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 […]
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
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 […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up in Newport this week and weekend: July 27 – 30
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week and weekend. Cruise Ship Schedule Here’s what’s left on the July cruise ship schedule; July 27 – American Star via Fort Adams & Caribbean Princess via Perrotti Park July 29 – American Constitution via Fort Adams State Park Thursday, July 27 Things […]
Posted inNews, Weather
High Surf Advisory remains in effect on Thursday
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for our area. The Advisory is in effect from 8 am this morning to 8 pm this evening. High Surf Advisory Coastal Hazard Message National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA 200 AM EDT Thu Jul 27 2023 MAZ020>024-RIZ006>008-272100- /O.CON.KBOX.SU.Y.0002.230727T1200Z-230728T0000Z/ Southern Bristol MA-Southern Plymouth MA-Barnstable MA-Dukes MA- […]
Posted inNews, Weather
National Weather Service issues Heat Advisory for Bristol, Washington, and Newport Counties
The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for the majority of Rhode Island at 2:44 am on Thursday, July 27. The Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 am this morning until 8 pm on Saturday. Heat Advisory URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA 244 AM EDT Thu Jul 27 2023 […]
Posted inCity & Government
22 attorneys general oppose 3M settlement over water systems contamination with ‘forever chemicals’
By JOHN FLESHER AP Environmental Writer TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Twenty-two attorneys general urged a federal court Wednesday to reject a proposed $10.3 billion settlement over contamination of U.S. public drinking water systems with potentially dangerous chemicals, saying it lets manufacturer 3M Co. off too easily. The deal announced in June doesn’t give individual water suppliers […]
Posted inNews
Edward King House Senior Center will be closed July 27 – 28 due to heat
On Wednesday, the Edward King House Senior Center shared with What’sUpNewp that they will be closed for two days due to heat.
Posted inNews
FACT FOCUS: No head trauma or suspicious circumstances in drowning of Obamas’ chef, police say
By PHILIP MARCELO and MELISSA GOLDIN Associated Press The drowning death of former President Barack Obama’s personal chef on Martha’s Vineyard this week is sparking a frenzy of false claims on social media, as users share conspiracy theories and baseless speculation about what happened. Many are suggesting, without evidence, that Tafari Campbell died under questionable circumstances, claiming […]
Posted inNews
North Providence couple claims $2 million Powerball prize
The $2,000,000 Powerball ticket from July 19, 2023, drawing has been claimed by a couple from North Providence, according to the Rhode Island Lottery. The winner picked his numbers using a combination of birthdays and special dates. They tell Rhode Island Lottery that they now plan to invest the winnings. The winning ticket was purchased from Cumberland […]
Posted inThings To Do
International Architectural Authority to present Annual John G. Winslow Lecture on Aug. 10 at The Breakers
Phillip James Dodd, recognized internationally for his expertise on classical and traditional architecture, will deliver the annual John G. Winslow Lecture on August 10 in the Great Hall of The Breakers. An accomplished architect and author who has lectured extensively throughout the country, Dodd has written a new book, “An American Renaissance: Beaux-Arts Architecture in […]
Posted inBusiness
People’s Credit Union completes major renovations at its Middletown branch
At a Ribbon Cutting event earlier today, People’s Credit Union unveiled its newly renovated Middletown branch lobby at their headquarters, 858 West Main Road. The branch’s innovative design and layout now provides a higher level of personal member service, as well as technology upgrades, including: Providing greater privacy for members’ financial matters with additional offices […]
Posted inNews
Governor McKee, Mayor Xay, Commissioner Infante-Green visit Newport Cyber Camp to promote importance of year-round learning
This morning, Governor Dan McKee, Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong, and Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green visited the Newport Public Schools’ Cyber Camp, held this week at CCRI’s Newport Campus, to promote learning beyond the formal school day and beyond the traditional 180-day school year. “My Administration continues to focus on our vision for […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Gabe Amo, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1
Gabe Amo, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 2:15 pm on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. During the interview, we learned more about Gabe, found out why he’s running in this special election, and discuss what he believes sets him apart from his opponents. […]
Posted inNews
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent of Newport Public Schools, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 1:30 pm. During our conversation with the Superintendent, we catch up on what’s happening at Newport Public Schools over the summer break, get an update on construction at Rogers High School, and get […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Aaron Regunberg, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1
Aaron Regunberg, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at noon on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. During the interview, we learn more about Aaron, discover why he’s running in this special election, and discuss what he believes sets him apart from his opponents. Watch or […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up in Newport Today: Wednesday, July 26
Good Morning! Today is Wednesday, July 26. Today’s newsletter is 1,582 words, approximately an 8-minute read. Governor Dan McKee will join Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong this morning for a visit to the Newport Public Schools’ Cyber Camp, held this week at CCRI’s Newport Campus, to promote learning beyond the formal school day and beyond the […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Rocky
Meet your new best friend, Rocky – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Rocky is a 7-year-old male Mixed-Breed. “Rocky is a handsome, loving boy just waiting to meet you! He is a playful, affectionate dog, and he just loves meeting new friends,” […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Sabina Matos, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District 1
Sabina Matos, a Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 2 pm on Tuesday, July 25. During the interview, we learn more about Sabina, find out why she’s running in this special election, discuss last week’s issue around signatures, and hear what she believes sets […]
Posted inCity & Government
RI Department of State launches online application for voters to request a mail ballot
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the RI Department of State Elections Division today launched a new online application portal for registered Rhode Island voters to request a mail ballot. “Today’s announcement is an important step forward in our work to modernize and strengthen our elections system,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. […]
Posted inNews
The Head And The Heart is coming to The Vets on October 31
The Head And The Heart have announced a headlining run of North American fall dates in 2023 which will include stops in Norfolk, VA at The NorVa, Albany, NY at The Hart Theatre At The Egg, Grand Rapids, MI, at GLC Live at 20 Monroe, Cincinnati, OH at The Andrew J Brady Music Center, and many […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport Today: Tuesday, July 25
Good Morning! Today is Tuesday, July 25. Today’s newsletter is 1,210 words, approximately a 6-minute read. Sign up for our free daily newsletter and we’ll deliver this story straight your inbox! On tap for this week and weekend: Newport Folk Festival, Cars & Coffee, and much more. For an entire rundown of what’s happening for […]