Good morning, Newport. I’m Ryan Belmore, publisher of What’sUpNewp.
It’s Giving Tuesday. Newport County is home to dozens of nonprofits doing important work in the community. I’d love to hear from you: What’s your favorite local nonprofit and why do you support them? Share in the comments below.
1️⃣ Giving Tuesday brings free admission, Festival of Lights to Newport
Expect a rainy day in Newport. Rain arrives mainly after 9 a.m., with a high near 48 degrees and up to three-quarters of an inch possible. Rain continues into the evening before tapering off around midnight, with temperatures dropping to around 32 degrees and wind gusts up to 32 mph. The sun rises at 6:53 a.m. and sets at 4:16 p.m.
It's Giving Tuesday, and the Newport Art Museum is marking the occasion with free admission and special programming instead of fundraising. The Newport Nutcracker Ballet takes the stage at Rosecliff at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., while Ochre Court hosts its Festival of Lights at 6:30 p.m. The Newport Planning Board meets at 5 p.m., followed by the School Committee at 5:30 p.m.
2️⃣ 'Sara Paige' wins Newport Illuminated Boat Parade
A 32-foot powerboat named Sara Paige captured first place in the 26th annual Newport Illuminated Boat Parade on Saturday evening. More than 30 decorated vessels participated in the holiday tradition, which was rescheduled from Nov. 28 due to inclement weather. Solid State took second place, and Shanti III finished third.
The Patience received the Tim Mills Team Spirit Award, which honors the former harbormaster and recognizes the boat that best embodies community spirit. The parade, founded by former Harbormaster Jake Farrell, was hosted by Newport Yacht Club. Sara Mariani organized this year's event.
3️⃣ Patriots become first team to 11 wins, rout Giants 33-15
The New England Patriots became the first NFL team to reach 11 wins this season, beating the New York Giants 33-15 Monday night in Foxborough. Drake Maye completed 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns, while Marcus Jones added a 94-yard punt return for a score. The Patriots led 30-7 at halftime.
The win extended New England's streak to 10 straight, the franchise's longest since 2015. Coach Mike Vrabel became the third coach since 1970 to have a win streak of 10 or more games in his first season with a team. The Patriots are off next week and host Buffalo on Dec. 14.
4️⃣ Irish consulate to host open house Wednesday in Newport
The Consul General of Ireland in Boston will hold a pop-up consulate at the Museum of Newport Irish History's Interpretive Center on Wednesday. Consul General Síghle FitzGerald and her team will be available from noon to 3 p.m. at 648 Thames St. to answer questions about Irish citizenship, passports and travel opportunities.
Guests may also explore the center's exhibits documenting Irish immigration to Newport County from the colonial era to the present. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required at tinyurl.com/sf368exh.
5️⃣ 54 arrested for DUI in Rhode Island over Thanksgiving holiday
Law enforcement agencies across Rhode Island arrested 54 people for driving under the influence during the Thanksgiving holiday period. The arrests occurred between noon on Nov. 26 and 6 a.m. on Dec. 1, representing the combined efforts of all 38 municipal police departments and the Rhode Island State Police.
"Every impaired driver we removed from the roadway this Thanksgiving holiday period represents a potential tragedy that was prevented," said Chief Thomas Oates, president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association. A first-offense DUI in Rhode Island carries penalties including a possible jail sentence of up to one year, a license suspension of three to 18 months and fines up to $500.
Extra! Extra!
The Jamestown Fire Department said one person was taken to the hospital after a car crash on Nov. 30. (WLNE)
It's the end of an era for a bar and music venue in Middletown. Rusty's Bar and Grille has been in business for 22 years, but now the doors are forced to close. (WJAR)
With the holiday season officially upon us, the City of Newport is once again busy preparing for the return of Santa’s nightly rides. (City of Newport)
Santa is returning to the streets of Middletown beginning December 8. (Town of Middletown)
Two Rhode Island nonprofits joined a federal lawsuit filed Monday by a coalition of municipal governments and nonprofit organizations challenging the Trump administration’s push to overhaul a key federal homelessness and housing grant program. (Rhode Island Current)
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