“Trash is treasure,” says Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist who has turned garbage into bigger-than-life sculptures, a giant swan in Denmark to trolls in Rhode Island. In a few days, on May 3, the first two of possibly six or seven trolls will take residence in Charlestown’s Ninigret Park. Dambo’s trolls, all built from recycled […]
People & Profiles
Posted inHistory, Newport County, People & Profiles, Rhode Island
This Day in RI History: March 29, 1927, TV personality John McLaughlin is born in Providence
John McLaughlin was a Providence-born American television personality and political commentator most noted for his public affairs television show The McLaughlin Group. McLaughlin was born March 29, 1927 in Providence where he later attended La Salle Academy. He was ordained a priest after graduating Boston College and later received a PhD. from Columbia University. McLauglin […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
This Day in RI History: March 13, 1799 -Oliver Shaw born in Newport
Oliver Shaw was one of the first important American classical composers. Due to a childhood accident and later a case of yellow fever, he was totally blind when he composed many of his most notable works. His works included many references to local places including “Taunton,” “Bristol” and “Trip to Pawtucket.” Shaw also composed numerous […]
Posted inHistory
This Day in RI History: March 7, 1707 – Stephen Hopkins born in Providence
March 7, 1707, was the birthday of Stephen Hopkins, perhaps the most famous Rhode Islander from the colonial period. One of the most accomplished politicians in the state’s history, Hopkin’s resume was impressive. It included four terms as Governor of the Rhode Island colony, President of the Scituate Town Council, Chief Justice of the Rhode […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
On This Day In History – February 25, 1842: Ida Lewis born in Newport
Lighthouse keeper and hero Ida Lewis was born on this day in Newport in 1842. Lewis made countless rescues during her time, she made her first rescue at the age of 12 and her last recorded rescue at the age of 63. She is credited for saving at least 18 lives. In 1869 she became […]
Posted inNews
Black History Month – Dr. Harriet Alleyne Rice: A native Newport Black History heroine that is largely unknown in the city of her birth
The following was written for What’s Up Newp by Keith Stokes, Vice President of the 1696 Heritage Group. This story was originally published on Feb. 11 ,2021. A native Newport Black History heroine that is largely unknown in the city of her birth. Harriet Alleyne Rice was born to George and Lucinda Rice in 1866 in […]
Posted inNews
Charter Books to welcome Author Laird Hunt February 6 at 6PM
Story by Ruthie Wood Newport’s indie bookstore, Charter Books, is celebrating the release of Float Up, Sing Down, the new collection of short stories from Laird Hunt, in an evening with the author on February 6 at 6PM. Set in the same rural Indiana town as his 2021 novel Zorrie (a National Book Award Finalist), […]
Posted inNews
Moral complexity, empathy, and difficult conversations in the wake of the Israel-Hamas Conflict
Well before the attack on October 7, 2023, there were many, including many liberal Jews, who felt the Palestinian people suffered disproportionately at the hands of the Israeli government. In 2022, it led educator/playwright/actor Sandra Laub to craft her one-woman show, Picking Up Stones: An American Jew Wakes to a Nightmare. In the wake of […]
Posted inNews
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Deanna Lopes, Director of Paradigm Escape Rooms
Paradigm Escape Rooms on William Street is bringing interactive entertainment to Aquidneck Island with two newly designed, second-generation escape room experiences, fit for everyone, rain or shine. Deanna Lopes, Director of Paradigm Escape Rooms, joined What’sUpNewp at 2 pm on Monday, September 18 for a live virtual video conversation to tell us more about Paradigm […]
Posted inCity & Government
Watch: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Wednesday, September 6 at 1:30 pm. During the conversation, we discuss the new school year, and the latest on the Rogers High School construction project, and more.
