Perhaps it is hope that is the overriding message in Anne Frank’s diary, hope that Anne held for more than two years as she and seven others hid from the Nazis. The Diary of Anne Frank, the story of this young girl who hid from the invading Nazis from 1942 to August of 1944, is […]
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
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with James L. Lathrop, candidate for General Treasurer
James Lathrop, the Republican candidate for General Treasurer, a career financial professional, hopes to bring his experience to what is perhaps the chief financial office in state government. And that’s exactly what his campaign, saying that what’s needed in the office is a professional financier, instead of a “career politician.” Lathrop’s opponent is former Central […]
Posted inNews
Voters to consider important statewide and local referenda
When voters go to the polls in less than two weeks, they will be voting on far more than local and statewide offices. There are three statewide bond issues, totaling some $400 million, and several local referenda, from legalization of retail marijuana sales to school construction and regionalization. Early voting begins Oct. 19, with election […]
Posted inCity & Government
Nearly a third of legislators running unopposed
While the statewide Republican Party represents itself as stronger than ever, it is still failing to offer candidates in nearly a third of the state’s legislative races. In the House of Representatives, 22 legislators are running unopposed. That’s 29.3 percent of the 75 members of the House that are facing no opposition in the General […]
Posted inPolitics
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Zachary Hurwitz, Independent candidate for Governor
For most 18-year-olds the challenge around election time is getting them to vote – not so for Zachary Hurwitz. He’s taken it a step further, and at 18 is perhaps the youngest person ever to run for governor in Rhode Island. Zachary joined us on a WhatsUpNewp videocast on Tuesday at 2 p.m., the first […]
Posted inNews
Kalus cancels What’sUpNewp interview, doesn’t respond to requests to reschedule
When the Communications Director for GOP gubernatorial candidate Ashley Kalus asked What’sUpNewp if we could schedule Kalus for a WUN videocast we were anxious to comply. The request came shortly before the primary election, and we said we wanted to schedule the videocast after the primary, focusing our immediate coverage on what was a very […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport School Superintendent Jermain joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Wednesday
In six weeks, voters in Middletown and Newport will determine the future course of the communities’ school systems, with regionalization on the ballot. Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent of Newport Public Schools, joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 12:30 pm Wednesday, and we’ll learn whether there are more specifics of how this regionalization […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Gamm’s “Describe the Night” traces decades of Russian misinformation
Good Theater sometimes merely entertains, but at its best, it challenges. And so it is with “Describe the Night,” a play by Rajiv Joseph that spans nine decades of Russian efforts to misinform, manipulate facts, and spread conspiracy theories. Not only a window into Russia, but a window into our own society here, in the […]
Posted inPolitics
Election 2022: General election begins
General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, Democratic candidate for the second Congressional District wins support from GOP coalition, Former GOP Congresswoman Schneider and GOP coalition endorses Magaziner General Treasurer and congressional candidate Seth Magaziner has been endorsed by former Republican U.S. Congresswoman Claudine Schneider, former Republican State Senator Dawson Hodgson, former Republican State Representative Bob Nardillio, Cranston […]
Posted inNews
Elizabeth Burke Bryant to step down as KIDS COUNT executive director
From Marisa Albanese, KIDS COUNT Board Chairperson Elizabeth Burke Bryant, who over her 28 years as executive director of KIDS COUNT has made the organization Rhode Island’s premier child advocacy organization, is stepping down as executive director, the organization announced this afternoon. “During her tenure, Elizabeth has been one of Rhode Island’s most influential leaders […]
Posted inPolitics
Kalus cancels WUN videocast
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ashley Kalus has canceled her appearance today on a WhatsUpNewp videocast, which was scheduled for 3 p.m. According to campaign staffer Matt Hanrahan, there was a “change to Ashley’s schedule” that necessitate canceling the interview. We are hopeful of rescheduling but will submit some questions to her that we had planned to […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: General election begins
When Gov. Dan McKee defeated two high-profile females for the Democratic nomination for governor it assured that Ashley Kalus, the Republican nominee, would focus on winning the female vote. Both Kalus and Republican state chair Sue Cienki came out swinging, depicting McKee as a misogynist. Meanwhile McKee won a key endorsement from a female political […]
Posted inPolitics
Election 2022: Primary election – no surprises, lackluster turnout – tough day for Progressives
The table is now set for the November election, after a primary campaign that produced few surprises, attracted few voters, was expensive, and showed Rhode Island’s Democratic Party to be more centrist than progressive. It also proved that sports and politics share one certain truth – timing. In all sports you want your team to […]
Posted inCity & Government
