Raytheon, an RTX business, announced Monday it will invest $100 million to expand its Portsmouth facility, a project the company says will bring 150 high-tech jobs to the state. The expansion is intended to accelerate testing of the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, or LTAMDS, by increasing capacity, and to boost production of […]
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Newport’s Secret Garden Tour returns June 26-28 with a focus on the Point
The Secret Garden Tour returns for its 42nd year June 26-28, opening the gates to 14 private gardens in Newport’s historic Point neighborhood for a series of self-guided walking tours. The tour, which begins at Storer Park near the causeway to Goat Island, features a mix of returning favorites and gardens new to the route, […]
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Middletown, Jamestown and Block Island among 10 communities awarded state stormwater grants
The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank has awarded nearly $1.1 million in grants to 10 communities, including three in Newport County and the Islands, to design and engineer systems aimed at reducing flooding from increasingly intense storms. The bank awarded a total of $1,095,800 to Bristol, Coventry, East Greenwich, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Middletown, New Shoreham, Pawtucket, Providence […]
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Tiverton softball repeats as D3 state champion, topping Rogers
Tiverton won its second consecutive softball state championship, beating Rogers 5-2 in the Rhode Island Division 3 final at Rhode Island College on Sunday, June 7. Liliana Luis pitched a complete game for the Tigers, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out eight. Tiverton built the lead early, scoring in the second and […]
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RI Voting Rights Act would prevent voter discrimination
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a jarring ruling recently, literally gutted the voting rights act, which had protected minority voters in many southern districts. Several organizations have been championing a Rhode Island version that would establish procedures to prevent discrimination in the voting process. In April, the bill was held for further study, although some […]
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Tiverton High School graduates Class of 2026
TIVERTON — Tiverton High School celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 at a commencement ceremony Friday, June 5. Principal João Arruda delivered the opening remarks, presented the diplomas and gave the closing remarks. Superintendent Christopher Haskins offered greetings to the crowd. Salutatorian Evan Duda introduced the commencement speaker, Christine Messenger, a member of […]
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Portsmouth High School celebrates Class of 2026 at commencement
PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth High School celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 at a commencement ceremony Friday, June 5. Principal Dr. Jeffrey Heath welcomed the crowd and later presented the diplomas. Senior Class President Michael Chytka delivered the welcome address, and social studies teacher Eric Daniel served as the guest speaker, introduced by Senior […]
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State History Center bond clears Rhode Island House in FY2027 budget
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore on Friday praised the Rhode Island House of Representatives for including a $45 million bond question for a proposed Rhode Island State History Center in the fiscal year 2027 state budget. The bond would fund construction of a permanent facility to display and preserve the state’s historic documents and […]
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House approves $15.2B FY27 budget with marquee acquisition: millionaire’s tax
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentJune 5, 2026 A record $15.2 billion fiscal 2027 budget breezed through the Rhode Island House of Representatives in near record time Friday, with the 65-10 vote finalized with an hour to spare before sunset. The approved budget is almost identical to the version given preliminary vetting by the House […]
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Rhode Island issues air quality alert for Saturday
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has issued a statewide air quality alert for Saturday, June 6, forecasting ground-level ozone that will reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Ozone is expected to peak from the early afternoon into the evening, the department said. Fine particle pollution is also forecast to be elevated, reaching moderate […]
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R.I. House approves Carson bill to create permanent commission on aging and statewide multisector plan
The Rhode Island House of Representatives has approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Lauren H. Carson, D-Newport, to create a permanent joint commission on aging charged with developing and regularly updating a statewide multisector plan on aging. The bill (2026-H 8402A) now heads to the Senate. It would establish a 19-member permanent commission with representation from […]
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Newport School Committee names Dr. Peter Sanchioni interim superintendent
The Newport School Committee has named Dr. Peter Sanchioni interim superintendent of Newport Public Schools, the committee announced Friday tapping a veteran administrator to lead the district through a period of fiscal strain and an unsettled regionalization timeline. The committee voted Thursday evening to appoint Sanchioni, according to an announcement shared by the superintendent’s office. […]
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Movies and TV shows casting in Rhode Island
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]
