Posted inInstagram, News, Nonprofit

Newport Art Museum raises record $648,500 in summer fundraising events

The Newport Art Museum announced Thursday that its signature summer fundraising events generated a record $648,500 to support exhibitions and programming, with attendance reaching more than 1,400 people across three days. The museum’s Summer Art Party and Wet Paint events raised $428,500 for ongoing exhibitions, programming and community outreach. An additional $220,000 was raised to […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport City Council to consider composting program, harbor patrol vessel contract

The Newport City Council will consider a residential curbside composting service agreement and a contract for a new harbormaster patrol vessel when it meets Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 43 Broadway. The council will vote on a service agreement with Black Earth Compost for residential curbside composting and award a contract […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport launches upgraded tax billing, new utility billing systems

Newport residents will see updates to both tax and utility billing systems this month as the city rolls out upgraded platforms designed to streamline online payments. Tax bills arriving in mailboxes feature a new design with clearer account information, an updated customer portal link and total tax bills reflecting all eligible exemptions. The first quarter […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Arthur Paiva

Arthur Paiva, a devoted family man, tireless community servant, and a true Newport character, passed away on his 93rd birthday, Tuesday, August 12th, at 9:00pm at the Rhode Island Veterans’ Home. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie Elizabeth Stricker Paiva, and his son-in-law, Mark Stephen Weed. Arthur’s legacy lives on through […]

Posted inCity & Government

State regulators seek public feedback on banning new gas connections on Aquidneck Island

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current August 20, 2025 Do supply problems and state decarbonization goals warrant an end to new natural gas connections on Aquidneck Island?State regulators are asking Newport residents to weigh in at a 6 p.m. meeting Wednesday night at Innovate Newport. The event kicks off an exploratory review over the abstract […]

Posted inCity & Government

How a ship that glides like a pelican could change travel and defense

By MATT O’BRIEN AP Technology Writer NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) — The winged passenger ferry gliding over the surface of Narragansett Bay could be a new method of coastal transportation or a new kind of warship. Its maker, Regent Craft, is betting on both. Twelve quietly buzzing propellers line the 65-foot (20-meter) wingspan of Paladin, […]

Posted inNews, Police & Fire

Update: More details emerge in Newport assistant attorney general arrest case

Since the initial reports of Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan’s arrest at The Clarke Cooke House, several new developments have surfaced that provide additional context to the Aug. 14 incident. Arrest details from police records According to the Newport Police Department’s arrest blotter, both Flanagan (identified as Devon F. Hogan, 34, of Warwick) […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island officials warn beachgoers of dangerous surf from Hurricane Erin

Rhode Island officials are urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution along the state’s coastline as Hurricane Erin passes offshore, creating dangerous surf conditions and life-threatening rip currents through Friday. Gov. Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued the warning Tuesday as the National Weather Service posted a high surf […]

Posted inCity & Government

State health officials reopen Easton’s Beach for swimming

The Rhode Island Department of Health announced Tuesday that Easton’s Beach in Newport has been cleared for swimming after bacteria levels returned to safe standards. The popular Newport beach was closed to swimmers on Aug. 15 due to elevated bacteria counts but reopened Tuesday after a four-day closure, according to RIDOH officials. The department monitors […]

Posted inNews, Weather

Things to know about dangerous rip currents and how swimmers caught in one can escape

By LEAH WILLINGHAM, CURT ANDERSON and PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Rip currents are one of the coast’s greatest dangers and account for the most beach rescues every year. Hurricane Erin is bringing the potentially deadly currents to the East Coast this week. About 100 people drown from rip currents along U.S. beaches each year, […]

Posted inNews, Sports

Tennis Hall of Fame’s revamped Induction Weekend to feature fan celebrations, celebrities and concert

This year’s International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) Induction Celebration will have a distinctive look and feel from past ceremonies. After the ATP’s decision to offload several 250 tournaments—the Hall of Fame Open among them—ITHF took the opportunity to retool its Induction Weekend, which had occurred on the second to last day of the tournament. […]

Posted inNews

20 states and DC sue DOJ to stop immigration requirements on victim funds

By CLAUDIA LAUER and MIKE CATALINI Associated Press A coalition of attorneys general from 20 states and Washington, D.C., is asking a federal judge to stop the U.S. Department of Justice from withholding federal funds earmarked for crime victims if states don’t cooperate with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. The lawsuit filed Monday in […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit, Sports

Newport regatta to benefit three marine nonprofits

NEWPORT, R.I. — Three nonprofit organizations focused on sailing and marine safety will benefit from the annual Sail for Hope regatta scheduled for Sept. 27 around Jamestown, organizers announced Monday. The fundraising race will support Warrior Sailing, which teaches wounded veterans sailing skills, the Better Bay Alliance’s boating safety programs, and Sail Newport’s community access initiatives. Warrior […]

