Meet your new best friend, Agatha – this week’s adoptable cat of the week! According to the Potter League for Animals, Agatha is a 10-year-old female. “A beautiful Tortie is one thing, but a Tortoiseshell as beautiful as Agatha is, is quite another,” says the Potter League for Animals on their website. “Her markings are […]
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
Rhode Island State Police report for Oct. 12
Here’s a look at the Rhode Island State Police arrest reports for Thursday, October 12. What’sUpNewp has edited the arrest log to withhold home address information. All persons arrested or cited are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Detective Bureau On October 12, 2023, members of the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task […]
Posted inArts & Culture
RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES coming to PPAC in 2024
RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES is an electrifying journey through the iconic eras of Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour in addition to songs from the early years all the way to Abbey Road. RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES stops by the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 7 pm. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: October 13 – 15
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend, Friday, October 13 through Sunday, October 15. CRUISE SHIPS On the cruise ship schedule this week; Friday, Oct.13 Seaborn Quest Saturday, Oct. 14 MSC Luxury Saturday, Oct. 14 Crystal Serenity Sunday, Oct.15 Emerald Princess FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 Things To Do 10 am: Trinity […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
The Alliance Française de Newport will present ‘An Evening of Cabaret’ on Oct. 25
The Alliance Française de Newport will present An Evening of Cabaret on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the Elks Lodge located at 141 Pelham St., Newport, RI at 7:00 p.m. An Evening of Cabaret will feature Mathilde Mauguière, an internationally acclaimed French singer. She began her career in the Department of the Haute-Marne where, accompanying […]
Posted inArts & Culture
SHUCKED to launch tour across North America – performances begin in Providence in 2024
Lead producers Mike Bosner and Jason Owen have announced that Shucked, the Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious,” will embark on a North American tour in the fall of 2024. The tour will tech and begin performances at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Rhode Island and will play over 30 cities in its first season. “Shucked is a […]
Posted inCity & Government
Eco-Depot being held at Easton’s Beach on Oct. 14
Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp. (RIRRC) and the City of Newport will be hosting an Eco-Depot at Easton’s Beach on Saturday, October 14 from 8 am to 12 pm. According to RIRRC, Eco-Depot’s “are free collections for properly disposing of household hazardous waste from RI households. Household hazardous waste is anything labeled with a skull […]
Posted inNews
Meet your new best friend, Maverick – this week’s Adoptable Dog of the Week!
Meet your new best friend, Maverick – this week’s Adoptable Dog of the Week! Maverick, a 1-year-old male mixed breed, is available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals Animal Care & Adoption Center in Middletown. “Maverick is a super handsome boy, and even more super special! He’s all about the soft gazes and […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
Newport String Project announces opening concerts of its Newport County Concert Series
The Newport String Project announces the opening concerts of its Newport County Concert Series on Saturday, October 28th, and Sunday, October 29th. The project’s resident ensemble, the Newport String Quartet, will perform works by Haydn, Mendelssohn, Dvorak and Matsui at St Paul’s Methodist Church in Newport (Saturday, October 28th) and St Matthew’s Episcopal Church (Sunday, October […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Special live performance traveling to Jamestown from Slovenia
Direct from the premiere in Ljubljana, Slovenia in late September, a hybrid video and dance performance entitled The Moment Before will take place at the Jamestown Arts Center on Saturday, October 28 at 5 pm. The Moment Before is a collaborative piece of visual and live performance art from three Slovenian artists that incorporates the viewer’s experience into […]
Posted inNews
Police identify woman killed in Admiral Kalbfus Road crash
On October 11, 2023, at approximately 7:50 a.m., Newport Police Officers responded to a call regarding a motor vehicle accident involving injuries at the intersection of Admiral Kalbfus Road and Hillside Avenue. In a press release, Newport Police Department says that preliminary investigations reveal that a Ford F800 bucket truck, driven by James Drape, a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Arts & Cultural Alliance accepting applications for 2024 Artist Award
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County’s (ACA) is now accepting applications for the 2024 Artist Award. The award is presented annually to a Newport County artist to support artistic endeavors that benefit the community. The application deadline is March 1, 2024. Now in its sixth year, the ACA’s Artist Award provides up to […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Music & Entertainment, News, Things To Do
Trinity Church’s annual Pumpkin Patch returns Oct. 11 – 31
Trinity Church opened its 15th Annual Pumpkin Patch to the public on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. This year’s pumpkin patch will be open daily outdoors on the lawn of Trinity Church from 12 pm to 6 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 6 pm on weekends through Tuesday, October 31. The patch includes cider, hot […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Break Through Waves to host its Annual Paddle Out Ceremony at Easton’s Beach on Oct. 15
