Posted inBusiness

Rhode Island General Assembly votes to make outdoor dining permanent

The Rhode Island General Assembly on Thursday approved a bill that would make outdoor dining permanent, a practice that gained popularity during the pandemic. The legislation would allow towns and cities to adopt ordinances that limit outdoor dining on public property, capacity or hours, but would not allow municipalities to prohibit outdoor dining or restrict […]

Posted inBusiness

Newport Chamber of Commerce launches 2024 Founders’ Dinner Program to support local startup founders

The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce has announced that it is launching its 2024 Founders’ Dinner program to support local startup founders. The program aims to provide an exclusive platform for startup founders to collaborate and thrive. This is the second consecutive year that the program will be offered. The Founders’ Dinners are a confidential […]

Posted inBusiness

Ragged Island Brewing brews ‘Hanging Rock IPA’ for Norman Bird Sanctuary’s 75th Anniversary

 On February 7, the Norman Bird Sanctuary welcomed over 60 supporters and friends at Ragged Island Brewing Company for a celebratory toast with a special edition of “Hanging Rock IPA” brewed in honor of the nonprofit organization’s 75th anniversary. A partnership between the local brewery and nature center, the release of the Hanging Rock IPA […]

Posted inMusic & Entertainment

The Jane Pickens Theater celebrates Valentine’s Day with a trio of romantic films beginning this weekend

The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) is celebrating Valentine’s Day by showing a trio of romantic films, The Navigator, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and The Taste of Things, starting this Saturday. “There is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than going to see a movie that is sure to put you in the Valentine’s Day […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Newport Historical Society launches new digital database to highlight Black and Indigenous history

The Newport Historical Society (NHS) is launching a new digital database that will make it easier for people to find and learn about the history of Black and Indigenous people in Newport. The project, called Voices from the NHS Archives, has been in the works for years and includes reviewing 4,000 church records, business papers, […]

Posted inBusiness

Innovate Newport launches Industry Spotlight Series

Innovate Newport announced the launch today of its new Industry Spotlight Series, a bi-monthly event series designed to connect early-stage companies with industry leaders. “As the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, I am excited to introduce the Industry Spotlight Series, which aims to empower and catalyze the growth of our local businesses,” said Mollie Frazer […]

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2 JetBlue planes make contact at Logan Airport, wingtip touches tail

BOSTON (AP) — Two JetBlue planes made contact Thursday morning at Boston Logan International Airport, with one wingtip touching another plane’s tail. No one was hurt and both flights were canceled, Jennifer Mehigan of the Massachusetts Port Authority said in an email. The left winglet of JetBlue Flight 777 struck the right horizontal stabilizer of […]

Posted inSports

Josh Oduro scores 32 points, Providence rallies to beat No. 19 Creighton 91-87 in overtime

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Providence coach Kim English didn’t hold back in calling his team’s effort during an 18-point loss at Villanova last week its worst of the season. The Friars responded with perhaps their best one under the first-year coach. Josh Oduro had 32 points and 12 rebounds, Devin Carter added 28 points and […]

Posted inCity & Government

Public hearing to be held on dredge permit application for offshore wind project in Portsmouth

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that its Office of Customer and Technical Assistance (OCTA) has scheduled a public comment hearing on Feb. 22, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, on the application request of SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC for a State of Rhode Island Dredge Permit, that includes a State of Rhode Island Water Quality Certification pursuant to Section 401 of […]

Posted inBusiness

Rhode Island House of Representatives votes to advance legislation making outdoor dining permanent

The Rhode Island House of Representatives voted Tuesday to advance legislation allowing local governments to make outdoor dining permanent, a practice that gained popularity during the pandemic. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Carol McEntee, would empower local municipalities to adopt ordinances that limit outdoor dining on public property capacity, or that require barriers for […]

Posted inBusiness

Two Newport restaurants land on OpenTable’s ‘Top 100 Romantic Restaurants’ list

To help diners discover the perfect backdrop for any celebration of love, OpenTable is sharing tips and resources, including date-night and city guides and its just-debuted list of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America for 2024.  The list includes two restaurants in Rhode Island, which are both located in Newport – Chanterelle (formerly named Bouchard’s Restaurant and Inn) and […]

Posted inMusic & Entertainment

Puddingstone Music Series continues this month with Europe’s Fidelio Trio

The Puddingstone Music Series continues this month with another live concert following January’s sold-out performance at Newport’s Old Colony House. Like the previous concerts, this performance will combine performing and non-performing arts in an approachable, intimate 19th-century-style salon. Thursday, February 22 at 7:00 pm “Impressionism and Beyond” at Gardiner House (Lee’s Wharf, Newport). Visiting from […]

