Posted inNews

Judge: Congregation at oldest US synagogue can stay, for now

The Rhode Island congregants who worship at the nation’s oldest synagogue won’t be evicted, as a judge ruled in their favor Monday. But the yearslong legal dispute over the historic building appears far from over. Newport-based Congregation Jeshuat Israel is the current tenant at the 250-year-old Touro Synagogue. It’s owned by New York-based Congregation Shearith Israel, which filed […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Dog Of The Week: Quinn

Meet your new best friend, Quinn– this week’s Adoptable Dog of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Quinn is a 4-year-old female Mixed Breed. Quinn is considered a large-sized dog, weighing between 60-99 pounds. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Quinn; Quinn’s exquisite good […]

Posted inColumns

Comic – Sour Grapes: Principal

Here’s this week’s Sour Grapes, enjoy! Tim Jones is the creator, artist and writer of the widely popular, self-syndicated comic strip, “SOUR GRAPES”; a comic about “Aesop”, a miserable flying dog and his odd friends, all living in a problematic and troubled world. Sour Grapes is currently published in multiple newspapers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, […]

Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do

Seven restaurants will host unique dining experiences for Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

 Seven local restaurants will host unique dining experiences, wine tastings and even a cocktail class as part of the upcoming 17th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, presented by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. The restaurants are now taking reservations for these one-time offerings on Friday, Sept. 16, and Saturday, Sept. 17. Participating establishments include The Dining Room at The Vanderbilt; […]

Posted inSports

Texas Corinthian Yacht Club respectfully repeats as Grandmasters Team Race Champions

By New York Yacht Club. Photos: Stuart Wemple Respect runs through the Grandmasters Team Race like a river through a western valley. It’s an essential component of the regatta, binding together the sailors, race officials and judges and creating an environment where the last place team—which happens to be the one that traveled the furthest—gets […]

Posted inCity & Government

Nellie Gorbea will join What’sUpNewp for a live virtual conversation on Monday

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, among five candidates vying for the Democratic Party’s gubernatorial nomination, joins What’sUpNewp tomorrow (Monday) for a 3 p.m. videocast. The gubernatorial race has been hotly contested, with Gorbea and Gov. Daniel McKee the front runners in recent polls, with former CVS executive Helena Buonanno Foulkes gaining in the polls, and […]

Posted inCity & Government

Court to rule on truck tolls in September

A federal court decision in the American Trucking Association’s lawsuit against the state of Rhode Island for what it claims are unconstitutional truck-only tolls for out-of-state tractor trailers is expected in September, according to Christopher Maxwell, executive director of the Rhode Island Trucking Association. The decision by Judge William Smith will come four years after […]

Posted inNews

National Association of Marine Surveyors will host its 2022 New England Fall Conference in Newport

The National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS), an organization of accredited, qualified marine surveyors across the country, recently announced that they will host their 2022 New England Fall Conference in Newport. Scheduled for October 27 and 28, 2022, the event will include a roundtable and reception at the IYRS School of Technology & Trades. NAMS-accredited […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Edward King House announces auditions for fall production

The Edward King House Senior Center announced the audition dates for its upcoming fall production of Glen Berger’s Underneath the Lintel under the direction of Abby Adams.  A one-man or woman show that revolves around a sole character—the Librarian— who embarks on a quest to find out who anonymously returned a library book that is 113 years overdue. […]

Posted inNews

Conservation easement of Arrowhead Farm completes phase of Tiverton Land Trust’s Nonquit Pond Farmlands initiative

The Tiverton Land Trust recently executed its planned conservation easement of Arrowhead Farm. This easement, combined with a similar easement on neighboring Movement Ground Farm, completes this phase of the Tiverton Land Trust’s Nonquit Pond Farmlands initiative. “We are incredibly pleased to complete this phase of the Nonquit Pond Farmlands project. These were key pieces […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (Aug. 27 – Sept. 3)

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. RITBA Weekly Lane Closure Updates August 28 – September 3, 2022 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeEastbound Right Lane Closure- 8/29 to 9/1- […]

Posted inNews

Top stories this week on What’sUpNewp

Here’s a look at what What’sUpNewp readers were reading this week, August 21 – 27. Bristol Ferry Lighthouse hits the market for $750,000Kenny Chesney to perform at Gillette Stadium on Friday and SaturdayJamestown woman claims $50,000 Powerball ticketBova seeks to delay regionalization voteWhat’s Up Interview: Jim Weider of The Weight Band, playing Jane Pickens Thursday, […]