Break Through Waves, a group of volunteers who are passionate about bringing wellbeing to people through a variety of programs such as yoga and surf therapy, will host their 3rd Annual Paddle Out Ceremony at Easton’s Beach on October 15, 2023 at 3 pm. “We invite friends, family, program supporters, beach lovers, the local surf community, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Hope Scholarship launches at Rhode Island College
Governor Daniel McKee today joined House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, along with RIC President Jack R. Warner, faculty, staff and students at Rhode Island College to celebrate the launch of the Hope Scholarship with a ceremonial bill signing. The new scholarship, which was established by Gov. McKee and the General Assembly in […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The take-out counter at Mother Pizzeria is now open
The take-out counter at Mother Pizzeria is now open. The quick service counter is reminiscent of a Roman café and offers a rotating selection of Roman-style slices, snacks, salads, and gelato. Fun fact – the pizza offered at the to-go counter is a completely different style than what’s offered in the dining room. The take-out […]
Posted inReal Estate
Block Island home sells for $4.05 million
Lila Delman Compass today announced the sale of 1456 Payne Road on Block Island for $4,050,000. Rosemary Tobin, Sales Associate of Lila Delman Compass’ Block Island Office, represented the Seller. According to data maintained by the Rhode Island Statewide MLS, this transaction marks the third-highest sale on Block Island year-to-date.* Custom designed by Meridian Homes, […]
Posted inCity & Government
East Greenwich man found guilty of defrauding British investor in $100,000 “Tales from the Crypt” film scam
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that an East Greenwich man has been found guilty in Providence County Superior Court of defrauding a British investor of $100,000 in a scheme centered on producing a film project based on the 1990’s HBO series “Tales from the Crypt.” On October 3, 2023, following a two-day jury […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Classical will celebrate the holiday season with two programs in December
Newport Classical celebrates the season with two weekends of holiday programs in December – Messiah at the Mansion featuring The Choir School of Newport County and Ensemble Altera in two performances on Sunday, December 3 at 1 pm and 3:30pm at Rosecliff (548 Bellevue Ave.), and Classical Christmas on Saturday, December 16 at 3pm at Emmanuel Church (42 Dearborn St.), which brings together talented musicians from the community. Messiah at the Mansion on […]
Posted inCity & Government
Citizens Pell Bridge Run returns on October 15
On Sunday, October 15, 2023, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Foundation will host the Citizens Pell Bridge Run. The event is a 4-mile charity run/walk with 100% of the proceeds going to support non-profits and local community organizations. The run provides a rare opportunity for the public to cross over the beautiful Claiborne Pell Bridge on foot and enjoy stunning views of Narragansett Bay. The event will begin at […]
Posted inCity & Government
Road closures scheduled this weekend for Broadway Street Fair, Pell Bridge Run
Newport Police today announced the following road closures ahead of Saturday’s Broadway Street Fair and Sunday’s Citizens Pell Bridge Run. Broadway Street Fair On Saturday, October 14, Broadway will be closed from Gould Street south through Washington Square for the Broadway Street Fair. Wheatland Blvd will take the detour of traffic. Broadway will not be […]
Posted inCity & Government
Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau named ‘Best Convention and Visitors Bureau in the Northeast’
The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) announced today that it has been named “Best Convention and Visitors Bureau in the Northeast” as part of the 2023 Stella Awards. The award comes after a vote and review by customers and peers. “We are incredibly grateful to have been chosen,” said Kristen Adamo, PWCVB president […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee directs flags lowered to honor lives lost in Israel
Governor Dan McKee today directed United States and Rhode Island State flags lowered to half-staff in recognition of the lives lost to the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel which have tragically killed innocent civilians. Flags should be lowered effective immediately through sunset on Saturday, October 14, 2023. “Rhode Island stands with the people of Israel […]
Posted inBusiness
Innovate Newport announces winners of Startup Pitch Competition
On Friday, October 6, Innovate Newport hosted its third annual Startup Pitch Competition, a collaboration with The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and Social Enterprise Greenhouse. The Pitch Competition allowed 9 startup businesses (in any industry) the opportunity to make a 3-minute presentation to the audience, to compete for a comprehensive prize package that included […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Best-selling author to lecture on the war between the Colonists and Native Americans at Portsmouth Historical Society
NY Times bestselling author Michael Tougias will give a presentation on the war between the Colonists and Native Americans in 1675-76 at the Portsmouth Historical Society on October 19th at 6:30 PM. Tougias is the author of the acclaimed Until I Have No Country (A novel of King Philip’s War), and co-author with Eric Schultz of King Philip’s […]