It’s Primary Day – Get Out and Vote
It’s Primary Election Day, and after all the rhetoric, advertising and tons of money spent to persuade voters to support one candidate or another … now, it’s the voters turn. And for the victors, then comes the big dance, the General Election, in November. Those looking for voter information, should visit the Secretary of State’s […]
Posted inColumns
Just My Opinion: Searching for the truth in a deluge of campaign rhetoric
With just a few days left before the primary election, candidates have been slinging accusations, deflecting blame, overstating achievements … and spending lots and lots of money on advertising, signs, mailers, and more. It’s hard to remember an election season like this. Five candidates vying for the Democrat gubernatorial nomination, half a dozen looking to […]
Posted inCity & Government, Politics
Many RI state legislators running unopposed in 2022
When the dust settles after next week’s primary election, more than 30 percent of legislators will be running unopposed in the General Election. In the state Senate seven of the 38 Senators will be unopposed in the General Election, and in the House of Representatives 29 of 75 candidates, most incumbents, will be unopposed. Many […]
Posted inNews
As school regionalization vote approaches, officials explore ways to address concerns
It’s still possible long-term that the facilities configuration of a merged Middletown and Newport School system results in one high school and one middle school. That’s one idea being discussed as the communities move closer to a regionalization vote in November. Newport Schools’ Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain raised the prospect in a phone interview recently […]
Posted inNews
Celebrating the real meaning of Labor Day
While many people and families celebrate Labor Day with picnics, and as simply a day off from work, while media outlets are quick to talk about current workforce statistics, there are some that recognize Labor Day’s real origins, a holiday created at a time of widespread abuse of American workers in factories across the country. […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Newport woman selected for statewide minority leadership program
Niko Merritt of Newport is one of just 31 people statewide selected to participate in the Rhode Island Foundation’s Equity Leadership Initiative. The goal is to help build a pipeline of leaders of color for positions of influence throughout the state. Merritt is the founder and Executive Director of Sankofa Community Connection. Besides having worked for […]
Posted inOpinion
Just My Opinion: Maybe physicians should attend patients’ funerals
Maybe they should make physicians go to the funerals of the patients they lose. For some it might give a better understanding of the people they treat, the families they meet, and the impact that their bedside manner has on everyone, from patient to family to nurse. Not that the medical treatment would be any […]
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 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 inCity & Government
Bova seeks to delay regionalization vote
While other Middletown and Newport officials are touting the benefits ofregionalizing the communities’ schools, Newport Councilor Jamie Bova tonight will askthe Newport City Council to postpone the November regionalization vote. [Update – Bova’s resolution to postpone the vote failed 5 – 2. The two votes in support of the resolution were Bova and Angela McCalla.] […]
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 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 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 inNews
Election 2022: Primary election less than a month away
If you are wondering if the primary election is fast approaching, just turn on your television and watch the parade of political ads from Democratic candidates for governor and the second Congressional seat. Non-stop. Every subject, from elderly mothers to reproductive rights. Then take a peek at WPRI TV’s latest poll of slightly more than […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Endorsements and Foulkes offers drug affordability plan
Democratic Women’s Caucus endorses Diossa The Rhode Island Democratic Women’s Caucus has endorsed former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa for General Treasurer. Throughout his eight years as Mayor of Central Falls and now as a candidate for General Treasurer, James has been a vocal advocate for the rights of women, equal pay, the best possible […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Endorsements … Endorsements … and more Endorsements
The primary election just a month away, candidates for several offices are working feverishly to gain an edge over their opponents, whether through paid advertisements, appearances at events, or endorsements. Here are some of the latest: McKee wins Teamsters Local 251 endorsement Teamsters Local 251, which includes some 6,000 members, has announced it is endorsing […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Treasurer’s race: Diossa racks up endorsements, while Pryor has big fundraising quarter
Diossa receives several endorsements Former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa has received endorsements from several current officeholders, plus the Sierra Club Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza became the seventh Rhode Island mayor to endorse Diossa, all pointing to the former mayor’s fiscal achievements while mayor of Central Falls. House Finance Chair Marvin Abney, D-Newport and Middletown, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Gubernatorial candidates report finances as campaigns enter final stretch
