Newport County presents a tale of two education systems when it comes to chronic absenteeism, with rates ranging from among the state’s best to second-worst, according to a new report from the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council. Newport’s chronic absenteeism rate of 34.6% for the 2024–25 school year ranked second worst among all Rhode Island […]
Rhode Island
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Folk Festival adds Lauryn Hill, Lizzy McAlpine, Gillian Welch to growing 2026 lineup
The 2026 Newport Folk Festival lineup is taking shape, with organizers steadily unveiling artists over the past two weeks in the event’s signature rolling announcement style. One of the biggest names yet came Tuesday, when five-time Grammy winner Ms. Lauryn Hill was confirmed for the festival’s opening day. “We are honored to announce that Ms. […]
Posted inNews
Shooter killed ex-wife and a son in Rhode Island ice rink attack, police say
By KIMBERLEE KRUESI Associated Press PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — The person who opened fire Monday during a youth hockey game at a Rhode Island ice rink was specifically targeting family members, killing an ex-wife and son as many fans dived for cover while a handful rushed the shooter to stop the attack, authorities said. Pawtucket Chief of […]
Posted inSports
No. 18 Saint Louis loses 81-76 at Rhode Island, ending 18-game win streak
By BRENDAN McGAIR Associated Press KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) — Jonah Hinton made nine 3-pointers and scored 29 points as Rhode Island upset No. 18 Saint Louis 81-76 on Tuesday night, snapping the Billikens’ 18-game winning streak. Robbie Avila led Saint Louis (24-2, 12-1 Atlantic 10) with 21 points and Dion Brown added 19. The Billikens […]
Posted inNews
Potter League’s pet calendar photo contest marks 10th year
The Potter League for Animals is accepting entries for its 10th annual P.S. I Love You Pet Calendar Photo Contest, a fundraiser that invites pet owners across Rhode Island to submit photos of their companions for a chance to be featured in the organization’s 2027 calendar. The contest is open through March 2 at 5 […]
Posted inNews
Newport Mental Health offers support following deadly shooting at Pawtucket ice rink
Newport Mental Health is offering immediate support for anyone affected by Monday’s deadly shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket. A gunman opened fire during a youth hockey game Monday afternoon, killing two people and injuring three others before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Associated Press. Police credited an […]
Posted inCity & Government
Cannabis retail license distribution poses challenge for commission
by Christopher Shea, Rhode Island CurrentFebruary 16, 2026 State cannabis regulators have yet to decide how they will handle the awarding of up to 20 cannabis retail licenses to applicants chosen by lottery as early as May. The state had planned to award 24 licenses but reduced the number based on the distribution of applicants […]
Posted inPortsmouth
What Sold: A look at 10 recent sales across Newport County (Feb. 9-13)
Activity remained consistent across multiple price points, with recent sales ranging from the low $300,000s to over $1.3M including single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-family properties. What continues to stand out is how much the outcome depends on positioning. Properties that enter the market with thoughtful preparation and realistic pricing are attracting attention and moving efficiently. […]
Posted inRhode Island
3 killed, including suspect, in shooting during Pawtucket youth hockey game
By KIMBERLEE KRUESI Associated Press PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — A shooting during a Rhode Island youth hockey game left three people dead, including the shooter, and three more hospitalized Monday night in critical condition, authorities said. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves told reporters that someone helped bring a swift end to the violent scene Monday […]
Posted inCity & Government
State to apply for funds to upgrade rail traffic in Southern Rhode Island
Rhode Island is expected to seek federal funding for a rail project that will initially improve Amtrak service in Westerly but potentially lead to closing the only gap in commuter rail in the Northeast. That gap is from New London, Connecticut to Wickford. For years, Rhode Island legislators and rail advocates, principally from the Westerly […]
Posted inSports
Fight breaks out between No. 17 St. John’s and Providence and seven players are ejected
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Seven players were ejected from Saturday’s game between No. 17 St. John’s and Providence after a fracas resulting from a hard foul by Friars forward Duncan Powell on Bryce Hopkins sent the Red Storm star crashing to the ground. St. John’s coach Rick Pitino, who led Providence to the 1987 Final […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Michele Gallagher: America’s love affair with coffee dates back to Colonial times
A friend recently gifted me Robert Mastin’s newly published book, Liberty Call: When Newport Was Home to the Atlantic Fleet. As an enthusiastic student of local history — and someone raised in a military family — I read every word. Much has been written about Newport’s Colonial and Gilded Age eras. Far less has been […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Finton Wallace II
Finton Wallace II, 83, of Newport, RI, passed away on February 11, 2026, at Newport Hospital. Born in Hartford, CT, he was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Susan (Dwyer) Wallace; his parents, J. Finton Wallace and Ellen (Connolly) Wallace; and his brother-in-law, Eugene Johnson. He is survived by his son, James Finton Wallace […]
