The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]
Business
A look at What’s Up in business in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond.
Posted inArts & Culture
Black History Month Newport: A look at 19th century black-owned businesses, business owners
February is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, an annual time to celebrate the achievements, and a time for recognizing the central role, of African Americans in U.S. history. During the month of February, What’s Up Newp is using our platform to highlight and recognize the achievements by local African Americans. Keith […]
Posted inBusiness
Aquidneck Island Land Trust preserves 13 acres of Greenvale Vineyards
Aquidneck Island Land Trust Secures 13 Acres of Historic Vineyard A piece of Rhode Island’s agricultural heritage is now protected for future generations. The Aquidneck Island Land Trust has successfully conserved 13 acres of Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth, safeguarding it as open space and farmland. The conservation easement, announced on February 11, is a team […]
Posted inBusiness
MVYRADIO’s diversity initiative shines light on Bodhi Spa
The Bodhi Spa, a woman-owned business that operates in Newport and Providence, is one of three businesses chosen for a grant from MVYRADIO’s Business Diversity Initiative. Based in West Tisbury, Massachusetts, MVYRADIO gives out quarterly grants to business owners who’ve traditionally been underserved. The initiative supports businesses owned by women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ […]
Posted inBusiness
Salve Regina University receives $12 million gift to boost business education
Salve Regina University announced today that it has received a $12 million gift from the Jean and David W. Wallace Foundation. The gift focuses on creating innovative experiences in business with the naming of the Jean and David W. Wallace Department of Business and Economics. It also supports the creation of the Anita and Robert R. […]
Posted inBusiness
IYRS School of Technology & Trades launches virtual campus tour
IYRS School of Technology & Trades now offers an interactive virtual tour of its marine trades and advanced technology campus. This digital experience gives prospective students and industry partners worldwide a chance to explore the school’s facilities from anywhere. Launched on Feb. 7, 2025, the virtual tour showcases 10 key areas including the marina, wharf, […]
Posted inBusiness
Discover Newport’s Evan Smith honored by RI Hospitality Association
The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) presented Evan Smith, President & CEO of Discover Newport, as the recipient of the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the 2024 ANCHORS Awards, held at Bally’s Lincoln recently. “This accolade recognizes Smith’s leadership and commitment to promoting Aquidneck Island nationally and internationally,” RIHA says in a press release. “The Chairman’s Award […]
Posted inBusiness
The Tasting Room at Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet will debut with an art and wine celebration
Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet and Gallery Sitka are teaming up to launch a new monthly event series called “2nd Fridays/All You Need is Art & Wine.” The kickoff event, a Valentine’s Day celebration, is set for Feb. 14 from 4:30-6 p.m. This event also marks the grand opening of The Tasting Room, a new […]
Posted inBusiness, News, Nonprofit
Newport Restaurant Group’s gift card program raises more than $71,000 for local nonprofits
Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) has announced that it has donated $71,142 to local nonprofits as a result of its annual, year-round gift card program, exceeding last year’s fundraising total by more than $7,000. Through the program, $2.00 from every gift card purchase is donated to area nonprofits fighting food insecurity. Since the program’s inception in […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News, Things To Do
Chili Cook-Off set to spice up Newport Winter Festival
Newport’s Winter Festival is heating up with the 28th Annual Chili Cook-Off, set for Feb. 15 at the Newport Marriott from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local restaurants and caterers are gearing up to compete for the title of best chili in town. Attendees get to taste and vote for their favorites, making it a […]
Posted inBusiness
Judge temporarily blocks Trump plan offering incentives for federal workers to resign
By CHRIS MEGERIAN, COLLIN BINKLEY and BYRON TAU Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to push out federal employees by offering them financial incentives. The ruling came hours before the midnight deadline for workers to apply for the deferred resignation program, which has been commonly described […]
Posted inBusiness
Significant voice for the homeless retires
For four decades, Russ Partridge has served the homeless community, from Crossroads in Providence to the WARM Center in Westerly, where he has been executive director for 17 years. He has earned a reputation statewide for the work he has done, the expertise he has shared, and as a voice for those silenced by poverty […]
Posted inBusiness
Island House Newport to open on March 13
