Posted inNews

Gaudet Gets New Principal: Gerald Haas

The Middletown School Committee has appointed Gerald Haas as the new principal of Gaudet Middle School. He will take over the position on Sept. 3. Haas, a 2013 graduate of Middletown High School, has served as a mathematics teacher at Middletown High School. He began working at Gaudet in 2018. “Entering this role is honestly […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment

Middletown’s DeBlois Gallery celebrated 40 years: Fortyssimo

Situated in a prime location right at the entrance into Newport, on Aquidneck Avenue near Easton’s Beach, the DeBlois Gallery just celebrated 40 years with champagne toasts and lots of great conversation among Aquidneck Island’s and Southern New England’s artists. Previously located on Bellevue Avenue, DeBlois weathered the move to the accessible location next to […]

Posted inNews, Sports

Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon practices with team, discusses contract situation

By BRENDAN McGAIR Associated Press FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Matthew Judon spoke to reporters on Monday at training camp about his hope to get a new contract from the New England Patriots. The four-time Pro Bowler also had fellow linebacker Jahlani Tavai join him for post-practice media duty. For two questions, Tavai served as Judon’s […]

Posted inNews

Rhode Island Foundation awards $340,000 in grants to dozens of Newport County nonprofit organizations

Dozens of nonprofit organizations serving Newport County residents will share nearly $340,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation. The funding will support work ranging from educational programs for schoolchildren and disaster recovery preparation to food pantries and arts activities.    “We are grateful to be able to help these organizations carry out their crucial […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Tammy White

Tammy S White, 56, of Newport, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at her home on August 2, 2024 surrounded by close family. Born in Marion, OH on March 27, 1968, She was the daughter of the late Barbara (Wittstruck) Dunn. Although she was born in Ohio, Tammy was a proud Newporter. Tammy, known to many […]

Posted inNews

RIPEC honored by National Public Policy Organization

The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) has been awarded a number of awards for its research and policy work, the organization announced today. The state’s leading public policy think tank has been recognized by the Governmental Research Association (GRA) for its work on education funding, chronic absenteeism and housing affordability. RIPEC will be featured […]

Posted inThings To Do

Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers to host 2024 National Muster of Fifes & Drums at Fort Adams on August 9 – 10

The Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers, Rhode Island Historic Revolutionary War units, announced they are co-hosting the 2024 National Muster of Fifes & Drums in Newport, RI. The event will be held on August 9 and 10. The Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers are both celebrating the 250th anniversary of the granting of their charter, […]

Posted inNews

Pope Francis’ main adviser on clergy abuse, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, retires as archbishop of Boston

By NICK PERRY, PATRICK WHITTLE and HOLLY RAMER Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Seán O’Malley as archbishop of Boston on Monday and named the bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, Richard Henning, to replace him as leader of one of the most important Catholic archdioceses in the United States. The Vatican […]

Posted inMusic & Entertainment

What’s Up Interview: Trumpeter Riley Mulherkar talks about Newport experience and debut album

Riley Mulherkar is a trumpeter, community activist, and 2020 recipient of Lincoln Center’s Emerging Artist Award who played Newport Jazz on Saturday, August 3. His debut album, Riley, has been described by DownBeat Magazine as “über hip, modern yet timeless.” What’sUpNewp spoke with Mulherkar after his set on the Harbor Stage.  “This place is really […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Dennis Reddy

Dennis Reddy, 66, of Middletown passed away August 1, 2024, at Newport Hospital supported by his friends and loved ones following a long illness. Originally from New York, New York, Dennis and his family, relocated to Rhode Island when he was four. They settled in Middletown where Dennis attended Gaudet Middle School and graduated Middletown […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Newport’s Drift Cafe rides wave of success into Newport Folk & Jazz Festivals

Drift Cafe, a Newport eatery, is participating in the 2024 Newport Folk & Jazz Festivals with a pop-up booth, offering festival-goers a taste of its menu options. Rob DePaula, owner of Drift Cafe, spoke with What’sUpNewp about the cafe’s involvement in the event. “We’ve known about this festival forever, obviously, because it’s one of the […]

Posted inNews

New protected Bike Lane improves safety during Newport Folk Festival

A new protected bike lane on Harrison Avenue significantly improved safety for cyclists attending the Newport Folk Festival, with organizers considering making it a permanent feature for future events. The dedicated two-way bike lane, implemented through collaboration between Bike Newport and local police, addressed safety concerns on a steep section of the road where cyclists […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport County weekly road construction update: Aug. 3 – 10

