By MARK LONG AP Pro Football Writer JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Liam Coen remembers sitting in his new Jaguars office last January, crushing energy drinks and stuffing his face with junk food while trying to put together a coaching staff. It was a stressful time for sure. Long days that stretched into late nights, and […]
People & Profiles
Posted inCity & Government
Legislative Outlook: Carson sees healthcare and housing as critical issues
With the Rhode Island General Assembly now in session, WhatsUpNewp has reached out to the area’s legislators to learn what they see as the most pressing issues facing Rhode Island in 2026, and legislation they are planning to introduce. Today, we focus on State Rep. Lauren Carson, D-Dist. 75, who is a Deputy Majority Leader. […]
Posted inNews
Newport Scout completes Eagle project at Norman Bird Sanctuary
A Newport Scout has achieved Scouting’s highest honor after leading the restoration of a weathered bridge at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. Ethan Hoag of Scouting America Troop 3 Newport completed his Eagle Scout Service Project by rebuilding the Shady Glade Bridge, a popular feature along one of the sanctuary’s trails that had become unsafe over […]
Posted inCity & Government
Legislative Outlook: Gu – Key concerns—primary care access; ripple effects from ending ACA subsidies
With the Rhode Island General Assembly session scheduled to begin today (Jan. 6), WhatsUpNewp and WBLQ have reached out to the area’s legislators to learn what they see as the most pressing issues facing Rhode Island in 2026, and legislation they are planning to introduce. State Senator Victoria Gu, D-Dist. 38 Today, we focus on […]
Posted inColumns
Adequoyah Kamali Josephine Mathews on growing whole thoughts on the cost of silence
“Now is the time to step up, speak out, and lead with conviction. Be the change. Be the voice. Be the difference.” The call is timeless; the voice behind it belongs to 17-year-old Rhode Islander, Adequoyah Kamali Josephine Mathews. As our conversation unfolded it became clear to me that she doesn’t look at life through […]
Posted inColumns
The wit and wisdom of Rhode Island women, and how they plan to navigate a new year
It is a universal fact that the new year is a time of reflection on past events, present obligations, and future hopes and plans. Setting resolutions for the new year is an age-old tradition dating back to the ancient Babylonians from over 4,000 years ago, who made promises to their gods that were focused on […]
Posted inNews
Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins WUN for a one-on-one conversation on Dec. 18
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her monthly one-on-one conversation on Thursday, December 18, at 1:30 pm. Have a question for the Superintendent? Ask It Here.
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Classical names Oliver Inteeworn as new executive director
Newport Classical has appointed Oliver Inteeworn as its new executive director, the organization announced Wednesday Inteeworn, who brings 25 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit performing arts sector, will begin the role Jan. 5, 2026. He succeeds Gillian Fox, who served as executive director from 2020 to 2025, and interim director Eric Gershman. Most […]
Posted inColumns
The Doctor’s In Your House: How at-home urgent care is changing the visit
Getting urgent or emergency care when you need can be a stressful ordeal. When someone is sick or injured, it could mean reshaping daily life to get care, and for some, that simply isn’t doable. At best, the disruption is temporary. But for older adults, busy families, people with mobility limitations, or those who are […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fueling a Female Movement: This dynamic nonprofit advocates for women, girls, and families
The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island was founded 25 years ago by the late Simone P. Joyaux, a globally respected fundraising mentor and social justice advocate. In 2000, the Rhode Island Foundation partnered with Joyaux to launch the organization with a clear mission: close the opportunity and equity gaps facing women and girls. Today, WFRI […]
Posted inNews
South County Health opens Newport Women’s Health office
Women on Aquidneck Island have new healthcare options with the opening in early November of an office of South County Health’s Center for Women’s Health in a building near Newport Hospital and shared with a branch of South County Health’s urology department. The new office at 38 Powell Ave., Newport, arrives amid nationwide shortages of […]
Posted inBusiness
Small Business Collective launches in Middletown to support Rhode Island entrepreneurs
A new nonprofit aimed at supporting small business owners has launched in Rhode Island. Small Business Collective, based in Middletown, will offer collaborative workspace, community events and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs across the state, according to an announcement Tuesday. Mollie Frazer Williams has been named executive director of the organization. She previously served as director […]
Posted inBusiness
Matthew Gray elected chair of Discover Newport board
Matthew Gray, owner of Gray Matter Marketing and Ragged Island Brewing Company, has been elected chair of the Board of Directors of Discover Newport. Gray, who represents Portsmouth on the board, has served since 2019. He previously chaired the finance committee as treasurer and served on the organization’s recent CEO search committee. Discover Newport is […]