Posted inCity & Government

RIDOT provides weekly Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 Update

Upcoming work on the Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 project will consist of bridge rehabilitation along Route 138 which may require temporary lane shifts along Third Street and JT Connell Highway, according to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s (RIDOT) weekly update.  Gas utility relocation work is anticipated along Halsey Street and fence installation is planned along […]

Posted inCOVID-19

Moderna sues Pfizer, BioNTech over COVID-19 vaccine patents

By TOM MURPHY AP Health Writer COVID-19 vaccine maker Moderna is suing Pfizer and the German drugmaker BioNTech, accusing its main competitors of copying Moderna’s technology in order to make their own vaccine. Moderna said Friday that Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine Comirnaty infringes on patents Moderna filed several years ago protecting the technology behind its […]

Posted inCity & Government

Energy-Saving Tree Program providing 1,000 free trees to Rhode Island residents

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM), along with the RI Tree Council, RI Nursery and Landscape Association, and the Arbor Day Foundation, is providing 1,000 free trees to Rhode Island residents this fall through the Energy-Saving Trees program. Registration opens Friday, August 26. Now in its 13th season, this popular program helps Rhode Islanders save energy and lower their utility bills by strategically planting trees […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Cat of the Week: Cubby

Meet your new best friend, Cubby– this week’s Adoptable Cat of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Cubby is a 9-year-old male Domestic Shorthair. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Cubby; Cubby is a cutie pie! He sees himself as kind of a protector […]

Posted inSports

Annual Sail for Hope to set sail and raise funds for charities

On Sunday, September 11, local sailors plan to race around Conanicut Island in the Sail for Hope. The annual race around Jamestown is a fundraiser to benefit World Central Kitchen Ukraine relief, Save the Children’s Emergency Fund, and Sail Newport’s new after-school Marine Exploration Program for Thompson Middle School.  The event was founded in 2001 as “Sail for Pride” in the weeks […]

Posted inNews

Sunset Slam raises nearly $85,000 to support TeamFAME

The International Tennis Hall of Fame celebrated TeamFAME’s first graduating class of eighth graders on Wednesday evening at the second annual Sunset Slam.   TeamFAME, the ITHF’s National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) Chapter backed by the USTA Foundation, is a primary outlet by which the ITHF builds community through tennis. Since the program’s launch in 2018, […]

Posted inNews

Jamestown woman claims $50,000 Powerball ticket

The $50,000 winning Powerball ticket from the August 17 drawing has been claimed by a woman from Jamestown. According to the Rhode Island Lottery, the woman, who has not been identified, said she saw Rhode Island Lottery’s Facebook post that a winning ticket was sold from Cumberland Farms in Jamestown, but she never thought it would be her!  She […]

Posted inPolitics

Election 2022: Candidates sprint to the primary election finish line with endorsements, accusations, and suggestions

With the primary election less than three weeks away, candidates, mostly Democrats, are sprinting to the finish line. Competitive Democratic primaries are being hotly contested for governor, second Congressional district, lieutenant governor, and general treasurer. And lots of money is being spent on television ads, trying to convince you – the voters – of the […]

Posted inNews

Kim Clijsters named Honorary President of the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Global tennis star Kim Clijsters has been named Honorary President of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.   As Honorary President, The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) says in a press release that Clijsters will represent the organization in an ambassadorial role publicly and will also collaborate with ITHF staff and tennis industry partners on […]

Posted inNews

Winners of Newport in Bloom annual Garden Competition announced

Newport in Bloom recently honored those who plant and nurture flower gardens and flower containers at its Annual Garden Competition Awards ceremony held Wednesday at the Newport Tennis Hall of Fame. A record 105 entries from three designated City areas were judged by Newport Bloom, which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. In addition to the area awards, five other categories […]

Posted inCity & Government

RIDOH recommends reopening Easton’s Beach for swimming

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that it recommends reopening Easton’s Beach (also known as First Beach) in Newport for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. On Tuesday, RIDOH recommended closing Easton’s Beach (also known as First Beach) in Newport for swimming because of high bacteria levels. RIDOH will […]

Posted inCity & Government

Who gets student loan relief? Borrowers’ joy, and bitterness

By BIANCA VÁZQUEZ TONESS Associated Press For Nick Marcil, the cancellation of $10,000 of his student loans could mean at last moving out of his parents’ house. Marcil, 24, studied at a Pennsylvania state college, earned scholarships and worked jobs while pursuing degrees in education but still owed $18,000 before Wednesday’s action by the Biden administration to […]

