Good morning, Newport.

Bike Newport named Tuni Schartner as its new director of partnerships and philanthropy today.

She brings more than 30 years of experience in community building and nonprofit leadership and will lead efforts to grow local philanthropic support (including expanding sponsorships).

Today, Newport County welcomes Seastreak’s ferry service starting Friday — with trips to Bristol — and Rosalind Weir will receive the Dominique Award on June 24 at Johnny’s Restaurant in Middletown.

Girl Scouts elected new board members and Small Business Collective got a $75K grant to boost programs.

Raytheon is expanding its Portsmouth facility with a $100 million project that will create 150 high-tech jobs & boost production for its LTAMDS radar & Patriot GEM-T missile defense systems.

The groundbreaking took place Monday & the expansion will increase testing capacity for new defense technology.

Newport County presents a busy weekend of events.

Saturday the Farm Coast Art & Garden Ramble at Tiverton’s Historic Four Corners runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by an art talk at Tiverton Public Library and a Shakespeare play at Jamestown Arts Center, while Ragged Island Music Festival continues Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8:30 p.m.

Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center will host the Rhode Island premiere of SXSW film Mermaid on Friday, June 12, where actor Johnny Pemberton will appear in person; after the screening at 7:30 p.m., local filmmakers will moderate a live Q&A session.

Six RI museums provide a summer alternative to the beach with World War II artifacts, sailing legends, classic art and tennis history; local venues in Newport, South Kingstown, Providence and Portsmouth welcome visitors (Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 5) with affordable fees.

The film 'Rubber Hut' began filming on June 1 in Warwick and will shoot at local sites until late June+ the project is based on the 1992 Cranston Condom Hut controversy with Michael Imperioli and Emmy Rossum joining eight cast members.

Sail Newport will dedicate its remodeled building (the original main office) at 60 Fort Adams Drive as the Jason Titunik Racing Education Center on Wednesday, June 24 at 2 p.m. The center honors a young sailor who died in 2023 and will offer racing education for local sailors.

The Greater Newport Chamber will host the Politics & Pancakes event on Tuesday, June 23 at Ochre Court (Ochre Point Avenue), where House Finance Chairman Abney and Senate Finance Chairman DiPalma will discuss the state budget and upcoming election issues.

Governor Dan McKee and the state's Overdose Task Force announced Wednesday that overdose deaths in Rhode Island fell 50% since 2022—reaching the lowest level since 2013 and exceeding its 2030 reduction goal.

The state’s efforts include distributing 55,557 naloxone kits to prevention and recovery programs.

Sweet Berry Farm withdrew its proposal for a 13,862 sqft development complex at Mitchell’s Lane Tuesday and will consider a smaller plan to better meet community and agricultural guidelines (confirmed by the Aquidneck Island Land Trust).

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.

FREE Inclusion Art Class

Create and carry home your own art in just one session — — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Free entry — Craft a masterpiece and show it off that night.

Weekend Comedy by Sam Bobrick at Newport Playhouse

Performances June 24 - July 19 — Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a lighthearted comedy featuring couples navigating life's surprises.

Newport Yacht Rendezvous 2026

5-10 p.m. — Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard — Proceeds benefit local Boys & Girls Clubs — Experience an extraordinary evening with a Super Yacht Hop, dinner, and dancing.

A Wilhelm Scream Concert

5-10 p.m. — What Cheer Tavern — 21+ only — Enjoy an evening with A Wilhelm Scream and special guests Riverbed on the patio.

Morning Tours of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

9:00 – 11:30 AM — Edgewood Yacht Club — Ticketed entry — Explore the historical Pomham Rocks Lighthouse during select summer mornings.