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Tuesday, November 18th, 2025

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Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of November.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • A Wish Come True will host its 22nd annual Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge Challenge on Jan. 1st, 2026 — the event at Easton’s Beach will have participants plunge into the Atlantic at noon to raise funds for children ages 3 to 18 battling life-threatening illnesses in Rhode Island and nearby areas, while fundraisers earning $100 or $500 receive a hat or hoodie.  What's Up Newp
  • East Bay Community Action Program needs food pantry volunteers at 19 Broadway in Newport; the roles include greeting, client assistance, food sorting, and bag packing, with shifts on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m + call 401-435-7876 ext. 1137 for details.  Newport This Week
  • Tiverton nonprofit West Place Animal Sanctuary won the top prize in the Defender Service Awards on November 15 in Temecula, California—earning a $30,000 grant and a Defender 130 vehicle to help rescue farm animals. The award marks the culmination of five years of effort by the Rhode Island farm animal rescue group after a 17-day public voting campaign.  What's Up Newp

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Heritage Restaurant Group announced Monday it entered an agreement to acquire Jo’s American Bistro on Memorial Boulevard—this longtime restaurant, known for its American cuisine with Italian influences since 2013, will continue its current operations as the deal is expected to close in about 90 days. Joann Carlson, the founder, said she sought a partner to preserve the restaurant's legacy for Newport.  What's Up Newp
  • The Rhode Island Lottery teamed up with the Boston Celtics to launch a new $5 Instant Ticket that gives players a chance to win $35,000, home game tickets, an away game trip for two, and Suite Night at TD Garden—non-winning tickets can join the second chance drawing online or via the Lottery app.  WJAR NBC 10

CULTURE NEWS

  • Four historic Newport mansions will open their doors for holiday celebrations beginning Nov. 21 with festive décor including nearly 30 Christmas trees and a 15-foot poinsettia centerpiece at The Breakers—visitors will also enjoy a half-mile outdoor light display with holiday music, treats, and shopping options. The Preservation Society of Newport County said the event will run at The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and Chateau-sur-Mer.  What's Up Newp
  • The Newport String Project will present its Winter Concert Series on December 6 and December 7 featuring the Newport String Quartet (performing works by Mendelssohn, Sirmen, Hovhaness, and Lee). The Saturday concert will be held at 2 p.m. at Four Corners Arts Center in Tiverton, and the Sunday event will take place at 2 p.m. at Newport Art Museum (each venue hosting one performance).  What's Up Newp

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Rhode Island Energy said it will not offer bill credits in the winter after its plan for nearly $25 off monthly bills for 2026 and 2027 lost support—leading to a cancelled public hearing. Gov. McKee called the decision unacceptable and warned it could mean missing out on about $150 million in customer relief over two winters.  WJAR NBC 10

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Invasive species like Japanese barberry and spotted lanternfly are harming native plants and crops in our area, noted Brown University experts. They explained that once an invader spreads widely, only careful biological control measures can reduce its numbers—full removal is not possible.  The Public's Radio

REAL ESTATE NEWS

  • Last week, only nine houses sold in Newport County with no sales in Middletown or Little Compton—this slow pace marks the seasonal softening in the market. Buyers secured a key property at 102 Third Street while a seller at 12 Catherine Street, Unit 3 achieved a sale above the listing price.  What's Up Newp

SPORTS NEWS

  • Vladimir V. from New Jersey set a new Rhode Island tautog record with a catch weighing 23 pounds on November 9 in Newport while fishing aboard a Tall Tailz Charter vessel—he broke the previous record of 22 pounds set in 2024.  WJAR NBC 10

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Hey Nineteen - A Steely Dan Tribute Experience

    8:00-9:30 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Tickets required — Experience the top Steely Dan tribute band's complex musical repertoire live.

    Sat, 11/22/25

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  • Winter Afternoon Tea

    1-2 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Cost varies — Gather with friends over tea and indulge in delightful treats.

    Tue, 11/25/25

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  • Thanksgiving Dinner at The Chanler

    1-7 p.m. — The Chanler at Cliff Walk — Price not specified — Indulge in an elegant four-course Thanksgiving feast featuring signature dishes and seasonal flavors.

    Thu, 11/27/25

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  • Megan Chenot Live Performance

    5-9 p.m. — Gooseneck Vineyards — Free entry — Experience a night of diverse musical styles with Newport's own singer-guitarist Megan Chenot.

    Fri, 11/28/25

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  • Lighting of the Lighthouse

    5-11 p.m. — Newport Harbor Island Resort — Enjoy a cozy holiday atmosphere with carolers, warm drinks, and festive treats as the historic lighthouse is illuminated.

    Sat, 11/29/25

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  • Holiday Kickoff Party for Operation: Blue Santa

    2-4 p.m. — Sakonnet Vineyard — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with free visits to Santa and Mrs. Claus while enjoying delightful wines and seasonal treats.

    Sun, 11/30/25

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  • Holiday Card Painting

    3:30-5 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Free entry — Create beautiful, handmade holiday cards with guidance from a festive instructor.

    Mon, 12/1/25

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  • Holiday Sip & Shop

    4-7 p.m. — OceanCliff Hotel — Free entry — Enjoy a festive evening with cocktails and local shopping featuring unique designs and artisan goods.

    Thu, 12/4/25

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  • Joyride - 80's Mixtape Live

    6:30-9 p.m. — Ragged Island Brewing Company — Cover charge applies — Groove to your favorite 80's hits in a vibrant atmosphere of big hair and neon lights.

    Fri, 12/5/25

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  • Alicia @ Christmas by the Sea

    11 AM – 3 PM — The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina — Free entry — Explore handcrafted items including energy clearing sprays and Reiki-infused jewelry at this festive market.

    Sat, 12/6/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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About 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.

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