Posted inCity & Government

Newport City Council to discuss school bonds, possible bond premiums during special meeting

The Newport City Council will host a Special Council Meeting on Wednesday, February 16 at 6:30 pm for the purpose of discussing school bonds and possible bond premiums. The meeting will include a communication from School Building Committee Co-Chairs Rebecca Bolan and Louisa Boatwright in regards to the “School Building Funding Request” that was continued […]

Posted inSports

Sail Newport’s Program Director Kim Hapgood awarded U.S. Sailing Timothea Larr Trophy

Sail Newport today announced that its Program Director Kim Hapgood has been awarded the US Sailing Timothea Larr Trophy for her many decades of work with the national governing body for the sport of sailing. Sail Newport shared the following about Hapgood in a press release; “Kim Hapgood has made numerous contributions to US Sailing’s […]

Posted inNews

What are taxpayers spending for those ‘Free’ Covid Tests? The government won’t say

Christine Spolar February 11, 2022 The four free covid-19 rapid tests President Joe Biden promised in December for every American household have begun arriving in earnest in mailboxes and on doorsteps. A surge of covid infections spurred wide demand for over-the-counter antigen tests during the holidays: Clinics were overwhelmed with people seeking tests and the […]

Posted inBusiness

Take-out drinks to become permanent in Rhode Island

The General Assembly yesterday approved two measures to support Rhode Island’s restaurant industry as the pandemic stretches toward the two-year mark. The bills, which now head to the governor’s desk, will permanently allow restaurants and brewpubs to sell wine, beer, and mixed drinks with takeout food orders, and extend a provision that assists restaurants in offering outdoor […]

Posted inNews

Point Association raises $23,000 for MLK Center during year-end fundraising drive

The Point Association of Newport this week announced that it capped off its 2021 year of community activities with its eight annual year-end fundraising drive to benefit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Community Center. According to The Point Association, this fundraising campaign was directed by John Broughan and Bill  Rauch, who has wonderfully led […]

Posted inThings To Do

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England to host ‘Cookies & Cocktails’ at Crowne Plaza on March 10 

In March 2022, Girl Scouts will celebrate its 110th anniversary and Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England is celebrating with our delicious annual event, Cookies & Cocktails! Once again, the festivities are shaping up to be an incredible evening celebrating 105 years of Girl Scouts selling cookies. Local chefs will be creating scrumptious desserts using everyone’s favorite […]

Posted inNews

Three Newport County groups awarded grants to support animal welfare programs

The Rhode Island Foundation today announced that three Newport County groups are among the animal welfare programs that will share nearly $500,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation. The funding will support a range of uses including low-cost vet care for pets of low-income households, preparing animals for adoption, and wildlife rehabilitation. “The generosity […]

Posted inCity & Government

Representative Carson invites constituents to fill out legislative survey

Rhode Island House Representative Lauren Carson (District 75, Newport) has released a survey to her constituents concerning issues facing the Ocean State. Newporters can voice their opinion on the importance of topics such as the expansion of gun safety measures, climate change and sea-level rise, broadband expansion, the impact of the Newport Pell Bridge realignment, and – […]

Posted inNews

Great nephew of WWII Niland brothers’ legacy continues service through commission at Officer Candidate School

By Darwin Lam, Officer Training Command Newport Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I. – Ensign James Niland III, from Grand Island, New York, a recent graduate of the Navy’s Officer Candidate School (OCS), at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN), is a descendant of the famous Niland brothers: Edward, Preston, Robert “Bob” and Frederick “Fritz” from Tonawanda, New […]

Posted inCity & Government

City of Newport offering free rapid COVID-19 test kits to community groups

As part of its effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, the City of Newport announced on Wednesday that they will be offering free at-home rapid test kits to any and all local non-profit and neighborhood groups interested in providing at-home kits to the community. From churches and social service providers to neighborhood associations and […]

Posted inCity & Government

Opinion: Jumpstarting the Blue Economy

There’s no better place to build and grow Rhode Island’s blue economy than Greater Newport.  Growing a sustainable blue economy is an economic development strategy that attracts talent, creates jobs in coastal communities and leverages our strong defense, marine trades, manufacturing and high tech industries. The uniqueness of Narragansett Bay’s ecosystem and physical infrastructure is […]

