When U.S. Rep. James Langevin, D-RI, who represents the second district, announced last week that he would not run for reelection, it opened a flood gate of speculation of names of Democrats and Republicans who might consider running, and certainly made the 2022 Rhode Island election much more expensive. The five Democrats expected to be […]
City & Government
A look at What’s Up in city and government in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inCity & Government, News
DEM launching new website for boating, fishing, and hunting licenses and permits
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) this week announced a new website that will serve as a one-stop-shop where Rhode Islanders who fish, hunt, and boat may obtain all the licenses, permits, and tags they need to participate in these activities. DEM says in a press release that the single, unified hub — […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Here’s what’s on Newport City Council’s January 26 docket
Newport City Council will meet for their next regular council meeting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, January 26. The meeting will be held virtually, here’s a look at what’s on the docket. CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2022 THE MEETING WILL BE HELD REMOTELY IN COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNOR MCKEE’S […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor McKee to propose more than $150 million to combat Climate Change in FY2023 Budget
Building on the remarks he made in his 2022 State of the State address Tuesday evening, Governor Dan McKee today announced that his FY2023 budget and ARPA spending plan will propose more than $150 million to fund a series of proposals that will not only reduce harmful greenhouse gasses and build more resilient communities, but it will […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Middletown Town Council okays pursuit of reduced school building improvement package
Although not the $90 million initially sought, a split Middletown Town Council votes Tuesday night for the School Building Committee to see what $60 million can get for each of the schools. The matter still hasn’t been okayed for an Election Day bond, however. The Town of Middletown issued the following press release on the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Read & Watch: Governor McKee’s State of the State Address
As prepared for delivery, here is Governor McKee’s State of the State Address; Mister Speaker, Mister President, distinguished members of the Assembly, our General Officers, members of the Judiciary, municipal leaders, and members of my cabinet – good evening. Tonight, I want to speak directly with the people of Rhode Island. This COVID-19 pandemic has […]
Posted inCity & Government, Columns, News, Opinion
Just My Opinion: Jim Langevin – Courage, decency, honesty
Perhaps Jim Langevin will be remembered most for his courage. An 11-term Congressman from Rhode Island’s second district, he announced today, at the age of 57, that he would not run for reelection. Things might have turned out differently, had he not been severely injured in an accidental shooting when he was just 16. The […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Commission studying CRMC reorganization to accept public testimony tomorrow
The special House commission to study the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) will meet tomorrow to accept public testimony on suggestions for the CRMC. The commission is scheduled to meet tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 3 p.m. in Room 35 on the basement level of the State House. The meeting’s agenda is primarily dedicated to accepting public testimony, which will […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport to kick off the local redistricting process
With the General Assembly set to vote on a proposal that would realign House and Senate Districts to better reflect 2020 Census data, The City of Newport has announced that its officials are preparing to kick off their own local process to examine City Council Wards and Voting Precincts. The City’s Canvassing Authority is inviting […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Island getting $47.1 million in federal funds for bridge projects
Congressman David Cicilline announced via a press release on his website today that Rhode Island will be receiving $47.1 million for bridge projects this week, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58). More information on the funding via Congressman Cicilline’s press release; New $47.1M Federal Investment Will Upgrade & Strengthen RI Bridges […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19
Seven community based COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held across the state on Saturday
Governor Dan McKee’s office and administration today announced the community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, January 15. Community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held Saturday, January 15 in Central Falls, Lincoln, Newport, Warwick, Wakefield, and Cranston. Registration is recommended for these clinics. To register, visit C19VaccineRI.org and click “Upcoming Community Vaccination Clinics.” In addition, the COVID-19 vaccine is available at state […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
RIPTA implementing winter service, fare, and route changes beginning Saturday
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) today announced that it will implement winter service changes effective Saturday, January 15, 2022. RIPTA is also reminding passengers that, as previously announced, as of January 15, paper fare products will no longer be accepted on buses. RIPTA says in a press release that this is the final step in their […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19, What's Up Newp Live Stream
Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Friday
Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at noon on Friday, January 14. We’ll speak to Mayor Napolitano about how COVID is impacting city services, expectations for popular events, including the cherished St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We’ll also speak to the Mayor about budget talks with the school department, progress […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor McKee announces the launch of $50 Million Homeowner Assistance Fund
