Posted inArts & Culture

Salve Regina University to present ‘The Rhythm of Life’ on December 11

On December 11 at 7:30 p.m., the dance department at Salve Regina University will present a one-night-only performance, “The Rhythm of Life”: A Journey of Black American Music and Vernacular Dance.” The performance is part of an ongoing initiative to realign the creative processes of Black American jazz music and dance. Using the frameworks of […]

Posted inArts & Culture

New exhibits celebrating Newport’s creativity and history to debut at Newport Art Museum’s upcoming ‘Free For All Saturday’ 

The Newport Art Museum (NAM) will unveil two new exhibits as part of its upcoming Free For All Saturday event on December 14. The exhibits, which celebrate art, creativity, and history in the City of Newport, will be on display as the public is invited to explore the museum at no cost.  Free For All Saturday […]

Posted inOpinion

Letter To The Editor: The mismanagement of terminology for Coggeshall School RFP is a disservice to the community

A lot of Newport residents were pretty confused about the redevelopment of the former Cranston Calvert School into apartments.  There were lingering questions about whether the property was “affordable housing” or “workforce housing” or what.  As someone who works every day on affordable housing development, I can tell you definitively that The Calvert is not “Affordable […]

Posted inNews

Salve Regina University gets the green light for new residence hall

Salve Regina University announced today that it has finalized an agreement to build new student housing on its oceanside site to accommodate more students. The new residence hall will be on the corner of Shepard and Lawrence Avenues, near the historic William Watts Sherman House. The state-of-the-art facility will accommodate 205 undergraduate students. As part of […]

Posted inArts & Culture

‘Polarization’ is Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year

By ANNA FURMAN Associated Press The results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election rattled the country and sent shockwaves across the world — or were cause for celebration, depending on who you ask. Is it any surprise then that the Merriam-Webster word of the year is “polarization”? “Polarization means division, but it’s a very specific kind of division,” said […]

Posted inBusiness

In celebration of its 44th Anniversary, Brick Alley Pub will offer 50% off all nachos on December 11

Mark your calendars; this year’s installment of Brick Alley Pub will feature some special treats in celebration of its 44th Anniversary on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. To celebrate their 44th Anniversary, they are rolling back their nacho platter prices to 50% off (dine-in only with beverage purchase). They’ll also be offering buy-one-get-one on all Brick […]

Posted inSports

No. 7 Mercer stages 4th-quarter comeback to top No. 10 Rhode Island 17-10, advances to FCS semifinal

MACON, Ga. (AP) — Myles Redding returned an interception 25 yards for a first-quarter touchdown and Whitt Newbauer threw a four-yard touchdown pass to start the fourth quarter as No. 7-seeded Mercer beat No. 10 Rhode Island 17—10 on Saturday. Mercer advances to the FCS semifinals for the first time and will face No. 2 […]

Posted inArts & Culture

‘Holidays at The JPT’ series features film classics, festive events, and live music

The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) has announced its Holidays at The JPT series, which features a variety of holiday classic films, community businesses and organizations, and live musical performances to help guests prepare for the holiday season.  “At The JPT, we strive to make every visit an extraordinary experience, and the Holidays at The […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport City Council to vote on artificial intelligence powered constituent engagement system

The Newport City Council is set to review a proposal for an advanced artificial intelligence system designed to handle constituent engagement on the web and through phone interactions. The recommendation, put forth by City Manager Colin K. Kennedy and the IT Department, seeks approval for a contract with Polymorphic, Inc., not to exceed $14,000. The […]

Posted inNews

Newport secures $15,031 in federal funding for active shooter training

Newport is receiving $15,031 in federal funding to “carry out active shooter training and purchase related equipment” as part of a larger $9.85 million package to boost public safety across Rhode Island. The state’s congressional delegation announced this funding, which comes from the 2024 appropriations bills and will support various state agencies, local police departments, […]

Posted inNews

How Rhode Island is spending federal infrastructure dollars

Deadly collapses of structures like Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge and an elevated section of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia are dramatic examples of American infrastructure failures. But millions more Americans are affected daily by dated and deteriorating structures across the country. Americans make 178 million daily trips across structurally deficient bridges. Up to 10 million […]

Posted inReal Estate

On the Market: Explore Open Houses in Newport County this weekend (December 7 – 8)

