Keep On Shucking



Oysters cultivated in the Ocean State will be front and center May 19-21 at the Newport Oyster Festival on historic Bowen’s Wharf. More than 20 growers, a shucking contest, six bands, plus eateries and non-profit exhibitors will be showcased during this two-day waterfront event, rain or shine by Moët & Chandon, and other supporting sponsors. Bowen’s Wharf Company founded the […]

Napolitano Calls Tax Increases ‘Unconscionable’



Newport City Council has pushed back on a proposed budget that would raise taxes by 3.11 percent. “I’m concerned about the rate of increase,” said Councilor Jeanne Marie Napolitano at the budget’s first reading, held May 10. “I think for me, it’s unconscionable to raise it above what the [Consumer Price Index] is.” Council rejected the preliminary budget in a […]

Town Tables Stormwater Utility Fee



A new fixed fee that was included in the proposed fiscal 2018 budget to pay for the town’s stormwater improvement projects has been put on hold by Middletown Town Council. “I’m not sure our residents fully understand what we are trying to accomplish with this project,” said Council President Robert Sylvia at the May 15 Middletown Town Council meeting. “Some […]

A Master Innovator Takes a Bow



The Preservation Society of Newport County’s summer costume and-culture exhibit, “Pierre Cardin: 70 Years of Innovation,” opens on Saturday, May 27 at Rosecliff. When contemplating the retrospective featuring 42 original pieces transported from the designer’s private collection in Paris to the climate-controlled second floor of a PSNC mansion, one question comes to mind. Why Newport? Why stage a retrospective in […]

Special Election Coverage: What You Need to Know



Newport’s political stage has a unique act this summer, with the special election for Rhode Island State Senate District 13 race scheduled in the heat of it. The seat, which represents Newport and Jamestown, became vacant on March 31, 2017, when M. Teresa Paiva Weed (D) resigned to lead the Hospital Association of Rhode Island. Looking ahead at the filing […]

She’s Right at Home on Broadway

Conversation with Lynn Ceglie

There have been Broadway musicals about City Hall over the decades. “Fiorello!” and “Diamond Jim,” which centered on former New York mayors and their shenanigans, come immediately to mind. There have been musicals about the White House and its top resident, such as “Mr. President” and “I’d Rather be Right.” There have also been shows where the average man, with […]

A Beneficial Partnership



The International Tennis Hall of Fame has earned designation as an official affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, providing the local attraction with access to the Smithsonian’s sprawling network of exhibitions, education initiatives and resources to develop new programs and experiences. Todd Martin, CEO of the hall of fame said, the partnership furthers his desire to bring the hall of fame […]

Aging Has a New Voice



Newport’s Senior Week 2017 is full of activities and opportunities for seniors. For reservations or for more information, call the center at 401-846-7426 or visit edwardkinghouse.org.May 19 – Newport Navy Choristers ConcertThe Newport Navy Choristers present their annual “Proudly We Sing” concert at 7:30 p.m. at St. Lucy’s Church. Proceeds will the benefit the Edward King Center.May 22 and 25 […]

Zoning Change Could Cause Headaches



For property owners seeking a variance or a special use permit from the Newport Zoning Board of Review, the process just became more time-consuming and confusing. As of May 1, the notice requirement that must be sent to all abutters within 200 feet of the applicant’s property is now the responsibility of the property owner. According to Newport Zoning Officer […]

School Committee Approves Increased Budget



The Newport School Committee approved and forwarded a $44.28 million budget to the City Council on Monday, May 15, saying it will go back and make cuts if needed. Although the figure represents a $5.67 million increase over the current budget, several school committee members suggested that they forward it “as is” to the council. Once the council feels comfortable […]