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 […]
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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 […]
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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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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 inFood & Drink
Caleb & Broad takes top honors at 29th Annual Newport Chili Cook-Off
Caleb & Broad claimed first place Saturday at the 29th Annual Chili Cook-Off, held as part of the 38th Annual Newport Winter Festival at the Newport Marriott. Skiff Bar at the Marriott finished second, and Jo’s American Bistro rounded out the top three in the competition, which ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Area […]
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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 […]
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Little Feat to headline 29th annual IYRS Summer Gala in Newport
Little Feat, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based band known for blending rock, funk, folk, jazz and New Orleans swamp boogie, will headline the 29th annual IYRS Summer Gala on Saturday, July 11. The event begins at 6 p.m. at the IYRS School of Technology & Trades campus, 449 Thames St. The performance will be part of […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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‘Love Story’ revisits JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. It’s stirred some backlash
By ALICIA RANCILIO Associated Press With just a single photo released from their wedding day, much of the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette remains shrouded in romanticized legend: the courtship between the fashion publicist and the scion of an already much-mythologized family, the private nuptials and, just three years later, their deaths in […]
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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 […]
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Middletown library to host talk on Black history of Aquidneck Island ahead of new center’s opening
A new center dedicated to Black history on Aquidneck Island will open on Juneteenth, and Middletown residents can get a preview later this month. Dr. Akeia de Barros Gomes, director of the Edward W. Kane and Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History at the Newport Historical Society, will give a presentation titled “Recovering and […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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401Gives returns March 31 with goal of topping $5 million; more than 300 nonprofits already registered
Registration is open for the 2026 edition of 401Gives, Rhode Island’s largest statewide philanthropic initiative in support of local nonprofits, with organizers aiming to surpass $5 million raised this year. More than 300 nonprofits have already signed up to participate in the event, which will kick off on Tuesday, March 31, and run until 6 […]
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URI students seeking public input on sustainable design solutions for Easton’s Pond area
University of Rhode Island landscape architecture students are inviting Middletown residents to share their ideas for sustainable design solutions along Easton’s Pond at a community workshop next week. The workshop will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road. Food will be served starting at 6 […]