Posted inArts & Culture

Golden Anniversary Celebration: Steve Smith & The Nakeds and The Cowsills to Perform at Rhode Island’s Park Theatre

On February 11, the historic Park Theatre in Cranston will play host to a very special concert, as Steve Smith & The Nakeds celebrate their 50th anniversary with a performance featuring special guests The Cowsills. The show, which is set to take place at 8 p.m., will not only mark a milestone for the two […]

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Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District seeks to fund new community garden projects

Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District seeks three organizations in urban, suburban, or rural areas to install community gardens or high tunnels and maintain them for a minimum of 18 months (gardens) or 36 months (high tunnels). This project is funded by an agreement between the RI State Conservation Committee (RISCC) and the USDA Natural Resources […]

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What’s Up Today: Tuesday, January 10

Good Morning! Today’s newsletter is 1,429 words — a 7-minute read. 🏛️ For state Sen. Lou DiPalma, D-12 (Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, and Tiverton), the 2023 legislative session will be an opportunity to focus on a number of technology-related issues. WUN’s Frank Prosnitz with more → DiPalma to focus on issues of identity theft, artificial […]

Posted inCity & Government

Solar program aims to cut energy costs for lower-income Rhode Island residents

by Lisa Prevost, Energy News Network Taking its cues from a successful program in Connecticut, Rhode Island is poised to launch a new initiative to deploy solar and reduce electricity costs in homes owned by low- to moderate-income residents.  The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation recently issued a request for proposals from solar companies interested in […]

Posted inCity & Government

Federal Delegation secures $61.7 million to support Rhode Island’s small business growth

In an effort to connect more small business owners to the capital they need, Rhode Island is set to receive up to $61.7 million in federal funding to promote small business growth and entrepreneurship in the Ocean State, thanks to legislation supported and passed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman David […]

Posted inCity & Government

DiPalma to focus on issues of identity theft, artificial intelligence, technology

For state Sen. Lou DiPalma, D-12 (Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, and Tiverton), the 2023 legislative session will be an opportunity to focus on a number of technology-related issues. Senator DiPalma His focus on technology is hardly unexpected, as his bachelor’s degree from the University of Bridgeport is in computer engineering and his master’s degree is […]

Posted inCity & Government

Federal government to end COVID-19-related SNAP benefit payments

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) announced today that the federal government will end COVID-19-related SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit payments after the February 2023 issuance. Beginning on March 1, 2023, SNAP households will only receive their regular monthly SNAP issuance on the first of each month. DHS will be corresponding directly […]

Posted inCity & Government

New Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center to open on January 23

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has announced that the Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center will open on January 23. The new rail-bus transit center, located in Pawtucket and Central Falls, will provide commuters with the ability to easily switch between commuter rail operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) and Rhode Island Public […]

Posted inCity & Government

R.I. must accelerate transportation emission cuts to hit 2030 target, advocates say

by Lisa Prevost, Energy News Network Rhode Island is not on track to hit its greenhouse gas reduction target in 2030, and a primary reason, advocates say, is transportation emissions.  Transportation accounts for the largest share of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, at nearly 40%, according to the state Department of Environmental Management’s latest greenhouse […]

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What’s Up Today: Monday, January 9

Good Morning! Today’s newsletter is 807 words — a 4-minute read. 🍕 The former Panera Bread is becoming a pizzeria → Team at Giusto to open a neighborhood pizzeria in former Panera Bread 🍳 WUN columnist Jay Flanders is kicking off 2023 with an interesting recipe → Tiny Kitchen Magic: Goat Liver and Goat Cheese Ravioli with […]

Posted inSports

Bills win for Hamlin and eliminate Patriots from playoffs

By JOHN WAWROW AP Sports Writer ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The echoes of “Let’s Go Buffalo!” pregame chants were still reverberating through an emotionally charged Bills stadium celebrating injured safety Damar Hamlin, when another roar suddenly erupted as Nyheim Hines returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. Some three hours later, and after […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Stanley J. Shoppell