Spin. It’s all how you discuss the second quarter financial reporting to the Board of Elections, the final quarterly report before the general election. For some, it’s the end balance they highlight, for others, it’s the total amount raised, and for others it’s about criticizing where opponents, or potential opponents’ funds are coming from. Bottom […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Gorbea urges McKee to back abortion legislation, McKee to be endorsed by healthcare union, Magaziner
Gorbea urges McKee to ensure passage of the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act.Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea yesterday (Tuesday) called on Governor Dan McKee to utilize every tool at his discretion to get the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act passed. Later in the day, McKee told the media that he would make passage of the […]
Posted inNews
Morgenthau, Segal qualify for Congressional race, Munoz for governor
The fields have once again expanded for governor and U.S. House of Representatives, as the Secretary of State’s election website continues to update postings for the number of signatures collected by candidates for offices across the state. Two candidates for the second Congressional district – Sarah Morganthau and David Segal — who appeared shy of […]
Posted inNews
Field narrows for Newport area council and legislative races
In Newport, all three ward council candidates are running unopposed, while four Newport County House of Representatives candidates are also running without opposition. Some last-minute withdrawals have also avoided a primary election for the four at-large council seats as the deadline passed at 4 p.m. Friday for candidates to file their nomination papers. Here’s a […]
Posted inNews
Field narrows for key statewide offices
In statewide and local elections, the field of candidates narrowed today as some candidates withdrew from races, and several others were unable to gather the necessary number of signatures on nomination papers that would have placed them on the September primary or November general election ballots. Nomination papers for statewide and Congressional officers were returned […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Council likely to approve charter review and marijuana sales referenda
When Newport voters go to the polls in November, they will not only be faced with a competitive general election for statewide and local offices, but also important ballot questions, including school regionalization, whether Newport would support retail marijuana sales, and a host of charter changes that could have a significant impact on the town’s […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Magaziner supports windfall oil company profits tax, Gorbea’s new tv ad and UFCW endorsement, Middletown candidate drops out
Magaziner supports Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax General Treasurer and congressional candidate Seth Magaziner said he’s supporting legislation that would tax excess profits of the big oil companies and distributing the proceeds back to consumers. Magaziner also called on his Republican opponent, Allan Fung, to join him in supporting this measure. “In the first three […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: GOP endorses slate, candidates won’t discuss Trump, Congressional candidates differ on Roe v. Wade, next deadline for candidates
GOP state convention endorses slate As expected, Rhode Island’s Republican Party endorsed Ashley Kalus for governor and Allen Fung for the U.S. House of Representative for the District 2 seat, at its recent state convention. Also endorsed were Aaron Guckian for lieutenant governor, Pat Cortellessa for secretary of state, Chas Calenda for attorney general, James […]
Posted inColumns
Just My Opinion: Celebrating the Fourth of July safely
If history is a barometer for the future, then over the next several days, thousands of Americans will be treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries from illegal and legal home fireworks displays. And a few, perhaps a dozen, will die. A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) study estimated that in 2019 there were […]
Posted inNews
Nearly 20 percent of RI House candidates running unopposed
Nearly 20 percent of the candidates who filed to run for the state House of Representatives are running unopposed, according to the Secretary of State’s Office, with all but one a Democrat. In the state Senate, only two candidates are running unopposed, one Democrat and one Republican. Political parties had the option to appoint candidates […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: Here’s who’s officially running for local, statewide office
Let the games begin. Monday was the first day for candidates to declare for office in the 2022 primary and general elections. Candidates were required to file the declaration papers by 4 pm on Wednesday, June 29. This story will continue to be updated. U.S. House of Representatives, District 2 General Treasurer Seth Magaziner (D)Spencer […]
Posted inCity & Government
Candidate filings begin Monday
Aside from general offices and Congress, few candidates have emerged in the runup to the candidate filing deadline next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. That will certainly change as candidates file with their local Boards of Canvassers, and for statewide candidates with the Department of State’s Elections Division. Those filing will usher in what is expected […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Candidates respond to Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade
Gubernatorial and Congressional candidates were quick to condemn the U.S. Supreme Court’s action this morning to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Ruling The Supreme Court today, as expected, released its ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade that some 50 years ago established the right to abortion in the United States. The vote was 6 to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: As the weather warms, so does the gubernatorial race
