Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week, July 22 – 28, 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 roundup? […]
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
$450 million grant aims to reduce energy bills, promote environmental sustainability across Rhode Island
A new federal grant program to help families across New England adopt heat pumps is expected to save Rhode Islanders money on their energy bills while also helping the environment. The $450 million grant, announced Monday, is coming from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and will be distributed as part of the New England Heat […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation reacts to President Biden’s announcement that he will not seek reelection
Just before 2 pm on Sunday, July 21, President Joe Biden announced that he would “stand down” and would not continue to seek re-election this November. Moments later, he came out and formally endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him. pic.twitter.com/RMIRvlSOYw— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024 Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation was quick to […]
Posted inNews
Cole Brauer named recipient of America and the Sea Award at Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport Museum has announced Cole Brauer as the distinguished recipient of the America and the Sea Award for 2024. The prestigious annual award recognizes those individuals and organizations whose extraordinary achievements in the world of maritime exploration, competition, scholarship, and design best exemplify the American character. Cole recently made history as the first woman from the United […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
The Jane Pickens Theater to highlight women filmmakers, actors, and business owners this summer
The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) is presenting a selection of films and discussions that celebrate the creative talents and professional achievements of women filmmakers, actors, and business owners throughout the summer. “The JPT is thrilled to showcase an extraordinary collection of films highlighting the creativity and accomplishments of women filmmakers, actors, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Restoration Foundation announces a schedule of community-centered events focused on The Great Elephant Migration
The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) is announcing a schedule of community-centered events focused on The Great Elephant Migration: A Public Artwork by the Coexistence Collective, presented by Art&Newport, and curated by Dodie Kazanjian. “As a host for the Great Elephant Migration, NRF is delighted to welcome visitors to enjoy this unique contemporary art installation which […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Illiterate Light returning to the Newport Folk Festival with a bicycle-powered stage
Illiterate Light—the duo of singer-guitarist Jeff Gorman and drummer Jake Cochran—is very excited to continue hosting The Bike Stage for the third year in a row at the Newport Folk Festival, which takes place July 26-28. The Bike Stage is a pop-up stage powered by bicycle and solar energy. You can read Gorman’s piece, A Very […]
Posted inNews
The Newport Show returns July 27 – 28
A highlight of the summer season in Aquidneck Island is just around the corner. The Newport Show returns to St. George’s School Ice Rink July 27th and 28th. This event is not to be missed if you love fine art, antique furniture, and vintage jewelry. The Newport Show is also a fundraiser for the Newport […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Chef Peter Carvelli reflects on culinary honor, celebrating Foglia’s second anniversary
Four of Rhode Island’s top chefs brought a taste of the state’s “Classic Coast” to New York City on Thursday, showcasing the region’s evolving culinary scene at a sold-out dinner. The “Cooking on the Classic Coast” event, presented by Discover Newport, took place at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard Foundation. More than […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Giusto Chef William Reitzel reflects on Newport’s culinary evolution
Chef William Reitzel of Giusto restaurant in Newport sees the city’s culinary scene evolving beyond its traditional seafood fare. “It’s definitely evolving,” Reitzel said. “I started in Newport about 15 years ago and to the point of where it is today is completely different. It’s not just this tourist destination for clam cakes and chowder […]
Posted inSports
International Tennis Hall of Fame names TeamFAME Headquarters in honor of Hall of Famer Chris Evert
Today, the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) unveiled the Chris Evert Learning Center as the new name for the Canfield House building, which is located on the ITHF’s grounds. Home to the ITHF’s National Junior Tennis & Learning chapter TeamFAME, the building honors Hall of Famer Chris Evert’s contributions to grassroots youth tennis and […]
Posted inNews
Newport Vineyards Chef Andy Teixeira aims to revolutionize farm-to-table dining
Newport Vineyards Executive Chef Andy Teixeira is growing more than just grapes at the 120-acre farm in Middletown, Rhode Island. Teixeira, a James Beard Award semifinalist, is cultivating a sustainable culinary program that includes housing for culinary students, four kitchens, and plans to grow bananas and figs. “We’re trying to be sustainable. We’re trying to […]
Posted inNews
IYRS School of Technology & Trades celebrates 27th Annual Summer Gala