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R.I. Senate passes pair of DiPalma bills on dementia services and pension revocation for sex crimes
The Rhode Island Senate passed two bills sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma, D-Middletown, on Thursday — one creating a state dementia services coordinator and another allowing the state to revoke pension benefits from public employees convicted of job-related felony sex crimes. The first bill (2026-S 2874) would create a dementia services […]
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Rosalind Weir to receive Arts & Cultural Alliance’s 2026 Dominique Award
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County will present its 2026 Dominique Award to Rosalind Weir at its annual Raise Up the Arts celebration on Tuesday, June 24, at Johnny’s Restaurant at the Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Ave. in Middletown. The award, created in 2010, honors people who have contributed time, influence and […]
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Portsmouth Democrats back Foulkes over McKee, support Reed and Amo for federal delegation
The Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee voted at its monthly meeting to support Helena Foulkes over incumbent Gov. Dan McKee in the 2026 Democratic primary for governor, the committee announced. Chairman Juan Carlos Payero said in a statement that committee members spoke at length about “persistent East Bay frustration” with McKee’s handling of the Washington Bridge […]
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Newport School Committee to vote Thursday on interim superintendent as regionalization timeline slips
The Newport School Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m. at the Newport Area Career & Technical Center to discuss and vote on an interim superintendent to succeed Colleen Burns Jermain, who steps down June 30. Interviews for the role took place last week, Jermain said in her May 27 monthly […]
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Aquidneck Island Land Trust to host June 9 talk on island-wide climate resilience
The Aquidneck Island Land Trust will host a free public lecture on island-wide climate resilience on Tuesday, June 9, at 6 p.m. at the DiStefano Lecture Hall at Salve Regina University, 56 Lawrence Ave. in Newport. The talk, titled “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Collaborating to Build a Resilient Aquidneck Island,” will be given by […]
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MLK Community Center announces lineup for ‘Live from the Loading Dock — Parkside’ summer concert series
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center has announced the lineup for its annual “Live from the Loading Dock — Parkside” summer concert series, which begins Wednesday, June 17. The free, family-friendly concerts will be held on the third Wednesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Pocket Park across from […]
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People’s Credit Union donates $5,000 to Good Dad Gang charity golf tournament
People’s Credit Union has donated $5,000 as the lead sponsor of the Good Dad Gang’s annual charity golf tournament, the credit union announced. The Good Dad Gang x Sean Foley Invitational will be held July 28 at Fall River Country Club in Massachusetts. PGA golf instructor Sean Foley will serve as the special guest and […]
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MLK Community Center opens North End Food Pantry to expand food access in Newport
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center has opened the North End Food Pantry, a satellite location bringing its food pantry and Produce to the People programs to Newport’s North End neighborhood, the center announced. The new pantry, located in a modular building at 120 Hillside Ave. next to Miantonomi Park, brings the center’s […]
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MLK Community Center to host free Juneteenth 3-on-3 basketball tournament and barbecue June 19
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center will host its second annual Juneteenth 3-on-3 basketball tournament and backyard barbecue on Friday, June 19, from noon to 3 p.m., the center announced. The free event is open to teams of four players in grades 5 through 12, with 128 youth players expected. Organizers said the […]
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$6.5 million Jamestown waterfront home sale marks highest in town this year
A waterfront home at 10 Coulter St. in Jamestown known as “Bridge View” has sold for $6.5 million, marking the town’s highest sale of 2026 to date, according to data from the Rhode Island Statewide Multiple Listing Service cited by the two brokerages involved. Bob Bailey of Lila Delman Compass represented the sellers, and Alexandra […]
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Congressman Amo, school superintendent to join welcome for Saturday’s Elliot’s Ride for Everyone
U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo and Newport Public Schools Superintendent Colleen Jermain will join Mayor Charlie Holder and safe cycling advocate Renee Kaminitz to welcome participants to Elliot’s Ride for Everyone on Saturday, June 6, organizers announced. The welcome will begin at 8:45 a.m. in front of Rogers High School on Wickham Road, where light refreshments, […]
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Gov. McKee signs proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month in Rhode Island
Gov. Dan McKee signed a proclamation Tuesday recognizing June as Pride Month in Rhode Island. “By proclaiming June as Pride Month, Rhode Island has the chance to honor the contributions and recognize the resilience of the LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the Ocean State,” McKee said in a statement. “Rhode Island is a state built on love, […]
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Edward King House Senior Center to honor 2026 ‘Champions for Seniors’ at June 17 luncheon
