New
in Newport
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Donor Julia R. Herrick (Julie) left a bequest to Conexión Latina to aid local Latino families and honor her spirit of care after spending her later years serving Newport with kindness. The gift shows her lasting impact on the community through quiet generosity. Newport This Week
- ➤ A Wish Come True is hosting its 22nd Annual Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge on Jan. 1 at noon at Easton’s Beach to raise funds for children with life-threatening illnesses. Newport This Week
- ➤ On Dec. 6, Bike Newport's Holiday Bike Giveaway at the Big Blue Bike Barn gave 85 restored bikes, helmets, and safety lessons to local kids. On Dec. 16, the MLK Community Center hosted Santa’s Workshop gifting toys, gift cards, and essentials to over 1,300 children with help from 250 volunteers. Newport This Week
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Newport announced Doorway Decorating winners for Christmas in Newport 2025. In the residential category, the grand prize went to 47 Poplar Street while winners included 90 Middleton Ave, 69 Third St, and a tie at 50 Catherine St and 77 Memorial Blvd — commercial, restaurant, and hotel/B&B awards were presented. Newport This Week
- ➤ The Preservation Society of Newport County will debut a new video series called Sessions on Jan. 8 where live acoustic performances are filmed in 11 historic mansions — including Marble House — to showcase unique acoustics. Future episodes will air Feb. 12 and March 12 with local acts. What's Up Newp
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Newport Public Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain updated the community on safety measures at Rogers High School, including an ongoing investigation and planned repairs during the holiday break. She also discussed potential regionalization with Middletown and the upcoming search for her replacement starting in February. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Redwood Library and Athenæum is hosting a lecture titled 'Ukraine 2026: Technology Shapes the Battlefield' with retired Navy captain Tom Fedyszyn (a professor at the U.S. Naval War College) who will explore Ukraine's shift toward drone and unmanned systems following Russia's 2022 invasion. Newport This Week
- ➤ Newport's School Committee approved a Workforce Development Subcommittee Dec. 9 to connect schools, local businesses and community groups and improve career and technical education. The new group will guide work-based learning and advise on curriculum and resource planning for aligning student skills with labor market needs. Newport This Week
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ With no winner on Wednesday, the Powerball jackpot has risen to $1.5 billion and Rhode Islanders must buy tickets by 9:50 p.m. today, with the drawing scheduled for 11:00 p.m. WJAR NBC 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ At the Newport Pickleball Club in Middletown, coach James Crosson runs a Monday clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for people with Parkinson’s to exercise, learn new skills, and socialize. The program, launched by Patty Winderman to help patients and care partners, offers competition and vital exercise benefits. Newport This Week
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Frank Sinatra Christmas Celebration
1-2:30 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Tickets required — Enjoy a festive mix of holiday favorites and classic Sinatra hits performed by renowned musicians.
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National Lampoon Christmas Vacation Party
6:30-8 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with a classic film screening and festive fun.
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Wednesday Trivia Night
6-8 p.m. — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — Reservations recommended — Test your knowledge while enjoying great drinks and tasty bites with friends.
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Alex Cohen Acoustic Performance
7-11 p.m. — Black Oak Kitchen & Drinks — Free entry — Enjoy acoustic renditions suitable for all ages in a festive setting.
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Badfish: A Sublime Tribute
9:00–10:30 PM — Ocean Mist — $20 — Experience the energetic tribute to the legendary band Sublime at a local favorite venue.
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New Year's Eve Celebration at Gas Lamp Grille
9:30 PM – 1:00 AM — Gas Lamp Grille — Menu pricing varies — Indulge in gourmet entrees while ringing in the New Year in style.
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Earl Knightwood Band Performance
7-10 p.m. — Pancho O' Malleys — Tickets required — Enjoy a lively evening of R&B, Soul, Modern Blues, and New Orleans funk with the Earl Knightwood Band.
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Herbal Teas Workshop
12-2 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Cost TBD — Cozy up with hot herbal teas and learn to create your own blends in a beautiful setting.
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Alex Cohen Live at Basta
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Basta Italian Restaurant — Reservations encouraged — Enjoy an acoustic mix of classics from the '50s to today, along with original music.
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Build a Bat Box
9 AM – 12 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Free entry — Create a bat box while learning about their vital role in the ecosystem.
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
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
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Reveal the authorAbout New in Newport
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