Amity Island is coming back to Washington Square. The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center will once again kick off summer with its annual “Jaws” party on Friday, May 29, before returning the Steven Spielberg classic to the big screen for three more screenings in July. The annual celebration of the 1975 blockbuster, presented in […]
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 inNews
Newport Gulls announce 2026 Hall of Fame class ahead of 25th anniversary weekend
The Newport Gulls have announced their 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Class, with a special ceremony set for Saturday, July 18, at Historic Cardines Field. The induction will headline the Gulls’ 25-year anniversary celebration weekend, which is expected to bring former players back to “The Nest.” The 2026 class of players includes Troy Dixon (2016), […]
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Senate passes Euer bill to put $3 million Jamestown affordable housing bond on November ballot
The Rhode Island Senate has approved legislation from Sen. Dawn Euer that would seek Jamestown voters’ approval in November for up to $3 million in bonds to fund affordable housing projects. The bill (2026-S 3186) cleared the Senate on Thursday, May 7. If passed by the full General Assembly and approved by voters in a […]
Posted inNews
Newport Mental Health unveils 2026 lineup of signature fundraising events
Newport Mental Health has announced its 2026 schedule of signature fundraising events, three gatherings the nonprofit says will help underwrite no-cost mental health and substance use care across Newport County. Proceeds from the events benefit Newport Mental Health’s Annual Fund, which last year helped provide $1.2 million in no-cost care to children, families and individuals […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport’s William Riccio named one of nation’s top 10 public works leaders
Newport’s longtime Director of Public Services has been recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 public works leaders by the American Public Works Association. William R. Riccio Jr., a professional engineer, was announced as a recipient of the APWA’s Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year award in the run-up to the annual […]
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Tickets on sale for 30th annual Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff
Tickets are on sale now for the 30th annual Newport Flower Show, set for June 19-21 at Rosecliff. This year’s theme, “Pearls of Newport,” takes its name from the traditional 30th anniversary gemstone and is meant to evoke both the elegance of Newport’s Gilded Age and the city’s coastal and maritime identity. “The Flower Show […]
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Jamestown Newport Ferry returns Saturday for 2026 season
The Jamestown Newport Ferry will launch its 2026 season on Saturday, May 16, kicking off the summer with its popular Hop-On Hop-Off service across Narragansett Bay. The opening coincides with the Oyster & Chowder Festival at Bowen’s Wharf on May 16 and 17. Hop-On Hop-Off service will operate daily through Oct. 12, with stops at […]
Posted inNews
Your Newport County weather forecast: 7 days on land and sea
Whether you’re heading out on the water, planning a weekend event, or just trying to dress for the day, here’s your full 7-day forecast for Newport County — pulled live from NOAA’s National Weather Service and refreshed automatically. Weather Forecast Marine Forecast
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Newport Hospital awards $185,000 to 26 youth programs through Prince Memorial Fund
Newport Hospital has awarded $185,000 to 26 local organizations through its Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund, continuing its commitment to youth wellness across Aquidneck Island. The “Powered by Prince” grants, ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, will help support and expand a broad mix of programs serving children and teens in Newport County, from athletics and […]
Posted inNews
Fort Adams Trust unveils two new guided tour experiences for 2026 season
The Fort Adams Trust is launching two new guided tour experiences this season, giving visitors deeper looks at both the military engineering and the human stories behind one of Rhode Island’s most recognizable landmarks. “Storm the Fort” and “Life at the Fort” are now available as part of the 2026 visitor season, the trust announced […]
Posted inNews
Bike to work day rolls into Newport on Friday
Commuters are invited to leave the car at home this Friday as Bike Newport and RIPTA Commuter Resources host the annual Bike to Work Day, part of May is Bike Month on Aquidneck Island. From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday, May 15, organizers will greet bike commuters in front of Newport City Hall […]
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Newport Hospital briefly locked down after threatening phone call
Newport Hospital was placed on lockdown Saturday afternoon after a man called the facility’s switchboard and threatened to “shoot the place up” with a rifle, police said. The hospital alerted the Newport Police Department at 3:50 p.m. on May 9, reporting the caller said he would arrive at 4 p.m. armed with a rifle, according […]
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RI Commerce Corp. to open satellite office at Innovate Newport
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation will open a satellite office at Innovate Newport, expanding access to its business services across Aquidneck Island and the Greater Newport region. A press conference and ribbon cutting to officially launch the new office are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, May 11, at the front entrance of Innovate Newport, 513 […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Classical Music Festival returns July 2-19 with 30 concerts across 11 venues
