Newport City Council will host a workshop on outdoor dining on Wednesday, April 20 at 5:30 pm. The meeting will take place in the Council Chambers at Newport City Hall. During their last Council Meeting, City Council moved forward a resolution that called for this workshop with businesses and residents of the neighborhood to consider […]
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
Newport Gulls: Gulls in the Pros update
The Gulls have had 28 players reach the Major Leagues, including three alumni who got the call last season. After a short delay in the start of the season, the Major and Minor Leagues are underway and there are a number of former Gulls making a splash in the minors awaiting their call to The […]
Posted inWeather
Newport County Weather forecast for April 20
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today will be sunny, with a high near 57 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Frost AdvisoryHazardous Weather Outlook Today: Sunny, with a high near 57. West wind 11 to 16 mph, with […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Sailing Museum will open its doors to the public on May 10
The Sailing Museum announced today it will officially open its doors to the public on May 10th, 2022. Located on the waterfront of downtown Newport in the historic Armory Building built in 1894, the museum will offer an innovative multi-media experience. An educational and cultural non-profit organization, The Sailing Museum says in a press release that the museum will feature […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Providence’s Lippitt House Museum reopens for tours
Providence’s Victorian-era Lippitt House Museum today announced that it is reopening for the season and welcoming guests for guided tours starting Friday, May 6. The staff-led tours will be offered by advance reservation on Fridays and select Saturdays, May through October, and will take guests through the elaborately decorated rooms of Lippitt House, exploring how […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19, News
RIPTA: Masks are now optional for passengers
Following yesterday’s news that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is no longer enforcing a federal mandate requiring face masks to be worn when using public transportation, The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is advising passengers that masks are now options for passengers and drivers while on board. The mandate, which had been in place […]
Posted inNews
Ruth Taylor to retire from Newport Historical Society, search for new Executive Director underway
Newport Historical Society (NHS) today announced that it is embarking on a search for a new Executive Director with the aim of transitioning the role in January 2023. “Ruth Taylor, the outgoing NHS Executive Director, has led the organization through an exceptional period of growth and evolution for over 15 years, during which she and the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Travel restrictions lifted on Mt. Hope, Pell, and Jamestown Bridges
At 7:39 am, Wind restrictions have been lifted on the Mt Hope, Newport Pell, and Jamestown Bridges, according to Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority. At 5:04 am, The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) announced that it has travel restrictions on all bridges. “#RITBA ALERT: Due to high winds only automobiles, pickup trucks, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Charter Books to host journalist, historian, and author Nancy Rubin Stuart as she presents ‘Poor Richard’s Women’ on April 21
Charter Books will host a presentation and book signing by Nancy Rubin Stuart, author of Poor Richard’s Women: Deborah Read Franklin and the Other Women Behind the Founding Father. On Thursday, April 21 at 6:00 pm, Nancy Rubin Stuart will discuss her new book, a biography of the women in the life of Benjamin Franklin. […]
Posted inWeather
Newport County Weather Forecast for April 19
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today will be cloudy before becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 52 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Wind AdvisoryHazardous Weather Outlook Today: A chance of rain, mainly before 8am. Cloudy, then […]
Posted inCity & Government
Island reps., Innovate Newport, to host Aquidneck Island Earth Week wrap-up party
Aquidneck Island Earth Week organizers, Representatives Lauren H. Carson, Terri Cortvriend, Deborah Ruggiero and Michelle E. McGaw, along with Innovate Newport, are hosting an event to celebrate the completion of the third annual Aquidneck Island Earth Week. The event is scheduled for May 6, from 5 pm to 7 pm at the office of Innovate Newport, 513 […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up this week in Newport County: April 18 – 24
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week, April 18 – 24, 2022. Celebrate Earth Month with Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District ‘Six Picks’ for School Vacation Week (April 18-22) Third annual Aquidneck Island Earth Week will take place April 16 – 26 Monday, April 18 Things To Do […]
Posted inWeather
Weather Forecast for April 18
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today will be cloudy, with a high near 51 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Wind AdvisoryHazardous Weather Outlook Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 51. Northwest wind 6 to 14 mph […]
Posted inWeather
Newport County Weekend Weather Forecast: April 16 – 17
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today will be partly sunny, with a high near 60 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 60. South wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as […]
Posted inWeather
Newport County Weather Forecast for April 15
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 62 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Today: Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 62. Northwest wind 7 […]
Posted inBusiness
Google says that it provided $615 million of economic activity in Rhode Island in 2021
On April 13, Google released its 2021 Economic Impact Report for Rhode Island, sharing that it helped provide $615 million of economic activity in 2021 for thousands of Rhode Island businesses, publishers, nonprofits, creators and developers who used Google products to increase their online presence and connect with the people and communities they serve. More than […]
Posted inNews
Henry Winkler will deliver New England Tech’s commencement address in Providence on May 1
Henry Winkler, an Emmy Award-winning actor, director, and author will be back for an encore performance at New England Tech’s commencement, New England Institue of Technology announced today. Winkler is a familiar figure to the NEIT community. He delivered the 2006 commencement address and was immensely popular with students and their families. His message of […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up this weekend in and around Newport County: April 15 – 17
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County this weekend. For more events and things to do, or to add something to this roundup visit our events calendar. Friday, April 15 Frosty Freez will open for the season on April 15 Green Animals Topiary Garden will open for the season on April […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Pet of The Week: Acorn
Meet your new best friend, Acorn– this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Acorn is a 15-year-old male Domestic Shorthair. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Acorn; Who’s ready to meet the man of their dreams? Well, the wait is […]
Posted inWeather
Newport County Weather Forecast for April 14
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 57 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Today: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. South wind 5 to […]
Posted inNews
‘Ocean Navigator’ will stop in Newport on April 22
Cruise ships are slowly returning to Newport. Ocean Navigator, a 202-guest boutique coastal ship, will be making a stop in Newport on Friday, April 22, a spokesperson for American Queen Voyages told What’sUpNewp. On Thursday, April 14, the Ocean Navigator will begin her first voyage in two years when she departs Savannah, Georgia on a […]
Posted inNews
RIPTA: Federal Mask Mandate extended through May 3, reminds riders that face masks must be worn when using public transportation
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is advising passengers that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the federal mandate requiring face masks to be worn when using public transportation – including trains and buses. The mandate, which has been in place since February 1, 2021, has now been extended through May 3, 2022. The security directive states […]
Posted inNews
Local students have until May 9 to apply for nearly 100 new scholarships
Local students have until May 9 to apply for nearly 100 new scholarships at the Rhode Island Foundation. The organization estimates students will receive an average of about $6,000. The financial aid is through the Foundation’s new Robert G. and Joyce Andrew College Scholarship Fund, which isnamed in honor of the late donors. The gift is the largest donation expressly for scholarships in the Foundation’s 106-year history. “Ensuring the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Alex Finkelman announces candidacy for State Representative in District 74 (Jamestown, Middletown)
Jamestown resident Alex Finkelman today announced his candidacy for State Representative in District 74, seeking to represent Jamestown and parts of Middletown. In a press release, Finkelman touted his small business, insurance, and finance background and cited environmental protection, improving education, and bolstering our economy as the issues he will most focus on. State Rep. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Rail Explorers opens for the 2022 season on April 30
Rail Explorers, featuring pedal-powered railbikes, today announced that they will begin its 2022 Rhode Island operation with tours along ‘The Northern Ramble’ and ‘Southern Circuit’ on Saturday, April 30th. Rail Explorers Rhode Island Division is presented by the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad. “Over 150,000 riders have enjoyed Rail Explorers Rhode Island since we began in 2017 and we […]