By KIMBERLEE KRUESI Associated Press PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Passing a new law restricting assault weapons took Rhode Island lawmakers more than 10 years, but it may offer a road map to other states looking to ease the proliferation of such firearms. For advocates, the fight is a prime example of the current challenges to passing gun […]
News
Posted inCity & Government, News
DEM keeps hush on promotion of quiet July 4 fireworks in Jamestown
by Christopher Shea, Rhode Island Current July 2, 2025 Much like the sound level from across the bay on the Fourth of July, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) isn’t making noise about the opportunity for viewing fireworks from Beavertail State Park in Jamestown. DEM spokesperson Kimberly Keough confirmed to Rhode Island Current […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Police announce parking restrictions for July 4th Fireworks display
The Newport Police Department issued a traffic advisory Tuesday afternoon ahead of the city’s annual Independence Day fireworks celebration, warning drivers of parking restrictions designed to ease congestion during the popular event. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4th, no parking will be allowed on West Narragansett Avenue between Thames Street and Marchant Street. […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Newport Restoration Foundation announces 2025 Historic Preservation Award winners
The Newport Restoration Foundation and the City of Newport have announced the recipients of the 19th Annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards, recognizing four outstanding preservation projects that exemplify craftsmanship, community engagement, and adaptive reuse. The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Rough Point in Newport, marking the foundation’s largest […]
Posted inCity & Government, Environment & Health, News
Newport area’s under-18 population declining significantly
Where have all the children gone? While the nationwide under-18 population fell by 1.4 percent from 2010 to 2020, and in Rhode Island, it dropped by 6 percent, the numbers are dramatically higher for the Newport area, according to the recently released 2025 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook. Every community in the Newport area saw […]
Posted inCity & Government
New law encourages affordable housing development in Rhode Island
A new law sponsored by House Commission on Housing Affordability Chairwoman June S. Speakman and Sen. Tiara T. Mack makes various improvements to Rhode Island’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Act to encourage the construction of homes Rhode Islanders can afford. The bill is part of the housing package backed this year by House Speaker […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Housing Authority receives national award for ‘A Ride Can Change A Life’
The Newport Housing Authority has received national recognition for a groundbreaking transportation initiative, “A Ride Can Change a Life,” earning a prestigious Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). The award celebrates outstanding innovation in housing and community development programs across the United States. Launched as a pilot and now a fully […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Queen Mary 2 graces Newport Harbor today
Good morning, Newport! Today is Wednesday, July 2, the 183rd day of 2025. There are 182 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know Newport Harbor is welcoming one of the world’s most famous ocean liners today as the majestic Queen Mary 2 makes her scheduled port call at the City by the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fort Adams Trust opens historic underground listening tunnels to self-guided tours
Fort Adams Trust has opened its mysterious underground listening tunnels to the public for the first time, marking a significant expansion of the self-guided tour experience at the National Historic Landmark. The narrow, brick-lined passageways were originally constructed in the 19th century as a covert military feature, allowing soldiers to detect approaching enemy intruders. These […]
Posted inCity & Government
Fourth delay for SouthCoast Wind contract comes with a first: a warning it might not happen at all
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current June 30, 2025 Rhode Island’s plan to bring in more offshore wind power appears at risk of washing away after a fourth delay to a scheduled contract signing with a project developer.Caroline Pretyman, a spokesperson for Rhode Island Energy, confirmed in an email Monday that the utility provider has […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Colony House to host Independence Day Celebration with Declaration Reading, 21-gun salute
The Newport Historical Society will open the doors of the Colony House on July 4th as part of the city’s Independence Day celebrations, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience history at one of America’s oldest government buildings. The Colony House, which stands as the fourth oldest statehouse still operating in the United States, […]
Posted inCity & Government
HHS layoffs were likely unlawful and must be halted, US judge says
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that recent mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were likely unlawful and ordered the Trump administration to halt plans to downsize and reorganize the nation’s health workforce. U.S. District Judge Melissa DuBose granted the preliminary injunction sought by a coalition of attorneys general […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News, Things To Do
Providence Restaurant Weeks returns with 60+ participating eateries
