The following was submitted by Newport Public Schools/Newport Public Education Foundation. Established by Peter and Melinda Gerard in 2017, the Loti Falk Gaffney Music Empowerment Fund was founded to support the Pell Inspiration Program (PIP), an initiative designed to introduce Pell Elementary School students to inspired musicians through an artist-in-residence program. This year, the Gerards […]
News
Posted inNews
Sen. DiPalma and Rep. McNamara introduce bill to study RI Board of Education
Sen. Louis P. DiPalma and Rep. Joseph M. McNamara have introduced legislation (2022-S 2442 / 2022-H 7784) that would create a joint study commission to examine the governance structure of Rhode Island’s public education system. The purpose of the commission would be to study, review, and make recommendations on how to most efficiently and effectively administer the […]
Posted inHistory
Portsmouth group forms non-profit to spotlight Rhode Island’s role in the Revolutionary War
As the U.S. and Rhode Island prepare for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, a new non-profit organization based out of Portsmouth has been formed to spotlight the role of Rhode Island in the War for Independence. The Battle of Rhode Island Association (BoRIA) shares in a press […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOT provides an update on Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation on Friday provided a project update on Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2. “Bridge deck demolition and rehabilitation work continues along Route 138 behind barrier at the three bridge overpasses which may require temporary lane shifts along Third Street and JT Connell Highway, and excavation, drainage and conduit work along […]
Posted inNews
Top stories this week on What’sUpNewp
Catch up on all of the most popular stories that appeared on What’sUpNewp this week, February 27 – March 5. 1 – 20-foot section of the Cliff Walk suffered a ‘catastrophic failure’ 2 – Winners of 2022 Newport Burger Bender announced 3 – What Sold: 10 Newport County real estate sales, transactions (Feb. 21 – […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Diossa picks up endorsements for treasurer; Congressional candidate Neary hires staff
This is our regular column that wraps up some of the top political stories of the moment. This year will be among Rhode Island’s most active and fiery elections, from local races to crowded gubernatorial and U.S. House of Representative campaigns. This is our regular column that wraps up some of the top political stories […]
Posted inNews
20-foot section of the Cliff Walk suffered a ‘catastrophic failure’
A section of the Cliff Walk collapsed into the water below around 2 pm on Thursday. Newport Police Department immediately closed off the section between Webster St. and Narragansett Ave. On Instagram on Thursday, the City of Newport shared, “Please be advised that Newport’s Cliff Walk has experienced a significant landslide and partial collapse in […]
Posted inNews
Masks will be optional at Newport Public Schools
On Thursday evening, the Newport School Committee voted 7-0 to make masking optional in Newport Public Schools and on school buses. This policy will go into effect today after the Governor’s executive order ends at 5:00 pm. The amended policy is located here. While the Newport Public Schools policy is now optional masking, Newport Public Schools encourages everyone […]
Posted inNews
How to responsibly donate to Ukrainian causes
Beth Gazley, Indiana University When Russia invaded Ukraine, I responded like many Americans: by making charitable donations. I was able to make my gift with confidence because I’m a scholar of nonprofits who has studied giving during disasters and other crises. Mostly I’ve studied how charities help local communities after events like hurricanes and earthquakes, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up Interview: Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of RI Film and TV Office
You may have already heard the good news. HBO’s The Gilded Age, partially filmed in Newport, has been renewed for a second season. But that’s not the whole story when it comes to the film industry in Rhode Island. Earlier this week, I spoke to Steve Feinberg, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Dawn Euer invites District 13 constituents to participate in her 2022 constituent survey
Rhode Island State Senator Dawn Euer has released her 2022 constituent survey, which will be available online until March 11. Sen. Euer said, “This past year brought many challenges to Rhode Island, but it also brought chances for progress. Last session, I introduced more legislation than ever before on a wide range of issues that affect […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Pet of the Week: Marmaduke
Meet your new best friend, Marmaduke – this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Marmaduke is a 10-month-old male Hound/Mix. Marmaduke is considered a large dog, weighing in at between 60 – 99 pounds. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee, RIDOH update quarantine recommendations for DHS-licensed early learning programs
As the state continues to implement an endemic COVID-19 management strategy, Governor Dan McKee, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced updated quarantine recommendations for DHS-licensed early learning programs. More from Governor McKee’s Office; These updates incorporate the latest COVID-19 community levels of risk […]
Posted inNews
