Meet your new best friend, Strutt – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Strutt is an 8-year-old male Retriever, Black Labrador/Mix. “Meet Strutt, a handsome gentleman with lots of love to give,” Potter League for Animals shares on its website. “This happy guy […]
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
Save The Bay seeks applicants for AmeriCorps positions at the new Newport aquarium
Supported by a grant from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, local nonprofit Save The Bay is seeking applicants for four new one-year AmeriCorps education members at the Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium in Newport, opening later this year. “Save The Bay is proud to be an AmeriCorps grantee, and excited […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Don Carlson, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1
Don Carlson, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 11:45 am on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. During the interview, we learn more about Don, find out why he’s running in this special election, and discuss what he believes sets him apart from his opponents. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up in Newport Today: Wednesday, August 2
Good Morning! Today is Wednesday, August 2. Today’s newsletter is 1,314 words, approximately a 7-minute read. ⚾ In a battle of two teams from Rhode Island, the Newport Gulls crushed the Ocean State Waves, 11-4 in the second game of a best-of-three quarterfinal series. With the win, the Gulls have forced a winner take all game […]
Posted inCity & Government
Letter: Gabe Amo, Democrat for Congress!
I am writing to express my strong support for Gabe Amo, a Democrat running for Rhode Island’s First Congressional District. As a concerned citizen of Newport, I believe it is crucial to elect representatives who prioritize the needs of our community and work tirelessly to improve the lives of all residents. Gabe’s commitment to addressing […]
Posted inSports
Gulls take down Waves 11-4 to force game 3
In a battle of two teams from Rhode Island, the Newport Gulls crushed the Ocean State Waves, 11-4 in the second game of a best-of-three quarterfinal series. With the win, the Gulls have forced a winner take all game three on Wednesday night at Cardines Field. The Gulls started the game strong with Slate Alford (University of […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Photo Gallery: 2023 Newport Folk Festival
Another Newport Folk Festival has passed, and I sit here at the midpoint between Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, still trying to process all of the beautiful, historic, and emotional moments both on and off the stages at Fort Adams. Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, for many (including myself), is like […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council, School Committee to host a joint workshop on Rogers High School on Aug. 7
The Newport City Council and Newport School Committee will host a joint workshop on the “Rogers High School Construction Project” on Monday, August 7, at 6:30 pm., according to a meeting notice published by the City of Newport. The meeting is open to the public and will take place in the cafeteria at Pell Elementary […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Walter Berbrick, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1
Walter Berbrick, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. During the interview, we learn more about Walter, find out why he’s running in this special election, and discuss what he believes sets him apart from his opponents. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Rhythm & Roots Festival returns to Ninigret Park in Charlestown September 1 – 3
The 25th Rhythm & Roots Festival anniversary will be an epic celebration of music, dance, and local food. The festival always gives off a feel-good, laid-back vibe that attracts thousands back to Ninigret Park every Labor Day weekend. This is the year to come and celebrate the festival’s 25th anniversary, Sept 1-3. The 25th-anniversary lineup is […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Governor McKee, Mayor Khamsyvoravong, and Superintendent Jermain
Newport is among the 31 municipalities that have signed Governor Dan McKee’s Learn365RI Municipal Compact, committing to increase out-of-school learning opportunities for young people in their communities. During his education address on April 12 in Newport, Governor McKee said, “We’re here in Newport for a reason. Newport is going to be a model for success.” […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
What’s Up in Newport Today: Tuesday, August 1
Good Morning! Today is Tuesday, August 1. Today’s newsletter is 1,354 words, approximately a 7-minute read. 📺 Newport is among the 31 municipalities that have signed Governor Dan McKee’s Learn365RI Municipal Compact, committing to increase out-of-school learning opportunities for young people in their communities. What does that mean (and look like) for the City of […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Sandra Cano, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1
Sandra Cano, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1, will join What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Thursday, July 31, 2023, at noon. During the interview, we learn more about Sandra, find out why she’s running in this special election, and discuss what she believes sets her apart from her opponents. […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport Today: Sunday, July 30
Good Morning! Today is Sunday, July 30. Today’s newsletter is 1,242 words, approximately a 6-minute read. 🎵 The second of three days at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival showcased what the annual event does best – exposing fans to world-class performances in a variety of genres with familiar and new artists. There was something for […]
Posted inSports
J.D. Davis homers in 9th to give the Giants a 3-2 win over the Red Sox
By MICHAEL WAGAMAN Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Giants manager Gabe Kapler was so busy conferring with one of his assistant coaches that he was unable to get a good look at J.D. Davis’ home run off Kenley Jansen in the ninth inning that gave San Francisco a 3-2 victory over the Boston Red […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport Today: Saturday, July 29
Good Morning! Today is Saturday, July 29. Today’s newsletter is 1,821 words, approximately a 9-minute read. 🎵 The 2023 Newport Folk Festival kicked off in grand style on Friday, July 28. Friends old and new performed at the sold-out festival, the start of two weekends of musical magic at Fort Adams State Park. No doubt […]
Posted inCity & Government
Letter: When did Newport’s City Council become anti-science?
