What'sUpNewp Podcast

Newport School Superintendent joined What’sUpNewp’s Ryan Belmore and Frank Prosnitz for a WUN-ON-ONE conversation earlier today. Listen above or watch below to hear the latest on what’s happening at Newport Public Schools, the Rogers High School Construction project, and much more.

The Latest

Local attractions will offer free admission for Newport County residents, hospitality employees June 10-12

For the first time since 2019, Newport County residents and employees of the hospitality industry are invited to visit 16 participating attractions in Newport and Bristol Counties from Saturday, June 10, through Monday, June 12.

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Domino

“Domino is a gentle giant who’ll make a great running buddy, jogging partner or fetching friend for an active adopter”

What’s Up Interview: Sunny Jain of Red Baraat, playing FirstWorks Summer Beats concert July 23

Show part of annual summer series at Roger Williams Park in Providence

Here’s how the BankNewport 10 Miler will impact traffic on June 4

The BankNewport 10 Miler is a ten-mile run/walk that starts and finishes at Fort Adams State Park in Newport.

Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a Syrian refugee, will travel the US

The puppet of the 10-year-old girl will visit the U.S. Capitol, Boston Common, Joshua Tree National Park and the Edmund Pettus Bridge among other sites during a trek which starts in Boston on Sept. 7 and ends Nov. 5 along the U.S.-Mexico border.

On the Market: A multi-family home just steps off of Bellevue Avenue, 7-9 Clay Street

Nestled among the iconic mansions off of Bellevue Avenue, 7-9 Clay Street is a large two-family home, offering an exceptional opportunity for investors, owner-occupants, and savvy developers here in Newport, Rhode Island.

The 21 most popular ice cream flavors in America

Stacker analyzed data from the research and analytics firm to rank the 21 most-liked ice cream flavors in the U.S. by the percentage of adults that said they liked the flavor.

Ex-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie planning to launch GOP presidential campaign next week

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is expected to launch his second campaign for the Republican nomination for president next week in New Hampshire.

The Ocean Race: Biotherm finish leg 5 on shortened course

Leg 5 is complete while Aarhus stopover is off to a bustling start…

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Recent Local Obituaries

Laurene D. Weeden

Marguerite Sloan Bailey

Popular Stories on WUN Right Now

* Newport County Real Estate Market: A look at the 25 homes that sold last week

* Structure collapse at The Bells injures four juveniles

* Middletown Town Councilwoman M. Theresa Santos passes away

* What’s Up This Week: May 30 – June 4

* The ReFill celebrates its first anniversary with June sale

What's Up Newp is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Newport Mayor Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Thursday, May 11.

Among the topics discussed with Mayor Xay during our conversation were last night’s city council meeting/budget workshop, pedicabs, parking, budget, school regionalization, the Pell Bridge ramps project, short-term rentals, City Manager Joe Nicholson’s regionalization, and his endorsement of Gabe Amo for Congressional District 1.

Watch or listen to our wide-ranging conversation now.

What’sUpNewp caught up with Evan Smith, President of Discover Newport, earlier today for a conversation on travel, tourism, and the upcoming summer season. Listen above or watch below.

Leaders in The Ocean Race are expected to arrive at the finish line off of Fort Adams State Park between 2:45 pm - 3:30 pm today. At this moment, 11th Hour Racing is just 13.2 nm from the finish line (and Team Malizia is 23.5 nm from the finish). Get out to Fort Adams to welcome in the teams! Further updates at www.theoceanracenewport.com and www.theoceanrace.com.

The Latest From What’sUpNewp

Gerry Goldstein: A new phrase is launched into the language

From “rapid unscheduled disassembly” to “wardrobe malfunction”.

Newport County programs for kids awarded $127,500 in grants from Newport Hospital’s Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund

This year, the fund has sent $127,500 to 24 youth programs across Aquidneck Island, including five that are brand-new grant recipients!

Rhode Island Natural History Survey and Mount Hope Farm to present World Turtle Day Film Festival on May 23

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Barrington Diamondback Terrapin Conservation Project.

States that drafted the most men in World War II

er analyzed data quantifying draft numbers during World War II from multiple sources, including historical Census data, a report issued by the Selective Service System, and a WWII draft card project provided by Ancestry.com in association with the National Archives and Records Administration.

2023 Newport Folk Festival lineup announcements

Find out who’s playing at this year’s Newport Folk Festival.