The Newport County real estate market continues to face a persistent challenge of low inventory, a trend that shows no signs of abating in the near future. As we approach the holiday season, the market is expected to remain relatively stagnant, however, for those actively seeking, there are still some promising Open House opportunities this […]

Posted inEnvironment & Health

Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about mammogram and colonoscopy rules

Okay.  We think women need mammograms if we are going to reduce the number of women dying from breast cancer.  (Men also get breast cancer.  It’s less common.  But it happens.  There is no mammography recommendation for men, however.) We think everyone of a certain age needs screening for colon cancer, which is or sometimes leads to colonoscopy, if […]

Posted inNews

Senator Whitehouse introduces bill to improve offshore wind development process

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today introduced the Create Offshore Leadership and Livelihood Alignment By Operating Responsibly and Together for the Environment (COLLABORATE) Act, a comprehensive bill to improve the offshore wind development process and bring new sources of affordable clean energy onto the grid.  The COLLABORATE Act would put domestic offshore wind development on track by […]

Posted inPolice & Fire

Child pornography investigation leads to arrest in Newport

Newport Police and Homeland Security have arrested a 23-year-old man on charges of possessing child pornography. Ryan McElwee of Newport was taken into custody on December 5, 2024, following a joint investigation by local police and Homeland Security Investigations. Authorities searched McElwee’s home, leading to one count of child pornography possession. After his arrest, McElwee […]

Posted inBusiness

Residential Properties Ltd. expands into Jamestown with Mansions & Manors acquisition

Residential Properties Ltd. (RPL) is expanding into Newport County by acquiring Jamestown-based Mansions & Manors®, an independent brokerage. The merger, set for Jan. 1, 2025, represents RPL’s strategic entry into a new market. Sally Lapides, RPL’s President and CEO, announced the acquisition, noting the shared values between the two female-founded and run brokerages. “Gloria and […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up in Newport today: Thursday, December 5

Good Morning! 🌅 It’s Thursday, December 5th. 🗓️ On this day in 1784, Phillis Wheatley, the first African American woman poet of note in the United States, died in Boston. In 1933, Utah became the 36th U.S. state to ratify the Twenty-first Amendment, repealing Prohibition. Today is a day for celebrating a wide array of observances! From the serious to the silly, […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Newport Historical Society to showcase Newport Fire Department’s rich history

A new exhibition at the Newport Historical Society is set to shine a light on the Newport Fire Department’s nearly 300-year journey. Opening December 17 at the Richard I. Burnham Resource Center in Newport, “Raise the Alarm: Newport Fire Department through the Decades” offers a free, in-depth look at the department’s evolution. The exhibit starts […]

Posted inCity & Government

Governor McKee issues Statewide Drought Advisory

Governor Dan McKee issued a statewide drought advisory today, as recommended by the state’s Drought Steering Committee comprised of key stakeholders on the federal, state, and local levels. A statewide drought advisory is recommended after analyzing several scientific drought indices and is one of four progressive drought declarations: 1) advisory, 2) watch, 3) warning, and […]

Posted inPeople & Profiles

Newport Mayor Charlie Holder to join What’sUpNewp for a live one-on-one conversation

Newport’s new Mayor Charlie Holder is kicking off his monthly Q&A series with What’sUpNewp, starting Thursday, December 12. This 30-minute live chat will begin at 10 a.m., the day after Holder’s first City Council meeting as Mayor/CouncilChair on December 11. Have a question for the Mayor? You can submit your questions below and tune in […]

Posted inNews

Friends of Newport Skatepark to celebrate grand opening with ribbon cutting on December 6

The Friends of Newport Skatepark are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the brand-new Newport Skatepark, an exciting addition to the community that promises to be a hub for skateboarding, recreation, and outdoor fun. The celebration will take place on Friday, December 6, at 4:00 PM, at the skatepark located on John H Chafee Blvd […]

Posted inEnvironment & Health

Global warming fills New England’s rich waters with death traps for endangered sea turtles

By RODRIQUE NGOWI and PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press QUINCY, Mass. (AP) — As global warming fills the plankton-rich waters of New England with death traps for sea turtles, the number of stranded reptiles has multiplied over the last 20 years, filling one specialized animal hospital with the endangered creatures. The animals enter areas such as Cape Cod […]

Posted inCity & Government

RIDOH reminds property owners of lead safe work practices; says it has increased number of licensed lead inspectors who are available

