The Maher Garden Center in Middletown is set to host a soil testing event on Aug. 10, offering the public a chance to witness the transformation of its Founder’s Garden into a thriving pollinator haven. From 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can have their soil tested and explore the revitalized garden space, which has undergone […]
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
Department of Health closes three Rhode Island beaches due to high bacteria
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has recommended closing the swimming areas at Kent County YMCA in Warwick, Kingston’s Camp, and Camp Hoffman due to high bacteria counts. RIDOH continues to monitor beach water quality daily through Labor Day. For the most up-to-date information on beach conditions, travelers are urged to call RIDOH’s beaches […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Families In Motion: Free family music event coming to Newport on Aug. 25
Puddingstone Music Series is set to host its first-ever free family event, “Families in Motion,” on Aug. 25 at St. Columba’s Chapel in Middletown, Rhode Island. The event, scheduled for 3 p.m., promises an exciting blend of music, dance, and acrobatic performances suitable for all ages. Weather permitting, activities will take place both outdoors on […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
New exhibit at IYRS School of Technology & Trades showcases America’s Cup history in Newport
A new exhibit at the IYRS Maritime Library showcases the rich history of America’s Cup races in Newport from 1930 to 1983. “The America’s Cup and Newport, 1930-1983” features photographs, films, blueprint plans, documents, flags and more, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s life during the 12 times these prestigious races came to Newport. […]
Posted inNews
Rep. Magaziner proposes tougher penalties for wage theft
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) says he’s introduced legislation that would make wage theft a felony nationwide, and would also increase the penalties for employers who don’t pay overtime. Under current law, employers can be fined up to $10,000 for wage theft. The Don’t Stand for Taking Employed American’s Livings (Don’t STEAL) Act would increase […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Department of Health reminds Rhode Islanders about the health risks of open wounds and coastal waters
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding residents to be aware of the potential dangers of Vibrio bacteria if they have an open wound and enter salt water or brackish water, which is a mixture of salt water and fresh water. Open wounds include recent cuts and scrapes, recent surgery sites, and recent […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Life Science Hub awards first round of small grants
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub has announced its first round of small grants totaling $98,780 to support projects that aim to build a stronger foundation for the life sciences industry in the state. “Rhode Island is making key investments that will guide our strategy to become a hub for good-paying jobs and steady economic […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to consider resolution on transportation and parking policies for large events
Newport City Council members are set to discuss a resolution aimed at addressing transportation and parking challenges during large events in the city. The “Transportation Parking Policies for Large Events” resolution will be considered during the council’s regular meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Newport City Hall. Introduced by Councilors Lynn Underwood Ceglie and Jeanne […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to consider a resolution that would overhaul Newport’s Resident Parking Program
A resolution to revamp Newport’s Resident Parking Program will be introduced at the August 14 City Council meeting, aiming to address longstanding issues of availability and affordability for year-round residents. City Councilor Mark Aramli is introducing the resolution, which aims to close loopholes that have allowed non-residents to exploit the system and prioritize parking access […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport landmarks honored with Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation
Three Newport-based projects and individuals are among the recipients of the 2024 Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation, celebrating excellence in safeguarding Rhode Island’s architectural heritage. Preserve Rhode Island announced 10 awardees spanning from Newport to Pawtucket, recognizing efforts that strengthen communities and address social challenges through historic preservation. The Newport honorees include the Preservation Society […]
Posted inNews
Middletown Library to host Monday Book Club Series
The Middletown Public Library has announced it will host the Monday Book Club series with free admission on Monday, September 23rd to December 16th. The series features a variety of genres and authors, with titles including Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane, The Measure by Nikki Erlick, Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange, The Adventures of Amina […]
Posted inNews
Middletown Library to host crafting and educational events
The Middletown Public Library will be hosting a series of Monday Fun Days for Adults in August, featuring crafting and educational activities. The events will be held in the library’s meeting room on Monday, August 5:30-6:30 p.m. The craft offered on August 19 is a stamped dish towel craft program, while the August 26 event […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Magaziner visits Block Island, hosts Town Hall and visits sites
