New
in Newport
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local judges announced winners at the 70th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, awarding Portsmouth HS Best Band while local schools and organizations earned recognition – the awards underscored Newport’s vibrant community spirit. Newport This Week
- ➤ Newport Pride announced a lineup for Pride Month starting Tuesday, June 2 with a flag-raising ceremony at Equality Park. The celebrations continue with PrideFest on Saturday, June 27 featuring a parade and festival at Great Friends Meeting House, followed by afterdark events and Sunday Drag Bingo at Brenton Hotel. What's Up Newp
- ➤ The Preservation Society of Newport maintains the historic monkey chair at the Chateau Sur Mer mansion on Bellevue Avenue where families once climbed the stone perch in the 1940s. Although the steps are now closed to climbing, local residents still treasure the unique relic as a memorable photo spot. Newport This Week
- ➤ St. Joseph’s Day was celebrated with vendors selling zeppole that honored local Italian heritage on March 19. Residents enjoyed festive treats and cultural traditions that united the community. WJAR NBC 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Newport School Committee endorsed a state bill on March 10 to invest $950,000 annually in dual-language and multilingual programs in Newport Public Schools beginning Fiscal Year 2027, addressing instruction shortages for ML students. The legislation supports teacher certification enhancements & community partnerships to better serve growing needs. Newport This Week
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Island Airport Corporation said it will begin work on the 8,700-foot T.F.-Green runway in April, with improvements like pavement milling and lighting upgrades, and aircraft will use the 6,100-foot runway during construction as passenger volumes may drop temporarily until October. WJAR NBC 10
- ➤ Director of Utilities Robert Schultz said Easton’s Pond faces future weather challenges and an engineering firm presented a $45 million design during a March 4 workshop to combat flooding, rising water levels and erosion. The plan addresses the dam, spillway and gates. Newport This Week
- ➤ Newport residents need to know that state law forbids keeping a pet monkey—domestic water buffalo remain permitted—in effect since updated guidelines were issued by the Department of Environmental Management on March 19. The regulation aims to protect residents and local wildlife. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ The governor has proposed adding a $5 fee per cruise ship visitor to the existing $10 charge to fund the state transportation authority—critics say the increase could reduce cruise stops and impact local businesses along Newport’s waterfront. Newport This Week
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Affordable Housing Committee proposes redeveloping Newport State Airport into housing for families arriving as NOAA and the Coast Guard relocate to Aquidneck Island, yet Middletown officials remain unprepared to boost long-term home availability. The plan could yield over $9 million in revenue — a boon for local education funding. Newport This Week
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Uri women's basketball will leave for Louisville tomorrow to face Alabama in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Newport Daily News
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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.
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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.
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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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Hops, Beers & Bites Experience
1-4 p.m. — The Anchor Room At The Coast Guard House — $35.00 per person — Discover the art of hops with local brews and creative bar bites.
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Wednesdays: Flight Specials
All day — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — $15 for wine or beer flights — Enjoy discounted drinks with board games and fire pits on the terrace.
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Golden Hour Experience: Newport's Twilight Beauty
Golden Hour Experience — Evening Cruise — Soap and Water Newport — Price varies — Enjoy a sunset cruise with charcuterie and champagne while taking in Newport's stunning views.
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Book Talk with Terry Gaspard
2-3 p.m. — Newport Public Library — Free entry — Explore financial discussions that strengthen relationships in this insightful book talk.
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Easter Brunch Buffet
10 AM – 3 PM — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — Adults $85, Kids $27 — Celebrate Easter with a delightful brunch buffet and a fun egg hunt for kids.
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Big Lux and The Hype
8-11:59 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Check website for pricing — Enjoy a lively mix of reggae, funk, and rock by Sea of Giants in a vibrant coastal setting.
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Daffodil Society of Rhode Island Preview Party
5-7:30 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Admission details not specified — Preview stunning floral arrangements in a delightful garden setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled.
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Reveal the authorAbout New in Newport
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