Posted inSports

Clarke Cooke Cup will feature New York versus Newport on Saturday

The Newport International Polo Series, presented by Turkish Airlines, will welcome back New York for its 11th city series campaign against Newport, competing for the Clarke Cooke Cup. This Saturday, August 27th, New York returns for a 6-chukker match as the 5th and biggest of the big city challengers this season.   New York handed the home team a goliath execution last year, racking up a 10-4 win and 8th Polo Series victory. New […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Jamestown Arts Center to host Rhode Island premiere of ‘Cunningham’ on August 27

This Saturday, August 27 at 7 pm, is the long-awaited Rhode Island premiere of the international film sensation and global art project CUNNINGHAM at the Jamestown Arts Center. CUNNINGHAM traces the artistic evolution of Merce Cunningham over three decades of risk and discovery–from a struggling dancer in postwar New York to his emergence as one of […]

Posted inArts & Culture

CCRI Players bring Shakespeare to Vietnam with unique adaptation of Othello

The Community College of Rhode Island Players will close their 2022 Summer Repertory theater season this week with Othello, a modern-era adaption of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Othello premiers Thursday, August 25 at 7:30 pm at CCRI’s Bobby Hackett Theatre in Warwick and continues with 7:30 evening shows Friday and Saturday before concluding its run Sunday at 2. Tickets can be purchased online at ShowTix4U.com priced at $20 […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island reparations report suggests programs, not cash

By PHILIP MARCELO Associated Press A new report suggests ways Providence, Rhode Island, can atone for its extensive ties to the transatlantic slave trade and centuries of racism and discrimination by, among other things, establishing home repair funds, launching financial literacy programs and boosting aid to Black and Indigenous organizations. The report, issued Monday by the Providence Municipal […]

Posted inNews

Clear The Shelters: Potter League for Animals to participate in national pet adoption event on August 27

Potter League for Animals announced today it is participating in Clear the Shelters national pet adoption event on Saturday, August 27, 2022. On this day, the Potter League will offer half-priced adoption fees for adult dogs, cats and small mammals (6 months & older) to help local families adopt a new pet. “Our goal is for all the animals in […]

Newport International Boat Show offers showgoers a full schedule of exciting activities to educate and entertain the whole family

The Newport International Boat Show announced today its schedule of showgoer activities to engage and excite the whole family. This year’s Show will take place September 15-18, 2022, at the Newport Yachting Center Marina in downtown Newport, Rhode Island. “Every year, the Newport International Boat Show attracts exhibitors offering the world’s most innovative new boats, boating […]

Posted inCity & Government

Drought disaster declared in Rhode Island; Worcester restricts outdoor irrigation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Federal officials have declared a drought-related disaster in Rhode Island while New England’s second-largest city is restricting outdoor water use as the drought in the Northeast worsens. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack declared Monday all five of Rhode Island’s counties as “primary natural disaster areas” because of the ongoing drought. The […]

Posted inBusiness

OceanPoint Marine Lending names Newport resident as Vice President, Director of Strategic Projects

BankNewport today announced that Siobhan Kits van Heyningen has joined OceanPoint Marine Lending, a subsidiary of BankNewport, as vice president, director of strategic projects.  In her new role, she will be responsible for defining, organizing, and planning various strategic initiatives within the marine lending division. “We are so pleased to welcome Siobhan to BankNewport,” said […]

Posted inSports

Tennis Channel’s Brett Haber to serve as “voice” of the International Tennis Hall of Fame

The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) today announced that Tennis Channel commentator and broadcast journalist Brett Haber will serve as an official ambassador and voice of the ITHF, committing to increasing his long-time service to the organization. Since 2008, Haber has frequently worked with the ITHF, and in 2014 began his tenure as Master […]

Posted inCity & Government

Study: 2022’s Most & Least Equitable School Districts in Rhode Island

With low-income school districts underfunded by around $6,700 per pupil, WalletHub today released its report on the Most and Least Equitable School Districts in Rhode Island. To find out where school funding is distributed most fairly, WalletHub says that it scored the equitability of each school district in Rhode Island based on two metrics: average household […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Shiny

Meet your new best friend, Shiny– this week’s Adoptable Dog of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Shiny is a 1-year-old female Mixed Breed. Shiny is considered a medium-sized dog, weighing between 20-59 pounds. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Shiny; Shiny shines brighter […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Comic – Sour Grapes: Thunder

