rhode Island Child and Adult Immunization Registry (RICAIR) contributes to Rhode Island’s high vaccination rates. RICAIR is a statewide health information system that houses child and adult immunization records in one unified system, which healthcare providers can access statewide to coordinate care for patients. An additional factor in Rhode Island’s immunization success is its Universal Vaccine Policy. This Universal Vaccine Policy allows healthcare providers to order all vaccines from the state for children from birth through 18 years of age, and most recommended vaccines for adults, at no cost. (As a condition of enrollment in the system, providers have to vaccinate patients at no cost.)
The data were collected using the CDC’s National Immunization Survey-Teen. Vaccination estimates are generated by calling randomly selected phone lines nationally among households that include adolescents from 13 to 17 years of age. Parents and guardians are interviewed to obtain adolescent, maternal, and household information and are asked to provide consent for their adolescent’s vaccine providers to be contacted. Data is not collected on every individual, so the true vaccination rates (and therefore rankings) could be slightly higher or lower.
Complete Rhode Island immunization data are available online at https://ricair-data-rihealth.hub.arcgis.com/
###

Posted inNews

Largest cruise ship of the season sails into Newport as MSC Cruises launches Canada & New England itineraries

MSC Meraviglia arrived in Newport this morning on her inaugural Canada & New England itinerary, marking the first time she has ever visited Rhode Island. MSC Cruises’ award-winning ship is offering 10- and 11-night itineraries this fall, visiting destinations in Canada & New England just in time for the changing of the leaves and Newport’s crisp […]

Posted inSports

Patriots look to get their first win and face a Jets team trying to rebound from an ugly loss

NEW ENGLAND (0-2) at NEW YORK JETS (1-1) Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, CBS OPENING LINE: Patriots by 2 1/2, according to FanDuel SportsBook. AGAINST THE SPREAD: Patriots 0-2; Jets 1-1. SERIES RECORD: Patriots lead 73-54-1. LAST MEETING: Patriots beat Jets 10-3 on Nov. 20, 2022, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. LAST WEEK: Patriots lost to Dolphins 24-17; Jets […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Cat of the Week: Maleficent

Meet your new best friend, Maleficent – this week’s Adoptable Cat of the Week. Available for adoption at the Potter league for Animals in Middletown, Maleficent is a 15-year-old female. “Just like her namesake in Disney’s classic movie, Maleficent is a strong and independent creature who knows what she wants,” Potter League shares on their […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Irish Museum will kick off its 22nd Annual Lecture Series with Dr. Christine Kinealy

The Museum of Newport Irish History announces the first talk of its 22nd Annual Lecture Series, featuring renowned historian and director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute at Quinnipiac University, Dr. Christine Kinealy.  Dr. Kinealy’s illustrated talk, “Forgotten Heroes of Ireland’s Great Hunger,” will be presented on Tuesday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Wyndham Newport Hotel, […]

Posted inNews

Rhode Island Road Report: Travel Advisories for September 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 September 24 – 30, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeEastbound Right Lane Closure- 9/25 to 9/29- 9 am to 7 pmWestbound Right Lane Closure- […]

Posted inThings To Do

Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair returning with 11th Hour Racing Serving as Sustainability Sponsor  

Norman Bird Sanctuary’s Harvest Fair is returning on September 30 and October 1 for its 49th year of fall festivities. A seasonal favorite on Aquidneck Island, Harvest Fair brings the community together at the Norman Bird Sanctuary for a weekend of family-friendly fun, including hayrides, children’s games, live music, Ragged Island beer, and more! During the […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up in Newport: Friday, September 22

Friday, September 22 | Reading Time: 6 minutes Good Morning, 👉 The City of Newport and BCM Realty Partners is inviting the community for a public discussion regarding the residential conversion of the Coggeshall Elementary School. ⚠️ RIDOH and RIDEM are advising people to avoid contact with Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth, due to blue-green algae blooms. 🆕 Georgia […]

Posted inCity & Government

Public meeting to be held on the residential conversion of The Coggeshall School

The City of Newport and BCM Realty Partners is inviting the community for a public discussion regarding the residential conversion of the Coggeshall Elementary School. The discussion, which the City of Newport says will include representatives from the City’s Department of Planning and Economic Development, is scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 5th, 2023 beginning at 6:00 […]

Posted inCity & Government

RIDOH and DEM recommend avoiding contact with Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth, due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) blooms. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and […]

Posted inCity & Government

Georgia Fortunato named interim superintendent of Middletown Public Schools

Georgia Fortunato is the new interim superintendent of Middletown schools. A longtime educator who served as superintendent of the Lincoln school system, Fortunato takes over in the interim for Superintendent Rosemarie K. Kraeger, who is out on Family Medical Leave Act. Before she was elevated to the top spot with the schools, Fortunato was appointed […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Manhattan Short Film Festival to screen at Jamestown Arts Center

 The global cinematic experience is back at the Jamestown Arts Center. Join film enthusiasts from around the region for the screening of the 26th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival, which runs from September 29 to October 7.  Held simultaneously in more than 500 locations across six continents, the Manhattan Short Film Festival is a beloved tradition […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Preservation Society to host Mid-Autumn Festival at Marble House on Sept. 29

The Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Jie), also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a time-honored celebration from China dating back more than 3,000 years. Traditions include family gatherings, the lighting of lanterns, moon gazing and the sharing “mooncakes,” typically round pastries often cut into pieces equal to the number of family members, reinforcing […]

Gift this article