Posted inBusiness

Embrace Home Loans announces promotion of Ryan ‘Buddy’ Hardiman to president

The national mortgage lender, Embrace Home Loans, which is based in Middletown, Rhode Island, has promoted Ryan ‘Buddy’ Hardiman to the position of president. Hardiman was previously senior vice president of retail and direct sales and will now oversee the company’s lending and fulfillment operations as well as continue to head the financial services division. […]

Posted inCity & Government

Prescribed burns planned for Prudence Island

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that depending on weather and wind conditions, it plans on conducting low-severity prescribed burns on state lands on Portsmouth’s Prudence Island beginning in late winter to early spring ahead of DEM’s Forest Fire Program’s spring prescribed fire season. DEM is also planning on prescribed burns during that time in […]

Posted inBusiness

CVS Health grows more cautious about 2024 as it deals with rising Medicare Advantage costs

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN and TOM MURPHY Busy Medicare Advantage businesses have CVS Health and other insurance providers spooked about the new year. The health care giant said Wednesday that it was scaling back already cautious expectations for 2024 as it tries to understand why costs keep rising from the privately run version of the government’s […]

Posted inNews

Common Super Bowl prop bets in 5 charts

Super Bowl prop bets are a sport unto themselves. With two weeks between the NFL’s conference championship games and what has often been the biggest event in the United States besides the moon landing, there is almost too much time to dissect every angle of the tilt. So, aside from speculating on the outcome of […]

Posted inNews

Middletown Public Library to host free program on collecting nature for art and science

The Middletown Public Library is hosting a free program on Tuesday, February 22, 2024, that will teach attendees how to collect flowers, leaves, seeds, and other materials for scientific study and art projects. The event, titled “Collecting Nature for Art and Science: Learn how to collect flowers, leaves, seeds, and more for scientific study and […]

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Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce announces Conversations with Women of Distinction series

The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is launching its new Conversations with Women of Distinction series, featuring a fireside chat with Erin Donovan-Boyle, CEO of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, as well as a woman of distinction from the Greater Newport Region each month. The series, sponsored by Newport This Week, will take place […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Marquis Moreino

Marquis W. Moreino, 31, of Middletown, RI, died on January 31, 2024. Born in Providence, RI on October 25, 1992, He was the son of Cleveland Winston Kilgore-Bey and Nicole Moreino, and beloved brother of Maceo, Kyle, Kendall, Tony, Olivia, ja-Shane, Victoria, Maritza, and Tori. In addition to his mother and siblings, Marquis is survived […]

Posted inCity & Government

City of Newport begins formal review of 27 applicants for city manager position

Newport City officials will begin to formally review applications from more than two dozen candidates for the city manager position on Monday, City officials announced. The announcement comes after the City Council concluded its January search of 27 applicants from 13 states. As part of the City Manager selection process, a three-member screening committee will […]

Posted inNews

Newport Gulls 2024 schedule released

On Sunday, January 28, the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) Commissioner’s Office released the 2024 Regular Season Schedule. The Newport Gulls will begin their title defense on Tuesday, June 4 as they board the ferry to take on the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks.   2024 will once again feature a 13-team league, divided into three divisions: […]

Posted inNews

Terry Francona will serve as honorary chair of the U.S. Senior Open Championship when it comes to Newport in June

Terry Francona, who managed Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox to two World Series titles and guided the Cleveland Indians to an American League pennant, has been named honorary chair of the 44th U.S. Senior Open Championship. The United States Golf Association (USGA) will conduct the U.S. Senior Open at Newport (R.I.) Country Club from […]

Posted inReal Estate

What Sold: A look at Newport County’s most recent real estate sales (Jan. 29 – Feb. 2)

As the flowers start to bloom and the real estate market heats up, Newport County homeowners have a unique window of opportunity this spring. Seizing the advantages of ideal weather, enhanced curb appeal, increased demand, and limited available options – those considering a sale will find this market in their best interest.  For more information […]

Posted inNews

A decade after receiving a $4.2 million state grant, Opera House project still needs millions to complete restoration

It has been nearly a decade since Rhode Island voters approved a creative and cultural economic bond that provided the Newport Performing Arts Center $4.2 million, and it has been more than 22 years since the opera house renovation was first envisioned.  When NPAC received the state grant, it was welcomed by then Board Chairwoman […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Lindy Prinster

