Good morning, Newport.

Blustery and cold today with temps topping out around 41° and gusts up to 33 mph — bundle up if you're heading to tonight's tree lightings in Warren or Barrington. Tonight plunges to 17° with even stronger gusts. In today's newsletter: A state lawmaker prepares an anti-hazing bill after incidents in Newport and Smithfield, South County Health expands women's care to Aquidneck Island, and two chances to support families in need this weekend.

Here's what you need to know today.

Bundle up — Thursday brings increasing clouds with a high near 41 and west winds gusting up to 33 mph. Tonight turns blustery and cold, with a low around 17 and gusts reaching 43 mph.

The holiday season continues in full swing with the Newport Nutcracker Ballet at Rosecliff at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sparkling Lights at The Breakers at 4 p.m., and the Point Holiday Tree Lighting at Storer Park at 4:30 p.m. Irish band Lúnasa performs at the JPT at 7:30 p.m., and Bobby Cowsill takes the stage at Belmont Chapel at 6 p.m. Ochre Court hosts a holiday choral concert at 7:30 p.m.

City business is light, with Newport's Canvassing Authority meeting at 11:30 a.m. and Little Compton's Town Council convening at 7 p.m. In Middletown, the Affordable Housing Committee meets at 6 p.m.

The chair of the Rhode Island House Committee on Education plans to submit a bill in January that would create a statewide zero-tolerance policy for hazing. Rep. Joseph M. McNamara, a Warwick Democrat and retired educator, cited the Rogers High School assault and a September incident at Smithfield High School as the impetus behind the legislation. The bill would establish clear disciplinary standards, including suspension from teams and potential cancellation of seasons.

Meanwhile, School Committee Chair James Dring confirmed that retired Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Steven O'Donnell has been hired to conduct the independent investigation into the Rogers assault. "He started his investigation on Monday and we hope to have it wrapped up by the end of this month," Dring said. The Newport police investigation remains ongoing. Four students have been arrested in connection with the locker room assault of a special needs student, which led the district to cancel the football season. Newport City Council met in executive session last night to discuss the incident.

Women on Aquidneck Island have new healthcare options with the opening of a South County Health Center for Women's Health office near Newport Hospital. Dr. Martha Moe, who accepts patients at both Wakefield and Newport locations, said the decision was driven by access issues — some gynecological patients have had to wait as long as a year for appointments.

The office at 38 Powell Ave. is currently open Mondays and Tuesdays, with plans to expand to five days. The opening comes amid a nationwide shortage of ob-gyn professionals. According to Medicus Health Solutions, more than 500 hospitals nationwide have closed obstetrics units since 2010, and by 2035, all but six states are projected to experience inadequate supplies of ob-gyns.

Lucy's Hearth will hold a pair of fundraisers Saturday to support families experiencing homelessness. The annual Designer Wreath Sale runs 9 a.m. to noon at the Rotunda at Easton's Beach, featuring handcrafted wreaths made by local artists and volunteers.

In the afternoon, ShelterStock — a holiday benefit concert at Newport Playhouse — runs 2 to 4 p.m. with performances by Rowan & Beautifully Human, Judy 'N' Deez Guys, Barfly, and 3 Legged Dog. Tickets are $35, with proceeds supporting Lucy's Hearth and McKinney Shelter. This year's concert holds special meaning: four guitars belonging to the late Julio Amaro, a beloved figure in Newport's music community, will be auctioned and raffled. Amaro's family donated the instruments to continue his legacy of supporting families in need.

Santa Claus is coming to town — and firefighters, police, and volunteers across Newport County are making sure he gets there. Portsmouth, Jamestown, Newport, and Middletown are all hosting holiday escort rides throughout December, bringing candy canes, holiday cheer, and a chance for children to catch a glimpse of the man in red.

Portsmouth's volunteer-run Santa's Tour launched Dec. 1 and runs for eight nights. Jamestown's tradition features Santa aboard a vintage 1947 fire engine through Dec. 17. Newport's four-night schedule begins Dec. 9, covering different neighborhoods each evening. And Middletown firefighters bring back their escort Dec. 8-19. All visits are weather dependent — check local fire department Facebook pages for route maps and real-time tracking.

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Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft named finalists for 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class — two pillars of the Patriots dynasty, one step closer to enshrinement. (What'sUpNewp)

Newport Fire Station 5 turns 130 Sunday — one of Rhode Island's oldest active fire stations is hosting tours at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. at Touro and Mary streets. (City of Newport)

Middletown Fire celebrated promotions and new hires Monday night at Town Hall — Bill Homer sworn in as battalion chief, Nate McGillivray as captain, and Conner Gunning as lieutenant. (Town of Middletown)

Tiverton Fire Department took delivery of a new 2025 Type 1 Medix Ambulance — Rescue 2 expected to enter service around the New Year. (Tiverton Fire Department)

People's Credit Union partnered with Lucy's Hearth for a wreath-making workshop at its Middletown branch, with over 50 volunteers creating wreaths for Saturday's Designer Wreath Sale. (CU Insight)

Newport Art Museum announces 98th winter speaker series beginning Jan. 24 with master stone carver Nick Benson. (What'sUpNewp)

Rhode Races marks 10 years with an anniversary celebration season; the Warren-based company has welcomed more than 70,000 runners since 2015. (What'sUpNewp)

True North Theatre to perform "An Iliad" at Jamestown Arts Center — a contemporary adaptation of Homer's epic exploring the human cost of war through poetry and live music. (What'sUpNewp)

Movies and TV shows casting in Rhode Island — Backstage compiled current opportunities in the state and nationwide. (What'sUpNewp)

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