Art enthusiasts and antique collectors will have the opportunity to browse stunning collections from 40 exhibitors at The Newport Show, returning for its 18th year to benefit the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County. The annual showcase, which has become a cornerstone of Newport’s summer social calendar, will take […]
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
Morning Notes: Salve Regina’s Ochre Court featured in latest episode of HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age’
Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Monday, July 21, the 202nd day of 2025. There are 163 days left in the year. Weather Forecast Today: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind around 9 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Folk Festival cyclists set to break records again as city implements enhanced safety plan
Newport is preparing for another record-breaking year of bicycle traffic to the Newport Folk Festival, with organizers implementing an enhanced safety plan to accommodate the estimated 1,600 cyclists expected daily. The city has seen remarkable growth in festival-goers choosing bicycles over cars, with cyclists now representing 16% to 18% of all attendees – the highest […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Over 1,300 runners celebrate craft beer and fitness at ninth annual Newport Beer Run
More than 1,300 runners laced up their shoes Saturday for the ninth annual Newport Beer Run at Fort Adams State Park, combining a scenic 5K race with craft beer sampling in one of Newport’s most popular summer events. Christopher Collett of Providence dominated the men’s field, crossing the finish line in 14:51 to earn the […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: 281 swimmers tackle two-mile Save The Bay Swim
Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Sunday, July 20, the 201st day of 2025. There are 164 days left in the year. Weather Forecast Today: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind around 9 […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Summer Saturday delivers full slate of activities across Newport County
Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Saturday, July 19, the 200th day of 2025. There are 165 days left in the year. Weather Forecast Today: Sunny, with a high near 79. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Tonight: Increasing clouds, with a low around 69. South wind around […]
Posted inCity & Government
Workshop to help Rhode Island landowners lease property for farming
Rhode Island has lost more than 80% of its agricultural land since 1940, dropping from approximately 300,000 acres in production to just 67,800 acres today—with less than 40,000 actively used for farming, according to the Rhode Island Land Trust Council. To help address this crisis, Ocean Hour Farm, Aquidneck Island Land Trust, and Land For […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport utility system upgrade brings new features, temporary payment disruption
Newport’s Department of Utilities will launch a new billing system in mid-August that officials say will provide enhanced features and eliminate payment processing fees, but customers will face a temporary disruption in online payment options during the transition. The upgraded system promises a more intuitive interface and expanded payment options including Venmo and Google Pay. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Multi-agency DUI enforcement operation targets North Kingstown this weekend
The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association announced that the state’s BAT Mobile will be stationed in North Kingstown this weekend as part of an intensified effort to combat impaired driving. The mobile enforcement unit will be deployed at 1300 Ten Rod Road on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, from 8 p.m. to 4 […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport County this weekend: July 18 – 20
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this weekend. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Weather Friday Afternoon: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: DeBlois Gallery celebrates 41 years with Annual Members’ Show
Good morning, Newport! 🗓️ Today is Friday, July 18, the 199th day of 2025. There are 166 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know DeBlois Gallery will mark four decades of bringing art to Newport County with its 41st Annual Members’ Show and Celebration, running August 2-31 at the cooperative’s Middletown location. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The JPT heats up summer with enhanced film screenings and live events
The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center is offering a lineup of enhanced film screenings with post-movie discussions, live music, and themed parties throughout July. “It’s hot in Newport this summer, and there’s no better way to cool off than catching new and classic flicks while supporting local businesses,” said Alex Whitney, General Manager of […]
Posted inSports
Youth sailors to test skills in overnight challenge at 20th Ida Lewis Distance Race
When 40 boats set sail from Fort Adams in Narragansett Bay on Friday, August 15, for the 20th anniversary running of the Ida Lewis Distance Race, the real test won’t come in daylight. It’s what happens overnight that will separate the fleet as tacticians navigate in darkness during the 24-hour endurance event across some of […]
Posted inReal Estate
Listing of the Week: 549 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown
