U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is bringing a special guest to the Ocean State this year to help celebrate America’s independence and salute the men and women who serve in the U.S. Navy. Today, Reed’s office announced via a press release that Rhode Island will receive a port […]
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
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with NewportOUT’s Sean O’Connor about Newport Pride Weekend
Newport Pride Weekend returns Friday, June 23, through Sunday, June 25. NewportOUT’s Sean O’Connor joined What’sUpNewp to provide details about Pride Weekend, give us some background and information on the new Pride Center in Newport, and more. For more information on Newport Pride Weekend or the Newport Pride Center, visit www.newportprideri.org. Watch or listen to […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Friday, June 23
This is a What’sUpNewp newsletter. Have this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every morning; it’s free! Friday, June 23. 🚨 An investigation is underway in Newport after police say a man was found dead on Memorial Boulevard, WJAR reports. 🐋 Two VO65 boats racing in The Ocean Race VO65 Sprint have had direct encounters with orcas – […]
Posted inCity & Government
Law enacted to provide tax relief to year-round Newport residents
STATE HOUSE – Newport’s new tax structure to encourage owner-occupied housing is now finalized, after legislation sponsored by Rep. Lauren H. Carson and Sen. Dawn Euer to authorize it was signed into law. The legislation (2023-S 1092, 2023-H 6356), which is specific to only Newport, provided the required state authorization of the two-tier residential tax rate […]
Posted inCity & Government
Kazarian/Euer bill to protect domestic violence victims signed into law
STATE HOUSE – A bill sponsored by Sen. Dawn Euer and House Majority Whip Katherine Kazarian that would protect domestic violence victims from abusive litigation filed by abusers has been signed by the governor. “Once a domestic violence survivor ends an abusive relationship and tries to move on, abusers will often file frivolous lawsuits just […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Thursday, June 22
This is a What’sUpNewp newsletter. You can receive this story in your inbox by signing up for our free daily newsletter. Thursday, June 22. 👉 The search for the missing submersible on an expedition to view the wreckage of the Titanic neared the critical 96-hour mark Thursday when breathable air is expected to run out, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport School Superintendent’s weekly Community Update
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain shared today’s weekly community update with parents, families, and staff.
Posted inNews
Newport Chowder Company opens a pop-up location on Thames Street
Newport Chowder Company confirmed with What’sUpNewp that they have signed an agreement to open a pop-up location on the patio of Kilwins Newport, located at 262 Thames Street in Newport, for the summer 23’ season. “I recently graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program (cohort 18), which gave me the practical skills necessary […]
Posted inNews
Newport woman wins $150,000 on Powerball Power Play ticket
A woman from Newport has claimed a $150,000 Powerball Power Play ticket. The woman, who Rhode Island Lottery did not identify, purchased the Quick Pick from Fifth Ward Liquor, 695 Thames St., Newport, for May 24, 2023, drawing. The winning ticket matched four numbers and the Powerball number to win the $50,000 standard payout. However, […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Cathleen Carr, Executive Director of newportFILM
Cathleen Carr, Executive Director of newportFILM, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation today. During the conversation, Ryan Belmore and Cathleen discuss the upcoming newportFILM 2023 Outdoors lineup, which includes an exciting lineup of eleven world-class and award-winning documentaries. Patrick And The Whale kicks off the summer schedule on Thursday night at The Great Friends […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Poppy Champlin, Doreen Collins and Frank O’Donnell to host Late Night Cabaret at Theatre By The Sea
Theatre By The Sea owner and producer Bill Hanney is thrilled to welcome three of Rhode Island’s most popular comedians, Poppy Champlin, Doreen Collins, and Frank O’Donnell as the hosts of the Late Night Cabaret, held at the theatre’s on-site restaurant, Bravo By The Sea. “I love the Late Night Cabaret,” said Bill Hanney. “I am so happy we are finally able to bring […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Wilbury Theatre Group announces 2023/24 Main Series Season
Wilbury Theatre Group has announced the Main Series productions for their upcoming 2023/24 Season. Productions include the include the world premiere of JaMario Stills’ 22/16: The Remix of a Global Experiment, the return of Indecent from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel, the Rhode Island premiere of Taylor Mac’s Hir, Hansol Jung’s Wolf Play and the eight-time Tony Award-winning musical Once, with book […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Wednesday, June 21
