The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Newport County Monday morning, warning residents to prepare for potentially dangerous heat and humidity beginning Tuesday. The advisory, which goes into effect at 11 a.m. Tuesday and extends through 7 p.m. Thursday, covers all six Newport County communities: Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Jamestown, and Little Compton. […]
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: The dude abides as The JPT and What’sUpNewp present annual Big Lebowski Party July 31
Good morning, Newport! Today is Monday, July 14, the 195th day of 2025. There are 170 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know The Jane Pickens Film & Event Center (The JPT) will once again transform into the Dude’s favorite bowling alley on July 31 for their annual Big Lebowski Party, a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Today In Newport History: July 14, 1966 – Tanya Donelly Born In Newport
Photo Credit Singer, songwriter and guitarist Tanya Donelly was born on July 14, 1966 in Newport. Donelly co-founded Throwing Muses with her stepsister Kristin Hersh while attending Rogers High School in 1981. The band toured and recorded until 1997. Donelly was also a founding member of The Breeders with Kim Deal of the Pixies. She was also a member […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council fights to save hospital birthing center from closure
The Newport City Council will convene a special meeting Tuesday evening to consider a resolution advocating for the continued operation of the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center at Newport Hospital, as the facility faces potential closure due to budget constraints. The meeting, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, in the Council Chamber at City […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: IYRS Summer Gala raises thousands for skilled trades education, features Legendary Wailers
Good morning, Newport! Today is Sunday, July 13, the 194th day of 2025. There are 171 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know The 28th Annual IYRS Summer Gala last night successfully merged maritime heritage with musical prowess, raising significant funds for the IYRS School of Technology & Trades. The fundraising event, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Sam Waterston returns to Rosecliff 51 years after ‘The Great Gatsby’ filming
Celebrated actor Sam Waterston sat down with NBC News’ Chief Environmental Affairs correspondent, Anne Thompson, at Rosecliff mansion on Wednesday, July 9, as part of Preservation Society’s David B. Ford Family Lecture series, “’The Great Gatsby’ Revisited: An Evening with Sam Waterston.” “The Killing Fields’” actor returned to the gilded halls of Rosecliff—“The Great Gatsby’s” […]
Posted inInstagram, News, Police & Fire
Early morning boat fire in Newport Harbor quickly extinguished, three occupants safe
Newport Fire Department crews quickly brought a boat fire under control early Saturday morning in Newport Harbor, with all three occupants — two adults and one dog — safely evacuating the vessel. The incident began at 4:30 a.m. when Newport Fire Alarm received a call reporting a marine vessel fire in Newport Harbor on a […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: James Robinson
James B. Robinson, 103, formerly of Newport, RI, born in Walterboro, SC, on September 2, 1932, died on July 6, 2025 in the RI Veterans Home in Bristol. James was predeceased by his first wife, Ethel V. Robinson, then by his second wife, Eva D. Robinson, both of Newport. James graduated from high school in […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire
Newport Police seek public’s help in July 4th hit-and-run investigation
The Newport Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a motorcyclist involved in a hit-and-run incident that occurred on Independence Day. According to a social media post from the Newport Police Department on Friday, July 11, the crash happened around 10 p.m. on Thames Street at the intersection of Thames and Wellington […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Summer Saturday brings festival fun and cultural celebrations to Newport County
Good morning, Newport! Today is Saturday, July 12, the 193rd day of 2025. There are 172 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know Newport County is buzzing with activity this Saturday, July 12, as summer reaches its peak with an impressive lineup of events spanning from early morning markets to late-night entertainment. […]
Posted inNews
Newport County road work continues with bridge, Route 138 lane closures next week
Multiple construction projects will impact traffic across Newport County next week, with lane restrictions and closures scheduled on major routes including Route 138 and the Newport Claiborne Pell Bridge. Ongoing Projects Middletown continues to see the most significant construction activity with pavement improvements along East Main Road. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Nearly 300 swimmers set to cross Narragansett Bay next weekend
More than 300 swimmers will plunge into Narragansett Bay next Saturday morning for Save The Bay’s 49th annual Swim, the organization’s biggest fundraising event of the year. The challenging two-mile open water swim will take participants from the shore of the Naval War College in Newport across the East Passage of Narragansett Bay to Potter […]
Posted inNews, Sports, Things To Do
Newport Polo sets attendance record, announces capacity limits beginning in 2026
Newport Polo is celebrating a major milestone after Saturday’s USA vs. Italy match drew what organizers believe was the largest crowd in the organization’s 34-year history. The July 5 match, held over Independence Day weekend, attracted unprecedented numbers of spectators to witness the highly anticipated rematch between the American and Italian teams. While final attendance […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire
