News

Wondering what the talk of the town was around Newport in October? While covering dozens of events and posting hundreds of stories in the month of October, it’s the news that’s unexpected, original and breaking news that saw the most traffic on www.whatsupnewp.com. More than 50,000 unique visitors made these posts the top 10 most-read stories in […]

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today that effective at sunrise on Saturday, October 29, the emergency shellfishing closure for Rhode Island waters will be lifted. The closure was due to a harmful algae bloom that has now subsided. All conditional harvesting areas, with the exception of Area B, remain closed due […]

In search of something eerie to write about in late October, I went to Exeter to seek out the grave of Rhode Island’s most famous accused vampire, Mercy Lena Brown, who died in 1892 at age 19. Given her celebrity, I was hardly surprised to find that I wasn’t the only one who’d come to […]

The Coast Guard and Jamestown Police Department rescued a 60-year-old man Sunday off Fort Wetherill, Rhode Island after he fell off his sailboat. At approximately 12:20 a.m., Coast Guard Station Castle Hill received a call from Jamestown Police reporting a man in the water who had been clinging to his boat for about two hours. […]

Metered parking, which is in effect from May 1st through October 31st, will be free beginning on Tuesday, November 1st. Off-Season Metered Parking is in effect from November 1st through April 30th, 2016. There is no fee for parking at meters during this time but a 3-hour limit remains in effect until 6 p.m. daily. […]

As the clocks fall back, cyclists need to light up. Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 6th. As darkness arrives earlier, cyclists are reminded to take extra precaution riding at night. White lights on front, red lights on back, and plenty of reflectors and reflective clothing. The local advocacy group Bike Newport is chanting […]

Ever wondered what the difference is between an Ale and a Lager? Most people think they’re similar but actually they’re very different. What is an Ale? When brewing an Ale, it uses yeast to be fermented at the top of the fermentation tank at high temperatures. An Ale usually takes up to eight days to be ferment and […]

Local high school students can now apply for college scholarships of up to $80,000 thanks to a new initiative from the Rhode Island Foundation that honors the state’s founding father. “Roger Williams was many things – a seeker, a champion of democracy, a naturalist, a reader, a writer, a traveler, and undoubtedly an entrepreneur. Thanks to […]

Condé Nast Traveler recently announced the results of its 29th annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Aquidneck Island recognized as one of the “Top 10 Islands in the U.S.” “Aquidneck Islanders should be proud to be included among top-notch islands like Maui, Longboat Key and Kiawah Island,” said Evan Smith, president and CEO of Discover Newport. […]

The following items were discussed by Newport City Council on Wednesday, October 26th, here’s a quick review of what was approved, amended and/or changed during the more than two-hour meeting. More in depth stories and follow up to come on a few key issues. (Meeting notes are in bold, full agenda can also be seen […]

You may want to cover your outdoor plants this evening. The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a Frost Advisory for Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which includes Bristol and Newport. With temperatures expected to fall into the mid 30’s in our area, the advisory will be in effect from 10 p.m. on Wednesday […]

Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Eastern Region will host a two-day meeting in Newport, R.I., according to a press release from the Attorney General’s office on Tuesday, October 11th. The event will reportedly focus on local, state and federal governmental and non-governmental partnerships to deliver cost-effectives services […]

After several years of planning and construction, St. Clare will host a dedication and blessing of their new building on Tuesday, November 1st. The 30 minute ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. with brief remarks by St. Clare’s administrator Mary Beth Daigneault; Jeff Lipshires, Vice President, Behan Bros; Governor Gina Raimondo and then a blessing and ribbon […]

WhatsUpNewp is  profiling each of the statewide referenda, in what promises to be a spirited election from the presidency to local public offices and local issues. ICYMI, here are two previous stories that we’ve published – The November Ballot: Question 1 – Tiverton Casino & The November Ballot: Question 2 – Ethics. While it may appear that […]

Meredith Nordhem Ewenson; her disposition is as rare as her hair color. She is positive, vibrant, and dynamic, working a full-time job (and then some) while still maintaining a presence. How does she do it? “I think doing multiple things brings in energy from each thing.” Many of you may know Meredith as the Marketing Director […]

A shellfish harvesting closure is in effect for lower Sakonnet River, Harvester Tagging Area 5C, until further notice. The closure is due to a preliminary toxic shellfish finding associated with the harmful algae bloom being monitored in Rhode Island waters. The closure includes carnivorous snails, such as whelk and moon snails. On October 7, The […]