This is a What’sUpNewp newsletter. Receive this in your inbox every morning by signing up for our free daily newsletter! Wednesday, June 21. ☀️ Summer begins at 10:57 am today when the Summer solstice occurs! With 15 hours and 11 minutes of daylight, today is the year’s longest day. 🚗 According to the division’s director, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Jamestown Arts Center’s 11th Annual Summer Soirée set for June 30
The 11th Annual JAC Summer Soirée celebrates the opening of the “Book as Muse: Language & Image” exhibition with a gala fundraising event on Friday, June 30th, 7-10pm; the Champagne pre-party begins at 6 pm. “Book as Muse: Language & Image” examines creative unions between visual art, communication, and the written word, asking ‘how do artists engage with literature, poetry, and […]
Posted inNews, Real Estate
Vacant land in Little Compton sells for $1.8 million
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the sale of 19-21 Beach Drive in Little Compton. The property recently sold for $1,800,000. The buyers were represented by Ellie Wickes and Liz Kinnane of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty, and James Holland of T.L. Holland Agency represented the sellers. With two separate lots totaling 2.25 acres in Chace Point, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Toad The Wet Sprocket is coming to The JPT on September 22
Spectacle Live today announced that they will present Toad the Wet Sprocket on Friday, September 22 at 8 pm at The JPT Film & Event Center in Newport. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 23 at 10 am at JanePickens.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774. Toad the Wet Sprocket, an American alternative rock band formed in Santa Barbara, […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Tuesday, June 20
Sign up for our free daily newsletter, and we’ll deliver this story straight to your inbox! Tuesday, June 20. ⚾ The Newport Gulls won 7-3 against the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks for the second time this season at Cardines Field Monday night! 🚗 Undocumented immigrants will be able to apply for the equivalent of a driver’s license in Rhode Island, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
Save The Date: Salute To Summer will take place on August 26
Naval Station Newport today announced that its annual Salute to Summer concert and fireworks event will take place on Saturday, August 26. The free, public event will feature performances by local bands and Navy Band Northeast. There will be activities for children and food vendors on site for the purchase of snacks, meals, and beverages. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Umbrella Sky Newport exhibit opens in Brick Market Place
The Umbrella Sky Project has transformed Brick Market Place into a world of color and creativity. Umbrella Sky Newport, produced by ArtScape, unveiled its captivating display of over 500 colorful umbrellas magically suspended in the sky on June 17. Organizers say that this breathtaking installation promises to create a magical haven for the community and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee signs legislation allowing cannabis dispensary advertising into law
STATE HOUSE – Governor Daniel McKee has signed into law legislation (2023-S 1009, 2023-H 5829) sponsored by Sen. Jonathon Acosta and Rep. Scott A. Slater which would allow the state’s recreational cannabis dispensaries to advertise their products. Currently, Rhode Island’s cannabis businesses cannot advertise by law, although dispensaries in other states, such as Massachusetts, can advertise within […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Bodhi
Meet your new best friend, Bodhi – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Bodhi is a male German Shepherd/mix. “Bodhi is here to make all of our lives a tad more fun. This young man is active, silly and just plain nice to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Congressional District 1 Special Election Candidate Declaration period is June 29 – 30
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the RI Department of State Elections Division are today reminding potential candidates that the Candidate Declaration period for the Congressional District 1 special election is June 29 – 30. Approximately fifteen candidates have announced that they plan to run for Congressional District 1, which is vacant because of […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up This Week in Newport County: June 19 – 25
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week and weekend! Monday, June 19 Things To Do Newport Charter Yacht Show 10 am to 5 pm: Dads FREE at Newport Car Museum 11 am to 4 pm: Juneteenth Celebration in Washington Square and Great Friends Meeting House 6:30 pm: The Newport […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Monday, June 19
Monday, June 19. 👉 Today is Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining June and nineteenth, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order by Major General Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865. A public Juneteenth holiday event […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Sunday, June 18
Sunday, June 18. Happy Father’s Day to all who celebrate and to all who should be celebrated today! McCoy Mrubata is considered a legend in South Africa and has won every accolade and award there is for his musical accomplishments. Highly regarded in the international jazz community, Mrubata brought his quartet to Newport for the […]