Posted inCity & Government

Ellen Pinnock and Hugo DeAscentis, Jr. advance to General Election for Newport’s First Ward

With 100% of polling places reporting, the race for Newport’s First Ward on Newport City Council has been narrowed down to two candidates for the November 5 General Election. According to unofficial results from the Rhode Island Board of Elections, Ellen M. Pinnock and Hugo J. DeAscentis, Jr. were the top two vote-getters in the […]

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Sheldon Whitehouse wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Rhode Island primary election

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sheldon Whitehouse wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Rhode Island primary election.  U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse this evening issued the following statement upon winning the nomination to serve as Rhode Island’s Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate: “I work hard every single day on behalf of all Rhode Islanders, and I am […]

Posted inCity & Government

R.I. wanted 1,200 megawatts of wind power. But it’s only buying a fraction of that.

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentSeptember 6, 2024 Rhode Island’s second attempt to grow its offshore wind portfolio proved successful. Kind of. The tentative contract announced Friday between Rhode Island, Massachusetts and developers of the SouthCoast Wind project will bring another 200 megawatts of wind-generated electricity to the Ocean State, providing enough electricity to power […]

Posted inElection, News

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Rhode Island’s state primaries

By LEAH ASKARINAM and ROBERT YOON Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — More than five months after weighing in on the presidential matchup, Rhode Island voters will choose which candidates will face off in this fall’s U.S. Senate election. Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse faces a primary challenge from Mike Costa, a former Republican candidate for governor who lives in Bristol. […]

Posted inCity & Government

Letter To The Editor: Dr. Pattavina has the credentials and qualities to move our city forward

To the Editor: In this primary election, Ward 1 voters have three candidates to choose from. While all are excellent individuals, who we elect to replace hard working, vocal and informed Angela Lima, is vital to our city’s future. That’s why I will be voting for Dr. Charlie Pattavina, MD, a retired emergency room doctor […]

Posted inCity & Government

Governor McKee signs Primary Voting Bill

At West Warwick Town Hall on Wednesday, Governor Dan McKee was joined by Secretary of State Gregg Amore, and bill sponsors Representative Patricia Serpa (D-District 27) and Senator Leonidas Raptakis (D-District 33) for a ceremonial bill signing of 2418A /7662, which allow unaffiliated voters to remain unaffiliated after participating in a party primary. The bills also codify […]

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Letter To The Editor: Ellen Pinnock’s commitment to Newport is unwavering

I’m excited to endorse Ellen Pinnock for First Ward Councilor in Newport. Ellen has been working tirelessly for years to give back to Newport, and that dedication will continue while she serves on the City Council.  Ellen’s commitment to Newport is unwavering. She has been deeply embedded in our community through her career at FabNewport, […]

Posted inElection, Sports

The presidential campaigns brace for an intense sprint to Election Day

By STEVE PEOPLES, THOMAS BEAUMONT and AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX Associated Press LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — After a summer of historic tumult, the path to the presidency for both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump this fall is becoming much clearer. The Democratic vice president and the Republican former president will devote almost all of their remaining time and resources to […]

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Gerry Goldstein: Some say this endorsement of Harris can’t come too ‘swiftly’

Will Rhode Island homeowner Taylor Swift, who in 2020 endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket, throw her noteworthy support to Harris’s presidential run? It’s a question high on the minds of many Swifties, not to mention political wonks who appreciate the reach of her celebrity. Some of the singer’s fans believe she hinted at a Harris endorsement […]

Posted inCity & Government

Charles Pattavina, candidate for Newport’s First Ward Councilor, joins What’sUpNewp for a one-on-one conversation

Charles Pattavina, a retired emergency physician, is running for Newport City Council’s first ward seat in the upcoming election. Pattavina, who prefers to go by Charlie, cited affordable housing as the top priority for the city in a one-on-one interview with What’sUpNewp on Tuesday, August 27. “Hands down, I think affordable housing is a big […]

Posted inCity & Government

Ellen Pinnock, candidate for Newport’s First Ward Councilor, joins What’sUpNewp for a one-on-one conversation

Ellen Pinnock, a candidate for Newport City Council’s first ward seat, emphasizes the need for increased collaboration and community engagement in local government. Pinnock identified housing as the most pressing issue facing Newport, citing personal experience with housing insecurity despite being considered middle-income during a one-on-one interview with What’sUpNewp on Tuesday, August 27. “If I […]

Posted inCity & Government

Hugo DeAscentis Jr., candidate for Newport’s First Ward Councilor, joins What’sUpNewp for a one-on-one conversation

Hugo DeAscentis Jr., a lifelong Newport resident and former school committee member, is running for Newport City Council’s first ward seat in the upcoming election. DeAscentis, who served 13 years on the Newport school committee, cited his passion for the city and desire to address key issues as his motivation for seeking office in a […]