Lindy (Nettleton) Prinster Newport, RI -Lindy (Nettleton) Prinster, 73, of Newport, RI, passed away on January 27, 2024 at Home and Hospice Palliative care in Providence. She was the companion of 30+years of Clive Anderson. Born in Plymouth, England on May 21, 1950, She was the daughter of Michael and Francis (Dobson) Nettleton.Being the daughter […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Newport Restaurant Group will celebrate Valentine’s Day with menu specials at its restaurants

Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) will celebrate Valentine’s Day with decadent menu specials.  At the Boat House Restaurant, located at 227 Schooner Drive in Tiverton, a selection of specials will be available from February 14th through the 18th, beginning with celebratory cocktails, Bogs & Kisses: gin, lime, simple syrup, champagne, cranberry and the Be Mine: dragonberry […]

Posted inCity & Government

RIDOT provides an update on the Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 project

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) provided a weekly update today on the ongoing Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 project. Electrical work continues, requiring intermittent shoulder closures at the following intersections, Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Third Street/Admiral Kalbfus Road and JT Connell Highway/Van Zandt Avenue/Farewell Street. Drainage work will also continue along the […]

Posted inNews

Pell Elementary School students perform original dances

One hundred fifty 3rd graders from Pell Elementary School recently presented concluding performances from their weeklong Multicultural Movement residency with Newport Contemporary Ballet (NCB). NCB provides arts-integrated learning curricula to schools across Newport County. Six NCB dancers collaborated with Pell students to create original movement works inspired by the art and music of six different […]

Posted inMusic & Entertainment

Newport Folk Festival announces Gillian Welch and David Rawlings’ return to Newport

The Newport Folk Festival kicked off lineup announcements for its 2024 event on Friday, February 2, with the news that Gillian Welch and David Rawlings would return to Newport. Welch and Rawlings, who was born in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, are a Grammy Award-winning American folk duo known for their distinctive blend of traditional folk, […]

Posted inCity & Government

Weekly Recap: This Week at the Rhode Island General Assembly

Here are the highlights from this week’s events and news in the General Assembly. Check http://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease for more information. Legislators announce Working Families Agenda of 2024 legislative priorities A diverse group of 25 legislators came together Tuesday to announce their WorkingFamilies Agenda, a list of top priorities for the 2024 legislative session. This agendaincludes expanding […]

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Weekend Weather: Rain, Snow, and Sun

The National Weather Service has released a forecast for this weekend, indicating a chance of rain and snow showers. The forecast goes into effect on Friday, February 2, and runs through Sunday, February 4. According to the forecast, rain showers are possible before 11 p.m. on Friday, followed by a slight chance of snow showers […]

Posted inMusic & Entertainment

What’s Up in Newport this weekend: Feb. 2- 4

Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this weekend. Friday, February 2 Things To Do in Newport County 9:30 am: Baby Playtime at Newport Public Library 3 pm: Aloha Couples Retreat Tasting at Recharge Newport 6 pm: Newport Winter Foodies Stroll 6 pm: Community Fiber Arts Show – Opening Reception at Portsmouth Free Public Library […]

Posted inNews

Potter League for Animals launches 8th Annual ‘P.S. I Love You Pet Calendar Photo Contest’

Potter League for Animals is thrilled to announce the launch of its renowned “P.S. I Love You Pet Calendar Photo Contest” for the 8th consecutive year. This beloved annual contest is a crucial fundraiser, raising over $60,000 last year. These vital funds are essential to support our diverse programs, services, and the anticipated assistance for over 15,000 […]

Posted inNews

Security exercises to be held at Naval Station Newport Feb. 5 – 16

Naval Station Newport announced on Thursday that it will join Navy installations nationwide in conducting their annual two-part force protection exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain (CS-SC) February 5-16, 2024. “The Navy has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its personnel, assets, resources and installations,” said Capt. Henry Roenke, commanding officer, Naval Station Newport […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island invests in affordable, energy-efficient housing with $500,000 in funding

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), along with RIHousing and the Rhode Island Energy (RIE), have announced the funding of four affordable, energy-efficient homes in Providence, Hopkinton, and Tiverton. The $500,000 in funding for the homes is part of the Zero Energy for the Ocean State (ZEOS) Demonstration Program, which is focused on […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Tiverton Public Library to host program on ‘Colonial Superhighway and the Black Laborers who lived there’

