Posted inCity & Government

Newport City Council to consider 2026 festival dates, traffic safety initiatives, tax program revisions

The Newport City Council will take up a lengthy agenda on Wednesday evening that includes setting dates for the 2026 Newport Folk and Jazz festivals, hearing a police presentation on traffic safety, and considering revisions to the city’s two-tiered resident tax program. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway. […]

Posted inNews

Don’t forget pets when preparing for winter’s cold. Here’s what experts recommend

By CHEYANNE MUMPHREY Associated Press As wintry weather settles in, it brings risks for pets as well as people. Pet owners can take steps to keep their animals warm and safe, including learning about the dangers of extreme temperatures, buying weather-resistant accessories, and stocking up on extra supplies in case of power outages or storms. “The best time to […]

Posted inNews

Anti-hazing bill will be on RI legislature’s agenda in January

The chair of the Rhode Island House Committee on Education plans to submit a bill in the 2026 legislative session that would craft a new, statewide anti-hazing policy after two recent incidents in Newport and Smithfield.  Rep. Joseph M. McNamara, a Warwick Democrat, announced Tuesday that he has “pre-filed” a bill which would create a […]

South County Health brings expert women’s care closer to Newport families

Access to high-quality women’s health care shouldn’t require a long drive or a long wait. Recognizing the needs of Newport-area families, South County Health has expanded its award-winning Center for Women’s Health to 38 Powel Avenue, Newport, making expert care more accessible and convenient. Request an Appointment in Newport today with Martha Moe, MD and Sarah […]

Posted inCity & Government

Justice Department expands legal action against states that have refused its demands for voter data

By MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — The Justice Department on Tuesday sued six more states in its ongoing campaign to obtain detailed voter data and other election information. The department announced it was suing Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington over their “failure” to produce statewide voter registration lists. It has portrayed […]

Posted inOpinion

Letter to the editor: Portsmouth councilor McDowell defends motion to reconsider disc golf at Glen Park

To the Editor, I feel compelled to comment on the Portsmouth Town Council meeting on Monday, November 24, 2025.  I was elected to represent all the citizens of Portsmouth and that, my friends, is why I brought back for reconsideration a prior vote regarding Disc Golf at the Glen.  A citizen representing a group of […]

Posted inBusiness

Small Business Collective launches in Middletown to support Rhode Island entrepreneurs

A new nonprofit aimed at supporting small business owners has launched in Rhode Island. Small Business Collective, based in Middletown, will offer collaborative workspace, community events and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs across the state, according to an announcement Tuesday. Mollie Frazer Williams has been named executive director of the organization. She previously served as director […]

Posted inNews

Obituary: Tracey Butler

Tracey Ann Butler-Cruz, age 52, of Middletown, RI died suddenly and unexpectedly on 11/28/25. Our family is in shock and completely devastated by her passing. Tracey had chronic health issues that had plagued her since her early twenties, including Lupus and Fibromyalgia, and she endured constant, terrible pain. However, considering the toll Lupus had taken […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Santa set to tour Newport County neighborhoods with first responder escorts

Santa Claus is coming to town — and local firefighters, police and volunteers across Newport County will help make sure he gets there. Portsmouth, Jamestown, Newport, and Middletown are gearing up to escort Santa through area neighborhoods throughout December, bringing candy canes, holiday cheer, and a chance for children to catch a glimpse of the […]

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