The 7th edition of the Atlantic Cup will return to Newport on May 22, 2022, with two new features. Race organizers announced today that Leg 1 will go from Charleston, S.C. to Newport, R.I., increasing the first leg of the race by 80 nautical miles. In addition, for the first time in its history The Atlantic Cup will open Leg […]
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 inObituaries
Obituary: Thomas R. Haufe
Dr. Thomas Robert Haufe passed away peacefully and surrounded by love at his home in Portsmouth, RI on January 14, 2022. Born in Newport, RI on August 29,1924 he was the youngest child of Otto Christian Haufe and Ines Cavedon Haufe of New York City and Millbrook, NY. He attended Fordham University, Cornell University, and […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Joan W. Haufe
Joan Wilcox Haufe passed away peacefully and surrounded by love at her home in Portsmouth RI on January 16th, 2022. Joan was born in Torrington, CT on May 10, 1928, and grew up in Cornwall, CT. She was the eldest child of Mary Loughlin Wilcox and Rodney Semple Wilcox. After attending schools in both CT […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: 14 Newport County real estate sales, transactions (Jan. 17 – 21)
Real estate, like any industry, is based on the foundation of supply and demand. Sellers are seeing premium prices for their homes due to low-interest rates and even lower inventory; which makes for a very competitive environment from a buyer’s perspective. If you’re considering selling or simply want to know what your home may be […]
Posted inNews
Things to do in Newport this week: Jan. 24 – 30
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 inNews
Chris Lane coming to Bold Point Park on August 12
Waterfront Concerts and 98.1 Cat Country today announced that country music singer and songwriter Chris Lane will perform live at Bold Point Park in East Providence on Friday, August 12, 2022. General admission tickets for this show start at $45 and will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, January 28th at 10 AM EST. Visit waterfrontconcerts.com for more information. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘The Gilded Age’ debuts on HBO on January 24, keep an eye out for scenes filmed around Newport
From creator Julian Fellowes (“Downton Abbey”), HBO’s THE GILDED AGE debuts on Monday, January 24 at 9 pm on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. The series, which was written by Julian Fellowes and Sonja Warfield, and directed by Michael Engler and Salli Richardson-Whitfield, was filmed in and around Newport in early 2021. The […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Castle Hill Inn, Stoneacre Garden to celebrate Chinese New Year with special dinner menus
In honor of the arrival of the Chinese New Year and year of the tiger, The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn and Stoneacre Garden will be offering special dinner menus inspired by Chinese culture and featuring traditional Chinese dishes. The 2022 Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 1st, and celebrations culminate on February 15th, 2022. Castle Hill Inn To mark the re-opening of the Inn’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Charter Books and The JPT to host a conversation, film screening with Dana Stevens, author of ‘Camera Man’
Charter Books and the Jane Pickens Theater present: Dana Stevens, Slate film critic and author of Camera Man: Buster Keaton, the Dawn of Cinema, and the Invention of the Twentieth Century on February 10 at 7:30 pm. Dana Stevens discusses her new biography of Buster Keaton, followed by a film screening of Keaton’s most well-known film […]
Posted inNews
Boys & Girls Club of Newport County will be among beneficiaries of Newport Polo Gala
Newport Polo today announced the beneficiaries and presenting sponsor of its 21st annual charity gala, the “Kia Ora Cosmic Ball, Presented by BD”. The gala will take place on Friday, August 5, 2022, to fete the New Zealand polo team at Rosecliff. “As the name implies, the stars have aligned and sky’s the limit,” expressed Dan Keating, gala MC, Polo captain […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Foundation offering nearly $290,000 in grants to nonprofit’s that serve Newport County residents
Nonprofit organizations that serve residents of Newport County’s six cities and towns have until Feb. 10 to apply for nearly $290,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation. “These grants focus on serving the distinct needs of the residents of these communities. This is an opportunity for nonprofits to bring new resources to their missions,” said […]
Posted inNews
Humphrey “Harp” Donnelly IV named Newport’s new Fire Chief
The City of Newport today announced that Humphrey “Harp” Donnelly IV, a native Newporter and 23-year veteran of the Newport Fire Department, has been named the City’s new Fire Chief. He replaces Fire Chief Brian Dugan, who retired last month after leading the City’s Fire Department for the past 5 years. As Deputy Chief and […]
Posted inSports
Five New England athletes among nominees for the U.S. Olympic Cross Country Team
U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced today its nominations for the U.S. Olympic Cross Country Team to represent Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 from February 4-19, 2022. Nominations are to be confirmed by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee when it formally announces the U.S. Olympic Team. Fourteen athletes were nominated […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Pet of the Week: Tobias
