In September, we New Englanders watch the leaves start to fall and the temperatures begin to drop. Sweaters and coats come out of storage, and boats start leaving the marinas for their winter havens. And just like that, we’re ready for chowder—Newport style! This weekend, while enjoying the Newport International Boat Show, I’ll be joining […]
People & Profiles
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County names new CEO
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County has appointed Kelley Coen as its chief executive officer, the organization announced in a press release. Coen, currently the club’s chief advancement officer, will officially begin her new role Sept. 25. “I am honored to be leading the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County,” Coen said […]
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Newport superintendent to address community questions in monthly live forum
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will sit down with What’sUpNewp tomorrow afternoon for her regular monthly conversation with the community, offering parents, students, and residents a direct line to district leadership just one week before the new school year begins. The live virtual discussion, scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 1:30 p.m., provides a platform […]
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Tree of Life yacht offers luxury sailing charters from Newport Harbor
The 33-year-old sailing yacht Tree of Life operates luxury charter services from Newport Harbor, offering an alternative to larger commercial tour boats on Narragansett Bay. Built in 1991 at Covey Island Boatworks in Nova Scotia, the vessel has been based in Newport for several years under the operation of Capt. Josh Jacques and his wife, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Watch: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her monthly one-on-one conversation on Wednesday, June 18, at 1:30 pm. Have a question for the Superintendent? Ask it here.
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Rev. Meaghan K. Brower named new Rector of Trinity Church
Trinity Church announced in an email to subscribers and supporters on Tuesday (June 17) that it will soon welcome Reverend Meaghan Kelly Browers as its new Rector. Norris Commodore, Senior Warden at Trinity Church, shared the following in a letter. To the members and friends of Trinity Church, Newport: It is with great excitement that […]
Posted inNews, People & Profiles
Newport native graduates from U.S. Naval Academy
Michael A. “Mac” Cullen, son of Beth and Mike Cullen of Newport, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on Friday, May 23, 2025, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. Cullen was among more than 1,000 midshipmen to graduate in the Academy’s 174th graduating class. The ceremony took […]
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Provence sur Mer serves up elegant French-inspired hospitality
A Celebration of Vision and Place Karen Pinelli is enjoying her second act. And she has created the perfect backdrop: an 1850 historic building overlooking Washington Square in the heart of Newport. Pinelli was a sales executive in Boston for more than 30 years, working in the HR & Employee Benefits industry. As she helped […]
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Podcast with Gov. McKee: budget shortfall; growing healthcare issues; and more
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 […]
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 […]
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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.
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]