Dr. Tenny Thomas officially began his tenure as Newport Hospital’s president and chief medical officer Monday, stepping into a leadership role at a critical moment as the facility faces potential cuts to essential services, including its birthing center. Thomas, who joins Newport Hospital from Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth where he served as chief medical officer […]
Business
A look at What’s Up in business in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council fights to save hospital birthing center from closure
The Newport City Council will convene a special meeting Tuesday evening to consider a resolution advocating for the continued operation of the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital, as the facility faces potential closure due to budget constraints. The meeting, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, in the Council Chamber at City […]
Posted inBusiness
Alan G. Hassenfeld, former CEO of Hasbro and whose family founded the iconic toy maker, dies at 76
By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP Business Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Alan G. Hassenfeld, a renowned philanthropist and former CEO of iconic toy company Hasbro Inc., the maker of G.I. Joe and Play-Doh, has died. He was 76, according to the toy company. Hasbro, the nation’s second largest toy company behind Mattel based on annual sales, […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Mansions opens new dining experience at The Elms Carriage House
Visitors to Newport’s historic mansions now have a new place to dine with a view, as The Preservation Society of Newport County has opened The Carriage House at The Elms to the public. The newly renovated dining space, located at the back of The Elms property, offers guests an elevated culinary experience surrounded by the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Jack Reed to address Newport business community at Politics & Pancakes event
United States Senator Jack Reed will visit Newport next month as the featured speaker for the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce’s third quarterly Politics & Pancakes event, scheduled for Thursday, August 7th. The breakfast event, held in partnership with The Pell Center at Salve Regina University and sponsored by Bally’s Corporation, will take place at […]
Posted inBusiness
Raytheon successfully tests autonomous mine-clearing robot in Narragansett Bay
The waters of Narragansett Bay served as the proving ground for a significant advancement in naval defense technology this week, as Portsmouth-based Raytheon successfully demonstrated its autonomous Barracuda mine neutralization vehicle in untethered operations for the first time. The milestone test, conducted by Raytheon, an RTX business located at 1847 West Main Road in Portsmouth, […]
Posted inBusiness, News, Nonprofit
BankRI launches five-week food drive to combat rising hunger on Aquidneck Island
As food insecurity continues to climb across Rhode Island, Bank Rhode Island has launched its annual summer food drive with an early start date to address what officials are calling an unprecedented level of need in local communities. The five-week collection effort began Monday at all 22 BankRI branches statewide, including the bank’s Middletown and […]
Posted inBusiness
New fitness studio brings pilates-inspired workouts to Middletown
A new fitness concept has arrived in Middletown, offering a unique blend of Pilates-inspired movements and strength training that has already proven popular across New England. btone FITNESS officially opened its newest location at 288 E. Main Road in Middletown on Monday, marking the company’s 24th studio nationwide. The 2,700 square-foot facility is one of […]
Posted inBusiness
American Cruise Lines christens ‘American Patriot’ at Fort Adams on July 4th weekend
Serendipitously for Independence Day weekend, American Cruise Lines (ACL) celebrated the official christening of its newest coastal ship, “American Patriot,” on July 2 at the historic Fort Adams State Park in Newport. The ceremony followed up the cruise industry’s return to Providence just last month, which featured American Cruise Line’s “American Liberty.” The Providence celebration […]
Posted inArts & Culture
In Rhode Island, women-led ventures are redefining adventure and innovation – Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of a 2-part Series featuring the voices and origin stories of a few Adventure and Experience Women Entrepreneurs who are making Rhode Island even more fun and exciting for both residents and visitors alike. In WUN “Women Business Owner Voices” Part 1, we featured Rail Explorers and Paradigm Escape Rooms: fun […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee signs Matunuck Oyster Bar ‘Take it Outside’ bill
Today, Governor Dan McKee signed legislation (2025-H 6392, 2025-S 1139) amending the state’s outdoor dining law and paving the way for Matunuck Oyster Bar to open a tented area for al fresco dining. The newly signed legislation will allow the restaurant to use the marina parking lot across the street for a mobile kitchen and outdoor dining, keeping roughly […]
Posted inBusiness
Heritage Restaurant Group completes acquisition of James Beard Award-winning Olneyville N.Y. System