The Edward King House Senior Center has announced the recipients of its 2026 Champions for Seniors Awards, which honor people and organizations for their work with older adults in Newport County. The honorees will be recognized at the center’s annual Mayor’s Luncheon on Wednesday, June 17, at noon at the Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 Aquidneck […]
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Tiverton and Jamestown receive $950,000 for no-interest septic system loans to homeowners
The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank has closed on two loans totaling $950,000 to the towns of Tiverton and Jamestown that will allow both communities to offer no-interest loans to homeowners for repairing or replacing failing septic systems and cesspools. Tiverton will receive $450,000 and Jamestown $500,000 through the bank’s Community Septic System Loan Program, the […]
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Mayor Holder proclaims July 11-12 ‘Newport Kite Festival Days’ to mark 40th anniversary
Newport Mayor Charles M. Holder has proclaimed July 11 and 12 “Newport Kite Festival Days” in recognition of the Newport Kite Festival’s 40th anniversary, organizers announced. The festival, founded in 1986, is held annually at Brenton Point State Park and is free to the public. According to the proclamation, the event draws an estimated 20,000 […]
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Rhode Island Foundation invites Newport County residents to free community dinner June 2
The Rhode Island Foundation is inviting Newport County residents to share their thoughts about the issues that matter most to them at a free community dinner on Tuesday, June 2. The event will be held at Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, from 5 to 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public, but seating […]
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Meteor as heavy as an elephant causes widespread speculation across New England
By HALLIE GOLDEN Associated Press When the double boom rang out in New England over the weekend, shaking homes and sending pets fleeing, questions started flooding social media. “Did anyone else hear that boom?” “Anyone feel that?” NASA let people know over the weekend that the cause of the commotion was a meteor, but on Monday they […]
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Roger Williams University names Brian G. Williams interim president
Roger Williams University has named Brian G. Williams as its interim president, with the longtime administrator stepping into the role Monday to lead the institution through the coming academic year. Williams succeeds President Ioannis N. Miaoulis, who is retiring after seven years at the university. As interim president, Williams will work to advance strategic priorities […]
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RIDOH recommends reopening swimming area at Easton’s Beach
This story was originally published at 5:01 p.m. on May 29. It has been updated with news of the reopening. The Rhode Island Department of Health is recommending that the swimming area at Easton’s Beach reopen after bacteria counts returned to safe levels, the agency said Monday. The recommendation reverses a closure issued late last […]
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Thompson Middle School wins top award at RI Civics Day
Students from Newport’s Thompson Middle School won the top middle school project award at Rhode Island Civics Day, held last week at the State House. The students earned the honor for a community-based civics project titled “Revitalizing Space for Family Friendly Activity Center,” according to Generation Citizen New England, which hosted the event. Generation Citizen, […]
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Senate approves Euer bill to protect contraceptive coverage in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Senate on Friday approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Dawn Euer that would require insurers to keep covering contraception in the state even if the coverage requirements in the Affordable Care Act are overturned. Euer, D-Newport, said the need for the bill has grown over the years she has introduced it. “When I […]
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Senate approves DiPalma bill to study statewide teacher healthcare plan
The Rhode Island Senate on Friday approved legislation introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma that would create a commission to study establishing a statewide healthcare plan for public school teachers. DiPalma, D-Middletown, Little Compton, Newport and Tiverton, said the state’s teacher recruitment and retention problems are harming students, families and communities, and […]
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Middletown-based UTIC expands undersea workforce training through sonar course partnership
More than 100 employees from member companies of the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium recently completed a sonar training course offered through a partnership with the University of Rhode Island and RTX, the consortium announced. The partnership, aimed at strengthening the defense technology workforce, let UTIC members take the Principles of Sonar, Underwater Sound, and Undersea […]
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McKee issues statewide drought advisory, urges voluntary water conservation
Gov. Daniel J. McKee issued a statewide drought advisory Thursday on the recommendation of the state’s Drought Steering Committee. The committee found that three scientific indices — precipitation, groundwater and stream flow levels — met the drought advisory criteria across most of Rhode Island. Its recommendation was informed by precipitation deficits dating to November 2025, […]
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RI to distribute nearly 7,000 food benefit cards to eligible seniors starting June 1