U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) is making his presence felt on Block Island, meeting with residents and visiting key local institutions to address community concerns and highlight federal support for the area. Magaziner hosted his second town hall with New Shoreham residents on Aug. 7, providing updates on his work in Rhode Island and Washington, […]
Posted inSports
Rhode Island FC falls 1-0 at Indy Eleven
INDIANAPOLIS (August 7, 2024) – Rhode Island FC suffered its first loss in nearly two months on Wednesday when it fell 1-0 to Indy Eleven at IU Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium. Despite an attacking surge in the late stages of the match, the Ocean State club could not overcome a narrow first-half deficit as […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island cracks down on deceptive solar sales with ‘Solar Protections Bill’
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation has new legislation aimed at protecting consumers from solar companies. The new law will require solar retailers to register their businesses and conduct criminal records checks on all sales representatives. A press release said the law was necessary after a handful of solar companies in Rhode Island had […]
Posted inNews
Summer fun awaits at Aquidneck Night Out on August 8
It’s time to get ready for some summer fun at the Aquidneck Night Out event on August 8, 2024. This event is for children under 12 and their families and will be held down at Easton’s Beach from 5 to 7 p.m. This is a free event where children can learn about safety, face painting, […]
Posted inNews
RIPTA to run limited service on Victory Day
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will run a Sunday/holiday service schedule on Monday, August 12, in observance of Victory Day. This schedule will include all regular fixed-route buses and trolleys. All RIPTA offices will be closed on Monday, August 12, with the exception of the Customer Service Kiosk at the Newport Transportation Center. […]
Posted inNews
Grace, a gentle giant, seeks a new home
Meet your new best Griend, Grace – this week’s adoptable cat of the week. A dilute tortie, Grace is eight years old and six months old, and weighs 27.5 pounds. She is available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals Animal Care and Adoption Center in Middletown. Grace is said to be a courteous, […]
Posted inNews
Lincoln Woods Park Beach Swimming Area closed
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has recommended closing the swimming area at Lincoln Woods Park Beach due to high bacteria counts, according to a release. RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality at the beach and will update the status as it changes through Labor Day. For the most up-to-date information on […]
Posted inCity & Government
Heat risk isn’t just about the highs: Large daily temperature swings can harm human health – maps show who is affected most
Shengjie Liu, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and Emily Smith-Greenaway, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences This summer has shown how quickly high temperatures can pose serious health risks, with record-breaking heat waves claiming thousands of lives around the world. However, it’s not just high and low temperatures that matter. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport’s Strategic Plan gains momentum
The City of Newport is making significant progress on its Strategic Plan, with 46 out of 56 goals and strategies either ongoing or complete. The plan, developed with input from over 1,000 residents, outlines five priority areas for the city’s future. City officials are encouraging residents to download and review the final Strategic Plan, which […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM invites Rhode Islanders to learn something new with its Division of Fish and Wildlife
This fall, come learn new skills with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)! Connect with the outdoors and learn some new skills this summer; from fishing days to hunter education classes to guided walks, there’s something for everyone. Join DFW’s Aquatic Resource Education Program, Hunter Education Program, and Wildlife Outreach and Volunteer Program staff to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Registration and disaffiliation cutoffs approach for Rhode Island voters
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the RI Department of State Elections Division are reminding eligible voters of important deadlines for the Primary Election on September 10, 2024. The deadline for individuals to be registered to vote to participate in the Primary Election is August 11, 2024. The deadline for voters to disaffiliate, if […]
Posted inNews
Knights of Columbus Council 5295 in Narragansett recognized at the Supreme Knight’s Awards Session for its community program
Knights of Columbus Council 5295 in Narragansett, Rhode Island, is making a significant impact on the lives of children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities in Jamaica through its partnership with Jacob’s Ladder orphanage. The council’s efforts were recognized at the Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight’s Awards Session, held on Aug. 7 in Québec […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
R&B band “The 40” to headline Newport’s NIMFest Concert Series
Newport’s NIMFest Concert Series is set to rock King Park Gazebo this Sunday with headliner “The 40,” a New England R&B band known for their electrifying performances. The free outdoor concert, scheduled for Aug. 11 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., promises an afternoon of rhythm and blues that will have fans dancing and singing […]