Here’s a look at what’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport today. Weather Forecast Today – Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a temperature rising to near 54 by 9am, then falling to around 45 during the remainder of the day. Breezy, with a southwest […]
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 inCity & Government
General Assembly to convene on New Year’s Day
The Rhode Island General Assembly will convene on Tuesday, Jan. 1, at 4 p.m. as members of the Senate and House of Representatives are sworn into office. Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea will administer the oath of office to the legislators, including 14 new representatives and seven new senators, in their respective chambers. The rare […]
Posted inThings To Do
5 reasons to take the 2019 Polar Bear Plunge at Easton’s Beach
(Photo by Larry Hart Bettencourt) New Year’s Day is almost here and area “polar bears” are preparing to make their annual plunge into the frigid waters off Easton’s Beach. While taking a dip in near-freezing water might not necessarily benefit your health, this is certainly a party with a purpose and worth doing. Do we have […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live storytelling coming to Newport Art Museum’s Art After Dark
Newport Art Museum’s Art After Dark is back on Thursday, January 10 from 5 – 8 pm. Each Art After Dark has unique programming for the whole family. This event joins the ranks of the many events and educational programs the Museum currently offers in its galleries at 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. This month, Art After Dark will present an evening of micro-memoir, fiction writing and live storytelling […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 31st: Weather forecast and things to do
Here’s what’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport today. Weather Forecast Today – A chance of rain, mainly after 5pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 45. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. […]
Posted inNews
Top Ten Stories of 2018
This year was pivotal for us in many ways… We were named Best Local News Blog in Rhode Island by Rhode Island Monthly Readers.We launched What’s Up Rhode Island (our statewide arts, entertainment and lifestyle site).We continue to grow, our team of contributors has doubled across the board and our website traffic and numbers across […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
New Year’s Eve 2018: Here’s where to ring in 2019 in Newport
New Year’s Eve is almost here and the What’sUpNewp crew is keeping you in the know of the very best events and parties happening in Newport, because we know you want (and deserve) to ring in 2019 in style! More events may be added as venues announce what’s happening. Where To Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Newport […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 30th: Weather forecast and things to do
Weather Forecast Today – A slight chance of snow showers between 9am and noon. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 39. North wind around 6 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Tonight -Mostly clear, with a low around 29. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Report: Newport County road and lane closures this week (Dec. 29 – Jan. 5)
The following road and lane closure notices are effective for the near future, according to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. RIDOT (Dec. 29 – Jan. 4) Weekday Newport: Halsey St. North, prior to Admiral Kalfbus Rd., right […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 29th: Weather forecast and things to do
Weather Forecast Today – Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a temperature falling to around 42 by 5pm. West wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.Tonight – Increasing clouds, with a low around 29. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph. Marine Forecast Small Craft Advisory in effect from 7 […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Mansions surpass one million tours for third straight year
For the third consecutive year, The Preservation Society of Newport County reports they have delivered over one million tours, attracting visitors from more than 100 countries and all 50 states to the Newport Mansions in 2018. The longest trip reported this year to visit the mansions was 11,670 miles from Fremantle Western Australia to Newport, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Public workshop to be held to discuss proposed updates to the current Newport Harbor mooring ordinances
On January 7th, the Newport Waterfront Commission will be holding a public workshop to discuss proposed updates to the current Newport harbor mooring ordinances. Notice of Public Workshop Newport Waterfront CommissionNewport Public Library January 7, 2019 in the Program Room at 6pm The Newport Waterfront Commission would like to announce and invite concerned citizens to […]
Posted inNews
Portsmouth Free Public Library to host ‘Anatomy of a Local Murder Mystery’ with Claremary Sweeney
Find out how Claremary P. Sweeney, a writer/photographer, uses her vivid imagination to create both children’s stories and adult books as she discusses the “Anatomy of a Local Murder Mystery” on Thursday, January 10 at 6:30 PM at Portsmouth Free Public Library. On the pages of the South County Series, Sweeney creates her modern murder […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: Job opportunities available right now in and around Newport (Dec. 28)
Time for a new job or part-time gig? Here’s who’s hiring right now in and around Newport. Advance Auto Parts – Store DriverBJ’s Wholesale Club – P/T Seasonal Stock Clerk (Clothing) JobCACI – Tactical All-Source Intelligence AnalystCastle Hill Inn – Event Manager- Castle Hill Inn Chipotle – Crew MemberCumberland Farms – Food Service LeaderCW Resources […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 28th: Weather forecast and things to do
Weather Forecast: Today – Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Patchy fog after 9 am. High near 52. Breezy, with a south wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.Tonight – Rain before 9 […]
Posted inNews
Raimondo announces Public Safety Leadership Team
Governor Gina M. Raimondo today announced her leadership selections across multiple public safety agencies. She will appoint James Manni as superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police following Colonel Ann Assumpico’s decision to retire next month after 42 years in law enforcement, and submit Manni’s name as Director of the Rhode Island Department of Public […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 27th: Weather forecast and things to do
Weather Forecast Today – Sunny, with a high near 37. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon.Tonight – Rain likely, mainly after 5am. Increasing clouds, with a temperature rising to around 41 by 5am. East wind 7 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than […]
Posted inCity & Government
Christmas tree pickup for Newport residents scheduled January 7 – 11
Christmas has come and gone, and if you are when to take down your Christmas Tree or how to gt rid of it, we’ve got good news – you can keep it up for at least another week, and you can get rid of it for free in January. Christmas trees along with regular yard […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 26th: Weather forecast and things to do
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport today. Weather Forecast Today – Sunny, with a high near 37. Northwest wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.Tonight – Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Northwest wind around 9 mph. Marine Forecast Today – NW winds […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport County live music and entertainment listings (Dec. 26 – Jan. 1)
Discover all that’s happening for live music and entertainment in and around Newport County this week. Please Note: Unless otherwise indicated, the venue is located in Newport.Those venues that are blue/hyperlinked are our advertisers and partners. Please consider supporting them by following the link to their website/by visiting their business to enjoy their live music and entertainment, […]
Posted inThings To Do
30+ things to do in and around Newport this week
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. Christmas In Newport continues through the end of the month, visit www.christmasinenewport.org for the full schedule of events. Wednesday, December 26th 2 pm, 4:45 pm, & 7:30 pm – Mary Queen of Scots at Jane Pickens Theater5 pm to 9 pm […]
Posted inNews
Inauguration ceremonies for Governor, State General Office Holders scheduled
The Rhode Island Inauguration Ceremony will be held on the first of January, 2019 at 12 p.m. on the south portico of the State House. Governor Raimondo and the General Officers will host a greeting line in the State Room following the scheduled events on January 1. In accordance with RI General Law, the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Restaurants open on Christmas Day in Newport
Christmas Day in Newport, believe it or not, will be here before you know it. For some of you, the thought of cooking at home, traveling, or visiting the family is simply, out of the question and you’re looking for a place to dine out. You’re in luck, we have a full round-up of places open for […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 24th: Weather forecast and things to do
Here’s a look at what’s happening, new, and to do out there. Weather Forecast Today – Rain likely, mainly after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch […]
Posted inNews
Discounted Flex Tickets for Newport Jazz Festival ending soon
If you’re looking for a holiday present for a music lover or a special treat for yourself, give the gift of jazz: Flex tickets to the 2019 Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Investment Managers. Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. is making gift-giving easier by offering Adult Flex tickets priced at just $65.00 while supplies last. Flex tickets can […]