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will distribute nearly 7,000 benefit cards to eligible seniors this summer to buy fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables and local honey, the agency announced. Through DEM’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, cards preloaded with $50 will be available beginning June 1 at more than 50 senior centers […]
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Ceglie announces re-election bid for Newport City Council Ward 2 seat
Lynn Underwood Ceglie has announced she is running for re-election to the Newport City Council in 2026, seeking another term representing the city’s Second Ward. Ceglie, who has served on the council for 12 years, said her decision to run again is rooted in a commitment to providing experienced, common-sense leadership and continuing to address […]
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Newport Juneteenth celebration to mark fourth year at Fort Adams with RI 250 theme
The fourth annual Newport Juneteenth celebration will be held Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fort Adams State Park, organizers announced. The event, presented by Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, will mark Juneteenth with a Rhode Island 250th anniversary theme this year and will be expanded to celebrate the history of […]
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Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain talks budget, restructuring, and her final weeks in monthly chat
Newport Public Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joined What’sUpNewp owner and publisher Ryan Belmore and editor Frank Prosnitz on Wednesday afternoon for her penultimate monthly conversation before her June 30 retirement — a wide-ranging discussion dominated by the district’s deepening budget crisis, possible facility restructuring, and personnel changes at the top of Rogers High School. […]
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Middletown to dedicate Liberty Tree May 31 in kickoff to America 250 events
Middletown will dedicate a historic Liberty Tree on Sunday, May 31, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Paradise Valley Park, the first major event from the town’s 250 Commission marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The event will feature a keynote speech by R.I. Secretary of State Gregg Amore, along with a historic open […]
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Newport’s Ocean Drive to close to cars for Elliot’s Ride for Everyone on June 6
Newport’s Ocean Drive will close to motor vehicles for a few hours on Saturday, June 6, for the seventh annual Elliot’s Ride for Everyone, a car-free community event produced by the nonprofit Bike Newport. Ocean Avenue and Hazard Road will be closed to traffic from 9 a.m. to noon, opening to people who want to […]
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Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge construction shifting to night work
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority will shift construction on the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge to overnight hours beginning May 31, the agency announced. Work will take place Sunday through Thursday nights from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., according to the authority. The change follows reports of traffic delays during daytime hours. “We noted more […]
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Ellen Pinnock announces bid for second term on Newport City Council
Newport City Councilwoman Ellen Pinnock announced she will run for a second term representing Ward 1. Pinnock said advocating for young people has been central to her work on the council. During her first term, she said she pushed for expanded recreation opportunities, stronger connections between the city and its schools, safer spaces for children […]
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Amo, Reed, Whitehouse announce $30,000 NEA grant for Newport Contemporary Ballet
Newport Contemporary Ballet has been awarded $30,000 in funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo announced Tuesday. The funding will support the ballet’s annual Newport Dance Festival, which this year will explore the theme of freedom in honor of the nation’s 250th […]
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Rep. Lauren Carson announces bid for re-election in 2026
Rhode Island Rep. Lauren Carson, a Democrat, has announced she will run for re-election in 2026 to represent Newport in House District 75. Carson was first elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 2014 and serves as a deputy majority leader. She said her work at the State House has focused on local […]
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On This Day In Newport History: May 26, 1954 – USS Bennington explodes, more than 100 Killed
One of the worst ship disasters not involving enemy action took place off the coast of Newport on May 26th, 1954. USS Bennington, a 24 Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II for the United States Navy, was cruising off Narragansett Bay when the fluid in one of her catapults leaked out and was detonated by […]
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St. George’s School honors Class of 2026 at Prize Day, with several students earning top awards
St. George’s School celebrated its 98 graduating seniors at its annual Prize Day ceremony, recognizing the Class of 2026 for achievement in academics, the arts, athletics and character, with several Rhode Island students among the top honorees. Julienne Patterson received the St. George’s Medal, awarded to the member of the sixth form who, in the […]
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IYRS offers support to students affected by The Landing School closure
IYRS School of Technology & Trades is extending support to students, applicants and families affected by the recent closure of The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design in Arundel, Maine, offering guidance and a pathway for those looking to continue their marine trades education. “We are saddened to learn of The Landing School’s closing and […]
