Posted inEnvironment & Health, News

Right whale population grows 4% but extinction remains a threat

BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine (AP) — One of the rarest species of whale in the world has increased slightly in population, encouraging conservationists to call on the federal government and the shipping and fishing industries to do more to bring the giant animals back from the brink of extinction. The North Atlantic right whale, which can weigh […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Newport shines at 2024 Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation

Preserve Rhode Island celebrated the 2024 Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation on Sunday at Rosecliff in Newport, recognizing outstanding achievements in historic preservation across the state. Among the honorees, three Newport-based projects stood out for their significant contributions to the city’s rich architectural heritage. The Rosecliff mansion, a Newport icon, received a Preservation Project Award […]

Posted inReal Estate

Just Sold: A look at the 19 Newport County homes that sold last week (Oct. 14 – 18)

The Newport County real estate market remains active, with 19 homes changing hands last week, as reported by the Rhode Island statewide MLS. Despite the onset of fall and cooler weather, buyer interest remains strong, particularly with events and beautiful weather drawing attention to our beautiful region. The market is currently facing significant challenges due […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Book Review: Richard Chizmar tells a creepy occult tale in ‘Memorials’

By ROB MERRILL Associated Press Richard Chizmar, who co-wrote parts of the “Gwendy” trilogy with Stephen King from 2017-2022 (“Gwendy’s Button Box” and “Gwendy’s Final Task”), has written his longest novel yet and readers should not be surprised that it reads, at least somewhat, like something from the mind of Stephen King. “Memorials” is set in 1983 as […]

Posted inThings To Do

What’s Up in Newport: Oct. 21 – 28

Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island, this week/weekend, Monday, October 21 through Monday, October 28, 2024. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to What’sUpNewp. Community Calendar Cruise Ship Schedule Coming up next on the 2024 CruiseShip Schedule schedule; Monday, Oct. 21: Norwegian Breakaway Tuesday, Oct. 22: 7-Seas Grandeur Sunday, […]

Posted inNews

Health Alert: Frozen waffles recalled due to possible listeria contamination

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is urging consumers to check their freezers for certain frozen waffle products sold under a variety of brand names due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall affects frozen waffles distributed nationwide and in Canada, according to a RIDOH news release. The waffles were sold under the following brand […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Sarah Young

Sarah A Young Middletown, RI -Sarah A Young, 75, of Middletown, Rhode Island, died on October 15, 2024. Born in Roslyn, NY on November 1, 1948, She was the daughter of John and Lucille (Caton) young. Sarah graduated from Utica College in 1979, and completed her Master’s Program in 1974. Sarah’s career was varied and […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment, Sports, Things To Do

What’s Up in Newport: Monday, October 21

Good Morning. It’s Monday, October 21, and today we’re covering housing in Newport, the 33rd Annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, apple season at Rocky Brook Orchard, the upcoming closure of Simmons Farm, and more. 👋 First time reading this newsletter? Welcome! Join more than 17,000 who wake up to us daily. Sign up here. 📢 Keep in […]

Posted inElection, Opinion

Letter to The Editor: Endorsement of Steph Smyth, Newport City Council

Government transparency: the practice of making information about how government operates available to the public in an open, honest & accountable manner. Transparency is important because it allows citizens to hold their public officials accountable and understand how the government is spending their taxes. In this election, I’m voting for Steph Smyth, I’ll explain why. Steph’s resume of contract administration, union […]

Posted inElection

Letter To The Editor: Endorsement for Becky Bolan for School Committee

We have known Rebecca “Becky” Bolan for 27 years. We have closely workedwith her on numerous projects. She works tirelessly with utmost dedication and isof the highest integrity. She always does her research and comes to meetingsprepared, ready to work with anyone, even the contrarians. She moves issues orproblems toward resolution. She comes from a […]

Posted inFood & Drink, News, Things To Do

Photo Gallery: Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival returns for 33rd year

The 33rd Annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival is in full swing this weekend on Bowen’s Wharf in Newport. Visitors are flocking to the historic wharf to enjoy the “Harvest of the Sea” under beautiful sunny skies. Running Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the festival offers a mouthwatering array of fresh, local […]

Posted inNews

What’s Up in Newport: Oct. 19 – 20

Good Morning. It’s Saturday, October 19, and we’re covering Empire Tea & Coffee’s expansion plans, Rogers High School Football’s loss to Ponaganset, why Sakonnet River Bridge is turning red, our conversation with Christie’s Americas’ Chairman Emeritus Stephen Lash, and much much more. What’s Up This Weekend 🚢 Cruise Ship: The 593-foot Insignia is scheduled to visit Newport today. ⛅ Weather: Saturday: Sunny, with […]

