Posted inNews, Police & Fire

Aquidneck Island police achieve zero road deaths during Operation Safe Summer

Police departments in Middletown, Newport and Portsmouth achieved their goal of zero roadway fatalities during a coordinated summer traffic safety initiative, officials announced Tuesday. Operation Safe Summer 2025, which ran from July 4 through Sept. 1, resulted in 4,042 traffic stops and 61 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs across the […]

Posted inCity & Government

Just My Opinion: Foulkes, as expected, announces for Governor

Helena Buonanno Foulkes, who came within a whisper of defeating Gov, Dan McKee in the last gubernatorial primary election, today announced she’ll challenge the governor again in the 2026 primary election for governor. Her announcement was no surprise. Foulkes made official what virtually all political observers believed was inevitable and has been made even clearer […]

Posted inInstagram, News, Nonprofit, Things To Do

Citizens Pell Bridge Run announces 31 local nonprofits as 2025 beneficiaries

Thirty-one local nonprofits will benefit from the 14th annual Citizens Pell Bridge Run when thousands of participants cross the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge at sunrise Oct. 19. The 4-mile run and walk from Jamestown to Newport marks the only day each year pedestrians are allowed on the bridge. One hundred percent of proceeds will be […]

Posted inCity & Government

Foulkes launches second gubernatorial campaign

Helena Buonanno Foulkes announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor Monday, setting up a potential rematch with Gov. Dan McKee in the 2026 Democratic primary. The announcement came hours after McKee’s campaign launched a digital advertisement attacking Foulkes’ role during the opioid crisis as president of CVS Pharmacy from 2014 to 2018. Foulkes, […]

Posted inInstagram, News, Real Estate

$14.5M Newport waterfront estate sold

A waterfront estate on Wellington Avenue sold for $14.48 million, according to Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty. The property, known as Harbor Watch, sits on 2.7 acres overlooking Newport Harbor, Fort Adams State Park and the Newport Bridge. The shingle-style main residence contains 5,000 square feet of living space with five bedrooms, five full bathrooms […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Education documentary to premiere at newportFILM

A documentary examining innovative approaches to American education will have its world premiere Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. at Salve Regina University through newportFILM. “Multiple Choice,” produced by Ted Dintersmith, follows students and teachers at the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center in Winchester, Virginia. The program integrates career-based learning with traditional academics in […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Rose Island opens doors to public for artist residency showcase

Seven Rhode Island artists working on Rose Island will showcase their creations to the public Saturday as part of the third annual Rose Island Artist Residency program. The artists — Ryan Miech, Joseph Marchesi, Xander Marro, Isabella Uliasz, Welder Vasquez, Madeline Walent and Allison Wilbur — began their six-night residency Monday and will open their […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport to host third community forum on state’s coastal resilience plan

Newport will serve as the venue for the third community forum dedicated to Rhode Island’s statewide coastal resilience plan 2025, offering residents a chance to help shape the state’s response to rising seas and extreme weather. The forum is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Newport Library, located at 300 Spring St. […]

Posted inCity & Government

Portsmouth legislator among Rhode Island lawmakers honored for food policy work

Two Rhode Island legislators, including Portsmouth Rep. Michelle McGaw, received recognition Monday for their efforts to strengthen the state’s local food system. The Rhode Island Food Policy Council presented its annual Changemaker awards to Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski and Rep. Michelle McGaw during the organization’s policy retreat at Providence Public Library. Sosnowski, D-South Kingstown, was […]

Posted inInstagram, Real Estate

What Sold: A look at 23 recent sales across Newport County (Sept. 1 – 5)

The first week of September brought another strong slate of sales across Newport County, highlighted by a $14,000,000+ transaction on Wellington Avenue in Newport. In total, 23 residential properties closed (as published in the statewide MLS), spanning from landmark estates to classic cottages and condominiums. The range in price points is a clear reflection of […]