Posted inArts & Culture

So ‘Gilded Age’: Iconic images from Newport’s Weekend of Coaching

It was like a scene out of HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” with historic horse-drawn carriages traversing along Bellevue Ave, Ocean Drive, and stopping by several of The Preservation of Newport County’s (PSNC) mansions. For three days, the “Weekend of Coaching” graced the streets and mansions with impeccably preserved 19th-century coaches, each drawn by four magnificent […]

Posted inNews, Sports

Patriots beat Vikings 20-12 as rookies Henderson and Chism each record another preseason TD

By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Pro Football Writer MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — New England rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Efton Chism III each had another preseason touchdown, and the Patriots beat the Minnesota Vikings 20-12 on Saturday. Henderson, the second-round draft pick from national champion Ohio State who’s been turning heads in training camp and tracking toward a […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Two artists explore ancestry and memory in dual Jamestown Arts Center exhibitions

JAMESTOWN, R.I. — Two solo exhibitions opening Sept. 12 at the Jamestown Arts Center will examine themes of ancestry, cultural memory and perseverance through distinctly different artistic lenses. Pittsburgh-based artist DS Kinsel’s “Bohemian Ossuary” and Providence-based artist Becci Davis’ “Bloodstone + Home” will run through Nov. 8, with an opening reception and artists’ talk scheduled […]

Posted inEnvironment & Health, News

Two Newport beaches reopen as Easton’s Beach remains closed

Two Newport beaches have been cleared for swimming after bacteria levels returned to safe ranges, though Easton’s Beach remains closed due to ongoing water quality concerns. The Rhode Island Department of Health announced Saturday that Spouting Rock Beach Association and Gooseberry Beach have been reopened to swimmers. Both beaches were closed Thursday after testing revealed […]

Posted inColumns

Helen Hames: Elder Abuse – The silent epidemic

The silently simmering epidemic of elder abuse has drawn together a powerful coalition of organizations determined to turn up the volume–raising awareness and driving action. Earlier this week, representatives from the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI (SACRI), the Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice (RICEJ), the Rhode Island State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office, St. Elizabeth […]

Posted inNews

Things to do in Newport County this weekend: Aug. 15 – 17

Newport County residents and visitors have an exceptional array of activities to choose from this weekend, with cultural celebrations, equestrian events, and historical programming taking center stage. The three-day Hellenic Fest at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church runs Friday through Sunday, offering authentic Greek food and music. Meanwhile, “A Weekend of Coaching” brings equestrian enthusiasts […]

Posted inCity & Government, Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Setting the record straight on Middletown’s affordable housing progress

In response to Town Council member Barbara VonVillas’ comments at the last Council meeting, and her recent Letter to the Editor: The Middletown Affordable Housing Committee (AHC) is charged with looking at town­-owned properties for affordable housing, not privately-owned property like Rosebrook Commons, so I am not wrong when I state, in the 10 years […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Veronica Bruno: Newport gallery report—the breadth of shows at Redwood Library and Athenaeum

There were so many gorgeous shows that opened throughout Newport over the summer. But in this report, we’re focusing on the shows that dazzled each of the gallery spaces at the Redwood Library and Athenaeum, right next to the Newport Art Museum. The breadth of exhibits on display really is a testament to the organization’s […]

Posted inArts & Culture

‘Jaws’ returns to Newport with 4K restoration, week-long screenings at The JPT Film & Event Center

The Jane Pickens Theatre & Event Center at 49 Touro Street will transform Newport into Amity Island for a Labor Day celebration of Steven Spielberg’s classic thriller “Jaws.” The weeklong event runs Aug. 29 through Sept. 4, featuring a nationwide 4K restoration of the 1975 blockbuster that helped define the summer movie season. “We needed […]

Posted inBusiness

Milkshakes, malts, concretes, frappes and more: A (delicious) guide to frozen drinks

By KATIE WORKMAN Associated Press In the summer heat, we find ourselves drawn to that glorious section of the drinks menu that promises relief in the form of a cold, creamy, brain-freezing indulgence. But ordering a frozen drink looks different in different parts of the U.S., and in different restaurants and ice cream shops. So, what is […]

New luxury condominium community now selling in Portsmouth 

A rare opportunity for coastal living has arrived with the official launch of Aquidneck Village, a private, gated condominium community located directly across from the prestigious Aquidneck Club in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. With just 28 thoughtfully designed homes, Aquidneck Village offers a serene lifestyle for downsizers, empty nesters, and families seeking timeless design, modern convenience, […]

