Narragansett Boat Club’s junior rowers sliced through the competition at the Head of the Fish Regatta in Saratoga Springs, New York this past weekend with top 10 finishes in sixteen of the twenty seven races they entered. Senior captain Cassin Edgar-Smith finished the season out strong with a silver medal in both the Boys U19 […]
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 inCity & Government
Paid metered parking season comes to a close in Newport
Parking at a meter in Newport is free beginning today, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 In 2023, the paid metered parking season ran from May 1 through October 31. Through April 30, 2024, there is no fee for parking at meters but a 3-hour limit remains in effect daily. Newport Police Department and their Parking Division […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter – Let’s make our choice with care and consideration for the future we envision for Middletown
Dear Editor, As residents of Middletown, we have a significant decision to make on November 7th regarding the proposed $190 million school bond. It’s imperative that we fully understand the scope of this project, the potential benefits, and the impact on our community. The proposed project encompasses several vital components, including the construction of a […]
Posted inCity & Government
Buy Nothing Coat Exchange returns to Rhode Island State House on Nov. 24
The Buy Nothing Coat Exchange is back in full force this year to continue ensuring everyone who needs a coat this winter has one. Scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 24 from 9 am–1 pm on the south lawn of the Rhode Island State House in Providence (across the street from the Cheesecake Factory), […]
Posted inNews
Newport in Bloom enhances Miantonomi Park with thousands of dazzling daffodils
With the help of the city’s crew and its bulb planting machine, a huge field of daffodil bulbs has been planted in Miantonomi Memorial Park. This planting was a cooperative effort among Newport in Bloom, the City of Newport, and the reNEWPORT Community Group. The bulbs were a gift to Newport in Bloom from Jane Timken and Dwight and Susan Sipprelle. “For too […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Indigo Girls to perform with The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra at PPAC on March 23
The Grammy Award-winning duo INDIGO GIRLS will perform with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra (RIPO) at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 7P. Their concert in March 2024 will mark their third live musical collaboration with RIPO; the INDIGO GIRLS previously performed with the Orchestra at PPAC in 2015 and 2019. The INDIGO GIRLS’ […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOH: Tips for a healthy and safe Halloween
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding Rhode Islanders about Halloween safety precautions. Halloween street smarts Always accompany young children on their trick-or-treating rounds. Research shows that evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. are the riskiest times of day for child pedestrians. If your older children are trick-or-treating without you, plan and review a […]
Posted inCity & Government
Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services tours Newport Historical Society’s Resource Center
As the leading champion of public libraries in the U.S. Senate, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today hosted the director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Crosby Kemper in Rhode Island. Director Kemper joined Senator Reed on Monday morning for a meeting with chief officers of state libraries from across the nation, including […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Greenvale Vineyards will host its 24th Annual Harvest Festival on Nov. 4
Greenvale Vineyards will host its 24th Annual Harvest Festival from 1 to 4 p.m. with extended music to 6 p.m., Saturday, November 4. Festivities include tractor rides throughout the historic farm’s vineyards, a photo booth, tours of the new winery, plus an artisan market and food provided by Aquidneck Island Oyster Co., Bellevue Boards, Newport […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Newport Restaurant Week returns November 3 – 12
Discover Newport’s 17th annual Newport Restaurant Week returns to Newport and Bristol Counties from Friday, November 3 through Sunday, November 12, 2023. This 10-day culinary experience offers a variety of deals and discounts including tastefully crafted prix-fixe menus, gift card promotions, BOGO deals, complimentary add-ons, and more from 55+ participating restaurants. Once again, Discover Newport […]
Posted inCity & Government
Reminder: ‘Fall Back’ this weekend; check smoke detectors, too
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 am on Sunday, November 5, 2023 – meaning you get an extra hour of sleep this weekend! Look for lighter mornings, but for it to get darker much earlier in the evening; On Saturday, November 4, the sun will rise in Newport at 7:20 am and will set […]
Posted inNews
Meet your new best friend, Sahkiy – this week’s adoptable dog of the week!