Posted inOpinion

Letter to the Editor: Federal limitations on voting rights hits Rhode Island

In a new policy alert issued last weekend, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that nonpartisan groups such as the League of Women Voters will no longer be allowed to register new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies. Instead, the responsibility will shift solely to state and local election officials. For decades, the […]

Posted inNews, Police & Fire

Middletown woman seriously injured in bicycle-vehicle collision on Greene Lane

A 47-year-old Middletown woman suffered serious injuries Wednesday afternoon when her bicycle collided with a motor vehicle on Greene Lane, according to police. The collision occurred around 4:00 p.m. near 92 Greene Lane, prompting responses from both Middletown Police and Fire departments. Emergency responders found the female cyclist with serious injuries at the scene. Middletown […]

Posted inEnvironment & Health, News

Scientists tap ‘secret’ fresh water under the ocean, raising hopes for a thirsty world

By CALVIN WOODWARD, CAROLYN KASTER and RODRIQUE NGOWI Associated Press ABOARD LIFTBOAT ROBERT, North Atlantic (AP) — Deep in Earth’s past, an icy landscape became a seascape as the ice melted and the oceans rose off what is now the northeastern United States. Nearly 50 years ago, a U.S. government ship searching for minerals and […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Newport City Council to consider major IT contracts, board appointments at Sept. 10 meeting

The Newport City Council will consider several significant technology service contracts and make appointments to various city boards and commissions when it meets Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 43 Broadway. Among the major agenda items, the council will vote on contracts for IT managed services, Office 365 tenant configuration […]

Posted inNews

Newport carriage house in historic Kay Catherine neighborhood sells for $4.1 million

A distinguished carriage house at 10 Liberty St. in Newport’s Kay Catherine neighborhood has sold for $4.1 million, marking the fourth-highest residential sale in the city this year. Hogan Associates Christie’s International Real Estate announced the sale of the property, which sits on a quiet, tree-lined street just one block from Bellevue Avenue. Leslie Hogan […]

Posted inNews

States and developer sue the Trump administration for halting work on New England offshore wind farm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Connecticut, Rhode Island and the developer of an offshore wind farm that would power 350,000 homes in the two states said Thursday that they’re suing the Trump administration for stopping the nearly completed project. The states filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island Thursday, with the state’s attorney general, […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Florence Cyr

Florence Ann Cyr (Wagner) – beloved mother, sister, and wife – passed away on the morning of July 25, 2025, at the age of 65. She is survived by her loving sons, Roger, Michael, and Joseph; her grandchildren Addison, Isla, Memphis, Wyatt, Tommy, and Isabelle; her brother John; sister-in-law Miriam; and her nieces Jennifer, Christina, and Kathleen; daughters-in-law Tarah and Katie; […]

Posted inNews, Police & Fire

59 arrested for DUI during Rhode Island’s Labor Day weekend

Law enforcement agencies across Rhode Island arrested 59 people for driving under the influence during the Labor Day holiday weekend, according to the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. The arrests occurred between noon Friday, Aug. 29, and 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, representing a coordinated effort by all 38 municipal police departments and Rhode Island […]

Posted inNews

Things to do this week and weekend in Newport: Sept. 2 – 7

Newport County offers a diverse lineup of events this week, from cultural attractions to outdoor activities and live entertainment. Highlights include Colonial Jewish Walking Tours running daily at the Loeb Visitors Center, Third Beach Yoga sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and the Secret Garden Tour at Belcourt of Newport from Friday through Sunday. Music […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island Energy begins major electrical upgrades in Newport’s Long Wharf area

Rhode Island Energy has started upgrading electrical infrastructure in Newport’s Long Wharf area as part of the city’s $128 million capital improvement plan, the utility announced Tuesday. Crews are installing new underground electric cables to upgrade the city’s sewage pump station by increasing supply voltage, according to the company. The work also includes upgrading and […]

