Martha Jane (Todd) Braley, 78, of Leonard Terrace, Newport, RI, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 28, 2017. She was the wife of the late Roger L. Braley, Jr. Born in Tuscumbia, AL on September 15, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Fred W. and Leola W. (Willingham) Todd. Mrs. Braley […]
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 inNews
Obituary for Ermelinda Amaral, 93
Ermelinda (Andrade) Amaral, 93, formerly of Newport, RI, died on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at St. Elizabeth’s Manor, Bristol, RI. She was the wife of the late Jose Amaral. Born on November 1, 1923 in San Miguel, the Azores, she was the daughter of the late Jose Matias and Maria D’Conceicoa (Souza) Andrade. Mrs. Amaral […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Ben & Jerry’s on Thames Street will Participate in ‘Free Cone Day’ on April 4th
Ben & Jerry’s on Thames Street will celebrate Free Cone Day in the tastiest way possible….with free cups and cones of your favorite ice cream! On April 4th, between 12pm – 8pm, head to the Ben & Jerry’s at 359 Thames Street for your free cone or cup of ice cream, it’s Ben & Jerry’s […]
Posted inNews
Cluny School to Close After 60 Years (Updated)
Cluny School will close at the end of the 2016/2017 school year. School leaders informed the faculty and staff at 4 p.m., and parents at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the school’s campus located at 75 Brenton Road in Newport. “It is with a deep sadness that we announce the closure of Cluny School,” said […]
Posted inNews
RIDOT Beginning Demolition of the Old Sakonnet River Bridge
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced in a press release that starting on Wednesday, March 1st it is beginning the process of removing the old Sakonnet River Bridge. The bridge was closed in 2012 with the opening of the new Sakonnet River Bridge. “We’re pleased to inform citizens on both sides of the […]
Posted inThings To Do
Save The Date: 10 Great Events in Newport this March
Discover the best events, activities and things to do during March in and around Newport, RI. March is Newport Irish Heritage Month for a full list of events, activities and things to do, head here – Schedule Of Events: 40th Annual Newport Irish Heritage Month. (In chronological order) 1 – Newport-Kinsale Chef Exchange Kick-off – March 2nd: […]
Posted inCity & Government
Portions Of RI Sound And Lower Narragansett Bay And Sakonnet River Closed To Shellfishing
The Rhode Island Departments of Environmental Management (DEM) and Health (RIDOH) has announced today via a press release that areas of Rhode Island Sound, lower Narragansett Bay south of the Newport Pell and Jamestown Verrazzano Bridges, and lower Sakonnet River will be closed to shellfish harvesting beginning at sunrise on Wednesday, March 1, until further […]
Posted inThings To Do
Art After Dark at Newport Art Museum will go Beyond Architecture in March
The Newport Art Museum’s sparkling monthly late night affair Art After Dark is back onThursday, March 9, from 5 – 9 pm. Each Art After Dark has unique programming for the whole family. This event joins the ranks of the many events and educational programs the Museum currently offers in its galleries at 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. And the best news. Admission is free or by donation! So, reacquaint yourself with the Newport Art Museum. Details […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Frederick M. Kelly
Frederick Mayer Kelly, 94, of Newport, RI, died Monday, February 27, 2017 at John Clarke Nursing Center in Middletown. He was the husband of the late Geraldine A. (Smith) Kelly. Born on July 22, 1922 in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Thomas Raymond and Harriet Mary (Bacheller) Kelly. Mr. Kelly was […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Sylvia Marie Craig, 58, Portsmouth
On Saturday, February 25, 2017, an earthly angel ascended to Heavenly Angel. Sylvia Marie Craig, 58, peacefully passed away, comforted by family and friends by her side, and enfolded in the loving prayers of those who loved her. Born May 22, 1958, at St Anne’s Hospital, Fall River, MA, a life-long resident of Portsmouth, RI, […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Osvaldo Cortes, 64, Newport
Osvaldo Cortes, 64, of Newport died Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at Newport Hospital. Osvaldo was born October 16, 1952 in Aquadilla, Puerto Rico. He is the son of the late Juan Cortes-Nieves and the late Carmen Muniz. He was the husband of the late Migdalia Lopez-Pabon. Osvaldo was a former resident of 76 Broadway and […]
Posted inNews
Preservation Society Receives Historic Road Coach from New York Historical Society
The Preservation Society of Newport County announced in a press release on Tuesday that the historic road coach Pioneer, built in 1898, has been added to their collection at The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where it will be displayed alongside Alfred G. Vanderbilt’s Venture. The Pioneer was given to the Preservation Society by the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Portion of Thames Street to Close Tonight to Fix a Gas Main
The Newport Police Department announced on Tuesday afternoon that they will need to close Thames Street on Tuesday evening. “Due to unforeseen circumstances Thames Street will be closed tonight, 02/28/17, starting at 8 pm. between Memorial Blvd and Young Street. National Grid Gas will be conducting repairs to the gas main on Thames Street requiring […]
