James Dring, seeking his third term on the Newport School Committee, is positioning himself as a voice of reason and fiscal responsibility as the district faces declining enrollment and budget constraints. In an interview with What’sUpNewp on Thursday, October 10, Dring highlighted his support for school regionalization with Middletown, a stance he says sets him […]
Election
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Letter to the Editor: Endorsement for Beth Cullen, Newport School Committee
Dear Newport Voters, I am writing to offer my enthusiastic endorsement for Elizabeth “Beth” Cullen as a candidate for the Newport School Committee. I had the pleasure of working closely with Beth on a zoning issue that threatened one of Newport’s historic neighborhoods. Together, we successfully opposed the construction of an oversized wedding facility and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Opinion – Newport City Councilor Mark Aramli: Why I’m proud and optimistic about Council’s choice for City Manager, Colin Kennedy
Newport is a truly unique and amazing place, with all the ingredients needed to be a world class livable city for our residents. Yet today we are saddled with a derelict blighted casino at the city’s entrance, gutted housing stock that is pushing middle class renters out of the city, neighborhoods that are flooding, an […]
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Ask The Candidate: A conversation with Lynn Underwood Ceglie, candidate for Newport City Council Second Ward
Lynn Underwood Ceglie, a Newport City Council Second Ward candidate, will join What’sUpNewp at 10 am on Friday, November 11, as part of our “Ask The Candidate” series. During the discussion, Ceglie, currently serving as Vice Chair on Newport City Council, will answer our and your questions about her candidacy, platforms, and important issues to […]
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Ask The Candidate: A conversation with Xaykham “Xay” Rexford Khamsyvoravong, candidate for Newport City Council At-Large
Xaykham “Xay” Rexford Khamsyvoravong, a Newport City Council At-Large candidate, will join What’sUpNewp at 12:30 pm on Thursday, October 10, as part of our “Ask The Candidate” series. During the discussion, Xay, currently serving as Mayor / Chair on Newport City Council, will answer our and your questions about his candidacy, platforms, and important issues to […]
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Ask The Candidate: A conversation with Charlie Holder, candidate for Newport City Council At-Large
Charlie Holder, a Newport City Council At-Large candidate, will join What’sUpNewp at 10 am on Thursday, October 10, as part of our “Ask The Candidate” series. During the discussion, Holder, who currently represents Ward 2 on Newport City Council, will answer our and your questions about his candidacy, platforms, and important issues to voters. Tell […]
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Newport School Committee candidate Loretta ‘Lori’ Burke calls for ‘back to basics’ approach
Loretta “Lori” Burke, a candidate for Newport School Committee, is running on a platform of getting “back to basics” in education. Burke, who works at the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, says her background as an Air Force child and deep family roots in Newport education give her a unique perspective on local school issues. […]
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Not all elections look the same. Here are some of the different ways states run their voting
By MAYA SWEEDLER Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. general election on Nov. 5 will decide the country’s direction, but it is far from a nationally administered contest. The 50 states and the District of Columbia run their own elections, and each does things a little differently. Here’s a look at some notable variations […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport School Committee candidate Elizabeth “Beth” Cullen emphasizes new approaches, collaboration
Elizabeth “Beth” Cullen, a candidate for Newport School Committee, is emphasizing the need for new educational approaches and improved collaboration between city officials and educators as she campaigns for one of the open seats in the upcoming election. Cullen, a self-proclaimed fourth-generation Newporter with 30 years of experience in the local school system, believes her […]
Posted inElection, Opinion
Letter to The Editor: Memorandum from the City Manager regarding Bond Measures
On the docket for the City Council meeting on October 9th I read our City Manager’s Memorandum re: question 6, the $98.5 million bond referendum on the November election ballot. He urges Newport voters to vote “Yes.” My opinion? YES! This is an excellent memorandum – clear, well written and convincing with specific examples of how […]
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Ask The Candidate: A conversation with Loretta Burke, candidate for Newport School Committee
Loretta “Lori” Burke, a Newport School Committee candidate, will join What’sUpNewp at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, October 9, as part of our “Ask The Candidate” series. During the discussion, Burke will answer our and your questions about his candidacy, platforms, and important issues to voters. Tell us what you’d like us to Ask The Candidate […]
Posted inElection
Ask The Candidate: A conversation with Elizabeth Cullen, candidate for Newport School Committee
Elizabeth “Beth” Cullen, a Newport School Committee candidate, will join What’sUpNewp at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, October 8, as part of our “Ask The Candidate” series. During the discussion, Cullen will answer our and your questions about his candidacy, platforms, and important issues to voters. Tell us what you’d like us to Ask The Candidate […]
Posted inElection
Incumbent Stephanie Winslow seeks re-election to Newport School Committee
