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 […]
Rhode Island
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 […]
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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 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 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. […]
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Hundreds gather in Middletown to celebrate the life of Carrigan Nelson
Hundreds of family members, friends, medical professionals and musicians gathered Sunday at the Wyndham Hotel to celebrate the life of Carrigan Nelson, a 24-year-old Portsmouth woman who became a nationally recognized childhood cancer advocate during her seven-year battle with osteosarcoma. Nelson passed away on Christmas Day at Boston Children’s Hospital surrounded by loved ones and […]
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Coast Guard suspends search for people missing from fishing vessel that sank off Massachusetts
By MICHAEL CASEY, RODRIQUE NGOWI and PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press GLOUCESTER, Mass. (AP) — The search for survivors on a commercial fishing vessel that sank off the coast of Massachusetts with seven aboard has been suspended, the U.S. Coast Guard said Saturday. The Coast Guard launched a search and rescue mission early Friday after receiving […]
Posted inSports
Ruggeri’s buzzer-beater forces double OT as Rogers tops West Warwick
Victor Ruggeri hit a three-pointer at the buzzer in overtime to force a second extra period, and Rogers held on to defeat West Warwick 53-50 on Friday night at Rogers High School. The Vikings trailed 26-14 at halftime before storming back with 25 second-half points to force overtime. Juelz Peer led all scorers with 17 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Tiverton Public Library selected to host Declaration of Independence replica
Tiverton Public Library has been selected as one of only six locations nationwide to host a replica of the Declaration of Independence, officials announced Thursday. The library will display a replica of the 1823 William J. Stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence from Feb. 19 through July 7 as part of the “Creative Freedom” […]
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Three Newport County nonprofits receive grants for animal care programs
Three Newport County nonprofits will share in $636,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation to support low-cost veterinary care, animal rescue and educational programs. The Potter League for Animals in Middletown received the largest local grant at $72,000 to subsidize veterinary care at its Animal Care and Adoption Center. The funding supports spaying, neutering, […]
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RISSA’s winter fundraiser returns to O’Brien’s Pub, supporting a mission of learning for life
Newport’s coldest months have a way of bringing people together, and few gatherings do it better than the Rhode Island Social Skills Academy’s annual Winter Party. On Sunday, February 1, from 4-7pm, friends and supporters of the Rhode Island Social Skills Academy (RISSA) will gather at O’Brien’s Pub to raise a glass, reconnect with the […]
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Contaminated pilings to be removed from Providence River near Point Street Bridge
About 300 deteriorating wooden pilings will be removed from the Providence River near the Point Street Bridge later this year, state and conservation officials announced Friday. The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, The Nature Conservancy and the city of Providence plan to remove 250 tons of derelict creosote timbers and piers from the river […]
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On the Market: A look at 19 homes hosting Open Houses this weekend in Newport County (Jan. 31 & Feb. 1)
As January comes to a close and we turn the page into early February, the Newport County real estate market is off to a surprising start this year, showing encouraging signs of momentum. Inventory has begun to improve, ever so slightly, and buyer engagement remains strong given the time of year and the conditions we […]
Posted inNews
Portsmouth woman wins $50,000 on JAWS lottery ticket
A Portsmouth woman is $50,000 richer after hitting the top prize on a JAWS instant lottery ticket, according to the Rhode Island Lottery. The winner, who plans to use the money for a trip to Florida, purchased the ticket at Melville Xtra Mart at 1568 West Main Road. Players with non-winning JAWS tickets still have […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport police towing vehicles as parking bans continue; Saturday ban ahead
Newport police are towing vehicles Friday morning as city crews work to clear snow from side streets, with another mandatory parking ban set for Saturday and more snow in the forecast. Capt. Joseph Carroll, the department’s public information officer, said many vehicles remained parked on streets in the Lower Thames area Friday despite the ban. […]