Posted inNews

Rogers Football falls to Ponaganset in 49-7 homecoming rout

NORTH SCITUATE, R.I. – Rogers High School’s varsity football team suffered a significant defeat Friday night, losing 49-7 to Ponaganset High School during the latter’s homecoming. The loss, which drops Rogers’ overall record to 3-2, comes as the team grapples with injuries to key players. Star running back David Rivera, Simi Lui, and other players […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Christie’s Americas’ Chairman Emeritus, Stephen Lash, is bringing his love of ocean liners and the era of art deco to Redwood Library

Stephen S. Lash has been an avid collector of artifacts from the great ocean liners from the art deco era of the 1920’s and 30’s. Having served at Christie’s for over 40 years—including his current stint as the Chairman Emeritus—the Boston native has developed a discerning eye for art, the sea and architecture. Lash was […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Anthony Chester

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Anthony D. Chester, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, on October 10, 2024. Born on September 23, 1944, in Bristol, RI, Anthony worked more than 30 years for Child and Family Services. Anthony’s joy for life was evident in his love for playing cards and saltwater fishing. […]

Posted inNews

More than 26,000 people have voted in Rhode Island during the first three days of early voting

Rhode Island residents are turning out in significant numbers for early voting in the 2024 General Election, with more than 26,000 ballots already cast. As of 4:45 pm on Friday, October 18, the Rhode Island Voter Turnout Tracker reports that 26,816 Rhode Island residents have already voted by mail ballot or early in person, representing […]

Posted inNews

Multiple road projects will impact drivers in Newport County (Oct. 19 – 25)

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has announced several travel advisories for the week of October 19-25, 2024, impacting motorists in Newport County. In Newport, mobile operations will continue at the Pell Bridge approaches, with minimal traffic impact expected as crews finalize electrical and signage installations. Tiverton will experience temporary road closures on Highland […]

Posted inReal Estate

On the Market: 23 open houses in Newport County this weekend (Oct. 19 – 20)

Welcome to this week’s edition of “On the Market,” where we showcase the latest real estate opportunities featuring public showings throughout Newport County. As we dive deeper into the Fall season, trends in the Rhode Island market reveal some interesting shifts. While inventory levels have started to rise, many buyers are still feeling the squeeze […]

Posted inNews

Blue-Green Algae Advisory lifted at Larkin Pond

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recommend lifting the advisory for recreational activities at Larkin Pond in South Kingstown. The advisory was issued earlier due to elevated levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. According to the departments, recent consecutive surveys and sample analyses […]

Posted inBusiness

Newport City Council to consider resolution that would help small businesses this holiday season

A new resolution to support local retail businesses during the holiday shopping season is on the agenda for the Newport City Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Several city councilors are behind this proposal, which aims to encourage shopping in Newport, especially in areas with smaller, boutique shops. These local businesses often struggle to compete […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport City Council to vote on Admiral Kalbfus Road bike lanes, truck restrictions

Newport City Council will consider a resolution at its Oct. 23 meeting to approve changes to Admiral Kalbfus Road, including new bike lanes and truck restrictions. The resolution follows an Oct. 2 workshop where residents voiced concerns about traffic safety on the busy thoroughfare. The proposed changes would restripe Admiral Kalbfus to create 10-foot travel […]

Posted inNews

Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus to host virtual conversation with Office of Energy Resources on its programs to help Rhode Islanders

Rhode Islanders looking to save energy and money can learn about programs offered by the state Office of Energy Resources during a virtual forum hosted by the Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus on Sunday, Oct. 27. The forum will be held on Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and can be completed […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport School Building Committee seeks additional funds for Rogers High School project

The Newport School Building Committee will request an additional $2.9 million from the Newport City Council at the council’s October 23 meeting to complete the new Rogers High School project and reinstate some previously deferred items. The committee aims to finish the school in time for a September 2025 opening. In a letter to Mayor […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Newport City Council to consider gift of ‘Leela the Elephant’ from Art & Newport

The Newport City Council is set to receive a communication from City Manager Colin K. Kennedy at their upcoming meeting on Wednesday, October 23, regarding a proposed gift to the city. The action item, numbered 6331/24, concerns the acceptance of a large elephant statue named Leela from the organization Art & Newport. Kennedy’s recommendation to […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment, News, Things To Do

What’s Up Today: Friday, Oct. 18

Good Morning. It’s Friday, October 18, and we’re covering Rhode Island’s early voting turnout, Tiverton’s Thursday soccer match, traffic on Spring Street, Newport City Council’s upcoming meeting, and more. 👋 First time reading this newsletter? Welcome! Join more than 17,000 who wake up to us daily. Sign up here. 🙏 Fall Supporter Drive: 68 of you have […]

Posted inCity & Government

Home prices in Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth have risen more than 50 percent since 2018

