Posted inArts & Culture

Preservation Society kicks off the Newport social calendar with “fairyland” Flower Show

Preservation Society’s Flower Show officially launched Newport’s fashionable social scene last weekend with a kaleidoscope of color and creativity that took over Rosecliff mansion on Bellevue Ave. The Newport Flower Show: “A Floral Fair” was blessed with glorious weather all weekend and crowds flocked to view the creative selections that represented a joie de vivre […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Paul Dutra

Paul C. Dutra, 83, a lifelong resident of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025 in the house that he built 53 years ago. He was the beloved husband of Diane (McGee) Dutra, with whom he shared nearly 58 years of marriage. Born in Newport, RI, on December 15, 1941, Paul was […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Beverly Pyne

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the peaceful passing of Beverly S. Pyne, most recently of Bristol, and previously of Tiverton. Bev was the daughter of Leon and Carolyn Johnson, and was raised in Melrose, MA. She earned her Associate’s Degree at Burdett Junior College and worked as a secretary […]

Posted inCity & Government

Assault weapons ban signed into law

Legislation approved by the General Assembly to ban certain military-style weapons in Rhode Island has been signed into law. “This bill is the result of many, many years of advocacy, work and collaboration. Polls show that almost two-thirds of Rhode Islanders support banning assault-style weapons in our state. We all know the impact they’ve had […]

Posted inCity & Government

World Café event fosters connection and community engagement in Newport

On Wednesday, June 18, an intergenerational group of 25 people gathered at Salve Regina University to engage in meaningful conversations at a World Café hosted by RENEWport and The David and Carolyn Brodsky Chair in U.S. Constitutional Culture and Democracy. Gene Thompson-Grove, facilitator and transformational learning coach, moderated the event. Participants focused on a series of […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Community unites for ‘Portsmouth Strong’ fundraiser to support victims of tragedy at Portuguese American Citizens Club

The Four Hearts Foundation is proud to announce “Portsmouth Strong”, a community fundraiser event taking place on Tuesday, July 22 at 5:30 PM at Green Valley Country Club. They have graciously provided the venue and food for a community sphaghetti dinner. This heartfelt evening will raise critical funds to support the victims of the recent tragedy at the Portsmouth Portuguese […]

Posted inSports

The 23rd C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta is in the books

The 23rd C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta wrapped up in Newport, Rhode Island, on June 22nd for the 30 sailors with disabilities, after three days of competitive racing and camaraderie, along with a two-day coaching clinic in the single-handed 2.4mR class and the double-handed Martin 16 class.   The three days of racing provided challenges […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island General Assembly passes $14.34 billion budget despite federal uncertainties

The Rhode Island General Assembly approved a $14.34 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 on Friday (June 20), addressing significant financial challenges while prioritizing healthcare, housing, and municipal support despite looming federal uncertainties. The Senate passed the budget bill (2025-H 5076Aaa) with a decisive 32-4 vote, following the House’s approval of 66-9 on Tuesday (June […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Winners announced for 29th Annual Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff

The Preservation Society of Newport County has announced the winners of the 29th annual Newport Flower Show, which took place this past weekend at Rosecliff mansion. The prestigious event, which benefits The Preservation Society of Newport County, recognized excellence across four main divisions: Botanical Arts, Floral Design, Horticulture Design, and Photography. Top Honors In the […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

Rhode Island Foundation offering grants to nonprofits that serve LGBTQ+ residents

Nonprofits that serve the state’s LGBTQ+ communities have until August 15 to apply for grants of up to $10,000 through the Equity Action Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation.  “In times as challenging as these have become, supporting organizations that serve the state’s LGBTQ+ communities is vital,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “We are […]

Posted inReal Estate

Historic Newport estate sells for nearly $8 Million, marking city’s highest sale since September

A luxurious Newport estate has sold for $7,925,000, marking the highest real estate transaction in the city since September of 2024, according to Multiple Listing Service data announced Tuesday by Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. The property at 10 Ocean Lawn Lane changed hands through a transaction that brought together agents from two real […]

Posted inCity & Government

Former Newport mayor fined for campaign finance violations

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentJune 24, 2025 Three-time former Newport mayor and current city council member Jeanne-Marie Napolitano faces a $1,000 fine for violating state campaign finance laws over the last year. The Rhode Island Board of Elections voted to approve a consent agreement with Napolitano at its June 17 meeting, following results of […]

Posted inNews

Morning Notes: JPT offers blockbuster films and cold drinks this summer

Good morning, Newport! Today is Tuesday, June 24, the 175th day of 2025. There are 190 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know The JPT is providing an escape from rising summer temperatures with cool evenings indoors. Catch major blockbuster films, Total Recall, Body Heat, and National Lampoon’s Vacation, accompanied by refreshing local beer, wine, and […]

Posted inCity & Government

Weather Alert: Unhealthy ozone levels expected statewide on Tuesday

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) forecasts that air quality will reach UNHEALTHY levels due to elevated ground-level ozone on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, during the afternoon and continuing into the late evening. Fine particles from wildfire smoke and local sources are expected to reach moderate levels statewide. Key Details: The highest ozone levels […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Newport Art Museum to present ‘Howard Gardiner Cushing: A Harmony of Line and Color’