As the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) continues to do outreach and education regarding the State’s new rental registry, RIDOH reminds property owners that housing built before 1978 is assumed to have lead-based paint. Work that disturbs lead must be done properly to protect public health. Property owners may need to hire a licensed […]

Posted inNews

‘Childless Cat Lady’ Taylor Swift tops Yale list of 2024’s most notable quotations

By DAVE COLLINS Associated Press HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — From “Childless Cat Lady” to “They’re eating the cats,” Yale University’s list of 2024’s most notable quotations delves into the worlds of presidential politics, entertainment and conspiracy theories while saving room for sports, business and protests against the war in Gaza. Pop superstar Taylor Swift topped this year’s list […]

Posted inCity & Government

Middletown swears in new Town Council and School Committee

Middletown’s newly elected Town Council and School Committee members took their oaths of office Monday evening, marking the beginning of new leadership for the town’s governance and education system. The inauguration ceremony, held at Middletown Town Hall, featured Congressman Gabe Amo administering the oath to both groups of elected officials. Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall […]

Posted inThings To Do

What’s Up in Newport: December 2 – 9

Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island, this week/weekend, Monday, December 2 through Monday, December 9, 2024. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Community Calendar Monday, December 2 Things To Do Christmas In Newport throughout Newport Holidays at the Newport Mansions 2 pm: Bike Newport’s Open […]

Posted inArts & Culture

What’s Up in Newport today: Monday, December 2

Good Morning! 🌅 It’s Monday, December 2nd. 🗓️ Members of the Jewish community of Newport witnessed the dedication of the Touro Synagogue in 1763.🎉 Today we celebrate Special Education Day, dedicated to recognizing the achievements of individuals with disabilities and advocating for their educational rights. 🧑‍🏫 We also celebrate National Mutt Day 🐶, a day to appreciate mixed […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport swears in new City Council and School Committee members

Newport’s newly elected city council and school committee members took their oaths of office Sunday at the CCRI Newport Campus, ushering in the 2024-2026 term with promises of collaboration and progress. The ceremony, steeped in tradition, began with the presentation of colors and the national anthem performed by the Rogers High School band. Judge Joseph […]

Posted inSports

Richardson throws for TD and runs for 2 with 12 seconds left as Colts beat Patriots 25-24

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Anthony Richardson is getting used to having the ball in his hands in close games. And he’s learning how to win in those situations. Indianapolis’ second-year quarterback threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce with 12 seconds left and ran for the go-ahead 2-point conversion, and the Colts beat New England […]

Posted inNews

Sparkling boats and a fishing Santa Claus: The 2024 Newport Illuminated Boat Parade draws a merry crowd

The waterfront was packed Friday evening with what seemed like thousands of holiday merrymakers squeezing onto docks and wharves, on roofs and balconies, and into bars and restaurants that overlook the harbor to get a decent vantage point of the 2024 Newport Illuminated Boat Parade.  The parade started at 6 p.m., and for the merrymakers […]

Posted inNews

Biden’s Thanksgiving holiday is part of a longer farewell as Trump’s return to White House nears

By JOSH BOAK Associated Press NANTUCKET, Mass. (AP) — Joe Biden is wrapping up his final Thanksgiving holiday as president on Nantucket, a family tradition that this year seems to be part of a broader farewell to his time in the White House. The Democrat’s four years as president will be bookended by Republican Donald Trump, whose Cabinet […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up in Newport today: Saturday, November 30

Good Morning! 🌅 It’s Saturday, November 30. 🗓️ Today is Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate and support small businesses in your community. Other holidays today include National Computer Security Day 💻, Barbados Independence Day 🇧🇧, Bonifacio Day 🇵🇭, Cities for Life Day 🕊️, Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare 🎗️, Guru Nanak […]

Posted inNews

SunFed issues recall of cucumbers due to salmonella risk

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is urging consumers to discard any SunFed Produce whole fresh American cucumbers sold in bulk cardboard containers, white boxes, or black plastic crates. The recall, announced by SunFed Produce, comes over concerns about potential Salmonella contamination. The affected cucumbers were sold between October 12 and November 26, 2024, […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up in Newport today: Friday, November 29

Good Morning! It’s Friday, November 29th. On this day in history, November 29th marked the 329th anniversary of the death of pilgrim leader and Plymouth Colony Governor William Bradford in 1695. Today is Black Friday, Buy Nothing Day, National Lemon Cream Pie Day, and Chadwick Boseman Day. Did you know that 61% of shoppers start their holiday shopping before Thanksgiving?! […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up in Newport today: Thursday, November 28

