Good morning, Newport.

Rhode Island voters can cast ballots to choose the best public 18-hole golf course as the contest remains open until the poll closes.

The vote features top venues like Newport National (renowned for its playing conditions) and other local favorites.

Upcoming Newport County events include the Citizens Pell Bridge Run on Aug.

30 at Portsmouth supporting Aquidneck Food Pantry, a Seaside Celebration on July 20 at The Bohlin, volunteer openings for Tax Aide, and the Doris Duke Preservation Awards on Sept. 11 at Rough Point.

Pelham Street in Newport shows historical personalities.

The ongoing series explains that the house at 115 Pelham Street became a school of household arts until 2002 after owner Elizabeth Swinburne bequeathed it to the Newport Civic League, and the street features buildings noted for early gas lighting.

On July 11, Portuguese Ambassador Francisco Duarte Lopes visited the Portuguese Discovery Monument on Ocean Drive at Brenton Point State Park—marking the first visit by a U.S. ambassador to the restored granite structure that honors explorers with 14 stone elements.

The Newport Folk Festival will mark its 67th anniversary at Fort Adams from July 24 through 26 with over 50 musical acts including Brandi Carlile, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Princess June, and The Lumineers (echoing legends like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez).

Salve Regina University will host Bridging the Gap: A Jazz Dance and Music Festival from July 29 to Aug.

3, featuring a Jazz Lounge at Ochre Court on July 29 at 7:30 p.m. and free classes at Rodgers Recreation Center and the Boys + Girls Club summer camp in Saunderstown.

At Pell Elementary, RENEWport started a Morning Greeter Program for the 2025/2026 school year, with volunteers greeting students and later helping with library hours (a stopgap for missing full-time librarian support).

By June, warmer responses built community spirit.

The City of Newport has urged the governor and state commerce office to designate two census tracts (405 and 412) as federal opportunity zones to attract investments and tax incentives for undercapitalized neighborhoods.

Results will be announced in January as developers prepare for future projects.

Officials warned residents on Thursday to avoid wild animals after 25 rabid animals were reported in early 2026, and 32 people were treated for exposures in the north; pet owners were reminded to vaccinate animals (14 raccoons and 7 bats led most cases).

The Rhode Island Department of Health reported three cyclosporiasis cases this year with no linked source, and officials advised residents to wash produce thoroughly to lower their risk.

Local experts stress that safe handling can help reduce prolonged stomach issues.

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.

Bob Perlow's Tales from Hollywood

7 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — VIP tickets available — Enjoy a hilarious journey through the backstage of showbiz with Bob Perlow.

Jukebox Radio at Chelo's Waterfront Bar & Grille

6-10 p.m. — Chelo's Waterfront Bar and Grille — Check for cover charge — Enjoy live music from East Coast's fastest growing cover band with a mix of timeless classics and today's hits.

Travis Hyll Live Concert

5:00 – 11:59 PM — Stevie D's Riverside Tavern — Cost info not specified — Enjoy live country music from renowned Southern-born artist Travis Hyll.

Chase Ceglie Album Release Concert

6-10 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Tickets available — Experience Chase Ceglie's theatrical musical world at the release of his new album, featuring an eclectic mix of talents.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? with Live Music from Princess June

7-10 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the classic film accompanied by live musical performances.

Sugar Live at the Charlestown Rathskeller

8-11 p.m. — The Charlestown Rathskeller — $20 online, $25 at the door — Experience an unstoppable dance party with the high-energy band Sugar delivering timeless hits and modern anthems.