The Ocean Race: Final push to Newport sees 11th Hour Racing Team and Malizia fighting for first

The leaders are within sight of each of other, racing in very light winds on the final morning of Leg 4

The High Kings to perform at The JPT on September 9

The High Kings are Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy and newest member Paul O’ Brien.

Ticket Giveaway: Cary Morin Duo at Jamestown Arts Center Friday May 12

Newport Live concert at Jamestown Arts Center to be held Friday May 12

WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Evan Smith, President of Discover Newport

Coming up on Wednesday, May 10 at 12:30 pm.

Jaguars will play twice in London, 2 Germany games set

The New England Patriots will “host” the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 12, also in Frankfurt.

Popular Right Now

* What Sold: A look at the 29 properties that changed hands in Newport County last week

* Newport’s new parking rates, rules set to begin on July 1st

* Kevin O’Leary named new Director of Marketing at the Preservation Society of Newport County

* Obituary: Terry Galvin

* Obituary: John C. Martin Jr.

Across Rhode Island, school systems are finding that the bond issues voters approved only a few months ago to build new, modern school buildings, are millions of dollars short of what they now expect the projects to cost. And so it is in Newport, where for months now educators have been trying to fill a gap between what voters approved a few years ago for a new Rogers High School and what it may cost.

As a result, Superintendent of Schools Colleen Burns Jermain and her staff have been finding ways to trim the hundred-million-dollar school building budget, and to find additional funding to fill the gaps.

Superintendent Jermain joined WhatsUpNewp today (Wednesday, May 3) at 1:30 p.m. for her monthly visit, and we focused on Rogers and efforts to close the financial gap.

We also explore other pressing issues, not only in Newport, but issues that persist in school systems across the country – school safety and teacher shortages.

Of course, we also asked the superintendent to give us an update on regionalization talks between Newport and Middletown.

And as we approach the end of the school year, we ask the superintendent about how much progress has been closed up the gap for the time lost to in-person learning during the pandemic, the graduation rate this year, and graduation plans for the class of 2023. 

Watch our conversation below or listen above.

The Superintendent is scheduled to join us next for a conversation on Wednesday, May 31 at 1:30 pm. Be sure to send in your questions prior to our next conversation.

The Latest from What’sUpNewp

Jamestown Newport Ferry kicks off its hop-on hop-off season on May 17

Stops include Jamestown, Rose Island Lighthouse, Newport’s Fort Adams, Ann Street Pier and Perrotti Park.

Town of Middletown: New school site gets strong grades

Recent testing shows the proposed site for a new middle-high school in #MiddletownRI earns strong marks.

Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Rhode Island

Home values in the top city on the list grew by $95,175 over the last 12 months.

Newport School Superintendent provides weekly update

Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain shared the following community update with parents, families, and staff on Wednesday, May 3.

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

Superintendent provides WUN with an update on Rogers High School construction, regionalization, and more.

Transcending Tennis: 50 Years of the WTA Now on Display at International Tennis Hall of Fame

The new exhibit showcasing and celebrating 50 years of women’s professional tennis highlights a variety of spring and summer visitor offerings at the ITHF museum

What’s Up in Local Theater: We review ‘The Children’ at the Gamm

Final offering of 2022-23 season is “dialogue-driven, smart and frequently funny”

The most popular dog names of 2022 in every state

Find out if your canine companion’s name made the cut!

2023 Newport Folk Festival lineup announcements

Find out who’s playing at this year’s Newport Folk Festival.

The Ocean Race: Bursting through the tropical squalls

Tropical squalls keep teams on their toes as they leave the doldrums behind and push into the tradewinds

Heading to a beach this summer? Here’s how to keep harmful algae blooms from spoiling your trip

The tiny organisms that cause harmful blooms of algae can have a big impact on your trip to the shore. A toxicologist explains what causes these events and how to keep people and pets safe.

CVS beats Q1 expectations, cuts outlook after buying spree

CVS Health turned in a better-than-expected first quarter as revenue grew from all parts of its business. But the health care giant chopped 2023 earnings projections after closing a pair of multi-billion dollar deals that push it deeper into providing care.

Colleen Burns Jermain, Newport’s Superintendent of Schools, joined What'sUpNewp on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, for her monthly live virtual video conversation.

During our conversation, we discuss school safety, regionalization, construction at Rogers High School, mental health, teacher shortages, and more.

