Continuing its new commitment to ongoing year-round programming, Newport Classical will present its next spring Chamber Series concert at the Recital Hall at Emmanuel Church on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 7:30pm. 2021 Avery Fischer Career Grant recipient, violinist Geneva Lewis, will perform a program with pianist Evren Ozel that contrasts music of sadness, darkness, and despair with evolutions into light, including […]
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 inFood & Drink, News
Winners of 2022 Newport Burger Bender announced
After a year off due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Newport Burger Bender, Discover Newport’s “best burger” contest, returned to Newport and Bristol Counties from February 18th – 27th. The competition in the 2022 edition of the Newport Burger Bender was stiff with a record-breaking 48 burgers (30 beef, 6 non-beef, and 12 plant-based) representing 36 restaurants. Discover […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee sends letter to President Biden: Rhode Island is prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees
Governor Dan McKee today sent a letter to President Biden expressing that the state is prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees who have been forced from their homes in recent days by Russian aggression. A copy of the letter is available below and here. Letter-to-President-Biden-regarding-Ukraine-2.28.22Download In addition, Governor McKee has requested that the State House continue to […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up in Newport this week: Feb. 28 – Mar. 6
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. This story may be updated as we learn about additional events or listings. Have an event you’d like to see added to this list or a future list? Add it to our event calendar. Note: An event or performance may change at […]
Posted inThings To Do
Calendar of Events: 45th Annual Newport Irish Heritage Month
The 45th annual Newport Irish Heritage Month returns this March! The festivities actually get underway on Sunday, February 27 with the annual Green Eggs & Ham Brunch at the Hibernian Hall. Organized and coordinated by the Museum of Newport Irish History, the goal of the Newport Irish Heritage Month calendar is to include “All things […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Green Eggs & Ham Brunch, a fundraiser for the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will be held at Hibernian Hall today
The Annual Green Eggs & Ham Brunch returns to the Hibernian Hall today (Sunday, February 27) from 9 am -1 pm. Enjoy the large spread of food at this fun family event and fundraiser for the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 12. The brunch price is $10 for […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp’s top stories this week in Newport County
Our coverage of snow and tragedy were among the most read and shared stories for the second week in a row on What’sUpNewp. Here’s a look at the most-read stories from this past week, February 20 – 26, 2022. Top Stories 1 – The Guest List: Documentary about The Station nightclub fire will premiere on […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 100+ job opportunities available right now
Looking for a new gig, job, or career in or around Newport? Here’s a roundup of some of the companies that are hiring right now in the Newport area. All jobs were posted or provided to us within the last seven days and are located within five miles of downtown Newport. Job Opportunities in Newport […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Pet of the Week: Kingston
Meet your new best friend, Kingston – this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Kingston is a 6-year-old male Retriever, Golden/Poodle, Standard. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Kingston; The name Kingston conjures up images of a regal, noble beast. […]
Posted inNews, Weather
Here’s how much snow has fallen across Rhode Island: Feb. 25
Snow is once again falling across Rhode Island. The National Weather Service earlier this week had forecast approximately 4 – 7″ of total snow accumulation from this storm. Here are the latest snowfall reports from the National Weather Service. Observations are collected from a variety of sources with varying equipment and exposures, according to the […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Stoneacre Brasserie debuts weekly Afternoon Tea
Stoneacre Brasserie debuted Afternoon Tea earlier this month, now available week Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 2-4 pm starting at $28 per person. The special weekend experience is made for the whole family to enjoy with two menus, one of which is made just for the kiddos. The menu comes with a 3-tiered display of sweet and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
10 Rhode Island high school students will compete in the 17th Poetry Out Loud competition on March 6
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) announced today that 10 RI high school students will participate in the Poetry Out Loud state finals on March 6 in a private ceremony at The Greenwich Odeum at 11 am. At the Rhode Island State Finals, contestants will recite works they selected from an anthology of more […]
Posted inCOVID-19
RIDOH provides updates on the State’s vaccination and testing sites
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) provided the following COVID-19 testing and vaccination updates on Friday. As part of Rhode Island’s, comprehensive plan to transition the management of COVID-19 from a pandemic into an endemic strategy focused on more traditional models of prevention, treatment, and healthcare delivery, updates to the State’s vaccination and testing […]
