She is among Rhode Island’s most celebrated performers, a soprano who made Madame Butterfly her signature role, acclaimed by the La Scala Encyclopedia of the Opera “as one of the great singers of her generation.” Maria Spacagna, born in Providence, and a guest artist at the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan […]
Frank Prosnitz
Frank Prosnitz brings to WhatsUpNewp several years in journalism, including 10 as editor of the Providence (RI) Business News and 14 years as a reporter and bureau manager at the Providence (RI) Journal. Prosnitz began his journalism career as a sportswriter at the Asbury Park (NJ) Press, moving to The News Tribune (Woodbridge, NJ), before joining the Providence Journal. Prosnitz hosts the Morning Show on WLBQ radio (Westerly), 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, and It’s Your Business, also on WBLQ, Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Prosnitz has twice won Best in Business Awards from the national Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW), twice was named Media Advocate of the Year by the Small Business Administration, won an investigative reporter’s award from the New England Press Association, and newswriting award from the Rhode Island Press Association.
Posted inNews, People & Profiles
A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joined What’sUpNewp on Wednesday, March 1 for our monthly live virtual video conversation. During our conversation, we touch base on regionalization, the new Rogers High School project, mental health issues, the COVID-19 learning gap, preparing students for the Blue Economy, and much more. Watch
Posted inCity & Government
RI Department of Health begins developing suicide prevention plan amid new reports of a spike in mental health issues among teens
As suicide rates nudge upwards, the Rhode Island Department of Health is developing a suicide prevention plan, according to a leading suicide prevention advocate. This comes at a time when there is a dramatic upswing in behavioral health issues among high schoolers nationwide, with 42 percent of high school students reportedly experiencing persistent feelings of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Former Newport Casino project remains in limbo
Hailed as an exciting mixed-use development on the site of the former Newport Grand when Carpionato Group bought the property more than four years ago, the old casino still stands, vacant and surrounded by a vast parking lot that’s only inhabitants are an increasing number of weeds. Delays caused by the city’s development of a […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council looks to Accessory Dwelling Units as one way to alleviate housing shortage
The Newport City Council, recognizing that housing is a critical issue in the city, tonight voted to direct various city agencies to develop standards by which the city can expand its housing stock by approving the development of Accessory Dwelling Units. The state legislature, in the last legislative session, enacted enabling legislation that allows cities […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council/Legislators postpone legislative issues session
A session between Newport City Councilors and area legislators was postponed today because of the frigid temperatures, according to state Rep. Lauren Carson, D-Newport. Update – The meeting has been rescheduled for February 18. The council and legislators meet annually to explore issues that the city hopes legislators will present on the city’s behalf. In […]
Posted inBusiness
Region’s workforce shifting away from hospitality
A leading New England economist is suggesting that jobs in the region are shifting from leisure and hospitality to higher-paying industries, while job openings remain at “historic highs.” Boston Federal Reserve Bank Vice President and economist Jeffrey Thompson said he’s concerned about whether the regional workforce can fill the jobs of growing industries. He characterized […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rogers’ cosmetology and automotive programs to survive construction budget cuts
While the facilities that would house Rogers High School’s Cosmetology and Automotive programs may be on the chopping block as the system attempts to close a $20 million construction shortfall, the programs are not being eliminated. Newport Superintendent of Schools Colleen Burns Jermain, appearing on a WhatsUpNewp videocast today, said that the current Career and […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
With construction underway at Rogers High School, regionalization with Middletown in limbo, and growing concerns in schools across the country about behavioral health issues – What’sUpNewp welcomes back Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain for her regular WUN videocast at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. We took a break over the holidays, but […]
Posted inCity & Government
South County legislators focused on environment, school funding, veterans
Legislators on Rhode Island’s South Coast are focusing on climate change, shoreline access, funding for education, and veterans, among issues they hope to address during this legislative session. What’sUpNewp reached out to several South Coast legislators, as we did with Aquidnick Island legislators (published earlier), to learn their legislative priorities. We also realize that this […]
Posted inNews
Gas Crisis: Can it happen again?
