The Preservation Society of Newport County honored five individuals for their outstanding contributions to the organization’s success during its Annual Meeting on June 13 at The Elms. Bernard Gewirz, a philanthropist for an array of causes and steadfast supporter of the Preservation Society for more than three decades, was presented with the Antiquarian Award, the […]
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 inArts & Culture
Comedian Juston McKinney coming to The JPT on November 2
Spectacle Live today announced that they will present Juston McKinney on Saturday, November 2 at 8 pm at The JPT Film & Event Center in Newport. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 2 at 10 am at JanePickens.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774. Juston has multiple appearances on “The Tonight Show”, one-hour specials on “Comedy Central” and “Amazon […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH recommends closing swimming areas in Warwick, Bristol, Warren, and Portsmouth
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing the swimming areas at City Park, Oakland Beach, and Conimicut Beach in Warwick; Bristol Town Beach; Warren Town Beach; and Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth. These closures are due to high bacteria counts. RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Portsmouth author explores grief and transformation in ‘Leah Is A Dragonfly Now’
A new picture book from Portsmouth author Sarah McLean will tell the story of a friendship that was built after a tragic accident. “Leah Is A Dragonfly Now” is a moving story that deals with grief and loss. The book is based on the award-winning short film “Dragonfly,” and it follows the story of two […]
Posted inNews
Middletown Rotary Club to host 29th Annual Steakout
The Middletown Rotary Club will host its 29th annual Steakout on August 14, 2024, at Kempenaar’s Clambake Club in Middletown. The event, which runs from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m., is a fundraiser for the club and supports various community initiatives. The Steakout will feature lawn games, good food, and a chance to win big. A […]
Posted inNews
Deer permits go on sale, and Summer Deer Survey opens on August 1
Deer hunting season is only a few weeks away. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is preparing for the opening of deer hunting season by selling permits on Thursday, August 1. All licenses and permits can be found online through the DEM’s website. If you miss the online sale, you can get the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Metallica returns to Gillette Stadium this weekend
The legendary band Metallica will return to Gillette Stadium for the first time since 2017, and third and fourth overall performances at the venue this Friday, Aug. 2 and Sunday, Aug. 4. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will bring their “No Repeat Weekend,” featuring two completely different setlists and two different bands opening the show […]
Posted inNews
MAMMA MIA! coming to PPAC in November
The smash hit musical “MAMMA MIA!” will be in Providence, R.I., this November, the Providence Performing Arts Center announced Monday. “MAMMA MIA!” will be performed at the Providence Performing Arts Center from Nov. 12 to 17, 2024. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Aug. 4, at 10 a.m. A box office window […]
Posted inNews
Toxic Algae Alert: Stay away from Roger Williams Park Ponds
A toxic blue-green algae bloom has been found in several ponds at Roger Williams Park, and officials are urging people to stay out of the water. The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued a warning Tuesday advising people to avoid contact with all Roger Williams Park ponds. […]
Posted inNews
Salvation Army appoints new officers in Newport
The Salvation Army has appointed Chris and Kiley Williams as its new officers for Newport, R.I. The officers are a married couple with three daughters. Captain Chris and Captain Kiley Williams were commissioned as Salvation Army officers in 2010. They are a married couple with three daughters. Abby, 18, Sydney, 15, and Olivia, 11, are […]
Posted inNews
AARP Tax Volunteers needed in Newport County
The AARP Tax Aide program needs volunteers to help low-to-moderate-income residents receive their maximum tax refunds and file for eligible tax credits. Volunteers will work at one of the AARP’s 10 locations in Senior Centers and Libraries across Newport County from Jamestown to Tiverton. Training begins in the fall, and volunteers must commit to working […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
From Bike Stage to Harbor Stage: Palmyra’s Newport Folk Festival journey
Palmyra, a folk band, performed at the Newport Folk Festival on Sunday, marking their third appearance at the event. The trio has played approximately 150 shows and recorded a new album in the past year. “We’ve been keeping busy, for sure,” said one of the band members during an interview with What’sUpNewp on Saturday. After […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Jane Pickens Theater kicks off August with a diverse array of films and events
The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) is kicking off August with a diverse array of films and events that spotlight film classics, renowned authors, award-winning theater productions, and local businesses. “We are thrilled to present a vibrant lineup of films and events at The Jane Pickens Theater! From classic films and captivating […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport this week: July 29 – August 4