Stephanie Winslow, an incumbent Newport School Committee member, is seeking re-election for what would be her third term. Winslow, who was initially appointed to fill a vacancy in March 2020, has been a key figure in policy reform and equity initiatives within the Newport Public Schools system. Winslow, a Newport native and computer programmer by […]
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Becky Bolan seeks re-election to Newport School Committee to see Rogers High School project through completion
Newport School Committee Chair Becky Bolan has announced that if she is re-elected in November that her next term would be her last, citing a desire to see the Rogers High School project through to completion. Bolan, who has served on the committee for approximately 17 years, made the announcement during an interview with Ryan […]
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Newport School Committee candidate Dr. Robert B. Power emphasizes need for auto tech and cosmetology at Rogers High School
Dr. Robert B. Power, a candidate for Newport School Committee, is making the inclusion of vocational programs at the new Rogers High School a central issue in his campaign. Power, who has a doctorate in school administration and has served as superintendent in three Rhode Island school districts, says he entered the race primarily to […]
Posted inElection, News, Opinion
Letter To The Editor: Vote no on Question 1
Our Rhode Island constitution, Article 14 Section 2, states that every 10 years, voters must be asked, “Shall there be a convention to amend or revise the Constitution?” This Nov. 5, Rhode Island voters will decide that. As a former Rhode Island state representative, I have had the honor of serving on both the 2014 and 2024 bipartisan […]
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Letter to The Editor: Endorsement of Representative Lauren Carson
As a four-year Newport resident I worry about the climate crisis and the threats of catastrophic storm damage and coastal flooding. Representative Lauren Carson is an effective leader in the battle against climate change. 1. In 2021 as lead sponsor of the Act On Climate, she led efforts in the House to pass landmark legislation […]
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Ask The Candidate: A conversation with Stephanie Winslow, candidate for Newport School Committee
Stephanie Winslow, a Newport School Committee candidate, will join What’sUpNewp at 5:30 pm on Monday, October 7, as part of our “Ask The Candidate” series. During the discussion, Winslow will answer our and your questions about his candidacy, platforms, and important issues to voters. Tell us what you’d like us to Ask The Candidate by […]
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Ask The Candidate: A conversation with Sandra J. Flowers, candidate for Newport School Committee
Sandra J. Flowers, a Newport School Committee candidate, will join What’sUpNewp at 4 pm on Monday, October 7, as part of our “Ask The Candidate” series. During the discussion, Flowers will answer our and your questions about his candidacy, platforms, and important issues to voters. Tell us what you’d like us to Ask The Candidate […]
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Ask The Candidate: A conversation with Becky Bolan, candidate for Newport School Committee
Becky Bolan, a Newport School Committee candidate, will join What’sUpNewp at 2 pm on Monday, October 7, as part of our “Ask The Candidate” series. During the discussion, Bolan will answer our and your questions about his candidacy, platforms, and important issues to voters. Tell us what you’d like us to Ask The Candidate by […]
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Ask The Candidate: A conversation with Robert B. Power, candidate for Newport School Committee
Robert B. Power, a Newport School Committee candidate, will join What’sUpNewp at 1 pm on Monday, October 7, as part of our “Ask The Candidate” series. During the discussion, Power will answer our and your questions about his candidacy, platforms, and important issues to voters. Tell us what you’d like us to Ask The Candidate […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport voters to decide on $98.5 million Infrastructure Bond
Newport residents will have the opportunity to vote on a $98.5 million general obligation bond referendum as part of the November 5 General Election. The proposed bond aims to fund investments in infrastructure, resilience, and community-related projects throughout the city. The bond breakdown includes allocations for various initiatives, with a focus on three key areas: […]
Posted inElection
Kendra Wilson Muenter seeks re-election to Newport School Committee
Kendra Wilson Muenter is running for re-election to the Newport School Committee, citing a desire to see through changes and implement new strategic plans. Muenter, who is wrapping up her first term and currently serves as vice chair, said during a What’sUpNewp interview on Thursday, October 3 that the role has been “challenging” and “rewarding” […]
Posted inNews
Newport City Council candidate Steph Smyth aims to bridge gap between city and residents
Steph Smyth, a candidate for Newport City Council At-Large, is running on a platform of increased community engagement and transparency in local government. In an interview with What’sUpNewp on Thursday, October 3, Smyth outlined her vision for leveraging existing resources and creating new avenues for resident participation to address Newport’s most pressing issues. Smyth, who […]
Posted inCity & Government
Mark Aramli seeks re-election to Newport City Council, emphasizes financial challenges and tourism management
Mark Aramli, seeking re-election to Newport’s City Council At-Large, is sounding the alarm on the city’s financial challenges and calling for a new approach to managing tourism. In a interview with What’sUpNewp on Thursday, October 3, Aramli highlighted the fiscal imbalance he discovered during his first term and outlined his priorities for addressing these issues […]