Good morning, Newport.

At Newport Lions Club's April meeting, Crista DiSano and Jamie Toner received the Heart of a Lion Award for supporting the annual eye screening at Middletown High School, which served 2,800 island students.

DiSano, a longtime MHS nurse, and Toner were praised for their contribution.

The Aquidneck Island Land Trust says proposed structures at Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown meet the 1996 conservation easement if the farm stays primarily agricultural+ local residents have asked the planning board to look into concerns like traffic and noise.

Newport County today offers a busy slate of events — free marksmanship training at Newport Rifle Club, a historical scavenger hunt in Middletown, and a VFW cleanup in Tiverton.

Later, Alliance Francaise hosts an Evening of Cabaret, the Ida Lewis Race gains a sponsor, and Discover Newport launches a tourism program.

Smoke House reopened for the summer season at 31 Scott’s Wharf, serving slow-smoked meats, new appetizers and summer cocktails.

The restaurant operates Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

South Carolina-based Flyte announced a new private charter service at Newport State Airport that offers flights from New York City to Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and East Hampton.

The Cirrus Vision Jet, which seats five, will provide a faster travel option this summer—bookings are available online.

At Eisenhower Park, a statue of Newport-born naval hero Oliver Hazard Perry has faced the waterfront since 1885.

The monument by native sculptor William Greene Turner displays Perry's famous words "Don't give up the ship" and honors our city's rich history.

Newport Public Schools face a $2 million shortfall for the 2026-27 year, as Superintendent Jermain says restructuring is likely even though staff cuts may be avoided; meetings on May 5 at Pell Elementary, May 6 at City Hall, and May 12 will address budget plans and potential regionalization with Middletown.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County held its annual Youth of the Year contest at the Community College, where teen Adequoyah Mathews was named winner to represent the club in the state competition for scholarships & further awards, alongside competitors Brady Finn and Jaz’myne King. Mathews, a senior at Newport Met School, will enter college in the fall.

Newport’s parking season starts today as metered and residential permit programs launch with a new online portal and three free hours at most meters — residents should check signage for exact times and fees.

Newport County will host open houses on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3.

Buyers can explore listings in Little Compton, Jamestown, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, and Tiverton as the spring market continues to evolve.

Anglers will compete in the Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament on July 25-26 from south of the Jamestown and Newport bridges to Block Island.

Bags are available at seven sites and prizes totaling $13,000 are up for grabs, with an after party at Capt. Nick’s Rock-N-Roll Bar (2-4 p.m. July 26).

Olympian Mia Hamm will lead a soccer clinic at St. George's School on Sunday, May 3 to promote food allergy safety (via RSFO’s initiative) with Hall of Famers Tisha Venturini and Kristine Lilly, and RSFO training occurs at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on May 1 at 9 a.m.

Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Tickets available — Experience the Southern rock evolution led by Duane Betts, the son of legendary guitarist Dickey Betts.

Boss Tenors Quintet Performance

6-9 p.m. — Pump House Music Works — Ticketed event — Experience the electric homage to jazz legends Sonny Stitt and Gene Ammons with Dan Moretti and Greg Abate.

Wooden Spoon Carving Workshop

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Cost not specified — Craft your own wooden spoon with expert guidance from Steve Emma using native hardwoods.

Comedy Night featuring Tyler Hittner

8-10 p.m. — Galactic Theatre — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of comedy with Tyler Hittner at a highly-rated venue.

Paul Gilbert & Greg Koch Concert

4-6 PM — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket prices vary — Experience guitar mastery and celebrate the release of Paul Gilbert's new album WROC.

Dueling Pianos Friday - Early Show

7:30 p.m. — Dueling Pianos Bar at Top Of Pelham — Check with the venue for ticket prices — Experience a night of audience-requested tunes and beautiful harbor views with live dueling pianos.

Morning Coffee Networking

8-9 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Providence Airport Warwick — Free entry — Enjoy fresh coffee and cookies while connecting with local professionals.

Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Bowen's Wharf — Enjoy the waterfront — Taste oysters and sip champagne at this culinary celebration.

Spring Watercolor Series with Artist Mary Ellen Dwyer

10 AM – 12 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Materials not included — Explore the basics of watercolor painting in this engaging six-class series.

Killer Night Out - An Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner

7-9 p.m. — Belle's — Ticketed event — Solve a murder before dessert in an engaging, interactive dinner experience.