Jacqueline Ferreira, 85, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away on January 14, 2026, supported by her loving family at La Marea Senior Living in Carlsbad, CA.Jacqueline was born in Fall River, MA to the late Manuel Ferreira and the late Hilda Ferreira.Jacqueline was married to Robert Brasher for 30 years from 1970-2000.Jacqueline was an extremely […]
Newport County
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Trump ends Obama-era restrictions on commercial fishing in protected area off New England
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday reopening a huge swath of protected sea in the Atlantic Ocean to commercial fishing. Trump said the order would reestablish fishing in Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off the New England coast, a nearly 5,000-square-mile preserve east of Cape Cod that was created […]
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Castle Hill Inn fire under investigation; restaurant could reopen ‘in coming months,’ Newport Restaurant Group says
Updated Feb. 6 at 3:25 p.m. The Newport Restaurant Group said Friday afternoon that damage from the overnight fire at Castle Hill Inn was “significant” but expressed confidence that the iconic Ocean Drive property would be restored. “We are in the process of assessing the damage from last night’s fire. While significant, we are confident […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Hayley Williams & Friends announced as first act in 2026 Newport Folk Festival lineup
The Newport Folk Festival unveiled the first act in its rolling 2026 lineup Thursday, announcing that Hayley Williams & Friends will perform on the opening day of the three-day event. Williams, the Paramore frontwoman, is set to take the stage Friday, July 24, at Fort Adams State Park, where the iconic festival will celebrate its […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to hold public hearing on five-year capital plan at Feb. 11 meeting
The Newport City Council will hold a public hearing on the city’s fiscal year 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program when it meets Wednesday evening, headlining a packed agenda that includes infrastructure projects, new ordinances and a resolution recognizing Black History Month. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 43 Broadway. The capital plan […]
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Rhode Island awards $1.23 million in grants to protect 174 acres of open space
The Town of Tiverton will receive the largest share of $1.23 million in state grants announced Thursday to protect open space across Rhode Island, with a $500,000 award to conserve 49 acres of land overlooking Mount Hope Bay. The grant will fund the acquisition of a conservation easement over the property, known as the Hicks […]
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Underwater drone catches fire on Route 24 in Tiverton; lithium-ion batteries prompt HazMat response
Tiverton fire and police responded Tuesday afternoon to the Route 24 southbound on-ramp from Main Road for a reported vehicle fire that turned out to be a 12-foot underwater drone on a trailer. Crews arrived at approximately 2:53 p.m. and found the drone actively on fire, according to a press release from the Tiverton Fire […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Janet Watkinson
Janet M. Watkinson, age 79, long-time resident of Newport, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at her home in Middletown, RI. She was the loving wife of Dr. William A. Watkinson II for 52 years, who pre-deceased her in 2021, as well as a devoted and caring mother and grandmother. Jan was born on […]
Posted inBusiness
White Horse Tavern named among America’s top romantic restaurants
The White Horse Tavern has been named one of the top 100 romantic restaurants in America by OpenTable, the online reservation platform announced in its 2026 rankings. The historic restaurant at 26 Marlborough St. earned a 4.8 rating from diners and was one of just two Rhode Island establishments to make the national list. Boat […]
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Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund seeing rising demand for heating assistance as cold deepens
More Rhode Island households are turning to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund for help paying their heating bills this winter as persistent high costs for essentials like food and rent compound the strain of cold weather, United Way of Rhode Island said Tuesday. United Way, which administers the fund, is reminding residents facing temporary financial […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Nathaniel David Anderson
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nathaniel David Anderson, a beloved partner, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, who departed this life on January 25, 2026. Nathaniel was born on May 6, 1957, in Newport, Rhode Island, where he would forge a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.Nathaniel, […]
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Obituary: Elizabeth L. “Betty” Whisler
Elizabeth Louise Whisler (Betty), 80, of Newport RI passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026. Betty was born on June 26, 1945 on Hope Street in Providence to John and Serena Flannery. They were proud Rhode Islanders with roots in Counties Roscommon and Westmeath, Ireland. Betty’s grandfather James Murray was Chief of the Providence Police […]
