New
in Newport
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ethan Hoag from Scouting America Troop 3 Newport rebuilt the weathered Shady Glade Bridge at Norman Bird Sanctuary — he led volunteers who selected mahogany wood to restore the trail's popular feature. What's Up Newp
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Construction has begun on a new fiber internet network by GoNetspeed — the Northeast’s largest independent builder — that will deliver up to two gigabit speeds to over 8,200 Newport homes and businesses; first customers will come online in early 2026. What's Up Newp
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Newport Mansions is set to debut its new video series 'Sessions' tomorrow at Marble House. The series features live acoustic music in historic properties and will roll out new recordings monthly. Newport This Week
- ➤ Residents can enjoy a busy weekend in Newport County with a concert at St. Columba's Chapel in Middletown on Sunday, Jan. 11 at 3 p.m. that includes a reception, a free birdwatching program at Beavertail State Park on Saturday, Jan. 10, and family friendly theatre and writing sessions at local venues. The Newport Daily News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Rhode Island Bar Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for six $25,000 awards to Rhode Island residents starting full-time law school in September; applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026 (contact Theresa Gallo for details). Newport This Week
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Newport is replacing the Liberty Tree at William Ellery Park ahead of America’s 250th anniversary; crews began removing the 149-year-old tree Tuesday because it was in decline, and a new tree will be planted at the Arbor Day celebration in the spring with support from the Rhode Island 250th committee & the Newport Tree Conservancy. ABC6
- ➤ Rear Adm. Melvin R. Smith visited NUWC Division Newport on Dec. 11, 2025, thanking local personnel at a holiday cookie party and reviewing emerging undersea robotic systems (URAS) during briefings on facility capabilities and industry partnerships. What's Up Newp
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management reported on Tuesday that the state recorded its first domestic case of avian flu in a poultry flock. Officials urged backyard and commercial poultry owners to follow strong biosecurity measures to prevent contact with wild birds. WJAR NBC 10
- ➤ Brown University Health moved to respiratory virus status red on Tuesday, Jan. 6 in response to high community transmission rates; facilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts now require Level 2 surgical masks for patients, visitors, and staff. The measure followed a rise in emergency visits and hospital admissions due to respiratory infections. Newport This Week
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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.
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An Evening with Violinist Rachel Barton Pine
7:30 p.m. — Rosecliff — Ticket prices vary — Experience the virtuosic talent and soulful musicianship of acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton Pine.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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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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