Karen (Mellekas) Dimattia, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her husband, Philip, on May 9, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on August 22, 1943, at Newport Hospital in Newport, Rhode Island, Karen lived a life defined by hard work, determination, enduring faith, and deep love for her […]
Ryan Belmore
Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020).
He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide.
Ryan is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, and Local Independent Online News Publishers. He is committed to the codes of ethics of these organizations: accuracy, independence, accountability, and transparency.
In Newport, Ryan served on the boards of the Fort Adams Trust and Potter League for Animals, and hosted a daily radio talk show for four years.
In 2021, Ryan moved to Alexandria, Virginia, to support his wife Jen's career. He launched The Alexandria Brief in 2025, applying what he learned in Newport to a new community. With the help of some talented on-the-ground contributors, he still runs What's Up Newp — and always will.
Contact: ryan@whatsupnewp.com.
Posted inFood & Drink
Summer arrives as Flo’s expands to daily hours and Easton’s Beach Concessions opens for season
Two seaside dining staples are signaling the official arrival of summer on Aquidneck Island this week. Flo’s Clam Shack on Wave Avenue in Middletown has expanded to daily hours starting Thursday, May 14, after opening for the season in March on a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule. The clam shack, famous for clams since 1936, sits across from […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island’s 10th annual Quahog Week kicks off Saturday with statewide specials and three free public events
Rhode Island’s 10th annual Quahog Week is set for May 17 through 23, with restaurants and markets across the state featuring special quahog dishes alongside three free public events organized by the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative. The week-long celebration, organized by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing […]
Posted inNews
Sons of Union Veterans to hold annual Memorial Day ceremony at Island Cemetery on May 25
Major General Thomas West Sherman Camp No. 1, Rhode Island Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, will hold its annual Memorial Day observance at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 25, at Island Cemetery, 30 Warner St. Sherman Camp 1 is inviting the public to join the ceremony at the Grand Army of the […]
Posted inNews
RITBA urges caution as bridge joint replacement work continues on Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority is asking drivers to use caution while traveling across the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge, where contractors are replacing the seven original bridge joints on the westbound spans. During the hours when crews are working on the joints, traffic will be limited to one lane. When work is not underway, each […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“Jaws” returns to The JPT for annual summer parties starting May 29
Amity Island is coming back to Washington Square. The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center will once again kick off summer with its annual “Jaws” party on Friday, May 29, before returning the Steven Spielberg classic to the big screen for three more screenings in July. The annual celebration of the 1975 blockbuster, presented in […]
Posted inNews
Newport Gulls announce 2026 Hall of Fame class ahead of 25th anniversary weekend
The Newport Gulls have announced their 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Class, with a special ceremony set for Saturday, July 18, at Historic Cardines Field. The induction will headline the Gulls’ 25-year anniversary celebration weekend, which is expected to bring former players back to “The Nest.” The 2026 class of players includes Troy Dixon (2016), […]
Posted inNews
Senate passes Euer bill to put $3 million Jamestown affordable housing bond on November ballot
The Rhode Island Senate has approved legislation from Sen. Dawn Euer that would seek Jamestown voters’ approval in November for up to $3 million in bonds to fund affordable housing projects. The bill (2026-S 3186) cleared the Senate on Thursday, May 7. If passed by the full General Assembly and approved by voters in a […]
Posted inNews
Newport Mental Health unveils 2026 lineup of signature fundraising events
Newport Mental Health has announced its 2026 schedule of signature fundraising events, three gatherings the nonprofit says will help underwrite no-cost mental health and substance use care across Newport County. Proceeds from the events benefit Newport Mental Health’s Annual Fund, which last year helped provide $1.2 million in no-cost care to children, families and individuals […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport’s William Riccio named one of nation’s top 10 public works leaders
Newport’s longtime Director of Public Services has been recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 public works leaders by the American Public Works Association. William R. Riccio Jr., a professional engineer, was announced as a recipient of the APWA’s Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year award in the run-up to the annual […]
Posted inInstagram
Tickets on sale for 30th annual Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff
Tickets are on sale now for the 30th annual Newport Flower Show, set for June 19-21 at Rosecliff. This year’s theme, “Pearls of Newport,” takes its name from the traditional 30th anniversary gemstone and is meant to evoke both the elegance of Newport’s Gilded Age and the city’s coastal and maritime identity. “The Flower Show […]
Posted inInstagram
Jamestown Newport Ferry returns Saturday for 2026 season
The Jamestown Newport Ferry will launch its 2026 season on Saturday, May 16, kicking off the summer with its popular Hop-On Hop-Off service across Narragansett Bay. The opening coincides with the Oyster & Chowder Festival at Bowen’s Wharf on May 16 and 17. Hop-On Hop-Off service will operate daily through Oct. 12, with stops at […]