The Newport Art Museum on Monday (June 23) announced that it will present Howard Gardiner Cushing: A Harmony of Line and Color, the first major retrospective in decades of one of the Gilded Age’s most visionary—and overlooked—American artists.  On view in the Museum’s Cushing Gallery from July 12 through December 31, 2025, this exhibition brings together […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up in Newport County this week and weekend: June 23 – 29

Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this weekend, Monday, June 23 through Sunday, June 29. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Monday, June 23 Things To Do 10 am: Free self-guided tours at Eisenhower House 3 pm: Jamestown Farmers Market at Jamestown Recreation Center 3:15 pm & […]

Posted inInstagram, Real Estate

What Sold: A look at 22 homes that recently changed hands in Newport County (June 16 – 20)

The middle of June saw 22 homes successfully close across Newport County, according to the statewide MLS. These sales ranged from a $209,000 bungalow to a $7,925,000 new-construction mansion, illustrating the breadth of the current real estate landscape. But beyond the numbers, there’s something more telling happening beneath the surface, a slight but noticeable shift […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island lawmakers pass bill to ban sales of assault weapons

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI and HALLIE GOLDEN Associated Press PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island’s Democratic-controlled state House on Friday approved legislation that would ban the sale and manufacturing of many semiautomatic rifles commonly referred to as assault weapons. The proposal now heads to the desk of Democratic Gov. Dan McKee, who said in a post on the […]

Posted inCity & Government

Governor McKee, RIDOT kick off 2025 Providence-Newport Ferry season

The Providence-Newport Ferry has returned for another season! Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti, Jr., Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO Kristen Adamo, Discover Newport Communications Director Cassandra Earle, and Seastreak President James Barker today kicked off the 2025 Providence-Newport Ferry season. The popular service returns […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island judge rules Trump administration can’t require states to help on immigration to get transport money

By MICHAEL CASEY and REBECCA BOONE Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday blocked the Trump administration from withholding billions of dollars in transportation funds from states that don’t agree to participate in some immigration enforcement actions. Twenty states sued after they said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy threatened to cut off funding to states […]

Posted inCity & Government, Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Newport’s city budget must address road safety

Thanks to the Newport City Council for consistently approving plans that prioritize bicycle and pedestrian safety and related infrastructure, including most recently the Newport Transportation Master Plan, the Green and Complete Streets (G&CS) Ordinance, the Ride Island Bicycle Plan, and the Vision Zero: Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan.  Yet, with all of these […]

Posted inBusiness, News, Real Estate

Procaccianti Companies gets green light for The Bellevue Hotel

Procaccianti Companies on Thursday (June 19) announced that it has secured all necessary approvals to build The Bellevue Hotel, a new high-end boutique property at the Bellevue Gardens Plaza (181 Bellevue Ave.). The city’s Technical Review Committee gave the 91-room hotel project a unanimous thumbs-up on June 11, moving it into the pre-construction stage. “We […]

Posted inCity & Government

Federal judge to deny Trump administration’s motion to dismiss lawsuit over block on wind projects

A federal judge in Massachusetts said Wednesday he plans to deny a motion by the Trump administration to dismiss a lawsuit over its blocking of wind energy projects, siding with a coalition of state attorneys general. Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, attorneys general from 17 states and Washington, D.C. are suing in federal […]

Posted inEnvironment & Health, News

You good, man? RIDOH launches campaign to spotlight men’s mental health

In recognition of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has launched You Good, Man?, a statewide campaign to raise awareness and prevent suicide among working-age men, a population experiencing suicide at nearly twice the rate of the general public in Rhode Island. “Society often focuses on the physical health of […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Student documentary filmmakers celebrated at newportFILM’s docUnbound screening

Tuesday, June 10 marked the premiere of two short documentaries made by newportFILM’s newest batch of homegrown filmmakers. Screened at the Firehouse Theater in Newport, “The People’s Policy” and “Talking Ghostly” were the semester-long capstone projects made by students participating in newportFILM’s Documentary Unbound (or “docUnbound,” for short) program. First beginning in February of 2022, […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit

BankNewport Charitable Foundation awards more than $400,000 in grants

The BankNewport Charitable Foundation on Monday (June 16) announced the recipients of its Spring 2025 grants.  More than $400,000 was awarded to over 60 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island, reflecting the Foundation’s continued commitment to strengthening communities and supporting programs across a wide range of focus areas, including arts and culture, basic needs and food security, education […]

Posted inCity & Government

Anti-domestic violence groups are suing over the Trump administration’s grant requirements

By GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press Seventeen statewide anti-domestic and sexual violence coalitions are suing President Donald Trump’s administration over requirements in grant applications that they don’t promote “gender ideology” or run diversity, equity and inclusion programs or prioritize people in the country illegally. The groups say the requirements, which Trump ushered in with executive orders, put […]

