Newport, Middletown Officials Meet on School Merger By James Merolla Innovate Newport was the site on Jan. 20 of a 90-minute discussion on whether the Newport and Middletown school districts might merge by 2024. Among the 30 officials who were part of the discussion were members of Newport’s City Council and Middletown’s Town Council, the school committees from both municipalities, […]
Greater Newport Region Continues Economic Recovery
Greater Newport Region Continues Economic Recovery Economic Pulse data shows a tight labor market and increasing wages Newport and Bristol County, RI – Connect Greater Newport, the regional economic development division of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, released its June monthly Economic Pulse data which shows the following: Regional unemployment sits at 2.1% – a historically low level. Over […]
Festivals Offer More Than Just Music
Artists are at the core of the Newport festivals community. The Folk Festival, July 22-24 and Jazz Festival, July 29-31 at Fort Adams will feature dozens of musicians. Their performances evoke hope, joy, and bring listeners together in celebration and support during good times and bad. And, now they have given back. The Newport Festivals Musician Relief Fund was established […]
More Coming to the Big Blue Bike Barn
Construction of a wooden shelter is underway at the Big Blue Bike Barn, a public recreational green space in Newport’s North End on Sunset Boulevard. The 900-square-foot, two-story canopy entered the early stages of construction this week, with sets of tall, wooden pillars erected between two muraled shipping containers housing bicycles for local youth. It is being designed by students […]
$10M Renovation Envisioned for 50 Washington Square
A $10 million revitalization project is being sought for 50 Washington Square, the low-income housing property located in downtown Newport. The work would include exterior improvements, window replacement, the renovation of kitchens and bathrooms, upgraded lighting, a new roof membrane and the installation of a mini-split HVAC system that will provide heat and air conditioning in each of the building’s […]
Frustrations Surround Newport Charter Recommendations
On July 13, just before the Newport City Council unanimously approved continuing a motion and scheduling a workshop on recommended changes to the city charter, a member of the Charter Review Commission proposing the amendments aired some feedback. Stephanie Smyth read concerns from Bari Freeman, a fellow member of the commission who was not present. Freeman took issue with the […]
Newport Hospital Raises $1 Million
After a two-year hiatus, Newport Hospital’s community came together on July 6 at Marble House to raise $1 million in support of patient care and life-saving programs, while honoring the inspiring work of longtime friend and advocate, David Gordon, who died in November, 2021. Steeped in history, Marble House was the perfect backdrop as Newport Hospital kicked off its yearlong […]
Smooth Sailing this Summer in Newport Harbor
Newport is experiencing a busy summer season, but boating operations in Newport Harbor have been smooth sailing so far, with no major complaints, according to harbormaster Stephen Land. “People are out, boats are here,” Land said at a July 14 Waterfront Commission meeting. “Everything we set up over the winter is working well.” Land, who was hired last year to […]
Friends of the Waterfront Honors Volunteers
Every year, the nonprofit Friends of the Waterfront celebrates the work of its volunteers with an annual meeting. The event also provides an opportunity for the group to look to the future. “The annual meeting is a way to say thank you to our members for everything they’ve done during the year,” said Tom Gibson, chair of the Friends of […]