Stanley J. Shoppell, 64, of Middletown, RI unexpectedly passed away on December 31, 2022. He was born in Portsmouth, VA on June 28, 1958, to Catherine E. (Hegarty) and Samuel J. Shoppell, Jr. Stanley graduated from Rogers High School. He worked as an exceptional contractor and craftsman for several companies in Rhode Island. Stanley helped […]

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The Conversation U.S. weekly news quiz

Fritz Holznagel, The Conversation We hope you’ve enjoyed this first regular quiz from our new quizmaster, Fritz Holznagel, a past winner of the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions. If you have feedback on the quiz, please send us an email at us.quiz@theconversation.com. Fritz Holznagel, Quizmaster, The Conversation This article is republished from The Conversation under a […]

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Adoptable Cat of the Week: Maya

Meet your new best friend, Maya– this week’s Adoptable Cat of the Week! Maya is a female Domestic Shorthair, approximately five years and nine months old. “Maya is a special kitty, with a mind of her own! When Maya desires, she’ll rub up against you for attention, and will walk away when she’s had her […]

Posted inCity & Government

Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (Jan. 7 – 14)

The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. RIDOT Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 Project The Rhode Island Department of Transportation today provided the following weekly update regarding the […]

Posted inCity & Government

Senator Reed travels to Ukraine, meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

U.S. Senator Jack Reed was among the two senior members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) who traveled to Kyiv this week to show their support for Ukraine, provide oversight of U.S. assistance, and meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and defense officials. The trip follows Congress approving a bipartisan appropriations package that includes […]

Posted inCity & Government

Senator Whitehouse to join Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus for a virtual conversation on Climate Change

The Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus will host a virtual conversation on climate change with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on Sunday, Jan. 15, at 6:30 p.m. EST. The event, which is open to the public, will take place on Zoom and will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the latest environmental news from Washington […]

Posted inCity & Government

State-stocked ponds and lakes to offer winter fishing opportunities with lake trout, rainbow trout, and salmon

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that it will be stocking ten lakes and ponds with rainbow trout, Sebago Atlantic salmon, and new this year, lake trout starting Monday, January 9, and continuing through Friday, January 17. DEM says that it will stock the following waterbodies: Barber Pond, South Kingstown: trout, salmon, […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do

Things to do this weekend in Newport County: Jan. 6 – 8

Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do this weekend in and around Newport County. Friday, January 6 Things To Do 4:30 pm: League of Women Voters Newport County to hold Candlelight Vigil commemorating January 6th Insurrection in Washington Square 8 pm: Improv with the Bit Players at The Firehouse Theater For more events and things to do, visit […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up Today: Friday, January 6

Good Morning! Today’s newsletter is 1,173 words — a 6-minute read. 🕯️ The League of Women Voters Newport County will hold a Candlelight Vigil from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm today in Washington Square to commemorate the events that occurred on January 6, 2021. According to event organizers, the vigil, titled “Lest We Forget: Votes […]

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New $46 million Air National Guard HQ to modernize Rhode Island’s 143rd Airlift Wing at Quonset

The Rhode Island Air National Guard is set to receive a new $46 million headquarters at Quonset Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown, thanks to funding secured by U.S. Senator Jack Reed. The state-of-the-art complex will replace the current 81-year-old facility, modernizing the base of operations for the 143rd Airlift Wing and enabling it […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do

Teen and adult women’s chorus on Aquidneck Island seeking singers

Aquidneck Island’s Teen and Adult Women’s Chorus, the Aquidneck Singers, are welcoming new members to join them starting in January. The chorus, conducted by Elizabeth Woodhouse and accompanied by Jan Navarro, meets weekly on Tuesdays at the Common Fence Point Community Hall in Portsmouth. No audition is required to join and the fee for the […]

Posted inThings To Do

Architecture of Amsterdam’s 1675 synagogue topic of the next Touro Synagogue Foundation presentation

