Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of June.
Good morning, Newport.
Kelly Nevitt, a 15-year-old student, died on June 7 when a concrete landing detached at a graduation party in Portsmouth—two others were injured and local efforts include a GoFundMe, Grafik Coffee sticker sales, a Night of Remembrance at St. Barnabas Church on June 13, and a Celebration of Life at Green Valley Country Club on June 16 to honor her extraordinary life.
This weekend, Newport County will celebrate Father's Day with several local events.
On Sunday, dads get free entry to the Newport Car Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an adult ticket purchase—while the Newport Motor Car Festival at Portsmouth Abbey draws 3,000 people, a clambake at Ragged Island starts at 4:30 p.m., free pickleball is available, and an art show opens Saturday, June 14, at the restored Belmont Chapel.
Several shipwrecks can be seen from Rhode Island shores, including wrecks at Green Jacket Shoals and Rejects' Beach.
Experts advise visitors to check tide charts and follow shoreline-access rules—ensuring these maritime relics remain protected.
Rhode Island's House Finance Committee approved a revised $14.3 billion budget for 2026 that raises healthcare and child care funding, adds a 2-cent gas tax for public transit, and introduces a property tax on non-owner occupied homes over $1 million.
The budget is $119 million above the governor's plan and excludes a digital advertising tax, a millionaires tax and a building acquisition in East Providence (it now moves to the House Floor for debate).
Rhode Island's House Finance Committee approved a revised $14.3 billion state budget that adds $119 million more than Governor McKee planned—this budget funds healthcare, raises the gas tax by 2 cents to aid the transit agency, and creates a new tax on non-owner-occupied homes over $1 million. The budget will now move to the House Floor for debate.
Governor Dan McKee signed a bill on June 11 to rename the Sakonnet River Bridge for Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts—a soldier from Tiverton who died in Iraq in 2004.
The signing ceremony was held at 3 p.m. in the Governor’s State Room at the State House in Providence with local officials present.
Rhode Island is hosting an online bracket contest to choose the best clam shack—voters can select among top spots known for seaside views and signature dishes like clam cakes and chowder, with Round 1 voting ending at noon on Sunday, June 15 and the second round set to begin Monday at noon.
HART x Harper & Tucker Charm Bar Pop-Up
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Harper & Tucker — Free entry — Create your own charm jewelry from a vast assortment of designs at this unique pop-up event.
Dinos at Dusk
5-9 p.m. — Roger Williams Park Zoo — Discounts for members — Explore the zoo during a dinosaur-themed evening with life-size animatronics.
Richie Furay Concert
8:00-9:30 PM — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket price not listed — Experience the legendary Richie Furay from iconic bands like Buffalo Springfield and Poco.
Laura Cantrell in Concert
7-10 p.m. — Norman Bird Sanctuary — No cover charge — Enjoy an evening with country singer Laura Cantrell as she showcases her musical journey.
Mind Reading Show with Peter Antoniou
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket prices vary — Experience the astonishing mind reading skills of Peter Antoniou as he dazzles audiences.
LFO Live Concert
5-9 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy the iconic sounds of LFO as they perform their classic hits.
Community Creativity Lab
5-8 p.m. — Claiborne Pell Elementary School — Free entry — Share your ideas to enhance Newport's parks and green spaces.
Lighthouse Tour Experience
9:30-11 a.m. — Edgewood Yacht Club — Tours available — Explore the historic Pomham Rocks Lighthouse and discover its fascinating maritime history.
June 2025 Newport Secret Garden Tour
2-8 p.m. — Storer Park, Newport, RI — Ticket required — Experience a self-guided exploration of charming private gardens in historic Newport.
Official Manchester City Soccer Camp
9 AM-2 PM — Wide World of Indoor Sports — Registration required — Train with qualified Manchester City coaches and enhance your soccer skills.
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