Posted inCity & Government

Statewide School Mask Mandate to be lifted on March 4, Indoor Masking Mandate will lift on Feb. 11

Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Health Interim Director Dr. Jim McDonald hosted a COVID-19 briefing at 1:30 pm on Wednesday to provide an update on the State’s masking policies. McKee announced that he will let his executive order regarding indoor vax/mask mandates expire on Friday across Rhode Island. The order requiring students and staff to wear […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: George Hebert

George Henry Hebert, 82, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away on January 31, 2022 at Roger Williams Medical Center. He was the husband of Claire (Paquin) Hebert. They would have celebrated their sixtieth anniversary this August. George was born in Central Falls, RI to Henry and Ora (Cardin) Hebert. He grew up in Pawtucket and […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Rep. Solomon, Sen. DiPalma bill would require safety barriers on Newport, Jamestown, Mount Hope bridges

Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton, Little Compton) are sponsoring legislation that would require safety barriers or netting on the three bridges that connect Aquidneck and Conanicut islands to the Rhode Island mainland. The bill (2022-H 7383) would direct the Department of Transportation, in […]

Posted inFood & Drink

National Pizza Day Poll: Who serves up your favorite pizza in and around Newport?

Since today (February 9) is National Pizza Day, we’re celebrating locally-owned pizza spots by asking you, our readers, for your opinion on who serves up your favorite pizza in and around Newport. Whether you like traditional Margherita, Neopolitan-style, or all the toppings, you’ll find many styles of America’s favorite fast food at Newport’s pizzerias and restaurants […]

Posted inSports

Gillette Stadium to host Premier Lacrosse League’s All-Star Game and Skills Challenge on July 16

The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster announced today that Gillette Stadium will host the league’s All-Star Game for the first time on July 16. The world’s best lacrosse players will come together at the home of the New England Patriots and Revolution to compete in the All-Star Game and showcase their skills in the […]

Posted inNews

Accolades: Seven from Newport County named to Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Fall 2021 Dean’s List

Seven students from Newport County have landed on WPI’s Fall 2021 Dean’s List. A total of 2,054 undergraduate students achieved the criteria required for WPI’s fall 2021 Dean’s List. The criteria for the WPI Dean’s List differs from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average (GPA). Instead, WPI […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rep. Ruggiero bill aims to expand broadband availability, affordability

Press release provided by the Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau With Rhode Island poised to receive over $200 million in federal funding for broadband expansion, House Innovation, Internet & Technology Committee Chairwoman Deborah Ruggiero is urging passage of her legislation to strategically cultivate expanded broadband service statewide. The legislation (2022-H 7083) would create a […]

Posted inArts & Culture

CCRI’s Ted Clement receives prestigious theater leadership Medallion Award

Community College of Rhode Island Performing Arts Professor and Theatre Program Coordinator Ted Clement of Cranston, RI, received this year’s prestigious Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region 1 Medallion for his decade-long service to the KCACTF and his more than 25 years’ worth of experience as a theater student, artist, mentor, and educator. […]

Posted inNews

Accolades: Victoria Wolfe, of Portsmouth, named to University of Utah’s Fall 2021 Dean’s List

Victoria Wolfe, of Portsmouth, RI, was named to the University of Utah’s Fall 2021 Dean’s List. Wolfe’s major is listed as Theatre BFA. Wolfe is majoring in Theatre BFA, Minoring in Minor Leadership Studies. Wolfe was among more than 9,600 students named to the Fall 2021 Dean’s List at the U. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or […]

Posted inOpinion

Opinion: Rhode Island Department of Education must stop diminishing arts education in our schools

The Rhode Island Music Education Association (RIMEA) calls on the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and the Council of Elementary and Secondary Education (The Council) to prioritize arts education in its revision to new state graduation requirements. The Council is scheduled to discuss the secondary school regulations at their meeting on Tuesday, February 8th. “The research is clear. […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Joseph P. Vivieros

Joseph P. “Papa Bear” Viveiros, 84, of Newport, RI, passed away on February 2, 2022, at his home in Newport, RI. Joe was born in Newport, RI to John and Francisca (Perry) Viveiros on July 30, 1937. He went to Rogers High School and graduated in 1955.  Though he worked as a carpenterfor most of his life, Joe earned a degree in nursing from CCRI.  He enjoyed playing the guitar, photography, scenic drives, […]