HousingWorks RI (HWRI) at Roger Williams University released the 2024 Housing Fact Book today. It outlines the lack of affordability facing Rhode Islanders when looking to secure or sustain a safe and affordable place to call home. This year’s Housing Fact Book shows no single municipality in Rhode Island where a household earning the median homeowner income […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families releases policy brief highlighting “crisis” in children’s behavioral health system

The Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families (RICCF) released a comprehensive policy brief, Children in Crisis Can’t Wait: The Case for System Transformation, highlighting “the urgent challenges facing the state’s children’s behavioral health system”. According to RICCF, the report reveals that years of fragmentation have left children and families with inconsistent access to services […]

Posted inNews

Rhode Island residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste at Eco-Depot at Easton’s Beach on Oct. 19

Rhode Island residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste at a collection event in Newport on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Eco-Depot will be at Newport Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Boulevard, from 8:00 am to 12 noon. The event is free for Rhode Island residents and offers a safe way […]

Posted inEnvironment & Health, News

Coastal cities have a hidden vulnerability to storm-surge and tidal flooding − entirely caused by humans

Google Earth Philip M. Orton, Stevens Institute of Technology and Stefan Talke, California Polytechnic State University Centuries ago, estuaries around the world were teeming with birds and turbulent with schools of fish, their marshlands and endless tracts of channels melting into the gray-blue horizon. Fast-forward to today, and in estuaries such as New York Harbor, […]

Posted inNews, Nonprofit, Sports

National Sailing Hall of Fame opens nominations for Class of 2025

The National Sailing Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its Class of 2025 until December 31, 2024. Based in Newport, the organization is asking sailing enthusiasts across the country to nominate individuals who’ve made notable contributions to the sport on a national or international scale. Spike Lobdell, who heads the Selection Committee, explains the […]

Posted inNews

RIDOH expands meat recall over listeria concerns

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is expanding its recall of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, originally announced on October 9th, due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall now includes approximately 11,765,285 pounds of products distributed nationwide. The affected items were produced by BrucePac from May 31st to October 8th, 2024, and bear establishment […]

Posted inNews

Rhode Island Life Science Hub funds research, workforce development

  The Rhode Island Life Science Hub announced today that it has awarded $128,810 in grants to fourteen different organizations in the state. This second round of funding aims to bolster Rhode Island’s life sciences sector by supporting research and workforce development. This funding follows an initial round of grants distributed in August, totaling $98,780. […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Business, Music & Entertainment, News, Things To Do

What’sUpNewp launches new community events calendar

What’sUpNewp has unveiled a new community events calendar designed to keep residents and visitors informed about activities in Newport, Newport County, and Rhode Island. The calendar aggregates information from multiple sources and offers a comprehensive list of events happening in the area. Ryan Belmore, Owner & Publisher of What’sUpNewp, says the calendar addresses a common […]

Posted inElection

Letter To To The Editor: Endorsement for Beth Cullen, Newport School Committee

Dear Newport Voters, As a teacher in an urban high school, I work with students daily who face unique challenges, that include a wide variety of academic, domestic and social struggles, emotional trauma, poverty, poor attendance, along with a lack of basic needs and resources.  That’s why I endorse Elizabeth “Beth” Cullen for the Newport […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Write Ekphrastic Poetry with award-winning writer Michael Klein at the Jamestown Arts Center on Nov. 23

How does art inspire poetry? How can words help us see? These are the questions award-winning poet and writer Michael Klein will delve into during a one-day workshop at the Jamestown Arts Center on Saturday, November 23, from 10 am to 1 pm. No prior writing experience is needed—this workshop is designed for anyone who wants to explore the […]

Posted inNews

Daily Digest: Thursday, October 17

Good Morning. It’s Thursday, October 17, and we’re covering day 1 of early voting in the 2024 General Election, The Lone Bellow’s return to Newport, utility bills, floating palaces of art deco, and more. 🙏 Since our Fall Supporter Drive launched last week, 65 of you have become supporters; thank you! We need 35 more supporters to end […]

Posted inElection

Letter To The Editor: Endorsement for Lynn Underwood Ceglie, Newport City Council 2nd Ward

I have known Lynn Ceglie for over 30 years.  I admire her dedication to this community.  She is conscientious and extremely responsive to her constituents. I have seen her answer calls and texts from residents who have concerns about their quality of life. Her achievements include reducing residential taxes, providing free downtown parking, and banning […]

Posted inNews

Newport Mansions to offer residents of Newport County free admission Oct. 26 – 27

The Preservation Society of Newport County is inviting Newport County residents to visit open houses and properties for free on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27. This offer applies to residents of Jamestown, Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Little Compton, personnel stationed at Naval Station Newport and their immediate families, and students of Salve […]

