Newport This Week

01/09/2025

Tonight, the Newport City Council unanimously approved free seasonal parking at Easton's Beach for those with a resident parking permit. The vote also included a rate hike for daily parking at the beach from $15 per vehicle to $25 on weekdays and from $25 per vehicle to $35 on holidays and weekends.

Finally, non-resident seasonal parking passes were approved at $150, up from $100.

01/08/2025

It’s a blustery day here on Aquidneck Island.

The reservoir is nearly frozen, and the wind is driving temperatures down even more.

01/08/2025

Those calling Newport City Hall may soon be answered by artificial intelligence.

On Dec. 11, the city council unanimously approved a $14,000 contract with Polymorphic, Inc. for “advanced artificial intelligence handling of constituent engage­ment on the web and in the phone tree.” The pilot program is de­signed to assist capacity issues and an overburdened staff, according to City Manager Colin Kennedy.

Read more about this here from our NewsBriefs page on-line.

Those calling Newport City Hall may soon be answered by artificial intelligence. On Dec. 11, the city council unanimously approved a $14,000 contract with Polymorphic, Inc. for “advanced artificial intelligence handling of constituent engage­ment on the web and in the phone tree.” The pilot pro...

01/08/2025

Jessica Hagen Fine Art + Design is pleased to announce another exciting collaboration with Hammetts Hotel in Newport, RI. Erica Driver WORKING SPACES will open at the hotel’s Sarah Langley Gallery on Saturday January 11, 2025, from 5:00- 7:00pm. WORKING SPACES is an exploration and celebration of the places Rhode Islanders go to work.

Read more here ⤵️

Jessica Hagen Fine Art + Design is pleased to announce another exciting collaboration with Hammetts Hotel in Newport, RI. Erica Driver WORKING SPACES will open at the hotel’s Sarah Langley Gallery on Saturday January 11, 2025, from 5:00- 7:00pm. WORKING SPACES is an exploration and celebration of...

01/08/2025

The public comment process for the Regulations Governing the Education of Multilingual Learners is officially opened.

The Council on Elementary and Secondary Education approved these regulations to go out for public comment at the September 25, 2024, meeting. The proposed regulations address the areas of non-compliance and incorporate best practices for supporting Multilingual Learners in Rhode Island public schools. As part of the regulatory process, a 46-day public comment period is now open from December 6, 2024, through January 20, 2025.

Read more here ⤵️

The public comment process for the Regulations Governing the Education of Multilingual Learners is officially opened.    The Council on Elementary and Secondary Education approved these regulations to go out for public comment at the September 25, 2024, meeting. The proposed regulations address th...

01/06/2025

With a mix of delicacy and brutality, “Porcelain War” follows three artists living, working and defending their homeland on the Russia-Ukraine border.

Read more here ⤵️

With a mix of delicacy and brutality, “Porcelain War” follows three artists living, working and defending their homeland on the Russia-Ukraine border. Area audiences can see this strong contender for a best documentary Oscar nomination on Jan. 9 at the Casino Theatre when newportFILM presents a ...

01/06/2025

Did you miss an important story form a past issue of Newport This Week?

Our digital edition lives on for months on our website.

You can read all the local news, see photos and check advertisements from local businesses right at your fingertips.

See it here ⤵️

01/05/2025

Per NFL analyst Adam Schefter and ESPN, the New England Patriots have parted ways with head coach Jerod Mayo following a disappointing 4-13 season.

01/05/2025

Newport: Christmas trees are due to be collected the second week of January (13th – 17th), on your normal collection day along with any other live decorations and yard waste that you may have.

Details and tips for preparing here from City of Newport RI ⤵️

Christmas trees are due to be collected the second week of January (13th – 17th), on your normal collection day along with any other live decorations and yard waste that you may have. Here’s what you need to know: 🎄 Remove all artificial decorations such as tinsel, garland, ornaments, lights ...

01/05/2025

Flags around Middletown continue to fly at half staff in memory of the 39th President, Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100 on December 29th.

01/05/2025

RENEWport will host a community dinner for families of Newport children in kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades on January 16, 2025 from 6:00-8:00PM at Pell Elementary School. Families are invited to connect with friends and local family-focused organizations while enjoying dinner, crafts, music, and more.

Read more here ⤵️

RENEWport will host a community dinner for families of Newport children in kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades on January 16, 2025 from 6:00-8:00PM at Pell Elementary School. Families are invited to connect with friends and local family-focused organizations while enjoying dinner, crafts, music, and m...

01/04/2025

Middletown Councilor Dennis Turano pens letter to the editor asking for residents to get involved.

“In 2025, I encourage everyone to get involved. Attend a town council or com­mittee meeting on a topic you care about. Volunteer with local organizations or support our schools. Even small acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor, make a difference.”

Read the full letter here ⤵️

As 2024 draws to a close and we look ahead to 2025, I want to express my grati­tude to the people of Middletown. Thank you for trusting me to continue to serve on the Middletown Town Council. It is an honor to serve this amazing com­munity, and I am excited to continue working together to make Mid...

01/04/2025

ACT Awarded $745,346 to Expand Food & Composting Education in Schools.

Read more here ⤵️

Three-year grant will support in-school programming along with free curbside composting services for school families Newport, RI – December 30, 2024 – Aquidneck Community Table (ACT) today announced a $745,346 grant award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and R.I. Food Policy ...

01/03/2025

Newport Ski Club will be holding it’s January membership meeting on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 at 7pm.

More info here ⤵️

Newport Ski Club will be holding it’s January membership meeting on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 at 7pm.  Are you looking for a ski buddy?… someone to ride with? All winter sports enthusiasts are welcome to attend and find out what the Club has to offer.  Check us out online at newportskiclub.org or...

01/03/2025

The Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD) announced it was awarded a $5,000 grant from the BankNewport Charitable Foundation to build and install a door on the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm (AgInnovation) tractor shed.

Read more here ⤵️

PORTSMOUTH AGINNOVATION FARM GETTING MAJOR UPGRADE THANKS TO BANKNEWPORT Portsmouth, RI – Today, the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD) announced it was awarded a $5,000 grant from the BankNewport Charitable Foundation to build and install a door on the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm...

01/03/2025

Last year, the Middletown High School PTG joined forces with Middletown Little League (Rhode Island) to start the Islander Plunge.

The event, held on New Year’s Day, is a fundraiser to support the Patrick Crowley Scholarship which benefits a male and female graduating senior from Middletown High School.

This year’s event saw more than double the participation over last year, with approximately 600 people in attendance.

Organizers Mike Agren (MLL President), Ashley Agren, Kat Rushton (MLL Treasurer), Allan & Amy Gray, Shannon Crowley, Peter Crowley, Christa & Dave Robinson and Trish & Pat Cranson all celebrated the event as a major success.

If you missed the plunge, but would still like to donate to the scholarship, visit the Middletown Little League page where there is a link to donate.

01/03/2025

The Middletown Town Council unanimously passed a resolution to change ordinances that may lead to non-residents who rent their property on a yearly basis paying the same tax rate as residents.

Read more here ⤵️

The Middletown Town Council unanimously passed a resolution on Dec. 16 to change ordinances that may lead to non-residents who rent their property on a yearly basis paying the same tax rate as residents. “This proposes enabling legis­lation to the General Assembly, which will allow you to change ...