Posted inElection, News

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he’s suspending his presidential bid and backing Donald Trump

By JONATHAN J. COOPER, ALI SWENSON and GABRIEL SANDOVAL Associated Press PHOENIX (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his independent campaign for president Friday and endorsed Donald Trump, a late-stage shakeup of the presidential race that could give the former president a modest boost from Kennedy’s supporters. Kennedy said his internal polls had shown that his presence […]

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League of Women Voters of Newport County to host Newport City Council, School Committee candidate forums

The League of Women Voters of Newport County is preparing for the Rhode Island General Election by hosting two forums for candidates running for Newport City Council and Newport School Committee. A Newport City Council Forum, scheduled for September 12, will be held from 6 to 9 pm at Innovate Newport. Rebekah Gomez, executive director […]

Posted inElection

Newport voters to get an in-depth look at Newport City Council First Ward hopefuls through 30-minute live conversations

What’sUpNewp is set to interview candidates for Newport’s City Council and School Committee ahead of the September 10 primary and November 5 general election. The interviews will be 30-minute live virtual video conversations on multiple platforms, including our website, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. The series begins with candidates for Newport’s First Ward, which will […]

Posted inCity & Government

Pell Center Poll: Harris leads Trump by 4% nationally, but with wide variation by age, ethnicity, and U.S. regional cultures

By Salve Regina University’s Pell Center A new national poll from Salve Regina University’s Pell Center and Embold Research shows Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump by four percentage points among likely voters, but with large differences between age groups, ethnicities, and historically-based U.S. regions. The poll of 2,696 likely voters was conducted August […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport Mayor Xay reports DNC is showcasing a “Forward vs. Backward” vision for America

Newport Mayor Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong is attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week as an alternate delegate, joining a Rhode Island contingent that includes prominent state and federal officials. The convention, which runs from Aug. 19-22, celebrates Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the party’s president and vice president […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island casts votes for Harris at the Democratic National Convention

Rhode Island announced its votes for the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee during Tuesday night’s roll call of states at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Joe Shekarchi, speaker of the Rhode Island House, delivered the state’s vote count. “We have the smallest state, but we have the biggest ideas,” Shekarchi said. “Home to the nation’s […]

Posted inCity & Government

Early voting period for the September Primary begins on August 21

Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the RI Department of State Elections Division remind eligible voters today that early voting begins tomorrow, August 21, and continues through September 9. Eligible voters can find their early voting location online at vote.ri.gov or by contacting their local board of canvassers. The deadline to request a mail ballot is 4 pm […]

Posted inElection

What’sUpNewp to host live virtual video interviews with candidates for Newport City Council, School Committee

Over the next several weeks, What’sUpNewp will interview dozens of Newport candidates ahead of the September 10 Primary and November 5 General Election. These live one-on-one virtual video interviews will introduce you to the candidates, allow them to discuss their platforms, and allow us to ask the questions that are important to voters. We’re starting […]

Posted inCity & Government

Op-Ed: The Newport City Council’s attention should be on housing not hotels

Over the past few weeks, the Newport City Council has spent a substantial amount of its time discussing the authorization of a Tourism Improvement District (TID). This discussion conflated the TID with other travel and tourism related efforts of the City, like our Sister City Program and Discover Newport, but it is distinctly different.   Newport’s […]

Posted inCity & Government

Senator Whitehouse shares his remarks from the Tim Walz event in Newport

The Whitehouse for Senate campaign today released Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s remarks from a fundraising event last week in Newport featuring vice presidential candidate Tim Walz.  According to Whitehouse, the packed crowd was fired up to hear from Governor Walz after Sheldon delivered the following remarks: “I want us to think about and thank the man […]

Posted inNews

Commission prepares for Constitutional Convention discussion

The bipartisan Constitutional Convention Commission meets Wednesday, Aug. 21, in order to hear and discuss information pertaining to the commission’s charge. The commission is charged with gathering information on constitutional questions that will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. The commission will hear from a variety of sources, including campaign finance and ballot advocacy groups, […]

Posted inCity & Government

Election Board upholds rejection of Newport City Council candidate

The Rhode Island Board of Elections voted unanimously Thursday to uphold the Newport Board of Canvassers’ rejection of Scott Sivko’s candidacy for Newport City Council Ward 3. Sivko’s declaration of candidacy was denied due to residency issues and late filing of required documents. The board met on Aug. 15 to hear Sivko’s appeal but proceeded […]

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Sold-out Newport event with Walz exceeds expectations for Democratic fundraisers

by Christopher Shea & Janine L. Weisman, Rhode Island CurrentAugust 15, 2024 NEWPORT — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz posed for photos before delivering a 17-minute speech focused on bringing joy back to American politics at a private fundraiser on the campus of Salve Regina University Thursday afternoon. The Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee spoke to […]