The Newport Classical Music Festival will present 30 concerts across 11 venues from July 2 through 19, the organization announced Thursday, marking its 57th year showcasing classical music in some of Newport County’s most iconic settings. Performances will take place at The Breakers, The Elms, Castle Hill Inn, Blithewold Mansion, Rosecliff Mansion, Redwood Library and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Aurelia at Castle Hill reopens May 22 with new chef de cuisine, Forbes Five-Star designation
Aurelia at Castle Hill, the signature restaurant at Castle Hill Inn, will reopen May 22 with a new chef de cuisine and a fresh Forbes Five-Star designation, the Inn announced Thursday. Reservations are available starting today on OpenTable, with dinner service offered nightly from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Reservations are required and available two weeks […]
Posted inCity & Government
Shekarchi steps down as House speaker to pursue Supreme Court seat; Blazejewski elected to succeed him
Rhode Island’s House of Representatives saw a sweeping leadership change Thursday as Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi announced his intent to seek a seat on the state Supreme Court, Rep. Christopher R. Blazejewski was elected to succeed him as speaker, and Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian became the first woman elected House majority leader in state history. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Euer bill would address failing toll transponders, warn drivers before licenses are at risk
Sen. Dawn Euer has introduced legislation that would require the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority to proactively replace failing toll transponders and to notify drivers of unpaid tolls before their licenses and vehicle registrations are jeopardized. The bill, 2026-S 2728, would direct the authority to establish rules and regulations covering transponder failures, including outreach […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to weigh Bellevue Avenue liquor license transfer, noise enforcement trailer at May 13 meeting
The Newport City Council will take up a wide-ranging agenda Wednesday, May 13, including a proposal to purchase an automated noise enforcement trailer, dozens of summer event approvals and a show-cause hearing for a Thames Street coffee shop. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway. A Citizens’ […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jamestown Arts Center to host game show–style artist talk May 17
The Jamestown Arts Center will trade the conventional artist talk for buzzers and games when it presents “The ‘Next’ Contestant,” an experimental, game show–style program on Sunday, May 17. The event runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and is described as part panel discussion, part improv. Rather than a moderator leading questions from the audience, […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
RI health officials urge tick and mosquito bite prevention as warmer weather arrives
With warmer weather settling in across the state, the Rhode Island Department of Health is reminding residents to take steps to prevent tick and mosquito bites when spending time outdoors. State officials said avoiding bites is the most effective way to prevent the spread of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Author Michael Klein to discuss ‘Happiness Ruined Everything’ at Jamestown Arts Center
Local author Michael Klein will discuss his new essay collection, “Happiness Ruined Everything,” during an evening event at the Jamestown Arts Center on Tuesday, May 12. The talk, presented by Newport’s Charter Books in collaboration with the arts center, will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 18 Valley St. RSVPs are encouraged for the pay-what-you-can […]
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Middletown postpones Sweet Berry Farm planning board hearing, citing anticipated overflow crowd
A planning board public hearing on a major development proposal at Sweet Berry Farm that was scheduled for May 13 has been postponed because the town anticipates more people than Town Hall can accommodate, according to a notice issued Wednesday morning by the Town of Middletown. “Due to an anticipated overflow crowd that cannot be […]
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Discover Newport to host marketing strategy workshop June 9
Discover Newport will host a Marketing Strategy Workshop on Tuesday, June 9, inviting members of the local tourism and hospitality community to help guide the organization’s future marketing direction. The interactive session is scheduled for 9 a.m. at Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway. Organizers said the workshop will facilitate discussion around industry priorities and opportunities, with […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Arts & Cultural Alliance opens nominations for LeRoy White Soul & Conscience Award
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County and the White Family Foundation are accepting nominations for the fourth annual LeRoy White Soul & Conscience Award, a $5,000 prize given each year to a musician whose life or art contributes to and connects the community. Musicians may apply on their own behalf or be nominated […]
Posted inNews
Community invited to Krupowicz Planetarium for one of its final public shows in Middletown
The public is invited inside the Krupowicz Planetarium at Gaudet Middle School next week for a community night billed as a rare chance to experience the historic facility before it is taken down. The Gaudet Parent Teacher Group will host the event on Tuesday, May 12, at 1113 Aquidneck Ave. Two shows are scheduled: 5 […]