Touro Synagogue Foundation announces the second program of its Winter 2022-2023 Judah Touro Program Series, which will explore the architecture and interior of the 1675 Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam, the Esnoga, a building with a direct influence on the architecture of the 1763 Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, America’s oldest surviving Jewish house of worship.  […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Maria E. Charles

Maria Ernestine Gizzi Charles of Revere, Massachusetts died on January 3rd in Newport, RI. Maria graduated Revere High School in 1975 and attended Salem State College, where she graduated in 1980, being awarded a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education. Maria spent her life caring and being in service of others. She received a service […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up Today: Thursday, January 5

Good Morning! Today’s newsletter is 1,061 words — a 5-minute read. 🏀 The Providence men’s basketball team came up with a big win over No. 4 UConn last night. (What’sUpNewp) 🎉 Staying on the court, Maeve Crowley became the 14th player to score 1000 career points for Rogers last night. She reached the milestone with […]

Posted inBusiness

Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel announces completion of real estate transaction with GLPI

Bally’s Corporation today announced that it has completed a real estate transaction with Gaming & Leisure Properties, Inc., in which the two firms sold and leased back the land and real estate assets of Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel in Tiverton, Rhode Island, and Bally’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi in Biloxi, Mississippi. According […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport schools to benefit from $7.2 million mental health grant

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has received a four-year, $7.2 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) to expand mental health services in the Chariho, East Providence, Newport, and Warwick school districts. The grant will fund training for school staff, mental […]

Posted inCity & Government

Legislators Carson, Finkleman share plans for 2023 legislative session

With the 2023 legislative underway, hundreds, maybe thousands of bills will be introduced with the intention of solving some of the state’s most pressing issues.  What’sUpNewp reached out to legislators from the Newport County area and on the South Shore, asking for their vision for this upcoming legislative session. There are clearly similarities in the […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Singer-songwriter Dar Williams to perform at Jane Pickens Theater in March

Dar Williams, a singer-songwriter known for her bouquets of optimism and melodies that alternate between beguiling lightness and understated gravity, will be performing at the Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center in Newport, Rhode Island on Friday, March 24 at 8 pm. Williams believes that everyone has the power and ability to achieve, and encourages […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Eleanor T. Murphy

Eleanor Langton Murphy (born Eleanor Theresa Langton) died on December 28, 2022 at the Grand Islander nursing home. She was 95 years old. Born in Providence, Rhode Island on November 8, 1927, she was predeceased by her parents, Mary (Waters), and Joseph T. Langton and her husband, William C Murphy Sr. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, […]

Posted inCity & Government

BankNewport awards $200,000 grant to aid the MLK Center

Through its All In Giving program, BankNewport is pleased to announce that it has awarded a $200,000 grant to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, based in Newport, to support the Center’s Building Hope Campaign, which includes the naming rights for its new food pantry. “As a true community bank, supporting those who support our neighbors is essential to our […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Herro

Meet your new best friend, Herro– this week’s Adoptable Dog of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Herro is a 4-year-old male mixed breed. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Herro; Herro is here to save the day, and your heart! Herro is an […]

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U.S. Attorney’s office in Rhode Island collects over $3.7 million in FY 2021

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island announced today that it collected nearly $3.8 million in civil and criminal actions during Fiscal Year 2021. This marks a roughly 36% increase from the previous fiscal year, with $2.7 million collected in criminal cases and $1.1 million collected in civil actions. In addition, the office worked with […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Shirley L. Zdanuk

Shirley L. Zdanuk, 92, of Portsmouth, RI, passed away on December 30, 2022 in AdviniaCare Southpointe Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late MMCM Anthony F. Zdanuk, Sr., USN, Ret., for 58 years. Shirley was born in Shelton, CT, to the late Alfred and Genevieve (Thompson) Cotnoir. She grew up in a large […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Nicholas Meriwether “Nick” Stephens

