New
in Newport
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Aquidneck Island Land Trust is accepting applications for its Merritt Neighborhood Fund until March 13 to fund local projects that preserve parks, community gardens and natural areas on the island, offering up to $2,500 per project. Award decisions for the 2026 cycle will be announced by the end of April. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Free tax preparation is offered by AARP Tax Aide at 10 sites in Newport County, including libraries and senior centers, where low and moderate income individuals can get help from IRS-certified preparers. Most locations require an appointment with a pre-completed intake form, with walk-ins available at a few sites. Newport This Week
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Washington Salute (featuring remarks by Col. Roy D. Lauth, Sr. and Dr. Benedict Leca, a wreath laying and musket salute by the Newport Artillery Company) will celebrate George Washington's 294th birthday on Sunday, Feb. 22 at Redwood Library and Athenaeum's south porch, with free attendance for all. Newport This Week
- ➤ Black History Month events in Newport honor Mahlon Van Horne, the first person of African heritage elected to the state House and a former pastor and school board member who helped pass Rhode Island’s Civil Rights Act. His legacy is celebrated during local educational and cultural events. Newport This Week
- ➤ RISHM will unveil the maquette honoring George T. Downing on Feb. 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Newport Art Museum for Black History Month — the event supports a campaign for an eight-foot bronze statue and features a 7 p.m. talk by Robb Dimmick. Newport This Week
- ➤ The Middletown Outreach Department is set to present a talk by historian Dr. Akeia de Barros Gomes on African American heritage on Aquidneck Island at the Middletown Library on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Residents should register in advance as seating is limited. Newport This Week
- ➤ Ars Poetica will perform Dance and Transfiguration on March 27 at the Newport Classical Recital Hall as part of the Chamber Series. The concert features Renaissance music & storytelling with historical instruments to bring early music to life. The Newport Daily News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Newport educators, via the Teachers Association of Newport — a group of local educators — cast repeated votes of no confidence in the district superintendent after an independent investigation revealed systemic issues in school leadership and discipline practices. Newport This Week
- ➤ Rogers High School hosted its 55th annual Black History Month celebration on Feb. 13 and honored former graduate Veronica Mays + students Orandy Bennett and Fayth Loper with awards that spotlight Newport’s strong ties to Black history. Newport This Week
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents are invited to a public workshop on the Naval Station Newport and Aquidneck Island Compatible Use Study on Tuesday, March 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway in Newport—local leaders seek input on transportation, land use and water improvements. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Newport’s seven-member Public Sculpture Commission has raised funds to assess the condition of 11 historic monuments in parks and public sites and will seek grants and foundation aid to restore key pieces like the Oliver Hazard Perry statue. The review aims to establish a permanent city fund. Newport This Week
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Newport native Anne Tuthill is defending her world title at the Ice and Snow Sailing Championships in Sweden (a 50th anniversary event) where 95 competitors race on frozen Lake Mälaren in Västerås until Feb. 21. Newport This Week
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Won't Back Down - Tribute to Tom Petty
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Wyndham Newport Hotel — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate the legendary music of Tom Petty in a heartfelt tribute show.
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Dumpling Eating Contest
12-4 p.m. — Yagi Noodles — Entry fee applies — Get ready to stuff your face at the 4th Annual Dumpling Eating Contest!
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Grateful Dub Tribute Concert
9:00-11:59 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Tickets starting at $60 — Experience the sounds of the Grateful Dead like never before with Grateful Dub.
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Wellness & Wine: Zumba with Tracy
10 AM – 12 PM — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — $28 — Energize with Zumba and enjoy a wine tasting among vineyard views.
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Songwriters in the Round: Natalie Paige, Myah Sallena, Ben Hoke
7 p.m. — Pump House Music Works — Free entry — Experience a night of intimate acoustic performances featuring evocative original music from talented songwriters.
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Newport St Patrick's Day Parade
11 a.m. — Newport City Hall — Free entry — Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive parade featuring leprechauns and community spirit.
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