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From the Island, For the Island: AC Newport kicks off inaugural season at Toppa Field
Newport has hosted 12 America’s Cups. It is home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the National Sailing Hall of Fame, and the oldest baseball stadium in America. This Saturday, May 23rd, the City by the Sea adds another chapter to its already remarkable sporting story when AC Newport, the island’s first semi-professional soccer […]
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High school senior’s charity car rally to benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital rolls out from Newport today
A youth-led charity car rally benefiting Hasbro Children’s Hospital sets off from Newport today, the inaugural edition of an event organized by a local high school senior. Jack Masse, a senior at Providence Country Day School in East Providence and a longtime volunteer at the Audrain Automobile Museum, created The Rhode Rally as his senior […]
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Remembering the fallen and honoring Gold Star Families: Operation Stand Down RI Memorial returns to Newport this Memorial Day weekend
Exactly four years ago this month, the Rhode Island Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Exeter erected a Gold Star Families monument to honor those families who sacrificed a loved one for our freedom. A Gold Star Family signals a family who has lost a loved one during activity-duty military service. There are estimated to be more […]
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Castle Hill Inn officially reopens Agassiz Mansion following February fire
NEWPORT, R.I. — Castle Hill Inn officially reopened the Agassiz Mansion on Thursday, welcoming guests back to the historic property just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, more than three months after a fire damaged the landmark retreat on Ocean Drive. The reopening encompasses the main level of the Mansion, including the lobby, The Lawn […]
Posted inReal Estate
Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Rhode Island
The real estate frenzy spurred by the coronavirus pandemic continues, though at a slower pace. Buyers are still competing for a limited supply of housing, driving up prices for affordable properties. The typical home value in the United States was $366,712 in April, 0.7% higher than the year before. Increasing mortgage rates have slowed growth, […]
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More than Storage: How Middletown Self Storage is keeping it in the family, and giving back to the community that built them
If you’ve driven down Valley Road or past Aquidneck Avenue lately, you’ve passed by one of Aquidneck Island’s quietly essential local businesses. Middletown Self Storage has two facilities, nearly 1,700 units, and nearly two decades of community roots. Last week, I had the privilege of sitting down with Hannah Snow, Chief Operating Officer, and Mackenzie […]
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Umbrella Sky returns to Brick Market for fourth season with “Flowers in Bloom” theme
The Umbrella Sky art installation returns to Brick Market Place for a fourth consecutive year, opening May 23 with a new theme transforming the sky into a floating garden. This season’s theme, “Flowers in Bloom,” features colorful umbrellas painted with bold botanical designs. The theme extends throughout the installation, incorporating garden trellises and vibrant hanging […]
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As Brown Health operating losses deepen, pressure mounts to save Newport Hospital birthing center
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current May 21, 2026 Staring down another quarter of operating losses, Brown University Health executives are unwilling to contribute a share of the $4.9 million needed to keep Newport Hospital’s birthing center open.“We want to see the money come from outside Brown Health,” Peter Markell, executive vice president and chief […]
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Newport Historical Society to open Center for Black History on Juneteenth
The Newport Historical Society will open the Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History on Juneteenth 2026, marking what the society calls a transformative step toward a more inclusive telling of the city’s history. Developed in partnership with Newport’s Black community, the center will serve as a hub for research, scholarship, […]
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DEM reopens 462-acre Portsmouth shellfishing area for first time since 1975
A 462-acre shellfishing area along the Portsmouth shoreline just south of the Mount Hope Bridge will reopen for the first time since 1975, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced. The area has met water quality and shellfish sanitation criteria and will be upgraded from prohibited to approved for harvest on May 23. DEM […]
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Site work to begin June 1 on The Bellevue, a 90-room luxury hotel in Bellevue Gardens plaza
Site work on The Bellevue, a 90-room luxury boutique hotel planned for the Bellevue Gardens Shopping Plaza at 181 Bellevue Ave., will begin June 1, developers Procaccianti Companies and TPG Hotels & Resorts announced Thursday. The site and enablement work will be phased, beginning with the installation of new water lines and stormwater management systems. […]
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RENEWport launches Semiquincentennial 250 Archival Project to preserve Newport youth reflections
RENEWport has launched the Semiquincentennial 250 Archival Project, inviting local youth to share their reflections on the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The project, in collaboration with the Newport Historical Society, Newport Public Schools and the East Bay MET School, will preserve students’ reflections and their hopes for the future. Submissions are […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to take up FY 2027 budget at May 27 meeting