Posted inInstagram, News

Newport City Council honors retired library director Joe Logue with proclamation

The Newport City Council honored Joe Logue, the recently retired Director of the Newport Public Library, with a proclamation during its regular meeting Wednesday night, declaring Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 as “Joe Logue Day” in the city. Mayor Charles Holder read the proclamation recognizing Logue’s eight years of service leading the library through what the […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island man accused of faking his death to avoid rape charges is found guilty of sexual assault in Utah

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Rhode Island man accused of faking his death and fleeing the United States to evade rape charges was found guilty Wednesday of sexually assaulting a former girlfriend in his first of two Utah trials. A jury in Salt Lake County found Nicholas Rossi guilty of a […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Jane Wilbur

Jane Carol (Cardoza) WilburMiddletown, RI – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jane Carol Wilbur, 78, who left us peacefully on August 11, 2025. She was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Franklin Wilbur, who passed away in 2022.Born on July 8, 1947, in Newport, RI, Jane was a shining light in […]

Posted inBusiness, Sports

Tennis Hall of Fame, 11th Hour Racing extend partnership for sixth year

NEWPORT, R.I. — The International Tennis Hall of Fame and 11th Hour Racing announced Wednesday they have renewed their sustainability-focused sponsorship for a sixth consecutive year, marking significant environmental achievements during July’s Hall of Fame Open tournament. As the Official Sustainability Sponsor, 11th Hour Racing supports the hall’s year-round environmental initiatives, including operations during the […]

Posted inArts & Culture

MÃE Organization for the Homeless serves Rhode Islanders-in-need with basic human services

Native Rhode Islander Tuni Schartner is sometimes referred to as “Rhode Island’s Economic Gardener.” She earned this nickname due to her personal mission of “helping businesses thrive, and to help the Rhode Island economy grow; always focusing on the greater good.” Since graduating from URI, Schartner has held community-driven leadership roles all over Rhode Island, […]

Posted inReal Estate

New construction Newport home sells for $3.45 million

A newly constructed home at 35 Coggeshall Ave. in Newport sold for $3.45 million, according to Hogan Associates Christie’s International Real Estate. The six-bedroom, eight-bathroom residence is located one street from Bellevue Avenue and steps from Morton’s Park. Dominique Frazier of Hogan Associates represented the seller in the transaction. Neither the buyer nor seller was […]

Posted inSports

Newport to host 12 Metre North American Championship in September

NEWPORT — The waters of Narragansett Bay will once again showcase sailing’s most elegant chapter when the 2025 12 Metre North American Championship arrives in Newport Sept. 19-21. Hosted by Ida Lewis Yacht Club in partnership with the International Twelve Metre Association Americas Fleet, the three-day regatta brings together the iconic yacht class that dominated […]

Posted inNews

Rhode Island Energy upgrading electrical infrastructure in 5 Portsmouth neighborhoods

PORTSMOUTH — Rhode Island Energy is continuing a multi-year infrastructure improvement project to enhance safety, reliability and system performance for nearly 1,800 customers across five Portsmouth neighborhoods. The utility company announced Tuesday that crews will upgrade nearly 3.5 miles of electric equipment in The Hummocks, Island Park, Common Fence Point, The Point Section and Portsmouth […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Little Compton celebrates 350th anniversary with parade, music Saturday

LITTLE COMPTON — Little Compton will celebrate its 350th anniversary Saturday with a parade and day-long festivities that organizers say are “worth the 50 year wait.” The LC350 Parade will begin at 11 a.m. from the intersection of West Main Road and Peckham Road, continuing along Meetinghouse Lane and The Commons before finishing at Richmond’s […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Charter Books, Newport Historical Society to host historian Randall Balmer

NEWPORT — Charter Books and the Newport Historical Society will present an evening with historian and author Randall Balmer on Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Richard I. Burnham Resource Center. Balmer, the John Phillips Professor in Religion at Dartmouth College, will discuss his newly released book “America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State” […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Newport Classical offers three free concerts for families this fall

Newport Classical will present three free concerts designed for families and children from August through October as part of its Community Concerts Series presented by BankNewport. The Grammy Award-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet will perform Saturday, Aug. 23, at 4 p.m. at the Newport County YMCA, 792 Valley Road, Middletown. The interactive concert will feature selections […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit, Sports

Newport Polo’s Singapore Swing gala raises $80,000 for local conservation groups

Newport Polo raised more than $80,000 for local environmental organizations at its 24th Annual International Polo Charity Ball on Aug. 1 at Rosecliff Mansion. The sold-out “Singapore Swing” gala, presented by BD, honored the Singapore Polo Team while supporting four Rhode Island conservation groups: Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, Save The Bay, Roger Williams Park […]

Posted inArts & Culture

‘Shattered Ice’ Rhode Island premiere at The JPT Film & Event Center to spotlight mental health awareness