The calendar barely turned from spring to summer, but the climate surely began heating up in Rhode Island’s very competitive Democratic primary for governor. A television as by Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, among the gubernatorial candidates, generated some quick retorts from Gov. Dan McKee and Helena Buonanno Foulkes, another of the gubernatorial candidates. Nellie […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: Fox foregoes convention endorsement, NOW endorses Magaziner, GOP opposition to gun legislation, Ujifusa announces for state Senate
Fox foregoes party convention’s endorsement Joy Fox, among six Democratic candidates vying for the party’s nomination to run for U.S. House of Representatives in Rhode Island’s second district, is not seeking the party’s endorsement at its convention later this month. In a letter to the party’s executive committee, she encouraged the party, rather than endorse […]
Posted inCity & Government
Homelessness in RI up 50 percent in four years
Homelessness grew in Rhode Island by nearly 50 percent over the last four years, and by 20 percent in just the last year, according to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Those numbers, considered by many at homeless shelters in Rhode Island, are low, with the real number, homeless advocates say, more like […]
Posted inCity & Government
Affordable housing for seasonal workers hard to find
Amid expectation of a robust summer season, Newport and other communities are worried they won’t be able to attract employees into a market where finding affordable seasonal housing is at best difficult, and in some cases nearly impossible, and where wages lag behind neighboring states. “It certainly will impact us,” says Erin Donovan-Boyle, executive director […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Mayor joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation today at noon
Update – Due to some technical difficulties on What’sUpNewp’s end we’ve been forced to have to postpone this chat. We will reschedule it as soon as we can. We’ll check in with Newport Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano today (Wednesday) at noon for her monthly videocast, looking for updates on proposed school regionalization with Middletown, charter […]
Posted inNews
Celebrating our rivers: 7 Rivers Festival, June 25-26
We may be the Ocean State, but on June 25 and 26 we’ll be celebrating some of Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut rivers at a 7 Rivers Festival that recognizes the wild and scenic status of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed in Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut Events are being held in 11 towns, all along the […]
Posted inNews
Dale Venturini, executive director of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, joins WUN on Tuesday for virtual conversation
This has been a couple of tough years for the hospitality industry, but even with exploding gasoline prices it promises to be a robust vacation season in Rhode Island. We’ll talk with Dale Venturini, executive director of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, on Tuesday at 11:30 am to get her projections for the season that’s […]
Posted inNews
Keeping our pets safe during the summer
Windows open in your car on a beautiful spring or summer day. Your dog nudges its head out the window, ears flapping, mouth open and obviously enjoying the experience. But is it safe? And how safe is it to leave a dog untethered in the cargo area of a pickup truck, or left inside a […]
Posted inCity & Government
Congressional candidate Segal joins What’sUpNewp videocast today at 4
It’s a crowded field for the Democratic nomination for Rhode Island’s second district U.S. House of Representatives seat. Among the candidates is David Segal, a progressive Democrat who has received endorsements from leading progressive political groups, and leading progressive Democrats like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Update – 4:10 pm: This conversation has been canceled. We’ll […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Candidates take to social media, advocating for labor, school choice, and the LGBTQ+ community
Magaziner supports unionization effort at Starbucks State Treasurer and Congressional District 2 candidate Seth Magaziner is supporting the unionization effort by Starbucks workers in Warwick. His campaign said Magaziner is supporting the workers organizational effort, fighting for better wages and working conditions, and becoming the first unionized Starbucks in Rhode Island. “For too long, the […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Gorbea, Foulkes win endorsements, Kalus says RI gun laws strong enough
Gorbea wins union, EG Democratic Committee endorsements Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, who is among five Democrats running for governor, has been endorsed by the Carpenters Local Union 30 and East Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. On its Facebook Page, the East Greenwich Town Committee announced its endorsement of Gorbea, its first endorsement in the 2022 […]
Posted inNews
Meteorologist Kelly Bates returns to local television, June 11
Kelly Bates, the long-time WJAR-10 meteorologist who parted with the station over a contract dispute last September, is joining WLNE-6 as the weekend meteorologist and science reporter, according to a Facebook post by Bates and news release from WLNE. “We are thrilled to have Kelly join the WLNE family and are looking forward to bringing […]
Posted inNews
How safe are Newport’s schools?
