The Rhode Island legislature is in its final few weeks of its current session still trying to close a substantial budget shortfall, the state continues to face mounting healthcare issues, and the Trump administration has dubbed Rhode Island a sanctuary state. We asked Gov. Dan McKee about these, and other issues. The governor was still […]
People & Profiles
Posted inArts & Culture
Patrick Murphy’s first solo show in five years opens tonight at House of Waves
Tonight, Broadway will glow a little brighter. Local artist and photographer Patrick Murphy is hosting his first solo exhibition in five years at House of Waves (154 Broadway), the creative studio and gallery he opened as a love letter to the community that raised him. The show runs from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. It coincides […]
Posted inNews
Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins WUN for a one-on-one conversation on May 28
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her monthly one-on-one conversation on Wednesday, May 28, at 1:30 pm. Have a question for the Superintendent? Ask It Here.
Posted inInstagram, News, People & Profiles
Charting a Course: Martha Parker celebrates 40 years of Team One Newport
These days, as I walk the pup along the docks, I count the growing number of sailing and fishing vessels lining up in the harbor. Their colorful hulls bob gently, with crews carefully prepping these graceful “swans of the sea” for the season. Soon, the harbor will fill with beautiful white and grey sails—many competing […]
Posted inNews, People & Profiles
Newport students commit to high-demand careers at ‘Signing Day’ event
Newport Area Career and Technical Center recently celebrated 22 graduating seniors at its annual National Signing Day event. The ceremony, held with SkillsUSA, recognized students committing to careers in high-demand fields like construction, culinary arts, engineering, cosmetology, and IT. Students signed letters of intent for their next steps, including jobs, apprenticeships, technical training, military service, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Superintendent Jermain shares updates on Rogers High School construction progress, budget considerations
The new Rogers High School project remains on schedule with keys to the building set to be handed over on June 6, according to Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain. The project is entering its final phase with punch lists being created and moving plans already underway. “Things are moving along quite nicely,” Jermain said […]
Posted inNews
Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins WUN for a one-on-one conversation on April 30
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her monthly one-on-one conversation on Wednesday, April 30, at 1 pm. Have a question for the Superintendent? Ask It Here.
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Haven Box providing support for sexual assault victims
The numbers are staggering and the impact even worse. More than half of women have experienced sexual violence during their lifetime, and nearly half of rape victims were raped before their 18th birthdays, according to the Centers for Disease Control. April is sexual assault awareness month. We had an opportunity to sit down with Alana […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Michele Gallagher: Rhode Island women are investing their power and principles back into Mother Earth
This statistic more than doubles the national trend of women owning businesses at approximately one-third the rate of men, or 22%. Rhode Island has approximately 105,000 small businesses (those with fewer than 500 employees); 90% have 10 or fewer employees; Nearly all are micro-businesses with just one person at the helm. This dovetails well with Rhode Island’s […]
Posted inCity & Government
Conversation with Gov. Mckee: reflections on federal government cuts and their impact on Rhode Island; healthcare; and the budget
Governor Dan McKee lashes out on the uncertainties of policies and programs of the current administration in Washington, including his reflections on Elon Musk. The governor was appearing on WBLQ’s Morning Show with Frank Prosnitz. He was critical of federal program cuts, costing Rhode Island more than $30 million and 60 jobs, suggesting that there […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins WUN for Ask The Superintendent
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her monthly one-on-one conversation on Wednesday, March 26, at 1:30 pm. Have a question for the Superintendent? Ask It Here.
