Wildfire smoke returns to Rhode Island Saturday; air quality alert issued for sensitive groups
Smoke that pushed south Friday will recirculate back into the area under a southwest flow; some improvement expected Sunday
Rhode Island health officials issue food safety reminder as multistate Cyclospora outbreak is linked to Taco Bell lettuce
No Rhode Island cases are connected to the outbreak; CDC advises against eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell in five Midwest states
Newport City Council to consider splash pad, playground, tennis court repairs, and drone program at July 22 meeting
The council will also take up a $1.4 million pier expansion grant and a FEMA flood audit pilot for the Point neighborhood
Two veteran singer-songwriters bound for Newport Folk Festival stop at Jamestown Arts Center on July 23
Operation Encore musicians Logan Vath and Stephen Covell perform Thursday before their Sunday set at the Folk Festival; tickets are $25 and include a complimentary whiskey drink
Antique rug scholar Peter Pap brings illustrated lecture and trunk show to Tiverton Four Corners Arts Center in August
The PBS Antiques Roadshow appraiser will speak on rugs woven before 1900, followed by a three-day sale benefiting the arts center
Obituary: James R. Baillargeron
Aug 27, 1946 — Jul 14, 2026
The Jane Pickens Theater’s legendary Jaws Party returns this weekend with live music, beer tastings, and a 4K screening
The Teledynes play tonight, Sharks Come Cruisin’ takes the stage Saturday, and a screening-only option is available Sunday
Lobby Muddy Fest returns for year seven, celebrating community and more than $100,000 raised for mental health
What started as a casual Sunday tradition among friends has grown into one of Newport’s most anticipated summer fundraisers.
On This Day In Newport History: July 17, 1954 – First Newport Jazz Festival Held
Thirteen thousand fans attended the inaugural event and the festival was regarded as a great success, the festival would move to Freebody Park in 1955.
Newport Gulls hosting bone marrow registry drive tonight for 5-year-old East Greenwich boy in need of a donor
Jack Palms has a rare bone marrow disorder; a free swabbing booth will be set up at Cardines Field starting at 5:30 p.m.
Home of the Week: 33 Nicholson Crescent, A Hallmark-worthy Cape just two miles from the beach
Completely renovated and expanded in 2024, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom mid-century Cape blends classic New England character with the improvements today’s buyers value most.
Rhode Island is on pace to exceed its annual average for rabid animals, state health officials warn
25 rabid animals have been identified so far in 2026, mostly raccoons and bats; 32 people have already required treatment
Obituary: Lucy Marum
Mar 10, 1952 — Jul 8, 2026
Jamestown Democratic Town Committee endorses Foulkes for governor, Reed for U.S. Senate
The committee also backed candidates for lieutenant governor, attorney general, general treasurer, secretary of state, and state representative
‘Bridging the Gap’ jazz dance and music festival returns to Salve Regina for a third year July 29–August 3
The week-long festival pairs jazz dance with live music, including a speakeasy-style evening at Ochre Court featuring the Trombone Shorty Foundation Alumni Band
Obituary: Namon K. Choice
Jul 2, 1959 — Jul 11, 2026
Kayak Centre of Rhode Island acquires Narrow River Kayaks, keeping a 35-year paddling institution alive
The acquisition brings together two of New England’s oldest paddlesports businesses and ensures Narrow River’s rentals, tours, and guided experiences continue
Your Newport County weather forecast: 7 days on land and sea
Updated throughout the day with the latest from NOAA’s National Weather Service
Influential AFL-CIO opts not to endorse in RI Democratic gubernatorial race
The focus of the governor’s race temporarily shifted one block west of the State House Wednesday to a nondescript office building where leaders of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO met but opted not to endorse in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
35 Kay Street sells for $3 million in highest multi-family sale in Newport this year
The circa-1880 four-unit property on over half an acre ranks as the fifth highest multi-family sale ever recorded in the city
Air quality alert issued for Rhode Island today as wildfire smoke moves in from Minnesota
DEM forecasts unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups beginning midday; residents advised to limit time outdoors and keep windows closed
People’s Credit Union hosting free community shred day July 25 at its Wakefield branch
Residents can bring up to two boxes of sensitive documents for secure destruction; no membership required