Samuel Ward was an American farmer, politician, Supreme Court Justice, Governor of Rhode Island and a delegate to the Continental Congress. Born in Newport, he was the son of Rhode Island Governor Richard Ward. Ward got his start in politics as a delegate from Westerly and was elected Governor in 1758. He was defeated by […]
Newport
Posted inArts & Culture
Ida Lewis, “America’s Bravest Woman,” to be honored in Newport ceremony
On May 24, the Newport Historical Society is teaming up with the U.S. Coast Guard and other groups to honor Ida Lewis, a legendary lighthouse keeper, at a graveside ceremony. The event takes place at the Common Burying Ground on Farewell Street, celebrating Lewis’s life and her 50-plus years of service at Light Station Lime […]
Posted inInstagram, Real Estate
On the market: A look at 43 homes hosting Open Houses this weekend (May 10 – 11)
As we head into the heart of the Spring market and Mother’s Day weekend, 43 properties across Newport County are opening their doors to prospective buyers this weekend. From first-time purchases to second homes and investment opportunities, there’s no shortage of options for active buyers but there’s even more opportunity for sellers and homeowners considering […]
Posted inColumns, History
This Day in RI History: May 9, 1861 -U.S. Naval Academy moved to Newport
The U.S. Naval Academy was established in Annapolis, Maryland on October 10, 1845 with Commander Franklin Buchanan its first superintendent. The first class was comprised of 50 students and 7 professors. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, then superintendent Captain George S. Blake made the decision to move the Academy to Newport. Although […]
Posted inSports
Portsmouth triumphs in close Unified Basketball contest against Rogers
In a nail-biting game at Portsmouth High School on Tuesday, the home team’s Unified Basketball squad just edged out Rogers with a final score of 44-38. The game kept fans on the edge of their seats as both teams traded baskets throughout, creating an electric atmosphere in the gym. Even with the fierce competition on […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Blind Date Interrupted’ brings comedy to Newport’s dating scene
“Blind Date Interrupted.” Sounds like a Hallmark rom-com, doesn’t it? It’s actually the name of a brand-new experiment in “outrageous comedy” debuting at Top of Pelham in Newport on Thursday, February 13. “It’s a concept we developed,” says DJ O’Hara of the Newport Comedy Series. The production team wanted to focus on theme shows. They’ve […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Sings is offering a free after-school community chorus program for kids
Newport Sings is offering a free 6-week after-school chorus program to students in grades 1 – 6 called “Raise your voice!” The Newport County Youth Chorus is starting 2025 doing what we do best: using our VOICES! In this uplifting and empowering session, we will explore songs that encourage us to be the best we […]
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Free Newport hop-on hop-off trolley sees record numbers in 2024
Discover Newport and Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced today that the free hop-on, hop-off trolley service RIPTA Route 67 saw record numbers during the 2024 season. The partnership between both organizations has brought this free trolley offering to Newport for the last three years. Route 67 offered a free hop-on-hop-off service from May to October. […]
Posted inNonprofit
Newport Art Museum awarded more than $100,000 in grants
The Newport Art Museum (NAM) announced today that it has been awarded an $84,310 grant from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation (vBCF) to continue a series of capital improvement projects that will enhance visitor experiences and support essential upgrades to the Museum School at the Coleman Center. According to Newport Art Museum, this funding comes […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Irish Museum Lecture Series kicks off with a talk on Irish Leaders of Newport’s Gilded Age
The Museum of Newport Irish History recently announced the first talk of its 23rd Annual Lecture Series, featuring guest speaker Dr. John F. Quinn, professor of history at Salve Regina University. “Dr. Grace and Mr. Bennett: Irish Newport’s Gilded Age Leaders” will be presented on Wednesday, September 18, at 6:00 p.m. at the Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Crowd gathers for the premiere of Women’s Resource Center documentary
Submitted by Women’s Resource Center 125 supporters of the Women’s Resource Center gathered at the Hotel Viking on Monday evening for Courtyard Cocktails, an event hosted by Co-Chairs Elizabeth Leatherman and Susan Sipprelle. This exciting evening featured the premiere of Women’s Resource Center: Tipping Point, a short documentary produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Susan […]
Posted inNews
Lane closures schedule for Newport Pell Bridge September 3 – 6
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) has announced some lane closure on the Newport Claiborne Pell Bridge for the week of September 1 – 7, 2024. The westbound right lane will be closed from 7 am to 2:30 pm, September 3 through 6. The eastbound right lane will be closed from 9 am. […]
Posted inCity & Government
“We Are Begging for Help,” Newport Teachers’ Union President tells Newport City Council
Jennifer Hole, president of the Teachers Association of Newport (TAN), addressed the Newport City Council on Aug. 28, expressing concerns about recent actions by the school superintendent that she claims violate the teachers’ collective bargaining agreement. Hole spoke during the council’s public forum to highlight what she described as negative impacts on teachers and students […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
