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 […]
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 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 […]
Posted inBusiness
Centreville Bank opens new branch on Thames Street in Newport
Centreville Bank President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board Harold M. Horvat announced today the opening of its new branch located at 580 Thames Street, Newport. “We’re proud to open our newest branch in Newport,” said Horvat in a statement. “Adding a full-service branch in this part of the state is part of our long-term plan to increase our […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee issues proclamation celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Governor Dan McKee today issued a proclamation designating June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. “Rhode Island stands with the LGBTQ+ community this month and every month. In June, we take the time to celebrate and honor the contributions that the LGBTQ+ community has made to the Ocean State,” said Governor McKee in a statement. “Diversity is what […]
Posted inSports, Things To Do
Tickets are now on sale for Premier Lacrosse League Quarterfinals at Gillette Stadium
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster announced today that tickets are on sale now for the 2023 playoff quarterfinals at Gillette Stadium. For the second consecutive season, the home of the New England Patriots and Revolution will host three single-elimination quarterfinal matchups, as teams kick off their quest for the 2023 PLL Championship on Sept. 4. […]
Posted inSports
World No. 17 Tommy Paul commits to Infosys Hall of Fame Open Player Field
Tommy Paul, one of three Americans currently ranked in the top 20 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, has committed to play at the Infosys Hall of Fame Open this July. At No. 17 in the world, Paul is in the midst of a breakout season after reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open in January. […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Thursday, June 1
Good Morning! Today is Thursday, June 1, 2023. Today’s newsletter is 1,375 words – approximately a 7-minute read. 💰 Save the Bay, Newport County YMCA, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center are among 78 Rhode Island-based nonprofit organizations awarded $7.9 million in grants from The Champlin Foundation. Save The Bay received $300,000 […]
Posted inNews
Newport County residents earn degrees from Salve Regina University
The following hometown residents were awarded degrees during Salve Regina University’s 73rd commencement ceremony held in Newport. Salve Regina President Kelli Armstrong conferred 804 degrees in total during the ceremony, including 589 bachelor’s degrees, 207 master’s degrees and eight doctoral degrees. Local graduates include: Alaa Badr of Newport, RI: bachelor of arts degree in Administration […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
All City Rockers celebrates 15 years with International Dance Competition in Providence
An exciting dance competition will be shaking up downtown Providence as part of a weekend-long series of dance events in the area. The All City Rockers, a Rhode Island-based street dance crew, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with an all-styles dance competition on June 3. The event is bringing multiple local and international crews for […]
Posted inNews
Newport School Superintendent’s Community Update – May 31
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain provided the following weekly community update today.
Posted inCity & Government
Op-Ed: It’s time to end childhood lead poisoning
Every day, on average, at least one child in Rhode Island is lead poisoned.Let that sink in. That’s at least one child at risk for developmental delays, reductions in IQ, lifelong behavioral issues, increased school suspensions, and heightened involvement in the criminal justice system. Simply put, the impacts of lead poisoning are devastating – for […]
Posted inNews
$7.9 million in grants from The Champlin Foundation will support 78 Rhode Island-based nonprofits
The Champlin Foundation announced today $7.9 million in capital funding to 78 Rhode Island-based nonprofit organizations. Across 26 communities statewide, grants will make critical capital investments, including building upgrades, enhanced security and technology systems, new vehicles, and new and expanded facilities. “In establishing the Foundation over 90 years ago, one of George Champlin’s main objectives in giving was ‘to help people to help themselves.’ That call to action is central to our state’s nonprofit community, which increases equitable access to health care, education, social […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Domino
Meet your new best friend, Domino – this week’s Adoptable Dog of the Week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Domino is a 5-year-old male mixed breed. “Domino is a gentle giant who’ll make a great running buddy, jogging partner or fetching friend for an active adopter,” the Potter League […]
Posted inThings To Do
Local attractions will offer free admission for Newport County residents, hospitality employees June 10-12
Hospitality Days are back! For the first time since 2019, Newport County residents and employees of the hospitality industry are invited to visit 16 participating attractions in Newport and Bristol Counties from Saturday, June 10, through Monday, June 12. The offer includes free admission to The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Kingscote. It excludes Hunter […]
Posted inSports, Things To Do
Here’s how the BankNewport 10 Miler will impact traffic on June 4
This Sunday’s BankNewport 10 Miler will have minor traffic impact around certain parts of Newport, according to event organizers. The tenth annual road race is a favorite across the northeast, drawing runners from dozens of states and a handful of foreign countries to enjoy the beauty of The City-By-The-Sea. The Boys and Girls Club of […]
Posted inNews
Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a Syrian refugee, will travel the US
By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Little Amal, a 12-foot (3.7-meter) puppet of a Syrian refugee, will journey across the United States this fall, visiting key places in America’s history to raise awareness about immigration and migration. The puppet of the 10-year-old girl will visit the U.S. Capitol, Boston Common, Joshua Tree National […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Wednesday, May 31
Have this story/newsletter delivered right to your inbox every morning, it’s free! Good Morning! Today is Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Today’s newsletter is 1,159 words – approximately a 6-minute read. 👉 For Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain, the 2022-23 school year has been one with considerable challenges, as the school system looks to the […]