Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
Good morning, Newport.
The Rhode Island Department of Health said a second blizzard-related death occurred on Wednesday from shoveling, with 263 emergency visits for falls, heart problems and crashes; in Newport, a student died from carbon-monoxide poisoning while charging his phone in his car.
Newport-born lighthouse keeper Ida Lewis was born on Feb.
25, 1842 — credited with rescuing at least 18 people and earning the first gold Congressional lifesaving medal for a woman in 1869 — and her legacy endures at the Common Burying Ground.
Kim Fuller, an author and speaker from Middletown, is set to host the Tell Newport event at Firehouse Theater today that will bring local residents together to share personal stories of healing + connection.
The Newport Restoration Foundation named Hilary Fagan as its new executive director on Wednesday.
A Newport native with strong background in economic development and finance, she will assume the role on March 9 to lead efforts in historic preservation and tackle challenges like sea-level rise.
Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center will host two spring concerts; on March 5, folk trio Princess June will debut their album with Brad Bensko opening, and on April 18, SNACKTIME returns for a 4/20 celebration with openers Zane Christopher and Birdstick - early tickets cost $45 -.
Roger Williams University leads an initiative to restore quahog stocks in Narragansett Bay using a NOAA-supported grant to combine hatchery conditioning + disease testing.
Researchers will collect clams from four sites each winter, aiming to boost wild populations that support commercial and recreational clamming.
Officials in Massachusetts and Rhode Island announced reinforcements from Vermont, New Hampshire — and Connecticut to aid in snow removal after a record-breaking blizzard.
Additional crews will help clear heavy snowfall from affected areas.
The Rhode Island State Archives is inviting residents to share photos from the Blizzard of 2026 to preserve the storm’s legacy; submissions may be sent via Facebook direct message or email at [email protected].
Today, the second day of blizzard recovery brings countywide school closures and ongoing street cleaning as crews work to clear key roads + Broadway parking is allowed while Ocean Drive remains closed and rain mixed with snow is expected to help melt the remaining buildup.
On Feb. 25, five Vermont dump trucks arrived at the state warehouse with loaders to help clear snow from side streets, while Pennsylvania crews with eight loaders will arrive early today to support local plowing.
Maine National Guard crews have also pledged equipment to help with the blizzard recovery.
South County Health’s Center for Women’s Health in Newport now offers comprehensive midwifery services including pregnancy, labor, postpartum care, and routine gynecologic exams.
Certified Nurse Midwife Sarah West Allen is accepting new patients (providing trusted guidance for informed health decisions).
A heavy blizzard forced the RIIL to postpone several high school basketball playoff games scheduled for Feb.
25, and officials are reworking match times to complete finals at AMP and local sites by early March. Uncertainty remains as cleanup continues.
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.
Wellness & Wine: Zumba with Tracy
10 AM – 12 PM — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — $28 — Energize with Zumba and enjoy a wine tasting among vineyard views.
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.
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.
The Natural Film Screening
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Average ticket price $51 — Experience a classic film live at a premier venue in Newport.
Flo Rida Concert
10:00 AM – 9:30 PM — Ryan Center — Last-minute tickets available — Experience hip-hop hits live with Flo Rida in Kingston.
Simon & Garfunkel Tribute Concert
7:30-10:00 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Buy tickets online — Celebrate the harmonies and stories of the Simon & Garfunkel Songbook with Aztec Two-Step 2.0.
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