After several years of active science denial from national leaders on the right, our own city council has decided to join them. During the July 26th council meeting, the Newport City Council — led by Chair Xay Khamsyvoravong — chose to ignore science. Khamsyvoravong, the council, and Newport residents heard directly from RIDEM that an […]
Posted inSports
Historic Victory Celebration: 11th Hour Racing Team returns home
11th Hour Racing Team etched its name in history on June 29, becoming the first American team to win The Ocean Race, which started in Alicante, Spain, on January 15, 2023 – a grueling 37,500 nautical mile, around-the-world marathon, considered the longest and toughest test of a team in professional sport. The team is now […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society will commemorate Emancipation Day on August 5 at God’s Little Acre
On Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11 am, as part of the international Emancipation Day celebrations, the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society will host a ceremony to recognize and celebrate the thousands of persons of West African heritage who once lived, worked, worshiped and died in Colonial Newport and who are represented by the hundreds […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport Today: Friday, July 28
Good Morning! Today is Friday, July 28. Today’s newsletter is 1,568 words, approximately a 8-minute read. 🎶 The 2023 Newport Folk Festival officially kicks off today at Fort Adams State Park. Rising star Bella White will be among those artists performing at Newport Folk Festival today, we recently caught up with her. Read The Interview. Playing […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Artists’ Open Studios returns to Conanicut Island on Aug. 5
Artists’ Open Studios returns to Jamestown on Saturday, August 5 from 10 am–5 pm. Jointly hosted by the Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) and Conanicut Island Art Association (CIAA), Artists’ Open Studios is a one-day, island-wide event where participating artists invite the public into their studios. There are over 25 participating artists across the island as well […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Chateau-sur-Mer to debut new audio tour
When Chateau-sur-Mer opens for tours starting July 31, visitors will be guided by an audio tour for the first time. From the Library with its elaborate carved wood paneling to the Dining Room with its silvered leather wall coverings to the Stair Hall with its “Tree of Life” mural, the new self-guided audio tour will […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquapalooza forces preemptive closure of Prudence Island shellfishing area
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that the risk of accidental and illicit discharge of sewage that is associated with the gathering of hundreds of boats off Prudence Island July 29 is forcing DEM to preemptively close 700 acres of shellfish grounds on the north end of the island. The closure is […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jamestown Arts Center and Out of the Box Studio & Gallery collaborate to offer Sister Studio Saturday Workshops
The Jamestown Arts Center and Out of the Box Studio & Gallery announce an educational collaboration to offer Sister Studio Saturdays. Screen printing workshops for adults will be held at Out of the Box Studio & Gallery (11 Clinton Ave, Jamestown), and are singular and stand alone in nature, whereby participants can sign up for one or more. Screen printing workshops are […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up in Newport Today: Thursday, July 27
Good Morning! Today is Thursday, July 27. Today’s newsletter is 1,798 words, approximately a 9-minute read. 🎶 Following its successful summer festival, Newport Classical will continue its year-round programming for the third year, with an entire season, nine-concert Chamber Series held on Fridays at 7:30 pm, running from September 2023 through June 2024, at the organization’s home […]