Heritage Restaurant Group has completed its acquisition of the beloved Olneyville N.Y. System Restaurants, bringing the James Beard Award-winning Rhode Island institution under the umbrella of one of its growing restaurant companies. The deal, finalized Friday, includes both the Providence and Cranston locations of the iconic restaurant famous for serving “R.I.’s Best Hot Wieners” and […]
Posted inBusiness
A New Chapter for a Providence Landmark: The Patio on Broadway team to acquire Trinity Brewhouse
Trinity Brewhouse, Rhode Island’s original brewpub, will change hands this summer as the team behind The Patio on Broadway, along with their family partners, prepares to acquire the iconic downtown establishment. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Trinity Brewhouse founder and owner Josh Miller, who is celebrating five decades in Providence’s hospitality industry. Miller […]
Posted inBusiness
Wayfinder Newport celebrates Independence Day with $17.76 room rate
Wayfinder Newport is offering a special deal for Independence Day, with rooms available for just $17.76 per night. This offer is part of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels’ Independent Hotel Sale. The promotion runs from June 27 to July 11, 2025, and includes over 35 Benchmark properties. Evan Crawford, VP of Marketing at Benchmark Resorts & […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport’s Gilded Age elegance featured in Saks Fifth Avenue’s luxury window displays
The opulent mansions and picturesque waterfronts that have made Newport a destination for sophisticated travelers are now gracing the windows of luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue’s most prestigious locations. Rhode Island Commerce announced Tuesday (June 24) that a new collaboration with Saks will showcase Newport’s Gilded Age elegance and coastal beauty through elaborate window displays […]
Posted inBusiness, News, Real Estate
Procaccianti Companies gets green light for The Bellevue Hotel
Procaccianti Companies on Thursday (June 19) announced that it has secured all necessary approvals to build The Bellevue Hotel, a new high-end boutique property at the Bellevue Gardens Plaza (181 Bellevue Ave.). The city’s Technical Review Committee gave the 91-room hotel project a unanimous thumbs-up on June 11, moving it into the pre-construction stage. “We […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Movies and TV shows casting in Rhode Island
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]
Posted inBusiness
New eco-friendly shuttle service launches in Newport
Newport is welcoming a new eco-friendly transportation option to its streets. Freedom Express, an on-demand electric shuttle service, has just launched with a fleet of low-speed electric vehicles dubbed “Coastal Cruisers.” These shuttles are now zipping around downtown Newport, the harbor area, and popular tourist spots. The service operates on a simple wave-and-ride system. Passengers […]
Posted inBusiness
Jamestown Newport Ferry welcomes ‘Coastal Princess’ to its fleet
The Jamestown Newport Ferry is expanding its operations with the addition of a new vessel to its fleet, the Coastal Princess. This custom-built 83-passenger ferry, crafted by H&H Marine in Steuben, Maine, will serve on the popular Hop-On Hop-Off route and be available for private charters. CruiseRI, which runs Conanicut Marine Services, Inc., announced the […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Airbnb reports it generated $240 million in economic impact for Rhode Island in 2024
Airbnb pumped $240 million into Rhode Island’s economy in 2024, according to a new report from the company. The popular short-term rental platform states that it supports approximately 3,000 jobs in Rhode Island and generates an estimated $142 million in labor income for the state. Visitors using Airbnb aren’t just staying in homes – they’re […]
Posted inJobs
Movies and TV shows casting in Rhode Island
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]
Posted inBusiness
U-Haul expands in Middletown through local partnership
Devon Self Storage in Middletown is now part of U-Haul’s network of neighborhood dealers, bringing more moving options to Newport County. The partnership, which kicked off on June 4, 2025, means Devon Self Storage at 75 Browns Lane now offers U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, and moving supplies. The new U-Haul location is open Monday […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Business, Columns, Instagram, People & Profiles
Provence sur Mer serves up elegant French-inspired hospitality
A Celebration of Vision and Place Karen Pinelli is enjoying her second act. And she has created the perfect backdrop: an 1850 historic building overlooking Washington Square in the heart of Newport. Pinelli was a sales executive in Boston for more than 30 years, working in the HR & Employee Benefits industry. As she helped […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Charter Books celebrates Pride Month with LGBTQIA+ author events
Charter Books is gearing up for Pride Month with two exciting author events showcasing LGBTQIA+ perspectives. On June 11, 2025, at 6 p.m., award-winning author Lydi Conklin will present their debut novel, “Songs of No Provenance.” Two days later, on June 13, 2025, at 6 p.m., University of Memphis Professor Andrew Donnelly will discuss his […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Movies and TV shows casting right now in Rhode Island
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]