Posted inRhode Island
On the Market: A look at every Open House in Newport County this weekend (Feb. 14-15)
Even with February temperatures and a few snowstorms mixed in, the housing market across Aquidneck Island and the surrounding towns has quietly started to wake up. Showings have increased week over week, open houses are drawing steady traffic, and buyers who paused during the holidays are actively re-engaging. The early signs point towards what will […]
Posted inCity & Government
Sen. DiPalma releases parent survey to support students during extended school absences
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma has partnered with a special education advocate to launch a parental survey aimed at improving school supports for students who have experienced extended absences. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) and Dr. Deanna Conley, owner of PROSPER Special Education Advocacy Services, created the survey to gather […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Record-breaking 60 restaurants set to compete in 9th Annual Newport Burger Bender
The 9th Annual Newport Burger Bender kicks off today with a record-breaking 60 restaurants vying for bragging rights in the region’s biggest burger competition. The 10-day event, running Feb. 13-22, features the wildest and most creative burgers from restaurants throughout Newport and Bristol counties. Ten of the 60 participating restaurants are new to the contest […]
Posted inRhode Island
Portsmouth Middle School girls basketball captures state championship with 51-40 win over Gallagher
Simone Orr scored 15 points to lead Portsmouth Middle School to a 51-40 victory over Gallagher Middle School (Smithfield) in the girls basketball state championship on Thursday. The seventh grader paced a balanced Portsmouth attack that featured four players in double figures. Ryen May added 13 points, while Paige Anderson and Camryn Donovan each contributed […]
Posted inNews
38th Annual Newport Winter Festival returns February 13-22 with new WienerFest competition
The 38th Annual Newport Winter Festival returns February 13–22, bringing ten days of live entertainment, culinary competitions, and family-friendly events to venues across the City by the Sea. Billed as “New England’s Largest Winter Festival,” the annual celebration kicks off Friday, February 13, with a performance by Bennie & The Jets, an Elton John tribute […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Nate Smith named new artistic director of the Newport Jazz Festival
Nate Smith, the drummer, producer and bandleader who won two Grammy Awards earlier this month, has been appointed the new artistic director of the Newport Jazz Festival, the Newport Festivals Foundation announced Wednesday. Smith will serve a three-year term beginning with this year’s festival, set for July 31 through Aug. 2 at Fort Adams State […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Ragged Island Brewing Co. to host third annual music festival in Portsmouth this June
Ragged Island Brewing Co. will bring live music back to the meadows this summer with its third annual Ragged Island Music Festival, presented by Northeast Alternatives, on Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14. The two-day, family-friendly festival at the Portsmouth brewery and farm at 54 Bristol Ferry Rd. will feature a full stage with professional sound […]
Posted inSports
Clark scores 31, Seton Hall beats Providence 87-80
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Adam Clark’s 31 points led Seton Hall over Providence 87-80 on Wednesday night. Clark added eight assists and five steals for the Pirates (17-8, 7-7 Big East Conference). A.J. Staton-McCray scored 18 points while going 7 of 16 (3 for 8 from 3-point range). TJ Simpkins shot 4 for 6 (2 […]
Posted inSports
Celtics beat injury-riddled Bulls 124-105 as Vucevic scores 19 against his former team
BOSTON (AP) — Payton Pritchard scored 26 points and the Boston Celtics rolled past the Chicago Bulls 124-105 on Wednesday night in the final game for both teams before the All-Star break. Jaylen Brown added 24 points. Nikola Vucevic finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics, who have won six of their […]
Posted inNews
Tennis Hall of Fame: Federer induction ceremony, watch party sell out in 2 minutes
NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — The International Tennis Hall of Fame said on Wednesday that Roger Federer’s induction ceremony sold out in two minutes — even after the Hall added thousands more tickets for an outdoor watch party. “As a small but historic venue, our capacity is limited,” the Hall posted on social media. The Hall […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rogers High School principal placed on leave following independent investigation
Rogers High School Principal Jared B. Vance has been placed on leave for the remainder of the school year following an independent investigation into the assault of a special needs student, according to a memo released Tuesday by School Committee Chair James Dring. The investigation, conducted by former Rhode Island State Police Col. Steven G. […]
Posted inNews
St. George’s School completes $26 million renovation of historic dormitory in Middletown
St. George’s School has completed a $26 million renovation of its historic Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, transforming the building into a community hub designed to bring boarding and day students together. The project, designed by Philadelphia-based Voith & Mactavish Architects, adds a central addition beneath the dormitory’s iconic clock tower that serves as community space, a day […]