Good Morning! Today is Saturday, March 26, and here’s the latest update from What’sUpNewp. We’re able to provide you with this daily dose of news, info, and journalism because of the support of readers like you. Pitch in here! ⛵ Flo’s Clam Shacks in Middletown and Portsmouth are now open for the season. ⛵ Frosty Freez’s […]
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 inJobs
Now Hiring: 169 companies hiring right now in the Newport area
Looking for a new gig, job, or career in or around Newport? Here’s a roundup of some of the companies that are hiring right now in the Newport area. The opportunities listed below were provided to us or curated from hiring websites. All opportunities were available in the last seven days and are located within […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Pet Of The Week: Molly
Meet your new best friend, Molly– this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares that Molly is a 7-year-old female Coonhound, Treeing Walker. Molly is considered a large-sized dog, weighing in between 60-99 pounds. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Molly; Molly girl is a […]
Posted inNews
RIHEBC closes on $98.5 million bond issue to finance new Rogers High School and expansion at Pell Elementary School
On March 25th, the Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation (RIHEBC) closed on a $98.5 million bond issue for the City of Newport to finance the construction of the new William S. Rogers High School and for an addition to the Claiborne Pell Elementary School. “RIHEBC is proud to be the financing partner for […]
Posted inNews
401Gives returns on April 1 with a goal to raise $4 million for nonprofits across Rhode Island
It’s become Rhode Island’s largest single day of giving in support of local nonprofits, and in just one week, 401Gives will return with its largest goal yet… to raise $4 million in only 24-hours. As of March 25, more than 520 organizations have signed on to participate, exceeding last year’s number, with each creating a […]
Posted inNews
Second Annual ‘MVYRADIO Night Out For Nonprofits’ will take place on May 7
On Saturday, May 7th, MVYRADIO is inviting the Island community to the PA Club in Oak Bluffs for the Second Annual “MVYRADIO Night Out For Nonprofits.” After the success of the 2019 inaugural event, MVYRADIO says in a press release that it is again holding a party to celebrate the organizations and the people who […]
Posted inNews
Short-term rentals now prohibited in Newport’s Residential Zones
Changes are coming to Newport’s Short Term Rental rules. Under an ordinance change passed by Newport City Council during their Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday night, property owners in Newport’s residential zones are no longer permitted to rent their properties for less than 30 days, unless the home serves as a primary residence. For properties […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Mykono Pub opens in Middletown
Mykono Pub opens today at 59 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown. Mykono, which is named after the Greek island Mykonos, is hosting a soft open over the next several days and will operate from 3 pm to 9 pm Thursday, March 24 – Sunday, March 27. Beginning Monday, March 28, Mykono will be open from 11 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up in Newport County this weekend: March 25 – 27
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do this weekend in and around Newport County. Friday, March 25 Midtown Oyster Bar to host game watch on Friday for Providence College vs. Kansas Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend – March 25-27 This Day in RI History: March 25, 1903, musician Frankie Carle born […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Asian Lantern Spectacular returns to Roger Williams Park Zoo April 13 – July 4
The Roger Williams Park Zoo will once again be transformed into a dazzling evening experience with interactive displays, delicious Asian-inspired cuisine, and performances. This enchanting multicultural experience is sure to delight all ages, according to Roger Williams Park Zoo. Photo provided by Roger Williams Park Zoo The lanterns are created by hand with silk fabric […]
Posted inNews
Newport Jazz Festival announces 2022 lineup
The Newport Jazz Festival today announced its 2022 line-up along with a tribute to late Newport Jazz and Newport Folk Festival Founder George Wein featuring very special guests to be announced. The Newport Jazz Festival returns to Fort Adams State Park, July 29 – 31. This year’s festival features Norah Jones, Esperanza Spalding, The Fearless Flyers, Angelique […]
Posted inNews
$10,000 grants for community projects up for grabs from The Rhode Island Foundation
The Rhode Island Foundation is offering local libraries, schools, neighborhood groups and nonprofit organizations grants of up to $10,000 to fund proposals that bring people together as a community. March 31 is the deadline to apply. “We are looking for ideas that will enhance the quality of life, build relationships and improve community connections. Our goal is […]
Posted inNews
Governor McKee, Senator Euer, and officials announce plans for new 600 MW procurement of offshore wind
Governor Dan McKee, joined by Senator Dawn Euer, Representative Arthur Handy and state and local officials, today announced that legislation has been introduced which would require a market-competitive procurement for approximately 600 MW of newly-developed offshore wind capacity. If enacted, Rhode Island’s primary utility company would be required to issue the procurement no later than August […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Land Trust conserves 14-acre property on Green End Avenue
Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) today announced the conservation of a 14.73-acre Middletown property located on Green End Avenue between Vaucluse and Howland Avenues. The property, now known as Green End Preserve, features upland meadow habitat and prime soils on half of its area. The uplands roll down to a large wetland area surrounding a portion […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Restaurant Group to host Summer Job Fair on March 30
Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) this week announced that it will host a Summer Job Fair on Wednesday, March 30th from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm at 22 Bowen’s located at 22 Bowen’s Wharf in Newport. Applicants will be offered same-day interviews and job offers. NRG is Rhode Island’s only employee-owned hospitality company and offers full-coverage benefits, food and beverage […]
Posted inNews
Poll: What type of store or restaurant do you wish would open on Aquidneck Island?