MLK Center welcomes three new board members
Today, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center announced that three new members have joined its Board of Trustees. Theresa Wosencroft, Sebastian Moore, and Asia Gonzalez-Dent joined the board on August 22nd. Theresa Wosencroft is Vice President, Director of Market Development for Newport County at Centreville Bank. Sebastian Moore is Human Resources Manager at Saint […]
Posted inNews
Fiddle: A friendly pup looking for a forever home
Meet your new best friend, Fiddle – this week’s adoptable dog of the week. Fiddle is a 3-year-old male with a mixed breed, weighing 39 pounds. He is full of energy and love, and is always ready for a game of fetch or a walk in the park. Fiddle’s tail is often waggy, and his […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Chanler at Cliff Walk celebrates Rhode Island cuisine with its second annual Harvest Dinner
The Chanler at Cliff Walk is Newport’s only mansion-turned-hotel to perch on the Cliff Walk, overlooking the bluffs, the Atlantic Ocean, and Aquidneck Island’s extensive coastline. The hotel is home to the restaurant Cara, a Forbes Five-Star fine dining experience. With its history, unique setting, and a team of world-class chefs, The Chanler is the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Superintendent Jermain: Newport schools ready for new year amid ongoing labor dispute
Newport Public Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain announced Wednesday that the district is fully staffed with teachers but still seeking bus drivers as it prepares for the start of classes next week. Speaking during her monthly conversation, Ask The Superintendent, with What’sUpNewp, Jermain said the district is “six short” on bus drivers and continues to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport and Middletown secure $1.2 million for water quality projects
Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management has awarded over $3.1 million in grants to improve water quality and aquatic habitats across the state, with significant projects slated for Newport and Middletown. The grants, funded primarily by the voter-approved 2022 Green Bond, will support 15 projects aimed at addressing stormwater pollution, flood prevention, and habitat restoration. […]
Posted inNews
Newport Historical Society, Potter League for Animals offering free professional pet photography in Newport on Sept. 1
A “barktastic” event will take place in Newport on Sunday, September 1, bringing free professional pet photography to the lawn of the Great Friends Meeting House. All animals are invited to participate in the Bark Ranger, Purrk Ranger Community event, hosted by the Newport Historical Society and the Potter League for Animals. The event is […]
Posted inNews
Resolute Cup favorites prepare for epic battle
By New York Yacht Club The Corinthian Yacht Club (Marblehead, Mass.), fielding the same team (above) that took home the 2022 Resolute Cup, will return to defend its title on Narragansett Bay in just a few weeks, this time with no doubt as to what it takes to win this prestigious event as well as […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council approves settlement with RIDOT
The Newport City Council unanimously approved a settlement agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) over a property dispute related to the bridge realignment project. Assistant City Solicitor Girard Galvin presented the settlement recommendation to the council during their Aug. 28 meeting. The agreement will provide Newport with an additional $125,000 on top […]
Posted inNews
Coast Guard Cutter Campbell returns to Newport after a 73-day patrol
The Coast Guard Cutter Campbell has returned to Newport, its home port, following a 73-day migrant interdiction patrol in the Windward Passage. The 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter arrived Wednesday after deploying in support of Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast and Operation Vigilant Sentry. During its deployment, Campbell’s crew conducted maritime safety and security […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport residents to vote on $98.5 million Infrastructure Bond in November
Newport City Council has approved a resolution formally identifying the project and allocations for the $98.5 million bond that will be placed on the ballot for the November 2024 General Election, aiming to fund various infrastructure projects across the city. The bond, if passed by voters, would finance improvements including seawall repairs, road upgrades, and […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health, News
Newport Mental Health relocates its Johnny Cake Hill Road office to Valley Road
Newport Mental Health is relocating its adult programs, walk-in appointments, and business staff to a newly renovated space at 42 Valley Road, effective Aug. 26. The move, which Newport Mental Health announced on its website, marks a significant expansion for the organization, driven by increased demand for services and new programs. The mental health provider […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Interview: Meet Mark Stickney, Founder of Historic Music of Newport
Newport’s contemporary summer music scene is dominated by three internationally known festivals: Newport Folk, Newport Jazz, and Newport Classical. But the city’s musical heritage runs deep. Live music on the island is a tradition going back almost two hundred years, when classical musicians and military bands entertained summer visitors and year-round residents. One organization working […]