It was four years ago when the gas stopped flowing to thousands of Newport and Middletown households and businesses. The frigid temperatures forced many families to flee the island, pipes burst and local officials were searching for answers. It didn’t take long for officials to place blame on a system failure, rather than extraordinary cold […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Theater Review: Gamm’s production of The Faith Healer is masterful
The Faith Healer, a masterpiece by Irish playwright Brian Friel, is performed masterfully at the Gamm Theater. It only plays through January 29 and should not be missed. The story is told in four monologues, the opening and closing by Frank (Tony Estrella), the faith healer; his loyal wife, Grace (Jeanine Kane); and manager, Teddy […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Podcast: A conversation with University of Rhode Island Economist Len Lardaro
University of Rhode Island Economist Len Lardaro, author of a monthly Rhode Island economic index, believes there is a 60 percent chance of what he calls a “vanilla” recession in 2023 and 70 percent in 2024. In this interview, he touches on immigration and its impact on employment, the economic importance of affordable housing, and […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Podcast: A conversation with former URI President Robert L. Carothers
Robert L. Carothers came to the University of Rhode Island, in the worst of times, and when he left 18 years later, URI and the state of Rhode Island were much better for his having been there. We catch up with Bob Carothers, as he now contemplates a second retirement, this one from College Unbound, […]
Posted inColumns
Just My Opinion: Governor McKee likely to name former Commerce Secretary as Rhode Island’s Housing Czar
We’re hearing that former Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor will likely be named the new Rhode Island Housing Secretary early this week, after the resignation last week of Josh Saal, who had been in the job for only a few months. Saal had come under criticism from Rhode Island House and Senate leadership, as Gov. Dan […]
Posted inNews
Some Homeless Shelters consider purchasing motels to combat homelessness
Some non-profit homeless shelters in Rhode Island are considering the purchase of motels and hotels to accelerate efforts to develop more short-term and permanent affordable housing, according to a prominent industry executive. Russ Partridge, longtime executive director of the WARM Center in Westerly and Welcome House in Wakefield, said that with grants and state funds, […]
Posted inNews
Westerly to explore developing a solar farm at its closed landfill
Westerly Town Council President Ed Morrone has proposed initiatives that he hopes can preserve forest land, provide for alternative energy sources, and protect the town in the event of drought and severe storms that result from climate change. He’s asked town officials to explore the possibility of developing a solar farm at the site of […]
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
Legislators Ujifusa, McGaw focus on environmental issues
The environment is among the top priorities for both Representative Michelle E. McGaw, D-Dist. 71 and newly elected Sen. Linda Ujifusa, D-Dist. 11, during the legislative session that began this week. The two legislators are among those Representatives and Senators to whom What’sUpNewp reached out in the Newport County area and on the South Shore, […]
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 inCity & Government
Local legislators’ plans as 2023 session begins this week
As legislators prepare for the start of the legislative session this week, many are looking to complete work left unfinished from the last session, with legislators on both the East and West Bay focusing on climate and shoreline access among their key issues. What’sUpNewp reached out to legislators from the Newport County area and on […]
Posted inNews
Big winner in RI in 2022 – School building projects
After all the votes were counted in 2022, from the governor’s race to dog catcher (actually I don’t think anyone elects a dog catcher), the most impactful outcomes were likely the billion dollars in school construction projects that voters authorized across Rhode Island. The result is an infusion of not only dollars but enthusiasm and […]
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
Shoreline access expected to be among legislatures top priorities when it convenes in January
When the Rhode Island State Legislature convenes on Jan. 4, it’s certain that shoreline access will be among its top priorities. In the 2022 session, the House of Representatives unanimously approved a shoreline access bill, only to see the Senate fail to consider the legislation. The shoreline access bill did not pass the House until […]
Posted inColumns
Just My Opinion: Three celebrations, one underlying message
The flame from Chanukah’s first candle flickers, the star atop a Christmas tree sheds its light elegantly, and the candles of Kwanzaa’s kinara speak of hardship and hope. Light. It seems to unite these three celebrations, the first of which begins on Sunday, December 18 with the lighting by Jews worldwide of the first (of […]