The Newport City Council will take up the city’s fiscal year 2027 operating budget when it meets Wednesday, May 27, at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway. The budget items lead the docket, with second readings scheduled for the ordinance appropriating revenues and the personnel ordinance, along with a resolution […]
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People’s Credit Union named 2026 Bicycle Friendly Business of the Year at Newport’s Bike to Work Day
The first bikes rolled in at 7 a.m. and the camaraderie continued through the morning at the annual bike commuter breakfast in front of Newport City Hall on Friday, May 15, as the city marked National Bike to Work Day with coffee, snacks and swag from Bike Newport and RIPTA’s Commuter Resources. Later in the […]
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Jamestown’s Beech partners with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schlow, debuts new menu May 27
The Jamestown restaurant Beech has partnered with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schlow, who will join as chef and managing partner to oversee operations, the restaurant announced. The Conanicut Restaurant Group, comprised of Jamestown residents, brought on Schlow, a longtime friend, who will introduce a new menu beginning May 27. While remaining true to the […]
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Newport police name suspect in Harbor Base Inn homicide; victim’s son believed responsible
This story was originally published at 1:19 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. It was updated on Wednesday, May 20 at 5:55 p.m. with additional details from the Newport Police Department. Newport police have identified a suspect in the death of an 85-year-old woman found at a local hotel, saying her son is believed to be […]
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Sens. Gu and Ujifusa host AANHPI Heritage Month celebration at State House
Sens. Linda Ujifusa and Victoria Gu, the first Asian Americans elected to the Rhode Island state legislature, gathered community leaders from across the state Tuesday for a celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the State House. The event celebrated the diversity, achievement and contributions of these communities in Rhode […]
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West Place Animal Sanctuary to host Spring Visitors Weekend May 30-31 in Tiverton
West Place Animal Sanctuary will open its grounds to the public for its Spring Visitors Weekend on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, the season’s first public visitors weekend at the Tiverton sanctuary. The nonprofit farm animal sanctuary invites the community to take 90-minute guided tours of its historic grounds, where visitors can get […]
Posted inCity & Government
Eastern US sweats through another hot day before rain, cold move in
By TASSANEE VEJPONGSA Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The eastern U.S. sweated through a second day of early-season heat Wednesday, with some schoolchildren being sent home while others stayed in sweltering classrooms. Philadelphia shifted to remote learning for students at 57 schools, saying that while the district has made progress, a number of them continue […]
Posted inArts & Culture
For “The Lion King’s” Rafiki, a role in five languages and counting
Zama Magudulela had to think for a minute before declaring, “I’m the only one.” Magudulela is on tour as Rafiki, the mandrill shaman in “The Lion King,” the Disneymusical opening this week at the Providence Performing Arts Center. “Out of all theRafikis in the world,” she said in a recent interview, “I’m the first one […]
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Norman Bird Sanctuary monitoring 318 nest boxes in annual conservation effort
A seasonal conservation tradition has returned to the fields of the Norman Bird Sanctuary, where staff and volunteers are installing and monitoring 318 bird boxes this spring as part of the Middletown sanctuary’s annual field research and habitat restoration program. The Nest Box Monitoring Program, a cornerstone of the sanctuary’s research efforts, provides data to […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Rhode Island Department of Health reminds residents to take precautions during extreme heat
The Rhode Island Department of Health is reminding residents to take safety precautions during the ongoing heat. When it is very hot and humid, sweating isn’t enough to cool the body, and body temperature can rise quickly, the department said. High temperatures can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion or heat cramps. Certain populations are at […]
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Police arrest nine, deploy pepper spray after about 1,200 gather at Sachuest Beach
Police arrested nine people and deployed pepper spray Tuesday afternoon after a gathering of approximately 1,200 high school-aged individuals at Sachuest (Second) Beach turned disorderly, the Middletown Police Department said. A Newport police officer assisting with the response was struck by a vehicle in the parking lot during the dispersal and was transported to Newport […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Senate, House advance legislation requiring bars to offer drink lids on request
The Rhode Island Senate and House each passed legislation Tuesday that would require bars and similar establishments to make drink lids available to patrons on request as a measure to protect against drink spiking. The bills (2026-S 3000A and 2026-H 7975A), sponsored by Sen. Pamela J. Lauria and Rep. June S. Speakman, would require all […]
Posted inNonprofit
Champlin Foundation awards more than $1.25 million to Newport County nonprofits in spring grants cycle