The Tiverton Public Library has announced a new program that will tell the story of the Colonial Superhighway that once connected the first colonial subdivision of land that eventually became the town of Tiverton with Fall River. The program is free and open to all ages. The presentation, titled “Eight Rod Way: The Story of […]

Posted inMusic & Entertainment

Rhode Island Wind Ensemble to perform at Newport Winter Festival in benefit for MLK Center

The Rhode Island Wind Ensemble will perform at the Newport Winter Festival on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Newport Marriott. The concert will benefit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport. The “New England State of Mind” concert will feature a wide range of musical styles from classical to patriotic to […]

Posted inNews

‘Jaws’ portrayed sharks as monsters 50 years ago, but it also inspired a generation of shark scientists

Gavin Naylor, University of Florida Human fear of sharks has deep roots. Written works and art from the ancient world contain references to sharks preying on sailors as early as the eighth century B.C.E. Relayed back to land, stories about shark encounters have been embellished and amplified. Together with the fact that from time to […]

Posted inNews

Newport Polo announces 2024 schedule

The Newport International Polo Series XXXIII announced its 2024 schedule of polo matches today, including its most popular rivalries against England, Ireland, Jamaica, and Italy this season.   The 18-week Series will feature international teams, city teams, and regional rivals competing against USA and Newport. Opening day for the Newport International Polo Series will be on […]

Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do

Aquidneck Island Romancing: 30 ways to treat your partner for Valentine’s Day, all uniquely from Newport County

In the mood for love? Romance is made easy with these offerings of activities, gifts, and dinners. Mix and match your way to a perfect date night, week, or month as you shower your loved ones with love, appreciation, and admiration. Remember to plan ahead and make reservations, check dates, and shipping times (if applicable) […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Newport Live will present Reverend Robert Jones, Sr. at the Jamestown Arts Center on Feb 10

Newport Live presents Reverend Robert B. Jones, Sr. at the Jamestown Arts Center on Saturday, February 10th at 7 pm to celebrate Blues and Black History Month through enchanting storytelling. The evening will be filled with soul-stirring music and compelling narratives of Rev. Robert Jones Sr. He has been heralded by the Detroit Free Press […]

Posted inBusiness

Castle Hill Inn introduces ‘Aurelia’, a new fine dining restaurant

Castle Hill Inn today announced that Aurelia at Castle Hill, Newport’s newest fine dining restaurant, is now open. “With its sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, there is no better location for a celebration, whether it be a special milestone or anniversary or for celebrating family, friends, or, simply, life,” shares Castle Hill Inn […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns announces 2024 Legislative Priorities

The Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns has announced its priorities for the 2024 legislative session, with a focus on housing and land use, education aid, and improving the quality of life. The League, which represents municipal leaders across the state, has outlined a number of key objectives for the next legislative session, including […]

Posted inCity & Government

Middletown Public Schools seeks community input for new superintendent search

Middletown Public Schools has begun a search for a new superintendent of schools as part of a collaboration with the New England School Development Council (NESDEC), the district announced. As part of the search, the school committee is seeking feedback from parents and community members about what they are looking for in the next superintendent […]

Posted inBusiness

People’s Credit Union supports Newport Lions Club’s Eye Health Program

People’s Credit Union has announced a $750 donation to support the Newport Lions Club’s Eye Health Program. This donation will help the organization continue to provide eye screenings for children on Aquidneck Island and distribute collected eyeglasses to needy children, adults, and the elderly. The Newport Lions Club’s Eye Health Program serves as a critical […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island sues Boeing over alleged safety lapses

Rhode Island General TreasurerJames Diossa today announced that the Employees’ Retirement System of Rhode Island has filed a securities class action against The Boeing Company, alleging serious safety lapses that led to numerous product diversions and safety issues. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court Eastern District of Virginia. It names as […]

Posted inNews

Superintendent Jermain joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Jan. 31

With the school year half over, WhatsUpNewp will check in for our monthly videocast with Newport Schools’ Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain on Wednesday, January 31 at 1:30 pm, updating ongoing projects and looking at future funding, some of which is now in jeopardy. Statewide, COVID relief funds to school districts are drying up, and the […]

Posted inNews

Rare whale found dead off Massachusetts may have been entangled, authorities say

A rare whale found dead off Massachusetts shows potential evidence of injury from entanglement in fishing gear, which is one of the most pressing threats to the vanishing species, federal authorities said. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it was notified about the dead female North Atlantic right whale on Sunday off Martha’s Vineyard, […]

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