If you’ve been searching for a move-in-ready home on Aquidneck Island that balances classic cottage details, location, and opportunity, this is the one. Located on the corner of Morrison Avenue and Aquidneck Avenue, 549 Aquidneck Avenue is a well maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom cottage set on an oversized 14,000+ square foot lot, just minutes from both […]
Posted inBusiness
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Newport/Middletown earns top corporate honors
A Middletown hotel has been recognized as the cream of the crop within a major hospitality brand, earning two prestigious corporate awards that highlight exceptional guest service and operational excellence. The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Newport/Middletown, located at 351 West Main Road, was honored with both the “Quality Hotel of the Year” and “Best of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to consider Comprehensive plan contract, new utility billing system at July 23 meeting
The Newport City Council will tackle a packed agenda at its regular meeting next Wednesday, July 23, at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, located at 43 Broadway, with several significant infrastructure and planning items up for consideration. Among the key items, the council will vote on awarding a consulting contract for a comprehensive plan […]
Posted inOpinion
Join 300+ Newport County neighbors supporting local journalism through the What’sUpNewp Press Club
We’re incredibly grateful that you’re part of the What’sUpNewp community. Since launching our Press Club, 300+ Newport County residents have already joined – and we’re inviting you to be next in supporting the local coverage that matters most to our community. Why Local News Needs Your Support Recent research from the Pew Research Center reveals […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Kenny Loggins to appear at newportFILM’s ‘Conviction of the Heart’ screening
Good morning, Newport! Today is Thursday, July 17, the 198th day of 2025. There are 167 days left in the year. 🎶 On this day in 1954, the first Newport Jazz Festival, then known as the American Jazz Festival, was held at the Newport Casino. The two-day event featured academic panel discussions and live music […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Sakonnet Vineyard celebrates Little Compton’s 350th Anniversary with Summer Concert Series and Folk Festival
Little Compton’s historic Sakonnet Vineyard is rolling out the red carpet this summer to celebrate the town’s 350th anniversary with a series of musical events that blend community spirit with the vineyard’s scenic charm. The celebration kicks off with the LC350 Summer Sunset Music Concert Series, featuring two free outdoor concerts. On July 23, bluegrass […]
Posted inNews
On This Day In Newport History: July 17, 1954 – First Newport Jazz Festival Held
Photo of 1954 Newport Jazz Festival via Newport Jazz Festival The first Newport Jazz Festival, known as the First Annual American Jazz Festival, was held on July 17th and July 18th, 1954 at the Newport Casino. The two day event featured academic panel discussions and live music performances from Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Lee Konitz, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Puddingstone Music bringing world-class fingerstyle guitar to Rough Point
After a successful sold-out Summer Festival last month, Puddingstone Music is continuing its 2025 concert series with an intimate evening of fingerstyle guitar mastery at one of Newport’s most elegant venues. The organization will present “Phoenix Rising: The Artistry of Calum Graham” on Saturday, August 9th at 6:00 PM at Rough Point, located at 680 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Arts & Cultural Alliance celebrates local artists at annual Raise Up the Arts event
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County brought together the local arts community for its annual “Raise Up the Arts” event on Wednesday, June 25, celebrating outstanding contributions to the region’s cultural landscape. Held at the Atlantic Pavilion at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown, the evening event drew supporters from across Newport County […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Providence gears up for ‘Downtown Celebrates Summer’ weekend festival
Providence is set to come alive this weekend with the debut of “Downtown Celebrates Summer,” a two-day festival packed with entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences throughout the capital city. The festivities kick off Saturday, July 19, marking the final day of Providence Restaurant Weeks, where more than 70 local restaurants will offer special menus and […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News, Nonprofit
Vermont brewery’s new IPA to benefit Rhode Island Community Food Bank
A popular Vermont brewery is bringing its charitable beer program to Rhode Island for the first time, with proceeds from a new IPA benefiting the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Lawson’s Finest Liquids, the Waitsfield-based makers of the well-known Sip of Sunshine beer, released Cosmic Shift IPA (6.2% ABV) on Monday as part of their […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: St. Mary’s Parish launches $5 million capital campaign to restore historic Newport church
Good morning, Newport! Today is Wednesday, July 16, the 197th day of 2025. There are 168 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know Saint Mary, Our Lady of the Isle Roman Catholic Church has launched an ambitious $5 million capital campaign to restore and renew its historic Newport campus as the parish […]