Posted inColumns
The Importance of It All: Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island
There is a refreshing vibe of positivity and connection when you visit Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island headquarters in Providence. All around you is a spirit of pride and purpose for what is both a logistically complex and emotionally demanding mission. I was taken aback, not because it seemed unbelievable, but because the energy […]
Posted inNews
The International Tennis Hall of Fame has a lot of love for TeamFAME
Marguerite Marano has been part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame for more than 26 years. She began in 1999 as a Tournament Manager and went on to serve in several leadership roles before finding her true calling as the first Executive Director of TeamFAME. TeamFAME—Future Aces Modeling Excellence—is an inspiring after-school program for […]
Posted inSports
Women’s empowerment event at ITHF headlined by Rennae Stubbs made a huge impact
The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) TeamFAME middle and high school girls were joined by the Salve Regina University Women’s Tennis Team at the first ever Rally for Her: From Teammate to Leader empowerment event. Launched by ESPN and Tennis Channel commentator and six-time major champion Rennae Stubbs, the event included an afternoon of […]
Posted inNews
Tyler Bernadyn to serve as 2026 President of the Newport County Board of Realtors
This week, I am writing from Houston, Texas, where I am attending the National Association of Realtors conference alongside delegates, leaders, and affiliated board members and staff from Rhode Island and all across the country. Our Newport County contingent includes current NCBR President Rhonda Mesenbourg and our administrator, Hannah Hodgson, as well as past President […]
Posted inInstagram
Newport housing advocate gets new roof from local partnership
A Newport housing advocate who has spent decades fighting for underserved families received a new roof Tuesday through a partnership between local and national organizations. Pauline Perkins-Moye, 86, affectionately known as “Ms. Pauline,” had the roof and skylights at her Burnside Avenue residence replaced by Middletown-based A1 Roofing & Construction in collaboration with GAF, North […]
Posted inColumns
Helen Hames: A movie night with Angela Lima
On October 24, 1975, an entire country experienced an abrupt wake-up call that would change the course of gender equality for women around the world and eventually help pave the way for progress here in Rhode Island. The awakening happened in Iceland when women, many in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, decided to take a […]
Posted inNews
Women-led organizations prepare Rhode Island for a historic 2026
For New England fans of World Cup soccer, your countdown for the “Summer of Soccer” has begun – and for Rhode Island businesses large and small, now is the time to start planning your participation. An estimated 2.2 million people will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and events in the Boston area next […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown Planning Director honored for distinguished public service
Ronald M. Wolanski, director of planning and economic development for the Town of Middletown, received the Robert M. Goodrich Distinguished Public Service Award on Monday during the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council’s 49th annual meeting. The award recognizes outstanding local government employees. “Ron has been a vital resource and trusted leader for Middletown for 23 […]
Posted inNews, People & Profiles
Newport Superintendent discusses departure decision, school updates during monthly q&a
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain discussed her decision to step down after more than 12 years leading the district during Wednesday’s monthly “Ask The Superintendent” conversation with What’sUpNewp’s Frank Prosnitz and Ryan Belmore, explaining that the timing feels right as major facility projects reach completion. Burns Jermain announced in October that she will conclude […]
Posted inNews
Newport superintendent to discuss school updates in live Q&A Wednesday
Just two weeks after announcing her planned departure, Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will field questions from the community during Wednesday’s “Ask The Superintendent” live virtual conversation. The monthly discussion, hosted by What’sUpNewp, is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. and comes at a pivotal moment for the district. Jermain revealed on October 14 […]
Posted inBusiness
Wayfinder Newport hires Keith Chouinard as sales and marketing director
Wayfinder Newport has appointed Keith Chouinard as director of sales and marketing, the hotel announced Tuesday. Chouinard will oversee all sales and marketing initiatives for the property, including strategic partnerships, revenue growth and brand positioning as Wayfinder continues its relaunch. Chouinard brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry. He most […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Spotlighting the busy women (and a few good men) behind the scenes at the Broadway Street Fair
Historians and cartographers will tell you that “Broadway” is typically one of the first streets laid out on a city map, designed as a central artery for commerce. The name, derived from the Dutch Breede weg, meaning “broad way,” likely originated from Native American footpaths that ran diagonally down the length of Manhattan Island. Newport’s […]