New
in Newport
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Food pantry volunteers are needed at the East Bay Community Broadway location to help as intake greeters, client assistants, food sorters, shelf stockers and grocery bag packers. Volunteers must be available Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Call 401-435-7876 ext. 1137 to sign up.) Newport This Week
- ➤ The Champlin Foundation announced Thursday that it will give more than $1.5 million to 12 Newport County nonprofits, with the largest grant of $750,000 going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County for clubhouse expansion. Other grants include $250,000 for Girl Scouts to renovate Camp Rocky Farm and $150,000 for Fort Adams interior work — funds meant for needed community updates. What's Up Newp
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Heritage Restaurant Group is running a holiday gift card promotion until Dec. 31—customers who spend $500 get $125 bonus cards while Heritage donates $25 to hunger relief programs for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center—cards work at over 22 locations and do not expire. What's Up Newp
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Newport Art Museum will offer free admission on Dec.2 instead of asking for donations and will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature art-making activities for children and a 1 p.m. performance by the Aquidneck Singers with docents leading tours of current exhibitions. What's Up Newp
- ➤ The National Park Service launched the All-American Road Trip — an America 250 initiative that invites travelers to retrace the 1781 march to Yorktown with major events planned here in Newport. The campaign will feature living history events, an exhibition by the Newport Historical Society running February through December and a commemorative event on July 11 to honor French troops. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Newport will start its holiday season with the Annual Illuminated Boat Parade hosted by Newport Yacht Club on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. Boats will sail from south of the Goat Island Causeway to the causeway while spectators can bring non-perishable food donations for the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and awards will be given at 7:30 p.m., with a backup date on Nov. 29 if the weather is bad. Newport This Week
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Newport School Committee introduced a new student protection policy on Nov. 13 that prohibits the release of student data and restricts access to school property amid federal immigration enforcement concerns—officials say the move aims to reassure local families. The committee approved the policy by a 6—1 vote and extended a 12—month contract for finance director Ronald Gonsalves at $10,000 per month as it explores future options for finance consolidation. Newport This Week
- ➤ Thompson Middle School held its 3rd Annual Turkey Trot on November 20—led by Principal Dr. Michael Browner dressed as a giant turkey and joined by the TMS Band and students. Newport Community School, Newport Police, and Newport Fire ensured safety during the event. Newport This Week
- ➤ A working group of parents, teachers, administrators, union reps and service providers met on November 17 to discuss moving fifth graders from Thompson Middle School to Pell Elementary, raising concerns over an enrollment gap, funding losses for after school programs and reduced support for special education. Members did not craft a formal recommendation and will share a digital report with the school committee for a vote soon — the decision may affect staffing and program operations. Newport This Week
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Island Energy ended its contract talks with SouthCoast Wind on November 14 due to federal permit uncertainty in the offshore wind industry— the project was aimed at powering up to 125,000 homes. Newport This Week
- ➤ Rhode Island DEM announced new grants to fund free swim lessons for children from low-income households or minority backgrounds through its Water Safety Grant Program—applications are accepted until Dec. 10 with funds covering full lesson costs and adaptive training options. The Newport Daily News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that 31 cases of infant botulism were linked to the recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula sold online and in major retailers—15 states are affected, including Rhode Island. Parents are urged to stop using the formula immediately and watch for signs such as poor feeding and loss of head control in their infants. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ Brown University Health and Newport Hospital named a 12-member Community Advisory Panel to study the future of the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center amid closure concerns—this group includes hospital employees, foundation board members, community reps, and a doctor from Women & Infants Hospital. The panel will first meet on November 24 and continue through spring 2026—nurses and a certified nursing assistant from the center are part of the team. Newport This Week
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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