Episodes
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Newport School Superintendent provides updates on Rogers High School Construction and teacher negotiations
Newport Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain provided updates on several key issues during her monthly interview with What's Up Newp on Wednesday. The new Rogers High School construction project is progressing well, Jermain said. The building's exterior is nearly finished, with brick work...
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Rep. Carson outlines legislative priorities for upcoming session
State Representative Lauren Carson is gearing up for the upcoming legislative session, with a focus on short-term rentals and aging policy as key priorities. The Newport Democrat, who is running unopposed for reelection, outlined her plans during an interview with What'sUpNewp on Tuesday, October...
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Newport City Manager addresses utility billing, early voting, and bond referendum
Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy addressed several pressing issues during his monthly chat with What'sUpNewp on Wednesday, October 16, including utility billing concerns, early voting procedures, and the upcoming bond referendum. Kennedy reassured residents about the delayed September utility...
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Newport City Council candidate Lynn Underwood Ceglie seeks return to Second Ward
Lynn Underwood Ceglie, currently serving as an at-large Newport city councilor, is running to represent the Second Ward in the upcoming election. Ceglie, who previously held the Second Ward seat, cites a desire to focus more on constituent issues as her motivation for the switch. "I was really a...
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Xay Khamsyvoravong seeks re-election to Newport City Council At-Large; highlights progress on city challenges
Newport City Council Chair and Mayor Xaykham "Xay" Rexford Khamsyvoravong is seeking re-election to Newport City Council At-Large, emphasizing the need for continued action on pressing issues facing the city. In an interview with What'sUpNewp on Thursday, October 19, Khamsyvoravong highlighted…
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Charlie Holder seeks At-Large seat on Newport City Council
Charlie Holder, currently serving as Newport's second ward councilor, is running for an at-large seat on the City Council in the upcoming election. In an interview with Whats'UpNewp on Thursday, October 10, Holder discussed his campaign strategy, key city issues, and his approach to governance....
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Newport School Committee candidate James Dring touts ‘common sense’ approach to decision-making
James Dring, seeking his third term on the Newport School Committee, is positioning himself as a voice of reason and fiscal responsibility as the district faces declining enrollment and budget constraints. In an interview with What’sUpNewp on Thursday, October 10, Dring highlighted his support…
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Newport School Committee candidate Loretta 'Lori' Burke calls for 'back to basics' approach
Loretta "Lori" Burke, a candidate for Newport School Committee, is running on a platform of getting "back to basics" in education. Burke, who works at the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, says her background as an Air Force child and deep family roots in Newport education give her a unique...
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Newport School Committee candidate Elizabeth "Beth" Cullen emphasizes new approaches, collaboration
Elizabeth "Beth" Cullen, a candidate for Newport School Committee, is emphasizing the need for new educational approaches and improved collaboration between city officials and educators as she campaigns for one of the open seats in the upcoming election. Cullen, a self-proclaimed…
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Newport City Council to discuss seasonal rentals, bond impact at City Council Meeting on Oct. 9
Newport’s City Council is set to convene at Pell Elementary School on Wednesday, October 9, at 6:30 p.m. for its regular meeting, temporarily relocating due to ongoing elevator maintenance issues at City Hall. Mayor Xaykham Khamsyvoravong views the change of venue as an opportunity to bring city...
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Incumbent Stephanie Winslow seeks re-election to Newport School Committee
Stephanie Winslow, an incumbent Newport School Committee member, is seeking re-election for what would be her third term. Winslow, who was initially appointed to fill a vacancy in March 2020, has been a key figure in policy reform and equity initiatives within the Newport Public Schools system....
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Sandra Flowers cites Rogers, ongoing challenges as motivation for re-election bid to School Committee
Dr. Sandra J. Flowers, a longtime member of the Newport School Committee, is seeking re-election for her ninth term. With 16 years on the committee and 30 years as a teacher in Newport public schools, Flowers brings nearly five decades of experience to her candidacy. "I'm approaching the end of…
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Becky Bolan seeks re-election to Newport School Committee to see Rogers High School project through completion
Newport School Committee Chair Becky Bolan has announced that if she is re-elected in November that her next term would be her last, citing a desire to see the Rogers High School project through to completion. Bolan, who has served on the committee for approximately 17 years, made the…
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Newport School Committee candidate Dr. Robert B. Power emphasizes need for auto tech and cosmetology at Rogers High School
Dr. Robert B. Power, a candidate for Newport School Committee, is making the inclusion of vocational programs at the new Rogers High School a central issue in his campaign. Power, who has a doctorate in school administration and has served as superintendent in three Rhode Island school districts,...