Posted inNews

Congregation Shearith Israel files legal proceedings to evict Congregation Jeshuat Israel from Touro Synagogue

Following reports that New York Congregation Shearith Israel has filed legal proceedings to evict Congregation Jeshuat Israel from Touro Synagogue in Newport, Congregation Jeshuat Israel and Congressman David Cicilline released the following statements; Congregation Jeshuat Israel last week announced in a press release that it was shocked to learn that Shearith Israel – which has […]

Posted inArts & Culture

‘Friends! The Musical Parody’ coming to Foxwoods in April

It’s time to TAKE A BREAK and PIVOT your schedule because Foxwoods Resort Casino has just announced that tickets are now on sale for Friends! The Musical Parody. https://videopress.com/v/ZdTuH40B?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata Taking place on April 8th and 9th at 8 pm, performances of Friends! The Musical Parody will be shown, kicking off the resort’s Broadway Series this year. An unauthorized comedic musical that lovingly pokes fun at […]

Posted inCity & Government

Neary becomes fifth Democrat to enter race for Rhode Island 2nd District House Seat

Michael Neary, who describes himself as a former national political strategist, is the fifth candidate to enter the race for the second district House of Representatives seat in Rhode Island, a position being vacated at the end of this term by Rep. James Langevin, who recently announced his retirement. Neary worked for Republican John Kasich, […]

Posted inBusiness

La Vecina ghost kitchen returns February 7th; in-person dining planned for spring

Newport Restaurant Group’s La Vecina, which began as an authentic Mexican pop-up restaurant from Bar ‘Cino’s Executive Chef Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina, will return as a ‘ghost kitchen’ at Bar ‘Cino on Monday, February 7th, in advance of its brick-and-mortar opening this spring. Starting Monday, takeout and delivery will be available daily from 4 pm to 9 […]

Posted inNews

Potter League for Animals launches their annual ‘P.S. I Love You Pet Photo Contest’ fundraiser

Back for its 6th year, the Potter League for Animals’ P.S. I Love You Pet Photo Contest, raises vital funds that allow us to provide animals in our community with safe shelter, life-saving veterinary care, education programs for youth and adults, community outreach programs, spay/neuter services and so much more. It’s easy to participate! Submit your favorite photo of […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Pet Of The Week: Kuka

Meet your new best friend, Kuka – this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Kuka is a six-year-old female English Bulldog. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Kuka; Hello, Bulldog fans. We have the new love of your life waiting […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County accepting applications for 2022 Artist Award

Submissions for the next round of the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County’s (ACA) Artist Awards, in support of Newport County artists and art projects to benefit the community, are due on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Awardees’ notifications will be made on March 31, 2022. Now in its fifth year, ACA’s Artist Awards provide […]

Posted inOpinion

Opinion: State must lead in addressing housing barriers

Since July, a group of talented, motivated stakeholders in our state’s housing arena have been lending their expertise to the House of Representatives to help identify the forces behind Rhode Island’s housing crisis and the most effective paths toward solutions. This group—the Special Legislative Commission to Study Rhode Island’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Act — has […]

Posted inNews

Watch – Finding Endeavour: A convo with Dr. James Hunter, Australian National Maritime Museum

Dr. James Hunter, Curator of Naval Heritage and Archaeology at the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at on Thursday, February 3. We discussed with Hunter the news out of ANMM this week that the shipwreck of James Cook’s famous vessel, His Majesty’s Bark Endeavour, has been positively […]

Posted inThings To Do

Rhode Island Social Skills Academy hosting a fundraising event at Newport Irish American Athletic Club on Sunday

The following information is via RISSA; The Rhode Island Social Skills Academy (RISSA) will be hosting a fundraising event this Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 4 PM-7 PM at the Newport Irish American Athletic Club (IA), located at 642 Thames St. Newport, RI. All proceeds from the event will directly support the RISSA.  RISSA is […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Charter Books, JPT will present Buster Keaton’s ‘The General’ and a Conversation with Author/Critic Dana Stevens on February 10

Charter Books and the Jane Pickens Theater present: Dana Stevens, Slate film critic and author of Camera Man: Buster Keaton, the Dawn of Cinema, and the Invention of the Twentieth Century. On Thursday, February 10 at 7:30, Dana Stevens discusses her new biography of Buster Keaton, followed by a film screening of Keaton’s most well-known […]

Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do

Stoneacre Garden to host Wagyu Dinner, Stoneacre Brasserie to host Game Dinner

Stoneacre Hospitality Group announced this week that they will be hosting two special dinner events at their two Newport-based restaurants, Stoneacre Garden and Stoneacre Brasserie, this month. Stoneacre Garden will be hosting a special Wagyu Dinner on February 18th, followed by Stoneacre Brasserie’s Game Dinner on February 24th.  More details on each dinner is below; Stoneacre Garden Wagyu Dinner On February […]

Posted inCity & Government

Opinion: What’s taking so long to fill crucial DHS jobs?

In October of last year, we wrote about the complete lack of urgency in filling much-needed budgeted positions within the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).  Our state’s most vulnerable children and families were suffering greatly due to the slowness in hiring these crucial frontline workers who were desperately needed, especially during the pandemic. […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Call & Response: Newport Art Museum announces new exhibition

The Newport Art Museum this week announced a new exhibition, “Call & Response 2022,” which will be on view to the public from Saturday, February 5 through Sunday, May 8, 2022.  “Call & Response” is one of the Newport Art Museum’s most popular exhibitions, and for this third installment, the Museum invited contemporary artists Diane Barceló, Emily Belz, and On-Kyeong Seong to respond […]

Posted inOpinion

Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange launches winter sock and underwear drive for the homeless

Source: Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange The Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange, Rhode Island’s largest statewide coat drive, is back in action this winter with the Spare a Pair Sock and Underwear Drive.  After returning in November to host their in-person coat exchange event in Providence, organizers are now collecting new socks and underwear, which are some of […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Newport Art Museum to present ‘Newport Gilded Age in Color’

The Newport Art Museum this week announced that it will present Newport Gilded Age in Color, a lecture with Keith Stokes, on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. Stokes, a member of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, will discuss the persons and families that lived, worked, and worshipped in 19th and early 20th century Newport during the Gilded Age sharing […]

Posted inOpinion

Comic – Claytoonz: NFL Racism

Former coach of the Miami Dolphins, Brian Flores, filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL and three of its teams, the Dolphins, New York Giants, and the Denver Broncos, accusing them of sham interviews, incentives to lose games, and press to improperly recruit players. Naturally, the NFL and the teams denied all of the accusations. […]

Posted inNews

$2 million Mega Millions Megaplier ticket sold in Rhode Island, claimed on 2-2-22

A woman from Maryland cashed in the $2 million Mega Millions Megaplier ticket from the August 20, 2021, drawing, according to Rhode Island Lottery.  The ticket matched five out of five numbers to win the standard prize payout of $1 million.  However, Rhode Island Lottery says that since she purchased the Megaplier feature for an additional dollar, […]

Posted inCity & Government

Abney top fundraiser among area legislators

Aquidneck Island legislators added significantly to their campaign finance accounts, with State Rep. Marvin Abney, D-Dist. 73, representing Middletown and Newport, leading the way, increasing his campaign coffers to more than $184,000. Abney, who chairs the powerful state House of Representatives Finance Committee, was mentioned last fall as a possible treasurer candidate, but so far […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do

‘New Worlds’ after a long Groundhog Day

Art by Ry Smith @rysmithstuff Tomorrow night, the JPT is screening the concert-documentary film New Worlds:The Cradle of Civilization. It’s about an unusual musical collaboration between national treasure Bill Murray and world-renowned German cellist Jan Vogler. Together, they created a genre-busting album that spans Bach to Van Morrison and Walt Whitman to West Side Story. […]

Posted inNews

Newport String Quartet to perform at Trinity Church on Feb. 13

On February 13th at 4 pm, the Newport String Quartet will be performing works both old and new, pairing antiphons by medieval Benedictine mystic Hildegard von Bingen with American composer Lou Harrison’s boisterous Estampie. The program will also feature an impressionistic string quartet by little known Dutch composer Hënriette Bosmans, as well as Mozart’s String Quartet in D […]

Posted inNews

Newport Restaurant Group raises more than $52,000 for six local nonprofits through holiday gift card incentive

Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) today announced that it has raised $52,838 for local nonprofits as a result of its annual holiday gift card program.  This year, NRG doubled its commitment by donating $2.00 from every gift card order to community partners whose mission focuses on food insecurity.  Each partner will receive approximately $8,800 and include: the RI Community Food Bank, Hope’s […]

Posted inNews

Local organizations help homeless population with GED preparation and other services 

Local organizations are working together to support employment, mental health, GED tutoring, and other programs that specifically help homeless individuals gain footing toward finding permanent housing. Taking steps to mitigate negative effects of the affordable housing shortage in Newport County, BankNewport, the Newport Rotary, the Middletown Baptist Church, and Newport Mental Health are providing funding […]

Posted inNews

Third annual Aquidneck Island Earth Week will take place April 16 – 26

Town committees, non-profits, schools, and local businesses are working together to plan a week-long celebration of environmental action, conservation, and sustainability. The third annual Aquidneck Island Earth Week (AIEW) will take place this April 16 through April 26. The event is in conjunction with worldwide Earth Day festivities on April 22.   According to organizers, last […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Foulkes raises nearly $1 million in first few weeks of her gubernatorial campaign

Former CVS executive Helena Buonanno Foulkes, who entered the Democratic primary election sweepstakes in October has raised nearly $1 million in the first several weeks of her campaign, far outraising all other contenders. Foulkes, who has said she expects the campaign to cost millions, reported a fund balance of $830,896 at the deadline last night […]

Posted inReal Estate

‘Wishing Rocks’ on Beavertail Road in Jamestown sells for $3.875 million

Lila Delman Compass today announced the record sale ‘Wishing Rocks,’ 354 Beavertail Road, Jamestown for $3,875,000.   According to data maintained by the Rhode Island Statewide MLS, this marks the highest sale in Jamestown and one of the top three sales in Newport County year-to-date.* Lila Delman Compass Sales Associate Nancy Cresser represented the seller […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Save The Date: Newport Burger Bender returns Feb. 18 – 27

After a year off due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Newport Burger Bender, Discover Newport’s “best burger” contest returns to Newport and Bristol Counties February 18th – 27th, 2022! Local restaurants will once again be throwing their buns in the ring with hopes of being crowned the Best Burger (and there is more than just beef!) in Newport. Try […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

New Grant Program open for small businesses impacted by COVID-19; $2,500 – $5,000 grants available

Today, Governor McKee announced a $12.5 million grant program to assist small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The grant program, part of Governor McKee’s Rhode Island Rebounds down payment initiative, will provide direct financial support of $2,500 or $5,000 to qualifying small businesses who meet eligibility and need criteria. More from Governor McKee’s office; “Small businesses […]

Posted inNews

Kip Moore to perform at Bold Point Park in East Providence on August 20

Waterfront Concerts and 98.1 Cat Country today announced that country music artist and songwriter Kip Moore will perform live at Bold Point Park in East Providence, RI on Saturday, August 20, 2022. General admission tickets start at $39.50. Tickets for this show will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, February 4th at 10 am. Kip Moore joins […]

Posted inArts & Culture, News, People & Profiles

Local surfer’s One Last Wave Project helps thousands cope with grief

When he posted this TikTok video on January 4th in hopes of connecting with others experiencing profound grief, local surfer Dan Fischer didn’t know he was starting a worldwide movement to help people cope with the loss of a loved one. In less than four weeks, Fischer’s viral invitation to share the names and stories […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

RIPTA: Routes 13, 18, 21, 27, 55, 56, 60, and 87 are currently on detour due to winter storm

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced this morning that eight routes are on detour today, Sunday, January 30, 2022 due to winter weather conditions. Routes 13, 18, 21, 27, 55, 56, 60 and 87 are currently on detour.  Riders may expect some delays on all routes due to weather conditions and are advised to use extreme caution at bus stops due […]

Posted inWeather

National Weather Service: Blizzard conditions were officially reached in Newport, Providence, Westerly, and Block Island

The National Weather Service has determined that official blizzard conditions were reached in Newport, Westerly, Providence, and Block Island. …JANUARY 29TH BLIZZARD IN MASSACHUSETTS AND RHODE ISLAND… BLIZZARD CONDITIONS WERE REACHED AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS ACROSS RHODE ISLAND AND EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 2022. LIGHT SNOW BEGAN LATE AT NIGHT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 28. […]

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