New
in Newport
Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Volunteer tax preparers from the AARP Tax-Aide program will offer free tax preparation at 10 Newport County locations starting in early February, including sites in Jamestown, Newport, and Tiverton. Residents should pick up the intake form and schedule an appointment as required. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Stephen K. Quinn, a local businessman and volunteer known for his community work and cooking, died of natural causes on Aug. 30, 2025, in Largo. A memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church (Spring Street) at 5:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 to honor his legacy. Newport This Week
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Molly Magee, a leader in defense tech who once served at Newport's Naval Undersea Warfare Center, will soon leave her dual role at SENEDIA to focus on UTIC. UTIC has already facilitated its 100th prototype award to support U.S. Navy undersea innovation. Newport This Week
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ New Rogers High School opens in September, and city officials are launching the RHS Technology Endowment Campaign to raise $1 million for state-of-the-art tech upgrades for students. Donors can sponsor spaces with contributions starting at $5,000 (with larger amounts for Career and Technical Education areas) to support ongoing technology updates. Newport This Week
- ➤ The Middletown School Committee updated regionalization plans and school construction during its final meeting on Dec. 18. Residents are urged to join the joint meeting with Middletown and Newport councils on Jan. 12, and officials confirmed that the middle-high school project remains on time and on budget. Newport This Week
- ➤ Registration opened Thursday for Save The Bay’s BayCamp, a week-long summer camp that teaches K-12 students environmental and marine sciences while exploring Narragansett Bay. Sessions are offered in Providence, Newport, Wickford + Bristol, with fees of $375 for members and $400 for non-members. What's Up Newp
- ➤ A fall accounting mistake by city finance overestimated Newport School Department's funds by $173,000, leading to a forecast net deficit of $485,000 for fiscal year 2025. Officials have implemented cost-saving reviews to address the shortfall. Newport This Week
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Newport is offering a free composting pilot program (a two-year initiative) in partnership with Black Earth Composting and Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District. Residents can sign up via the city website to help reduce trash costs and extend landfill life. Newport This Week
- ➤ The Liberty Tree began to be removed Jan. 6 from a park near Upper Thames and Farewell streets because it was in decline — the 149-year-old Fernleaf beech suffered disease and root rot, and a disease-resistant tree will be planted in spring to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary. Newport This Week
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials urge residents to get a flu shot and follow COVID-19 precautions as hospitalizations increase statewide—496 influenza and 297 COVID-19 patients have been admitted amid several deaths. They advise vaccination for everyone from 6 months up and recommend staying home when symptoms improve. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Newport Prevention Coalition is studying a harm reduction vending machine to dispense supplies like Narcan, safe sex kits, and blankets at a Marlborough Street safe station or a Mary Street parking lot restroom as part of ACOS’s Encore initiative, addressing gaps in support for those in crisis. Newport This Week
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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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In Bannister’s Footsteps Exhibition
2-3:30 p.m. — Bristol Art Museum — Free entry — Explore the life and work of Edward Mitchell Bannister in this special art exhibition.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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