Good morning, Newport.

MIKEL Inc., a Middletown-based engineering firm, has been awarded a five-year, $64 million Navy contract to support the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division in Keyport (Washington).

The deal will see the company partner with McLaughlin Research Corporation and Booz Allen Hamilton across multiple undersea systems.

At its Sept. 22 meeting, the Newport Historical Society reported record numbers as its new Center for Black History drew over 1,300 visitors in three months during the 250th anniversary celebration.

The society also launched a $4 million campaign to update the Brick Market Museum.

Newport Concours Motor Week will run from Oct.

1 to Oct. 4 at Fort Adams State Park and nearby venues, showcasing rare vintage and ultra-expensive supercars while featuring a black-tie gala by Jay Leno, cruises along Ocean Drive, and free public displays.

Nine candidates, including one incumbent, introduced themselves on Sept.

17 at Rogers High School to run for Newport School Committee seats. They discussed superintendent selection, community safety, and potential regionalization (a long-term goal) while stressing support for multilingual families.

Rhode Island Energy has extra crews on standby as a powerful nor'easter brings heavy rain, possible flooding, and strong winds from Friday night through Saturday.

Newport coastal areas may face power outages + the utility is ready to respond promptly.

Rhode Island’s Office of the Child Advocate reconvened a panel on Sept.

24 to review four teen fatalities and six near-fatalities linked to substance use between 2024 and 2026. The panel will assess progress on May 2025 recommendations aimed at driving systemic change in child welfare.

The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission approved $28 million in winter electric bill relief for 450,000+ residential accounts; Rhode Island Energy A-16 and A-60 customers will earn $20.45 monthly credits in January, February and March 2027, stacking with earlier discounts to lower costs—Gov. McKee said funds come from emergency sources.

The Newport Housing Authority received $4.5 million for Park View Terrace and is seeking nearly $30 million to build a 51 unit affordable apartment building for elderly and disabled residents.

If funds are secured by year-end, construction will start in 2028, with units available early 2029.

Wakefern Food Corp recalled apple sauce sold at ShopRite and other local stores after tests found elevated patulin from mold.

Customers can return the recalled 23-ounce jars with a best-by date of June 16 for a refund or replacement.

Newport and Middletown housing committees are working to address the growing need for homes, with BCM Realty Partners developing 38 apartments at 525 Broadway and converting a school into 34 units.

Proposals for other projects have stalled + local political candidates are now offering suggestions.

High school football Week 3 games took place on Sept.

24 and today with one more match scheduled for Sept. 26; coaches must email final scores by 10 p.m. for the Providence Journal to post recaps this weekend.