Good morning, Newport! 👋 Today is Friday, Sept. 5, the 248th day of 2025. There are 117 days left in the year.
We’re having some technical difficulties this morning. We apologize for the delay and formatting changes.
On this day in Newport history: Sept. 5, 1774 — The First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, with Newport merchant Stephen Hopkins among Rhode Island's delegates, helping to shape America's path toward independence from his Ocean State perspective.
High school football: Two exciting games kicked off the fall season Thursday night at Portsmouth High School. The Portsmouth Patriots defeated Rogers 27-7 behind strong performances from Tate Levesque, Adam Conheeny, Hackley Jackson, and Michael Faria, while Middletown beat Tiverton 22-6 with Sean Williams scoring two touchdowns. Photo galleries and game recaps are coming soon to What'sUpNewp.
An offshore wind developer sued the Trump administration for halting construction of a project that would power 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut, and Portsmouth High School was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as among the best high schools in Rhode Island.
Police agencies conducted a Labor Day weekend DUI enforcement campaign that resulted in 59 arrests across Newport County, and Rhode Island Energy begins major electrical upgrades in Newport's Long Wharf area.
The Jamestown Newport Ferry offers a convenient alternative to driving and parking downtown, and Newport Restaurant Group prepares to open J.T. Commons in the former Foodlove Market space.
Thanks for reading,
Ryan Belmore, Publisher | 📧 [email protected] | 📱 401-849-3288 Send news tips, story ideas, questions, and feedback via email or text.
Today in Newport
Weather Forecast
No weather advisories
Today: Partly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 76°F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy. Low 67°F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
Tomorrow: Times of sun and clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 77°F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Air quality: Generally acceptable for most individuals
UV index: Moderate - sun protection recommended
Sun, Moon & Tide
Sunrise at 6:17 a.m., sunset at 7:06 p.m. 12 hours and 49 minutes of sun.
High tide at 6:52 a.m. and 7:38 p.m. Low tide at 1:15 p.m.
The lunar phase is a waxing gibbous.
Coastal water temperature: 68°F
Things To Do
10 am: Secret Garden Tour at Belcourt of Newport
8 pm: Improv with the Bit Players at The Firehouse Theater
Live Music & Entertainment
Bally’s Tiverton: DJ at 8:30 pm
Bar & Board: Dave Alves Band at 9 pm
Busker’s Irish Pub: Live music at 8 pm
Johnny’s Restaurant: John Erikson at 7 pm
Landing: Mark Flynn at 12:30 pm, Chelley Knight & The Dope Things at 4 pm, Straight Outta Rehab at 8 pm
Narragansett Cafe: Whisky Strings at 8:15 pm
Newport Blues Cafe: Spiffy Enetertainment at 10 pm
Newport Craft: Megan Chenot at 6 pm
Newport Harbor Hotel: Alger Mitchell at 4:30 pm
O’Brien’s Pub: John Erikson at 4:30 pm
Ragged Island Brewing: Dave Alves at 5:30 pm
Speakeasy: Live music at 9:15 pm
The Firehouse Theater: The Bit Players at 8 pm
The JPT Film & Event Center: Highest 2 Lowest at 4:30 pm, The Naked Gun at 7:30 pm
Top of Pelham: Dueling Pianos at 7:30 pm & 10:30 pm
Newport County Public Meetings
Newport: Newport Public Sculpture Commission at 9:30 am
Transportation & Marine
RIPTA Service: Operating on regular weekday schedule
Jamestown Newport Ferry: Running regular service between downtown Newport and Jamestown
Marine conditions: SSW winds 11-14 knots, seas 2-3 feet
Bridge status: Mount Hope Bridge and Newport Pell Bridge operating normally
Parking: Downtown meter enforcement in effect; consider ferry or ride-share options
Things To Do This Week + Weekend
Here's what's happening out there this weekend for live music, events, and entertainment.
Organizing an event? Submit your event to What'sUpNewp's Community Calendar.
The Latest from What'sUpNewp
Newport City Council to consider major IT contracts, board appointments at Sept. 10 meeting
Council will vote on multiple technology service agreements and name new commission members at next week's meeting.
RENEWport volunteers welcome Pell Elementary students on first day
Community greeter program aims to boost attendance and strengthen school ties as Newport Public Schools begins the new academic year.
Newport carriage house in historic Kay Catherine neighborhood sells for $4.1 million
Property represents fourth-highest sale in Newport this year, third over $3.7 million in the desirable historic area.
Four-year-old Rocko brings goofy charm and loyal companionship
This 75-pound mixed breed seeks family for fetch games and car ride adventures through the Potter League for Animals.
States and developer sue the Trump administration for halting work on New England offshore wind farm
The developer of an offshore wind farm that would power 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut sued the Trump administration Thursday for halting construction.
Notes: Express ferry service launches for Newport International Boat Show
Jamestown Newport Ferry offers convenient alternative to driving and parking downtown during the busy boat show weekend.
Obituary: Florence Cyr
Florence Cyr passed away July 25, 2025. Services and memorial information available for the longtime Newport County resident.
Parking enforcement worker assaulted in downtown Newport; suspect charged
Police chief says assaulting city employees is "absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated" following the downtown incident.
Middletown council, school board to meet on Newport regionalization proposal
Officials plan joint discussion before deciding whether to restart talks with neighboring city about potential school district collaboration.
New three-way stop sign coming to Newport intersection Thursday
City installing stop sign at Spring Street and Bowery Street/Young Street due to safety concerns raised by residents and traffic studies.
New This Week in Newport Business
Newport Cannabis Co. opens Portsmouth dispensary with statewide delivery service
J.T. Commons hiring for front and back-of-house positions ahead of October opening
Borden Farm Estates in Portsmouth hits the market for $2.2 million
Rhode Island state beaches to close facilities after Labor Day weekend
This Week's Most Read
The following were the most-read What'sUpNewp articles this week.
What's Up!
Coming Soon: The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival returns Sept. 19-21 at Rosecliff, and Newport Sings launches fall programming with three choral opportunities beginning Sept. 15.
Community Note: The Amica Newport Marathon is partnering with 11th Hour Racing for a second year of sustainability efforts, emphasizing environmental stewardship in local sporting events.