How safe are Newport’s schools? In the aftermath of the tragic massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde Independent School District in Texas, parents and students across the nation are asking about the schools in their communities. We’ll ask that question of Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain when she joins us for her monthly […]
Posted inNews
Authors Series: Jan Brogan, author of ‘The Combat Zone’, joins What’sUpNewp live virtual video conversation
Jan Brogan’s latest book, The Combat Zone, has been shortlisted for a 2022 Anthony Award. An award-winning journalist and author of four other novels, one of which is under development for a television series, Jan joins What’sUpNewp at 12:30 p.m. today as we continue our Authors’ Series. Jan is a journalist, who is a contributor […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: Texas school shooting a call to action among RI candidates
Magaziner named a “Gun-Sense Candidate” General Treasurer and congressional candidate Seth Magaziner yesterday was named a Gun-Sense Candidate by Mom’s Demand Action for his strong record of taking action to reduce gun violence, according to a press release from Magaziner’s campaign. Following yesterday’s horrific mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas, Magaziner is calling […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: Commerce Secretary Pryor running for Treasurer
Pryor enters Democratic primary election Stefan Pryer, Rhode Island’s Commerce Secretary for the past six years, announced that he will run for state General Treasurer, setting up another competitive Democratic primary election this fall. Pryer, who was Connecticut’s Education Secretary before then Gov. Gina Raimondo brought him to Rhode Island to fill the Commerce Secretary’s […]
Posted inCity & Government
Area students receive civic leadership awards
Several area high school students were among 137 Rhode Island students that were honored earlier this month with 2022 Civic Leadership awards, given annually by Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea in recognition of high school students who have made outstanding contributions to their schools and communities over the past year. The Civic Leadership Awards […]
Posted inBusiness
Coastal Medical closes half its laboratories
Coastal Medical, which “merged” with Lifespan in April 2021, has “temporarily closed” more than half of its laboratories. This comes as Lifespan reportedly is also closing its weight loss clinic. According to the Coastal Medical website, it has temporarily closed six of its 11 laboratories, leaving some patients that rely upon the practice’s laboratories few […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: What the candidates say about affordable housing
Among the most daunting issues facing Rhode Island is affordable housing. Housing costs – home ownership and rental – continue to rise, and available single family and rental units are sometimes scarce and expensive. Lack of affordable housing, according to all experts, negatively impacts our society from homeless to the economy. We wanted to know […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: Poll: Tight race for Democrat gubernatorial nomination; Magaziner has big lead in race for Congress 2 nomination; candidates, GOP react
Poll Results A WPRI TV/Roger Williams University Poll, completed a few days ago, showed a tight race for the Democratic nomination for governor, while in the Second Congressional District, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner holds a wide lead. In both races, there are a large number of potential voters who said they are undecided. The poll […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: EMILY’s list endorses Gorbea; Foulkes TV ad campaign begins
Nellie Gorbea wins EMILY’s List endorsement; Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea has won the endorsement of EMILY’s List, among 11 gubernatorial candidates to receive the organization’s endorsement. “EMILY’s List is backing Nellie Gorbea in the race for governor of Rhode Island because she’s a proven leader and a tireless advocate for reproductive rights,” the organization […]
Posted inBusiness
Outdoor dining is back on Broadway
Did you enjoy dining outside last summer? Well, you can count on it again, at least for this year. Newport’s City Council is developing an ordinance that will establish guidelines for restaurants that want to offer outdoor dining. But it doesn’t come without some pushback. According to Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano, some restaurants on Thames […]
Posted inNews
Neary drops from second Congressional race
Michael Neary, a Democratic candidate for the second Congressional district has reportedly dropped out of the race, only weeks since his arrest in Ohio on menacing and drug possession charges. Neary, who never filed a campaign finance report with the Federal Election Commission for the first quarter of 2022, said he was dropping out of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: Kalus accuses “insiders” of bribing businesses to come to RI; Gorbea endorsed by Steelworks’ union