Today, Governor Dan McKee, Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Jim Langevin, Congressman David N. Cicilline, Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, and Carol Ventura, Executive Director of RIHousing announced the launch of the Homeowner Assistance Fund Rhode Island (HAF-RI). According to a press release from the Governor’s […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus to host virtual conversation Sunday with U.S. Sen. Whitehouse, Sen. Euer on Glasgow climate conference
Rep. Lauren H. Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport), Rep. Terri Cortvriend (D-Dist. 72, Portsmouth, Middletown) will host a virtual Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus conversation featuring U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Sen. Dawn Euer, who both traveled to Glasgow, Scotland, in the fall to participate in the 26th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties. The public forum, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
General Assembly overrides veto of bill to register all short-term rentals offered by third-party hosting platforms
The General Assembly today voted to override the governor’s veto of legislation sponsored by Rep. Lauren H. Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) and Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) to require every short-term rental property listed for rent on the website of any third-party hosting platform that conducts business in Rhode Island to be registered […]
Posted inCity & Government, Opinion
Opinion: 2022 Legislative Session an opportunity for transformational change
As the Rhode Island Senate convenes this month, I plan for us to embark upon a transformational session for our state. The federal relief funds distributed to Rhode Island offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reinvest in our state and its people. Universal Pre-K The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated existing learning gaps. Our children – […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
‘5 Nights of Leno’ raises $18,000 for Newport Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #8
Jay Leno’s 5-night of performances at The Firehouse Theatre this week raised $18,000 for The Newport Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #8 (“FOP”). 5 Nights of Leno, was presented by The Bit Players and Firehouse Theater in association with What’s Up Newp. Each night featured a performance from the former Tonight Show host, followed by q&a […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor McKee: $21 million in Federal Funding available to help Rhode Islanders pay the cost of utility bills
In an effort to help Rhode Islanders pay their utility bills, Governor Dan McKee today announced $21,871,003 for fiscal year 2022 for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help eligible low-income Rhode Islanders pay their heating bills. The State also received $30,818,515 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for LIHEAP, […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19
Total COVID-19 fatalities in Rhode Island surpasses 3,000
Governor Dan McKee issued the following statement marking the 3,000th Rhode Island death from COVID-19. “Today, Rhode Island is witnessing a heartbreaking milestone in the State’s ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic: 3,000 Rhode Islanders have lost their lives due to this virus. We’ve lost 3,000 mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, grandparents, friends, and […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Indoor masking, proof of vaccination mandates begin in Rhode Island today
Last week, Governor Dan McKee announced several temporary measures to bring additional layers of mitigation during the holidays when more time is spent gathering indoors. The measures, which begin today, fall into three categories and focus on both masking and proof of vaccination. Proof of vaccination includes screenshots or printouts from the State’s vaccine record […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
RI Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council will meet in Newport on Thursday
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has announced that the next public meeting of the RI Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) will be held in Newport on Thursday, December, 16, 1-2:30 PM at Innovate Newport. The EC4 assesses, integrates, and coordinates climate change efforts across state agencies to reduce emissions, strengthen the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Senate President Ruggerio, Senator Euer honored by the Humane Society
The Humane Society of the United States honored two members of the Rhode Island Senate this week. Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) and Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) received the Humane State Legislator Award, which is given annually to lawmakers “who are breaking new ground for animal welfare,” […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Legislative Survey: Rep. Deb Ruggiero, D-Dist. 74, Middletown, Jamestown
WhatsUpNewp reached out to Newport County legislators to get their perspective on where we have been and what they hope to achieve in this next legislative session. Rep. Deb Ruggiero, D-Dist. 74, is the second legislator to reply. Representative Ruggiero chairs the House Committee on Innovation, Internet, and Technology. She also chairs the Coastal Resource […]
Posted inCity & Government, News, People & Profiles
WUN-ON-ONE: Councilor Ceglie joins WUN for monthly live interview on Wednesday
Update – Since publishing this, the Mayor’s office has made us aware that Lynn Underwood Ceglie, Vice-Chair and At-Large Councilor, will be filling in for Mayor Napolitano. Newport Vice-Chair, At-Large Councilor Lynn Underwood Ceglie, on the heels of a divisive City Council meeting over North End zoning, joins What’s Up Newp for a live virtual […]