New
in Newport
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Elaine Lembo said that Newport + Prudence Island residents showed great compassion after the death of her partner, Rick A. Martell, Jr. Her heartfelt note reminds locals that care and kindness still thrive in our community. Newport This Week
- ➤ Yesterday, the Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust announced $250,000 fund for island preservation while MLK Center will add Saturday breakfast and food pantry hours starting Jan. 24. Marble House will complete $1.5 million geothermal upgrade in late spring and Tiverton Library Foundation launches speaker series on Feb. 11. The Newport Daily News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Aquidneck Community Table announced Thursday that it is partnering with Thompson Middle School to launch its Food Explorers program this month, giving Life Skills students hands-on garden education and STEM learning. The program builds on work at Pell Elementary (active gardens since 2018). What's Up Newp
- ➤ Councils from Newport and Middletown met on Jan. 12 at the Wyndham Hotel to consider an education model for Aquidneck Island students. Both councils voted to continue talks in February — an Academic Advisory Committee will report by end of May and propose a merger plan by November. Newport This Week
- ➤ Representatives from RIDE and local officials met on Jan. 12 to weigh school regionalization between Middletown and Newport pending new state legislation + they discussed forming a regional planning board that may merge student bodies and administrative functions with potential state funding at stake. Newport This Week
- ➤ At a heated school committee meeting on Tuesday, Robert Leary (a longtime member) said he would start bringing his gun because he holds a license to carry, which drew criticism from parents and former members amid a vote to move 5th grade to a new elementary school. WJAR NBC 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city has proposed a new residential parking program to reduce over-issued parking stickers downtown and improve enforcement with new technology. The program charges a ($100 fee for a second car permit and $8 monthly for an additional sticker) while residents monitor its progress. Newport This Week
- ➤ Newport City Council approved a pilot program for a health vending machine on Jan. 14 that will offer Narcan, testing strips, hygiene items, and cold-weather supplies (the city administration with police, fire, and community groups will decide the contents). The program will be monitored for one year. Newport This Week
- ➤ Rep. Newberry is sponsoring a bill to end Mr. Potato Head charity license plates because Hasbro is moving its headquarters to Boston's Seaport, leaving some locals worried about the future of this icon that supports the community food bank. Debate will continue as Rhode Islanders discuss preserving the state tradition. WJAR NBC 10
- ➤ Dehumidification work on Mount Hope Bridge begins Tuesday; alternating lanes will close from Jan. 20 through April—Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. WJAR NBC 10
- ➤ The Newport Harbormaster’s Office will accept online applications from year-round residents for kayak and dinghy rack spaces at King Park + Willow Street racks from Feb. 1 through Feb. 28, with a lottery drawing in March and payment due by March 31. What's Up Newp
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ URI lost 84-75 to VCU at the Ryan Center on Jan. 15. VCU overcame a 10-point deficit early in the second half to claim the win in an Atlantic 10 matchup. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ Tuesday night, Rogers High School honored legendary coach Jim Psaras with a scoreboard dedication (featuring tributes from local basketball figures) before the Vikings defeated rival Middletown 48-41. What's Up Newp
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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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Beatles Tribute Concert
7:30 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Experience Boston’s celebrated Beatles tribute band performing classic hits from 1962–1966.
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30th Annual WINEterfest
11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — $45 General Admission — Celebrate Valentine's Weekend with wine, beer, and friendly competitions to warm you from the winter chill.
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