Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 31st of March.
Good morning, Newport.
Boys Town New England named Marcy Shyllon its new executive director Monday.
She has worked with the organization since 2006 and served as interim director since September 2025, and she will now oversee programs across Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
In Tiverton, West Place Animal Sanctuary received a customized Land Rover Defender 130 and a $30,000 grant after winning the 2025 Defender Service Award, with supporters gathering at Jake Kaplan's Land Rover Warwick on Sunday to celebrate the honor that expands its lifesaving efforts.
Ben and Jerry’s Free Cone Day returns in Newport on April 14; the shop on Thames St. will offer free scoops from noon to 8 p.m. and partner with the Kiwanis Club to share info on their youth work + community programs.
Fire crews responded to a blaze at the Aquidneck Club in Portsmouth on Saturday, Mar.
28 when wind-carried embers exiting a fireplace chimney ignited the wood-shake roof and caused interior water damage, and no injuries were reported.
Newport Creamery was sold to real estate developer Mark Bogosian+ president of Longfellow Design-Build+ on March 30 amid recent location closures.
He plans to update and potentially expand the chain.
Newport Performing Arts Center spent over $8M on initial work but halted construction in 2018 due to funding gaps.
A 2024 design revision estimates an extra $10.1M to complete the theater and excludes some original plans + further funding is needed for later phases.
The cast of Real Housewives of Rhode Island appeared on Today on Monday morning and discussed filming details ahead of their Bravo series.
The reality show will premiere Thursday at 9 p.m. and air Sunday nights starting April 5.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that in December 2025 residents earned an average of $37.89 an hour and worked 33.5 hours weekly – a $1.51 rise from June that placed the state 12th among states as of the March 30 update.
Social Security payments for April are set to arrive on April 1 for SSI recipients and on April 8, April 15, and April 22 for retirement benefit recipients.
Local beneficiaries needing guidance can visit the Social Security office (located at 130 Bellevue Ave in Newport) for assistance.
College basketball players with local ties plan moves as the NCAA transfer portal opens in early April — the men’s window runs April 7‑22 and the women’s April 6‑21.
Teams from Providence, Brown, Bryant and URI saw key players like Vaaks and Mbu announce plans that could reshape rosters.
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.
Easter Brunch Buffet
10 AM – 3 PM — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — Adults $85, Kids $27 — Celebrate Easter with a delightful brunch buffet and a fun egg hunt for kids.
Big Lux and The Hype
8-11:59 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Check website for pricing — Enjoy a lively mix of reggae, funk, and rock by Sea of Giants in a vibrant coastal setting.
Daffodil Society of Rhode Island Preview Party
5-7:30 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Admission details not specified — Preview stunning floral arrangements in a delightful garden setting.
Newport Rhode Races
7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Easton's Beach — Marathon: $110, Half Marathon: $85, 5K — Experience the thrill of the race along the scenic Newport coast.
Pollinator House Workshop
10 AM – 12 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Free entry — Create a pollinator house and learn about the importance of pollination for trees on Arbor Day.
Arbor Day Festival and Bristol Community Day
10 AM – 4 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Free entry — Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the arboretum with family-friendly nature crafts and scavenger hunts.
The British Invasion Years Live Tribute
7-10 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Ticket info not provided — Experience a lively tribute to the 1960s musical revolution featuring classic hits from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
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