Good morning, Newport.

The Newport Police Department has introduced a new therapy dog, Bo (a chocolate Labrador donated by Dame Dogs Labradors) who is training with local expert Jess Gaes and will join Officer Nick St. Lawrence on community events and sensitive calls.

Once certified, he will help ease stress and provide comfort during emergencies.

Newport police arrested three additional suspects in connection with Tuesday's alleged assault of two officers at Festival Field Housing Development—Keyshla Cruz Martinez, Jose Cruz Ortiz, and Mayra Custodio—with charges including simple assault, obstruction of an officer, and disorderly conduct.

Newport police arrested three residents on April 30 after an assault on two officers occurred on April 29 at Festival Field Housing Development—each now faces charges of simple assault, obstructing officers, and disorderly conduct.

The city of Newport is planning to cut nearly $9 million from its capital improvement plan this year due to an uncertain budget.

The proposed cuts will affect public infrastructure upgrades—such as renovations at city hall, park improvements and roadway projects—and council members say the changes do not reflect community priorities while additional cuts are set for next fiscal year.

At a hearing on April 28, a Newport Municipal Court judge set a June 2 deadline for the single-family home at 12 Dudley Ave. to come into compliance after it built up roughly $125,000 in fines and was linked to two stabbings over the last three years — owner Liwei Lang, appearing for the first time and pleading not guilty, said he plans to sell and clean up the property within four weeks while the city schedules inspections three days before the next hearing.

Today, the House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Cortvriend that will require testing biosolids for PFAS before anyone gets a permit— the bill now goes to the Senate and will also require quarterly testing with the first report due by Dec.

31.

Island Park in Portsmouth and Lower Thames Street in Newport were named in a state-funded study to assess flood risks for vulnerable businesses due to climate change.

The study, called Ready, Set, Rhody, was announced by R.I. Commerce and led by Providence engineering firm Fuss & O’Neill (selected after a competitive bidding process) to provide local recommendations for reducing flood damage.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2025 Hall of Fame Open that will be held July 6–13 on the grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame—this year, the event will feature both ATP Challenger Tour and Hologic WTA Tour matches with equal $200,000 prizes and options for fans to upgrade their experience at the 1881 Club.

Atlantic Super Regionals Rugby Championship

May 3-4 — Fort Adams State Park — Admission details TBA — Experience top-tier rugby in a historic coastal setting with breathtaking views.

Diva and the Playboys Concert

4-10 p.m. — Ocean Mist — Entry cost not specified — Enjoy live performances of all your favorite songs in a lively beachside setting.

Lotus Dividing Workshop

9-11 a.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Fee applicable — Participate in a hands-on demonstration to grow and care for beautiful lotus plants while taking home a tuber.

Sweet Treats for Mom: Charcuterie Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Check event page for cost — Create an edible masterpiece to take home with expert pairing and design tips.

Crafting for Critters Spring Bazaar

All day — Airport Professional Park — Free entry — Explore an array of handcrafted items just in time for Mother's Day while supporting local artisans for a good cause.

Mother's Day Tea

11 AM – 4 PM — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Check ticket prices — Celebrate Mother's Day with an exquisite afternoon of tea and treats in a picturesque setting.

Wooden Spoon Carving Workshop with Steve Emma

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Admission fee required — Learn the art of spoon carving using native hardwoods in a hands-on workshop.

Megan Chenot Live Performance

4-7 p.m. — Gooseneck Vineyards — Free entry — Experience a versatile Newport-based singer-guitarist with a repertoire spanning decades of music.

The Uncle Louie Variety Show

8-11 PM — The Greenwich Odeum — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with the premier old school comedy experience.

Dueling Pianos at the Top of Pelham

8 PM - 1 AM — One Pelham East Bar & Grill — Tickets recommended — Experience a unique night of live music where entertainers take audience requests on grand pianos above Newport Harbor.