To the Editor: I, Robert Power, am running for Newport School Committee to keep the auto technology and cosmetology programs incorporated into the new Rogers High School campus. The auditorium and gym have been torn down and replaced with unfortunately, smaller versions of each. But, taking down the building that houses auto-tech and cosmetology to […]
Election
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: Endorsement for Mark Aramli, Newport City Council At-Large
I endorse Mark Aramli for At-Large City Councillor. I have seen him address thorny, polarizing issues with compassion, courage and directness. Doing the right thing seems more important to him than doing the thing that gets him more votes. When others suggest having repetitive forums, fact finding, or commission reports, he is ready to act when the […]
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: Endorsement for Dennis Turano, Middletown Town Council
Dear Fellow Middletown Resident, I am writing to provide my unqualified support for Dennis Turano’s re-election to the Middletown Town Council. I know and respect Dennis. Our friendship goes back to our school days here in Middletown. He’s a true ‘islander’ who has a deep appreciation for our unique community. As a town councilman, Dennis […]
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: Endorsement for Matt Grant, Newport City Council Ward 2
Dear Editor, We urge Ward 2 voters to consider seriously Matt Grant for the Ward 2 City Councilor seat. Matt is a highly intelligent young man who has thoroughly researched the issues facing Newport and its citizens, and considered them thoughtfully. He brings a sorely-needed fresh perspective to the issues that face the city. For […]
Posted inElection
RI Board of Elections, RI Department of State remind voters to return mail ballots
The Rhode Island Board of Elections and the Rhode Island Department of State are today reminding voters who choose to vote by mail that mail ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 5, 2024. Voters can return their mail ballot through the U.S. mail, in a secure […]
Posted inElection
Common Cause Rhode Island launches 2024 Election Protection Program
With one week until the November election, Common Cause Rhode Island announced the start of its 2024 Election Protection Program. The voting rights group is looking for poll monitor volunteers to join its nonpartisan effort to assist voters—answering questions and helping them navigate obstacles to the ballot box. The program is part of the largest, […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter To The Editor – James Dring: I ask for your vote on Nov. 5
To the Editor: My name is James Dring and I am running for re-election to the Newport School Committee. The past few years have been challenging, but I bring common sense, good judgement and an independent thought process. I have taken no money from anyone for my campaign, and I am running to […]
Posted inNews
11,622 Newport County voters have already voted in the General Election
As of 4:45 pm on Friday, October 25, the Rhode Island Voter Turnout Tracker reports that 96,267 Rhode Island residents have already voted by mail ballot or early in person, representing a 12.2% voter turnout thus far. In Newport County, 11,622 voters have already voted; here’s how that breaks down. Portsmouth: 2,867 (616 by mail […]
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: Endorsement for Senator Dawn Euer
To the Editor: The Jamestown Democrats are proud to endorse Senator Dawn Euer for re-election to Rhode Island Senate District 13. Senator Euer has been a tireless advocate for protecting the rights of all Rhode Islanders. She has been a steadfast supporter of environmental protection–her Act on Climate bill in 2021 was the most comprehensive […]
Posted inElection
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Rhode Island on Election Day
By RICHARD LARDNER Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump will compete for Rhode Island’s four electoral votes in the Nov. 5 general election. Rhode Island voters will also cast ballots for Congress, the state Legislature, several ballot measures and mayoral races. Democratic President Joe Biden carried the state in 2020 with […]
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: Endorsement for Molly Kapstein Cote for Newport School Committee
I am writing to express my support for the candidacy of Molly Kapstein Cote for the Newport School Committee. Molly has been an educator and a lawyer, teaching as an adjunct professor for Roger Williams Law School and Salve Regina University. She is currently the State’s Chief Policy Officer for Post Secondary Education. She often […]
Posted inNews
10% of Rhode Island voters have already participated in early voting
As of 5:48 on Thursday, October 24, the Rhode Island Voter Turnout Tracker reports that 60,753 Rhode Island residents have already voted by mail ballot or early in person, representing a 10% voter turnout thus far. In Newport County, 9,256 voters have already voted; here’s how that breaks down. Portsmouth: 2.293 (343 by mail ballot, […]
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: Endorsement of Dennis Turano, Middletown Town Council
I believe that Councilman Dennis Turano deserves to be re-elected to the Middletown Town Council. I’ve known Dennis for many years, serving as both his teacher, his coach and his friend. Most recently I’ve had numerous conversations with Dennis about topics concerning the town of Middletown that both of us feel are important. We have […]