GOP gubernatorial candidate says RI bribing “businesses to come here” Republican gubernatorial candidate Ashley Kalus, in an email to potential contributors, has accused “insiders” of bribing businesses to come to Rhode Island. “Rhode Island isn’t meeting its potential,” she said in the letter. “We’re lagging behind when we should be leading. “That’s because the insiders […]
Posted inCity & Government
School regionalization faces critical votes on Monday
Newport and Middletown are moving closer to a school regionalization vote, but considerable work must be done for the proposal to go to voters in both communities in November. The Newport City Council was expected to vote on a document that would have approved sending a request to the state legislature for permission to include […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: GOP has a Treasurer candidate; Magaziner wins another union endorsement
No. Kingstown Finance Director running for Treasurer North Kingstown Finance Director James Lathrop of Wakefield, is expected to announce his candidacy for Rhode Island General Treasurer late this month, according to an email distributed by the Rhode Island Republican Party. Lathrop, a CPA, also filed his papers with the state Board of Elections establishing his […]
Posted inBusiness
Employee compensation grew 5.6 percent over the last year
Employee compensation for private industry workers in the Boston Metropolitan Area, which includes Rhode Island, grew by 5.6 percent in the last year, nearly 1 percent above the national average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual wages and salaries, the largest component of the compensation category, rose 6.1 percent for the region, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Election 2022: Longtime legislator retires, Congressional endorsements
South County legislator Dennis Algiere to retire State Senate Minority Leader Dennis Algiere, R-Dist. 38, (Westerly, Charlestown and South Kingstown) is not seeking re-election, according to the Republican Party. Algiere, who has served in the Senate for 30 years, will not seek re-election in November, according to a statement issued by the state GOP. The […]
Posted inNews
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Thursday
With school unification on the table, a city budget nearing approval, and reports nationally that students are still struggling to make up for lost learning as a result of the pandemic – well, we have a few things to talk about with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain when she joins WhatsUpNewp tomorrow (Thursday) at […]
Posted inCity & Government
Mayor Napolitano: Newport/Middletown moving forward with school unification
“We’re going to make it work.” Those are the words of Newport Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano in anticipation of both the Newport and Middletown Councils agreeing to a plan to “unify” the school systems, and then seek voter approval in November. The Newport City Council and School Committee are meeting tomorrow (Thursday) in executive session […]
Posted inNews
Westerly/Wakefield homeless shelters combine
Westerly’s WARM Center, which has been serving the homeless population in Rhode Island’s Washington County for nearly 35 years, has bought Welcome House in Wakefield, a similar organization that had been struggling financially over the last few years. The WARM Center, which has 19 emergency shelter beds for the homeless, adds Welcome House’s 17 units, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquidneck legislators report first-quarter finances
State Rep. Marvin Abney, D-Dist. 73 (Middletown, Newport), chair of the state House of Representatives Finance Committee, had the most robust campaign fund among Aquidneck Island’s state legislative delegation. Abney reported a fund balance of $186,806 as of March 31, according to his first-quarter campaign finance report. Abney, who had been mentioned as a potential […]
Posted inCity & Government
Gorbea, Segal weigh in on likelihood Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade
Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, a gubernatorial candidate, and Congressional candidate David Segal, expressed outrage after reports of a leaked draft of a U.S. Supreme Court initial decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Both statements were released before a rally at the State House tonight at 8. The reaction from Segal and Gorbea were consistent […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor’s Race: Foulkes tops first quarter fundraising
Helena Buonanno Foulkes, the former CVS executive who is running for governor in Rhode Island, raised more than $900,000 in the first quarter of 2022, nearly doubling of any other gubernatorial candidate. Yesterday was the reporting deadline for candidates to file their first quarter financial reports to the Rhode Island Board of Elections. Most gubernatorial […]
Posted inCity & Government
Mayor Napolitano will join What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Tuesday
There’s no shortage of major issues facing the Newport City Council as it prepares for a busy tourism season, and perhaps a busier election year. Newport Mayor Jeanne Marie Napolitano joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation tomorrow (Tuesday) at noon where we’ll explore many issues. Update – Mayor Napolitano wasn’t able to make […]