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September Rhode Island Primary to decide U.S. Senate candidates and several legislative candidates

In just about a month, Sept. 10, Rhode Islanders will go to the polls in a statewide primary election that will determine who will be running for U.S. Senate from both parties in the November general election, along with deciding general election candidates in several legislative districts. There are primaries in both parties for the […]

Posted inElection, News

Walz is making a 5-state dash for campaign cash, traveling solo for 1st time as Harris’ running mate

By WILL WEISSERT Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is branching out this week and holding his first solo events as Vice President Kamala Harris ’ running mate, making a five-state dash for campaign cash and addressing a key union gathering. Walz will speak Tuesday at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees convention […]

Posted inCity & Government

Campaign reports show potential rematch shaping up for 2026 R.I. governor’s race

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentAugust 1, 2024 Two years before the bell rings, Gov. Dan McKee and Helena Bounanno Foulkes are squaring off for what could be the premiere rematch for governor. In McKee’s corner are liquor store owners, state government employees and a disgraced jewelry company CEO, according to campaign finance reports filed […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island Democratic Delegation votes to endorse Kamala Harris for President

Today, the Rhode Island Democratic Party (RIDP) announced that its Democratic Delegation has voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as President of the United States. The following statement is from RIDP Chairwoman Liz Beretta-Perik; “The American Presidency is at its best when it becomes a vehicle for generational renewal. When we think of John […]

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R.I. Democratic delegates to vote Wednesday on Harris endorsement

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentJuly 22, 2024 As Democratic officials and party leaders nationwide line up behind Vice President Kamala Harris for their party’s presidential nominee, Rhode Island’s Democratic delegates remain tight-lipped about who they are backing as a group. But not for long. The 35 elected and appointed delegates chosen to represent the […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation reacts to President Biden’s announcement that he will not seek reelection

Just before 2 pm on Sunday, July 21, President Joe Biden announced that he would “stand down” and would not continue to seek re-election this November. Moments later, he came out and formally endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him. pic.twitter.com/RMIRvlSOYw— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024 Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation was quick to […]

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Candidates set for Newport County elections as deadlines pass

With deadlines past now for local candidate declarations, signatures, validation of signatures, ballot placement, and candidate withdraws – the field for local elections, cities and towns and state legislature, is set. No surprises. Little has changed since individuals declared their candidacies in June. Very few candidates statewide either withdrew by the July 19 deadline or […]

Posted inCity & Government

Eleven state legislative hopefuls drop out of signature certification deadline

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentJuly 19, 2024 Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi has an unobstructed path to victory in the November election, after a would-be Republican challenger failed to turn in the required 50 signatures of district voters needed to make the November ballot. Dana James Traversie, a Warwick Republican whose campaign […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport Democratic City Committee invites Newport voters and candidates to signature gathering event 

The Newport Democratic City Committee invites declared candidates and all registered Newport voters to a signature-gathering event on July 8 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Newport Elks Lodge.  Candidates for federal, statewide, and local public office must collect signatures from registered voters in their district to be placed on the ballot. The number […]

Posted inCity & Government

Councilman’s campaign fines’ case to collections, as Election Board tries to resolve outstanding cases

Newport City Councilman David Carlin III, who is running unopposed for reelection in the city’s third ward, has apparently dodged efforts by the state Board of Elections to collect more than $2,500 in campaign fines, resulting in the Board referring the case to the Central Collections Unit at the Revenue Department, according to Richard Thornton, […]

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RI Department of State and State Board of Elections issue reminders for signature collection period

Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, the RI Department of State Elections Division, and the State Board of Elections are today reminding candidates of the availability of nomination papers, sharing new educational resources, and urging candidates to follow best practices for signature collection.  “As campaign season is upon us once again, we want to remind […]

Posted inCity & Government

Legislation enables Newport to raise cruise ship passenger fees; put infrastructure bond question on November ballot

STATE HOUSE – Two new laws sponsored by Rep. Lauren H. Carson and Sen. Dawn Euer will enable Newport to raise its landing and boarding fees for cruise ships and to seek city voters’ approval in November for $98.5 million bond for infrastructure improvements. Both bills were backed by the City Council, approved by the […]

Posted inCity & Government

Incumbents are unopposed in nearly half of General Assembly races

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentJune 26, 2024 Former Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt will not attempt a comeback run for the Rhode Island Legislature this year, despite commissioning a voter survey and telling local news outlets she was considering challenging Rep. Jon Brien, an independent, for the seat she once held. In an emailed statement […]

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Michelle McGaw announces re-election campaign

