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 […]
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 inOpinion
Opinion – Rep. Carson: High stakes of appropriate coastal management
In my district in Newport, it is easy to see the importance and value of the Narragansett Bay and all our precious coastal resources. The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) was created by the General Assembly in 1971 as a means to protect, restore and responsibly develop coastal lands because lawmakers recognized that these areas […]
Posted inNews
Edward King House to serve as a new drop-off site for Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels of RI announces it has partnered with Edward King House to serve as the new drop-off site for meals delivered to homebound Newport seniors through the nonprofit’s Home-Delivered Meal Program. “Meals on Wheels of RI has been serving homebound Newport seniors for many, many years, along with seniors across the rest of […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport resident named new VP & Branch Sales Manager at BankNewport’s North Kingstown branch
BankNewport today announced that Newport resident Julia N. Reinhardt has been appointed vice president and branch sales manager of the Bank’s North Kingstown branch located at 1350 Ten Rod Road. In her new position, Julia is responsible for customer service, branch operations, and team development. “Julia has been a valuable member of the BankNewport team […]
Posted inNews
Update: All restrictions lifted on Newport Pell and Jamestown Verrazzano Bridges
Update: 12:20 pm The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) has lifted travel restrictions on all bridges. Members of the public can check bridge conditions and closures by visiting our website at ritba.org, by calling RITBA at 401-423-0803, or on Twitter at @RIEZPASS. Update: 8:45 am RITBA LIFTS SOME RESTRICTIONS ON BRIDGES Automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Grey Sail Brewing celebrating 10 years
Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island (Grey Sail) this week announced the celebration of their upcoming 10th anniversary on November 11th which will include a party and specialty beer. Grey Sail has been brewing quality, craft beer in Rhode Island for the past ten years, and now offers seven varieties in their core lineup in addition to […]
Posted inNews
Tom Rush joins What’s Up Newp for a live virtual video conversation
For 60 years Tom Rush, folk and blues icon, has had a profound impact on the American music scene, helping shape the folk revival of the ‘60s and the renaissance of the ‘80s and ‘90s. He joins What’s Up Newp on Thursday, October 28 at 10 am for a live virtual video conversation. He performs […]
Posted inNews
Butts Hill Fort to host volunteer cleanup day on November 6
When the British forces occupying Aquidneck Island were building Butts Hill Fort, local citizens were required to work two days a week on the construction or be fined for every day they missed. Now to help bring the Fort back to the public, the Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee is asking for volunteers to continue […]
Posted inReal Estate
Home on North Main Road in Jamestown sells for $3.76 million
Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the sale of 1163 North Main Road in Jamestown, a waterfront retreat on 12 acres, for $3,760,000. According to Rhode Island MLS, this sale is one of nine over $3 million that have closed this year to date in Jamestown. Elena Wilcox of Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty […]
Posted inJobs, News
Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank creates new Aquidneck Island Regional Resilience Coordinator position
Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (Infrastructure Bank) today announced the creation of a new pilot “Regional Resilience Coordinator” position to provide dedicated technical assistance to Aquidneck Island’s municipalities to implement climate resiliency investments. The hiring of this two-year pilot position has been made possible thanks to the support of the van Beuren Charitable Foundation. “Through our […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Two new exhibitions coming to the Jamestown Arts Center
The Jamestown Arts Center shines the spotlight on the talent and artistic breadth of their membership for the Annual Members’ Show and a solo exhibition featuring new work by Seamus O. Hames, opening October 30, 2021. The annual Members’ Show invites members of the JAC to submit one original artwork for public display in the […]
Posted inNews
Bon Iver coming to Bold Point Park in June
Waterfront Concerts today announced that it will present Bon Iver, live at Bold Point Park in East Providence on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Tickets for this show will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, October 29th at 10 AM EST. Visit waterfrontconcerts.com for more information. Today, Bon Iver announce their return to the road […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Week: Hocus Pocus, Tour de Fright, Halloween festivities, and much more
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