Our poll question of the moment asks what type of store or restaurant do you wish would open on Aquidneck Island? Share your comment and check out answers from our readers below on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. What’sUpNewp on Facebook What’sUpNewp on Instagram View this post on Instagram A post shared by What'sUpNewp (@whatsupnewp) What’sUpNewp […]
Posted inCity & Government
Ground broken on project to resurface a portion of Aquidneck Avenue
Congressman David Cicilline and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti Jr. today joined state and local leaders to break ground on a project to resurface approximately one mile of Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown, from East Main Road to Green End Avenue. The $9 million project will rebuild the badly deteriorated road base […]
Posted inNews
DEM: 1,000 free trees to R.I. residents this spring through the Energy-Saving Trees program
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in partnership with the RI Tree Council, RI Nursery and Landscape Association, and the Arbor Day Foundation, is providing 1,000 free trees to Rhode Island residents this spring through the Energy-Saving Trees program. Registration opens Friday, March 25. Now in its 13th season, this popular program helps Rhode Islanders save energy and lower their utility bills by strategically planting trees […]
Posted inNews
Vail Resorts launches its 2022/23; Epic Pass products
Today, Vail Resorts launched its 2022/23 Epic Pass products at a time the company says it is “making bold investments in its employees, its mountain resorts, and its Pass Holders”. Vail Resorts operates 40 destination mountain resorts and regional ski areas across the globe, including Stowe Mountain Resort in Stowe.“We will not waver in our commitment to […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Jazz Festival 2022 lineup to be announced on March 24
Save The Date Newport Jazz Festival today announced that they will be announcing this year’s lineup and will be putting 3-Day general admission tickets and 3-Day student tickets on sale this Thursday, March 24 at 11 AM. The 2022 Newport Jazz Festival is scheduled for Friday, July 29 to Sunday, July 31 at Fort Adams […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Danielle Genest named Island Moving Company’s next Artistic Director
The Board of Directors for Island Moving Company (IMC), Newport’s contemporary ballet, announced today the appointment of Danielle Genest as the company’s next Artistic Director, starting September 1, 2022. Genest is IMC’s current Associate Artistic Director and will succeed founding Artistic Director, Miki Ohlsen following her retirement at the end of the company’s 40th Anniversary […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport County this week: March 21 – 27
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County this week. Monday, March 21 Things To Do 2 pm to 9 pm: Gurney’s Newport Skating Rink is open Entertainment Celtica: Music Bingo at 7:30 pmThe Fastent Pub: The Ubiquitones at 10 pm City & Government Newport: Newport Planning Board at 6 pm, Newport Energy and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Congressman Cicilline, RIDOT to break ground on Aquidneck Avenue resurfacing project
Congressman David Cicilline and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti Jr. will join state and local leaders on Tuesday, March 22 to break ground on a project to resurface approximately one mile of Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown, from East Main Road to Green End Avenue. The $9 million project will reconstruct the […]
Posted inThings To Do
Tiverton Land Trust to host Pardon Gray Egg Hunt on April 9
by Tiverton Land Trust The Tiverton Land Trust is excited to announce the return of the Pardon Gray Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 9th. The rain date is April 16 – check social media for any potential changes. This is a great family opportunity to celebrate the arrival of spring and enjoy the quiet beauty […]