Vice Admiral Kevin Lunday, the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area commander, presided over the commissioning of the Coast Guard Cutter Maurice Jester (WPC-1152) at Fort Adams State Park in Newport on June 2, 2023. The Coast Guard’s newest cutter was accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard on March 2, and is the third of six […]
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 inCity & Government
Acting Police Chief Ryan Duffy named Newport’s next Police Chief
Acting Police Chief Ryan Duffy, a 23-year veteran of the Newport Police Department, has been named the City’s next Police Chief, the City of Newport announced on Tuesday in a press release. He replaces former Police Chief Gary Silva, who retired earlier this year after more than 35 years with the City, including his last […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Lenny
Meet your new best friend, Lenny – this week’s Adoptable Dog of the Week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Lenny is a two-year-old male mixed breed. “Lenny is going to make a wonderful family dog or a best friend,” the Potter League for Animals shares on its website. He’s […]
Posted inBusiness
Bryant Study: Quonset Business Park creates $5.9 billion in economic output, $1.72 billion in household income for Rhode Island
Quonset, R.I. – The Quonset Development Corporation “QDC” released a new economic impact study by Bryant University today showing that Quonset Business Park continues to be the leading engine of job creation and economic growth in Rhode Island. The report found that Quonset supports $5.9 billion in economic output annually, or 8.3% of the state’s Gross […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Tuesday, June 6
Good Morning! Today is Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Here’s the latest; 🍓 Early June kicks off the strawberry picking season in and around Rhode Island. Ken Abrams has six picks for the best strawberry picking in The Ocean State. 📰 Journalists at two dozen local newspapers across the U.S. walked off the job Monday to demand an end to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Christie goes after Trump in presidential campaign launch, calling him a ‘self-serving mirror hog’
By JILL COLVIN and HOLLY RAMER Associated Press MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie wasted no time going after Donald Trump while launching his presidential campaign on Tuesday, calling the former president and current Republican primary front-runner a “lonely, self-consumed, self-serving mirror hog” and arguing that he’s the only one who can stop him. A […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH & DEM issue reminder about harmful algae blooms; caution against contact with Almy Pond in Newport
With recreational activities on the state’s many lakes, ponds and rivers set to increase, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are reminding all Rhode Islanders to be on the lookout for harmful algae blooms. In freshwaters, the blooms are caused by blue-green algae, also known […]
Posted inThings To Do
Ticket packages are now on sale for the 44th U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club
Fans will have the chance to watch some of golf’s greatest players as tickets at early-bird pricing are now on sale for the 2024 U.S. Senior Open Championship. The 44th edition of the championship, conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), will be hosted for the first time at Newport (R.I.) Country Club., on […]
Posted inNews
Portsmouth Historical Society Museum to open on June 11 and June 25 with special flags on display
The Portsmouth Historical Society museum and grounds today announced that it will be open on June 11 and June 25, from 2 to 4 pm. In addition to the usual exhibits, two flags from the Society’s collection will be on display to celebrate Flag Day. On display will be the Society’s oldest flag which has 13 five-pointed stars. […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH recommends reopening Bonnet Shores Beach Club for swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Monday, June 5
Good Morning! My name is Ryan Belmore and I’m the Owner and Publisher of What’sUpNewp and author of this newsletter, What’s Up Today – your daily guide to all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport, Rhode Island, & beyond. Sign up for our free daily newsletter and we’ll deliver this story straight to your inbox […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Sunday, June 4
Good Morning! My name is Ryan Belmore and I’m the Owner and Publisher of What’sUpNewp and author of this newsletter, What’s Up Today – your daily guide to all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport, Rhode Island, & beyond. Sign up for our free daily newsletter and we’ll deliver this story straight to your inbox […]
Posted inNews
The Greenlove Foundation donates its 27th Water Bottle Filling Station
The Greenlove Foundation this week announced that it has donated its 27th water bottle filling station donation to the Father John V. Doyle School in Coventry, Rhode Island, as it continues its mission to help reduce the negative impact of single-use plastic on the environment. The Greenlove Foundation is a Newport-based environmental non-profit organization. Greenlove […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Saturday, June 3