Meet your new best friend, Tobias – this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Tobias is a 5-year-old male Mixed Breed. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Tobias; Tobias, this boy is very very special. He has one eye but […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
DEM launching new website for boating, fishing, and hunting licenses and permits
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) this week announced a new website that will serve as a one-stop-shop where Rhode Islanders who fish, hunt, and boat may obtain all the licenses, permits, and tags they need to participate in these activities. DEM says in a press release that the single, unified hub — […]
Posted inNews
MLK Center, Movement Education Outdoors among five organizations to receive grants from 11th Hour Racing
As 11th Hour Racing enters its 11th year of philanthropic work, the organization announced today five new grants, funded by The Schmidt Family Foundation, to support environmental projects in Connecticut, Maryland, Hawai’i, and Rhode Island. 1 1th Hour Racing’s grantmaking strategy focuses on pilot programs that model sustainability best practices, advance ocean stewardship and create […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do in Newport County this weekend: Brick Alley Wine Dinner, Aquidneck Growers Market, and more
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend, Friday, January 21 – Sunday, January 23, 2022. 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. […]
Posted inNews
Mayor Napolitano hopeful for the return of the Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in 2022
The Chief Medical Officer for Yale-New Haven’s Lawrence & Memorial and Westerly Hospitals told What’s Up Newp’s Frank Prosnitz on January 11 that he is “hopeful” the latest COVID wave passes by March. In a conversation last week with Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, Prosnitz brought up that hope and told the Mayor that it would be […]
Posted inNews
Save The Date: 2022 Newport International Boat Show set to return September 15 – 18
Save the date, the Newport International Boat Show returns to the Newport waterfront Thursday, September 15 – Sunday, September 18, 2022. Celebrating 50 years in 2021, the Newport International Boat Show is one of the largest in-water events in the country and the premier show in New England. It encompasses over 14 acres of Newport’s […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Here’s what’s on Newport City Council’s January 26 docket
Newport City Council will meet for their next regular council meeting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, January 26. The meeting will be held virtually, here’s a look at what’s on the docket. CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 2022 THE MEETING WILL BE HELD REMOTELY IN COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNOR MCKEE’S […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up Newp partners with Jane Pickens to host a special screening of ‘The Big Lebowski’ and ‘Goodfellas’
What’s Up Newp and JPT Film and Event Center are teaming up once again this year to bring some of the most iconic and definitive classic films to the big screen. We’ll be kicking off our 2022 partnership on Thursday, January 27 at 7:30 pm when we present our annual screening of The Big Lebowski […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor McKee to propose more than $150 million to combat Climate Change in FY2023 Budget
Building on the remarks he made in his 2022 State of the State address Tuesday evening, Governor Dan McKee today announced that his FY2023 budget and ARPA spending plan will propose more than $150 million to fund a series of proposals that will not only reduce harmful greenhouse gasses and build more resilient communities, but it will […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Alliance Française of Newport adds a fourth French language class to its offerings
The Alliance Française of Newport (“AFN”) announced this week that it will expand its French language classes this month for the first time in three years and provide a fourth class to interested members. The mission of the AFN includes learning about the French language and culture and expanding its class offerings continues that mission […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Middletown Town Council okays pursuit of reduced school building improvement package
Although not the $90 million initially sought, a split Middletown Town Council votes Tuesday night for the School Building Committee to see what $60 million can get for each of the schools. The matter still hasn’t been okayed for an Election Day bond, however. The Town of Middletown issued the following press release on the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Read & Watch: Governor McKee’s State of the State Address
As prepared for delivery, here is Governor McKee’s State of the State Address; Mister Speaker, Mister President, distinguished members of the Assembly, our General Officers, members of the Judiciary, municipal leaders, and members of my cabinet – good evening. Tonight, I want to speak directly with the people of Rhode Island. This COVID-19 pandemic has […]