Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of May.
Good morning, Newport.
Residents are invited to a free community dinner on Tuesday, June 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Innovate Newport + 513 Broadway, where moderators will guide conversation on local issues to help shape future foundation grantmaking.
The Newport Public Sculpture Commission will assess historic monuments such as the Soldiers’ and Sailors Monument at Broadway and Everett Street, which honors Civil War veterans + the city welcomes donations for this conservation project.
Independent pharmacies held a press conference earlier this month to urge lawmakers to review practices by CVS and Walgreens.
Matthew Olivier, owner of the only independent pharmacy on Aquidneck Island near Newport, said fair reimbursements remain delayed — prompting losses that could force more closures.
Episode 10 of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island will air Sunday at 9 p.m. on Bravo as a planned trip turns tense with conflict between Liz McGraw & Jo-Ellen Tiberi at Capo, leading Tiberi to exit the outing; fans can stream next-day on Peacock.
Newport's fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration is planned for Saturday, June 20 at Fort Adams State Park.
Organized by Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, the event will feature a reenactors parade, a musket salute at 11:30 a.m., civic leader tributes, and themed performances (RI 250) with admission starting at $10.
RHS and MHS Theater Company debut 'Chicago: Teen Edition' today and tomorrow in Rogers' new state-of-the-art auditorium; the teen adaptation keeps the iconic jazz-age score and wit, and includes a mixed cast of students (with a dedicated stage crew supporting the production).
BLS data from May 2025 shows that medical positions lead Rhode Island's list of 25 highest-paying jobs, with emergency medicine physicians earning about $411,330 annually – the report may help locals weigh their career options.
Newport public schools may lose 17 veteran educators as city council debates reallocating funds to boost education.
The funding gap could reduce essential classroom support for local children.
Newport school officials proposed closing Thompson Middle School and shifting grades to Pell and Rogers in 2028 to address a multimillion dollar deficit — if approved, the plan shared in a May 1 memo could save about $364,000 annually and allow the city to repurpose the closed school for office space.
Starting May 31, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority will shift work on the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge to nighttime (7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sun–Thurs) to ease daytime traffic as crews repair the joints, with work expected to continue until October.
Eligible seniors will receive nearly 7,000 food benefit cards preloaded with $50 through DEM’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program starting June 1 at over 50 centers; the cards let participants buy fresh produce and local honey (valid until Nov.
30) and allow homebound seniors to use a proxy.
The Newport Cliff Walk section that collapsed more than four years ago remains closed for the summer season and a detour guides visitors past Salve Regina University.
City officials say reconstruction progress and permitting are underway with $22 million in funding set aside.
Two historic cottages in Newport’s Historic Point at 19 and 19½ Third Street offer Victorian charm with modern updates for flexible living (open houses run Sat and Sun, 10-11:30) near Newport Harbor and downtown amenities.
The Newport Gulls will kick off their 25th season with a home opener against the Upper Valley Nighthawks on Friday, June 5 at Cardines Field — first pitch is at 6:35 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans will grab a free magnet schedule from Aquidneck Pizza.
2026 Inorganic Chemistry Conference
8 PM — Salve Regina University — Check website for cost — Premier international conference advancing inorganic chemistry research.
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.
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.
Mudslide Island Cocktail Competition
2-4 PM — Newport Harbor Island Resort — $20 per person (+tax) — Experience a thrilling cocktail competition featuring creative mudslide concoctions.
Our House: The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
8:00 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Tickets available — Experience an immersive musical journey through timeless hits of CSNY performed by an extraordinary ensemble of musical friends.
Dave Matthews Tribute Band Concert
9:00 – 10:30 PM — Ocean Mist — Cost information not provided — Celebrate the music of the Dave Matthews Band in a vibrant atmosphere.
Simon & Garfunkel Tribute: On Bleecker Street
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Cost info not provided — Feel groovy with amazing harmonies at this tribute to Simon & Garfunkel.
Dueling Pianos Saturday - Early Show
7:30 p.m. — Dueling Pianos Bar at Top Of Pelham — Check for availability — Experience an unforgettable evening of music with audience-requested songs and stunning harbor views.
URI Boarding Camp (MMA & Surf)
All day — Boss Ice Arena — Check website for prices — Experience two weeks of hands-on training in MMA and surf activities.
Summer Sailing Camp Session 1
8:45 AM - 3:30 PM — Herreshoff Marine Museum — Visit herreshoff.org/sailing/ for details — Dive into sailing with hands-on learning and maritime history in Bristol Harbor.
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