Good morning, Newport. I'm Ryan Belmore, founder of What'sUpNewp. A federal judge struck down President Trump's executive order blocking wind energy development Monday, a win for Rhode Island and 16 other states that challenged the Day One order. Plus, 538 runners crossed the finish line at the inaugural Newport Winter 10K and five Salve students beat out thousands for Siemens internships.

Here's what you need to know today.

Increasing clouds today, with a high near 36 degrees. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Tonight brings a chance of snow showers before 10 p.m., then a chance of rain showers between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature rising to around 41 by 2 a.m. South wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected. The sun will rise at 7 a.m. and set at 4:15 p.m. High tides at 11:07 a.m. and 11:37 p.m. Low tides at 3:54 a.m. and 5:14 p.m.

Highlights today include the 2025 Santa Experience at 9 a.m., Sensory Hours at The Sailing Museum at 10 a.m., Santa's Workshop at 2 p.m. and The Middletown Coastal Access Alliance Winter Meeting at Norman Bird Sanctuary at 5:30 p.m. Catch "Wicked For Good" at The JPT Film & Event Center at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For evening entertainment, head to JB On The Water for Music Bingo at 6 p.m., Newport Craft for Cornhole Tournament at 6 p.m., Line Dance Classes at Middletown VFW at 6:30 p.m. or Trivia at Narragansett Cafe at 7 p.m.

It's a busy night for school committees across Newport County, with Newport meeting at 6:30 p.m., Portsmouth at 7 p.m. and Tiverton at 7 p.m. Other government meetings include Jamestown Conservation Commission at 6:30 p.m., Middletown Beach Commission at 4:30 p.m. and Newport's Energy & Environment Commission and Historic District Commission, both at 6:30 p.m.

The Newport County real estate market remains steady and surprisingly active despite the natural seasonality and tight inventory levels. Looking at the trailing 90 days, the market is averaging roughly two months of inventory, homes are averaging around 34 days on market and a 96% sale-to-list-price ratio. As of today, there are only 236 active listings across Newport County, including single-family homes, condominiums and multi-families.

Last week, 21 properties changed hands across the county. The highest sale closed on Washington Street in Newport at $2,450,000, a strong benchmark for single-family homes in the city's historic district. The lowest sale was a raised ranch in Portsmouth, closing at $380,000. Other notable sales included a cottage in Little Compton for $2,130,000 and a contemporary home on Ruggles Avenue in Newport for $2,150,000.

Buyers have become increasingly "work averse" compared to previous years, according to Tyler Bernadyn of Remax. Long gone are the days of targeting the worst house in the best neighborhood — more buyers are prioritizing move-in-ready homes over those requiring work or immediate sweat equity.

A federal judge on Monday struck down President Donald Trump's executive order blocking wind energy projects, saying the effort to halt virtually all leasing of wind farms on federal lands and waters was "arbitrary and capricious" and violates U.S. law. Judge Patti Saris of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts vacated Trump's Jan. 20 executive order and declared it unlawful.

Saris ruled in favor of a coalition of state attorneys general from 17 states and Washington, D.C., led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, that challenged Trump's Day One order pausing leasing and permitting for wind energy projects. Rhode Island was among the states in the coalition, which argued they've invested hundreds of millions of dollars collectively to develop wind energy.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell hailed the ruling as a victory for green jobs and renewable energy. "Massachusetts has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into offshore wind, and today, we successfully protected those important investments from the Trump administration's unlawful order," Campbell said. Wind is the United States' largest source of renewable energy, providing about 10% of the electricity generated in the nation.

The first-ever Newport Winter 10K made a strong debut Sunday as 538 runners crossed the finish line under clear skies and crisp temperatures, selling out its inaugural year. Kyle Marshall of Portsmouth claimed the men's title in 34:51, setting the first course record. Karolyn Bowley of Middletown established the women's course record with a time of 41:15.

Presented by Fitzpatrick Team REMAX Results, the race benefited the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport. Participants and partners helped advance the center's mission to nourish, educate and empower local families. Spectators lined the course to cheer on runners as they took on Newport's scenic winter shoreline.

Five Salve Regina University students have secured spots in the prestigious Siemens Financial Leadership Development Program, beating out thousands of applicants from across the country for summer 2026 internships. Juniors Ashtyn Bringardner, Anna Grace Hjerpe, Djeana Timas, Gabriel Victoria and Ben Wakefield will participate in the 12-week paid program running from May through August.

The global technology company offered internships to just 25 undergraduate students nationwide this year. From the thousands who applied, Siemens invited 40 students to "Super Day," an event featuring interviews and a case study competition at the company's U.S. hub in Atlanta. Though Salve was one of the smallest institutions represented, it had the largest single-school presence at the event — 10 students, making up 25% of the competitors.

"We are incredibly proud of — but by no means surprised by — our students' success," Salve president Kelli J. Armstrong said. During the internship, the students will learn how to analyze and support the financial aspects of a multi-billion-dollar company. Last year, three Salve students completed internships and all were offered full-time roles.

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