Good morning, Newport.

BankNewport awarded $23,000 to Child & Family to support its housing program for homeless families in Rhode Island, which will provide stable housing, healthcare access & financial education to up to 12 families.

The grant benefits about 48 people each year and is part of an ongoing effort to promote self-sufficiency among those in need.

Michele Gallagher of ThamesGiving highlights local family-run ventures in Newport that are driven by strong mother-daughter teams—Matriarch at 468 Thames Street hosts a Mother’s Day bake and floral sale today from 8am–1pm in support of Moms Demand Action, while Vitamin Sea and Co., Mery’s Tailor Shop and Little Chateau also share stories of community and creative collaboration.

On Thursday evening in Rome, Newport seminarian Nathan Ledoux—watching from a front row seat—saw white smoke signal the election of Pope Leo XIV as Rhode Island seminarians moved to St. Peter’s Square.

The Diocese of Providence has planned additional events in the coming days for local Catholics to share in this hopeful transition.

Yankee Magazine listed Rhode Island among New England’s most scenic spots+ it praised the Southeast Lighthouse on Block Island and Newport Mansions for their beautiful coastal views and rich history.

On a recent afternoon, apprentice conductor Lauren Ceres made her debut at the Edward King House Senior Center in Newport by leading a CHIME session where local seniors used human percussion to create music—continuing Heidi List Murphy’s vision for inclusive programs—to share in an uplifting experience.

On May 9, 1861, during the Civil War, Captain George S.

Blake moved the U.S. Naval Academy from Annapolis to Newport—choosing this secure location with Narragansett Bay for training midshipmen. Newport residents welcomed the move with music and a gun salute from Fort Adams as Old Ironsides and other vessels arrived.

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.

Women’s Bird Walk at Miantonomi Park

8-10 a.m. — Miantonomi Memorial Park — Free entry — Experience the thrill of spring songbird migration with fellow women birders in a picturesque park setting.

DuMOL Wine Dinner at 22 Bowen's

5:30-9 p.m. — 22 Bowen's — $175 per person — Savor an exquisite four-course meal expertly paired with acclaimed wines from DuMOL.

Memorial Day Weekend Celebration

4-8 p.m. & 11 a.m.-6 p.m. — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday with live music, wine tastings, and food bites under the sunshine.

Drawing the Big Bamboo Birds with Artist Joanne Murrman

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Materials provided — Capture the beauty and texture of Blithewold’s Big Bamboo Birds in this outdoor drawing class.

Memorial Day Weekend American Cookout

6-9 p.m. — Newport Harbor Island Resort — $45 per person — Celebrate the start of summer with burgers, live grilling, and live music overlooking the beautiful Newport Bridge.