Main Street Hospitality Group is set to open Island House Newport this March, expanding its portfolio of managed properties in New England. The new establishment, located at 37 Memorial Boulevard, aims to “provide a refined yet approachable luxury experience in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island”. Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality Group, announced […]
Posted inJobs
Newport seeks more police officer applicants
Newport is expanding its search for new police officers by extending the application deadline to Friday, February 7. This move aims to bring in more candidates for entry-level positions. The city’s Human Resources Department pushed back the original February 4 cutoff to give potential applicants extra time to submit their materials. To be considered, you […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Movies and TV shows casting in Rhode Island
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of […]
Posted inJobs
Portsmouth Police Department launches hiring campaign with competitive salaries
The Portsmouth Police Department is on the lookout for new officers, offering great pay and a variety of specialized roles. New officers start at $64,358 in their first year, with salaries jumping to $78,802 in year two and $88,756 for those with three or more years under their belt. There’s more money on the table […]
Posted inBusiness
Greater Newport Chamber to host Economic Update Luncheon at Blue Innovation Symposium
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Economic Update Luncheon with Rhode Island’s Commerce Secretary, Liz Tanner, on February 12. This event is part of the 10th annual Blue Innovation Symposium at the Wyndham Newport Hotel. The luncheon features a fireside chat between Tanner and Tobias Stapleton, Director of the Blue Venture Forum, […]
Posted inBusiness
Farm Fresh Rhode Island awarded $10,000 grant from Jacques Pépin Foundation
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is one of 16 organizations across the country to receive a $10,000 grant from the Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF) for its work in culinary education and community support. The Providence-based program runs the Harvest Kitchen culinary job training initiative, which helps youth ages 16-19 involved with the Rhode Island Department of […]
Posted inBusiness
Better Bay Alliance hosting Boating Safety Seminars
The Better Bay Alliance is rolling out a series of boating safety seminars across Rhode Island in 2025. These sessions aim to boost maritime safety for everyone from seasoned captains to first-time boaters. The seminars will cover key topics like navigation rules, how to read waterway markers, and essential safety practices. What to Expect at […]
Posted inBusiness
Quonset, Rhode Island leaders kick off construction of REGENT’s new seaglider manufacturing facility
Federal, state and local leaders joined the Quonset Development Corporation today for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction at REGENT Craft, Inc.’s (REGENT) new seaglider manufacturing facility. REGENT, headquartered at Quonset Business Park, will lease an additional 255,000-square-foot facility in the Park for 25 years. The company’s expansion is expected to create 300 new […]
Posted inBusiness
Rhody Surf offers scholarship for Aquidneck Island high school seniors
Local surf school Rhody Surf is giving back to the community with a new scholarship program. They’re offering a $500 award to an Aquidneck Island high school senior who can best describe how the ocean has made a positive impact on their life. The Newport-based company, which has been teaching surfing since 2011, is now […]
Posted inBusiness
Potter League Annual Meeting to feature Renowned veterinarian Dr. Ann Hohenhaus
The Potter League for Animals invites the community to its Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Wayfinder Hotel in Newport. This inspiring evening will celebrate the organization’s 2024 achievements, preview exciting plans for 2025, and feature a compelling talk by guest speaker Dr. Ann Hohenhaus. Dr. Ann […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Hospital appoints Sarah Nekrasz as Chief Nursing Officer
Newport Hospital this week announced the appointment of Sarah Nekrasz, MSN, RN, BC, FPCC as the new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Sarah has been serving in this role on an interim basis since September 2024 and has been an integral part of the nursing team here at Newport Hospital for more than 26 years. “Over her decades […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Restaurant Group names Mick Lamond its next President and CEO
Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) is making waves with a big change at the top. The company has promoted Executive Vice President Mick Lamond to president and CEO, taking over from Paul O’Reilly. O’Reilly isn’t leaving the company entirely. He’s stepping into a special advisor role, where he’ll focus on helping NRG grow strategically. This shift […]
Posted inBusiness
NUWC Division Newport appoints new activity chief information officer
Story by Public Affairs Office, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport. This story originally appeared here. NEWPORT, R.I. – When he first enrolled at Rhode Island College, Josh Hammond had visions of becoming a math teacher and took accounting courses, but a summertime job at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport between his junior […]