Good morning, Newport.

On Friday, the Rose Island Lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Trust named Amanda Kay Ritchie as its new executive director after an eight-week regional search—she will lead the organization into its 40th year with a stronger financial footing and open 2026 season bookings.

Hot Tuna will appear for the first time this summer at the Newport Folk Festival at Fort Adams State Park on Friday, July 24 while Yasmin Williams, William Tyler, and Tim Bernardes are set for Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets sold out seconds after Feb. 4.

Newport Public Schools ask local residents to clear snow from sidewalks (especially near bus stops for Pell Elementary, Thompson Middle School, and Rogers High School) so that students can safely get to school when classes resume Monday.

Newport launched a 24/7 Rapid Snow Removal operation Thursday evening in the Lower Thames Street corridor using heavy equipment loaned from the state to clear streets after record blizzard, and the effort will continue until resources are exhausted; schools in Newport County closed Friday while parking bans were lifted in Middletown and Portsmouth.

Newport City Council approved a $25 million contract amendment in January to replace outdated clarifiers at the water pollution control facility (J.T.

Connell Highway), but no funds have been allocated and the Utilities Department warns ratepayers could face a 10% rate increase later in 2026.

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.