Good Morning! It’s Thursday, November 28th – Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁🍽️. On this day in 1582, William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway paid a bond for their marriage license in Stratford-upon-Avon, enabling them to marry immediately. 💍 Did you know that November 28th is also Albania Independence Day, commemorating the Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912? 🇦🇱 Speaking […]

Posted inSports

Rogers High School crushes Tiverton in Thanksgiving football showdown

Rogers High School dominated Tiverton High School 40-0 in their yearly Thanksgiving football face-off. The game took place on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Toppa Field in Newport. David Rivera lead the charge for Rogers with three touchdowns. Alex Toribio added two more to the scoreboard, while Hayden Younger chipped in with one. Due to expected […]

Posted inColumns

Just My Opinion: Thankful for family, and hopeful the political drama of 2024 turns into acceptance and understanding in 2025

As I’ve done over the last few years, I reached out to Facebook friends and others, asking what it is this year for which they are thankful. This year, I also asked what makes them hopeful in the year ahead. I’ve always been impressed with the number of people who responded, and the thoughtfulness they […]

Posted inNews

“It’s Official!” Newport’s long-awaited skatepark finally opens

Newport’s new public skatepark is now open. The Friends of Newport Skatepark made the announcement on Facebook on November 27, 2024, simply stating, “It’s Official!! The Park is OPEN!!” This milestone comes about six months after the May 31, 2024 groundbreaking ceremony on John Chaffee Boulevard. The park, spanning roughly 19,000 square feet, was made […]

Posted inNews

NUWC Division Newport, UWDC bring critical capabilities to US Navy warfighter

By NUWC Division Newport Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I.  –  The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport’s commitment to providing the fleet with critical warfighting capabilities was on display Nov. 22 as it welcomed Dennis Boyer, a member of the Senior Executive Service and deputy commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center (UWDC), for a full day of tours […]

Posted inNonprofit

Family Service of Rhode Island launches Annual Holiday Support Drive to assist hundreds of families 

By Family Service of Rhode Island The holiday season is a time for celebrating with family and friends, enjoying good food and special treats, and the joyous sounds of happy children exploring presents left beneath the tree. For some, it is a season of plenty. But many in our community don’t experience the incredible blessings […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Some of those Ocean Spray cranberries come from a bog in Massachusetts

By MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press MIDDLEBORO, Mass. (AP) — Weeks before Thanksgiving, some of the cranberries that will be on dinner plates Thursday were floating on the Rocky Meadow bog in southeastern Massachusetts. The cranberries have turned this pond pinkish crimson. Several workers, up to their waist in water, gently corral the berries toward a pump that […]

Posted inNews

RITBA warns customers of text scam 

Today, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority warned customers of a widespread text scam known as smishing. A text customers have received today references an unpaid toll from a Kansas road. Smishing is a type of phishing that involves sending fraudulent communications via text message. “We’re committed to keeping our customers’ information secure,” said […]

Posted inNews

People’s Credit Union appoints Christie Jencks as Head of Commercial Lending

People’s Credit Union has announced the promotion of Christie Jencks to Head of Commercial Lending, effective November 26, 2024. In this role, Jencks will oversee the growth and management of People’s Credit Union’s commercial loan portfolio. She will be responsible for business development, as well as operational aspects of the portfolio, including credit analysis and […]

Posted inNews

Six NUWC Division Newport employees win Black Engineer of the Year Awards

By NUWC Division Newport Public Affairs Six Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport employees have been selected as winners of the 2025 Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program in various categories. Dr. Derke Hughes, an engineer in the Undersea Warfare (USW) Sensors and Sonar Systems Department, […]

Posted inNews

RIDOH encourages Rhode Islanders to take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses this Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising residents to take steps to ensure their health and safety this holiday season. The Department is urging residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV, which are expected to increase during the upcoming months. […]

Posted inElection

Rhode Island saw highest voter turnout in Nov. 5 election since 2008

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current November 25, 2024 Nearly 66% of Rhode Island’s registered voters cast ballots in the Nov. 5 election, with the highest turnout in 16 years, according to certified results approved by the Rhode Island Board of Elections on Friday. The board’s 5-0 vote followed a report presented by Miguel Nunez, […]

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