Today, Representative Michelle McGaw announced that she will see re-elections for House District 71. “Representative Michelle McGaw is pleased to announce her campaign for reelection to represent District 71 in the Rhode Island State House of Representatives. Michelle McGaw was elected in 2020 to Represent District 71, which encompasses Northern Portsmouth, Southern Tiverton, and all […]

Posted inCity & Government

Here’s who’s running for office in Newport County

Candidates for local and legislative offices across the state began filing their declarations of candidacies on Monday, the first step in an election process that culminates with a Statewide Primary on September 10 and the general election on November 5. Some candidates have already announced, although nothing becomes official until they actually file the declaration […]

Posted inCity & Government

Steph Smyth will run for Newport City Council At-Large

Just two weeks after announcing she would seek election to Newport City Council, Steph Smyth today announced that she will run for an At-Large position on City Council. Smyth provided the following letter to What’sUpNewp on Tuesday, June 18. Steph Smyth Decides To Run At-Large  Receives Endorsement from Outgoing Councilor Angela (McCalla) Lima Sixth-generation Newporter, […]

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Ellen Pinnock is running to represent Ward 1 on Newport City Council

Today, Ellen Pinnock announced she is running to represent Ward 1 on Newport City Council. Earlier today, current Ward 1 Councilor Angela (McCalla) Lima announced she wouldn’t seek re-election this November and endorsed Pinnock. Pinnock provided the following statement to What’sUpNewp on Tuesday, June 18. Community Leader Ellen Pinnock Announces Run for Ward 1Endorsed by […]

Posted inCity & Government

Angela (McCalla) Lima won’t seek re-election to Newport City Council

Angela (McCalla) Lima has announced that she will not seek re-election to continue representing Ward 1 on Newport City Council in November. Angela provided the following letter to What’sUpNewp on Tuesday, June 18; where she endorses a candidate running to fill her seat on City Council. “Dear Friends and Neighbors, After much reflection and heartfelt […]

Posted inNews

Rhode Island General Assembly takes steps to ensure election integrity

A new law approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly would establish a clear process for reporting and investigating cases of suspected signature fraud on candidates’ nomination papers. The legislation was spurred by the discovery of numerous deceased people’s signatures on a congressional candidate’s nomination paper in Rhode Island’s 1st congressional district race last summer. […]

Posted inElection, Food & Drink, News

No ‘calamari comeback’? The squid chef from Democrats’ 2020 convention says he’s a Trump backer

By WILL WEISSERT Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The “calamari comeback” chef who delighted viewers of the last Democratic National Convention might not be coming back. John Bordieri was dubbed by some as the “calamari ninja” for standing wordlessly, clad head-to-toe in black, and holding a platter of lightly buttered, sautéed squid on a Rhode Island beach […]

Posted inNews

Rep. Cortvriend will run for a fourth term in R.I. House District 72, which represents Middletown and Portsmouth 

Rhode Island House Representative Terri-Denise Cortvriend announced that she will run for a fourth term in House District 72, which serves Middletown and Portsmouth. Rep. Cortvriend’s announcement follows; HOUSE REP. CORTVRIEND TO RUN FOR FOURTH TERMPORTSMOUTH, RI – Rhode Island House Representative Terri-Denise Cortvriend announced that she will run for a fourth term representing House […]

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Steph Smyth announces run for Newport City Council

Today, Steph Smyth announced her candidacy for Newport City Council. Smyth should be a familiar name to many Newport residents as she ran for office in 2022, missing a seat on Newport City Council by just 113 votes. Smyth’s full announcement follows; Lifelong Resident, Active Community Member Steph Smyth  Announces Run For Newport City Council  […]

Posted inCity & Government, Election, News, Politics

Biden lays into Trump over convictions and says he now poses a greater threat than in 2016

By FATIMA HUSSEIN and WILL WEISSERT Associated Press GREENWICH, Conn. (AP) — President Joe Biden laid into his predecessor and likely opponent in November’s election, Donald Trump, for being convicted by a Manhattan jury on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments, saying Monday night that “this campaign has entered uncharted territory.” Speaking at a fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut, […]

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Lynn Underwood Ceglie announces candidacy for reelection to Newport City Council; will run for Second Ward Councilor

Lynn Underwood Ceglie, who currently serves as Vice Chair and an At-Large Councilor on Newport City Council, today announced her intent to run for Second Ward Councilor on Newport City Council this November. Councilor Ceglie provided What’sUpNewp with the following announcement; Newport City Councilor, Lynn Underwood Ceglie announces that she will run in Newport’s 2nd […]

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Rep. Lauren Carson is running for re-election

Representative Lauren Carson today emailed supporters and constituents to announce that she is running for her sixth term in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing District 75 (Newport).  Representative Carson, a Democrat, was first elected to the House of Representatives in November 2014 to represent District 75. She was named a Deputy Majority Leader […]

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