As part of the Newport Water Division’s (NWD) ongoing water distribution system maintenance, the City of Newport today announced a water main flushing program in designated areas will begin during evening hours starting Sunday, April 17, 2022, and ending May 5, 2022. To minimize impacts on its customers, flushing crews will begin at 8 pm and continue until […]
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
“Sakonnet Vineyards: a Farm-Founding Story” film will premiere on YouTube on April 13
The founding of the popular Sakonnet Vineyards will be told, by its founders, in “Sakonnet Vineyards: a Farm-Founding Story”. The film will premiere on the Little Compton Historical Society’s YouTube channel on Wednesday, April 13 at 7 pm. According to the Little Compton Historical Society, the film was created in partnership between Clarkshire Media and […]
Posted inReal Estate
Condo in the Villages of Mount Hope Bay in Tiverton sells for $1.195 million
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the recent sale of 61 Water’s Edge Unit #17 in Tiverton. The townhouse sold for $1,195,000. The buyer was represented by Midge Berkery, Sales Associate of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. Tom Little of Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty represented the seller. Photos courtesy of Gustave White […]
Posted inNews
Weather forecast for April 8
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, showers are likely today, with a high near 53 degrees. Friday Forecast Friday: Rain, mainly before 7am. High near 53. Southeast wind 13 to 16 mph becoming southwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport County restaurants serving up Easter brunch, lunch, and dinner on April 17
Newport County restaurants are offering a wide variety of dining options and opportunities for Easter this year, which is Sunday, April 17. All descriptions and info have been provided by restaurants or were available on their website. Please assume that reservations are required at all restaurants and that takeout meals require pre-ordering well in advance. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Sardella’s celebrating its 42nd Anniversary by offering original menu prices from the 1980s
In celebration of 42 years in business, Sardella’s will be offering original menu prices from the 1980’s on select dates in April! Sardella’s Italian Restaurant was founded by a former mayor of Newport, Richard Sardella, in 1980. Newport’s oldest Italian Restaurant celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2015 by offering its 1980 menu and pricing to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Pay-by-plate parking system will replace parking meters in Newport
The City of Newport today announced via a press release that changes are coming to Newport’s parking meter program. The City writes that it has partnered with LAZ Parking and Flowbird Group to introduce a pay-by-plate parking system, as seen in many other major metropolitan cities. The system will eliminate the City’s single-space parking meters that have reached their […]
Posted inBusiness
Middletown-based The Haven Collection closes $2.6 million seed round
The Haven Collection today announced it has closed its seed round, raising $2.6 million from six investors. According to The Haven Collection, they are the first licensed daycare in the United States to offer unlimited use of workspaces and an onsite gym to all member families, is pleased to According to the company, the funds […]
Posted inBusiness
A look at What’s Up at Hotel Viking this spring
The season to renew yourself is here, with fresh spring Daffodil Days officially upon us—and Hotel Viking is celebrating with timely experiences throughout the month of April. We caught up with Hotel Viking to find out about their upcoming spring events and happenings, here’s a look at what’s on tap. Easter Brunch: The Easter Bunny is […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Providence Art Club to host new exhibitions, Middletown and Newport artists will be featured
The galleries of the historic Providence Art Club will play host to new exhibitions running Monday, April 18 to Friday, May 6, and featuring the work of five talented local artists, including Mark Fernandez of Newport and Jennie Huttler of Middletown. These shows will include celebratory receptions on Sunday, April 24 from 2-4 pm. In […]
Posted inNews
NACTC JROTC program earns reaccreditation with distinction; Senator Reed to visit
U.S. Senator Jack Reed will visit Rogers High School on Friday, April 8 to congratulate the Newport Area Career and Technical Center (NACTC) JROTC program on earning reaccreditation with distinction. Rogers High School NACTC JROTC program recently scored a 98% on their tri-annual accreditation, maintaining their Honor Unit with Distinction rating, according to Newport School […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up in Newport County this weekend: April 8 – 10
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this weekend. Friday, April 8 The RI Home Show returns to the Convention Center this weekend Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (April 8-10) Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend (April 8-10) Things To Do Ongoing: Newport Restaurant […]
Posted inSports
Newport Rugby will host Rhode Island Rugby Festival on Saturday