Posted inBusiness
National Small Business Week takes place May 1 – 7, here’s what’s on tap through the SBA
This week, May 1-7, is National Small Business Week, celebrated by the Small Business Administration, with virtual seminars and various programs under the banner of “Building a Better America through Entrepreneurship.” Here’s some of what the SBA is offering: The 2022 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit “Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship,” kicks off on […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Nine to be inducted into RI Heritage Hall of Fame
They come from every corner of the state, representing all kinds of professions, and all contributing to what makes up the unique character of Rhode Island – this is the 57th class to be inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, the Class of 2022. The nine newest Hall of Fame members will […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Gubernatorial poll, Fung announces, unions weigh in on Fung candidacy
Gorbea: Poll has her leading in Dem. Governor race Secretary of State and candidate for Governor Nellie Gorbea’s campaign today released a poll memo that they say shows Gorbea leading in the Democratic race for governor. According to the campaign, Gorbea leads the crowded Democratic gubernatorial field with 30 percent. McKee placed second with 24 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Climate change, a threat to local tourism
Climate change, with its rising and warming seas, more frequent and severe storms, poses an increasing threat to shoreline tourism communities, like Newport and Rhode Island’s south coast, according to a leading Rhode Island tourism official. “People are drawn to the water,” says Evan Smith, executive director of Discover Newport, and a 30- year veteran […]
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Election 2022: Senate passes voter act, GOP critical; women in support of Magaziner; DaSilva running again for EP mayor
Secretary of State Gorbea praises Senate passage of Let RI Vote Act Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Nellie M. Gorbea today praised the state Senate’s passage of the Let RI Vote Act. “The act of casting a ballot is foundational to our democracy,” Gorbea said. “At a time when we see states working to restrict voting […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Embattled Westerly Democratic Chair reportedly resigns
Westerly Democrats months ago had asked embattled party chairman Robert Ritacco to resign, according to Town Councilman Chris Duhamel. Ritacco, Duhamel said, resigned yesterday after being charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault. Ritacco, a former town councilman and zoning board member, was indicted by a statewide grand jury Monday. He also served as […]
Posted inCity & Government
Transportation Master Plan – Part I: Climate Change threatens historic, commercial, and residential neighborhoods
Climate change, from rising sea levels to dramatically more severe storms, has the potential to significantly impact historic and residential areas in Newport over the coming decades, according to a comprehensive Transportation Master Plan recently submitted to the City Council. That Master Plan, the first in two decades, gives a comprehensive view of all things […]
Posted inCity & Government
Election 2022: Sen. Warren weighs in on RI Congressional race; Fung to formally announce; candidates out for money
Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorses Segal for Congress Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren is supporting David Segal, a Democratic and progressive candidate for Rhode Island’s second Congressional district seat. Segal joined a crowded field this week of candidates looking to replace Congressman James Langevin, who is not seeking reelection. According to Segal’s campaign, Warren endorsed Segal, saying […]
Posted inCity & Government, Politics
Election 2022: Segal makes it official, Gorbea releases tax returns, GOP calls plan for Superman building “a waste”
Progressive David Segal running for second Congressional seat Former state Rep. David Segal, who has participated in national Democratic progressive events, today officially announced he’s running for Rhode Island’s second Congressional seat. The current Congressman, James Langevin, is not running for reelection. “People are frustrated,” Segal said, “and they should be frustrated because government should […]
Posted inColumns
Gov. candidate Gorbea releases 10 years of tax returns
Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, a Democratic candidate for governor, this week released 10 years of tax returns, challenging all other gubernatorial candidates to do the same. “Rhode Islanders deserve nothing less than full transparency from their elected officials—especially from anyone who is seeking to lead the state,” Gorbea said. “This shouldn’t be complicated,” she […]
Posted inColumns
Just My Opinion: Passover: A story of hope, persistence, and freedom
