This week, I am writing from Houston, Texas, where I am attending the National Association of Realtors conference alongside delegates, leaders, and affiliated board members and staff from Rhode Island and all across the country. Our Newport County contingent includes current NCBR President Rhonda Mesenbourg and our administrator, Hannah Hodgson, as well as past President […]
People & Profiles
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Newport housing advocate gets new roof from local partnership
A Newport housing advocate who has spent decades fighting for underserved families received a new roof Tuesday through a partnership between local and national organizations. Pauline Perkins-Moye, 86, affectionately known as “Ms. Pauline,” had the roof and skylights at her Burnside Avenue residence replaced by Middletown-based A1 Roofing & Construction in collaboration with GAF, North […]
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Helen Hames: A movie night with Angela Lima
On October 24, 1975, an entire country experienced an abrupt wake-up call that would change the course of gender equality for women around the world and eventually help pave the way for progress here in Rhode Island. The awakening happened in Iceland when women, many in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, decided to take a […]
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Women-led organizations prepare Rhode Island for a historic 2026
For New England fans of World Cup soccer, your countdown for the “Summer of Soccer” has begun – and for Rhode Island businesses large and small, now is the time to start planning your participation. An estimated 2.2 million people will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and events in the Boston area next […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown Planning Director honored for distinguished public service
Ronald M. Wolanski, director of planning and economic development for the Town of Middletown, received the Robert M. Goodrich Distinguished Public Service Award on Monday during the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council’s 49th annual meeting. The award recognizes outstanding local government employees. “Ron has been a vital resource and trusted leader for Middletown for 23 […]
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Newport Superintendent discusses departure decision, school updates during monthly q&a
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain discussed her decision to step down after more than 12 years leading the district during Wednesday’s monthly “Ask The Superintendent” conversation with What’sUpNewp’s Frank Prosnitz and Ryan Belmore, explaining that the timing feels right as major facility projects reach completion. Burns Jermain announced in October that she will conclude […]
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Newport superintendent to discuss school updates in live Q&A Wednesday
Just two weeks after announcing her planned departure, Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will field questions from the community during Wednesday’s “Ask The Superintendent” live virtual conversation. The monthly discussion, hosted by What’sUpNewp, is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. and comes at a pivotal moment for the district. Jermain revealed on October 14 […]
Posted inBusiness
Wayfinder Newport hires Keith Chouinard as sales and marketing director
Wayfinder Newport has appointed Keith Chouinard as director of sales and marketing, the hotel announced Tuesday. Chouinard will oversee all sales and marketing initiatives for the property, including strategic partnerships, revenue growth and brand positioning as Wayfinder continues its relaunch. Chouinard brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry. He most […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Spotlighting the busy women (and a few good men) behind the scenes at the Broadway Street Fair
Historians and cartographers will tell you that “Broadway” is typically one of the first streets laid out on a city map, designed as a central artery for commerce. The name, derived from the Dutch Breede weg, meaning “broad way,” likely originated from Native American footpaths that ran diagonally down the length of Manhattan Island. Newport’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Country star Phil Vassar brings 25th anniversary ‘Paradise’ tour to Cranston
Country music star Phil Vassar brings his “25 Years of Paradise” tour to the Park Theatre on Oct. 24, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his breakout No. 1 hit “Just Another Day in Paradise.” The intimate acoustic performance promises nightly setlist changes and covers of musical legends like Billy Joel and Elton John. For Vassar, […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News, People & Profiles
Breast cancer cases increase, while the death rate decreases
More than 1,100 women in Rhode Island and more than 316,000 women nationally will be diagnosed by the end of this year with breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. That diagnosis will present what will seem for many insurmountable physical and emotional challenges. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we caught up […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Marcus Samuelsson brings message of heritage and community to Newport Wine & Food Festival
Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson (“Chopped,” “Top Chef Masters”) headlined this year’s Newport Wine & Food Festival, and his Conversation event proved to be one of the big highlights of the late summer. The intimate talk took place at Rosecliff, culminating the festivities. Gathered guests were treated to a rare opportunity to hear directly from one […]
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Dewey Bunnell keeps America’s music alive on the road
Fifty-five years after the band America was formed, Dewey Bunnell finds it “very satisfying that our songs still have a life. All of it is exciting.” I had a nice chat with Bunnell recently in advance of America’s appearance at the Providence Performing Arts Center on October 18. He was relaxing in his home in […]
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Newport superintendent to discuss school updates in live Q&A Wednesday
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Wednesday at 1:30 pm. The discussion typically covers a range of topics from curriculum updates and facility improvements to budget matters and student achievement initiatives. Community members can submit questions in advance through a Google form available at whatsupnewp.com/ask-the-superintendent/, or pose […]
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Coming Home: At 89, Alice Bowman finds purpose in life’s fifth season
In this country, more than one million older adults live in over 30,000 assisted living communities and those numbers continue to grow as our population ages. The options can feel overwhelming. And just like no two people are exactly alike, no two senior living communities are either. Throughout my career helping older adults and families, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
URI launches study abroad program honoring late Newport resident Earl Smith
The University of Rhode Island launched its inaugural Earl N. Smith III Cabo Verde Study Abroad Program this summer, honoring a beloved former assistant dean who was a Newport resident, according to URI. Eleven URI students traveled to Cabo Verde as part of the program that celebrates Smith’s commitment to social justice and cross-cultural understanding. […]
Posted inBusiness
Michele Gallagher: Newport Chowder Company – From family recipe to coast-to-coast delicacy
In September, we New Englanders watch the leaves start to fall and the temperatures begin to drop. Sweaters and coats come out of storage, and boats start leaving the marinas for their winter havens. And just like that, we’re ready for chowder—Newport style! This weekend, while enjoying the Newport International Boat Show, I’ll be joining […]
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County names new CEO
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County has appointed Kelley Coen as its chief executive officer, the organization announced in a press release. Coen, currently the club’s chief advancement officer, will officially begin her new role Sept. 25. “I am honored to be leading the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County,” Coen said […]
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Newport superintendent to address community questions in monthly live forum
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will sit down with What’sUpNewp tomorrow afternoon for her regular monthly conversation with the community, offering parents, students, and residents a direct line to district leadership just one week before the new school year begins. The live virtual discussion, scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 1:30 p.m., provides a platform […]
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Tree of Life yacht offers luxury sailing charters from Newport Harbor
The 33-year-old sailing yacht Tree of Life operates luxury charter services from Newport Harbor, offering an alternative to larger commercial tour boats on Narragansett Bay. Built in 1991 at Covey Island Boatworks in Nova Scotia, the vessel has been based in Newport for several years under the operation of Capt. Josh Jacques and his wife, […]
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
Watch: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her monthly one-on-one conversation on Wednesday, June 18, at 1:30 pm. Have a question for the Superintendent? Ask it here.
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Rev. Meaghan K. Brower named new Rector of Trinity Church
Trinity Church announced in an email to subscribers and supporters on Tuesday (June 17) that it will soon welcome Reverend Meaghan Kelly Browers as its new Rector. Norris Commodore, Senior Warden at Trinity Church, shared the following in a letter. To the members and friends of Trinity Church, Newport: It is with great excitement that […]
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Newport native graduates from U.S. Naval Academy
Michael A. “Mac” Cullen, son of Beth and Mike Cullen of Newport, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on Friday, May 23, 2025, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. Cullen was among more than 1,000 midshipmen to graduate in the Academy’s 174th graduating class. The ceremony took […]
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Provence sur Mer serves up elegant French-inspired hospitality
A Celebration of Vision and Place Karen Pinelli is enjoying her second act. And she has created the perfect backdrop: an 1850 historic building overlooking Washington Square in the heart of Newport. Pinelli was a sales executive in Boston for more than 30 years, working in the HR & Employee Benefits industry. As she helped […]