Among nearly 600 supporters, IYRS School of Technology & Trades celebrated the season with its 27th Annual Summer Gala held at the school, located at 449 Thames Street in Newport. Along with lead sponsor Safe Harbor Marinas, the IYRS gala featured GRAMMY-nominated musical guest Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, enhancing the event’s New Orleans theme. This […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Yagi Noodles’ Chef Basil Yu: From pop-up to James Beard finalist
Chef Basil Yu of Yagi Noodles in Newport is still processing his recent James Beard Award semifinalist nomination. “It’s still kind of a shock,” Yu told What’sUpNewp at a New York City event on Thursday night featuring four of Rhode Island’s James Beard Award semifinalists. “The list was something that I have looked up to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport adds bike lanes for the Newport Folk Festival
Update: July 20 at 11 am According to Bike Newport, “the City of Newport has postponed the installation of the Bike Lane on Spring Street that was included in yesterday’s Media Alert.The following updated alert removes references to the Spring Street bike lane”. Over the years, the number of people arriving to the Newport Folk Festival by […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport chefs dazzle NYC with ‘Classic Coast’ culinary showcase
NEW YORK — Four of Rhode Island’s top chefs brought a taste of Rhode Island’s “Classic Coast” to New York City on Thursday, showcasing the region’s evolving culinary scene at a sold-out dinner. The “Cooking on the Classic Coast” event, presented by Discover Newport, took place at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Preservation Society of Newport County will celebrate the 50th anniversary of ‘Monumenta’ on August 17
On August 17, 1974, the opening of a groundbreaking exhibition called Monumenta showcased 54 outdoor sculptures across the Newport landscape by 40 artists, including Willem de Kooning, Louise Nevelson, Henry Moore, Barnett Newman, Richard Fleischner, David Smith and Christo.In celebration of this pioneering event, The Preservation Society of Newport County will host a symposium at […]
Posted inNews
American Burying Beetle Recovery Program sees major success on Nantucket Island
The Roger Williams Park Zoo (RWPZ) has announced significant progress in the American Burying Beetle Recovery Program. Hundreds of beetles were reintroduced to Nantucket Island this past year, and early signs indicate a thriving wild population. Reintroduction Efforts Lead to Success 400 Beetles Released: RWPZ successfully bred 300 American burying beetles, and SUNY Cobleskill contributed an […]
Posted inNews
Center for Southeast Asians’ Skills-Up Program gets boost
The Center for Southeast Asians in Providence has received a $250,000 federal grant to bolster its Skills-Up program, which provides job training and development opportunities to new immigrants to Rhode Island from Southeast Asia, Asia, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and other countries. The grant was secured by Senator Jack Reed and will help […]
Posted inNews
Bacteria closes swimming area at Colaluca Campground
Due to high bacteria counts, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has recommended that the swimming area at Colaluca Family Campground in Foster be closed. RIDOH will continue to monitor the water quality through Labor Day and make any updates as needed. The status of a beach may change depending on new information, so […]
Posted inNews
Rep. Magaziner touts bipartisan record in Congress
At the end of his first term in Congress, Rep. Seth Magaziner touted a bipartisan record that includes key legislation he sponsored to help working families, improve national security and defend democracy. “When I ran for Congress, I said I would work with anyone, from either party, to deliver results for Rhode Island,” Magaziner said […]
Posted inNews
Newport’s Celia Byrne earns Biomedical Engineering Degree at Tufts University
Tufts University awarded over 2,800 degrees to graduates from all schools on July 19, 2024, according to the school. The ceremony was held to honor the accomplishments of the Class of 2024. One of the graduates, Celia Byrne from Newport, graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering (BSBME) from Tufts University. She is one of […]
Posted inSports
The Ocean Race Atlantic will race from New York City to Barcelona in 2026
The Ocean Race is announcing a new transatlantic, fully-crewed race for the IMOCA class for the summer of 2026. The event is a celebration of the ocean and ocean health initiatives, and a showcase for top-level sport, and the teams and sailors who compete. The Ocean Race Atlantic will connect America’s leading metropolis of New […]
Posted inNews
Newport County Students shine on Tufts University Dean’s List
Tufts University has put out its Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester, which honors students with a semester-grade point average of 3.4 or higher. The list includes the following students from Newport County: Celia Byrne of Newport, Class of 2024 Peyton Durand of Newport, Class of 2024 Lexie Dutra of Tiverton, Class of 2025 […]
Posted inNews
New Coast Guard Sector Boston Commander takes charge
Capt. Jamie Frederick was sworn in as the eighth commander of the Coast Guard Sector Boston on Friday during a change-of-command ceremony in Boston. Frederick, who served as the enforcement branch chief at the First Coast Guard District, will command over 1,500 active duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary personnel assigned to the sector. The Coast […]