Meet your new best friend, Sahkiy – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals Animal Care & Adoption Center in Middletown, Sahkiy is a 4-year-old male mixed-breed. “You may notice that Sahkiy is a unique name. We thought so, too. It turns out, the name Sahkiy […]
Posted inBusiness
Rhode Island Key Performance Indicators Briefing shows mixed results across key metrics in Q3 2023 even as unemployment reaches 35-year kow
PROVIDENCE, RI – While Rhode Island’s unemployment rate hit its lowest point in 35 years, our local economy experienced mixed results across key economic indicators, according to the Rhode Island Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Briefing for the second quarter of 2023, released today. The Briefing, completed by The Center for Global and Regional Economic Studies at […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOT provides an update on the Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 project
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today provided the following update on the Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 project; “Drainage work continues with temporary lane shifts along JT Connell South from the JT Connell Connector to Van Zandt Avenue, Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Underground utility work is also planned as is […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Road Report: Travel Advisories for Oct. 28 – Nov. 4
Here are the weekly road construction reports from the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority (RITBA) and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). All schedules are weather-dependent. Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority October 29 – November 4, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeUpcoming improvements in the roadway between the old toll plaza and the bridge which […]
Posted inNews
Arts Around The Fire to feature Kern Maass, President of IYRS School of Technology & Trades
The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County’s next networking event, Arts Around the Fire, will be held on Wednesday, November 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at The Parlor, 200 Broadway, in Newport. This free event is open to the public and no reservations are needed. The Alliance’s guest will be Kern Maass, the new president of the IYRS School of Technology & […]
Posted inNews
Nova, a pretty tabby girl, is available for adoption
Meet your new best friend, Nova – this week’s adoptable cat of the week! Nova, a seven-year-old female feline, is available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals Animal Care and Adoption Center in Middletown. “Nova is a pretty tabby girl. She knows what she likes, and what she likes are pets, wet food, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up in Newport this weekend: October 27 – 29
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend, Friday, October 27 through Sunday, October 29, 2023. Cruise Ships Here’s what’s remaining on the cruise ship schedule this season; Saturday, Oct. 28: Crystal Serenity Sunday, Oct. 29: Emerald Princess & Artania Monday, Oct. 30: Seven Seas Mariner WUN Stories Related To This […]
Posted inNews
CCRI earns designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
The Community College of Rhode Island has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through academic year 2028, completing the second step of a two-step accreditation process by the National Security Agency (NSA) that began in March. The CAE-CD designation is awarded to regionally-accredited academic institutions offering cybersecurity degrees […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM announces extended closure of Mount Hope Bay Shellfishing Area due to wastewater discharge in Bristol
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced an extension of the current shellfish harvesting closure in Mount Hope Bay due to an unpermitted wastewater discharge at the Mount Hope Bay pump station at the eastern end of Annawamscutt Avenue in Bristol. Shortly after 9 AM on Sunday, Oct. 22, DEM was informed that […]
Posted inNews
Sweet Harper seeks loving home
Meet your new best friend, Harper – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Harper is a 10-month-old female mixed breed. “Meet Harper- She is a sweet girl who loves going on adventures with her family. She would prefer to be the only pet […]
Posted inCity & Government
RI Department of State makes Voter Turnout Tracker tool available for Special Election
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore today announced the RI Department of State’s Voter Turnout Tracker data visualization tool is now available for the November 7, 2023 special election. The Voter Turnout Tracker allows users to easily track how many votes have been cast in every Rhode Island municipality, down to the precinct level. Users can also […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
International Progressive Blues Guitarist Claude Bourbon to perform at Tiverton Public Library
Ready for a unique and talented take on a wide range of musical traditions? Claude Bourbon will be performing live at the Tiverton Public Library on Wednesday, November 8th, at 6:30pm. This program is free and open to the public and will be held at the library on 34 Roosevelt Avenue, in Tiverton, RI. Claude […]
Posted inNews
Water main flushing to take place across Aquidneck Island Oct. 29 – Nov. 9
The City of Newport today announced that its water main flushing program in designated areas will begin during evening hours starting Sunday, October 29, 2023, and ending November 9, 2023, as part of the Newport Water Division’s (NWD) ongoing water distribution system maintenance, To minimize impacts to our customers, the City says in a press release […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News, Things To Do
Travel Around the World with the Supper Club Series at Castle Hill Inn!
Castle Hill Inn is giving guest’s tastebuds the chance to “travel around the world” this fall and winter with the return of the Inn’s seasonal Supper Club Series. Castle Hill Inn’s renowned culinary team, led by Executive Chef Andy Taur, will be highlighting different regions around the globe each week with curated menus being served Tuesday […]