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Obituary: Sauvita Pair
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sauvita Pair, who left us on January 25, 2026, at the age of 62. Born on February 9, 1963, in Roanoke, NC, Sauvita spent her life dedicated to her work and her passions. A valued member of the James L. Maher Center, she worked […]
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Obituary: David Leroy Addison
David Leroy Addison March 20, 1954 – January 23, 2026 David Leroy Addison, age 71, of Tiverton, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, MA, surrounded by the love of his family. Born and raised in Newport, Rhode Island he spent his life as a professional […]
Posted inCity & Government
R.I. Supreme Court rules Newport, Cumberland not required to reimburse DCYF for general education costs of children in residential placements
The Rhode Island Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that municipalities, including Newport, are not obligated to reimburse the Department of Children, Youth, and Families for the cost of general education for children placed by DCYF in residential treatment programs who are not receiving special education services. The decision, written by Associate Justice Erin Lynch Prata, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Panel of R.I. preservation leaders to discuss ‘America 250 and Beyond’ at Rosecliff
Six of Rhode Island’s top preservation and history leaders will gather at Rosecliff on Thursday, Feb. 12, to explore how the nation’s semiquincentennial will shape commemorative activities, inclusive storytelling and preservation efforts across the Ocean State. “America 250 and Beyond: Perspectives from Preservation Leaders,” hosted by The Preservation Society of Newport County, will run from […]
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Home of the Week: Thoughtful design and elevated living at 2269 East Main Road, Portsmouth
Tucked just off East Main Road along a quiet, tree-lined drive, 2269 East Main Road in Portsmouth offers the best of both worlds: space and convenience in one of Rhode Island’s most treasured coastal communities. Built in 2003, this beautifully renovated Cape-style residence combines classic New England character with refined modern design, creating a home […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island economy sends mixed signals to close out 2025, new report finds
Rhode Island’s economy delivered a mixed bag of results in the fourth quarter of 2025, with gains in employment and a declining unemployment rate offset by losses in in-state jobs and a dip in sales tax receipts, according to a report released Tuesday by Bryant University and the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council. The Rhode […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Madeleine M. Pencak
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Madeleine M. Pencak, who departed this life on her 77th birthday, January 29, 2026. Born on January 29, 1949, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Madeleine gracefully touched the lives of all who knew her with her kindness, warmth, and dedication to others. Madeleine was a proud graduate of Bristol […]
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Obituary: Roberta E. Baccari-Davis
Roberta Elaine Baccari-Davis, 61, of Newport, RI passed away on January 31, 2026 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. Roberta, lovingly known as Robbie, was born on July 10, 1964, at Newport Hospital to Elaine R. Elliott and Michael J. Baccari, Jr. She went to Ely High School in Pompano Beach, FL and graduated in 1982. She […]
Posted inRhode Island
Patriots and Seahawks kick off Super Bowl festivities with a quieter, calmer, tamer Opening Night
By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Maybe the game itself will live up to the hype, because Super Bowl Opening Night was calmer than usual. Drake Maye and the New England Patriots (17-3) take on Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks (16-3) on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, home of the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport issues parking bans for The Point, Historic Hill for snow removal
The city has issued neighborhood parking bans for The Point and Historic Hill this week as crews continue snow removal operations following last week’s storm. Residents of The Point must move their vehicles to off-street parking Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Historic Hill ban takes effect Wednesday during the same hours. Streets […]
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What Sold: A look at 13 homes that traded hands last week in Newport County (Jan. 26-30)
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today, forecasting another six weeks of winter. But in the Newport County real estate market, spring is already starting to make an early appearance. As we move through the first quarter of 2026, activity is picking up in a way that feels healthy and encouraging for both buyers and sellers. […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: William Ledyard Palmer
William “Tad” Palmer (William Ledyard Palmer III) March 27, 1963 – January 25, 2026 Tad was born in San Rafael, California, and grew up in Newport Beach. From an early age, the water was central to his life. Tad began sailing at the age of ten in sabots, eventually moving on to Laser racing with […]