Good morning, Newport.

The Rhode Island Foundation gave over $5.2 million in grants in 2025 to Newport nonprofits, including Boys and Girls Clubs and Newport Community School.

SPP received $125,000 to aid first responders with mental health challenges while Turning Around Ministries got $70,000 for housing and job programs (a record-setting grant year).

DEM conserved 70 acres at Gull Cove using oil spill settlement funds while Seamen’s Church Institute accepts maritime scholarship applications (deadline May 1).

A Mosaic Club meeting, Sail Newport talk on freedom by sea, and new leadership at Rose Island Lighthouse and Newport Mental Health complete local updates.

On March 4, 1754, Benjamin Waterhouse was born in Newport (a Harvard Medical School professor who tested the smallpox vaccine on his own family).

His early work helped pave the way for vaccination in America.

The New England Saltwater Fishing Show will run from Friday, Mar.

6 to Sunday, Mar. 8 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, featuring over 300 booths, expert fishing seminars, and live demos on angling techniques. Tickets cost $15 at the door (children 11 and younger and women on Sunday admitted free).

Gas prices in our region rose on March 4 after conflict in the Middle East boosted oil costs; Rhode Island stations saw averages at $3.04 per gallon, which is the first time prices climbed above $3 since December.

Sen. DiPalma and Rep. Cotter have introduced a bill to add $17.5 million to the state green bond to fund farmland and open space conservation, including $5 million for Fort Adams & $2.5 million for Camp Rocky Farm, making the total bond $67.5 million for November's voter approval.

URI women's basketball coach Tammi Reiss spoke ahead of the postseason as the team will open Atlantic 10 Tournament play on Friday, Mar.

6 in Henrico, Virginia.

Jah'niece Branch led the Tiverton girls to a 47-45 win in the semifinal last night and they will play for the Division II championship today at The AMP against top-seeded Lincoln School, following a dramatic comeback in a tense game.

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.

Wednesdays: Flight Specials

All day — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — $15 for wine or beer flights — Enjoy discounted drinks with board games and fire pits on the terrace.

Golden Hour Experience: Newport's Twilight Beauty

Golden Hour Experience — Evening Cruise — Soap and Water Newport — Price varies — Enjoy a sunset cruise with charcuterie and champagne while taking in Newport's stunning views.

Book Talk with Terry Gaspard

2-3 p.m. — Newport Public Library — Free entry — Explore financial discussions that strengthen relationships in this insightful book talk.