The child population of Newport County is decreasing more than double the rate of the state of Rhode Island, while elementary and high school students are generally outperforming the rest of the state on standard testing for reading and math. These findings were included in Kids Count’s recently released community profiles. Kids Count, which advocates […]
News
Posted inNonprofit
Newport Polo’s 25th annual gala to benefit five youth-focused charities
The Newport Polo Foundation has announced the five beneficiaries of its 25th annual charity gala, a Great Gatsby-themed affair set for Friday, July 31, at Rosecliff Mansion on Bellevue Avenue. This year’s proceeds will benefit World Pediatrics, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, TeamFAME, the Newport Historical Society and FabNewport, all organizations focused […]
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Rogers High School celebrates Class of 2026 at Toppa Field graduation
Rogers High School’s Class of 2026 crossed the stage at Toppa Field on Wednesday evening, marking the close of their high school careers in a ceremony that blended tradition, music and reflection. The graduation, held June 11 at 6 p.m., brought together graduates, families, faculty and city officials to honor the achievements of Newport’s newest […]
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Home of the Week: A thoughtfully reimagined cottage just off Broadway
As someone who also calls the off-Broadway neighborhood home, I’ve always believed it offers some of the best value and quality of life on Aquidneck Island. This week’s Home of the Week, 20 Mumford Avenue, is a wonderful example of why. Back in February of 2021, a good friend of mine purchased the property. At […]
Posted inCity & Government
General Assembly passes Carson-Valverde bill strengthening school food waste diversion
The General Assembly has approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Lauren H. Carson and Sen. Bridget Valverde to strengthen a state law aimed at keeping school cafeteria food waste out of the landfill. The bill, which now goes to the governor, requires all school food service contracts to include provisions mandating the composting or recycling of […]
Posted inNews
People’s Credit Union marks 18th year sponsoring Newport Gulls’ reading program
For the 18th consecutive year, People’s Credit Union has partnered with the Newport Gulls to sponsor the FANatic About Reading Program, which promotes reading among elementary school students on Aquidneck Island. Players on the Gulls, a collegiate summer baseball team, volunteer their time reading books to children in local classrooms. As part of the program, […]
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Naval War College Foundation dedicates endowed chair in leadership and ethics
The Naval War College Foundation has dedicated the Andrew J. Zimbelmann Endowed Chair for Leadership, Ethics, and Character at the U.S. Naval War College. Established through a commitment from the Tony and Ann Ryan Family Foundation, the chair will provide permanent support for a senior faculty position focused on leadership, ethics and character education for […]
Posted inNews
Your Newport County weather forecast: 7 days on land and sea
Whether you’re heading out on the water, planning a weekend event, or just trying to dress for the day, here’s your full 7-day forecast for Newport County — pulled live from NOAA’s National Weather Service and refreshed automatically. Weather Forecast Marine Forecast
Posted inNews
CRMC approves key SouthCoast Wind permit over objections from fishing industry
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current June 10, 2026 The murky future for SouthCoast Wind gained a small but significant sign of clarity Tuesday with a key permit approval from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC).The panel’s unanimous vote — the first decision made by the newly retooled council —- followed a four-hour […]
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Sweet Berry Farm withdraws development proposal, weighs smaller-scale plan
Sweet Berry Farm has withdrawn its application for a major development project at its Mitchell’s Lane property and is stepping back to consider a smaller-scale plan, the farm and the Aquidneck Island Land Trust said this week. The farm announced the decision in a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, telling supporters it had chosen […]
Posted inNews
Sail Newport to dedicate racing education center in memory of Jason Titunik
Sail Newport will dedicate the building at 60 Fort Adams Drive as the Jason Titunik Racing Education Center in a ceremony Wednesday, June 24, at 2 p.m. The building, located at the sailing center in Fort Adams State Park, was Sail Newport’s original main office and has recently been fully remodeled for use by racing […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Rhode Island issues another air quality alert for Thursday
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has issued a statewide air quality alert for Thursday, June 11, forecasting ground-level ozone that will reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. It is the third such alert the department has issued in under a week, as a stretch of warm summer weather continues to drive elevated ozone. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Narragansett Beer marks 21 years since its revival with June 24 taproom party
Narragansett Beer will celebrate 21 years since its revival with a birthday party at its Providence taproom on June 24, marking the date in 2005 when founder Mark Hellendrung and a group of Rhode Island investors reacquired the iconic New England brand. The celebration at the Fox Point taproom will feature the release of a […]
