Opinion

Newport, there’s hope! Under frozen mounds of snow throughout Newport are 866,500 daffodil bulbs. But don’t feel sorry for them – they’re designed by nature to withstand these cold winter temperatures. Indeed, they rely on winter’s cold to trigger the biochemical process necessary to bring the bulb to flower in spring. This fortunate chemistry helps […]

Broadband is the 21st century highway of our information economy. Broadband is wide-bandwidth data transmission and refers to high-speed Internet access. Today, we see broadband as a utility — much like electricity and water — needed for schools, libraries, government and business to effectively operate. Downloading a movie from Netflix requires a different amount of […]

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 of hope. Light. It’s the light that seems to unite these three celebrations that have all come together in 2017 – Chanukah ended on December 20th, Christmas takes […]

This Letter To The Editor was submitted by Jon Dember, the views and opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of What’sUpNewp, its contributers or its advertisers. To submit a Letter To The Editor, email Ryan@whatsupnewp.com. There seems to be a vexing problem with the redevelopment of the historic Newport Spring site, that needs urgent […]

The following Op-Ed was written and submitted by Elizabeth A. Crowley, a Democratic State Senator representing District 16 (which includes Central Falls and a portion of Pawtucket) and Donna M. Nesselbush, a Democratic State Senator representing District 15 (which includes portions of Pawtucket and North Providence). The views and opinions expressed within are not necessarily those […]

Middletown, Rhode Island –  According to Marty Sinnott, President & CEO of social service agency Child & Family, the proposed 12.5% reduction in the RI Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) reimbursement rates for the children living in Child & Family-run residential housing would cripple his agency’s ability to continue to provide the highest quality, […]

Information must flow freely for democracy to flourish Editor’s Note- The following was written by Matt DeRienzo, Executive Director of Local Independent Online News Publishers (LION Publishers). What’sUpNewp is a proud member, the only Rhode Island member, of LION Publishers and supports the views and opinions expressed within.  Repealing Net Neutrality would allow giant chain […]

How many branches are in our federal government? It’s not a trick question, but a new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that one in three people cannot name even one branch of the federal government. There are three—the legislature (made up of the House and Senate) the executive (the president) and the […]

Republicans, who have received millions of dollars in contributions from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other gun rights’ groups, have said this isn’t a time for “politics,” but a time for “thoughts and prayers.” Numerous sources, including Fortune Magazine and the Center for Responsive Politics, list President Donald Trump, Speaker of the House Paul […]

For nearly 110 years, the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America (NCBSA) has provided experiences that build character while creating young leaders and good citizens for as many boys as possible in Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts and Pawcatuck, Connecticut.  Although times have changed since 1910, the Narragansett Council is proud to report that Scouting here […]

The Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant has provided the Newport Police Department with around $36,000/year over the past 12 years ($432,347 worth of grant funding since 2005). This money has gone towards funding communications equipment, community policing initiatives, traffic safety programs, targeted enforcement efforts, and a variety of other directives. Earlier this year, Jeff Sessions […]

In recent days we’ve seen harrowing images of Texans carrying their children, belongings and pets against strong currents in chest-deep waters, and heard the heartbreaking stories of loss as one of the most-damaging storms in history wreaked its havoc on the Gulf coast. Here in the Ocean State, we must take heed. We may be […]

To The Editor: I want to thank the residents of Jamestown and Newport for their participation in the Special Election on August 22. I am truly honored and humbled to have been elected as the Senator for District 13. Throughout this campaign, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with thousands of people about […]

To the Editor: During the course of this election I have had the opportunity and privilege to talk with thousands of concerned citizens who genuinely want government to work for them. Everyone wants to see their tax dollars working in the most efficient ways possible.  They want their elected officials to be both responsive and […]

To The Editor, I am writing this letting in strong support of Mike Smith for State Senate in the District 13 special election next week. His core issues are not only what are needed for the towns of Newport and Jamestown, but are policies that will benefit the state as a whole. First and foremost, […]

To the Editor: There are many reasons to support Dawn Euer in the Special Election for State Senate. Here are just a few: Dawn helped lead the movement for marriage equality to become law in Rhode Island. As a board member of Bike Newport, she has worked to provide safe streets for our cyclists and […]

Letter to the Editor, I want to express my uttermost support and endorsement for Senate candidate Michael Smith. Working in the field beside him for the last few months I have had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Michael and his beautiful family. He is a hard working self made business owner. His children […]

I had the pleasure of working with Dawn Euer when we both served the city of Newport volunteering on the Energy and Environment Commission. I saw first-hand how Dawn approached an issue in a holistic way. As an attorney, Dawn always had insight as to what would be involved when approaching different issues. She worked […]

Yesterday was the one month mark of the 2017 summer season.  After an incredibly gloomy June, July has seen spectacular weather and consistent forecasts.  Ironically enough, this article is being published during a week of rainy and overcast weather but nonetheless, it finally feels like summer here in Newport. When we last spoke, I was […]

We’re two Newport “social justice crusaders ” who have studied the District 13 candidates for RI Senate. Our decision is made;  we’re voting for John Florez.  In our book, he’s clearly the candidate best equipped to champion the way forward to the much stronger, year-round economy that we all have been seeking for decades. John’s […]

It was May 10. I just finished my freshman year at Boston College, and my summer of leisure was slated to begin—or so I thought. I was in the car ride home when I received the text that would shake up my vacation before it even began. The text was from David Hanos, whose daughters […]

The following Letter To The Editor, Press Release has been submitted by Michael “Mike” Smith, Republican Candidate for Senate District 13 (Newport, Jamestown). Michael “Mike” Smith spotlights special interest money pouring into Jamestown and Newport ahead of July 10th debate Special Interests and PACs from all over the state are attempting to sway the voters […]

Tuesday, July 18th  a primary will be held, to determine our representative in the Rhode Island General Assembly.  The seat was vacated by Senator Teresa Paiva Weed.  Many have said, “they are big shoes to fill.” We have no lack of candidates; however one certainly does rise above the rest.  Based on experience, knowledge, and […]