The 2025 Town of Middletown Budget Proposal was developed by the administration after months of consultation with each of the Town’s departments during which proposals were discussed and evaluated for levels of necessity. The result was a compilation of compromises. There are two major aspects in budgeting that everyone who manages their finances successfully should […]
Newport County
Posted inArts & Culture
Rhode Island Slave History Medallions honors Juneteenth with programming and inaugural Black history walking tours in Newport
Rhode Island Slave History Medallions (RISHM) is hosting a free, family-friendly celebration of Juneteenth, the nation’s second independence day that marks the emancipation of all trafficked and enslaved people of African descent. Juneteenth is celebrated June 19 each year, but the RISHM event will be held Saturday, June 15 from 11 am to 4 pm […]
Posted inNews
Trump found guilty: 5 key aspects of the trial explained by a law professor
Gabriel J. Chin, University of California, Davis After the May 30, 2024, conviction of former President Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York, what comes next? Trump’s legal team will likely appeal the verdict. “We will fight for our Constitution,” Trump said following the jury’s announcement. “This is long […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Albert “Al” A. Rosa Sr.
Albert “Al” A. Rosa Sr., 77 of Newport, RI, passed away May 29th, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Peggy (Gaudet) Rosa and father of the late Margaret (Rosa) Hazelton. Born in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late George and Doris (Reynolds) Rosa. Al prided himself […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Kids Count: Diving deeper into the Newport County numbers
When Rhode Island Kids Count released its annual factbook in early May, it painted a broad picture of the state of children in Rhode Island, from school achievement to health care and poverty, and much more. In all, Kids Count measured the health and well-being of children in 70 different areas. WhatsUpNewp took a deep […]
Posted inNews
Senate passes Ujifusa bill to study statewide school transportation system
The Senate today approved a resolution sponsored by Sen. Linda Ujifusa to create a joint legislative commission to study the statewide school transportation system. “Many school districts are facing enormous costs for transporting students to schools across far-flung regions, and they have no control over the cost of the statewide transportation system, or the size […]
Posted inNews
Senate approves Euer bill to improve notification about business taxes and filings
The Senate voted today to approve Senate Judiciary Chairwoman Dawn Euer’s bill to allow the Division of Taxation to send business owners’ tax compliance information to the Department of State in order to keep them apprised of their tax liability. “I want to thank Secretary Amore for the work he has done on this legislation. In […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election integrity bill moving through Rhode Island House and Senate chambers
STATE HOUSE – The House and the Senate today each approved legislation to establish a clear process for reporting and investigating cases of suspected signature fraud involving candidates’ nomination papers. Each of the bills, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Dawn Euer and Rep. June S. Speakman on behalf of Secretary of State Gregg M. […]
Posted inNews
Governor McKee nominates Erin Donovan-Boyle, President & CEO of Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, to the R.I. Commerce Corporation Board
Governor Dan McKee announced today his nomination of Erin Donovan-Boyle to serve on the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Board. “Erin brings a wide range of experience in commerce, communications, and policy and has proven to be an effective champion for small businesses in Rhode Island,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I look forward to working with Erin and […]
Posted inSports
The road to the ORC World Championship goes through three major Newport regattas
Newport, R.I. — With two weeks left until the first gun, the New York Yacht Club’s 170th Annual Regatta is nearing record numbers in terms of participation. The entry list currently stands at 139 boats, with 39 registered to compete under the ORC rating rule. There are a few reasons for the surge, with one […]
Posted inNews
Playful and friendly Trixie seeks forever home
Meet Trixie, a 1-year-old mixed-breed dog, this week’s adoptable dog of the week. According to the Potter League for Animals, Trixie is playful and friendly. She adores being the only furry resident of the home and is a great source of unconditional love. “Meet Trixie, a young, playful, and friendly companion. Her love for playtime […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Secret Garden Tour returns June 28 – 30
The Newport Secret Garden Tour, a self-guided walking tour, will return to Newport’s historic Point section from June 28-30, 2024. “Join us June 28th-30th for self-guided walking tours of private gardens located in historic Newport, Rhode Island. Take an early Summer tour of some unique, delightful and personal gardens,” organizers share in a press release. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Artists seek to advance tradition in Little Compton