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Kendra Wilson Muenter seeks re-election to Newport School Committee
Kendra Wilson Muenter is running for re-election to the Newport School Committee, citing a desire to see through changes and implement new strategic plans. Muenter, who is wrapping up her first term and currently serves as vice chair, said during a What'sUpNewp interview on Thursday, October 3…
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Newport City Council candidate Steph Smyth aims to bridge gap between city and residents
Steph Smyth, a candidate for Newport City Council At-Large, is running on a platform of increased community engagement and transparency in local government. In an interview with What'sUpNewp on Thursday, October 3, Smyth outlined her vision for leveraging existing resources and creating new…
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Mark Aramli seeks re-election to Newport City Council, emphasizes financial challenges and tourism management
Mark Aramli, seeking re-election to Newport’s City Council At-Large, is sounding the alarm on the city’s financial challenges and calling for a new approach to managing tourism. In a interview with What’sUpNewp on Thursday, October 3, Aramli highlighted the fiscal imbalance he discovered during…
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Jeanne Marie Napolitano seeks re-election to Newport City Council, cites experience and dedication
Jeanne Marie Napolitano, seeking reelection to the Newport City Council At-Large, highlighted affordable housing, traffic management, and regional cooperation as key priorities in a interview with What'sUpNewp on Thursday, October 3. Napolitano, who has served on the council from 1991-1995 and…
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Ian B. Martins is running for Newport City Council with a focus on livability and preserving the city's character
Ian Billings Martins, a Newport native and owner of Harvest Market, is running for an at-large seat on the Newport City Council with a focus on preserving the city's year-round community character. Martins, who took over the former Sigs Market eight years ago, said during a What'sUpNewp interview...
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Penny Hunt hopes to bring funding and leadership experience to Newport School Committee
Penelope "Penny" Billington Hunt, a newcomer to Newport politics, is running for a seat on the Newport School Committee with a focus on addressing funding challenges and leadership needs in the district. Hunt, who moved back to Newport in 2020 after living in the Boston area for 15 years, brings…
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Molly Kapstein Cote aims to bring fresh perspective, problem-solving approach to Newport School Committee
Molly Kapstein Cote, a candidate for Newport School Committee, is positioning herself as a problem-solver with a fresh perspective on the city's educational challenges. In an interview with What'sUpNewp on Monday, September 30, Cote outlined her vision for Newport's public schools, emphasizing…
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Matt Grant aims to bring fresh perspective, transparency, and civility to Newport City Council
Matt Grant, a candidate for Newport City Council's Ward 2 seat, is focusing his campaign on restoring civility in local politics, addressing housing affordability, and improving environmental resilience. Grant, a software engineer for Peloton and supporter of his wife's local business, Bellevue...
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Councilor Ceglie provides recap, thoughts on Sept. 25 Newport City Council meeting
The Newport City Council voted Wednesday night to rescind a controversial $81 sewer fee increase that had sparked public outcry. The decision came after officials discovered miscalculations in the original fee structure. Vice Chair Lynn Ceglie explained the situation during a conversation with...
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Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Newport, discusses industry trends, taxes, challenges, and future plans
Newport's tourism industry is finding its footing after experiencing dramatic swings during and immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic, Evan Smith, president and CEO of Discover Newport, told What'sUpNewp during a one-on-one conversation on Thursday. "We just went through a deep valley and...
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Councilor Holder addresses proposed sewer rate change and short-term rental moratorium
The Newport City Council is set to tackle two major issues at tonight's meeting: a reversal of the recent sewer rate change and a proposed moratorium on short-term rentals in business districts. Councilor Charlie Holder announced plans to move the sewer rate item to the top of the agenda,...
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Newport School Superintendent discusses enrollment decline, staffing, school construction
Newport Public Schools are grappling with declining enrollment and staffing challenges as the new academic year enters its fourth week, Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain reported during a conversation with What'sUpNewp on Wednesday, September 25. Enrollment is down compared to projections…
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Ask The Council: Councilor Aramli discusses proposed moratorium on short-term rentals, other agenda items
Newport City Council is set to vote on a proposal to ban new short-term rentals in the city, a move Councilor Mark Aramli says is necessary to address the ongoing housing crisis. The proposed moratorium, which will be discussed at Wednesday evening's council meeting, aims to halt the conversion…
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Mayor Xay previews City Council agenda; addresses sewer fee, short-term rentals
Newport City Council will consider a citywide moratorium on new short-term rentals at its Wednesday meeting, aiming to curb the loss of housing units to vacation rentals. "We are now looking at a moratorium on all new short-term rentals across the entire city," Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong, Mayor...
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Newport City Manager addresses infrastructure, $98 million bond, and residents' concerns during What'sUpNewp conversation
Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy addressed residents' concerns about utility bills and infrastructure needs during What'sUpNewp's Wednesday monthly "Ask the City Manager" session. Please note that this newsletter allows supporters to read, listen to, and/or watch the conversation. Kennedy...
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City Manager chats with WUN • 13 homes change hands • Anna D’s Farmer’s Market
Good Morning! Today is Wednesday, September 18. 📰 In this What’sUpNewp Daily Digest… * Newport City Manager joins What’sUpNewp for an interview on Wed. * A look at the thirteen homes that sold in Newport County last week. * Red and green okra are in abundance at Anna D’s Backyard Farmer’s Market…
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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. Listen to our conversation above, watch below, and/or read it...
