Good morning, Newport.

Castle Hill Inn issued an open letter on Feb.

13 thanking Newport Fire Department — along with responders from neighboring communities — for their swift action after a two-alarm fire on Feb. 5 threatened the historic hotel. The letter praised the firefighters’ efforts in saving guests and protecting property.

Newport Winter Festival runs Feb.

13 to Feb. 22 with live music, food competitions and family events at local venues. The festival debuts its first Newport WienerFest on Sat, Feb. 21 (12 to 3 p.m.) at Newport Craft Brewing, featuring a wiener-eating contest at 1:30 p.m.

Hamilton Elementary School in North Kingstown marked eight years since Treyvon’s second open heart surgery by having students and staff wear red on Friday in support of his fight against congenital heart disease; his family thanked principal Frederick Schweizer for fostering unity + inclusion that raised awareness.

Sen. DiPalma and Dr. Deanna Conley launched an online survey to gather feedback from parents whose children missed 10 or more school days this year due to medical or social-emotional reasons (vacation absences are not eligible).

The compiled results will guide future education support policies in spring.

Rhode Island’s Department of Children, Youth & Families reported the death of an 18-year-old involved in the state childcare system on Wednesday, Feb.

11 (confidential details were withheld as required by law) while notifying the Office of the Child Advocate.

Real estate professionals are hosting multiple open houses across Newport County this weekend (with schedules starting Saturday morning) as buyers begin re-engaging ahead of a competitive spring market.

On Friday, Feb. 13, high school basketball teams played closely contested games across Divisions I, II, and III with standout performances influencing playoff seeding.

Saturday's schedule features boys and girls contests at local venues (including a game at Cranston East) for more regional matchups.

Portsmouth Middle School girls basketball won the state championship on Thursday at La Salle Academy with a 51-40 win over Gallagher Middle School, as Simone Orr scored 15 points to lead her team.

30th Annual WINEterfest

11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — $45 General Admission — Celebrate Valentine's Weekend with wine, beer, and friendly competitions to warm you from the winter chill.

Winter Fest Princess Party

1-3 p.m. — OceanCliff Hotel — $ — Get ready for a magical time where little ones can meet their favorite princesses.

Winter Mini Golf and Games Night

1-8 p.m. — Taproot Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled mini golf and games night during Newport Winter Festival Week.

The Cowsills Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Check venue for ticket details — Enjoy the infectious harmonies of the family band that inspired The Partridge Family.

Won't Back Down - Tribute to Tom Petty

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Wyndham Newport Hotel — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate the legendary music of Tom Petty in a heartfelt tribute show.

Dumpling Eating Contest

12-4 p.m. — Yagi Noodles — Entry fee applies — Get ready to stuff your face at the 4th Annual Dumpling Eating Contest!

Grateful Dub Tribute Concert

9:00-11:59 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Tickets starting at $60 — Experience the sounds of the Grateful Dead like never before with Grateful Dub.

Wellness & Wine: Zumba with Tracy

10 AM – 12 PM — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — $28 — Energize with Zumba and enjoy a wine tasting among vineyard views.

Songwriters in the Round: Natalie Paige, Myah Sallena, Ben Hoke

7 p.m. — Pump House Music Works — Free entry — Experience a night of intimate acoustic performances featuring evocative original music from talented songwriters.

Newport St Patrick's Day Parade

11 a.m. — Newport City Hall — Free entry — Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive parade featuring leprechauns and community spirit.