Norman Bird Sanctuary is inviting the community to their Fall Artist Series, four free events in September to celebrate the ten talented artists of the first ever “Mabel Residency.” The Mabel Residency seeks to provide the time and space for artists of exceptional talent to make work inspired by the rich history and stunning landscape […]
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 inNews
Newport, Jamestown, Portsmouth, and Little Compton nonprofits win $53,000 for community gardens and community spaces
The Rhode Island Foundation announced today that they have awarded more than $53,000 in grants to fund six neighborhood-based projects in Newport County. The work ranges from supporting community gardens in Jamestown and Newport to enhancing community spaces in Little Compton and Newport. “Our grants will create places to gather, make friendships and launch new collaborations that […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Week: 50+ things to do in and around Newport
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week and weekend! Cruise Ship Schedule – This Week Thursday – American Star (Capacity: 100 passengers, 26 crew) City Government Calendar – This Week Monday at 7 pm – Zoning Board of ReviewWednesday at 6:30 pm – City Council Meeting Monday, […]
Posted inNews
Newport County Youth Chorus offering free after-school programs to Elementary and Middle School students
The Newport County Youth Chorus is welcoming new singers to join them for their third season. It is free to participate and no audition is necessary — just a love of singing! The Middle School Ensemble (treble/unchanged voices in grades 5 – 8) meets on Wednesdays from 3:15 – 4:45 pm at St. Mary’s Church […]
Posted inNews
53 swimmers participate in Swim To Skim, raise over $4k for Clean Ocean Access
Content via Clean Ocean Access, Photo by Jason Evans On what felt like the first sign of fall, over 50 swimmers from five states took to the water to advance the mission of Clean Ocean Access on August 25, 2019 by swimming from Perrotti Park to King Park Swim Area. The event has a focus […]
Posted inNews
St. Francis grinds out win in Grandmasters Team Race
St. Francis Yacht Club team captain Jon Andron always sets modest goals for the New York Yacht Club Grandmasters Team Race. A good regatta, he says, is one where he and his teammates enjoy the company of fellow sailors from around the country and overseas, finish the event with a desire to return, and make […]
Posted inNews
Congressional, Defense, and Innovation Leaders to speak this week in Newport during SENEDIA’s Sixth Annual Defense Innovation Days
Congressional and other Defense leaders are set to speak at the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance’s (SENEDIA) Sixth Annual Defense Innovation Days event at the Newport Marriot August 26 – 28. Defense Innovation Days is SENEDIA’s annual three-day event highlighting innovation and technology in the defense arena – from undersea technology and cybersecurity, to […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for William Brady Shephard
via O’Neill Funeral Home William Brady Shephard of Newport, RI died on August 21, 2019. Bill was born in Woonsocket, RI on January 10, 1955 to William Henry and Rita (Bliss) Shephard, both of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his sister, Joanne Shephard Vincent of Narragansett, RI and her daughters, Jennifer Vincent McCooey, her husband, […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: 35+ things to do in and around Newport
Check out our rundown below for a look at all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend – events, live music and more. Weekend Weather Forecast Friday – A chance of showers, mainly before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. North wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport County Road Report: RITBA and RIDOT scheduled lane closures, construction (Aug. 24 – 31)
Here’s what’s on tap for road construction and traffic this upcoming week. Of note, Phase II of Newport Pell Bridge Road Deck Project to start Monday, August 12th Rhode Island Department of Transportation August 24-30, 2019 Tiverton: Rte. 77 (Main Rd.), the Nannaquaket Pond Bridge will be closed for bridge work, Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Follow signed […]
Posted inNews
6 open houses to check out this weekend
On the market for a new home? Well this upcoming weekend is looking like a good time to explore more than a dozen homes that have recently hit the market. What’sUpNewp’s Open House listings are brought to you by our real estate partners, William Raveis Newport. Contact William Raveis for all of your real estate, mortgage, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Preview: Agenda for August 28th Newport City Council Meeting
Newport City Council will host their next Regular Council Meeting in the Council Chambers at Newport City Hall on Wednesday, August 28th at 6:30 pm. The meeting is open to the public. If you can’t make it to the meeting, you can watch it live here. Of course, we’ll also provide a recap and will […]
Posted inArts & Culture, History, News
Search resumes for Captain Cook’s Endeavour in Newport Harbor
The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP), the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), and the Silentworld Foundation (SWF) announced this week that they have again partnered to continue the study of a Newport (RI) Harbor shipwreck that may be HMB Endeavour. With the 250th Anniversary of Cook’s voyage to Australia approaching in spring 2020, there’s interest […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for John Peter Tomis
