New
in Newport
Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 6th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ MLK Community Center will host its Keeper of the Dream & Annual Meeting celebration on Monday, Jan. 19 from 5–7 p.m. at 20 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd., where winners and community partners will be honored, with free admission and registration required by Jan. 12. What's Up Newp
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Emmy-winning explorer Richard Vevers will speak at Sail Newport on Thursday, Jan. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 72 Fort Adams Drive as part of the Challenger Lecture Series; tickets (non-members $20, members $15, students/military $10, free for K-12) are on sale. What's Up Newp
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Rhode Island Foundation’s Blue Ribbon Commission released a report on Monday calling for a rewrite of the school funding formula to boost the state’s share to 58% + ease municipal tax burdens. Lawmakers will review the recommendations as the legislative session begins in January. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Adequoyah Kamali Josephine Mathews, a 17-year-old student from Newport, has embraced her role as a community leader after transferring to The MET High School and joining the Boys and Girls Club for mentorship and support—she encourages young people to speak up and create positive change. What's Up Newp
- ➤ The Rhode Island Foundation has proposed a new school funding plan (shifting local cost burdens to the state by basing city contributions on property tax revenues) to cover special education, transportation, building maintenance, and teacher pension debt. President David Cicilline announced the proposal today. WJAR NBC 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The DEM announced that online parking passes for beach season are on sale and available for residents+non-residents and seniors, with up to 24 hours for validation and no physical passes used. Season passes cover entry to eight state beaches, but parking is on a first come, first served basis. WJAR NBC 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Due to a surge in flu cases, hospitals across Rhode Island now require masks for all patients, visitors and staff. Brown University Health (which runs Newport Hospital) updated its respiratory status from yellow to red today as flu, RSV and COVID-19 cases have spiked. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ South County Hospital required masks for all workers, patients, and visitors starting Monday, Jan. 5 as respiratory viruses, including flu and COVID-19, increased in the community. Visitors must wear facility-issued masks & avoid entering when they have acute respiratory symptoms. WJAR NBC 10
- ➤ Brown University Health requires all patients, visitors and staff at its facilities including Newport Hospital to wear level 2 surgical masks today amid a rise in respiratory viral infections. Masks will be provided (if needed) while the system urges regular flu shots and good hygiene. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ Brown University Health requires masking at all its facilities, including Newport Hospital, today due to high respiratory virus rates; patients, visitors and staff must wear Level 2 masks while the system urges flu shots + handwashing. What's Up Newp
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Between Dec. 22 and Jan. 3, Newport County recorded 12 residential sales (down from 27 last year) as holiday slowdowns affected transactions. Market activity is picking up as buyers and sellers prepare for the Spring market. What's Up Newp
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Earl Knightwood Band Performance
7-10 p.m. — Pancho O' Malleys — Tickets required — Enjoy a lively evening of R&B, Soul, Modern Blues, and New Orleans funk with the Earl Knightwood Band.
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Herbal Teas Workshop
12-2 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Cost TBD — Cozy up with hot herbal teas and learn to create your own blends in a beautiful setting.
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Alex Cohen Live at Basta
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Basta Italian Restaurant — Reservations encouraged — Enjoy an acoustic mix of classics from the '50s to today, along with original music.
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Build a Bat Box
9 AM – 12 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Free entry — Create a bat box while learning about their vital role in the ecosystem.
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Aztec Two-Step 2.0 Concert
7:30-10 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the folk/rock sounds of Aztec Two-Step 2.0 blending musical narratives and warm harmonies.
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Back In Black - Tribute to AC/DC
9:00-11:59 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Ticket prices vary — Rock out to classic AC/DC hits with this electrifying tribute concert.
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Musical Salon Series: Romanticism & Musical Poetry
6:30 – 8:15 PM — Rough Point — Small bites and drinks included — Experience the poignant beauty of piano trios from celebrated composers alongside literary readings.
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Newport Winter Glendi 2026
6:00 PM - 12:30 AM — Wyndham Newport Hotel — Full donation event — Enjoy a night of dinner, drinks, and live dance performances to support local charities.
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You Got Gold - John Prine Tribute
4:30-8:30 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the music and legacy of John Prine with a heartfelt tribute performance.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
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Reveal the authorAbout New in Newport
Welcome to the New in Newport, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Newport, Rhode Island community. If you like the New in Newport, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Newport.
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