Good Saturday Morning! My name is Ryan Belmore and I’m the Owner and Publisher of What’sUpNewp and author of this newsletter, What’s Up Today – your daily guide to all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport, Rhode Island, & beyond. Today is Saturday, June 3, 2023. Thanks for being here! Sign up for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Contemporary Ballet announces 2023 summer events
Newport Contemporary Ballet (NCB), formerly Island Moving Company, on Friday announced dates and details for its annual summer events and productions. Tickets for the week-long Newport Dance Festival and the company’s annual Summer Soiree Fundraiser are now on sale now at www.newportcontemporaryballet.org. The 2023 Newport Dance Festival (NDF-23) – July 18-23rd From around the Globe to Newport […]
Posted inNews
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (June 3 – 10)
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). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority June 4 – 10, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeEastbound Right Lane Closure- 6/5- 9 am […]
Posted inReal Estate
Home on Little Compton’s Ocean Drive sells for $2.002 million
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the sale of 20 Ocean Drive in Little Compton for $2,002,000. The sellers were represented by the Soby-Fox Team and the buyers were represented by Holly Prentice, all of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. Perched on just under an acre of land in the community of Indian Rock Acres, this […]
Posted inNews
Thompson Middle School Science Teacher Taylor Rock named Newport District Teacher of the Year
Newport Public Schools today announced that Thompson Middle School science teacher Taylor Rock has been named Newport Public School District Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year. Mr. Rock has been a science teacher at Thompson since 2017, where he has led efforts to update and implement the school’s science curriculum, while working […]
Posted inNews
MONOPOLY: Newport Edition debuting June 2024
Mr. Monopoly is making his way to Newport, and he wants you to be part of his next venture! Top Trumps USA, the American division of Winning Moves International, creators of classic games and puzzles, today announced that they will debut MONOPOLY: Newport Edition in June 2024, under license from Hasbro. The company is seeking […]
Posted inBusiness
What’s Up at Scales & Shells: UpScales opens, Weekend Brunch, and a refreshed and updated experience
Scales & Shells has announced new offerings for summer 2023 and invites locals and visitors to experience unique and delicious dishes sourced from local purveyors. A mainstay of the Newport dining scene for over 35 years, the community restaurant was purchased by Peregrine Group in 2022. Amanda and Kevin McDonough, daughter and son-in-law of the original owners, […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Friday, June 2
Good Morning! Today is Friday, June 2, 2023. Today’s newsletter is 1,625 words – approximately a 8-minute read. Sign up for our free daily newsletter and we’ll deliver this story/newsletter straight to your inbox! ⚾ Rafael Devers doubled to break an eighth-inning tie and the Boston Red Sox overcame Chris Sale’s early exit because of […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: June 2 – 4
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island, this weekend, June 2 – 4, 2023. Friday, June 2 Cruise Ship Schedule: Celebrity Summit will arrive in Newport today. The 965′ long ship has a capacity for 2,158 passengers and 999 crew. Things To Do 7:30 am to 9 am: […]
Posted inSports
Devers breaks tie in 6-run 8th, Red Sox beat Reds 8-2 to avoid sweep
By BRENDAN McGAIR Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Rafael Devers doubled to break an eighth-inning tie and the Boston Red Sox overcame Chris Sale’s early exit because of shoulder soreness to beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-2 on Thursday night. Sale departed after manager Alex Cora and a member of the training staff visited the mound […]
Posted inBusiness
Utility: New retail experience that celebrates the chef and the host opening in Middletown
Mission in Middletown is getting a new neighbor! The crew behind The Mission Group, owners of Mission and Thames Street Kitchen (TSK) in Newport, plan to venture into the retail world next week with the opening of Utility, “a vibrant, and immersive retail experience celebrating the chef and the host”, at 58 Aquidneck Avenue in […]
Posted inBusiness
Summer event calendar at Castle Hill Inn includes a Summer Solstice Clambake, Wood Fire BBQ, Beach Bonfires, and more
This season, Castle Hill Inn invites locals and travelers alike to experience a quintessential summer in New England with numerous events and culinary offerings taking place all summer long. With the weather heating up, the iconic Relais & Châteaux property in Newport, is bringing back its signature outdoor dining on The Lawn and hosting a series of […]