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: Endorsement for Elizabeth Cullen, Newport School Committee
As new parents raising our baby in Newport, my husband and I are committed to building the best possible future for our child. Newport’s close-knit community and vibrant history are part of what drew us here, and we know that a strong, forward-thinking public school system is essential to sustaining that vitality for generations to […]
Posted inCity & Government
With two weeks to go, incumbents hold significant fundraising edge
There are just two weeks until the election, and if you count dollars, incumbents appear to be in a pretty strong position. But then again, it’s not necessarily the dollars that count; it’s the votes. But dollars do buy ads, staff, billboards, lawn signs, consultants … all of which can be helpful in a political […]
Posted inNews
Portsmouth leads Newport County in early voting turnout
As of 4:45 pm on Tuesday, October 22, the Rhode Island Voter Turnout Tracker reports that 53,347 Rhode Island residents have already voted by mail ballot or early in person, representing a 6.7% voter turnout thus far. In Newport County, 6,640 voters have already voted; here’s how that breaks down. Portsmouth: 1,719 (336 by mail […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport defends $98.5 million bond amid criticism
Newport city officials are responding to criticism surrounding the upcoming $98.5 million bond referendum, set for a vote on November 5. The bond, which would fund various infrastructure projects, has been criticized by former Newport City Council Third Ward Councilor Kate Leonard, current School Committee member Bobby Leary, and other members of the community. Leonard […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Carson outlines legislative priorities for upcoming session
State Representative Lauren Carson is gearing up for the upcoming legislative session, with a focus on short-term rentals and aging policy as key priorities. The Newport Democrat, who is running unopposed for reelection, outlined her plans during an interview with What’sUpNewp on Tuesday, October 22. Carson chairs two study commissions created by the House in […]
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: Newport Democratic City Committee’s position on ballot questions
The Newport Democratic City Committee has taken a position on the six ballot questions facing us in this election, as follows: Question 1: NO Bond Measure 2: YES Bond Measure 3: YES Bond Measure 4: YES Bond Measure 5: YES Bond Measure 6: YES Question 1 is on the ballot because our Rhode Island constitution, […]
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Letter To The Editor: Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee opposes constitutional convention
The Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee (PDTC) has formally adopted a resolution opposing Question 1, which would call for a constitutional convention in Rhode Island. The Committee urges voters to reject this measure in the upcoming November ballot, citing serious concerns regarding transparency, the risk of dark money influence, and threats to the rights of vulnerable […]
Posted inCity & Government
Change The Charter endorses candidates for Newport City Council
A grassroots organization that says it is dedicated to promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in Newport’s government today endorsed several candidates for Newport City Council. Change the Charter today announced its endorsement of Mayor Xaykham Khamsyvoravong, Councilor Mark Aramli, and City Council candidates Stephanie Smyth, Ellen Pinnock, and Matthew Grant. Change the Charter is “a […]
Posted inNews
5% of Rhode Island voters have already cast their vote
Rhode Island residents are turning out in significant numbers for early voting in the 2024 General Election, with more than 39,682 ballots already cast. As of 4:45 pm on Monday, October 21, the Rhode Island Voter Turnout Tracker reports that 39,682 Rhode Island residents have already voted by mail ballot or early in person, representing […]
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: Endorsements for Newport City Council At-Large
“As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew” wrote Abraham Lincoln in his 1862 annual message to Congress. I am writing less eloquently to endorse three candidates for city Council at large: Xay Khamsyvoravong, Mark Aramli and Steph Smyth who (along with fellow candidate Charlie Holder) correctly identified the vital […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Representative Lauren Carson
Representative Lauren Carson (D. Dist. 75, Newport) will join WUN for a one-on-one conversation at 10 am on Tuesday, October 22. Tune in to watch live as the conversation happens or anytime afterward on whatsupnewp.com. Have a question for our guest? Please leave it in the comments.
Posted inElection, Opinion
Letter to The Editor: Endorsement of Steph Smyth, Newport City Council
Government transparency: the practice of making information about how government operates available to the public in an open, honest & accountable manner. Transparency is important because it allows citizens to hold their public officials accountable and understand how the government is spending their taxes. In this election, I’m voting for Steph Smyth, I’ll explain why. Steph’s resume of contract administration, union […]