Middletown Town Council held a regular council meeting on Monday, February 3rd. The full agenda for the meeting is included below. If for some reason the video doesn’t play below, you can also view it here. https://youtu.be/WfHbrO1KaTU
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 inThings To Do
What’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this week: Feb. 3 – 10
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this week. While you’re here be sure to check our our new community calendar, what you’ll see there has been added by the What’s Up Newp Crew or added by a local event organizer, business, or reader. Check back often as the calendar is updated […]
Posted inNews
Laurie Sullivan, Principal of Thompson Middle School Principal, to retire at end of school year
Newport Public Schools announced today that Thompson Middle School (TMS) Principal, Laurie Sullivan, has announced to her TMS staff that she will be retiring in June 2020, at the end of this school year. Principal Sullivan, a Thompson alumni, started working in Newport Public Schools in 1982, first as a student-teacher, and then as a […]
Posted inBusiness
Chamber to host round-table for businesses to discuss future of Newport’s North End
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce will host a round-table to hear ideas and concerns from the business community about designs for Newport’s North End on Friday, February 7th from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.. The team from NBBJ, the City’s design consultants, will be in attendance to discuss design standards and zoning issues that […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rep. Carson, Rep. Cortvriend announce formation of Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Lauren H. Carson and Rep. Terri Cortvriend announce the formation of the Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus, a community group to give voice to the importance of mitigating and adapting for the earth’s changing climate. The group held a meeting on January 27th, attended by 40 concerned constituents from all three island […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rep. Ruggiero legislation would protect patients from surprise bills
STATE HOUSE — Rep. Deborah Ruggiero has introduced legislation to prevent patients from receiving unexpected and very high bills from out-of-network medical providers. The legislation (2020-H 7127) limits providers in emergency rooms to charging the in-network rate to insured patients, and also requires that hospitals notify a patient in advance if any nonemergency service is […]
Posted inThings To Do
Norman Bird Sanctuary Summer Camp celebrates 61 years of hands-on learning in nature
Norman Bird Sanctuary announced this morning that they are proud to announce the 61st anniversary of their summer camp with registration opening on Monday, February 3rd. Hundreds of campers will continue the tradition of nature exploration as they enjoy a unique blend of hiking, hands-on learning, animal encounters, games, and team building. Campers explore Norman […]
Posted inBusiness, News
NUWC awards Middletown-based Rite-Solutions $71.5 million contract to develop Undersea Electronic Warfare Systems
Middletown, RI – Rite-Solutions has been awarded a new contract by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT), with a potential value of $71.5 million over the next five years. The company will provide engineering and technical services to the Undersea Warfare Electro Magnetic Systems Department including systems engineering, integration and test, fleet support, […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Winter Break: When restaurants are taking time off this winter (2020 edition)
It’s beginning to look a whole lot more like the off-season around Newport. Many restaurants have already temporarily closed or are preparing to do so over the next few weeks. Temporarily Closing This story was originally published on January 2nd, 2020, it will be updated as more information is received and confirmed. 12 Metre Cafe: Closed […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Historical Society: Historic Activities planned during Newport’s Winter Festival
Join the Newport Historical Society for History Walking Tours and Colonial Wedding Expo: A Newport Historical Society History Space Event during Newport’s annual Winter Festival. Riots and rebellion, enemies and allies! Learn about Newport’s role in the American Revolution. Tours cost $15 per person, $10 Newport Historical Society members, active duty and retired military with ID; $5 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Texas BBQ Buffet on February 12th will benefit MLK Center
On Wednesday, February 12th the Rotary Clubs of Middletown, Jamestown, Newport, and Portsmouth/Tiverton and the Newport Kiwanis, in conjunction with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLK), will hold their eighth annual Texas BBQ buffet to benefit the MLK Community Center’s Hunger Relief Programs and to restock their Feed-A-Friend Food Pantry and new […]
Posted inCity & Government
Council to take up School Committee vacancy on February 5th
City Councilors will be hosting a special workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 at 6 p.m. in order to discuss the process of filling a vacancy on the School Committee resulting from the resignation of Kathleen M. Silva. According to the City Charter, City Councilors are charged with filling “any vacancy arising from death, resignation […]
Posted inReal Estate
What’s For Sale: 14 Aquidneck Island Open Houses to check out this weekend