Here’s this week’s Sour Grapes, enjoy! Tim Jones is the creator, artist and writer of the widely popular, self-syndicated comic strip, “SOUR GRAPES”; a comic about “Aesop”, a miserable flying dog and his odd friends, all living in a problematic and troubled world. Sour Grapes is currently published in multiple newspapers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, […]

Posted inNews

Gubernatorial hopeful Luis Daniel Munoz joins WUN for a live virtual video conversation, Tuesday at 3 pm

Luis Daniel Munoz, a progressive who is battling four other better-funded Democratic gubernatorial candidates, will share his message with WhatsUpNewp when he joins us on a 3 p.m. videocast on Tuesday. A technology consultant and self-described community organizer, Munoz was born in New York City and raised in Central Falls.  This is his second campaign […]

Posted inOpinion

Newport-Middletown School Regionalization touted during forum

By Matt Shealey, Town of Middletown The positives of school regionalization between Newport and Middletown were discussed Monday. During the early informational forum at the Knights Of Columbus Hall on Valley Road, the 50 people on hand heard a consistent message about the opportunities regionalization creates. More money from the state for education, for sure. […]

Posted inSports

Ida Lewis Distance Race a tricky one

Fully expecting light and variable breezes overnight, 43 sailing teams started the 2022 Ida Lewis Distance Race presented by Bluenose Yacht Sales on Friday, August 19 and returned throughout the day Saturday, August 20 to complete the event’s 17th edition. The wind conditions wound up ranging from 8-10 knots at the start to high teens and 20s out near Block Island to nearly […]

Posted inCity & Government

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) class to be held in Jamestown

The Jamestown Fire Department (JFD), a state training facility, will be holding a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) course starting in September. This course is intended to train attendees on vital skills in pre-hospital care.  The course will start in mid-September and last through late December. Sessions will be held on Monday and Wednesday nights and […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Nancy Lawton

Nancy Lawton, age 90, formerly of Freeborn Street, in Portsmouth, passed away on August 18, 2022, at Grand Islander Nursing Home. Nancy was born in Newport to James Isaac and Lucinda (Bloomfield) Lawton. She grew up on the Point and graduated from St. Catherine’s Academy and the Newport Hospital School of Nursing. She earned her […]

Posted inArts & Culture

newportFILM to screen SXSW Grand Jury Award-Winning Film ‘Master of Light’ at Marble House on August 25

newportFILM will screen on Thursday, August 25 Rosa Ruth Boesten’s 2022 SXSW Grand Jury award-winning film Master of Light, the moving and inspiring story of George Anthony Morton, a classical painter who spent ten years in federal prison. The screening will take place at Marble House, the summer cottage of Alva and William Kissam Vanderbilt […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: John Erik Nelson

John Erik Nelson, 56, of Middletown, RI, passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2022, in Middletown. John Erik was born in Newport, RI to John W. Nelson, III and Elizabeth “Betty Anne” (Collins) Nelson.  He was the owner and operator of a landscaping business, John Erik Nelson, Limited for 25 Years.  He passed away at home from a stroke in his sleep.  John Erik enjoyed working on his red […]

Posted inCity & Government

Pro-Trump wins in blue states threaten GOP hopes in November

By SUSAN HAIGH Associated Press HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Republicans have found success in Democratic strongholds like Maryland and Massachusetts when they have fielded moderate candidates who could appeal to voters in both parties. With Democrats facing headwinds this year, Republicans had hoped that strategy could pay off yet again. But Republican voters have nominated […]

Posted inCity & Government

Here’s what you need to know about regionalization before next week’s community meetings

Tom Shevlin, the City of Newport’s Communications Officer, shared the following press on Friday in regards to Middletown & Newport Public Schools Regionalization. What’sUpNewp is sharing it in its entirety; HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REGIONALIZATION BEFORE NEXT WEEK’S COMMUNITY MEETINGS As election season approaches, more details are coming into focus on a proposal to […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County honors LeRoy White with its 2022 Dominique Award

The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County (“ACA”) this week announced that it has presented the 2022 Dominique Award to the family of the late Newport musician LeRoy White, who was given the award posthumously at the organization’s “Raise Up the Arts” celebration in June. The annual award honors individuals who have championed the […]