Posted inNews

Lifespan rebrands as Brown University Health

Lifespan, the Rhode Island-based healthcare system, announced today that it is rebranding as Brown University Health. The rebranding reflects the organization’s deepening affiliation with Brown University and aims to enhance its national profile. According to Lifespan, the change will strengthen its ability to attract and retain top talent, improve patient care, and support medical education […]

Posted inCity & Government

City of Newport: Delayed September, October utility bills issued

Following several weeks of delays caused by the transition to a new third-party billing provider, Newport Water Division customers began receiving September bills in the mail this week. While September bills do not reflect changes made to the Base Sewer Use charge, October bills are expected to follow shortly and will include credits to all customers impacted by the recently repealed […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport City Manager addresses utility billing, early voting, and bond referendum

Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy addressed several pressing issues during his monthly chat with What’sUpNewp on Wednesday, October 16, including utility billing concerns, early voting procedures, and the upcoming bond referendum. Kennedy reassured residents about the delayed September utility bills, urging them to wait for the October bills before taking action. “The October bills will […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do

Christie’s Chairman to speak on ‘The Floating Palaces of Art Deco: A History of Transatlantic Ocean Liners’ at Redwood Library

Christie’s Chairman Emeritus Stephen S. Lash will give a talk on Art Deco ocean liners at the Redwood Library and Atheneum on October 24. The lecture, “Floating Palaces of Art Deco: A History of Transatlantic Ocean Liners,” will dive into the golden age of sea travel and the ships that were moving showcases of art […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport City Council discusses $98.5 Million Bond, seasonal rentals

The Newport City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 9, at Pell Elementary School, addressing several key issues including a proposed $98.5 million bond and regulations for seasonal rentals. City Manager Colin Kennedy presented a fiscal note on the bond, emphasizing its importance for critical infrastructure projects. Kennedy stated, “The sky will not […]

Posted inCity & Government

Daily Digest: Wednesday, October 16

Good Morning. It’s Wednesday, October 16, and we’re covering Question 6, Middletown Volleyball, a house fire in Portsmouth, recent real estate transactions, all that’s happening this week/weekend, and more. Leading Off A significant ballot question, Question 6, asks Newport voters to approve a $98.5 million bond for infrastructure and municipal facility improvements. In a recent […]

Posted inReal Estate

What Sold: A look at 18 recent home sales across Newport County (Oct. 7 – 11)

The Newport County real estate market continues to demonstrate consistent activity, with 18 homes changing hands last week, according to data sourced from the Rhode Island statewide MLS. Even with the change in weather and the transition into the fall season, we have some prime weekends ahead, featuring events like Seafood Fest (October 19 and […]

Posted inNews

Sailing Museum to host 41st Schaefer International Marine Art Exhibition

Newport, Rhode Island – The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame will host the 41st Schaefer International Marine Art Exhibition from October 11 to November 11, 2024. The exhibition features contemporary marine art from around the world, including works by renowned artists John Stobart, Christopher Blossom, and James Gurney. The exhibition is a […]

Posted inCity & Government

Overnight water main flushing to take place across Aquidneck Island

As part of the Newport Water Division’s (NWD) ongoing water distribution system maintenance, a water main flushing program in designated areas will begin during evening hours starting Sunday, October 20, 2024, and ending November 7, 2024.   Flushing crews will begin at 8 p.m. to minimize impacts to our customers and continue until 4 a.m.   Hydrant Flushing […]

Posted inThings To Do

What’s Up in Newport: Oct. 15 – 21

Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island, this week/weekend, Tuesday, October 15 through Monday, October 21, 2024. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to What’sUpNewp. Cruise Ship Schedule Coming up next on the 2024 Cruise Ship Schedule this week; Wednesday, Oct. 16: Insignia Thursday, Oct. 17: Viking Mars and Crystal […]

Posted inNews

DEM awards Little Compton a grant to help confront the effects of climate change

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today the awarding of $1,140,515 in matching grants to three municipalities and two community organizations. The funds will support five projects statewide aimed at bolstering the climate resilience of coastal habitats, river and stream floodplains, and related ecosystems. One of the grant recipients is the Town […]

Posted inNews

Representative Lauren Carson urges support of local, state bond questions

In a press release published today by the Rhode Island General Assembly, Representative Lauren H. Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) is urging Newport voters to support the bond authorization question for local resiliency infrastructure on next month’s election ballot, as well as the four statewide bond questions. Question 6 on the ballot asks Newport voters to […]

Posted inElection

Letter To The Editor: Endorsement for Penny Billington Hunt, Newport School Committee

Dear Editor,   I am writing to express my strong support for Penny Billington Hunt’s candidacy for the Newport  School Committee. As a concerned parent in our community, I believe Penny brings the  leadership, vision, and dedication that our schools desperately need.   Penny has a proven track record of advocating for quality education and […]

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