The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Newport County and all of Rhode Island, in effect from 4 p.m. today through 7 a.m. Tuesday. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet are expected, with winds gusting as high as 70 mph. Visibilities may drop below a quarter mile due to falling […]
News
Posted inArts & Culture
Jane Pickens Theater to honor Diane Keaton and Robert Redford in new film series
The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center is paying tribute to two of cinema’s most enduring icons with a pair of curated film series celebrating Diane Keaton and the late Robert Redford. The two installments of the theater’s JPT Collection series will run from late February through May, screening some of the most celebrated films […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Classical launches first-ever poster competition for 2026 summer music festival
Newport Classical is calling on artists, designers and creatives to submit original artwork for a chance to design the official poster for its 2026 summer music festival. The organization announced its first-annual poster competition this week, inviting submissions that could become a defining image of the festival season. The winning design will be displayed around […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to honor Black History Month, take up zoning changes at Feb. 25 meeting
The Newport City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 43 Broadway, with an agenda that includes Black History Month recognitions, zoning ordinance amendments, and several new business licenses. The meeting will open with a proclamation recognizing Black History Month and citations for 13 community members, including Gionna Michel, Latisha Michel, Angela […]
Posted inBusiness
Electric Boat to add 3,500 jobs at Quonset Point, Reed says
Federal investments in submarine production are expected to bring 3,500 new jobs to Electric Boat’s Quonset Point facility in the coming year, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced Friday. The Rhode Island Democrat, who serves as ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said General Dynamics Electric Boat is projected to hire 8,000 workers total […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Reef takes top honors at Newport Winter Festival’s annual Hot Drink Contest
The Reef claimed first place Thursday in the Annual Hot Drink Contest, held as part of the 38th Annual Newport Winter Festival. Jo’s American Bistro finished second, and Red Parrot rounded out the top three in the competition. The Hot Drink Contest is among the final events of the festival, which runs Feb. 13–22 across […]
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 inArts & Culture
‘Love Story’ is revealing just how much Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style has endured
By TRACEE M. HERBAUGH Associated Press Grainy paparazzi shots on social media show her hailing a cab in a black slip dress. Walking the streets of New York in an oversize coat. Wearing that signature red lipstick. Nearly three decades after her death at age 33, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy is back in the spotlight as […]
Posted inNews
When Rhode Island shooter started firing, bystanders jumped into action to end the carnage
By MICHAEL CASEY and KIMBERLEE KRUESI Associated Press PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Sitting in the stands at a hockey game, Michael Black heard what he thought was popping balloons before quickly realizing it was gunfire. As dozens of people rushed out of the Rhode Island arena, Black told his wife to “run, run” and then lunged […]
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
Public workshop on Naval Station Newport compatibility study set for March 3 in Newport
The Town of Portsmouth is encouraging residents to attend a second public workshop for the Aquidneck Island and Naval Station Newport Compatible Use Study, set for Tuesday, March 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, Newport. The study is examining opportunities to improve transportation, land use and water-related infrastructure as Naval […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Councilor again cited for campaign filing violation
One local councilman, Newport’s David Carlin III, apparently continues to ignore state campaign finance filing requirements, while another, Xaykham “Xay” Khamsyvoravong is raising significant funds as he’s rumored to be considering a run at a significant statewide office. Meanwhile, legislators in powerful positions are padding campaign accounts as elections now are only months away. These […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Westerly’s Jen Christina is living her best life in ‘Six’
Westerly’s Jen Christina spent three years on tour with the traveling company of “Annie.” “I was very happy being home in Rhode Island,” she said in our recent phone interview. “I was finally settled in after being on the road for three years, settling into my groove.” But after six months being home, she got […]
Posted inNantucket
Authorities are using deep-sea tech to try find the sunken fishing boat off Massachusetts
By RODRIQUE NGOWI and PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press GLOUCESTER, Mass. (AP) — A coalition of authorities is deploying technology to try to locate the wreck of a fishing boat that sank last month off Massachusetts, killing all seven aboard. But winter weather and sea conditions have thus far slowed their efforts. The 72-foot (22-meter) vessel […]
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 inBusiness
Middletown-based SENEDIA receives $195,500 grant to continue defense workforce program
The alliance for defense technology and innovation headquartered in Middletown received a $195,500 grant to continue connecting job seekers with careers in Rhode Island’s $7.6 billion defense sector. Real Jobs Rhode Island awarded the grant to SENEDIA to fund its Defense Partnership Program, which offers direct hire opportunities, internships and training in defense-related fields. The […]
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 inArts & Culture
Preservation Society to host panel on legacy of landmark 1974 sculpture exhibition
The Preservation Society of Newport County will host a panel discussion March 6 at Rosecliff exploring the legacy of “Monumenta,” the pioneering 1974 outdoor exhibition of modern sculpture, and its influence on contemporary art. “An Inside Look at the ‘Full Circle’ Exhibition” is inspired by the exhibition currently on view in the Rosecliff galleries. The […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Vineyards names new executive chef
Newport Vineyards & Taproot Brewing Co. has hired Kyle Johnson as its new executive chef, the vineyard announced on its Facebook page Feb. 6, tapping a Johnson & Wales University graduate with a resume that includes stints at some of Boston’s most acclaimed restaurants. Johnson replaces Andy Teixeira, who stepped down in October after nearly […]
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 inArts & Culture
Maquette of George T. Downing statue to be unveiled at Newport Art Museum
Rhode Island Slave History Medallions will unveil a maquette of a planned 8-foot bronze statue of George T. Downing at an Oyster Fest reception Feb. 28 at the Newport Art Museum. The event, held in recognition of Black History Month, runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and supports RISHM’s $250,000 campaign to complete the fabrication […]
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 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 […]