South County, Newport County getting $375,000 in grants for children’s mental health
The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded $375,000 in grants to improve children’s behavioral health in Newport County and South County. “These are extraordinarily stressful times for so many people in our state. Existing behavioral health challenges have been exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19. These grants focus on addressing disparities in access to behavioral health services and […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIPTA seeks public input from passengers to improve service in Newport, West Bay, and Pawtucket
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is hosting three community-focused virtual workshops on proposed service improvements in West Bay, Pawtucket and Newport. RIPTA is proposing the addition of three new routes, as well as service improvements to Routes 1, 13, 29, 71, 73, 75, 76, 78, 80 and the R-Line. These proposed service changes […]
Posted inNews
Election 2022: Magaziner picks up endorsements, Rhode Island GOP hires executive director
This year will be among Rhode Island’s most active and fiery elections, from local races to crowded gubernatorial and U.S. House of Representative campaigns. This is our regular column that wraps up up some of the top political stories of the moment. Rhode Island GOP Hires an Executive Director The Rhode Island Republican Party has […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Governor McKee to host COVID-19 briefing on Friday, will be focused on updated guidance from the CDC
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a COVID-19 briefing on Friday at 10:30 am at the State House. According to Governor McKee’s office, this briefing will be focused on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rhode Island Department of Health Consultant Medical Director Philip Chan, Senior […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Salve Regina University: Masks now optional inside Salve Regina buildings
Salve Regina University today announced that beginning at 8 am today masks will be optional inside their buildings. Here’s the full email announcement from Salve Regina University; “Dear Salve Regina community,Throughout the course of this pandemic, our campus policies and operations have been carefully aligned with the latest CDC guidelines and recommendations. Late last week, […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks Events – What’s Up in RI this weekend: March 4-6
As Covid continues to retreat, now is a great time to go out and do the things you used to do, pre-pandemic. Like going to the movies, checking out live comedy, or shopping at a vintage market. A quick reminder, many venues and businesses still have vax and/or mask requirements. Check ahead of time and […]
Posted inNews
Love Defeats Fear: Newport yoga studio will host ‘Yoga For Ukraine’ on March 11
Love Defeats Fear, a yoga studio in downtown Newport, will host a special donation-only class to benefit children of war-torn Ukraine on Friday, March 11th at 6:00 pm. According to studio owner Rachael Whitworth, all proceeds from the 90-minute, all-levels class will go directly to unicef.com to support Ukrainian children impacted by the conflict with Russia. View this post on […]
Posted inNews
‘Peace Vigil for Ukraine’ to be held on URI Campus on Thursday
The University of Rhode Island (URI) Chaplains Association and the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies will sponsor a Peace Vigil for Ukraine on Thursday, March 3, at 5 pm. According to URI News, the brief ceremony will include readings, prayers, and personal reflections, as well as information and resources for those who wish to support the people […]
Posted inNews
Newport City Council returns to City Hall for their next Council Meeting, here’s what’s on the docket
Newport City Council will host their next regular council meeting on Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held in person in the Council Chambers at Newport City hall. Here’s a look at what’s on the agenda. Supporting attachments will be available on the City of Newport website in the coming days. […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Lifespan eases some restrictions, expands visitation policy at local hospitals
In response to declining COVID numbers, Lifespan today announced via a press release that it has revised its visitation policy to ease some restrictions and expand access while maintaining patient and staff safety. The major changes to Lifespan’s visitation policy, effective Wednesday, March 2, 2022, are: Visitation hours at Rhode Island Hospital increased to 2pm […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
CCRI updates COVID-19 policies, procedures
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) today announced that they will be making changes to their COVID-19 policies in the weeks ahead. In a letter to students and faculty, Alix Ogden, Vice President, Administration and External Affairs at CCRI wrote; “I know we are all watching in hopeful anticipation as the COVID-19 trends statewide […]
Posted inCity & Government
Town of Middletown receives a $60,000 Community Support Grant from Discover Newport
The Town of Middletown today announced that it has received a $60,000 check from Discover Newport to pay for enhancements to visitor experiences. While the Town doesn’t have a specific plan for the grant, Town officials said it will be put to good use. The Town of Middletown shared the following on their website on […]