The Champlin Foundation announced Tuesday that 10 nonprofits across Newport County will share more than $1.25 million in its 2026 Cycle 1 grants, part of a broader $12,192,398 in awards distributed to 103 Rhode Island organizations operating in 28 cities and towns. The Cranston-based foundation funds capital projects for Rhode Island nonprofits and has awarded […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport School Board, City Council in dual meetings tonight as $2.1M budget gap looms
Newport Public Schools and the Newport City Council will hold competing meetings Tuesday night, with Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain calling on families and community members to turn out for the council’s special budget meeting even as the School Committee conducts interviews for an interim superintendent at the same time. The City Council convenes at 6:30 […]
Posted inSports
Rhody Regatta registration and fundraising off to strong start ahead of May 30 race
The fourth annual Rhody Regatta, set for Saturday, May 30, is off to an impressive start in both registration and fundraising for its beneficiary, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island. The single 18-mile course circumnavigates Conanicut Island and offers a mix of open-water sailing and tactical shoreline strategy. Early registrations include some notable entries: Wendy […]
Posted inBusiness
Portsmouth resident J.J. Silvia III appointed as new BankNewport corporator
Portsmouth resident John JB “J.J.” Silvia III has been appointed as a new BankNewport corporator, OceanPoint Financial Partners announced. The appointment was made at OceanPoint Financial Partners’ annual meeting on April 20. Corporators serve as community ambassadors for the mutual community bank, helping represent the communities BankNewport serves. “BankNewport’s strength has always come from its […]
Posted inCity & Government
RI Secretary of State Gregg Amore calls mid-cycle gerrymandering “a race to the bottom”
“This is a race to the bottom … not good for American Democracy.” — Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore, commenting on the mid-cycle gerrymandering that’s gripping the nation. Amore in a wide ranging interview discusses the impact of gerrymandering, the federal government’s attempt to seize voter information, and, in what will be an […]
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Rhode Island delegation secures nearly $2 million in federal funding for Newport State Airport runway rehab
Newport State Airport will receive nearly $2 million in federal funding to rehabilitate its main runway, part of a $20.3 million package secured by Rhode Island’s congressional delegation for upgrades and construction projects across the state airport system. The Rhode Island Airport Corporation has been awarded $1,966,339 to help rehabilitate 2,600 feet of existing paved […]
Posted inCity & Government
McKee proposes $1.6 million in state funding to help preserve Newport Hospital’s Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center
Gov. Dan McKee’s administration on Friday submitted a budget amendment that would provide $1.6 million in additional funding to Newport Hospital’s Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center, the governor’s office announced Monday. The funding would be exclusive to the birthing center and contingent on its continued operation. The proposal comes in direct response to financial challenges […]
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Rhode Island Blood Center urges donations ahead of Memorial Day as summer “trauma season” begins
The Rhode Island Blood Center is urging Rhode Islanders to donate blood ahead of Memorial Day weekend as hospitals brace for the start of “trauma season,” a period marked by increased accidents, emergency surgeries and higher demand for lifesaving blood transfusions. Rhode Island is currently experiencing a critical need for Type O blood donations following […]
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St. George’s School to hold 21st annual Ramleh Benefit Yard Sale June 6 in Middletown
The 21st Annual Ramleh Benefit Yard Sale will return to St. George’s School next month, with proceeds funding summer camp experiences for children from the local community. The free, public yard sale runs from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 6, at the school’s Cabot-Harman Ice Center, 384 Purgatory Road. A public presale will […]
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Emily Conklin launches campaign for Newport City Council Ward 2 seat
Emily Conklin, a science communication specialist and chair of Newport’s Energy and Environment Commission, announced Monday she is running for the Ward 2 seat on the Newport City Council. Conklin, a six-year resident of Ward 2, said her campaign will center on affordability, resilient infrastructure, climate readiness and government transparency. “I have seen far too […]
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Salve Regina University awards 525 bachelor’s degrees at 76th commencement
Salve Regina University conferred 525 bachelor’s degrees on the Class of 2026 during its 76th commencement Sunday, sending graduates off with a charge to lead with mercy and meet a difficult moment with courage. The ceremony, held on the university’s oceanside campus, featured remarks from broadcast journalist and author Ray Suarez, Salve President Kelli J. […]
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Newport police investigating bomb threat at hospital as ‘swatting’ call
Newport Hospital was the target of an apparent “swatting” call Sunday morning when someone phoned in a false bomb threat, prompting a sweep by police and a Rhode Island State Police bomb detection K-9 unit, authorities said. The Newport Police Department responded to the reported threat at 7:02 a.m. on May 17, according to a […]
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Salve Regina launches new bachelor’s degree in tourism, hospitality, and event management
Salve Regina University is launching a new bachelor’s degree program in tourism, hospitality and event management this fall, designed to prepare students for roles in the travel and tourism industry. The university also announced two new minors, in wealth management and public policy, and two new post-master certificate programs in behavior analysis and creative writing. […]
