Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend, July 13 – 16, 2023! Cruise Ships On the cruise ship schedule, the following cruise ships are scheduled to visit this month; July 13 – American Star via Fort Adams State Park July 19 – American Constitution via Fort Adams State Park […]
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 inSports
Charlie Enright, skipper of Newport-based 11th Hour Racing Team, appears on CBS Mornings
Bristol, Rhode Island’s-own Charlie Enright, skipper of Newport-based 11th Hour Racing, appeard on CBS Mornings on Thursday, July 13. Interview Preview: For the first time in its 50-year history, a U.S. team won The Ocean Race, a six-month, 36,000-mile sailing race around the world. Team skipper Charlie Enright joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss the grueling […]
Posted inBusiness
Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium is slated to open in late Fall 2023
As those who traveled along America’s Cup Ave. this week may have noticed, the Gateway Transportation & Visitors Center has transformed by adding new signage affiliated with Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium. “We’re excited to share this progress with Newport residents and visitors,” said Topher Hamblett, Save The Bay’s interim executive director in a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Lafayette Escadrille: Documentary with several local ties to be screened at The JPT on July 15
A new documentary with several local ties is being screened at The JPT Film & Event Center on Saturday, July 15. The Lafayette Escadrille tells the story of the American volunteers who flew and fought for France in World War 1, becoming the founding squadron of American combat aviation. On Saturday, July 15 at 6:30 […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Thursday, July 13
7.13.2023 | Words: 1,244 | Reading Time: About 6-minutes 🍕 Mother Pizzeria, a neighborhood restaurant by the team behind Giusto, officially debuted in downtown Newport last night at 49 Long Wharf Mall (formerly Panera Bread). 🏘️ It was quiet on the real estate front last week due to the Fourth of July holiday. Tyler Bernadyn has a […]
Posted inBusiness
Mother Pizzeria officially opens on Long Wharf Mall
Mother Pizzeria, a neighborhood restaurant by the team behind Giusto, debuts in downtown Newport on Wednesday, July 12, at 49 Long Wharf Mall (formerly Panera Bread). Mother Pizzeria, which gets its name from the starter or “Mother” used in sourdough baking, marks Chef Kevin O’Donnell’s second restaurant in Newport. His first project, Giusto, opened in 2020 to […]
Posted inNews
Narragansett Bay Boating Advisory for July 15
Save The Bay has issued the following boating advisory before their annual swim on Saturday, July 15. “Portions of the East Passage of Narragansett Bay between Gould Island and Conanicut (Jamestown), and extending to Pell Newport Bridge, will be temporarily closed to vessel traffic on Saturday, July 15 from 6:15 – 9:15 a.m. for the […]
Posted inThings To Do
Art&Newport, Newport Restoration Foundation present ‘GAMES, GAMBLERS & CARTOMANCERS: The New Cardsharps’
Art&Newport and the Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) are pleased to announce the opening of a contemporary art exhibit at 46 Clarke Street, otherwise known as “The Vernon House.” The exhibition is titled “GAMES, GAMBLERS & CARTOMANCERS: The New Cardsharps” and features the work of seventeen artists who have revisited the storied art historical trope of […]
Posted inReal Estate
‘Bayview’ on Orient Avenue in Jamestown sells for $5.075 million
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that “Bayview”, located at 24 Orient Avenue in Jamestown, has sold for $5,075,000. The sellers were represented by Susan Radesca of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty, and Cynthia Moretti of Lila Delman Compass represented the buyers. Built in the 1870s and expanded and improved extensively since, “Bayview” is an […]
Posted inNews
Free ‘Skin Check’ screenings to be held at select Rhode Island beaches
Between Friday and mid-August, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Brown Dermatology, and partners statewide will be making free skin cancer screenings available at select Rhode Island parks and beaches on five dates. “Along with seeking shade and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, getting a skin check is […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
What’s Up Today: Wednesday, July 12
Sign up for our complimentary daily newsletter, and we’ll deliver this story to your inbox daily. It’s free! 7.12.2023 | Words: 1,296 | Reading Time: About 6-minutes The Mayor and Newport City Council invite the public to join them at a reception today from 4:30-5:30 pm at The Edward King House to welcome members of a delegation visiting […]
Posted inBusiness
BankNewport celebrates completion of John Clarke Senior Living courtyard renovation project
BankNewport CEO Jack Murphy joined John Clarke Senior Living CEO Joan Woods, staff, and residents for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of their courtyard renovation project at 600 Valley Road in Middletown, RI. The Bank provided grants to John Clarke Senior Living to support the courtyard renovation and other facility improvements to positively […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Monty
