The charitable Ella heads out on a boat in 1905 and ends up in 2025. Nick has to figure out how to get her back in time-and decide if their newfound love can stand the test of it. Photo: Wes Brown, Ginna Claire Mason Credit: ©2025 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Robert Clark Credit: Robert Clark

Good morning, Newport! Today is Thursday, Sept. 25, the 268th day of 2025. There are 97 days left in the year.

🚨 You need to know

Newport’s historic Bowen’s Wharf is celebrating its starring role as the sole Newport location featured in Hallmark Channel’s upcoming holiday film “A Newport Christmas,” which premieres Sunday, November 2nd at 8/7c. The beloved waterfront destination took to social media Wednesday to share the exciting news with followers, expressing their delight at representing the City by the Sea in the time-traveling romance.

“From Newport’s waterfront to your living room, see Bowen’s Wharf shine in Hallmark Channel’s holiday premiere,” the wharf announced on their social media channels, accompanied by a behind-the-scenes photo credited to Hallmark Media photographer Robert Clark. The post emphasized that Bowen’s Wharf holds the distinction of being the only Newport location featured in the film, making it the exclusive local representative of the city’s charm and maritime heritage.

The movie stars Ginna Claire Mason as Ella, a charitable 1905 Newport socialite, and Wes Brown as Nick, a modern-day sailor and local historian. Their love story unfolds across two centuries when Ella mysteriously travels from 1905 to 2025 after wishing upon a comet during a nighttime sail. The plot centers around their growing romance and Ella’s difficult decision about whether to return to her own time, with the historic wharf serving as a key backdrop for their cross-temporal encounters.

Here’s what else to know

“A Newport Christmas” Premieres Sunday, November 2 – The new Hallmark Channel movie starring Ginna Claire Mason and Wes Brown premieres at 8/7c. The romantic time-travel story follows a 1905 Newport socialite who finds herself in 2025 after wishing on a comet. Filmed at Bowen’s Wharf, the movie showcases our city’s timeless charm across centuries.

National Sailing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – TODAY – The 15th Annual Induction ceremony concludes today at the New York Yacht Club’s Harbour Court, honoring 11 new members including Olympic medalists, America’s Cup defenders, and trailblazing publisher Sally Helme. The public ceremony is free but requires reservations.

Newport International Boat Show Success – The 54th edition wrapped up with strong attendance and sales, featuring 10% more boats and perfect weather conditions in downtown Newport. The four-day event reinforced Newport’s position as a premier boating destination.

“Rock the Beach” Gala Tonight – Newport Mental Health hosts its 11th annual fundraising gala at Newport Beach House beginning at 5:30 p.m. The beachside event expects 300 guests for this signature Newport County charity event supporting mental health and substance use services.

Heavy Rain & Thunderstorms Expected – Storm conditions with 90% precipitation chance, wind gusts up to 25 mph through today. Potential street flooding during morning and lunch rush hours before conditions improve this afternoon.

Also in today’s news: Newport ranks 4th on Travel + Leisure’s best East Coast places to live list. Newport City Council cancels Wednesday meeting for second time this month. Police clarify e-bike safety laws following community concerns.

📰 The Latest from What’sUpNewp

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📈 Yesterday’s most-read

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

  1. Notes: Newport police clarify e-bike laws following safety concerns
  2. Newport ranks 4th on Travel + Leisure’s best East Coast places to live list
  3. Newport oceanfront estate sells for $12.1 million
  4. Obituary: Mary Fougere
  5. What Sold: A look at 15 recent sales across Newport County (Sept. 15-19)
  6. Newport City Council cancels Wednesday meeting
  7. Just My Opinion: Thank you, Christian McBride
  8. Newport Festa Italiana returns Sept. 26-Oct. 13 with food, music and cultural celebrations
  9. Middletown plans 700-square-foot expansion of Second Beach pavilion deck
  10. Warren man charged after crime spree began at Newport police station

📅 What’s Up Today

Weather Forecast

  • Today – Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog after 8 a.m. High near 72°F. Southeast wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
  • Tonight – Showers and thunderstorms likely. Patchy dense fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 67°F. South wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
  • Friday – Patchy fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 78°F. Southwest wind 7 to 9 mph.
  • Friday Night – Partly cloudy, with a low around 63°F. West wind around 6 mph becoming northwest after midnight.

Marine Forecast

  • Today – SE wind 6 to 9 kt becoming S 10 to 13 kt in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 kt. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog after 8 a.m. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • Tonight – SSW wind around 13 kt, with gusts as high as 21 kt. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Patchy dense fog. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • Friday – WSW wind 6 to 8 kt. Patchy fog before 10 a.m. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • Friday Night – Variable winds 5 kt or less. Partly cloudy. Seas 1 ft or less.

Sun & Tide Information

  • Sunrise: 6:36:19 a.m., Sunset: 6:37:18 p.m. Daylight: 12 hours and 0 minutes
  • Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent
  • Low tides: 3:33 a.m., 4:15 p.m. High tides: 10:38 a.m., 10:57 p.m.

Cruise Ship Schedule

  • Today: Silver Shadow, Amedea
  • Monday, September 29: Allura, Norwegian Getaway

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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...