Posted inNews
U.S. News & World Report’s new ranking of the ‘Best States’ Ranks Rhode Island at #21
Rhode Island had an overall rank of #21 out of 50 on U.S. News & World Report’s new ranking of the Best States that was released on Tuesday. U.S. News put together the annual list with McKinsey & Company, the full report was based on 68 metrics. Rhode Island was on the better half of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Soil Test Results Cause Temporarily Work Stoppage on Newport Gateway Center Project
Exterior construction work on the Newport Transportation and Visitors Center (Newport Gateway Center) has been temporarily stopped due to soil tests that showed results of arsenic, lead and at least one petroleum byproduct. “Work at the site has stopped temporarily due to the findings of some soil samples that were taken to ensure proper disposal […]
Posted inFood & Drink
CraftBeer.com Readers: The Wharf Pub is ‘Best Beer Bar’ in Rhode Island
The Wharf Pub has been recognized as the best beer bar in Rhode Island in the annual Great American Beer Bars 2017 competition conducted by CraftBeer.com, the Brewers Association website for beer lovers. With more than 5,000 small and independent craft breweries operating in the U.S., there are more options than ever when it comes to […]
Posted inCity & Government
RI Commerce Corporation Chooses Rhode Island Firms for Advertising Campaign
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation announced today in the following press release that it has selected three vendors to execute its upcoming tourism campaign. At this month’s meeting, the Commerce Corporation Board voted to authorize the Commerce Corporation to enter into agreements with NAIL Communications, the RDW Group, and NJF, an MMGY Global company. Under […]
Posted inThings To Do
Schedule Of Events: 40th Annual Newport Irish Heritage Month
Irish Heritage Month is a celebration of all things Irish throughout the month of March with music, lectures, tours, food, and, of course, the 61st annual parade in honor of St. Patrick on Saturday, March 11. Peter Martin has curated the following calendar of event for Newport Irish Heritage Month, it was his goal to […]
Posted inNews
Top 10 Most Shared and Read Stories in February
In February, Newport saw record high temps, a blizzard and hundreds of great events. Here’s what What’sUpNewp content people were sharing and reading the most in February! Most Read Stories in February Snow-Related Cancellations, Closures and Delays (Feb. 9 – 10) 2. 2017 Newport Restaurant Deals, Discounts and Special Offers (Updated)… 3. 8-12″ of Snow Expected For […]
Posted inBusiness
KJ’s Pub and Restaurant Hits the Market for $1.39 Million
The future for KJ’s Pub and Restaurant, located at 59 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown, continues to be a bit of a mystery. KJ’s was placed on the market last week for $1,390,000, the listing price includes the building, business and liquor license. The current owners, John Gullison and Bonnie Zimble, had announced recent plans to construct a four-story […]
Posted inFood & Drink
What’s Open, What’s Closed: When Restaurants Are Taking Time Off This Winter (Updated)
It’s beginning to look a whole lot more like the off-season around Newport, RI. Many restaurants have already permanently/temporarily closed or are preparing to do so over the next few weeks. Permanently Closed or Temporarily Closing This story was originally published on December 27th, 2016. It was last updated on February 27th 22 Bowen’s: Closed from January […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Jo’s American Bistro Wins Inaugural ‘Newport Burger Bender’ Contest
After 10 days and 25 burgers, a winner has been named in the 2017 Newport Burger Bender contest. Discover Newport announced via Twitter on Monday, February 27th that Jo’s American Bistro has won their inaugural Newport Burger Bender contest. Congratulations to the winners of our Newport Burger Bender Contest: @JosBistro with their bacon onion jam […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Cynthia Marie Williams, 71, of Newport
Cynthia Marie Williams, 71, of Newport passed away peacefully after an extended illness on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Newport Hospital. She was the wife of Andrew Williams. Born on July 26, 1945 in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late Walter J. and Alice (Gallagher) Good. In addition to her husband, Cynthia […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquidneck Island Road Construction Report: Feb. 26 – Mar. 4
Here is what’s happening for road work, closures and detours in and around Newport, RI this week. Roadwork scheduled by Rhode Island Department Of Transportation: Tiverton and Portsmouth: Rte. 24 North and South, from West Main Rd. to the Massachusetts state line, partial right lane closure for sweeping, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to […]
Posted inNews
Video: Dancing at Fort Steps Kicks Off Newport’s Irish Heritage Month
The 40th annual Newport Irish Heritage Month kicked off on Sunday with Dancing at the Forty Steps. In addition to dancing and live Irish music, the AOH Men choral group provided some sing-a-long Irish songs. This event not only officially begins Irish Heritage Month but also commemorates the many Irish who in the 19th and […]