Posted inSports, Things To Do

Jamaica to take on Team USA at Newport Polo on Saturday

The Newport International Polo Series will welcome Jamaica for their 19th faceoff against Team USA in the International Series history. This Saturday, August 20th, two generations of Jamaican players will ride out against the home team in one of the season’s highlights. In preparation for Jamaica’s appearance, they added the return of an inaugural player from the 1994 roster, […]

Posted inNews

$50,000 Powerball ticket sold in Jamestown

 A $50,000 Powerball ticket was sold in Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing at the Cumberland Farms in Jamestown (41 North Road), according to the Rhode Island Lottery. The winner numbers for the August 17 drawing were 23, 28, 41, 50, and 55. The Powerball was 24. The winning ticket matched four numbers and the Powerball number to win $50,000. Had […]

Posted inCity & Government

WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Helena Buonanno Foulkes

Former CVS executive and gubernatorial candidate Helena Buonanno Foulkes joins What’sUpNewp for a videocast on Friday at 3:30 p.m. as we take a closer look at the Democrats who are vying for their party’s nomination in the Sept. 13 primary election. Foulkes has been outspoken on several issues, while touting her managerial experience in a steady stream of television […]

Posted inNews

Adoptable Cat of the Week: Wren & Fern

Meet your new best friend, Wren & Fern– this week’s Adoptable Cat of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Wren is a 2-month-old female Domestic Shorthair and Fern is a 4-year-old female Domestic Shorthair. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Wren; Wren is a […]

Posted inNews

The Nature Conservancy, Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust conserve high priority forest on Richmond’s Beaver River

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in partnership with the Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust, today announced the permanent conservation of 52 acres of undeveloped oak, maple and pine forest along the Beaver River in Richmond, Rhode Island. According to a press release issued by TNC, the parcel has been added to TNC’s Beaver River Preserve.  With more […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Pamela Y. Neal

Pamela Yolanda Neal the daughter of the late Dorothy L. Killingsworth-Neal and Raymond M Neal; was born in Harlem, New York, May 3rd, 1961. She departed this life peacefully on Monday August 8th, 2022, at Heatherwood Nursing Home, Newport, RI. Growing up the youngest of 9 children, Pamela affectionately called Pam was looked at as […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up Today: Thursday, August 18

Good Morning, today is Thursday, August 18. 🌊 WUN’s Frank Prosnitz with the latest from the classroom – With school set to open in a few weeks, school districts facing staff shortages 🌊 The September Secret Garden Tour has been canceled due to the severe drought conditions as well as the threat of an active […]

Posted inCity & Government

With school set to open in a few weeks, school districts facing staff shortages

Just a few weeks before the opening of schools throughout Rhode Island, many school districts are still trying to fill teacher and other vacancies, according to published reports and comments from leading state educators. But the teacher shortages in Rhode Island hardly compare with other states, where drastic measures are being considered to reduce the […]

Posted inOpinion

Opinion: Making affordable energy a priority in the next legislative session

Like most Rhode Islanders, I was shocked and dismayed by Rhode Island Energy’s (formally National Grid) announcement that residential electrical rates will increase over 125% from 7.810¢/kWh to 17.785¢/kWh in October.  This means the average customer will see a rate increase of about $52 a month.  I immediately worried about the impact this would have […]

Posted inReal Estate

‘Villa Marina’ sells for $5.5 million

Gustave White Sotheby’s International   Realty this week announced the sale of “Villa Marina” at 72 Washington   Street in Newport, Rhode Island. The property sold for $5,500,000. The sale was brokered by Paul A. Leys, broker, and co-owner of Gustave   White Sotheby’s International Realty.  DCIM\105MEDIA\DJI_0239.JPG Overlooking Newport Harbor, Goat Island, and the Newport […]

Posted inArts & Culture

What’sUpNewp and The JPT to host film parties with ‘Point Break’ on August 17th & ‘Strange Brew’ on August 18th

It’s summer in Newport and time to party!  Join us Wednesday and Thursday nights for a couple of special event parties. Point Break  Tuesday, August 17 We Own Land @ 6:30, Film @ 7:30 Tickets at www.janepickens.com Sponsored by Rejects Beer Co. who will be in-house doing tastings! We Own Land to perform before the film at 6:30 Surfs up brah! Hit the beach […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Stephen Millard

Stephen Alan Millard, originally of North Kingstown, RI, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2022 at Newport Hospital after a prolonged illness. Steve and his beloved Gemini twin sister Barbara (Millard) Powell were born in Providence, RI, on June 13th, 1951 to Marilyn (Carr) Millard and Lawrence S. Millard. He spent his childhood in North […]

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