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation and Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority have announced the following lane closures and road construction projects for the week of August 3 – 10, 2024. Rhode Island Department of Transporation August 3 – 9, 2024 Newport Pell Bridge Approaches – Phase II Newport: Mobile operations sitewide will occur with […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Doris Densmore

Doris Elfriede Densmore, born on June 12, 1941, passed away on August 1, 2024, in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. She was a vibrant and dedicated woman whose love for her family knew no bounds. Her heart was filled with joy for her wonderful sons, Erik Densmore and his wife, Rose from Westminster, MD, and Briggs Densmore […]

Posted inReal Estate

On the Market: A look at 41 listings in Newport County hosting Open Houses this weekend (August 3 – 4)

Welcome to this week’s edition of On the Market, where we spotlight the best opportunities for homebuyers in Newport County. Open houses are invaluable for those looking to explore the market and see what’s available firsthand. In today’s competitive real estate climate, where options can often be limited, open houses offer a unique chance to […]

Posted inNews

Newport Jazz Festival opens doors to Newport’s youth

The Newport Jazz Festival is expanding its student outreach program, offering free tickets to Rogers High School seniors for the second consecutive year. Dan Swain, Director of Development and Programs for Newport Festivals Foundation, says the initiative aims to cultivate lifelong jazz fans among the younger generation. “We started last year offering any senior student […]

Posted inMusic & Entertainment

Newport Folk & Jazz Festival’s Family Tent evolves with local nonprofit partnerships

The Newport Festivals Foundation is enhancing the family experience at its Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals with a revamped Family Tent featuring local nonprofits and hands-on activities for children. Dan Swain, Director of Development and Programs for the Newport Festivals Foundation, says the idea for the new format emerged about two or three years ago […]

Posted inNews

Newport Historical Society among three Rhode Island museums set to receive a total of $134,000 in federal grants

Three Rhode Island museums are set to receive a total of $134,000 in federal grant money that will be used to expand exhibits, accessibility and training. The Newport Historical Society, Tomaquag Museum and Providence College Galleries are the beneficiaries of the grants, which are coming from the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Inspire! Grants […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Gallery Sitka to host an exhibition featuring 15 National Association of Women Artists—MA Chapter artists

Gallery Sitka has announced that it will host an “Art with Intention II” exhibition featuring 15 National Association of Women Artists—MA Chapter artists. The opening reception and celebration on Sunday, August 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. is free and open to the public.  The show features multi- and mixed mediums, such as varnish, pigment […]

Posted inCity & Government

Campaign reports show potential rematch shaping up for 2026 R.I. governor’s race

by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island CurrentAugust 1, 2024 Two years before the bell rings, Gov. Dan McKee and Helena Bounanno Foulkes are squaring off for what could be the premiere rematch for governor. In McKee’s corner are liquor store owners, state government employees and a disgraced jewelry company CEO, according to campaign finance reports filed […]

Posted inNews

Remember the ice bucket challenge? 10 years later, the viral campaign is again fundraising for ALS

By MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Dozens of people, including the Massachusetts governor and several sports stars, dumped cold water on themselves at Fenway Park Thursday to mark the 10th anniversary of the ALS ice bucket challenge. The event is part of an effort to renew interest in the viral social media campaign that […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island launches ‘PowerUpRI’ to boost residential EV charging

Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB), today announced the launch of PowerUpRI.  Opening on August 1, 2024, PowerUpRI incentivizes Rhode Island residents and landlords to install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure within residential properties across the Ocean State. Through tailored rebates, […]

Posted inNews

Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association launches #CheckTwiceSaveALife campaign

With summer temperatures in full swing, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association is launching a new public awareness campaign to help prevent children from dying in parked cars. The #CheckTwiceSaveALife campaign, launching July 31, features a :30-minute English and Spanish language radio ad, as well as social media elements, reminding parents and caregivers of the […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Carol Smith

Carol M. (Garrison) Smith of Middletown, RI passed away peacefully on July 27, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Carol was preceded in death by her husband Roy H. Smith, who passed away in May of 2022. They celebrated 70 loving years of marriage together. Carol was born in Newport, RI on May 10,1933. She […]

