Citizens Exploring School Unification (CESU) has officially launched and is circulating a petition regarding Middletown Town Council’s decision on June 17th to end talks of school regionalization with Newport. CESU was incorporated in Rhode Island as a nonprofit on August 12, 2019, shortly after the Middletown Town Council declined to discuss or consider unification of […]
Ryan Belmore
Ryan Belmore is the Owner and Publisher of What'sUpNewp. He has been involved with the award-winning local news website since shortly after its launch in 2012, leading it to be named Best Local News Blog in Rhode Island by Rhode Island Monthly readers in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Ryan has spent 38 years living in Rhode Island, and after making Newport his home for more than a decade, he recently moved to Alexandria, Virginia to support his wife's career opportunity. Despite this move, Ryan continues to focus solely on What'sUpNewp and travels back to Newport at least once a month. He is dedicated to building the site into the go-to news source for Newport and beyond. Ryan is also a member of several organizations, including the Board of Directors for Potter League for Animals.
Posted inArts & Culture, History, Things To Do
Frère et Concitoyen: Newport Historical Society lecture will tell the story of William H. Vernon’s years in France
Join the Newport Historical Society for “Frère et Concitoyen”: A Newporter in Revolutionary France, a lecture by Will Simpson, a Buchanan Burnham Summer Scholar in Public History, which will be at the Newport Historical Society Resource Center, 82 Touro Street, Newport, RI, on September 5, 2019 at 5:30pm. The story of William H. Vernon’s years in […]
Posted inNews
Clean Ocean Access provides updates on water quality for Swim to Skim (Updated)
Clean Ocean Access has provided the following update regarding this weekend’s 6th Annual Swim To Skim and the recent sewage spill. Update – August 22nd Clean Ocean Access has provided the following update to their supporters and subscribers; “The 6th Annual Swim to Skim is gearing up for August 25, 2019 for a 1.2-mile swim in […]
Posted inHealth & Fitness, News
RIDOH reopens Gooseberry Beach in Newport for swimming
Update – August 22nd at 2:30 pm RIDOH Recommends Re-opening Gooseberry Beach for Swimming The Rhode Island of Department Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Gooseberry Beach in Newport for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. There are currently no Rhode Island licensed beaches under swimming advisories. RIDOH will continue to monitor the water […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
Now Hiring in Newport: 106 job opportunities available right now
Looking for a new job, gig, or career? Here’s who’s hiring in and around Newport, Rhode Island right now. All jobs are located within five miles of downtown Newport and have been posted within the last week. Self promotion – What’sUpNewp hiring Local Government Reporter 22 Bowen’s – Line Cook – 22 Bowen’s Restaurant All […]
Posted inJobs
What’sUpNewp hiring Local Government Reporter
What’sUpNewp is looking for an enterprising, aggressive reporter to join our growing team. The Local Government Reporter will cover what’s happening in government and politics across Aquidneck Island- meetings, zoning, planning, and more. This reporter will also be expected to cover breaking news in those topics, write daily stories, and to cover local stories across […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
DEM Environmental Police arrest two men for illegal striped-bass fishing activity
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) today announced the arrest of Robert Majors, age 41, of Bristol and Peter Parente, age 53, of West Greenwich. The two men were arrested yesterday by DEM environmental police officers for being in possession of 38 striped bass. Both are Massachusetts commercial […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Nanaquaket Pond Bridge in Tiverton will temporarily close for repairs
Starting Monday, August 26, through Friday, August 30, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), is scheduled to close the Nanaquaket Pond Bridge, between Bridgeport Road and Highland Road, on Route 77 (Main Road) in Tiverton. With minor concrete repairs nearing completion, the closure will allow crews to pave and waterproof the bridge deck, according […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Nine local gardens will be featured during September Newport Secret Garden Tour
Join the Benefactors of the Arts September 6-8th for self-guided tours of some of the most beautiful, prestigious gardens and properties in historic Newport. The tour features nine gorgeous gardens that are dotted On & Off Bellevue Avenue, the Drive and the Kay/Catherine neighborhoods. These private gardens are shared with the community to help raise funds for the […]
Posted inNews
Norman Bird Sanctuary names Kaity Ryan new Executive Director
The Norman Bird Sanctuary announced to friends and followers on Wednesday that they have appointed a new Executive Director. The announcement The Norman Bird Sanctuary Board of Directors announced the appointment of Kaity Ryan as the organization’s new Executive Director. Beginning September 9th, Ryan will lead the nonprofit’s mission in wildlife habitat conservation and environmental […]
Posted inNews
Coast Guard fines Woods Hole and Block Island ferry jumpers
The U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast office announced today that investigators from Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England have issued two notices of violation last month with proposed penalties of $2,500 each to two individuals for intentionally jumping over ferry railings in June and July. The act of intentionally jumping into the water from a […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Harbor Lights Newport: Discover Newport, Newport Maritime Alliance join forces to present new event this September
