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Good Thursday morning, Newport!

Here’s our daily rundown of what’s happening out there today, plus all that you need to know; enjoy!

Weather Forecast

  • Coastal Flood Advisory in effect from May 22, 4 PM until May 22, 7 PM
  • Today: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 10 am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 51. Breezy, with a northeast wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are possible.
  • Tonight: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 p.m., then rain likely. Patchy fog after 5 a.m. Low around 45. Breezy, with a north wind 16 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch are possible.

Marine Forecast

  • Gale Warning in effect from May 22, 2 PM until May 22, 11 PM
  • Today: NE wind 14 to 18 kt, with gusts as high as 36 kt. Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 10 am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • Tonight: N wind 17 to 20 kt becoming NW 14 to 17 kt after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 35 kt. Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 pm, then rain likely. Patchy fog after 5 am. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • The coastal water temperature is 58 degrees.

Sun, Moon & Tide

  • Sunrise at 5:19 am. Sunset at 8:05 pm. 14 hours & 45 minutes of sun.
  • High tide at 3:44 am & 4:20 p.m. Low tide at 9:35 am & 10:36 pm.
  • The lunar phase is a Waning Crescent.

🚨 You need to know

Local police are stepping up their fight against drunk driving this weekend.

Jamestown, North Kingstown, and Newport police departments are putting more officers on the road to catch impaired drivers.

Jamestown Police Chief James Campbell announced this effort, which marks six years since Jamestown Police Officer Ryan Bourque was killed by a drunk driver going the wrong way on Route 95.

The local departments are teaming up with Providence police and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s Office on Highway Safety. They’re bringing a Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile to Jamestown.

The state’s Office on Highway Safety is providing grants to fund the BAT Mobile and extra patrols.

Jamestown Police shared news of the DUI task force on their Facebook page.

Here’s what else you need to know

Newport is launching a series of public workshops to plan the future of Easton’s Beach, aiming to balance environmental concerns with its recreational and cultural importance.

Earlier this month, more than 200 passionate community members filled the ballroom at Rosecliff mansion to hear from local experts on the challenges facing Newport’s urban forests and arboretums, specifically the causes and treatment strategies for beech leaf disease (BLD). Veronica Bruno has the story.

newportFILM will screen a Sally Ride documentary at the Casino Theatre this evening.

On tap this Memorial Day Weekend: Rogue Island Comedy Festival, Boots on the Ground Memorial, Jaws Summer Parties, and more. Weekend Roundup

📈 Yesterday’s most-read

The following were yesterday’s most-read What’sUpNewp articles.

  1. Obituary: Karen Spohn
  2. Obituary: Richard Boyd
  3. Uncommon May nor’easter to bring rain, snow to New England states just before Memorial Day weekend
  4. Newport expands parking benefits for residents
  5. Obituary: Esther Bernstein
  6. Obituary: Richard Funk
  7. Obituary: Captain Dale L. Paquette, USNR
  8. Susan Jacobsen named President and Chief Executive Officer of Child & Family Services of Newport County
  9. Fire damages Matunuck Oyster Bar
  10. Free hop-on hop-off trolley returns to Newport

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s happening today in Newport.

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

Newport County Public Meetings

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...