As we gathered as a family around the seder table, celebrating Passover, we once again were reminded how fragile it is, this thing we call freedom. There was solemnity as we re-told the story of the Jews exodus from more than 400 years of enslavement in Egypt, three thousand years ago. We experienced the symbols […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Magaziner raises nearly triple raised by his Congressional rivals
General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, a Democrat who is running for Congress in the second Congressional District, raised more than $1.4 million in the first quarter of this year, according to his campaign’s quarterly report, filed with the Federal Election Committee. That’s nearly triple what any other Congressional candidate raised during the quarter, Democrat or Republican. […]
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Watch: Rep. Deborah Ruggiero joins What’sUpNewp to talk about her campaign for Lt. Governor
State Rep. Deb Ruggiero, who announced last week that she was running for lieutenant governor, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation today at 1:30 pm. Ruggiero, who represents District 74 (Jamestown and Middletown), is aligned with the House leadership. She’ll face incumbent Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and State Sen. Cynthia Mendes in a Democratic […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to consider issues ranging from outdoor dining to the city’s transportation network
The Newport City Council tonight will consider items that could extend outdoor dining on Broadway, award contracts for projects at Innovate Newport and for roadwork, and receive a transportation master plan that suggests that “none of Newport’s current transportation services are working well.” Several other items on the agenda will address licenses, events, and other […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Lt. Governor candidate State Rep. Ruggiero joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation
State Rep. Deb Ruggiero, who announced last week that she was running for lieutenant governor, joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Monday at 1 p.m. Note – This conversation has been moved to 1:30 pm on Wednesday, April 13. Ruggiero, who represents District 74 (Jamestown and Middletown), is aligned with the House […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Election 2022: Cicilline backs union drive, praises Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson; Magaziner, McKee add electrifying endorsements
Cicilline supporting union drive at Starbucks U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, who is running for reelection in the first district, tweeted his support for workers at a Warwick Starbucks that have joined the wave of unionization efforts at the upscale coffee shop chain. “Union built the middle class, and they’re going to help us build a […]
Posted inBusiness
Casby Harrison to lead Rhode Island Black Business Association
Casby Harrison, who was a partner in a prominent Providence law firm before leaving that practice to open his own office in South Providence’s multi-cultural community, was recently elected chairperson of the board of the Rhode Island Black Business Association. Harrison has been a full-time lawyer for more than 35 years, a career that included […]
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Election 2022: Magaziner raises $1 million plus, and wins another labor endorsement
Magaziner has successful fundraising quarter General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, a candidate for the second Congressional seat, said today on a WhatsUpNewp videocast that he raised $1.4 million in the quarter that ended March 31. Official reports are not due until the end of the month. Magaziner said he was pleased that 70 percent of the […]
Posted inCity & Government
VIDEO: A conversation with Seth Magaziner, Candidate for Congress
In a crowded Congressional race, Gen. Treasurer Seth Magaziner hopes to stand out from the crowd running on his record as Treasurer, and his advocacy for education and labor. He joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Tuesday. During our conversation, we ask Magaziner about his priorities if elected to Congress, how he […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Magaziner joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Tuesday
In a crowded Congressional race, Gen. Treasurer Seth Magaziner hopes to stand out from the crowd running on his record as Treasurer, and his advocacy for education and labor. He joins a What’sUpNewp videocast tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. Magaziner has been compiling an impressive list of union endorsements, with several labor leaders noting Magaziner’s support […]
Posted inCity & Government
Jamestown-Middletown Rep. Ruggiero is running for Lieutenant Governor
State Rep. Deb Ruggiero, who has represented Jamestown and Middletown in the state legislature since elected to the House in 2008, today announced she’s running for lieutenant governor. Her announcement sets up a three-way race for the Democratic nomination. She’s the first candidate without ties to a specific gubernatorial candidate. State Sen. Cynthia Mendes of […]