Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos formally launched her re-election campaign Wednesday, rallying more than 100 supporters at Farm Fresh Rhode Island as she pitched herself as a champion for working families in an increasingly turbulent political climate. Matos, a Democrat who took office in 2021, framed her candidacy around her personal story as a working-class immigrant […]
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Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund seeing rising demand for heating assistance as cold deepens
More Rhode Island households are turning to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund for help paying their heating bills this winter as persistent high costs for essentials like food and rent compound the strain of cold weather, United Way of Rhode Island said Tuesday. United Way, which administers the fund, is reminding residents facing temporary financial […]
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RI Life Index: Rhode Islanders’ views on health and well-being remain stuck at historic lows
Rhode Islanders’ perceptions of the factors that affect their health and well-being showed virtually no improvement in 2025, remaining at the lowest levels recorded since the statewide survey began seven years ago. The overall score for the RI Life Index, an annual partnership between Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Brown […]
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RE/MAX Results opens new office in North Kingstown
RE/MAX Results, a full-service real estate brokerage, has opened a new office in North Kingstown, expanding its statewide presence to three locations. The new office joins existing locations in Middletown and Warwick, creating what the brokerage described as a convenient hub for agents and clients throughout South County and beyond. “Expanding into North Kingstown allows […]
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SENEDIA names Rhode Island National Guard chief of staff as next executive director
SENEDIA, the Middletown-based alliance for defense technology, talent and innovation, has named Col. Stephen Guertin as its next executive director, the organization announced Wednesday. Guertin, who most recently served as chief of staff for the Rhode Island Army National Guard, brings more than two decades of experience in defense and government to the role. He […]
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Newport Dems to host Secretary of State Gregg Amore for evening on voting rights
The Newport Democratic City Committee will host Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore for a public event focused on voting rights and election integrity later this month. “An Evening with Secretary of State Gregg Amore” is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Elks Lodge, 141 Pelham St. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., with […]
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Shekarchi opts out of governor’s race
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentFebruary 3, 2026 After more than a year of hinting at a possible gubernatorial run, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi released three paragraphs to explain why he decided against it. “The best way for me to serve the people of Rhode Island is to continue my work as Speaker of […]
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R.I. Supreme Court rules Newport, Cumberland not required to reimburse DCYF for general education costs of children in residential placements
The Rhode Island Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that municipalities, including Newport, are not obligated to reimburse the Department of Children, Youth, and Families for the cost of general education for children placed by DCYF in residential treatment programs who are not receiving special education services. The decision, written by Associate Justice Erin Lynch Prata, […]
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Panel of R.I. preservation leaders to discuss ‘America 250 and Beyond’ at Rosecliff
Six of Rhode Island’s top preservation and history leaders will gather at Rosecliff on Thursday, Feb. 12, to explore how the nation’s semiquincentennial will shape commemorative activities, inclusive storytelling and preservation efforts across the Ocean State. “America 250 and Beyond: Perspectives from Preservation Leaders,” hosted by The Preservation Society of Newport County, will run from […]
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Home of the Week: Thoughtful design and elevated living at 2269 East Main Road, Portsmouth
Tucked just off East Main Road along a quiet, tree-lined drive, 2269 East Main Road in Portsmouth offers the best of both worlds: space and convenience in one of Rhode Island’s most treasured coastal communities. Built in 2003, this beautifully renovated Cape-style residence combines classic New England character with refined modern design, creating a home […]
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Rhode Island economy sends mixed signals to close out 2025, new report finds
Rhode Island’s economy delivered a mixed bag of results in the fourth quarter of 2025, with gains in employment and a declining unemployment rate offset by losses in in-state jobs and a dip in sales tax receipts, according to a report released Tuesday by Bryant University and the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council. The Rhode […]
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Portsmouth Democratic Party elects Payero as new chair after Katzman’s 18-year tenure
The Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee elected Juan Carlos Payero as its new chair on Monday after Leonard “Len” Katzman stepped down from the role he held for 18 years. Katzman, who became chair in 2008, announced his resignation at the committee’s monthly meeting on Feb. 2. “When I first accepted the role of chair in […]
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Tragedy off America’s oldest seaport claims 7 lives as fishing boat sinks in frigid waters