Watch below or listen above to our conversation.

The Latest on WhatsUpNewp.com

The Earls of Leicester added to the 2023 Newport Folk Festival lineup

The Earls of Leicester is a bluegrass band that pays tribute to the music of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.

Mel King, who helped ease Boston’s racial strife, dies at 94

King served in the state Legislature for nearly a decade before becoming the first Black man to reach a Boston general mayoral contest, facing off against a fellow state representative, Ray Flynn.

Ben & Jerry’s on Thames Street will celebrate ‘Free Cone Day’ on April 3

The Ben & Jerriest day of the year is finally back!

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

During our conversation, we discuss school safety, regionalization, construction at Rogers High School, mental health, teacher shortages, and more.

Governor McKee, RIAC, elected officials cut the ribbon for Breeze Airlines’ new base of operations at T.F. Green International Airport

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport Now a Breeze Base of Operations

Dem senators from 4 states ask NOAA to address whale deaths

The call late Tuesday by New Jersey Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker; Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, and Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse for action by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marked the first large-scale request for action by Democratic federal lawmakers on an issue that has rapidly become politicized.

Hurley’s rebuild complete as UConn returns to Final Four

The Huskies (29-8) are the biggest name left playing basketball this season, making the Final Four as a No. 4 seed, joining Miami (29-7) and San Diego State (31-6), both No. 5 seeds, and ninth-seeded Florida Atlantic (35-3).

Northern progress for The Ocean Race fleet

The leading pair – Team Malizia and Team Holcim-PRB – found themselves in what Malizia’s Will Harris called some of the most challenging weather of the leg when they turned north. Gale force winds and sharp, confused seas.

Middletown Police seeking public assistance in identifying a suspect in a hit-and-run accident

Middletown Police are seeking assistance with a hit-and-run accident that took place on Green End Avenue in Middletown on March 22, 2023.

2023 Newport Folk Festival lineup announcements

The Newport Folk Festival began its tradition of a rolling lineup announcement for its 2023 festival on February 2.

Special Election for Rhode Island’s First Congressional District will be held on November 7

Rhode Island’s 1st congressional district includes all of Bristol and Newport counties, along with parts of Providence County, including most of the city of Providence.

2 life sentences for man convicted of New Year’s Day killing

A New York man who shot and killed the mother of his fiancee’s ex-boyfriend in Rhode Island on New Year’s Day in 2020 has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms, prosecutors said.

Rhode Island DMV revises manual over civil rights concerns

Portions of a Rhode Island state driver’s manual — including a section advising drivers not to assume that a traffic stop by police was based on their gender or race — are being eliminated following objections from activists, officials said this week.

Pamela Smart’s latest bid for sentence reduction dismissed

New Hampshire’s highest court on Wednesday turned away the latest attempt to get a sentence reduction for Pamela Smart, who is serving life in prison for plotting with her teenage lover to have her husband killed in 1990.

Driver who crashed into Apple store charged with murder

A Massachusetts man whose SUV crashed through the glass storefront of an Apple store, killing one man and injuring nearly two dozen other people, has been charged with murder, prosecutors said.

Rhode Island Secretary of State outlines special election calendar

The special election will fill the vacancy anticipated by Congressman David N. Cicilline’s planned resignation from the United States House of Representatives.

What’s Up Interview: Alex MacLeod of Rock Hearts; band playing Blackstone River Theatre April 8

RI-based bluegrass band achieving well-deserved national recognition

US energy officials release strategy to boost offshore wind

The first commercial scale offshore wind project in the United States is currently under construction off the coast of Massachusetts.

Lucy Kirkwood’s ‘The Children’ will close The Gamm’s 2022-23 season

The Children runs from April 27–May 14 at The Gamm Theatre.

Obituary: Sondra Weston Davis

September 19, 1939 – March 08, 2023

Obituary: Joan Gallagher Farrell

October 24, 1942 – March 26, 2023

What's Up Newp is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Heather Hole Strout, Executive Director of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, joined What'sUpNewp at 11:30 am on Tuesday, March 28, for a virtual live video conversation.

During the conversation, we chat with Heather about all that's happening and new at the MLK Center, including an update on their big renovation, what services they are providing, who they can help/are helping, and what support they need from the community.

Watch below or listen above.