Posted inCity & Government
Watch: A conversation with Gabe Amo, Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District
Former White House aide Gabe Amo could become the first person of color to represent Rhode Island in Congress after his win Tuesday in the crowded Democratic primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District. Amo, a Pawtucket resident, will square off against Jamestown resident Gerry Leonard, a U.S. Marine veteran and political newcomer who defeated […]
Posted inArts & Culture
CUSP Gallery Brings Art Crowd to Broadway
Newport’s art scene could be on the cusp of transformation, thanks to a new gallery at 35 Broadway and the vision of its owner, Curtis Speer, an artist who relocated to Newport in November. Along with his partner, Tyler Martin, Speer moved his CUSP Gallery & Lifestyle from the well-established artist colony of Provincetown, MA […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Interview: We speak with Rising Stars at the Newport Jazz Festival
What’s Up Newp sat down with a trio of young artists at the Newport Jazz Festival last weekend. We met Matthew Whitaker, Julius Rodriguez and members of Butcher Brown at the festival. Here’s what they had to say. Butcher Brown Butcher Brown, a band of five artists from Richmond, Virginia, played the Quad Stage at […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Louis Cato, TV late night bandleader, offers ‘Reflections,’ a new album of ‘laid bare, honest’ songs
By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Musician and producer Jack DeBoe recalls the time many years ago when he fully grasped the sheer musical ability of his new friend, Louis Cato. DeBoe and Cato were playing a gig in Boston when DeBoe got up from his drum kit for a break. […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Stephen Casey, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1
Stephen Casey, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 2 pm on Thursday, August 3, 2023. During the interview, we learn more about Stephen, find out why he’s running in this special election, and discuss what he believes sets him apart from his opponents. […]
Posted inHistory
This Day in RI History: July 13, 1948 – US Congressman and Bryant University President Ron Machtley is born
On July 13, 1948, former US Congressman and later Bryant University President Ron Machtley was born in Johnston, PA. Machtley attended the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy from 1970-1975. After his service he received his Juris Doctoris from Suffolk UNiversoty Law School in Boston. Machtley ran for the U.S. House of Representatives […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: Newport School Superintendent joins What’sUpNewp for a review of the past year, look at challenges ahead
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joined WUN’s Ryan Belmore and Frank Prosnitz on the first day of summer school vacation to recap the year that was, talk about the challenges ahead, and more. Watch or listen to our conversation below.
Posted inArts & Culture
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with NewportOUT’s Sean O’Connor about Newport Pride Weekend
Newport Pride Weekend returns Friday, June 23, through Sunday, June 25. NewportOUT’s Sean O’Connor joined What’sUpNewp to provide details about Pride Weekend, give us some background and information on the new Pride Center in Newport, and more. For more information on Newport Pride Weekend or the Newport Pride Center, visit www.newportprideri.org. Watch or listen to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
WUN-ON-ONE: Salve grad discusses his latest novel, ‘Glass Bottle Season’
“Fletcher Michael’s GLASS BOTTLE SEASON is a closely observed coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of the insular culture of Newport royalty. This boozy, immersive novel will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or has experienced that painful passage between the last gasps of childhood and the beginnings of adulthood. It’s […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Cathleen Carr, Executive Director of newportFILM
Cathleen Carr, Executive Director of newportFILM, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation today. During the conversation, Ryan Belmore and Cathleen discuss the upcoming newportFILM 2023 Outdoors lineup, which includes an exciting lineup of eleven world-class and award-winning documentaries. Patrick And The Whale kicks off the summer schedule on Thursday night at The Great Friends […]
Posted inCity & Government, People & Profiles
Mayor Xay joins What’sUpNewp for a WUN-ON-ONE conversation
Newport Mayor Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 2 pm on Thursday, June 15. Among the topics, we recap the June 14 Regular Meeting of the Newport City Council and talk to the Mayor about the Cliff Walk, short-term rental application fees, the Rogers High School and Pell Bridge […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Facing education’s challenges: a conversation with Newport School Superintendent Jermain
For Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain, the 2022-23 school year has been one with considerable challenges, as the school system looks to the next school year to improve upon what was not a very promising “report card” by the Rhode Island Department of Education, a school building project that faces financial challenges, and an […]
Posted inHistory
This Day in RI History: May 25, 1725 -Colonial Governor Samuel Ward born in Newport
Samuel Ward was an American farmer, politician, Supreme Court Justice, Governor of Rhode Island and a delegate to the Continental Congress. Born in Newport, he was the son of Rhode Island Governor Richard Ward. Ward got his start in politics as a delegate from Westerly and was elected Governor in 1758. He was defeated by […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
WUN videocasts Thursday: at 10 with Mayor Xay and at 2 with General Treasurer James Diossa
It’s a doubleheader today for WhatsUpNewp, with Newport Mayor Xay joining WUN for a videocast at 10 a.m. and General Treasurer James Diossa at 1. The mayor joins us for his regular appearance the day after a council meeting, and now a day after City Manager Joe Nicholson announced his retirement after 37 years of […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Evan Smith, President of Discover Newport
You may not know it but this week (May 7 – 13, 2023) is National Travel and Tourism Week. According to the U.S. Travel Association, National Travel and Tourism Week is “an annual tradition to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, […]