In an email to supporters and fans on Saturday, March 9, Newport Contemporary Ballet (NCB) announced that Executive Director Peter Bramante is no longer with the company. NCB did not provide a reason for Bramante’s departure but said, “We are very grateful for his many contributions to the company during these past 4 years, and […]
Newport County
Posted inCity & Government
Ride The Wave: Free Uber rides will be offered following Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Officials from the City of Newport will announce on Monday, March 11, that it will offer free rideshare services via Uber following the annual Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16, 2024. Newport Police and Fire Chiefs, City Councilors, and Strategic Prevention Partnership will announce “Ride the Wave,” an initiative to protect people at […]
Posted inCity & Government
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (March 9 – 16)
The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. RITBA Weekly Lane Closure Updates March 10 – 16, 2024 Newport Claiborne Pell Bridge Upcoming improvements in the roadway between the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Sewage Spill closes western Bristol Harbor to shellfishing
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced on Friday, March 8 that a 458-acre portion of the western side of Bristol Harbor will be closing to shellfish harvest at sunrise on Saturday, March 9. All waters north of a line extending from the southernmost tip of Usher Point in Bristol to the northernmost […]
Posted inCity & Government
Recap: This week at the Rhode Island General Assembly
Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the General Assembly this week. For more information on any of these items, click here. Speaker Shekarchi announces 2024 housing legislation Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) announced a 15-bill package of legislation regarding housing issues, his fourth comprehensive […]
Posted inCity & Government
How gas prices have changed in Rhode Island in the last week
Gasoline prices are rising in line with the seasonal switchover to summer blend fuels this week, with the national average for a gallon of gas up about 7 cents. Gas prices have risen about 25 cents over the past month. Prices are rising most in states like Ohio, Missouri, and Kansas, where drivers are paying […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Edward F. Cinq Mars Jr.,
Edward F. Cinq Mars Jr., 75, of Middletown, RI, passed away on March 8, 2024, in Newport Hospital. Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Edward and Alice (Sherwood) Cinq Mars. Edward graduated from Middletown High School in 1966. He served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Navy Reserves. Following […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Theatre Review: ‘Frozen’ at PPAC is a fun and satisfying show
I’ll admit it. I’ve never watched Disney’s animated “Frozen” from start to finish. I’ve seen parts but never the whole thing. And, of course, I’ve heard the soundtrack over and over again. So, I looked forward to seeing the live version of “Frozen” at the Providence Performing Arts Center. And I was not disappointed. The […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOT provides an update on the Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 project
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) provided the following update on the Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 project today. Next week, daytime right lane closures are scheduled for fiber optic and lighting utilities within the shoulder on Route 138, from the Pell Bridge to the JT Connell Connector, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Although […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Lawmakers hope bill package will ease Rhode Island’s housing crisis
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi is pushing a package of more than a dozen bills aimed at addressing the state’s ongoing housing crisis. One proposal would give homeowners the right to develop accessory dwelling units for family members with a disability or on any lot larger than 20,000 square feet […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island now accepting applications for Keep Rhode Island Litter Free Microgrant Program
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is currently accepting applications for the Keep Rhode Island Litter Free Microgrant Program. This program will provide funding to groups dedicated to keeping Rhode Island clean. The program was inspired by Governor Dan McKee, First Lady Susan McKee’s Litter-Free Rhode Island initiative, which launched in 2022. The […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Guide: What’s Happening at Newport’s bars and restaurants on Saint Patrick’s Parade Day
The 68th Annual Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be held, rain, snow, or shine, on Saturday, March 16, 2024. The Parade will begin promptly at 11:00 am in front of Newport City Hall and will proceed to Carroll Avenue at Saint Augustin’s Church. The parade this year is estimated to last 2 hours and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to host executive session on City Manager search, workshop on Zoning Ordinances
Newport City Council will hold upcoming meetings to address the ongoing search for a City Manager, the replacement of the Chair of the Newport Zoning Board of Review, and Zoning Ordinances. Executive Session Newport City Council will meet in Executive Session on Wednesday, March 13, at 5 p.m. to discuss the City Manager Search and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Common Cause Rhode Island to host event on the Access to Public Records Act