On Saturday, March 11, at 8 am, Newport Mayor Xaykham “Xay” Rexford Khamsyvoravong sat down in the Mayor's Office at City Hall with Gabe Amo, Special Assistant to President Biden and Deputy Director of The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, for a conversation.

Amo, a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, serves as President Biden’s primary liaison to local elected officials. Previously, he worked on the Biden-Harris transition team and on the Biden-Harris presidential campaign as the National States Strategy and Program Advisor.

Earlier in his career, he was the Senior Advisor for then-Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo’s re-election campaign and worked as Director of Public Engagement and Community Affairs in the Office of the Governor.

The conversation between Mayor Xay and Amo touched base on housing, infrastructure, and several other issues affecting Newport.

Cheryl Hatch, the Newport Bureau Reporter for The Public's Radio, and Ryan Belmore, Owner and Publisher of What'sUpNewp, were on hand for the conversation between the two officials as they caught up for approximately 30 minutes while providing the rest of us with some insight on what it is each of them does on a day to day basis.

After taking a couple of years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Newport Winter Festival returns for its 35th edition from February 17-26, 2023.

Dave Rosenberg, the organizer of the Newport Winter Festival, joined What’sUpNewp for a WUN-ON-ONE conversation this evening to preview the event.

During our discussion, Dave chats with us about some of the scheduled 150 events, we catch us up on what’s new this year for the festival, and much more!

For the full schedule of events, to purchase tickets, or for more information, visit www.newportwinterfestival.com.

Jay Sweet and Dan Swain, the Executive Director and Development Director of Newport Festivals Foundation, joined What’sUpNewp today for a conversation about the Foundation, the Newport Folk Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, and more.

The Latest From WUN

Brewing Up Fun: Rhode Island Craft Beer Week returns March 3 – 12

RI Craft Beer Week will celebrate RI’s beer manufacturers and feature events scheduled at your favorite Rhode Island bars, restaurants, package stores, as well as on-premise at RI’s 35+ breweries/brewpubs.

Newport Police ID man found dead in portable toilet

The Newport Police Department on Wednesday released the name of the man who was found dead in a portable toilet on Monday.

What’s Up Interview: Andrew Marlin of Watchhouse – duo coming to United Theatre in Westerly March 2

Newport Folk Festival veterans formerly known as Mandolin Orange

Nearly 119 million watched Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show—here’s how that really compares to past performances

Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show Sunday dazzled in more ways than one.

Third Georgia-based “Romance Scam” co-conspirator convicted in Federal Court in Rhode Island

A third member of an Atlanta-based conspiracy that bilked unsuspecting seniors in Rhode Island and several other states out of more than $3.2 million was convicted today in federal court in Rhode Island after pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering

How gas prices have changed in the Providence Metro Area in the last week

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Providence using data from AAA.

From St. Practice Day to Green Eggs & Ham: Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities kick off this weekend

The events are set to take place from February 19 to March 11, 2023, and the committee promises to provide loads of entertainment and fun.

President of U.S. Naval War College nominated for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, assignment to NATO Military Committee

Chatfield, who is currently serving as the President of the Naval War College in Newport, has a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy and is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the NATO Military Committee.

Best-performing Rhode Island stocks last week

Stacker compiled a list of the best performing stocks in Rhode Island last week using data from IEX Cloud.

Where refugees in Rhode Island are arriving from

Stacker compiled countries where refugees are arriving from in Rhode Island using data from the Refugee Processing Center.

G. Wayne Miller, an award-winning journalist who recently retired from The Providence Journal after 41 years, joined What'sUpNewp on Tuesday, February 7 at 1 pm for a live virtual video conversation, where he shared a glimpse into his next journalistic project.

Miller, the author of 20 books and a host on the Pell Center’s “Story in the Public Square,” is launching Ocean State Stories this month.

Miller has lived through both the best of times and worst of times in journalism, as publications like the Journal and others around the country have fallen prey to corporate buyouts, falling circulation, and staff reductions. 

During our conversation, we learn how he believes Ocean State Stories can contribute to the changing journalism landscape.

We also talk to him about his newest book, Traces of Mary, published in 2022, described by critics as being “in the best tradition of Stephen King and Robert R. McCammon, ‘Traces of Mary’ expertly blends genres to fashion a world drenches in chaos that mirrors the condition of Mary’s soul in this psychedelic mindbender of a tale.”

Watch or listen to the conversation below or listen above.