City of Newport Mayor Xaykham (Xay) Khamsyvoravong joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation today at 4:30 pm. During the wide-ranging forty-seven-minute conversation, we discuss the resignation of Newport’s Election Administrator, construction and soil at Rogers High School, the search for a new City Manager, and much more. Watch our conversation below or listen […]
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
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Corndog
Meet your new best friend, Corndog – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Corndog is a 14-year-old male Beagle/mix. “Meet Corndog, a special senior guy! Corndog is an independent gentleman, but still enjoys spending time around his people,” the Potter League for Animals […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
What’s Up in Newport Today: Tuesday, July 18
Good Morning! Today is Tuesday, July 18. Today’s newsletter is 1,396 words, approximately a 7-minute read. Newport Mayor Xay joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at 4:30 pm today (watch here). There’s a ton to catch up with the Mayor about, but what questions do you have for the Mayor? Please leave them […]
Posted inSports
How The Ocean Race 2022-23 drove action to protect the seas
The Ocean Race 2022-23 featured the most ambitious sustainability programme in the Race’s 50 year history, including initiatives that were firsts in the event industry and sports’ world, from efforts to influence global ocean policy to pioneering ways to reduce plastic on site. Driving support for the recognition of the ocean’s rights was a central […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Swim Tuff: How I Swam My Way Out of the Bottle’ set to premiere at The JPT on Aug. 1
Clean Ocean Access today announced that they will screen “Swim Tuff: How I Swam My Way Out Of The Bottle” at The JPT Film & Event Center on August 1. The 50-minute documentary showcases Clean Ocean Access Board President Ben Tuff’s one-day 24-mile journey through the open waters of Narragansett Bay and his 10-year sobriety […]
Posted inNews
BankRI begins month-long food drive at all 21 branches statewide
With the issue of hunger in Rhode Island on the rise in recent months due to the end of pandemic-related emergency benefits and increased costs, BankRI has kicked off a month-long food drive at all 21 of its branches. The collection will continue through Friday, August 18. In Middletown, the bank’s local branch is collecting food […]
Posted inBusiness
Redwood Library to host a conversation with Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Blackstone
The Redwood Library & Athenæum announced today that Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Blackstone, will deliver the John J Slocum Memorial Lecture next month. Details follow: “Lessons in Leadership: A Conversation with Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone” Presentation and Reception Friday, August 11, 2023 | 6 pm […]
Posted inNews
Newport Hospital’s ‘A Salute to Health’ raises $1.2 million
In celebration of Newport Hospital’s 150th anniversary and to support the creation of a new adolescent behavioral health unit to serve youth across Newport County, the hospital’s donor community came together to raise more than $1.2 million during the “A Salute to Health” Summer Celebration at Belle Mer on July 12. “We know the vision […]
Posted inThings To Do
Salve Regina will host an evening conversation with ‘Rising’ author Elizabeth Rush on Aug. 1
Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Elizabeth Rush will participate in a public conversation on the lawn of Ochre Court on Salve Regina University’s campus on Tuesday, August 1, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public, those interested in attending are asked to RSVP and should bring a beach chair and/or blanket for sitting. In the event […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee recognizes Newport Festivals Foundation for running sustainable music festivals in 2023
Governor Dan McKee today is recognizing the Newport Festivals Foundation (NFF) for ensuring that the upcoming productions of its world-renowned concerts, Newport Folk and Newport Jazz, will be sustainable events this summer. NFF undertook a rigorous process to earn a green certification from the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) that involved NFF scrutinizing all aspects of running […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Jazz artists to perform at Lippitt House Museum’s Sunday Concerts in the Garden series
Lippitt House Museum’s Sunday Concerts in the Garden series features an extraordinary lineup of talented Rhode Island musicians. This year’s Hunter Family Music series, sponsored by Compass, will kick off Sunday, August 13, in the enchanting Lippitt House Museum garden with the expressive melodies of soul singer Alexus Lee. Known for her masterful vocals, Lee […]
Posted inNews
Tickets to Newport Jazz Festival can now be purchased at Fort Adams Visitor Center
Time is running out to purchase the remaining tickets for the 2023 Newport Jazz Festival! With Saturday and Sunday of the festival sold out, a limited amount of tickets remain for Friday, August 4 at the Newport Jazz Festival. Beginning today (Monday, July 17), fans can purchase tickets at the Fort Adams Visitor Center Gift Shop […]
Posted inNews
Child & Family thanks the community for the success of their 9th Annual Townsend Luncheon