The Access to Public Records Act (ARPA) is a vital tool for journalists to inform the public about the government and its decisions. As part of Common Cause Rhode Island’s Demystifying Democracy series, this event will highlight ARPA’s importance and its role in ensuring transparency in government. The event, which is free and open to […]
Posted inBusiness
Flo’s Clam Shack in Middletown reopens for the season on March 14
Flo’s Clam Shack announced on Facebook this week that its Middletown location will reopen for the season at 11 am on Thursday, March 14, 2024. To kick off the season, they will be open weekly, Thursday through Sunday, from 11 am to 9 pm. Flo’s Clam Shack at Island Park in Portsmouth typically reopens for […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
AOH Pipes & Drums, AOH Men’s Singers to perform at Midtown Oyster Bar on March 15
Join What’sUpNewp from 4 pm to 6 pm on Friday, March 15, the eve of the 2024 Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, at Midtown Oyster Bar for our 7th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade Day Celebration! Once again, the celebration features a performance by the Ancient Order of Hibernian’s (AOH) Pipes & Drums and AOH Men’s Singers. For those of […]
Posted inBusiness
CCRI earns National Recognition for Maritime Workforce Training
The Community College of Rhode Island has received national recognition for its training programs. The college has now been designated as a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The designation is a testament to the college’s efforts to provide training and education opportunities to students who are seeking careers in the […]
Posted inReal Estate
On The Market: An inside look at this weekend’s Open Houses in Newport County
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade your living space, Open Houses are a great way to see multiple properties. From charming starter homes to luxury single families, this weekend’s open houses showcase a diverse range of options to suit every lifestyle. Inventory still remains extremely scarce across Newport County, and sellers are […]
Posted inCity & Government
Open House to be held on Saturday, March 9, to say farewell to Rogers High School gym
Your final opportunity to say farewell to the Rogers High School Gym will be on Saturday, March 9, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. “There will be plenty of RETRO MEMORABILIA to take home, photo opportunities, and time to reminisce with old friends and teammates,” Josie Chaves, Rogers High School Athletic Director, tells What’sUpNewp. Come […]
Posted inNews
Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District to host Earth Month Events
The Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, as part of Aquidneck Island Earth Week, will host a series of events to celebrate Earth Month. The events will take place throughout April. The events include rain barrel workshops, a seedling sale, trash pickups, and more. These events are open to the public and will help the community […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Foundation is accepting applications for $10,000 grants to support community projects
The Rhode Island Foundation has announced that it is currently taking applications for $10,000 grants from local libraries, neighborhood groups and nonprofit organizations for projects that aim to bring people together. “Communities thrive where people, places, and traditions meet. We want your best suggestions for enhancing the quality of life, building relationships, enlivening neighborhoods, and […]
Posted inNews
Reminder: ‘Spring Forward’ this weekend; check smoke detectors, too
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 am on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Unfortunately, it means that you’ll lose an hour of sleep this weekend. But the good news is that the sunset will be much later in the evening. In Newport, the sun will rise at 6:05 am on Saturday and will set at 5:45 […]
Posted inBusiness
Triple scoop success: Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream opening in Portsmouth, their third location
Spring is just around the corner, and as warmer weather approaches, local ice cream joints are awakening from their winter slumber. Warren and Jess Sternberg, the owners of Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream, have spent the winter months working hard to grow their small business. This spring, Aquidneck Islanders will be treated to a shop expansion […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Senate passes bill to protect patients’ pharmacy options
The Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Linda Ujifusa that protects patients from an insurance scheme called “white bagging” that interferes with how prescribed drugs are delivered and administered. White bagging refers to a practice where insurers require patients to get their prescriptions from insurer-affiliated pharmacies that are often mail order-only. The bill […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Energy: Significant drop in electricity supply prices coming for customers
Rhode Island Energy announced today that electricity supply prices will drop significantly this spring based on a new rate proposal that is before the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC). The supply decrease applies to those Rhode Island Energy customers who are on the Company’s default supply rate, also known as its Last Resort Service […]