Good morning, Newport.

Newport Public Schools will hold a tag and take event on June 30 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the old Rogers High School so residents can pick up used desks, chairs, whiteboards, bulletin boards, and file cabinets as staff move supplies to the new building; items are available (first-come, first-served) and a ribbon cutting is planned on August 22 ahead of the fall demolition.

Keith Stokes was named Rhode Island’s historian laureate in April and will deliver lectures at events while promoting civics education statewide — his role honors his roots as a ninth-generation local and former Newport city councilor.

He now leads the state’s Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and will help plan the 250th celebration next year.

After years of delay, the Newport City Council approved a plan to place the Middle Passage Port Marker on state-owned land near Queen Anne Square — the marker will be redesigned for the new space — and the project committee will ask state officials to release the land.

Newport Public Schools faces a $2.6 million deficit that has led to plans to cut 40 staff, including 15 teachers.

A Rogers High School student said his rise from a 1.7 GPA to a 3.9 GPA shows how important these teachers are—he urged the school board and city council to find new funding to keep them.

Rogers High School honored its top 10 students from the Class of 2025, led by valedictorian Grace Rochelle with a 4.450 GPA and salutatorian Madeline Murphy with a 4.3902 GPA—each recognized for a blend of academic, athletic and community achievements.

The announcement highlighted multiple honors society inductions and noted future plans at colleges such as Notre Dame, Fairfield and Rensselaer.

Senate President Valarie Lawson ruled against shifting the assault weapons ban from the Judiciary Committee to the Finance Committee—citing Senate rules—during a 20-17 vote on June 11 as religious leaders outside the State House urged lawmakers to act against gun violence.

Other legislators also debated rolling back the lead-safe apartment registry and boosting funding for homeless shelter beds in the upcoming session.

After the Portsmouth tragedy, Newport Mental Health offers support for children and teens through school counselors, a 24/7 crisis helpline, and walk-in hours at 42 Valley Road in Middletown—parents are urged to watch for changes in behavior, keep routines, and speak openly with their children.

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.

Lighthouse Tour

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM — Edgewood Yacht Club — Check for entry fees — Explore the historic Pomham Rocks Lighthouse on a guided tour.