On Friday, Aug. 15, Newport’s historic The JPT Film & Event Center will host the Rhode Island premiere of Shattered Ice. This award-winning narrative feature has been gaining national attention on the film festival circuit. Presented in collaboration with Newport-based mental health advocacy brand NOSOLO, the evening will blend powerful storytelling with a shared commitment […]

Posted inSports

Record fleet battles surprise winds at Safe Harbor Race Weekend

NEWPORT — Strong afternoon breezes surprised sailors and elevated competition during the fifth annual Safe Harbor Race Weekend, as 72 teams battled across Narragansett Bay from Friday through Sunday despite forecasts calling for light winds. The record-breaking fleet competed in 10 classes, with navigation racing gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional windward-leeward courses. Nineteen […]

Posted inNews

Hellenic Fest, coaching events highlight busy Newport County week

Newport County residents and visitors can choose from colonial walking tours, live music venues, farmers markets and outdoor activities throughout the week, with highlights including the Hellenic Fest, coaching weekend events and the annual George Washington Letter Reading. The week features daily colonial Jewish walking tours at the Loeb Visitors Center, multiple farmers markets across […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Rhode Island Foundation awards $375,000 to 62 Newport County nonprofits

Sixty-two nonprofit organizations serving Newport County received a total of $375,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation to support programs ranging from educational initiatives and housing assistance to food pantries and arts activities. The funding comes through the foundation’s Newport County Fund, which provides grants of up to $10,000 to strengthen existing programs, support […]

Posted inCity & Government

Letter to the Editor: Stop wasting millions on duplicate administration—our students deserve better

As a new school committee member, I’ve spent the past eight months learning our Newport School District inside and out—listening to teachers, students, administrators, and community partners. What I’ve seen makes one thing clear: we must refocus resources on student success in the face of declining enrollment and shrinking funding. Our children’s education is at […]

Posted inNews, Police & Fire

Body found washed ashore at Jamestown beach

JAMESTOWN, R.I. — Police are investigating after an unidentified body washed ashore near Heads Beach off Seaside Drive on Sunday morning. The Jamestown Police and Fire departments responded to the scene at approximately 7:36 a.m. after a swimmer reported finding the body and contacted authorities. The Rhode Island State Police, Department of Environmental Management and […]

Posted inSports

36 teams set for 20th annual Ida Lewis Distance Race this weekend

NEWPORT — Thirty-six sailing teams are preparing for the 20th edition of the Ida Lewis Distance Race, a grueling overnight challenge that will test sailors’ endurance and seamanship skills Aug. 14-15. Registration remains open through Sunday for the event that stands apart from traditional round-the-buoy regattas by sending competitors on coastal courses ranging from 129 […]

Posted inNews, Police & Fire

Newport Police Department warns of phone scam using officers’ names

The Newport Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers impersonate police officers using actual names from the department to deceive victims into purchasing gift cards or bitcoin. According to a news release issued Saturday by Lt. Joseph C. Carroll, the department’s public information officer, scammers are identifying themselves as Newport […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Big Blue Bike Barn gets solar power system through community partnership

NEWPORT — The Big Blue Bike Barn received solar-powered electricity last week through a collaborative effort involving six local organizations, expanding programming capabilities at the community campus managed by Bike Newport. The solar power system was funded by The Newport Health Equity Zone, International Tennis Hall of Fame, 11th Hour Racing, A1 Roofing and Construction, […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Christine Baranski marveled at her family ties to the Gilded Age during talk at The Elms

“The Gilded Age’s” Christine Baranski cuts a much more elegant figure than her character, Agnes Van Rhijn, in real life. Resplendent in a stunning black power suit, a fab wavy blonde bob, a striking brooch, and Christian Louboutin heels, the Juilliard-trained actress held sway during her talk at The Elms lawn Thursday evening, August 7. […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Documentary ‘Speak’ screens at newportFILM Outdoors with director in attendance

The documentary “Speak,” which had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, screened Thursday night at Miantonomi Park as part of newportFILM Outdoors’ 15th anniversary season. Co-director Guy Mossman attended the screening and participated in a post-film conversation with Todd Trebour, executive director of the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. The […]

Posted inBusiness

West Place Animal Sanctuary launches driving tours to improve accessibility

TIVERTON — West Place Animal Sanctuary has introduced electric vehicle tours to make its 8-acre property accessible to visitors with mobility challenges, though the nonprofit is still fundraising to cover the vehicle’s cost. The sanctuary announced Tuesday that it has added a CRU by Club Car, a quiet, eco-friendly five-passenger electric cart, to offer guided […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Portsmouth Town Council to consider disc golf course, overdose memorial display at Aug. 12 Meeting

The Portsmouth Town Council will tackle several community initiatives when it meets Tuesday, August 12, at 7 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at Portsmouth Town Hall. Among the key items on the agenda is a request to bring a disc golf course to Portsmouth with support from the Parks and Recreation Committee. The council […]

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