New
in Newport
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A new study by Rhode Island KIDS COUNT shows Newport has the state's second-highest child poverty rate at 32 percent. Officials, including Newport Public Schools' Supt. Colleen Burns Jermain, urge policy changes in education+health care to support local children—the findings were presented May 4 in Warwick. Newport This Week
- ➤ Behavioral health workers in Newport County help residents through crisis and recovery while building promising careers at Newport Mental Health. The report shows how personal struggles and formal training & hands-on experience combine to create lasting community support. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ Discover Newport will host a marketing strategy workshop on Tuesday, June 9 at 9 a.m. at Innovate Newport (513 Broadway) to invite the local tourism and hospitality community to help shape future marketing efforts, with interested parties asked to RSVP by emailing Clara Crawford. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Bakes for Breast Cancer Rhode Island begins today and runs through Thursday, May 14 as a weeklong fundraiser where local restaurants and bakeries donate a signature dessert to support breast cancer research. The event was launched by founder Carol Sneider in memory of her mother. Newport This Week
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local author Michael Klein will present his new book (Happiness Ruined Everything) at Jamestown Arts Center on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 pm. The event includes readings, a Q&A session, and a book signing and is jointly hosted by Charter Books and Jamestown Arts Center. Newport This Week
- ➤ The Arts & Cultural Alliance and the White Family Foundation are accepting nominations for the LeRoy White Soul & Conscience Award — a $5,000 prize for a musician who connects the community. Entries close Friday, May 22; the winner will be named at Raise Up the Arts on June 24. What's Up Newp
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Newport School Committee announced its plan to interview candidates for an interim superintendent role as the current leader retires next month amid regionalization uncertainty. The committee is taking a practical step to maintain stable leadership until long-term decisions are finalized. Newport This Week
- ➤ The Newport School Department is studying solar panels at Rogers High to lower its $65,000 monthly utility bill + the measure now awaits city council approval before moving forward. The plan could ease the district's budget deficit by using federal reimbursements to reduce costs for taxpayers. Newport This Week
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ RIPTA invites local high schools and youth organizations to join its Summer Youth Pass Pilot Program that will offer high schoolers July and August passes to access essential services using plastic or virtual Wave cards. Groups can apply through June 22 via the provided contact details. Newport This Week
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ With warmer weather, the Rhode Island Department of Health urges residents to avoid tick and mosquito bites by using repellents (20-30% DEET) and wearing protective clothing while outdoors. These steps aim to reduce risks of Lyme disease, West Nile virus and other illnesses. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Rhode Island’s Department of Health issued a statewide alert on Wed, May 6 after 61 non-fatal overdoses were reported over the past week to help connect communities with overdose prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. The Newport Daily News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ An article highlights eight top burger spots offering creative takes on the all-American burger. Newport locals can enjoy classic patties at Brick Alley Pub + innovative twists at Pour Judgement as state polls and competitions spotlight standout flavors across Rhode Island. The Newport Daily News
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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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Free Adult Aerial Silks Intro Class
5:30-6:15 p.m. — Attitude Academy of Performing Arts — Free entry — Experience the joy of aerial arts with simple poses and climbing techniques on silks.
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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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