New
in Newport
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Newport will plant a 20-foot American Elm in William Ellery Park on Friday, April 24 at 1:30 p.m. to replace the removed Liberty Tree and honor the nation’s 250th anniversary (the ceremony is hosted by local tree and historical organizations). Newport This Week
- ➤ A Vermont man visiting Newport won $50,000 on his first lottery ticket purchased at Stop & Shop on Bellevue Ave — according to the Rhode Island Lottery. He said he plans to share some of the winnings with family in Jamaica. What's Up Newp
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Puddingstone Music will launch its new Jazz at The Redwood series Tuesday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Redwood Library, where Blue Note Records pianist Paul Cornish makes his Newport debut with his trio, performing both new and familiar tunes; advance tickets cost $45 and include wine, beer, soft drinks + small bites. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Newport Classical’s spring concerts offer lively musical journeys downtown on May 8 and June 5. Pianist James Zijian Wei debuts on May 8 with an intense program while flutist Amir Hoshang Farsi and pianist Mika Sasaki perform on June 5 as a preview for the festival from July 2 to 19. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ The Newport Jazz Festival will reveal its 2026 lineup Tuesday, Apr. 21 and launch ticket sales with special 3-day passes until Apr. 23. The event will run at Fort Adams State Park on July 31, Aug. 1, and Aug. 2 under Artistic Director Nate Smith & mark its 72nd year. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Newport Restoration Foundation will host a sustainable fashion panel at Rough Point Museum on Tuesday, Apr. 21 from 6-7 p.m. with designer Jill Palese and scientists Dr. Lina González and Max Rutman (inspired by Doris Duke’s conservation legacy) as part of Earth Week. Tickets cost $20 ($10 for Newport County). What's Up Newp
- ➤ HBO’s Emmy-winning drama The Gilded Age returns to Newport for season four filming as announced Thursday by the Rhode Island Film and TV Office. The production will use historic mansions to provide work for local crews and draw in visitors. What's Up Newp
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Newport is launching a free curbside composting pilot program through September 2027 that starts on Earth Day, Apr. 22, and lets 1,500 households sign up for weekly food scrap pickup (partnered with 11th Hour Racing and Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District) to help reduce waste and lower disposal costs. Newport This Week
- ➤ Aquidneck Island Earth Week will run from Apr. 18 to Apr. 26 to engage residents and visitors in preserving local natural beauty across Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth. The week features work parties, guided hikes, and community cleanups (featuring invasive species removal) that invite everyone to participate. Newport This Week
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Middletown Town Council said on Apr. 6 that the library project behind town hall remains on budget but faces delays from required design changes. Conversion of the old high school into an elementary school is on track for next summer as teams select furniture and apply for a trades grant. Newport This Week
- ➤ A&R Marine Corporation proposed doubling ferry prices for Prudence Island today to counter rising operating costs and remove bulk discounts. The Public Utilities Commission will hold a hearing on Sept. 2 to review the change, and residents fear the new fares could limit essential access (the ferry remains a lifeline). The Newport Daily News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Newport Heights development received nearly $4 million to rehabilitate its 81 units as part of a $72 million housing award announced Thursday by Gov. Dan McKee's administration. Trinity Newport is the only Newport County project among seven statewide projects. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Rhode Island completed 2,162 new housing units in 2025 after cities and towns issued 3,778 permits, a 40% rise from 2024. Gov. Dan McKee said state investments, including $250 million in federal stimulus + a $120 million housing bond, helped drive the progress. The Newport Daily News
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Newport Rhode Races
7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Easton's Beach — Marathon: $110, Half Marathon: $85, 5K — Experience the thrill of the race along the scenic Newport coast.
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Pollinator House Workshop
10 AM – 12 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Free entry — Create a pollinator house and learn about the importance of pollination for trees on Arbor Day.
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Arbor Day Festival and Bristol Community Day
10 AM – 4 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Free entry — Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the arboretum with family-friendly nature crafts and scavenger hunts.
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The British Invasion Years Live Tribute
7-10 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Ticket info not provided — Experience a lively tribute to the 1960s musical revolution featuring classic hits from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
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Northern Italy to Tuscany Wine Dinner
6:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — The Coast Guard House Restaurant — $— Explore the exquisite food and wine from Northern Italy and Tuscany.
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A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Ryan Center — Last-minute tickets available — Catch A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie live in Kingston, RI.
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Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Tickets available — Experience the Southern rock evolution led by Duane Betts, the son of legendary guitarist Dickey Betts.
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Boss Tenors Quintet Performance
6-9 p.m. — Pump House Music Works — Ticketed event — Experience the electric homage to jazz legends Sonny Stitt and Gene Ammons with Dan Moretti and Greg Abate.
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Wooden Spoon Carving Workshop
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Cost not specified — Craft your own wooden spoon with expert guidance from Steve Emma using native hardwoods.
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Comedy Night featuring Tyler Hittner
8-10 p.m. — Galactic Theatre — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of comedy with Tyler Hittner at a highly-rated venue.
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