Looking for a new house to make a home on Aquidneck Island? Check out these fourteen open houses taking place across the Island this weekend! Aquidneck Island Open Houses are brought to you by William Raveis Newport. Contact William Raveis for all of your real estate, mortgage, and insurance needs! Aquidneck Island Open Houses February […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Foundation is offering college scholarships of up to $20,000 to honor Roger Williams
The following was written by the RI Foundation. Local high school seniors have until Feb. 12 to apply for college scholarships of up to $20,000 through the Carter Roger Williams Initiative at the Rhode Island Foundation. Conceived of and funded by philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter, the program honors the principles of the state’s […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this weekend: Jan. 31 – Feb. 2
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this Super Bowl Weekend! Friday, January 31st Things To Do 10 am – Community Zumba Class at MLK Center1:30 pm – Oscar Shorts Animated 2020 at Jane Pickens Theater3:30 pm – Oscar Shorts Live-Action 2020 at Jane Pickens Theater5 pm – FUNDA FEST: A Celebration of Black Storytelling at Newport Art Museum7 […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Legislation introduced that would require safety barriers on Newport, Jamestown, Mount Hope bridges
Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) has introduced legislation that would require safety barriers or netting on the three bridges that connect Aquidneck and Conanicut islands to the Rhode Island mainland. The bill (2020-H 7366) would direct the Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, to erect the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Agenda: City of Newport Planning Board Meeting (Feb. 3)
The City Of Newport’s Planning Board will host their next meeting on Monday, February 3rd at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at Newport City Hall. The Planning Board is the steward for the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which sets the long-term goal for the City and is a key measure by which large development projects and zoning […]
Posted inNews
Polo Ball goes to bat for David Ortiz Children’s Fund
Newport Polo today named the David Ortiz Children’s Fund as the beneficiary of the Bon Voyage Ball – the 20th annual International Polo Charity Ball – to take place on Friday, August 7, 2020 at Rosecliff, one of the famed Bellevue Avenue mansions in Newport, RI. “We are privileged to partner with David Ortiz Children’s Fund, to help support crucial […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
What’s Up Newp to host Local News Discussion tonight at Firehouse Theater
What issues matter most to you in your neighborhood, in Newport, or on Aquidneck Island? We want to hear from you. Are you receiving the news and information you need about those issues? We want to hear from you. Are there issues or things happening out there that you don’t think are getting the attention […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: 14 Aquidneck Island real estate sales, transactions (Jan. 22 – 28)
Here’s what sold on Aquidneck Island between January 22 – 28, 2020. Aquidneck Island real estate sales and transactions on What’s Up Newp are brought to you by OUR Real Estate, a locally owned full service, boutique brokerage and lifestyle company. Read more about this locally owned full service, boutique brokerage and lifestyle company below. […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Legislative News – Jan. 28: Senate to vote on 3-D, ghost gun ban; RI Works benefits; Educational funding formula
The latest news from the Rhode Island General Assembly; MEDIA ADVISORY: Senate to vote on 3-D, ghost gun ban tomorrow STATE HOUSE — The Senate is scheduled to vote on legislation that would ban 3-D printed guns during its session tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 29. The Senate is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. in its […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
Now Hiring in Newport: 65+ local job opportunities available right now
Looking for a new job in or around Newport? There are more than sixty local companies hiring right now, good luck! To the best of our knowledge, all job opportunities have been available in the last seven days and are located within five miles of downtown Newport. Featured Listing: If you are interested in learning […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport County Youth Chorus to offer a new Middle School Ensemble class in Newport
The Newport County Youth Chorus is welcoming singers to join a new Middle School Ensemble class for students in grades 5 – 8 with unchanged voices that will be offered in Newport this spring. It is free to participate and no audition is necessary — just a love of singing! Sign up at www.newportsings.org/join. The […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Kathleen Silvia resigns from Newport School Committee
This afternoon, Newport School Committee Chairman Raymond Gomes delivered a letter to Newport City Hall for Committee Member Kathleen Silvia, according to a press release from Newport Public Schools. Ms. Silvia tendered her letter of resignation from the Newport School Committee effective immediately. According to the press release, Chairman Gomes stated the following to the Superintendent […]
Posted inSports
Goran Ivanišević and Conchita Martínez to be inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame
Croatian tennis legend Goran Ivanišević and Spanish tennis great Conchita Martínez, each a Wimbledon champion and former world No. 2, among their many career accolades, have been elected to receive tennis’ ultimate honor in 2020 – induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The new inductees will be celebrated tonight in a special ceremony […]