Posted inOpinion

Letter to the Editor: Teamwork makes the dream work

Is School Regionalization the answer? Just to be clear, I support a school regionalization plan that improves student success, provides teachers with the resources they need to help students achieve their goals, and uses the taxpayers’ dollars responsibly.  Unfortunately, the resolution presented and passed at the August 13th Newport City Council meeting did not meet […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport police boost school zone enforcement as classes resume Wednesday

The Newport Police Department is increasing enforcement in school zones as students return to class Wednesday, Sept. 3, with new automated cameras and enhanced patrols to ensure driver safety. Police will strictly enforce the 20 mph speed limit in school zones during posted hours Monday through Friday, Lt. Joseph Carroll, the department’s public information officer, […]

Posted inNews

Notes: Amica Newport Marathon partners with 11th Hour Racing for second year of sustainability efforts

Good morning, Newport! 👋 Today is Tuesday, Sept. 2, the 245th day of 2025. There are 120 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know The Amica Newport Marathon is expanding its environmental initiatives for the second consecutive year through a continued partnership with 11th Hour Racing as the event’s official sustainability partner. […]

Posted inJobs

J.T. Commons now hiring for front and back-of-house positions

J.T. Commons, the new restaurant set to open this fall in the former Foodlove Market space at 1037 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown, is now hiring.  Front-of-house and back-of-house opportunities are available with full and part-time hours as well as flexible scheduling. Applicants can visit the restaurant for walk-in interviews and same-day hiring Monday through Saturday from 10 […]

Posted inNews

‘America’s nicest judge’ Frank Caprio to be honored at public memorial services in Rhode Island

By LEAH WILLINGHAM Associated Press People from all over the world are expected to pay tribute to Frank Caprio, a retired municipal judge who found online fame as an empathetic jurist and host of “ Caught in Providence,” at memorial services beginning Thursday in his home state of Rhode Island. Caprio, who won hearts with the […]

Posted inBusiness, News

Rhode Island family treasures from Brown, Herreshoff dynasties head to auction

A treasure trove of Rhode Island history will go under the hammer next month when Nye & Company Auctioneers offers rare artifacts from some of the Ocean State’s most influential families. The two-day auction, scheduled for Sept. 10-11 in Bloomfield, New Jersey, will feature property from the DeWolf, Herreshoff and Brown families — dynasties that […]

Posted inCity & Government

State reps to host special meeting on Revolution Wind project halt

Rhode Island state representatives Lauren Carson and Terri Cortvriend will host a special Zoom meeting Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 6:30 p.m. to address the federal government’s sudden decision to halt construction of the Revolution Wind project. The meeting comes after the Trump administration ordered Danish developer Ørsted to stop all construction on the nearly complete offshore […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Newport Tree Conservancy finds permanent home for nursery operations

After nearly four decades of nurturing Newport’s urban forest, the Newport Tree Conservancy has secured a permanent home for its tree propagation efforts. The organization, founded in 1987 as the Newport Tree Society, will operate from the newly established Minnie Cushing Coleman Heritage Tree Nursery on Coggeshall Avenue. The move comes after years of uncertainty […]

Posted inCity & Government

RIPTA to run holiday schedule Monday; Newport ferry shuttle switches to fall timetable

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day, with Newport seeing mixed impacts as some services continue while others scale back. The Newport Transportation Center will buck the trend of other RIPTA facilities by remaining open during the holiday. The customer service kiosk will […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: James Reise

James “Jim” Allyn Reise, 85, of Jamestown, RI, and Bonita Springs, FL, passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2025, with his loving wife, Rita, by his side. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, Jim was the son of Gertrude (Raposa) and John Reise. He attended De La Salle Academy and enjoyed a charmed childhood […]

Posted inInstagram, News, Sports

ITHF Induction highlights: Tennis Wave at Bowen’s Wharf was awesome!