Little Compton has a long history of art and craft making going back to the Sakonnet and Wampanoag people, Azorean scrimshanders and artists like Izannah Walker and Sydney Richmond Burleigh. Those creators gave voice to the natural resources and social climates of the seaside hamlet as it was back then. Today, the beauty and community […]
Posted inNews
Want to write for What’sUpNewp? We’re currently looking to add more paid contributors to our crew
More than a dozen Rhode Island residents currently contribute to What’sUpNewp, and we’re looking to add more voices as we expand our efforts to explore more topics. That’s where you might come in. Have a local story you think needs to be told, reporting that you’d like to do, experience with reporting, storytelling, or writing, […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH: New data underscore health challenges faced by transgender youth
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is highlighting available resources for schools, families, and communities to help support transgender youth in light of recent survey data indicating that transgender youth are significantly more likely to experience violence, bullying, substance use, and poor mental health outcomes. According to the RIDOH Data Brief, Health and Safety of […]
Posted inReal Estate
Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Rhode Island
The real estate frenzy spurred by the coronavirus pandemic continues, though at a slower pace. Buyers are still competing for a limited supply of housing, driving up prices for affordable properties. The typical home value in the United States was $359,402 in April, 4.4% higher than the year before. Increasing mortgage rates have slowed growth, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up This Weekend in Newport: May 30 – June 2
Here’s a roundup of all the events, live music, and entertainment happening around Newport, Rhode Island, this weekend, Thursday, May 30, through Sunday, June 2, 2024. Thursday, May 30 Things To Do 9 am: Yoga Outdoors in King Park 1 pm to 6 pm: Ca’ del Bosco Wine Garden at The Chanler at Cliff Walk 3:30 pm to […]
Posted inNews
RIDOT to open connection between North Broadway and Roundabout near Henderson Bridge
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is getting ready to open the final leg of the roundabout near the Henderson Bridge as part of the project to replace the aging structure. The work is scheduled to be completed on Friday, May 31, before the evening rush hour, according to RIDOT. This will connect North […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island high school musical talent shines at Ocean State Star Awards
The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) has announced the winners of the 2023/2024 Ocean State Star Awards (OSSA), a milestone in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts high school musical theatre community. The competition honors and encourages excellence in musical theatre performance and productions among area high school students. The awards, presented at PPAC’s Outreach and […]
Posted inNews
Middletown approves a $90.8 million budget for Fiscal 2025
The Middletown Town Council has approved a $90.8 million budget for fiscal year 2025, a 4.7 percent increase from the current budget year. The budget will now go to a second public hearing on June 17, when officials say tax rates will be discussed. Under the current budget, the residential tax rate for residents is […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Movies and TV shows casting in Rhode Island
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]
Posted inNews
Gunnar Henderson’s grand slam lifts the Orioles to a 6-1 victory over Boston in series’ rubber match
By NOAH TRISTER AP Baseball Writer BALTIMORE (AP) — Gunnar Henderson’s grand slam in the second inning put Baltimore ahead to stay, and Corbin Burnes pitched seven sharp innings to help the Orioles beat the Boston Red Sox 6-1 on Wednesday night. The Orioles, winners of six of their last seven, have not lost any of their […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Leonard Farias
Leonard R. Farias, 90, of North Providence, RI, formerly of Portsmouth, died on May 23, 2024. He was the husband of the late Sonia (Morris) Farias. Born on September 10, 1933, He was the son of the late Augustus and Rose Farias. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He worked as […]
Posted inNews
Amid calls to reform politically appointed CRMC, another member resigns
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentMay 29, 2024 Rhode Island’s embattled coastal regulatory agency has lost another appointed council member, leaving three open seats on a panel that has struggled with attendance woes and vacancies for years. Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council Chairman Ray Coia announced at the agency’s May 28 meeting that council […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
R.I. General Assembly approves bill seeking update of state’s laws concerning substance use disorders
The Rhode Island General Assembly has approved legislation that would require the state to revise its laws regarding substance use disorders and emergency commitment for drug intoxication. “Some parts of our laws concerning substance use treatment are 40 or 50 years old. Besides containing language and terms that are now offensive and insensitive, they also […]