Newport Police arrest couple in $100,000 shoplifting operation
What began as a routine shoplifting investigation at a Thames Street store has led to the arrest of two Massachusetts residents and the seizure of over $100,000 worth of stolen merchandise, Newport Police announced today. The case started on May 26, 2025, when patrol officers responded to Team One Newport at 561 Thames Street for […]
Posted inInstagram, News
Morning Notes: The Legendary Wailers featuring Junior Marvin to headline IYRS Summer Gala tomorrow night
Good morning, Newport! Today is Friday, July 11, the 192nd day of 2025. There are 173 days left in the year. 🗓️ On this day in 1780, approximately 5,000 – 6,000 French soldiers commanded by Rochambeau arrived at King Park in Newport. 🚨 You need to know The 28th Annual IYRS Summer Gala promises to be an evening […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County raises $464,000 at 12th Annual Yacht Rendezvous
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County celebrated another successful fundraising milestone last month, welcoming over 300 guests and raising $464,000 at their 12th annual Newport Yacht Rendezvous on June 27th at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard. Under clear evening skies, the waterfront event combined the organization’s signature yacht hopping experience with dinner, dancing, and […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Community invited to support Rogers High School athletics at annual golf tournament
The Rogers High School athletics program is gearing up for its annual fundraising golf tournament, inviting the community to support student-athletes while enjoying a day on the links. The Rogers Invitational Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, August 8, at Green Valley Country Club, located at 371 Union Street in Portsmouth. The event features […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Whitehouse delivers 300th “Time to Wake Up” climate speech, calls for fight against “shadow government”
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse delivered his 300th “Time to Wake Up” speech on the Senate floor last night, marking more than a decade of urging Congress to address climate change while issuing his strongest warning yet about what he called a “shadow government” controlled by fossil fuel interests. The Rhode Island Democrat, who serves as […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Newport County YMCA partners with Newport Mental Health to support youth well-being
The Newport County YMCA announced Thursday a new partnership with Newport Mental Health that will bring mental health professionals directly to youth programs, starting with summer camp and continuing into before- and after-school programs for the 2025-2026 school year. The collaboration, funded by the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, comes as children and teens face increasing […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport secures $11 million federal grant for Cliff Walk restoration
The City of Newport has received final confirmation for an $11 million federal grant to restore the beloved Cliff Walk, marking the largest single federal grant ever awarded to the city and bringing the total funding commitment for the project to approximately $22 million. The funding comes through the federal PROTECT (Promoting Resilient Operations for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jill McCracken to headline NIMFest at King Park on Sunday
The New England Music Organization, in partnership with North End Entertainment, will present Boston-based artist Jill McCracken at NIMFest 2025 with special guest Indira on Sunday, July 13 from 3–6 PM at the King Park Gazebo. The event is weather permitting. McCracken is a retro-soul artist originally from western New York who now performs in […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport Car Museum celebrates 8th anniversary with 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
The Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth has marked its eighth anniversary with the unveiling of a new addition to its collection: a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing finished in a custom cyan blue with red leather interior. The legendary vehicle, renowned for its iconic upward-opening “gullwing” doors and advanced fuel-injected engine, has undergone a complete […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Week-long festival at Salve Regina extends Newport’s summer of jazz
With the 2025 Newport Jazz Festival at Fort Adams State Park sold out for its August 1-3 weekend, jazz enthusiasts looking to extend their Newport experience have another celebration to anticipate later this month. Salve Regina University will host “Bridging the Gap: A jazz dance and music festival” from July 28 through August 4, offering […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Weather delays continue to impact Hall of Fame Open
Good morning, Newport! Today is Thursday, July 10, the 191st day of 2025. There are 174 days left in the year. International Tennis Hall of Famer Virginia Wade turns 80 today. 🚨 You need to know Mother Nature has once again disrupted play at the Hall of Fame Open, with tournament officials announcing Thursday morning […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council approves kite festival permit despite parking concerns, addresses traffic safety measures
The Newport City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday night to approve a permit for the Newport Kite Festival at Brenton Point State Park on July 12-13, despite strong opposition from Third Ward Councilor David Carlin over unresolved parking problems that plagued last year’s event. Carlin cited “dozens and dozens and dozens of complaints” from residents in […]