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week/weekend, July 29 – August 4, 2024. This story will be updated throughout the week as we learn of events, meetings, and listings, so please check back often. Do you have something to add to this list or an upcoming […]
Posted inNews
Hope Community Service Pond reopens for swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has announced that the swimming area at Hope Community Service Pond in Scituate is once again open for swimming. The reopening comes after bacteria counts at the pond dropped to safe levels, according to RIDOH. The department continues to monitor beach water quality at all locations and will […]
Posted inNews
Teresa Paiva Weed set to retire from Rhode Island Hospital Association
The Hospital Association of Rhode Island (HARI) has announced that President Teresa Paiva Weed will retire by the end of summer after a seven-year stint at the helm of the organization. Teresa Paiva Weed was appointed as President of HARI in 2017. During her tenure at the helm, the organization has faced numerous challenges, including […]
Posted inNews
Camp Hoffman reopens for swimming
Today, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommended that the swimming area at Camp Hoffman in South Kingstown reopen for swimming. This comes after bacteria counts at the beach returned to safe levels. The water quality at Camp Hoffman will continue to be monitored through Labor Day. RIDOH urges residents to check the most […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Rising Folk trio Oliver Hazard talks about Newport experience
Oliver Hazard, a band from Waterville, Ohio, made their Newport Folk Festival debut on Jul. 27, 2024, opening the day’s performances. The trio, consisting of Michael Belazis, Devin East, and Nate Miner, expressed their surprise and gratitude for the reception at the festival. “It was amazing. We didn’t expect many people to come,” one of […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
From Baton Rouge to Newport: Britti’s Folk Festival journey
New Orleans-based singer Britti is making her debut at the Newport Folk Festival, performing on a bicycle-powered stage. The artist, originally from Baton Rouge, is set to showcase her unique blend of musical styles on a stage where audience members pedal bicycles to generate power for the amplifiers. “I feel like I’m in a dream,” […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Alisa Amador makes memorable Newport Folk Festival debut
Musician Alisa Amador made her Newport Folk Festival debut on Friday, July 26, expressing amazement at the sound quality and experience. It’s not Amador’s first time to Newport, she has performed multiple shows as part of the Newport Live series. “I was amazed by the quality of the sound. You know, outdoors with several stages, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, News
Patriots sign safety Jabrill Peppers to a contract extension, head coach Jerod Mayo says
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots signed safety Jabrill Peppers to a contract extension, head coach Jerod Mayo said before Friday’s practice. The 28-year-old Peppers is entering his third season with the Patriots. Last year, he recorded two interceptions and made 78 tackles in 15 games. “I am very happy for Peppers and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Jacques Pépin to headline Newport MansionsWine & Food Festival; tickets on sale now
Celebrity chef, television personality, author, and educator Jacques Pépin will share insights and stories from his illustrious career during the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival at Rosecliff in September. “A Conversation with World-Renowned French Chef Jacques Pépin and Claudine Pépin” will be a highlight of the 19th annual festival, which also features a Connoisseur’s […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Land Trust project awarded nearly $2 million by NOAA, Biden-Harris Administration
Today, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department of Commerce and NOAA have recommended nearly $2 million for a project in Rhode Island to make the state’s coast more resilient to climate change and other coastal hazards. The awards are being made under the Biden Administration’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, a competitive, $575 million […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island’s 35th annual Governor’s Bay Day will take place on July 28
Governor Dan McKee today signed an Executive Order at the Rocky Point State Park Fishing Pier in Warwick, establishing Sunday, July 28, as Rhode Island’s 35th annual Governor’s Bay Day. The event includes free parking at all Rhode Island state surf beaches on July 28. It allows recreational saltwater fishing without purchasing a saltwater fishing license from […]
Posted inReal Estate
Historic home on Kay Street sells for $3.5 million
Lila Delman Compass today announced the sale of 80 Kay Street in Newport. The property recently sold for $3,500,000. According to Lila Delman Compass, Eric Kirton and Kara Malkovich, both of Lila Delman Compass’ Newport office, represented the Seller in this transaction. ‘Aufenthalt’ (Stay A While) is a historic home in the Kay/Catherine section of […]