John P. Thomis Jr., 78, of Portsmouth, RI passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 22nd, 2019 following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 23rd, 1941 in Jersey City, NJ, John was the son of the late John P. Tomis Sr. and Helen (Bogucki) Tomis. John lived in Fairlawn, NJ prior to […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Citizens Exploring School Unification forms, announces petition drive targeting Middletown Town Council
Citizens Exploring School Unification (CESU) has officially launched and is circulating a petition regarding Middletown Town Council’s decision on June 17th to end talks of school regionalization with Newport. CESU was incorporated in Rhode Island as a nonprofit on August 12, 2019, shortly after the Middletown Town Council declined to discuss or consider unification of […]
Posted inArts & Culture, History, Things To Do
Frère et Concitoyen: Newport Historical Society lecture will tell the story of William H. Vernon’s years in France
Join the Newport Historical Society for “Frère et Concitoyen”: A Newporter in Revolutionary France, a lecture by Will Simpson, a Buchanan Burnham Summer Scholar in Public History, which will be at the Newport Historical Society Resource Center, 82 Touro Street, Newport, RI, on September 5, 2019 at 5:30pm. The story of William H. Vernon’s years in […]
Posted inNews
Clean Ocean Access provides updates on water quality for Swim to Skim (Updated)
Clean Ocean Access has provided the following update regarding this weekend’s 6th Annual Swim To Skim and the recent sewage spill. Update – August 22nd Clean Ocean Access has provided the following update to their supporters and subscribers; “The 6th Annual Swim to Skim is gearing up for August 25, 2019 for a 1.2-mile swim in […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
RIDOH reopens Gooseberry Beach in Newport for swimming
Update – August 22nd at 2:30 pm RIDOH Recommends Re-opening Gooseberry Beach for Swimming The Rhode Island of Department Health (RIDOH) recommends re-opening Gooseberry Beach in Newport for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. There are currently no Rhode Island licensed beaches under swimming advisories. RIDOH will continue to monitor the water […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
Now Hiring in Newport: 106 job opportunities available right now
Looking for a new job, gig, or career? Here’s who’s hiring in and around Newport, Rhode Island right now. All jobs are located within five miles of downtown Newport and have been posted within the last week. Self promotion – What’sUpNewp hiring Local Government Reporter 22 Bowen’s – Line Cook – 22 Bowen’s Restaurant All […]
Posted inJobs
What’sUpNewp hiring Local Government Reporter
What’sUpNewp is looking for an enterprising, aggressive reporter to join our growing team. The Local Government Reporter will cover what’s happening in government and politics across Aquidneck Island- meetings, zoning, planning, and more. This reporter will also be expected to cover breaking news in those topics, write daily stories, and to cover local stories across […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
DEM Environmental Police arrest two men for illegal striped-bass fishing activity
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) today announced the arrest of Robert Majors, age 41, of Bristol and Peter Parente, age 53, of West Greenwich. The two men were arrested yesterday by DEM environmental police officers for being in possession of 38 striped bass. Both are Massachusetts commercial […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Nanaquaket Pond Bridge in Tiverton will temporarily close for repairs
Starting Monday, August 26, through Friday, August 30, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), is scheduled to close the Nanaquaket Pond Bridge, between Bridgeport Road and Highland Road, on Route 77 (Main Road) in Tiverton. With minor concrete repairs nearing completion, the closure will allow crews to pave and waterproof the bridge deck, according […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Nine local gardens will be featured during September Newport Secret Garden Tour
Join the Benefactors of the Arts September 6-8th for self-guided tours of some of the most beautiful, prestigious gardens and properties in historic Newport. The tour features nine gorgeous gardens that are dotted On & Off Bellevue Avenue, the Drive and the Kay/Catherine neighborhoods. These private gardens are shared with the community to help raise funds for the […]
Posted inNews
Norman Bird Sanctuary names Kaity Ryan new Executive Director
The Norman Bird Sanctuary announced to friends and followers on Wednesday that they have appointed a new Executive Director. The announcement The Norman Bird Sanctuary Board of Directors announced the appointment of Kaity Ryan as the organization’s new Executive Director. Beginning September 9th, Ryan will lead the nonprofit’s mission in wildlife habitat conservation and environmental […]
Posted inNews
Coast Guard fines Woods Hole and Block Island ferry jumpers
The U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast office announced today that investigators from Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England have issued two notices of violation last month with proposed penalties of $2,500 each to two individuals for intentionally jumping over ferry railings in June and July. The act of intentionally jumping into the water from a […]