Posted inNews

RIDOH recommends closure of Camp Fuller YMCA and Spouting Rock Beach Association

Due to high bacteria counts, the Rhode Island Department of Health recommends closing the swimming area at Camp Fuller YMCA in South Kingstown and Spouting Rock Beach Association in Newport. Health officials advise reopening Kingston’s Camp in South Kingstown, which had been closed due to bacteria counts as well, as conditions have improved. The bacteria […]

Posted inObituaries

Obituary: Joseph Maghuyop

Joseph F. Maghuyop, 39, of Middletown, passed away peacefully Friday July 26th, 2024, surrounded by his family at Boston Mass General hospital, in Mass. Born on August 3rd, 1984, in Houston, TX, he was the son of Maryann (Alves) Maghuyop of Middletown and the late Teddy Maghuyop. He was a devoted dad to his beautiful […]

Posted inCity & Government, News, People & Profiles

WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain

Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain provided updates on teacher contract negotiations, school construction, and plans for the upcoming academic year during her monthly virtual conversation with What’sUpNewp on July 31. Newport Schools Near Full Teacher Placement After Layoffs The Newport School District is close to fully placing teachers following recent layoffs, with only six […]

Posted inNews

MBTA Commuter Rail will offer special train service for New England Patriots home games from Providence and Boston

The MBTA Commuter Rail and Keolis will be offering special event train service to visit Gillette Stadium for the upcoming season. Tickets for the preseason games on Aug. 8 and Aug. 15 are now on sale. The special event train service will run from Boston to Foxboro. Tickets are available exclusively through the mTicket app. […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport Police share traffic management plan for Newport Jazz Festival weekend

Ahead of the sold-out Newport Jazz Festival, the Newport Police Department is sharing details on their plans to control traffic to and from Fort Adams State Park and around the city. Newport Police Department today shared the following press release; Newport Police Department Implements Traffic Management Plan to Enhance Festival Experience   Newport, RI – […]

Posted inCity & Government

Offshore wind farms connected by an underwater power grid for transmission could revolutionize how the East Coast gets its electricity

Tyler Hansen, Dartmouth College; Abraham Silverman, Johns Hopkins University; Elizabeth J. Wilson, Dartmouth College, and Erin Baker, UMass Amherst Strong offshore winds have the potential to supply coastlines with massive, consistent flows of clean electricity. One study estimates offshore wind farms could meet 11 times the projected global electricity demand in 2040. The U.S. East […]

Posted inNews

Newport Hospital earns advanced certification for joint replacements

Newport Hospital’s Total Joint Center has been awarded Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Knee Replacement from The Joint Commission. This certification recognizes the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional orthopedic care and achieving the highest standards of patient safety and quality. “This advanced certification, achieved through the hard work and dedication of our multidisciplinary team, […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Inaugural Newport Design Week was a glorious tribute to Newport’s enchanting architecture

You would never have guessed that Newport Design Week was in its first year. Even with the packed crowds at the Newport Folk Festival, Newport Design Week managed to sell out, with fans of interior design attending events among the architecturally stunning buildings of Salve Regina University. Headlined by legendary names in design such as […]

Posted inArts & Culture

Isaac Bell House opens for guide-led tours on the weekend after extensive restoration work

After a multi-millionaire renovation project, Preservation Society of Newport County opened up the Isaac Bell House, one of the best surviving examples of Shingle Style architecture in the country. We joined a guide-led tour on Sunday on the opening weekend for the elegant landmark home, designed by the firm of McKim, Mead and White for […]

Posted inCity & Government

Rhode Island’s economy continues largely positive trend according to key economic indicators in Q2 2024

Rhode Island’s economy experienced positive results across most key economic indicators in the second quarter of 2024, according to the Rhode Island Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Briefing, released today. Prepared by The Center for Global and Regional Economic Studies at Bryant University and the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC), the Briefing shows that the […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Newport Restaurant Group celebrates Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s 20th Birthday with a ‘Fruits from the Field’ Fundraiser

 Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) today announced that it will celebrate Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s 20th birthday with a special ‘fruits from the field’ fundraiser. NRG is Farm Fresh’s top tomato purchaser, and it has been so every year since the organization began. From August 1st through August 31st, NRG restaurants Avvio, Bar ‘Cino (Newport), and Waterman Grille (Providence), […]