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BankNewport Charitable Foundation awards more than $470,000 in spring 2026 grants to nearly 50 Rhode Island nonprofits
The BankNewport Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $470,000 in spring 2026 grants to nearly 50 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island, the foundation announced this week. The funding supports programs focused on arts and culture, basic needs, education success and healthy lives. “BankNewport is proud to support organizations that are making a meaningful difference in […]
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Dr. Micheal Fine: What’s crazy about firing the Commissioner of FDA
So the saga aka circus in health care in Washington continues. This week Marty Makary MD, the Commissioner of the FDA, resigned/was fired by RFK,Jr. and the Trump administration. I didn’t know Dr. Makary but I have colleagues who do. We once presented at the same conference and were in a room together, but I don’t […]
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Gerry Goldstein: A pox on curses
I owe Jason Varitek a poem. Driven by the curse of a brain cramp the size of Fenway Park, I attributed his recent bad luck, in getting fired from his Red Sox coaching job, to another significant Sox catcher, Carlton Fisk. I wondered why, in a mass firing related to the sacking of Manager Alex […]
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Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival returns to Bowen’s Wharf this weekend for 10th year
The 10th annual Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival returns to Bowen’s Wharf this weekend, bringing local oyster growers, restaurant vendors, signature beverage sponsors and live music to the downtown waterfront to kick off the summer season. The free-admission, rain-or-shine festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May […]
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Summer arrives as Flo’s expands to daily hours and Easton’s Beach Concessions opens for season
Two seaside dining staples are signaling the official arrival of summer on Aquidneck Island this week. Flo’s Clam Shack on Wave Avenue in Middletown has expanded to daily hours starting Thursday, May 14, after opening for the season in March on a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule. The clam shack, famous for clams since 1936, sits across from […]
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Rhode Island’s 10th annual Quahog Week kicks off Saturday with statewide specials and three free public events
Rhode Island’s 10th annual Quahog Week is set for May 17 through 23, with restaurants and markets across the state featuring special quahog dishes alongside three free public events organized by the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative. The week-long celebration, organized by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing […]
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Judge blocks Trump administration’s demand for Rhode Island hospital’s records of transgender kids
By KIMBERLEE KRUESI Associated Press PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s sweeping demands for confidential transgender patient information from Rhode Island’s largest hospital that provides gender-affirming care to minors. U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy’s Wednesday ruling is the latest setback for the U.S. Department of Justice, where at least seven other […]
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Sons of Union Veterans to hold annual Memorial Day ceremony at Island Cemetery on May 25
Major General Thomas West Sherman Camp No. 1, Rhode Island Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, will hold its annual Memorial Day observance at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 25, at Island Cemetery, 30 Warner St. Sherman Camp 1 is inviting the public to join the ceremony at the Grand Army of the […]
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RITBA urges caution as bridge joint replacement work continues on Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority is asking drivers to use caution while traveling across the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge, where contractors are replacing the seven original bridge joints on the westbound spans. During the hours when crews are working on the joints, traffic will be limited to one lane. When work is not underway, each […]
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Newport Gulls announce 2026 Hall of Fame class ahead of 25th anniversary weekend
The Newport Gulls have announced their 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Class, with a special ceremony set for Saturday, July 18, at Historic Cardines Field. The induction will headline the Gulls’ 25-year anniversary celebration weekend, which is expected to bring former players back to “The Nest.” The 2026 class of players includes Troy Dixon (2016), […]
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Senate passes Euer bill to put $3 million Jamestown affordable housing bond on November ballot
The Rhode Island Senate has approved legislation from Sen. Dawn Euer that would seek Jamestown voters’ approval in November for up to $3 million in bonds to fund affordable housing projects. The bill (2026-S 3186) cleared the Senate on Thursday, May 7. If passed by the full General Assembly and approved by voters in a […]
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Newport Mental Health unveils 2026 lineup of signature fundraising events
Newport Mental Health has announced its 2026 schedule of signature fundraising events, three gatherings the nonprofit says will help underwrite no-cost mental health and substance use care across Newport County. Proceeds from the events benefit Newport Mental Health’s Annual Fund, which last year helped provide $1.2 million in no-cost care to children, families and individuals […]