Newport Rugby will host the 2022 Rhode Island Rugby Festival on the Parade Field inside the historic walls of Fort Adams on Saturday, April 9. A full day of rugby, which features players from youth, college, and men’s club levels, will kick off at 11 am with youth rugby matches, hosted by Island Rugby, the […]
Posted inNews
Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival, Clean Ocean Access launch Sustainability Partnership
Bowen’s Wharf Company and Clean Ocean Access on Wednesday announced that they have launched an event sustainability partnership in an effort to reduce the landfill impact of two major food festivals in 2022, starting with the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival on May 21st and 22nd, and are looking for volunteers to be a part of it. The organizations […]
Posted inWeather
Weather: Showers likely on Thursday, possible thunderstorm this evening
Newport, RI – According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, showers are likely today, with a high near 48 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Today: Showers likely, mainly after 5 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. East […]
Posted inReal Estate
Waterfront estate in Little Compton sells for $4.1 million
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty this week announced the recent sale of the waterfront estate at 696K West Main Road, Little Compton for $4,100,000. Located on nearly three acres on Briggs Marsh, the one-of-a-kind Little Compton property offers stunning 180-degree views over the marsh, conserved farmland, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. The seller was […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport String Quartet to host a Spring Concert at Newport Art Museum
On April 16th at 2 pm, the Newport String Project will partner once again with the Newport Art Museum for a lively spring celebration through chamber music–just in time for the Newport Daffodil Days! The Newport String Quartet will perform the rarely heard Vistas al Mar by Catalan composer Eduard Toldrà Soler, inspired by the maritime-themed poetry of Joan […]
Posted inCity & Government
18 Rhode Island communities awarded grants for election security
Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea today announced the allocation of grant money to 18 Rhode Island cities and towns to strengthen the cybersecurity of voting systems and improve election processes. These grants total $544,653 and are awarded as part of Rhode Island’s share of $3 million from Congress under the Help America Vote Act […]
Posted inReal Estate
Seaside Retreat: Home on Hoover Road in Middletown sells for $2.6 million
Hogan Associates today announced the April 4, 2022 sale of “Seaside Retreat” at 43 Hoover Road, Middletown. The property sold for $2,600,000. Caroline Richards of Hogan Associates represented the Buyer, and Dina Karousos & Nicole Lucenti of Gustave White Sotheby’s represented the Seller. According to Hogan Associates, upon entering, you realize “Seaside Retreat” lives up […]
Posted inThings To Do
The RI Home Show returns to the Convention Center this weekend
On Thursday, April 7, the RI Home Show returns to the Convention Center for the first time since 2019. Presented by the Rhode Island Builders Association (RIBA), the RI Home Show runs through Sunday, April 10, and features a broad, exciting lineup of exhibits and interactive displays awaiting attendees. Tickets are $10 per adult and $8 for seniors, with those […]
Posted inNews
Boating Safety Certificate Course to be offered in Newport
As part of its “Season of Safety,” the Newport Yacht Club is hosting an open-to-the-public Safe Boating Course. This is a 3-session classroom course taking place on April 11, 13, and 18 from 6 p.m. to 9:15 pm. A RI DEM Boating Safety Certificate will be issued upon successful completion of all 3 sessions. Rhode […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Island Earth Week begins on April 16
With more than two-dozen events and activities, this year’s Aquidneck Island Earth Week (AIEW) promises something for everyone. Starting on April 16th, the Island-wide celebration invites members of the public to connect with nature and take action for the environment. AIEW Director, Sara Poirier, said that over the last 4 months, partners have been collaborating […]
Posted inWeather
Weather forecast for April 6
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today we will see some rain and patchy fog, with a high near 49 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Today: Rain, mainly before 3pm. Patchy fog between 8am and 3pm. High near […]
Posted inCity & Government
Johnston voters approve $215 million school construction bond
Johnston voters went to the polls today to vote in a special referendum special election. The question was to approve or reject spending $215 million on school and school facilities. Out of the 23,980 total voters in Johnston, 1,278 voted (5.33%) in the special referendum – 1,110 (86.07%) voted to approve and 178 (13.93%) voted […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus to meet virtually Sunday, marking the first anniversary of Act on Climate
Sunday is the first anniversary of the signing of Rhode Island’s landmark Act on Climate, and the Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus, led by Rep. Lauren H. Carson and Rep. Terri Cortvriend, will mark the occasion with a discussion on decarbonizing buildings. The virtual event, titled “How can Rhode Island set a path for decarbonizing our buildings?,” […]