Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 27th of February.
Good morning, Newport.
🏘️ Community
Aquidneck Island Land Trust is accepting grant applications for the Merritt Neighborhood Fund, which supports preserving small parks and community gardens with awards up to $2,500.
Applications are due by March 13 and award decisions will be made by the end of April.
After the record blizzard dumped heavy snow, residents on Curry Avenue rallied together after Uncle Jimmy’s noon text on Tuesday to clear the street and ease the burden on plow crews.
Neighbors worked with shovels and shared tools — supporting longtime residents and new families alike.
🎭 Culture
The Newport String Project will present a free concert at Ochre Court at Salve Regina University on Sunday, March 22, at 3 p.m., where its resident ensemble and guest musicians will perform Frank Bridge’s String Sextet and open with Henry Purcell’s Chacony in G minor.
Registration is required online.
Puddingstone Music will host a musical salon on Saturday, Mar.
14 at 4 p.m. at Jamestown Arts Center as Grammy-winning Canadian cellist Arlen Hlusko performs a recital titled Common Threads: Folk, Bach, and Beyond featuring folk, classical, and contemporary pieces.
🎓 Education
Rhode Island Education Commissioner Anéglica Infante-Green is set to request a reduction of the school year after a record blizzard led many districts to cancel classes or switch to distance learning.
Final changes will depend on local school boards and state council approval.
🏛️ Government
City Council will review a proposal from Vice Chair Lynn Ceglie to direct 75% of the first-year revenue from speed camera fines on Admiral Kalbfus Road and Hillside Avenue to Pell Elementary School's technology fund after covering camera costs.
The cameras began issuing $50 speeding citations in September + October.
Newport Public Schools and City Hall remain closed through Friday as crews clear side streets and ease RIPTA detours during the Blizzard of 2026 recovery.
Ocean Drive is still closed to traffic and freezing fog with below-freezing temperatures has made travel slippery.
🏥 Health
Newport Mental Health announced Thursday that Dr. Joshua C.
Brown was named its new medical director. The dual-trained doctor will lead mental health services and guide program development for Newport County + strengthen care for local patients.
Centurion Foundation struck a deal with investors that provides over $100 million to keep Roger Williams and Fatima hospitals open and convert them to nonprofit status.
Officials plan to ask a judge for a one-week extension, with the transfer scheduled for March 5.
🏈 Sports
Salve Regina men’s basketball earned its first NEWMAC postseason win Thursday night by rallying from a three-point halftime deficit to beat Clark University 67-61.
The Seahawks will travel to Babson College for the semifinals today (7:30 p.m.).
🎉 Newport Events
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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.
The Natural Film Screening
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Average ticket price $51 — Experience a classic film live at a premier venue in Newport.
Flo Rida Concert
10:00 AM – 9:30 PM — Ryan Center — Last-minute tickets available — Experience hip-hop hits live with Flo Rida in Kingston.
Simon & Garfunkel Tribute Concert
7:30-10:00 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Buy tickets online — Celebrate the harmonies and stories of the Simon & Garfunkel Songbook with Aztec Two-Step 2.0.
Hops, Beers & Bites Experience
1-4 p.m. — The Anchor Room At The Coast Guard House — $35.00 per person — Discover the art of hops with local brews and creative bar bites.
🏠 Newport Real Estate
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💼 Newport Job Board
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📣 Newport Announcements
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