By Child & Family Community leaders, dignitaries, clients, and friends came together for Child & Family’s 9th Annual Townsend Luncheon, held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. With much success thanks to Community Partners as well as an exciting Fund the Mission, the luncheon exceeded its goal and raised over $80,000 to benefit Child & Family […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Monday, July 17
This is a What’s Up Newp newsletter. Have this story sent directly to your inbox every morning by signing up for our free daily newsletter! Good Morning! Today is Monday, July 17. Today’s newsletter is 1,429 words, approximately a 7-minute read. 🎺 The first Newport Jazz Festival, known as the First Annual American Jazz Festival, […]
Posted inNews, Weather
National Weather Service issues Flash Flood Warning
The National Weather Service has issued upgraded its Flood Watch to a Flash Flood Warning for portions of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Flash Flood WarningNational Weather Service Boston/Norton MA136 PM EDT Sun Jul 16 2023 * Flash Flood Warning for…East Central Windham County in northern Connecticut…Southwestern Bristol County in southeastern Massachusetts…Bristol County in Rhode […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Sunday, July 16
Good Morning! Today is Sunday, July 16. Today’s newsletter is 1,648 words, approximately a 8-minute read. 👏 At 7:05 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, following a minor delay due to this morning’s thunderstorms, more than 200 swimmers took to the waves of Narragansett Bay’s East Passage in the 47th Save The Bay Swim, raising both funds and […]
Posted inNews
200+ swimmers crossed Narragansett Bay in Save The Bay’s annual Swim fundraiser
At 7:05 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, following a minor delay due to this morning’s thunderstorms, more than 200 swimmers took to the waves of Narragansett Bay’s East Passage in the 47th Save The Bay Swim, raising both funds and awareness for Save The Bay’s mission to protect and improve Narragansett Bay. The Swim invites […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment, Things To Do
Jaws Summer Party returns to The JPT on July 20 and July 21 with live music, live sharks, and more
What’s Up Newp and The JPT Film & Event Center will present our annual Jaws Summer parties on Thursday, July 20, and Friday, July 21. Sponsored by Narragansett Beer, who will be in-house with merch, swag, and beer tasting! Save The Bay will have a shark tank in the lobby full of juvenile chain-link cat sharks, shark jaws, egg cases, and more. Clean Ocean Access and Newport […]
Posted inHistory
40+ fun facts you might not know about Newport
Newport has a long history filled with firsts and unique accomplishments. From its early days as a colonial capital to its modern-day status as a cultural hub, Newport has always been a place of significance in the United States. One of the oldest structures in Newport is the White Horse Tavern, which has been in […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Saturday, July 15
Good Morning! Today is Saturday, July 15. Today’s newsletter is 1,836 words, approximately a 9-minute read. ⚠️ The weather has made it an interesting start to the day for the 250+ swimmers participating in the two-mile Save The Bay Swim this morning. Save The Bay shared on social media at 4:14 am, “It’s #SaveTheBaySwim day! We’re off […]
Posted inCity & Government
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (July 15 – 22)
The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2, Newport Project update from RIDOT Drainage installation will continue along the north side of Admiral Kalbfus Road from the roundabout to the Malbone Road […]
Posted inSports
Newport to take on Pittsburgh at Newport Polo on July 15
The Newport International Polo Series, presented by Turkish Airlines, is gearing up for an intense showdown as Team Newport prepares to face their longstanding rivals from Pittsburgh on Saturday, July 15 at 5 pm. This highly anticipated match marks the 7th consecutive challenge between the two teams, adding another chapter to their heated rivalry. Last […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Revolutions on Granite: Ukrainian skate documentary to screen at Jamestown Arts Center
Revolutions on Granite, a Ukraine skate documentary, screens at the Jamestown Arts Center on Wednesday, August 2, at 7 pm. A Q+A with filmmakers Peter Dayton Conopask and Brendan Gilliam will immediately follow the film. Revolutions on Granite explains the history of Ukrainian skateboarding and its parallels with the region’s eventful geopolitical turmoil of the last forty years. Highlighted is […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Today: Friday, July 14
Sign up for What’sUpNewp’s free daily newsletter and we’ll deliver this post straight to your inbox every morning around 7 am! Good Morning! Today is Friday, July 14. Today’s newsletter is 1,593 words, approximately an 8-minute read. 🗳️ With essential deadlines looming today and Saturday, twelve of the thirty-four candidates for the District 1 U.S. […]
Posted inSports, Things To Do
Sail Newport to host 40th Anniversary Summer Event on August 10
Sail Newport will host an event titled “Celebrate 40 Years of Community Sailing” on Thursday, August 10, from 6:00 pm to 10 pm at Sail Newport. The evening includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, and dancing! Live music will be performed by “The Naticks.” The event will raise funds for Sail Newport’s current and future […]