Serena Williams’ cameo during the International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction (ITHF) ceremony may have had the lion’s share of attention (for good reason! Amazing!!), but there were a few other events that were major standouts this year. The Induction Celebration kicked off with the Tennis Wave event on Thursday that transported a temporary tennis […]

Posted inEnvironment & Health, News

Rhode Island health officials close two Middletown beaches due to high bacteria levels

The Rhode Island Department of Health on Tuesday recommended closing swimming areas at two Middletown beaches due to elevated bacteria levels that pose health risks to swimmers. Third Beach and Peabody’s Beach were added to the state’s beach closure list after water samples showed bacteria counts exceeding safe swimming standards, according to a RIDOH press […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Audrain Newport Concours unveils Jay Leno, Ford CEO for seminars

Television personality Jay Leno and Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley will headline the 2025 Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week Speaker Series, organizers announced Tuesday. The seminars will run Oct. 3-4 at the historic Casino Theater on the International Tennis Hall of Fame grounds, featuring automotive industry leaders and celebrities discussing car culture and […]

Posted inInstagram, News, People & Profiles

Newport superintendent to address community questions in monthly live forum

Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will sit down with What’sUpNewp tomorrow afternoon for her regular monthly conversation with the community, offering parents, students, and residents a direct line to district leadership just one week before the new school year begins. The live virtual discussion, scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 1:30 p.m., provides a platform […]

Posted inReal Estate

Historic Westerly venue sells for $4.5M in state’s second-largest commercial deal

The historic Haversham property on Post Road has sold for $4.5 million, marking the highest commercial sale in Washington County and the second-largest statewide this year, according to Multiple Listing Service data. The Bellone family purchased the 14-acre venue through Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty agent Gregory Arakelian. The sellers were represented by Mike […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island prosecutor put on unpaid leave after warning ‘You’re gonna regret this’ during arrest

By LEAH WILLINGHAM and KIMBERLEE KRUESI Associated Press PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island state prosecutor was put on unpaid leave for six months after she was captured on police body camera footage warning one of the officers who were arresting her on a trespassing charge that he was “gonna regret it.” Special Assistant Attorney General […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Joseph Monahan

Joseph Monahan was born in 1944 to Edward and Hope Monahan. He was born and died in the family home in Bristol, Rhode Island where he provided loving care to his mother, “Hopie” until her passing. After a life full of adventures and fun that included; childhood escapades, competitive sailing, hiking mountains and trails throughout […]

Posted inSports

Veterans prove age no barrier in inaugural Great Grandmasters team race

In conditions that would challenge sailors half their age, competitors 60 and older battled gusty winds and driving rain as Hurricane Erin passed offshore during the inaugural New York Yacht Club Great Grandmasters Team Race last week. The New York Yacht Club team dominated the competition, going undefeated through seven round-robin races before defeating Noroton […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up this week in Newport County: Aug. 25 – Sept. 1

Newport County is closing out August with a robust slate of entertainment and community activities, offering something for every interest as the summer season draws to a close. The week’s events span from outdoor concerts and farmers markets to specialized tours and recreational activities across multiple municipalities. Music enthusiasts will find particularly strong offerings, with […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Democrats ask Trump to resume a major offshore wind project near Rhode Island

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) — A nearly complete wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut faces an uncertain future after the Trump administration abruptly halted construction, and the states’ Democratic governors, lawmakers and union workers called Monday for the president to reverse course. The administration said last week that the federal government […]

Posted inCity & Government

How gas prices have changed in Rhode Island in the last week

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Rhode Island. Gas prices are as of August 25. Rhode Island by the numbers- Gas current price: $3.04- Week change: +$0.01 (+0.2%)- Year change: -$0.25 (-7.7%)- Historical expensive gas price: $5.02 (6/13/22) – Diesel current price: $3.82- Week change: +$0.01 (+0.2%)- Year change: -$0.16 (-4.1%)- Historical expensive diesel […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Tennis Hall of Fame closed out a momentous Induction with Serenapova and a rockin’ concert