By MICHAEL CASEY, PATRICK WHITTLE and LEAH WILLINGHAM Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — The seven victims of a marine disaster that devastated a storied Massachusetts fishing town included a fifth-generation fisherman, a young federal fisheries observer and a father-and-son crew duo. All died when their fishing boat, the Lily Jean, sank in waters off America’s […]
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Newport issues parking bans for The Point, Historic Hill for snow removal
The city has issued neighborhood parking bans for The Point and Historic Hill this week as crews continue snow removal operations following last week’s storm. Residents of The Point must move their vehicles to off-street parking Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Historic Hill ban takes effect Wednesday during the same hours. Streets […]
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Heritage Restaurant Group under contract to acquire The Mews Tavern in Wakefield
The Mews Tavern, a longtime South County gathering spot that has operated on Main Street since 1947, is set to change hands after Heritage Restaurant Group announced Monday it is under contract to acquire the Wakefield establishment. The transaction is expected to close later this year, pending customary approvals. The restaurant will continue operating at […]
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What Sold: A look at 13 homes that traded hands last week in Newport County (Jan. 26-30)
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today, forecasting another six weeks of winter. But in the Newport County real estate market, spring is already starting to make an early appearance. As we move through the first quarter of 2026, activity is picking up in a way that feels healthy and encouraging for both buyers and sellers. […]
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Save The Bay announces date for 50th annual swim across Narragansett Bay
Save The Bay will host its 50th annual swim on Saturday, Aug. 8, challenging hundreds of athletes to cross 2 miles of open water from Newport to Jamestown. The flagship fundraiser will begin at the Naval War College in Newport and finish in Potter Cove in Jamestown. Registration opens Monday, March 2. “Since 1977, The […]
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Arts & Cultural Alliance accepting applications for $2,000 Tinney Family Arts Scholarship
High school seniors with artistic talent and ambition are invited to apply for the Tinney Family Arts Scholarship Award, a $2,000 prize given annually to a Newport County student pursuing excellence in the arts. The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County is accepting applications through Friday, May 8, for the scholarship, which will be […]
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Hundreds gather in Middletown to celebrate the life of Carrigan Nelson
Hundreds of family members, friends, medical professionals and musicians gathered Sunday at the Wyndham Hotel to celebrate the life of Carrigan Nelson, a 24-year-old Portsmouth woman who became a nationally recognized childhood cancer advocate during her seven-year battle with osteosarcoma. Nelson passed away on Christmas Day at Boston Children’s Hospital surrounded by loved ones and […]
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Senate Majority Leader Ciccone prepares legislation to lay down the law on ICE tactics
by Christopher Shea, Rhode Island CurrentFebruary 2, 2026 Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone III says he will soon file legislation to protect Rhode Islanders from the examples of unconstitutional conduct by federal immigration officers making headlines in other states. “Look at what’s taking place across the country, we don’t want that to happen here,” Ciccone […]
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Jaylen Brown has 30 points, 13 rebounds as Celtics coast to 107-79 win over Bucks
By KEN POWTAK Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown had 30 points and 13 rebounds, Anfernee Simons scored 27 points off the bench and the Boston Celtics coasted to a 107-79 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Derrick White added 17 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, and Neemias Queta had 14 points […]
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Coast Guard suspends search for people missing from fishing vessel that sank off Massachusetts
By MICHAEL CASEY, RODRIQUE NGOWI and PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press GLOUCESTER, Mass. (AP) — The search for survivors on a commercial fishing vessel that sank off the coast of Massachusetts with seven aboard has been suspended, the U.S. Coast Guard said Saturday. The Coast Guard launched a search and rescue mission early Friday after receiving […]
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Tiverton Public Library selected to host Declaration of Independence replica
Tiverton Public Library has been selected as one of only six locations nationwide to host a replica of the Declaration of Independence, officials announced Thursday. The library will display a replica of the 1823 William J. Stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence from Feb. 19 through July 7 as part of the “Creative Freedom” […]
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Three Newport County nonprofits receive grants for animal care programs
Three Newport County nonprofits will share in $636,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation to support low-cost veterinary care, animal rescue and educational programs. The Potter League for Animals in Middletown received the largest local grant at $72,000 to subsidize veterinary care at its Animal Care and Adoption Center. The funding supports spaying, neutering, […]
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RISSA’s winter fundraiser returns to O’Brien’s Pub, supporting a mission of learning for life
Newport’s coldest months have a way of bringing people together, and few gatherings do it better than the Rhode Island Social Skills Academy’s annual Winter Party. On Sunday, February 1, from 4-7pm, friends and supporters of the Rhode Island Social Skills Academy (RISSA) will gather at O’Brien’s Pub to raise a glass, reconnect with the […]