Posted inNews
Update: RIPTA detours fourteen bus routes due to Winter Storm
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced at 6:45 am that fourteen routes are on detour today, Friday, February 25, 2022 due to winter weather conditions. Routes 13, 14, 18, 27, 32, 34, 55, 56, 60, 63, 64, 71, 87 and 92 are currently on detour. Riders may expect some delays on all routes due to weather conditions and are advised to use extreme caution at bus stops due to […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Foundation is offering college scholarships of up to $20,000 to promote Roger Williams’ core values
High school seniors have until Feb. 28 to apply for college scholarships of up to $20,000 a year through Carter Roger Williams Initiative at the Rhode Island Foundation. Conceived of and funded by philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter, the program honors the principles of the state’s founding father. “Roger Williams was a complicated man, but […]
Posted inNews
Report details transportation in Newport today
The City of Newport has released the first in a series of findings in its comprehensive Transportation Master Plan process. Launched in the summer of 2021, the City’s Transportation Master Plan, aims to establish a collective vision to make it safer and easier for residents and visitors to navigate Newport’s streets and sidewalks. On Wednesday, the […]
Posted inNews
26.9 acres of forestland in Little Compton permanently protected
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced the permanent protection of 26.9 acres of forested land in Little Compton for public recreational use, including hunting. The parcel abuts DEM’s Eight Rod Management Area, which straddles the boundary of Little Compton and Tiverton and consists of over 600 acres of forestland and farm fields. DEM […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up in Newport County this weekend: Feb. 25 – 27
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend. This story may be updated as we learn about additional events or listings. Have an event you’d like to see added to this list or a future list? Add it to our event calendar. Note: An event or performance may change at […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Redistricting Project to host public meetings
The City of Newport this week announced that Newport election officials will be hosting a pair of public information sessions regarding the City’s local redistricting efforts next week. The City’s Canvassing Authority is inviting members of the community to attend a public information session at City Hall on Thursday, March 3 at either 11:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. […]
Posted inNews, Weather
Afternoon UPDATE: Winter Weather Advisory for Southern RI Friday- Winter Storm Warning Providence North
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our area. The Advisory is in effect from late Thursday night through Friday evening. Snow is expected to arrive overnight Thursday and mix with sleet and rain at times during the day Friday. Total snow accumulations of 2′ to 5″ are possible in parts […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19, News
Governor McKee, RIDOH to host COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday
Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island Department of Health Interim Director Dr. James McDonald, and Rhode Island Department of Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green will host a COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday at 11 am to provide an update on the State’s booster and K-12 vaccination efforts. According to Governor McKee’s office, the following individuals will be present for the briefing; Governor Dan McKeeLt. Governor […]
Posted inNews
Newport Police: Man dead, another injured following stabbing incident on Dudley Avenue (Update)
The Newport Police Department released the following update on Tuesday morning regarding an incident that left one male dead and another injured on Monday in the are of 12 Dudley Avenue in Newport. On February 21, 2022, at approximately 1547 hours, a 911 call was placed to the Newport Fire Department for two males fighting […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up this week in Newport County: Feb. 21 – 27
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. This story may be updated as we learn about additional events or listings. Have an event you’d like to see added to this list or a future list? Add it to our event calendar. Note: An event or performance may change at […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will perform at IYRS Summer Gala in July
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will be the featured entertainment at the 25th Annual IYRS Summer Gala on Saturday, July 9. The Summer Gala is the biggest and most important fundraiser of the year for IYRS School of Technology & Trades, a private nonprofit school. The Gala reportedly raises about 40% of their annual operating costs, […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp’s top stories this week in Newport County
Snow, tragedy, and nostalgia were among the most popular topics on What’sUpNewp this week. Here’s a look at the most-read stories from this past week, February 13 – 19, 2022. Top Stories 1 – Here’s how much snow fell across Rhode Island Feb. 13 -14 2 – Two arrested in connection to double-shooting incident, police […]