Posted inNews, Nonprofit, People & Profiles
Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County welcomes new COO
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County has a new Chief Operating Officer. Lauren Utschig steps into the role, bringing a wealth of experience in youth development, education, and behavioral health services. She’s no stranger to leadership, having held key positions with Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA, and other nonprofits. Joe Pratt, the […]
Posted inBusiness
Innovate Newport appoints Olya Myers as its new Community Manager
Today, the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of the newest member of their team, Olya Myers, as the Innovate Newport Community Manager. Innovate Newport, powered by the Chamber, is a leading coworking and innovation hub dedicated to fostering economic growth and innovation in the region. “The appointment of a full-time Community […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Tom Rush: Reflections of Bob Dylan; his newest album; and discovering new and talented singer/songwriters
Rolling Stone magazine credited legendary singer/songwriter Tom Rush with ushering in the era of the singer-songwriter. That was decades ago, and Tom is still at it, discovering new talent that he showcases on his Rockport Sundays, broadcast from his home in Southern Maine. We recently talked with Tom, reflecting on a career that spans more […]
Posted inBusiness
International Tennis Hall of Fame welcomes new additions to its Board of Governors
The International Tennis Hall of Fame has announced new additions to its Board of Governors for 2025, which includes three incoming Executive Board Members. Representing a wide array of industries, these individuals bring unique expertise, dedication for philanthropy and passion for the sport of tennis as the ITHF enters a new era of growth. “The […]
Posted inNews
Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy will join What’sUpNewp for a one-on-one conversation on Feb. 19
Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy will join What’sUpNewp for his next monthly live conversation, “Ask The City Manager,” on Wednesday, February 19, at 11 am. What questions do you have for the City Manager? Leave them below, and we’ll answer as many as possible during the live broadcast. During our 30-minute conversation, we’ll address various […]
Posted inNews
Black History Month – Dr. Harriet Alleyne Rice: A native Newport Black History heroine that is largely unknown in the city of her birth
The following was written for What’s Up Newp by Keith Stokes, Vice President of the 1696 Heritage Group. This story was originally published on Feb. 11 ,2021. A native Newport Black History heroine that is largely unknown in the city of her birth. Harriet Alleyne Rice was born to George and Lucinda Rice in 1866 in […]
Posted inCity & Government, People & Profiles
Listen: A conversation with Scott Wolf of Grow Smart, a leading advocate for responsible growth in R.I.
Grow Smart Rhode Island has been the leading organization in the state, advocating for affordable and workforce housing, walking cities, improved transportation, and responsible zoning. Scott Wolf, executive director of Grow Smart, joins us for this podcast. Scott talks about how Newport and Westerly, East Providence, and Woonsocket have been leaders in developing walkable communities, […]
Posted inBusiness
Significant voice for the homeless retires
For four decades, Russ Partridge has served the homeless community, from Crossroads in Providence to the WARM Center in Westerly, where he has been executive director for 17 years. He has earned a reputation statewide for the work he has done, the expertise he has shared, and as a voice for those silenced by poverty […]
Posted inCity & Government
Ask the Superintendent: A live conversation with Colleen Burns Jermain (Jan. 29)
Newport Public Schools’ Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her next monthly live conversation, “Ask The Superintendent”, on Wednesday, January 29, at 1:30 pm. During our 30-minute conversation, we’ll address a variety of topics, ask various questions, and look for updates on ongoing issues. What questions do you have for the Superintendent? Leave […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Hospital appoints Sarah Nekrasz as Chief Nursing Officer
Newport Hospital this week announced the appointment of Sarah Nekrasz, MSN, RN, BC, FPCC as the new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Sarah has been serving in this role on an interim basis since September 2024 and has been an integral part of the nursing team here at Newport Hospital for more than 26 years. “Over her decades […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles, Sports
Newport Gulls: Michael Falcone takes his talents to Europe
By Chuck Paiva, General Manager of Newport Gulls. This story originally appeared here. Long-time Newport Gulls Director of Baseball Operations, Michael Falcone, has moved on to an exciting new chapter in his career. Michael has taken his talents overseas to Belgium, where he will be working with RFC Liège, a professional football club in the […]
Posted inBusiness
Hinckley appoints Gavin McClintock as new CEO
Yacht maker Hinckley today announced that it has tapped Gavin McClintock as its new Chief Executive Officer. McClintock brings experience from his previous role as Chief Financial Officer at Safe Harbor Marinas and as the founder of marina group Tidekeeper. He’s now at the helm of the 95-year-old company. In his new position, McClintock plans […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Meet Amy Allen, the songwriter behind the music stuck in your head
By ELISE RYAN Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Amy Allen might not yet be a household name, but her work lives in your brain rent-free. And it’s grabbed the attention of the Grammys. The 32-year-old songwriter has composed enduring hits with Halsey (“Without Me”), Selena Gomez (“Back to You”) and Tate McRae (“Greedy”). Her contributions to Harry Styles’ “Harry’s […]
Posted inCity & Government
Ask the Superintendent: A live conversation with Colleen Burns Jermain (Dec. 18)
Newport Public Schools’ Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her next monthly live conversation, “Ask The Superintendent”, with What’sUpNewp on Wednesday, December 18, at 1:30 pm. During our 30-minute conversation, we’ll address various topics, ask various questions, and look for updates on ongoing issues. What questions do you have for the Superintendent? Leave […]