Posted inCity & Government

Exploring 2024-25 vision with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain on Wednesday videocast

This may be the dog days of summer, but for school administrators they are days filled with planning for a new school year, which in Newport begins September 6. Superintendent of Schools Colleen Burns Jermain joins WhatsUpNewp for her monthly videocast tomorrow (July 31) at 1:30 p.m. And there’s no shortage of subjects to address. […]

Posted inArts & Culture

What’s Up Interview: Folk Festival artists Steve Poltz and John Craigie reflect on their Newport Folk Festival experience

John Craigie is an L.A.-born singer-songwriter who infuses comedic storytelling into his performances. He’s been compared to Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and he has collaborated with artists like Jack Johnson, Gregory Alan Isakov, and the Shook Twins. Seattle Newspaper The Stranger has called Craigie “…the lovechild of John Prine and Mitch Hedberg with a […]

Posted inNews

Team from United Congregational Church returns after an impactful mission trip

A team from Middletown-based United Congregational Church has returned home after a successful mission trip. The twelve-member team, ranging in age from teens to senior citizens, spent a week learning, serving, and community building in Biloxi, Mississippi. Biloxi is located approximately ninety miles southeast of New Orleans, Louisiana. The UCC team partnered with Back Bay […]

Posted inArts & Culture

The Jane Pickens Theater kicks off August with a diverse array of films and events

The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) is kicking off August with a diverse array of films and events that spotlight film classics, renowned authors, award-winning theater productions, and local businesses. “We are thrilled to present a vibrant lineup of films and events at The Jane Pickens Theater! From classic films and captivating […]

Posted inNews

Salve Regina launches Cliff Walk Ambassadors program with community collaboration and support

Salve Regina University has collaborated with the Newport Cliff Walk Commission to build a student “Cliff Walk Ambassadors” program, a year-round initiative that integrates academic and practical experience so students can both learn about and contribute to Newport’s cherished National Heritage Trail. One of Rhode Island’s most famous attractions, the Newport Cliff Walk draws 1.3 million visitors a year […]

Posted inCity & Government

Newport school dispute heads to what may be a final mediation session

With the opening of school just over a month away, the dispute between the Newport teachers’ union and school administration is still unsettled, with a third and perhaps final day of mediation scheduled for Tuesday, according to Jennifer Azevedo, deputy director of the National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI). “We are scheduled for a third […]

Posted inMusic & Entertainment, News

Patriots sign safety Jabrill Peppers to a contract extension, head coach Jerod Mayo says

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots signed safety Jabrill Peppers to a contract extension, head coach Jerod Mayo said before Friday’s practice. The 28-year-old Peppers is entering his third season with the Patriots. Last year, he recorded two interceptions and made 78 tackles in 15 games. “I am very happy for Peppers and […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Jacques Pépin to headline Newport MansionsWine & Food Festival; tickets on sale now

Celebrity chef, television personality, author, and educator Jacques Pépin will share insights and stories from his illustrious career during the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival at Rosecliff in September. “A Conversation with World-Renowned French Chef Jacques Pépin and Claudine Pépin” will be a highlight of the 19th annual festival, which also features a Connoisseur’s […]

Posted inReal Estate

On the Market: A look at 35 homes in Newport County hosting Open Houses this weekend (July 27 – 28)

Welcome to this week’s edition of On the Market, where we spotlight the best opportunities for homebuyers in Newport County. Open houses are invaluable for those looking to explore the market and see what’s available firsthand. In today’s competitive real estate climate, where options can often be limited, open houses offer a unique chance to […]

Posted inNews

Aquidneck Land Trust project awarded nearly $2 million by NOAA, Biden-Harris Administration

Today, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department of Commerce and NOAA have recommended nearly $2 million for a project in Rhode Island to make the state’s coast more resilient to climate change and other coastal hazards. The awards are being made under the Biden Administration’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, a competitive, $575 million […]

Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health, News

Company says manufacturing problem was behind wind turbine blade breaking off Nantucket Island

NANTUCKET, Mass. (AP) — The maker of a massive wind turbine blade that broke apart off Nantucket Island and washed up on the beaches says a manufacturing problem was responsible. GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik said on an earnings call Wednesday that insufficient bonding at one of its factories in Canada was responsible for the […]

Gift this article