Good morning, Newport.

Newport County hosts a full weekend of events from today through June 22, including the 29th annual Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff & the season kickoff for the Providence-Newport Ferry, which will run trips until Columbus Day.

A new eco-friendly shuttle service launches while local venues offer live music, art tours, festivals, and community gatherings throughout the weekend.

Procaccianti Companies received final approvals to build The Bellevue Hotel at Bellevue Gardens Plaza on Bellevue Avenue in Newport.

The 91-room boutique property will include a restaurant, spa, pub, gym, and more, and will begin construction late 2025 to open in 2027.

Yesterday, Newport marked Juneteenth with storytelling and live songs at Rough Point Museum—Valerie Tutson performed narratives celebrating Black freedom while Keith W.

Stokes offered a talk on 400 years of resilience at the JPT Film & Event Center. Newport Public Schools reported a $900,000 budget shortfall after staff layoffs and Pell Elementary recognized a teacher as Teacher of the Year.

On June 16, school officials and construction workers led Thompson Middle School 8th graders on a tour of the nearly finished new Rogers High School in Newport.

The keys will be turned over today to Newport Public Schools and a temporary certificate of occupancy is expected on June 23 pending fire inspections (a few small tasks will be completed over the summer).

Rhode Island lawmakers passed a compromise bill on June 12 and June 18 that will raise the minimum wage from $15 to $16 this year and to $17 by 2027 — the measure now awaits the governor's signature.

The Rhode Island Senate Finance Committee approved a $14.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 that protects Medicaid while addressing homelessness, transportation, and child care.

The plan now heads to the full senate for a vote Friday and will start on July 1 — it forces RIPTA to cut 90 jobs and 20% of its routes while keeping door-to-door service for passengers with disabilities.

Today, Rhode Island lawmakers meet for the final session day to vote on a $14.3 billion budget, a revised assault weapons bill, payday lending restrictions, and housing measures.

The session does not consider a bill to let child abuse survivors sue institutions (Senate senators cited constitutional and insurance concerns).

On June 11, Newport City Council approved a $33,600 one-year renewal of Polimorphic’s AI service that began in January—helping with 33 chats a day and 7 after-hour calls—while collecting data that guides residents to the right city office.

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.

Megan Chenot Live Performance

5-8 p.m. — Narragansett Cafe — Free entry — Enjoy a diverse musical mix from Newport's talented singer-guitarist Megan Chenot.

Newport Classical Music Festival 2025

8-10 p.m. — King Park — Free entry — Enjoy a festive evening featuring the Fenway Brass Quintet & Percussion in a relaxed open-air setting as you kick off your Fourth of July celebrations.

Joe Samba Live Performance

8 PM – 2 AM — Ocean Mist — Free entry — Dance the night away to the infectious rhythms of live Samba music in a beautiful beachside setting.