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Bike Newport names Tuni Schartner director of partnerships and philanthropy
Bike Newport has named Tuni Schartner as its new director of partnerships and philanthropy. Schartner brings more than three decades of experience in community building, strategic partnerships, fundraising and organizational growth across Rhode Island’s nonprofit, entrepreneurial, economic development and civic sectors. In her new role, she will lead the organization’s efforts to strengthen philanthropic support, […]
Posted inNews
Pell Center survey links authoritarian attitudes to support for democratic norm violations
A new national survey from Salve Regina University’s Pell Center finds that Americans who score highest on a measure of authoritarian attitudes are the most likely to support political actions that violate democratic norms, even as such support remains relatively low across the population overall. The survey, directed by Pell Center Associate Director and Fellow […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council agenda for June 10 includes proposals on hotels, housing and tree preservation
The Newport City Council will meet Wednesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway, with a long agenda spanning policy resolutions, special event licenses and presentations from the city manager. Several resolutions sponsored by Councilor Steph Smyth are likely to draw attention. One would direct the city to […]
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Providence-Newport ferry service returns Friday with weekend stops in Bristol
Seastreak’s seasonal ferry service between Providence and Newport returns Friday, June 12, with multiple trips daily and weekend service to Bristol, the company announced. The one-hour route, run in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, offers passengers views of lighthouses, the Newport Pell Bridge and the Providence port. Adult fares start at $12 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Chamber’s Politics & Pancakes returns June 23 with finance chairmen Abney, DiPalma
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce will host its next Politics & Pancakes event Tuesday, June 23, at Ochre Court, featuring the two lawmakers who chair the General Assembly’s finance committees. House Finance Chairman Rep. Marvin L. Abney and Senate Finance Chairman Sen. Louis P. DiPalma are slated to speak to the local business community […]
Posted inCity & Government
Local Democratic party leaders endorse Foulkes and Khamsyvoravong over incumbents
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentJune 9, 2026 The Democratic challengers for governor and lieutenant governor, Helena Buonanno Foulkes and Xay Khamsyvoravong, won the backing of local party leaders during a closed-door meeting at the Rochambeau Library in Providence Monday night. The Rhode Island Association of Democratic City and Town Chairs did not disclose vote […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Arts & Cultural Alliance to honor local artists at Raise Up the Arts event June 24
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County will hold its annual Raise Up the Arts event Wednesday, June 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Easton’s Pavilion, upstairs at the Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Ave. The evening features live music, small bites and the presentation of four awards. The Newport String Project will […]
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RWU expands Blue Fellows Program in second year, adds Maine research partner
Roger Williams University has launched the second year of its Blue Fellows Program, expanding the marine research fellowship from seven to 10 students and adding a new research partner in Maine. The program, run through the university’s Center for Economic and Environmental Development, pairs undergraduates with faculty researchers and industry partners working on ocean-based projects […]
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What Sold: A look at recent home sales across Newport County (June 1 – 5)
Last week, 23 properties changed hands across Newport County, highlighted by several significant transactions in Jamestown. The island saw an eventful week, led by the sale of 10 Coulter Street for $6,500,000, along with two additional sales above the $2.5 million mark. Activity at the upper end of the market continues to demonstrate the enduring […]
Posted inHistory
On This Day In Newport History – June 9, 1869: Construction of First Torpedo Station on Goat Island Ordered
Secretary of the Navy Adolph E. Borie, ordered the construction of the first torpedo station on Goat Island on June 9, 1869. Cmdr. Edmund O. Matthews would become the first Commanding Officer, during the establishment, the station experimented with torpedoes and trained sailors in the use of the weapons. An Excerpt from The Navy and […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Officials warn against contact with Newport’s Almy Pond over algae bloom
The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management are advising people to avoid all contact with Almy Pond in Newport because of a harmful algae bloom. The agencies said all recreation at the pond, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk and should be avoided. The bloom is caused […]
Posted inCity & Government
Salve Regina lecturer Michael Bahry launches independent U.S. Senate bid
Michael Bahry, a visiting lecturer at Salve Regina University and former construction executive, announced he is gathering the 1,000 signatures needed to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate. Bahry would be running for the seat held by Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, who is seeking re-election to a term he […]