Every International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) Induction Celebration is special and it’s a huge privilege to see these icons of the sport honored right here in Newport. This year’s event was different, separating the celebration from the tournament, and placing it later on the Newport summer calendar in August. But ITHF delivered a show-stopping […]

Posted inNews

Great white sharks are going north. Here’s what the numbers say

SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — New data shows that great white sharks are spending more time in the chilly waters off New England and Canada’s Atlantic coast. That means boaters, beachgoers and fishermen who spend time in the northern waters are learning to live with the predators made famous by the movie “Jaws” 50 years ago. Sightings of the sharks […]

Posted inNews

Great white sharks head north, following seals and alarming beachgoers

SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — Rick Clough spent some four decades fishing for lobsters and sea urchins off the Maine coast before spotting one of the ocean’s most recognized predators — a great white shark. The approximately 8-foot (2.4-meter) shark, seen off the beach town of Scarborough in July, surprised Clough, but didn’t make him fear the […]

Posted inSports

Sharapova, Bryan Brothers inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Maria Sharapova and doubles legends Bob and Mike Bryan were formally inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday, joining tennis immortality in a ceremony that brought the sport’s elite to Newport’s iconic grounds. The three inductees bring the Hall of Fame’s total membership to 270 legends representing 28 nations. The ceremony capped […]

Posted inSports

Maria Sharapova and Bryan Brothers enter tennis hall, with surprise appearance by Serena Williams

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Serena Williams made a a surprise — and early — appearance at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, emerging from behind the stage to introduce “former rival, former fan and forever friend” Maria Sharapova for her induction on Saturday night. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion who will be eligible for […]

Posted inInstagram, News, Sports

2025 Tennis Hall of Fame Induction: Maria Sharapova and Bryan Brothers talked about the sacrifices made for their careers

The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) will be inducting three legends in the sport on Saturday, August 23, with Maria Sharapova and doubles icons Bob and Mike Bryan being celebrated for their legacy in the sport of tennis. All three achieved the career Grand Slam, winning all four majors. Sharapova was the 10th women’s […]

Posted inCity & Government

Trump halts work on New England offshore wind project that’s nearly complete

By ISABELLA O’MALLEY Associated Press The Trump administration halted construction on a nearly complete offshore wind project near Rhode Island as the White House continues to attack the battered U.S. offshore wind industry that scientists say is crucial to the urgent fight against climate change. Danish wind farm developer Orsted says the Revolution Wind project […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Dennis Brown

Dennis Brown, beloved husband and father, passed away quietly at home on the morning of August 19th, 2025, aged 79. He leaves his loving wife Mary Ellen Brown (Mobbs), sons Dennis Jr. and Jack, grandchildren Amos, Esme, and Frankie, former spouse Dale, and many friends. The son of John and Helen Brown (Flannery), Dennis was […]

Posted inSports

Tennis Hall of Fame induction celebration continues with Celebrity Pro Classic

The International Tennis Hall of Fame’s 2025 Induction Celebration continued Friday with the Celebrity Pro Classic, featuring Hollywood stars teaming with tennis legends on Stadium Court. Television stars Uzo Aduba, Hanna Berner and Angela Kinsey took the court with Hall of Famers Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario and James Blake, along with Class […]

Posted inSports

Tennis Hall of Fame begins 2025 induction celebration

The International Tennis Hall of Fame’s 2025 Induction Celebration opened Thursday with waterfront activities and an evening dinner, launching three days of events honoring this year’s inductees. The festivities began at Bowen’s Wharf with The Tennis Wave presented by 11th Hour Racing, featuring a portable tennis court hosting USTA Red Ball Clinics, a Bryan brothers […]

Posted inNews

Newport professor receives prestigious NSF award to study Antarctic leopard seals

A Newport resident and University of Rhode Island professor has been awarded one of the nation’s most prestigious early-career faculty awards to study one of Antarctica’s most mysterious predators. Sarah Kienle, an assistant professor in URI’s natural resources science department, received a five-year, $848,602 National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Program award to investigate […]

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