Newport Art Museum to present “Newport: The City as a Work of Art” lecture series with John R. Tschirch
The Newport Art Museum is pleased to present “Newport: The City as a Work of Art” Lecture Series with Architectural Historian John R. Tschirch. The series of lectures will take place at the Newport Art Museum on four consecutive Tuesday evenings beginning Tuesday, October 26 and ending November 16. Attendees can subscribe to the full series, or register for individual […]
Posted inThings To Do
Holidays at the Newport Mansions returns to The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms starting November 20
The Preservation Society of Newport County today announced that there will be more lights, more trees, and more festive outdoor decorations as Holidays at the Newport Mansions returns to The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms, starting November 20. For the second year in a row, “Sparkling Lights at The Breakers: An Outdoor Magical Wonderland” […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
Stop & Shop to hold a one-day career fair at all 27 Rhode Island locations
Stop & Shop today announced that it is hosting a one-day all-store career fair at its 400+ locations on Saturday, October 23rd from 10:00 am-6:00 pm, including its 27 stores across Rhode Island. The grocer is seeking to fill e-commerce and store roles including positions in the bakery, deli, grocery, seafood, and produce departments. There are also openings on […]
Posted inNews
RI Music Educators call on state, school districts to fund music & arts education
The Rhode Island Music Education Association (RIMEA) called on state leaders today to prioritize funding for music and arts education as part of the state’s plan for investing American Rescue Plan funds. According to RIMEA, Rhode Island is one of only two New England states to neglect the arts in their state Elementary and Secondary […]
Posted inNews
BankNewport donates Halloween Treat Bags to support Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center’s “Food 2 Friends” Program
BankNewport today announced that it has donated more than 100 Halloween treat bags to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport in support of its “Food 2 Friends” program: a monthly grocery delivery service for homebound neighbors and people who are otherwise unable to visit its onsite food pantry. BankNewport Retail Team members Amy […]
Posted inNews
Additional tax exemption mulled for Middletown seniors, veterans, and the blind
Concerned about making Middletown as affordable as possible for seniors, veterans and the handicapped, Town Councilman Dennis Turano proposes increasing tax exemptions by 10 percent, an idea welcomed by his colleagues. The following is a press release from the Town of Middletown; The Town Council looks to be moving forward with an additional 10 percent […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: Heart & Sole Walk for Animals, Goat Hikes, Barks & Brews, and more
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 inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Irish immigrant women in domestic service topic of upcoming lecture
The Museum of Newport Irish History has announced the second talk in its 20th Annual Michael F. Crowley Lecture Series, to be presented “virtually” on Monday, October 25, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Dr. Margaret Lynch-Brennan and Ms. Leslie B. Jones will present a talk entitled, ”The Irish Bridget: Irish Immigrant Women in Domestic Service in America, 1840-1930 […]
Posted inSports
Foiling Kiteboarder slashes 1 minute and 14 seconds off Around Jamestown Record
The following was submitted by Around Jamestown Record A new outright record was set on Tuesday, October 19th for the Around Jamestown Record. Rob Spets on his Foiling Kiteboard Skellinger, completed the attempt around Jamestown with an elapsed time of 50 minutes and 48 seconds. This bests the previous record of 00:52:02, held by Jason Carroll’s Mod70 […]
Posted inOpinion
Opinion: Portsmouth voters must reject Question 2
Portsmouth voters must reject the referendum to transfer five acres of property overlooking Narragansett Bay to a private developer. If the referendum is approved the future of the Senior Center will in the hands of bankers and developers. Their promise of senior only facilities and senior housing are just that, promises. There is no written […]
Posted inNews, Sports
New York Yacht Club pauses challenge for 37th America’s Cup
Yesterday, in a letter to the Trustees of the New York Yacht Club, the Flag Officers of the Club announced the Club was pausing its pursuit of the America’s Cup.Quotes from New York Yacht Club Commodore Christopher J. Culver“There are few private clubs that enjoy a stronger bond with a single competition than the New […]
Posted inNews
Hocus Pocus 2 begins filming in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Film & TV Office announced today that the Disney+ sequel to the beloved 1993 film, Hocus Pocus, began filming in Rhode Island on October 18, 2021, until the end of the year. The highly anticipated Hocus Pocus 2 is set for a 2022 debut. Bette Midler (The First Wives Club, Beaches), Sarah […]