Posted inNews
Newport Hospital awards $185,000 to 26 youth programs through Prince Memorial Fund
Newport Hospital has awarded $185,000 to 26 local organizations through its Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund, continuing its commitment to youth wellness across Aquidneck Island. The “Powered by Prince” grants, ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, will help support and expand a broad mix of programs serving children and teens in Newport County, from athletics and […]
Posted inNews
Fort Adams Trust unveils two new guided tour experiences for 2026 season
The Fort Adams Trust is launching two new guided tour experiences this season, giving visitors deeper looks at both the military engineering and the human stories behind one of Rhode Island’s most recognizable landmarks. “Storm the Fort” and “Life at the Fort” are now available as part of the 2026 visitor season, the trust announced […]
Posted inNews
Bike to work day rolls into Newport on Friday
Commuters are invited to leave the car at home this Friday as Bike Newport and RIPTA Commuter Resources host the annual Bike to Work Day, part of May is Bike Month on Aquidneck Island. From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday, May 15, organizers will greet bike commuters in front of Newport City Hall […]
Posted inNews
Newport Hospital briefly locked down after threatening phone call
Newport Hospital was placed on lockdown Saturday afternoon after a man called the facility’s switchboard and threatened to “shoot the place up” with a rifle, police said. The hospital alerted the Newport Police Department at 3:50 p.m. on May 9, reporting the caller said he would arrive at 4 p.m. armed with a rifle, according […]
Posted inNews
RI Commerce Corp. to open satellite office at Innovate Newport
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation will open a satellite office at Innovate Newport, expanding access to its business services across Aquidneck Island and the Greater Newport region. A press conference and ribbon cutting to officially launch the new office are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, May 11, at the front entrance of Innovate Newport, 513 […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Classical Music Festival returns July 2-19 with 30 concerts across 11 venues
The Newport Classical Music Festival will present 30 concerts across 11 venues from July 2 through 19, the organization announced Thursday, marking its 57th year showcasing classical music in some of Newport County’s most iconic settings. Performances will take place at The Breakers, The Elms, Castle Hill Inn, Blithewold Mansion, Rosecliff Mansion, Redwood Library and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Aurelia at Castle Hill reopens May 22 with new chef de cuisine, Forbes Five-Star designation
Aurelia at Castle Hill, the signature restaurant at Castle Hill Inn, will reopen May 22 with a new chef de cuisine and a fresh Forbes Five-Star designation, the Inn announced Thursday. Reservations are available starting today on OpenTable, with dinner service offered nightly from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Reservations are required and available two weeks […]
Posted inCity & Government
Shekarchi steps down as House speaker to pursue Supreme Court seat; Blazejewski elected to succeed him
Rhode Island’s House of Representatives saw a sweeping leadership change Thursday as Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi announced his intent to seek a seat on the state Supreme Court, Rep. Christopher R. Blazejewski was elected to succeed him as speaker, and Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian became the first woman elected House majority leader in state history. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Euer bill would address failing toll transponders, warn drivers before licenses are at risk
Sen. Dawn Euer has introduced legislation that would require the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority to proactively replace failing toll transponders and to notify drivers of unpaid tolls before their licenses and vehicle registrations are jeopardized. The bill, 2026-S 2728, would direct the authority to establish rules and regulations covering transponder failures, including outreach […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to weigh Bellevue Avenue liquor license transfer, noise enforcement trailer at May 13 meeting
The Newport City Council will take up a wide-ranging agenda Wednesday, May 13, including a proposal to purchase an automated noise enforcement trailer, dozens of summer event approvals and a show-cause hearing for a Thames Street coffee shop. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway. A Citizens’ […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jamestown Arts Center to host game show–style artist talk May 17
The Jamestown Arts Center will trade the conventional artist talk for buzzers and games when it presents “The ‘Next’ Contestant,” an experimental, game show–style program on Sunday, May 17. The event runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and is described as part panel discussion, part improv. Rather than a moderator leading questions from the audience, […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
RI health officials urge tick and mosquito bite prevention as warmer weather arrives
With warmer weather settling in across the state, the Rhode Island Department of Health is reminding residents to take steps to prevent tick and mosquito bites when spending time outdoors. State officials said avoiding bites is the most effective way to prevent the spread of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Author Michael Klein to discuss ‘Happiness Ruined Everything’ at Jamestown Arts Center
Local author Michael Klein will discuss his new essay collection, “Happiness Ruined Everything,” during an evening event at the Jamestown Arts Center on Tuesday, May 12. The talk, presented by Newport’s Charter Books in collaboration with the arts center, will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 18 Valley St. RSVPs are encouraged for the pay-what-you-can […]