Posted inArts & Culture

newportFILM releases 2025 Summer Outdoors schedule

newportFILM Outdoors is back with another jam-packed summer season across Aquidneck Island. In an email to subscribers and supporters today, newportFILM announces its 2025 Outdoors lineup. THURS, JUN 26 — THE LAST DIVEGreat Friends Meeting House, NewportPre-film conversation with Cody Sheehy (Director)Live music by Dave Flamand6:00 PM Doors | 8:40 PM FilmTHURS, JUL 3 — GIRL CLIMBERFort Adams, NewportPre-film conversation with Emily […]

Posted inInstagram, News, Nonprofit

2nd Annual Charlie Holder, Sr. Memorial 5K raises $20,000 to benefit Newport County YMCA and MLK Community Center

Foggy conditions didn’t stop 290 participants from running and walking in the second annual Charlie Holder, Sr. Memorial 5K race on Saturday, May 17th. The event was presented by BRS Building Company. Mr. Holder passed away on Aug. 6, 2023.  In his memory, all net proceeds from the race again benefited the Newport County YMCA […]

Posted inInstagram, News

Middletown High School celebrates Class of 2025 Graduation

Middletown High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated its big day with a graduation ceremony at Gaudet Field on Saturday, June 14. The event honored 139 graduates and featured speeches from school officials, students, and community leaders. Principal Donna Sweet welcomed the graduates and delivered the Principal’s address, with Madelyn King delivering the Collective Student Voice […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Charles L. Roberts: America’s Second Independence Day

Earlier this week, I had a difficult decision to make. I was running myself ragged planning the 3rd annual Juneteenth in Newport in Washington Square for next weekend, and it was beating me down. I know some of you know the feeling! A wise advisor and friend sat me down and said, “Charles, you have […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Peter Barry

Peter Barry, 74, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully June 12, 2025 at home, surrounded by love. Born December 12, 1950 in Fall River, Massachusetts, to the late Joseph Barry and Louise Snyder, Peter built a remarkable life marked by love, humor, intelligence, and generosity. A longtime resident of Lepes Road in Portsmouth, Peter […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Pamela Braman

The family of Pamela Helen Braman, of Middletown, RI, is saddened to announce her passing at 80 years of age while residing at Royal Health Forest Farm. Pam was born at Newport Hospital on October 15, 1944. She was the second child of Donald Stewart and Mary Helen Otto Braman. Pam leaves her brothers, Eric […]

Posted inBusiness, News

Airbnb reports it generated $240 million in economic impact for Rhode Island in 2024

Airbnb pumped $240 million into Rhode Island’s economy in 2024, according to a new report from the company. The popular short-term rental platform states that it supports approximately 3,000 jobs in Rhode Island and generates an estimated $142 million in labor income for the state. Visitors using Airbnb aren’t just staying in homes – they’re […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Kelly Nevitt

With hearts broken and lives forever changed, we share the unimaginable loss of our beloved Kelly Nicole Nevitt, 15, who passed away leaving behind a world that was brighter because she was in it. Born on September 18, 2009, in Newport, Rhode Island, Kelly was the cherished daughter and best friend of her mother, Sharon […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Kathleen Legein

Kathleen Rose Legein, 82, of Middletown, RI, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. Born on July 1, 1942, in Springfield, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Stella Covel. A 1961 graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield, Kathleen began her career with New England Telephone before marrying the love of […]

Posted inJobs

Movies and TV shows casting in Rhode Island

The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]

Posted inNews, Police & Fire

Portsmouth Police share details, identify victim involved in fatal motorcycle crash

The Portsmouth Police Department today(June 10) shared details on Facebook regarding a fatal motorcycle crash that they responded to on June 5 (Thursday). The operator of the motorcyle was identified as Juan Pablo Garcia Castro, 36, of Middletown. Fatal Motorcycle Crash – News Release Portsmouth, RI — (June 10th, 2025) — On June 5, 2025, […]

Posted inCity & Government

Letter to the Editor: Rhode Island must strengthen family leave to support caregivers and our economy

Caring for loved ones shouldn’t come with financial sacrifices or worrying about job security. Worrying about your job security and your income brings a whole other level of stress to an already very stressful situation.  Rhode Island Temporary Caregiver Insurance (also known as TCI) values family and caregiving for all generations. TCI provides eligible workers to […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit, Things To Do

Newport Historical Society wins Award of Excellence for ‘A Name, A Voice, A Life: The Black Newporters of the 17th-19th Centuries’

The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) announced today (June 10) that the Newport Historical Society is the recipient of an Award of Excellence for their 2024 exhibition, A Name, A Voice, A Life: The Black Newporters of the 17th-19th Centuries. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 80th year, is the most […]

Posted inInstagram, Real Estate

What Sold: A look at 12 homes that changed hands last week in Newport County (June 2 – 6)

The Newport County real estate market continues to see momentum as we head toward the start of the Summer season. We saw 12 homes close last week across Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, and Tiverton according to the statewide MLS. That kind of activity spread across a variety of price points reinforces what we’re seeing on the […]

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