Providence Restaurant Weeks is set to return July 6-19, offering diners two weeks of special menus and dining deals at more than 60 restaurants throughout Providence and surrounding Rhode Island communities. The annual event, presented by Navigant Credit Union, will feature breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials including multi-course prix fixe menus and seasonal offerings across […]
Posted inSports
Tennis Hall of Fame debuts new documentary series featuring 2025 inductees
The International Tennis Hall of Fame launched its sixth season of the “Road to Newport” documentary series this week, featuring intimate profiles of the three tennis legends set to be inducted this August in Newport. Maria Sharapova and doubles champions Bob and Mike Bryan will share their journeys from childhood to tennis stardom in the […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Preservation Society names new chairman, welcomes trustees at annual gathering
Good morning, Newport! Today is Tuesday, July 1, the 182nd day of 2024. There are 183 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know Outgoing Board of Trustees Chairman William F. Lucey receives the Antiquarian Award, presented by Vice Chairman Patrick Kerins. (Credit: Dave Hansen/The Preservation Society of Newport County) The Preservation Society […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire
Portsmouth Fire Department quickly contains brush fire on Anthony Road
Portsmouth firefighters successfully contained a brush fire on Anthony Road Monday morning, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes. At 11:13 a.m., Portsmouth Fire Department crews responded to Anthony Road in the Common Fence Point neighborhood for a reported brush fire. Upon arrival, firefighters were able to quickly contain the blaze before it could reach […]
Posted inCity & Government
Math Matters: Newport County communities receive state funding for summer learning programs
Four Newport County communities will benefit from more than $2 million in state funding aimed at boosting math skills among Rhode Island students this summer, as part of Governor Dan McKee’s expanded Learn365RI initiative. Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, and Tiverton were among 25 municipalities statewide awarded grants through the McKee Administration’s #MathMattersRI campaign, designed to provide […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council schedules Executive Session following disrupted meeting
The Newport City Council will convene in executive session Tuesday (July 1) to discuss compliance with the council’s rules of decorum, following a June 25 council meeting where a councilor’s conduct prompted a mid-meeting recess. The closed-door meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the second-floor conference room at Newport City Hall. The council will […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport County this week and weekend: June 30 – July 6
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this weekend, Monday, June 30 through Sunday, July 6. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Monday, June 30 Things To Do 10 am: Free self-guided tours at Eisenhower House 3 pm: Jamestown Farmers Market at Jamestown Recreation Center 5 pm: ECO Fundraiser at […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rhode Island State Archives to display Declaration of Independence during special holiday hours
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the Rhode Island State Archives today announced that the State Archives will be open for special Independence Day hours on July 4 so that the public can view Rhode Island’s three copies of the Declaration of Independence. “The State Archives are the keepers of three beautifully-preserved pieces of […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Newport to discuss Easton’s Beach future at final community workshop tonight
Good morning, Newport! Today is Monday, June 30, the 181st day of 2025. There are 184 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know via City of Newport The City of Newport will conclude its comprehensive Easton’s Beach planning process tonight with a virtual community meeting designed to chart the popular shoreline destination’s […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: New bio-absorption garden unveiled at Marble House
Good morning, Newport! Today is Sunday, June 29, the 180th day of 2025. There are 185 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the southwest corner of the Marble House visitor parking lot Friday to unveil a new bio-absorption garden. A project of Scenic Aquidneck (The Preservation […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Newport Pride Festival & Parade celebrates ‘Joy Is Resistance’ today
Good morning, Newport! Today is Saturday, June 28, the 179th day of 2025. There are 186 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know The streets of downtown Newport will be filled with rainbow colors and celebration today as the city hosts its annual Pride Festival & Parade, themed “Joy Is Resistance.” The […]
Posted inBusiness
Heritage Restaurant Group completes acquisition of James Beard Award-winning Olneyville N.Y. System
Heritage Restaurant Group has completed its acquisition of the beloved Olneyville N.Y. System Restaurants, bringing the James Beard Award-winning Rhode Island institution under the umbrella of one of its growing restaurant companies. The deal, finalized Friday, includes both the Providence and Cranston locations of the iconic restaurant famous for serving “R.I.’s Best Hot Wieners” and […]
Posted inHistory
On This Day In Newport History – June 28, 1969: Newport Bridge opens for first time
The Claiborne Pell Bridge, commonly known as the Newport Bridge, opened on this day in 1969. The main span of the Newport Bridge is 488 metres (1,601 ft), ranking it number 87 among the longest suspension bridges in the world, and making it the longest suspension bridge in New England. The bridge was constructed from […]