two white sailboats on body of water
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Good Morning! Today is Sunday, August 25, the 238th day of the year; 128 days remain in 2024.

We kick off this Sunday with a look at some of our most-read original stories from last week, August 18 – 24, 2024. Grab a cup of coffee and get caught up on the week’s news!

Newport Mayor Xaykham Khamsyvoravong attends the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, emphasizing the party's focus on a brighter future. Middletown purchases the Hoogendoorn Nurseries site for $5.4 million, prioritizing educational activities and preserving open space. Meanwhile, a historic Newport mansion, "The Orchard," sells for $10.8 million, setting a new record for the highest sale in Rhode Island this year.
Top Stories
Newport Mayor Xay reports DNC is showcasing a “Forward vs. Backward” vision for America
Newport Mayor highlights the Democratic National Convention's focus on bridging political divides and promoting a forward-looking vision for America.
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Middletown purchases Hoogendoorn Nurseries site for $5.4 million
Middletown purchases Hoogendoorn Nurseries, preserving 58.2 acres for potential educational use.
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'The Orchard' mansion sells for $10.8 million
The Orchard mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, sold for $10.8 million, making it the highest sale in the state in 2024.
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Newport teachers vote to 'work to contract'; plan to hold informational pickets
Newport teachers plan to hold informational pickets to protest contract violations and unfair labor practices.
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Pawtucket resident facing multiple charges from Middletown Police after arrest
Jean Nieves-Ramos was wanted for felony eluding, driving without a license, and obstructing an officer.
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What Sold: A look at the 16 home sales across Newport County last week (Aug. 12 – 16)
Sellers are adjusting pricing and optimizing Open Houses to maximize interest in their homes as summer winds down.
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Newport Historical Society to create a center for Black history
The Newport Historical Society is creating a center for Black history in the oldest surviving home in Newport, Rhode Island.
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Details on how the Newport Historical Society will transform Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House into Center for Black History
Senator Reed stresses the importance of preserving and sharing Newport's Black history.
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Newport City Council to consider naming Stone Pier Dinghy Dock in honor of late resident Kevin N. Sheekey
Newport City Council may name a dinghy dock after a late resident who advocated for its expansion.
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The historic Newport Navy sex scandal of 1919 resurfaces in an immersive musical documentary experience
The Newport Navy sex scandal of 1919 involved a sting operation using enlisted Sailors to spy on and report on suspected queer individuals.
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What'sUpNewp to host live virtual video interviews with candidates for Newport City Council, School Committee
Newport residents can learn about candidates' platforms through live virtual video interviews hosted by What'sUpNewp.
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Newport City Council to consider reversing Dixon Street direction
Newport City Council to consider reversing Dixon Street's direction due to safety concerns raised by residents.
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Newport voters to get an in-depth look at Newport City Council First Ward hopefuls through 30-minute live conversations
Newport voters can engage with First Ward City Council candidates in live 30-minute virtual video conversations.
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Fall Visitors Day at West Place Animal Sanctuary showcases new friends and old success stories
West Place Animal Sanctuary's Fall Visitors Day highlights new arrivals and past success stories.
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Newport City Councilor calls for a public hearing where offshore wind opponents can voice their opinions
Newport City Councilor calls for opponents of offshore wind farms to be given a platform to voice their opinions.
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What's Up Interview: Singer-Songwriter Michelle Malone, playing Rhode Island Folk Festival Sunday, August 25
Michelle Malone, playing at the Rhode Island Folk Festival, prefers smaller venues as she can hear better without drums.
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Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What'sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this newsletter.

The Latest from What’sUpNewp

Comic – Sour Grapes: Anytime

Sour Grapes is a comic about “Aesop”, a miserable flying dog and his odd friends, all living in a problematic and troubled world.

Letter: Thank you, Newport

Ward 2 councilor-elect Emily Conklin thanks voters and says she hopes to hear from residents “even and especially when we disagree”

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Recent Local Obituaries

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What’s Up Today

Weather

  • Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
  • Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Southwest wind around 7 mph.

Marine Forecast

  • Today: Variable winds less than 5 kt becoming SSW 5 to 8 kt in the afternoon. Mostly sunny. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • Tonight: SW wind around 6 kt. Mostly clear. Seas 1 ft or less.
  • Coastal Water Temperature: 64°F.

Sun, Moon, & Tide

  • Sunrise: 6:05 am | Sunset: 7:29 pm | 13 hours and 24 minutes of sun.
  • High tide at 12:37 am & 1:10 pm | Low tide at 5:46 am & 7:33 pm.
  • Moon: Waning Gibbous. 20.6 days, 66% lighting.

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

Newport County Government

  • No local meetings are scheduled.

What’s Up This Weekend

Cruise Ship Schedule

Coming up next on the 2024 Cruise Ship Schedule: Silver Shadow on August 28.

Further Reading + More Local Headlines

East Bay RI: Portsmouth turbine property was intended for recreational use

East Bay RI: Portsmouth LNG facility granted 5-year license with conditions

WLNE: RIDOH recommends precautions due to elevated mosquito risk

WJAR: Portsmouth Freedom Boat Club introduces e-foiling 

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...

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