New
in Newport
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sail Newport will commission its new fleet of 14 J/7 sailboats on Saturday, May 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Alofsin Piers in Fort Adams State Park so locals can join the free event — the launch also kicks off community sailing with opportunities like a one-hour sail in the harbor. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Mara Hagen-Smith of the Valley Breeze joined NBC 10 on Wed, May 6 for Community Close-up to discuss Rhode Island homelessness and plans involving the Woonsocket sludge incinerator. The segment focused on challenges with housing and outreach across the state. WJAR NBC 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Heritage Restaurant Group finalized its acquisition of Mews Tavern (est. 1947) at 456 Main St. Monday; the longtime team stays as Heritage plans further investments in the menu and local events. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Yagi, the acclaimed Newport restaurant from Chef Basil Yu & Kodi Keith, has opened its second location at Track 15 in downtown Providence. The venue in historic Union Station offers housemade ramen and more, while the original location on Long Wharf continues to serve guests. What's Up Newp
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Beth Walker sued Brian Pontarelli in a Rhode Island court after she said he made false and disparaging remarks about her on the TV show 'Real Housewives' following claims of his affair. No hearing has been scheduled as the legal dispute unfolds. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ Puddingstone will host its second annual Summer Music Festival June 21-27 at Casino Theatre (9 Freebody St.), featuring five concerts by Grammy-winning artists, Eastman School faculty, and rising local talent in a 19th-century salon style event. What's Up Newp
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Island colleges are setting spring dorm move-out dates as students get ready for summer break. For instance, Brown’s undergraduates must leave by May 16 while Providence College's non-graduates exit by May 8, and several institutions have separate schedules for graduating students. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ The Gaudet Parent Teacher Group is hosting a final public show at Krupowicz Planetarium on Tuesday, May 12 at 1113 Aquidneck Ave. Two sessions run from 5 to 6 p.m. and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (tickets cost $5 and must be purchased in advance). What's Up Newp
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Island's eight state beaches will open for the season on Saturday, May 23 - most sites will offer lifeguards, staff, and amenities through Labor Day, while free parking is available before opening day and passes are already on sale. What's Up Newp
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ RIPTA has expanded its Flex On Demand service to northern Aquidneck Island to boost transportation options for residents, commuters, and visitors in Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth. The service, available from April 29 to June 30, 2026, offers ADA-accessible rides at $2 per trip (with a free one-way promo for first-time users through May 31). The Newport Daily News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Newport Hospital’s patient safety rating slipped from an A to a B this spring per a survey released today by the Leapfrog Group, and the hospital lost three years of top marks while other state hospitals kept A ratings. What's Up Newp
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Paul Gilbert & Greg Koch Concert
4-6 PM — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket prices vary — Experience guitar mastery and celebrate the release of Paul Gilbert's new album WROC.
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Dueling Pianos Friday - Early Show
7:30 p.m. — Dueling Pianos Bar at Top Of Pelham — Check with the venue for ticket prices — Experience a night of audience-requested tunes and beautiful harbor views with live dueling pianos.
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Morning Coffee Networking
8-9 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Providence Airport Warwick — Free entry — Enjoy fresh coffee and cookies while connecting with local professionals.
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Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Bowen's Wharf — Enjoy the waterfront — Taste oysters and sip champagne at this culinary celebration.
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Spring Watercolor Series with Artist Mary Ellen Dwyer
10 AM – 12 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Materials not included — Explore the basics of watercolor painting in this engaging six-class series.
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Killer Night Out - An Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner
7-9 p.m. — Belle's — Ticketed event — Solve a murder before dessert in an engaging, interactive dinner experience.
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2026 CCBA Annual Meeting & Conference
8 AM – 5 PM — Newport Harbor Island Resort — Registration required — Attend for professional development and networking opportunities with CCBA members.
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Junior Toots Concert
9:00-11:59 p.m. — Ocean Mist — $92+ — Experience the vibrant energy of Junior Toots live in concert.
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2026 Inorganic Chemistry Conference
8 PM — Salve Regina University — Check website for cost — Premier international conference advancing inorganic chemistry research.
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Lived Experience: What Connects Us Across Generations
5-6:30 p.m. — Newport Elks Lodge #104 — Complimentary light appetizers — Engage in a live conversation with elders exploring wisdom and connections across generations.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout New in Newport
Welcome to the New in Newport, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Newport, Rhode Island community. If you like the New in Newport, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Newport.
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