New
in Newport
Friday, September 19th, 2025
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Escobar Corn Maze has opened its 26th season on 8.5 acres with two mazes forming a world map, and it offers hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and a kids’ cow train; special events include a Harry Potter-themed science day on Sept. 27 and a Halloween costume party on Oct. 31—tickets can be purchased online. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ The Museum of Newport Irish History will launch its 24th Annual Lecture Series on Monday, Sept 22 with Scott Molloy discussing the Irish role in labor at the Wyndham Newport Hotel — and online by Zoom, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and a $5 fee for in-person attendance. Senator Ujifusa will urge a moratorium on new gas hookups on Aquidneck Island while IYRS School, BankNewport and the Preservation Society announce honors and fall programs that support local heritage and community growth. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ The Rhode Island Foundation awarded nearly 60 nonprofits $375,000 in grants through the Newport County Fund to support services like housing, education, food, and arts for Newport County residents—Child and Family, the YMCA, and Boys and Girls Clubs are among the recipients. The funds will help these groups expand their programs and reach more locals. Newport This Week
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Residents can vote in the first round of the National Rhode Island Day bracket where 16 local items compete for the title of The Most Rhode Island Thing Ever. Voting will close at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21—round two begins Monday, Sept. 22 at noon. The Newport Daily News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Newport Public Schools formed a work group to study moving fifth-grade students from Thompson Middle School to Pell Elementary School, a change that could take effect in September 2026. The group—composed of administrators, teachers, parents, and other community members—will meet four to six times between October and November and submit its report in December. What's Up Newp
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Newport City Council met Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall to review harbor ordinance revisions and approve major contracts for projects like HVAC upgrades and building repairs. The council also discussed fall event plans, licensing items, and an environmental resolution on new gas hookups—actions set to impact local infrastructure. What's Up Newp
- ➤ On Sept 15, Newport City Council approved a new $100K GIS and field specialist job that will save about $500K over five years by cutting consultant costs—this new role needs an ordinance amendment and another council vote to become official while Councilor Carlin continues to challenge the decision. Newport This Week
- ➤ Newport residents say they were largely ignored by the Planning Board when approving variances and special use permits for the 525 Broadway, LLC project on Sept. 8—residents expressed concerns over the project creating 1,800 extra vehicle trips each week and not providing enough onsite parking. They now ask the City Council to review the decisions to ensure safer conditions along busy Broadway. Newport This Week
- ➤ Middletown Town Council held a public hearing on Sept. 16 at Middletown High School’s cafeteria to discuss a proposed mixed-use development called Middletown Center that would add a hotel, retail space and housing while changing local open space—especially the relocation of Pottsy Field, a veteran’s memorial. Many residents and councilors questioned proposed zoning overlay changes and omitted modifications while a second public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. to gather further public input. The Newport Daily News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Census Bureau data show that child poverty and lack of health insurance increased significantly last year, and local advocates blame federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and the Child Tax Credit — Rhode Island Kids Count executive director Paige Parks urged the state to act now to support families and protect children’s health. The Public's Radio
- ➤ Rhode Island’s 988 crisis line received more than 1,500 calls in July—a 200% increase from its launch—and Joe Ash said the center now answers calls in under two seconds to offer a warm greeting and check caller safety. The hotline operates 24/7 and will continue to expand its services to help those in crisis. The Public's Radio
- ➤ The Rhode Island Department of Health announced the Northeast Public Health Collaborative today—this group of seven states will work together to improve trust in vaccines and public health. ABC6
- ➤ Cumberland EMS and Rhode Island Blood Center launched the state’s first program to give blood transfusions to trauma patients before reaching the hospital; paramedics now carry whole blood on ambulances to treat emergencies such as shootings and car accidents — officials said no extra costs will be passed on to patients. WJAR NBC 10
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Eighteen properties sold in Newport County between Sept. 8 and 12 with 10 sales closing above $1 million—highlighted by a Portsmouth colonial at 297 Black Point Lane that sold for $1,975,000 and a Newport condo at 66 Girard Avenue #106 that sold for $235,000—while the market adjusted with longer days on market and fewer bidding wars. What's Up Newp
-
Dueling Pianos at the Top of Pelham
8 p.m.-1 a.m. — One Pelham East Bar & Grill — Tickets recommended — Enjoy a lively night of music with audience-requested performances at Newport's unique Dueling Pianos show.
-
2025 National Sailing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
5 PM – 10 PM — The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame — Admission details to be announced — Celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025 in a special induction ceremony.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The secret to getting ahead is getting started.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout New in Newport
Welcome to the New in Newport, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Newport, Rhode Island community. If you like the New in Newport, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Newport.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Newport and across Rhode Island. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to New in Newport
A free Newport community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://newinnewport.com/sitemap