Meet your new best friend, Monty – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Monty is a 4-year-old male Cattle Dog/mix. “Monty has ears for days and will greet you with happy tail wags and wet kisses,” Potter League for Animals shares about Monty […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Tuesday, July 11
Sign up for our free daily newsletter and we’ll deliver this story straight to your inbox daily! 7.11.2023 | Words: 1,118 | Reading Time: About 6-minutes 🎵 Family Night Concerts returns to Easton’s Beach this evening with a performance by Nickel Jukebox at 6 pm. The show is free and open to the public; parking […]
Posted inNews
Tyler Hicks, Feinstein Jr. Scholar & Gaudet Middle School student, donates Golden Ticket winnings to Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm
Middletown, RI – Gaudet Middle School student, Tyler Hicks, was recently recognized as a Feinstein Jr. Scholar by The Feinstein Foundation. As part of his Golden Ticket package, Tyler had the opportunity to gift a $500 grant to an organization of his choice. He generously chose the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm. The Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm is […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Monday, July 10
7.10.2023 | Words: 1,118 | Reading Time: About 6-minutes 🆕 Sen. Reed shared on Sunday that the National Park Service recommends turning over Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, Sandy Point Lighthouse on Prudence Island, and Watch Hill Lighthouse in Westerly to new state government and nonprofit owners who agree to preserve them. Read More 🎵 A warm […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Sunday, July 9
Sign up for our free daily newsletter, and we’ll deliver this story to your inbox daily! 7.9.2023 | Words: 1,185 | Reading Time: About 6-minutes 🎵 NIMFest kicks off its 16th season at King Park today with the Down City Band from 3 pm to 6 pm. These concerts are family-friendly and free. ⚾ In […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
Cult classics returning to the big screen at The JPT
The JPT Film & Event Center, with sponsorship from What’sUpNewp, is bringing some cult classics back to the big screen in July, August, and September. Each classic film will be paired with a live musical performance, and some include tastings and giveaways! More information about each event can be found below; July 18 – Clueless […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Saturday, July 8
This is a What’sUpNewp newsletter. Have this story delivered to your inbox every morning by signing up for our complimentary daily newsletter! 7.8.2023 | By Ryan Belmore | Words: 1,237 | Reading Time: About 6-minutes 👑 On this day in 1663, 27 years after Roger Williams arrived in the colony, King Charles II gave Rhode Island […]
Posted inNews
DEM confirms man’s death at Misquamicut State Beach
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is confirming that at around 12:30 PM today, lifeguards at Misquamicut State Beach pulled an unresponsive adult male from the water. According to DEM, lifeguards tried to resuscitate the man by administering CPR and using an automated external defibrillator until Westerly EMS and DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement responded […]
Posted inNews
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (July 8 – 15)
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). Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority July 9 – 15, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Right Lane Closure- 7/10 and 7/14- 6 am to 2 pm Jamestown Verrazzano BridgeThere […]
Posted inBusiness
Christmas Tree Shops stores closing in Middletown and Warwick, hosting Going Out of Business sales
Going Out of Business sales have commenced across all remaining Christmas Tree Shops store locations nationwide, including their two locations in Rhode Island – Middletown and Warwick. The liquidation event is being managed by Hilco Merchant Resources. At the Going Out of Business sales, shoppers can take advantage of discounts up to 50 percent off […]
Posted inBusiness
New ‘Private Adirondack Experience’ launches on The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn
Update: On July 10, a spokesperson provided the following update regarding their reservation policy; “The team made some slight adjustments to the offering over the weekend. Effective immediately the cover charge is now $25 per person, 7 days a week, plus sales tax and 20% gratuity. There is also a minimum booking requirement of 6 guests. […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Friday, July 7
7.7.2023 | By Ryan Belmore | Words: 1,462 | Reading Time: About 7-minutes 🐎 The Irish Polo Team, who will take on Team USA during the Newport International Polo Series on Saturday, will be welcomed to Aquidneck Island via a Pony Parade on America’s Cup Boulevard this evening. 👏 The Rhody Regatta, an 18-mile race around Conanicut […]
Posted inThings To Do
Irish Polo Team to participate in ‘Pony Parade’ in downtown Newport on July 7
Newport Polo today announced that the Irish Polo Team, who will take on Team USA during the Newport International Polo Series on Saturday, will be welcomed to Aquidneck Island via a Pony Parade on America’s Cup Boulevard from 6-6:30 pm on Friday, July 7. According to Newport Polo, the group of eight polo ponies will […]