Nicholas “Nick” Meriwether Stephens (1934-2022), of Hopkinton, MA and formerly Portsmouth, RI, passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 22, 2022, at the Milford Regional Medical Center, following a short illness. He is the son of the late Louisa Smith Barnard and Roosevelt Goethals Thayer, and was later adopted by Theophilus Stuart Stephens. He is […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island Community Health Centers to receive $2 million for COVID-19 vaccinations

Several Rhode Island community health organizations are set to receive $2,086,664 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase vaccination rates and improve outreach to vulnerable communities. The funding comes from a new $350 million initiative administered by HHS through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that delivers […]

Posted inCity & Government, News

Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (Dec. 31 – Jan. 7)

The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority January 1, 2023 – January 7, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeEastbound Right Lane Closure- 1/4 […]

Posted inCity & Government

New traffic signals, patterns coming to several intersections around the Pell Bridge Ramps project on Jan. 3

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has announced new traffic patterns at several intersections around the Pell Bridge Ramps project in Newport. These changes are set to take effect during the evening commute on Tuesday, January 3. At the intersection of Admiral Kalbfus Road and Halsey Boulevard, a new signal will allow free right […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: John J. Brennan

John Brennan’s remarkable life tells the story of Newport’s last 7 decades, of its proud Irish heritage, and about the self-made men and women – from Ireland and other countries – whose tenacity and courage helped build something beautiful in the country they adopted and cherished. Born just outside of Sneem, County Kerry, Ireland, John […]

Posted inNews

TSA’s 2022 Top 10 List of most unusual finds at airport security checkpoints includes incident involving a Rhode Island passenger

With the help of a Rhode Island man, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) made it into the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) annual Top 10 List of most unusual items found at security checkpoints nationwide in 2022. TSA released the list in an on-line video it posted on the agency’s YouTube account. The item from the airport that […]

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Middletown Town Council to discuss intersection improvement study, purchase of police cruisers, and more at Jan. 3 meeting

The Middletown Town Council will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. The meeting will be conducted in person, by telephone conference call/webinar, and members of the public can access and listen to the meeting in real-time by calling 1-877-853-5257 (Toll-Free) or 1-888-475-4499 (Toll-Free) and entering Meeting ID: 880 0803 […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Cat of the Week: Sugar

Meet your new best friend, Sugar– this week’s Adoptable Cat of the Week! Sugar is a Domestic Shorthair, approximately three years and one-month-old, and a female. Sugar is a sweet and affectionate cat who loves nothing more than being around her people. She is a lap cat who enjoys cuddles and pets from anyone willing […]

Posted inCity & Government

Millions left in legislators’ campaign accounts

Rhode Island politicians, fresh from expensive primary and general elections, still have millions of dollars left in their campaign accounts. And those in powerful legislative positions are leading the way. Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi, D-Dist. 23 has amassed a robust campaign fund of nearly $1.7 million, according to the latest campaign finance report. […]

Posted inCity & Government

Governor McKee, General Officers to be sworn in during Inauguration Ceremony on Jan. 3

Governor Dan McKee will be inaugurated as the Governor of Rhode Island on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at noon at the Rhode Island Convention Center. According to a media advisory from Governor McKee’s office, the ceremony, which will be streamed live on Facebook, will feature several notable moments, including a group of children from the […]

Posted inCity & Government, News, People & Profiles

Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong joins What’sUpNewp for a live conversation on Dec. 28

Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Wednesday, December 28 at 2 pm. Over thirty minutes, What’sUpNewp’s Ryan Belmore chats with the Mayor about the Mayor’s first month on the job, what solutions he has for the Pell Bridge ramps construction project, what he sees as the latest with […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rep. Carson demands better communication from DOT on Pell Bridge realignment project

STATE HOUSE – While major temporary changes to the traffic pattern around the Pell Newport Bridge began last week, creating a traffic nightmare for the residents of Aquidneck Island, Rep. Lauren H. Carson is demanding that Department of Transportation officials do a better job communicating to the public about the day-to-day changes to the traffic […]

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