via Discover Newport “Harbor Lights Newport,” a new event presented by Discover Newport and the Newport Maritime Alliance, promises to “enlighten” visitors and residents alike in just a few weeks. Boat owners, marinas and waterfront businesses have been invited to participate in this event Sept. 20-21 by illuminating their vessels, docks, yacht clubs, shops and […]
Posted inNews
Weddings: How Favors Help You Find Your Seat
Everyone that is planning a wedding has a budget to stick to and when “one more thing” adds to their list, it can be daunting. In recent years, couples have been opting to have their favors as their place cards for their guests. It can make it so much more interactive for the guests during […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Brody Jenner, Mark McGrath to perform in Newport this month
A reality tv star and the lead vocalist of a popular 90’s rock band are coming to Newport to perform before August is over. Brody Jenner – August 23rd at Dockside Jenner returns to Newport after a performance at Dockside in 2018. For a special edition of Dockside Friday’s on August 23rd, Brody Jenner, Devin […]
Posted inHealth & Fitness, News
RIDOH Recommends Closing Surfer’s End of Sachuest Beach; Re-Opening Watchaug Pond Beaches
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Surfer’s End at Sachuest Beach in Middletown for swimming because of high bacteria levels, and re-opening YMCA Camp Watchaug and Burlingame Picnic Area in Charlestown since bacteria counts there have returned to acceptable levels. RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure safe […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Waites Wharf Hotel proposal expected to be continued
The City of Newport announced this afternoon that per a request by the applicant, a petition for a special use permit and variance to the dimensional requirements for permission to demolish the existing structures and construct a 150-room hotel on Waites Wharf is not expected to be heard during this month’s meeting of the Zoning […]
Posted inThings To Do
Tall Ship Capitán Miranda docked at Fort Adams, open to public for tours
Capitán Miranda, a Sail Training Tall Ship operated by the Uruguayan Navy, has made a stop in Newport this week. The ship is currently in the midst of a five-month cruise, the first the ship has taken in nearly ten years. The 210-foot, three-mast schooner is docked at Fort Adams and is offering free public […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
10,000 gallons of untreated sewage discharged into Newport Harbor (Updated)
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced on Monday night that a sewer lined owned by the Naval Station Newport failed today, discharging 10,000 gallons of untreated sewage into Newport Harbor. Since notifying DEM of the failure of the force main on Monday morning, Navy staff have used septage haulers and their own vacuum […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport International Boat Show announces show logistics and travel information
Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show (NIBS), announced today show information for those planning on attending the 49th annual Show September 12-15, 2019. One of the largest in-water shows in the country, and the kick-off to the boat show season, NIBS will host exhibitors from around the world with an […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s up in Newport this week: Things to do, live music and entertainment (August 19 – 26)
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week and weekend! Cruise Ship Schedule – This Week Thursday – American Star (Capacity: 100 passengers, 26 crew)Friday – American Constitution (Capacity: 100 passengers) City Government Calendar – This Week Tuesday – Historic District Commission Meeting at 6:30 pmWednesday – Planning Board Meeting at 6:30 […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
McGrath Clambakes will celebrate 50th Anniversary with public clambake on August 29th
McGrath Clambakes & Catering is celebrating its 50th anniversary on August 29th with a public clambake at The Eisenhower House from 6 to 9 pm. Tickets are $50 per person. The evening will include a reception hour overlooking Narragansett Bay with Rhode Island clear broth chowder and “stuffies” – both made from a family recipe. Guests will […]
Posted inCity & Government
Final ‘Family Night Concert’ of the season will take place at Easton’s Beach this Friday
The City of Newport announced today that it will be hosting its final Family Night Concert of the season at Easton’s Beach this Friday, Aug. 23rd at 6 p.m. “All are invited as we say farewell to yet another season of music on the beach featuring the sounds of Bar Fly. Be sure to bring a […]
Posted inBusiness, Health & Fitness
The Nest: A new mom’s and parent’s support group opening on Aquidneck Island
The Nest at Tenth Gate in collaboration with SIREN Women’s Cooperative will be offering a new mom and parent support group beginning Monday, September 9 at 5:30pm at the Nest at Tenth Gate, 1048 East Main Rd in Portsmouth, RI. This group, inclusive of all safe parenting styles and choices, will meet weekly with significant […]
Posted inNews
NUWC to conduct in-water exercises and technical demonstrations in East Passage of Narragansett Bay August 26 – 29
The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Newport, RI, will be conducting in-water exercises and technical demonstrations of unmanned surface, underwater, and aerial vehicles in the East Passage of Narragansett Bay from 26-29 August 2019, according to a recent Facebook Post by Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA). RIMTA also shared, “See the graphic below for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Aquidneck Singers: New teen and adult women’s chorus on Aquidneck Island is welcoming singers
The Aquidneck Singers is a new teen and adult women’s chorus on Aquidneck Island conducted by Elizabeth Woodhouse and accompanied by Melissa Woolverton, the team that also leads the Newport County Youth Chorus (www.newportsings.org). The Aquidneck Singers will begin rehearsals on Tuesday, September 17. The chorus meets on Tuesdays from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at […]