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Watch or Listen: A conversation with Newport Mayor Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong
What'sUpNewp kicked off the 2024 season of our "WUN-ON-ONE: A Conversation with" series on January 8 by hosting a conversation with Newport Mayor Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong. Mayor Xay joined What'sUpNewp's Ryan Belmore and answered questions and gave insight on a wide variety of topics…
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A convo with Superintendent Jermain, the latest from What'sUpNewp, and a look at What's Up on Thursday
With absenteeism a major concern of schools throughout Rhode Island, Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain discusses how the school system is trying to improve attendance and turn around a poor showing by pupils in recent statewide testing when she joined What’sUpNewp for a live...
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Watch or Listen: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain sat down with What’sUpNewp today at 1:30 pm for a live virtual video conversation. During the conversation we discuss how the new school year is going, get an update on the Rogers High School construction project, and get answers to your...
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A conversation with Gabe Amo, Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District
Former White House aide Gabe Amo could become the first person of color to represent Rhode Island in Congress after his win Tuesday in the crowded Democratic primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District. Amo, a Pawtucket resident, will square off against Jamestown resident Gerry Leonard, a...
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WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Stephen Casey, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1
Stephen Casey, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island's Congressional District 1, joined What'sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 2 pm on Thursday, August 3, 2023. During the interview, we learn more about Stephen, find out why he's running in this special election, and discuss what...
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WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Walter Berbrick, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1
Walter Berbrick, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. During the interview, we learn more about Walter, find out why he’s running in this special election, and discuss...
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WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Governor McKee, Mayor Khamsyvoravong, and Superintendent Jermain
Newport is among the 31 municipalities that have signed Governor Dan McKee's Learn365RI Municipal Compact, committing to increase out-of-school learning opportunities for young people in their communities. During his Education Address on April 12 in Newport, Governor McKee said, “We’re here in...
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Sandra Cano, a Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1, chats with What'sUpNewp
Sandra Cano, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island's Congressional District 1, will join What'sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Thursday, July 31, 2023, at noon. During the interview, we learn more about Sandra, find out why she's running in this special election, and discuss…
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WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent of Newport Public Schools, joined What'sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 1:30 pm. During our conversation with the Superintendent, we catch up on what's happening at Newport Public Schools over the summer break, get...
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WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Gabe Amo, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1
Gabe Amo, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island's Congressional District 1, joined What'sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 2:15 pm on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. During the interview, we learned more about Gabe, found out why he's running in this special election, and discuss what…
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WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Aaron Regunberg, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1
Aaron Regunberg, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island's Congressional District 1, joined What'sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at noon on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. During the interview, we learn more about Aaron, discover why he's running in this special election, and discuss what...
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The Latest: Sabina Matos, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1, sits down with What'sUpNewp
Sabina Matos, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island's Congressional District 1, joined What'sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 2 pm on Tuesday, July 25. During the interview, we learn more about Sabina, find out why she's running in this special election, discuss last week's issue...
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WUN-ON-ONE: Stephanie Beauté, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1, sits down with What'sUpNewp
Stephanie Beauté, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 11 am on Thursday, July 20, 2023. During the interview, we learn more about Stephanie, discover why she’s running in this special election, and…
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Mayor Xay sits down with What'sUpNewp for a one-on-one conversation
City of Newport Mayor Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation today at 4:30 pm. During the wide-ranging forty-seven-minute conversation, we discuss the resignation of Newport’s Election Administrator, construction and soil at Rogers High School, the...
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WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joined WUN’s Ryan Belmore and Frank Prosnitz on the first day of summer school vacation to recap the year that was, talk about the challenges ahead, and more. Watch our conversation below or listen above. The Latest on WUN What’s Up Interview:...
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WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with NewportOUT’s Sean O’Connor about Newport Pride Weekend
Newport Pride Weekend returns today through Sunday. NewportOUT’s Sean O’Connor joined What’sUpNewp to provide details about Pride Weekend, give us some background and information on the new Pride Center in Newport, and more. For more information on Newport Pride Weekend or the Newport Pride…
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WUN-ON-ONE: Salve grad discusses his latest novel, 'Glass Bottle Season'
“Fletcher Michael’s GLASS BOTTLE SEASON is a closely observed coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of the insular culture of Newport royalty. This boozy, immersive novel will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or has experienced that painful passage between the last...
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WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Cathleen Carr, Executive Director of newportFILM
Cathleen Carr, Executive Director of newportFILM, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation today. During the conversation, Ryan Belmore and Cathleen discuss the upcoming newportFILM 2023 Outdoors lineup, which includes an exciting lineup of eleven world-class and award-winning...
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Watch or Listen: A conversation with Newport Mayor Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong
Newport Mayor Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 2 pm on Thursday, June 15. Among the topics, we recap the June 14 Regular Meeting of the Newport City Council and talk to the Mayor about the Cliff Walk, short-term rental application fees, the...