Posted inCity & Government

Bills filed at Rhode Island State House would limit private equity ownership in health care

Two companion bills filed at the Rhode Island State House would strengthen oversight and accountability for corporate actors operating within the state’s health care system, targeting private equity ownership and the corporate practice of medicine. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Linda Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) and Rep. Kathleen Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown), is […]

Posted inNews

Aquidneck Island Land Trust accepting community grant applications through March 13

The Aquidneck Island Land Trust is now accepting applications for its Merritt Neighborhood Fund community grant program, with a deadline of March 13. The endowed fund, established in 1999 to honor the late Peter M. Merritt, the Land Trust’s president emeritus, supports the preservation of small parks, community gardens and other natural spaces on Aquidneck […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport County shows stark divide in student absenteeism rates

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 […]

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. […]

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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 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 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

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 […]

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