So our fearless health care leader, the guy with the worm in his brain, is going around saying that we should let bird flu run rampant, run its course, kill the susceptible chickens and that way we’ll be left with a national chicken flock that is resistant to bird flu. Is this crazy? Or does it make […]
Columns
A look at What’sUpNewp’s latest columns.
Michele Gallagher: Women in Business Then & Now: Colonial-era table settings in Rhode Island
Made in Rhode Island: Fine Linens, Silver, Blown Glass, Ceramics, Candles, Furniture and Textiles Many of the things that fill our houses today also filled the homes of colonial Rhode Islanders, except in their case, they were (of course) handmade right here in RI, and occasionally goods were imported from Europe. Ironically most of the […]
Gerry Goldstein: ‘Unsuitable’ insults on what a man wears
A European leader whose country is under horrific siege comes to the White House, and during his stay wears not a suit and tie, but informal garb reflecting the military struggle of his nation. You may have read that his manner of dress exposed him to criticism from our president. This is untrue – because […]
Helen Hames: Palliative Care – A misunderstood piece to the life planning puzzle
It’s important to respect the natural aging process and recognize that oftentimes the medical system prioritizes treatment over true well-being, sometimes offering interventions that may not improve quality of life. While we all face the end of life eventually, educating ourselves now, allows us to focus on living well and making informed choices for a […]
What’s Up Newp celebrates Women’s History Month: Meet golfer Glenna Collett-Vare
We’re celebrating some extraordinary women during March, National Women’s History Month, individuals who have made their mark from the sports field to politics and government, from the courtroom to the board room. We’ll be introducing our readers to some individuals they may not know, and others they do. What they all have in common is […]
Navigating the Spring 2025 Market: A seller’s advantage in Newport County
As we look toward the Spring 2025 real estate market in Newport County, one thing is clear: the landscape remains supply light and demand heavy, which means plenty of opportunity specifically for homeowners and sellers. With inventory still at historically low levels and buyer activity high, we’re heading into a season where strategically positioned homes […]
Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about Medicaid
Get out the earplugs and blindfolds, Susie, they are at it again. Brothers and sisters, get ready for another round of yelling about Medicaid, which will be all heat and no light. As some of us know, the mean Republicans have committed themselves to cut $880 billion out of the federal budget over the next ten […]
Michele Gallagher: Women in business then & now – colonial-era quilt-making in Rhode Island
Petticoat Junction In 18th century Rhode Island, quilting served as a decoration for underskirt petticoats, in addition to bed coverings. The petticoats had the dual purpose of adding warmth as well as demonstrating exceptional stitching skills or intricate designs, often distinguishing social status. Some fabrics were imported from London and others were stitched by hand, […]
Charles L. Roberts: Let me introduce you to a few Black women trailblazers who helped shape the future of Rhode Island
The legacies of the Black men and women who shaped our nation, as well as our own cities and towns, should always be celebrated, and never forgotten. This is why I am thrilled to share the voices and legacies of these exceptional Rhode Island women this month. “The Hair Doctress” Christiana Carteaux Bannister, or Madame […]
Women’s History Month: Ruth Buzzi … or is that Gladys Ormphby
Who could ever forget Gladys Ormphby, that feisty spinster, a favorite of Dan Rowan and Dick Martin’s “Laugh-In.” “Gladys Ormphby never met a celebrity she didn’t feel compelled to smack senseless,” wrote Nick Tomas a few years ago, referring to the diminutive Omphby’s lethal pocketbook. It was a character that the amazingly talented Ruth Buzzi […]
Women’s History Month: Meet Miss Johnson and Miss Wales
Many women have played prominent roles in Rhode Island education, from teaching to founding what has now become a prominent university with campuses in Providence and North Carolina. As WUN celebrates National Women’s History Month, we’ll introduce several women who have played significant roles in our area, from the sports field to politics and government, […]
Helen Hames: The power of preparation: Navigating Alzheimer’s with knowledge and support
“Education is power.” It’s a phrase we hear often, but nowhere does it ring truer than in the realm of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Early detection isn’t just a medical advantage–it’s a pathway of ensuring the best quality of life and honoring a person’s wishes throughout the progression of the disease. It’s also about building […]
Gerry Goldstein: Here’s my two cents on the penny
Ben Franklin sagely advised, “Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.” But watching pennies could become a gainless pursuit now that Donald Trump has ordered the Treasury Department to stop making them. The logic is understandable – it costs more to make a penny than it’s worth and most people think […]
Tyler Bernadyn: The reality of the Newport County housing market: A seller’s advantage and a buyer’s challenge
As we move into the spring season, the reality of Newport County’s real estate market continues to be shaped by the simple, yet undeniable, law of supply and demand. With just 155 properties currently available across Jamestown, Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Little Compton — ranging from $60,000 (643 Forest Park in Middletown) to $22,500,000 […]
Tim Jones – Sour Grapes: Avoid
Here’s this week’s Sour Grapes; enjoy! Sour Grapes is a comic about “Aesop”, a miserable flying dog and his odd friends, all living in a problematic and troubled world.
Tyler Bernadyn: Building a business on service, not sales
This morning, as I sit on a plane bound for Las Vegas, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that has brought me here. I’m heading to the RE/MAX R4 Global Convention, where I’ll have the incredible opportunity to speak on stage and share insights with real estate professionals from all over the world. […]
Charles L. Roberts: In 1769, Newport was the rum capital of the world and the epicenter of the Triangle Trade
Most students of Black History are familiar with the “Triangle Trade.” This term refers to the 17th and 18th century transatlantic trading route, involving Africa, the Caribbean, and British North America. Sugar cane was grown and processed in the Caribbean islands. The molasses from this processing was then shipped to Rhode Island and was the […]
Bob Cembrola: From neglect to tourist attraction – Rose Island Lighthouse’s revival
Rose Island is an 18.5-acre sentry in Narragansett Bay just south of the Newport Pell Bridge. It has had numerous lives and is currently a popular tourist venue. There are two National Register properties on the island: the lighthouse and the remains of Fort Hamilton. This article is about the lighthouse. The lighthouse was built […]
Dr. Michael Fine: What’s crazy about hospital galas
So it’s hospital gala time again. You know the drill. Fancy invitation. Black tie optional event. A thousand people in a convention center or hotel ballroom. A high-powered committee on the invite, most of whom have nothing to do with planning the event itself, and sometimes bold-faced names who serve as honorary chairs, whatever that means. Adequate food. Too many self-congratulatory […]
Tim Jones – Sour Grapes: Climate Change
Here’s this weeks Sour Grapes; enjoy!
Bob Cembrola: USS Revenge and Oliver Hazard Perry
In May of 2006, I got a call from Craig Harger and Charlie Buffum of Conneticut. They had just visited me at Naval War College (NWC) to attend my elective class, “Shipwrecks and Naval History,” and had apparently decided that I was not a stuffy and self-righteous academic. They asked if I would dive on […]
Helen Hames: Leadership Rhode Island Senior Fellows Program – Rethinking aging with possibility and purpose
In Rhode Island–and beyond–there exists a largely untapped group of individuals armed with life experience, wisdom and curiosity. These older adults offer a fresh perspective and potential to help tackle some big challenges we face at every stage of life. What if there were a dedicated outlet empowering them to examine, collaborate and solve some […]
