Good morning, Newport.

Preliminary designs for a monument to honor enslaved Africans were presented on June 30 to the Tree and Open Space Commission near Queen Anne Square.

The project will be submitted to City Council in August (with RIDOT review) as part of Newport’s effort to acknowledge its slave trade history.

Newport will host the French in Newport celebration on Saturday, July 11 to honor the landing of 6,000 French troops in 1780 that helped shape the American Revolution.

Reenactments & ceremonies near the Rochambeau Monument at King's Park will highlight the historic alliance.

The Newport Restoration Foundation is hosting its tenth annual Keeping History Above Water symposium in Newport from Oct.

21 to 23. Historic preservationists, policy planners and community leaders will gather for sessions, site visits plus hands-on demonstrations to address rising sea levels.

St. George’s graduate Anna Molinari, known for crafting sustainable fashion from recycled materials, appeared on the 22nd season premiere of 'Project Runway' on July 9.

The designer (a Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ honoree) showcased her creative journey from childhood inspirations to full-time influencer.

At a June 30 Blue Tech Talk, panelists said the bay region is set to lead in underwater technology thanks to URI’s new Ocean Robotics Lab opened on June 25 and strong local investments.

The boost is expected to create more jobs + speed up research as firms test models in nearby waters.

Thompson Middle School eighth-graders proposed turning the empty former Newport Grand into a family center during a Generation Citizen project.

They earned the top pitch at the State House on June 10 after researching the site and gathering community input (including from Mayor Holder and Councilor Pinnock).

Newport officials plan to repair Perrotti Park's bulkhead to protect harbor views, but residents worry the seawall fix might allow a larger harbor-master building without clear plans (the city is urged to reveal its cost and design analysis before moving forward).

CVS Pharmacy reached a $36.5M settlement with several states including Rhode Island for allegedly over dispensing insulin pens after early prescription refills led to false claims.

Massachusetts received $1.3M while the amount for Rhode Island remains undisclosed.

Construction continues on schedule at Naval Station Newport for NOAA's new Marine Operations Center-Atlantic, set to open in 2027.

The $147 million facility will include a modern pier for four large research vessels, a floating dock, and office spaces + support regional ocean and climate research.

The Rhode Island Department of Health cleared Sandy Point Beach for swimming after safe bacteria levels were confirmed Thursday.

Third Beach in Middletown and City Park Beach in Warwick remain under advisory until updated water quality data is available.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame Open continues until July 12 at Newport’s historic grass courts, where rising ATP and WTA stars compete and fans enjoy an interactive zone (featuring junior clinics) to catch future talent.

Newport Kite Festival

12-6 p.m. — Brenton Point State Park — Free entry — Experience the joy of colorful kites soaring high at Rhode Island's beloved annual festival.

The Lafayette Band Concert

5-7 p.m. — Touro Park — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening of historic music in the beautiful setting of Touro Park.

Willie J Laws Jr and The Ocean Mistics Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Cost not specified — Experience a night of modern funky blues with deep Texas roots music.

The Earl Knightwood Band at The Towers

7-10 p.m. — The Towers — $20 Tickets available at the door — Experience the rhythmic fusion of R&B, Funk, and Soul with The Earl Knightwood Band.

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Morning Tours

9-11:30 a.m. — Edgewood Yacht Club — Ticket required — Explore a beautifully restored historical lighthouse and its scenic surroundings.

Newport Jazz Age Weekend

All weekend — Founders Hall — Check website for costs — Experience the vibrant spirit of the Jazz Age with music, dance, and more.

NIMFEST 2026

5-6 p.m. — King Park — Free entry — Experience lively performances at the Newport Independent Music Festival in a beautiful park setting.

Sunset Tours of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Edgewood Yacht Club — Cost details not provided — Discover the history of a restored local lighthouse during a scenic sunset tour.

Rolling Thunder Revue Live Tribute Concert

7-10 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Ticket price not specified — Experience a dynamic tribute concert featuring New England Music Award winner Avi, noted for his comparisons to Hozier and Bob Dylan.

Morning Tours of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

9:00 – 11:30 AM — Edgewood Yacht Club — Entry fee required — Experience a historical lighthouse tour on a beautifully restored local landmark.