The Preservation Society of Newport County is bringing history to life for young visitors this summer with two new children’s program series running throughout July and August. “Traveling Tuesdays” will take children on a journey through different historic properties each week, running every Tuesday from July 8 through August 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. […]
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
Newport City Council to consider adopting a resolution that revises the Rules of Council
Newport City Council members Stephanie Smyth and Ellen Pinnock are set to introduce a comprehensive revision to the council’s operating rules at Wednesday’s (July 9) meeting, marking the first substantial update to the governing procedures in over a decade. The proposed changes follow a June 25 council meeting that was disrupted when some council conduct […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit, Sports
Record-breaking golf tournament raises $150,000 for Newport Mental Health
A charity golf tournament supporting Newport Mental Health exceeded expectations this week, raising more than $150,000 through the generous participation of 124 golfers and 15 major sponsors. The “Drive for Mental Health” Charity Golf Tournament, presented by Horan Building Company, took place at The Aquidneck Club on Tuesday and featured competitive play across two divisions […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: RIPTA adds weekend shuttle service to new Newport park & ride
Good morning, Newport! Today is Thursday, July 3, the 184th day of 2025. There are 181 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know Getting around Newport just got easier for summer visitors. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) recently announced that it will offer additional weekend shuttle service between the Newport […]
Posted inInstagram, Sports
ESPN SportsCenter to broadcast live from International Tennis Hall of Fame
Newport’s International Tennis Hall of Fame will serve as the backdrop for a national television spotlight next week as ESPN’s flagship program SportsCenter makes a stop in the City by the Sea as part of its ambitious “50 States in 50 Days” summer tour. The network will broadcast live from the Hall of Fame Open […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Sakonnet Vineyard celebrates golden anniversary with summer music series
Sakonnet Vineyard will kick off its 50th Anniversary Summer Music Series on Saturday, July 5th, featuring local and regional musical artists performing Saturdays through September 27th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The concerts will take place at the vineyard located at 162 West Main Road in Little Compton, with performances free and open to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Police announce parking restrictions for July 4th Fireworks display
The Newport Police Department issued a traffic advisory Tuesday afternoon ahead of the city’s annual Independence Day fireworks celebration, warning drivers of parking restrictions designed to ease congestion during the popular event. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4th, no parking will be allowed on West Narragansett Avenue between Thames Street and Marchant Street. […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Newport Restoration Foundation announces 2025 Historic Preservation Award winners
The Newport Restoration Foundation and the City of Newport have announced the recipients of the 19th Annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards, recognizing four outstanding preservation projects that exemplify craftsmanship, community engagement, and adaptive reuse. The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Rough Point in Newport, marking the foundation’s largest […]
Posted inSports
Wilyer Abreu’s RBI single helps Red Sox to 5-3 win over Reds in completion of suspended game
By KEN POWTAK Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Wilyer Abreu hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth inning Wednesday afternoon and the Boston Red Sox beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-3 in the completion of a game suspended by rain a night earlier. Trevor Story added an RBI double after Abreu’s hit, sending Boston to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The MARGARET Fund partners with Hall of Fame Open to champion gender equity in tennis
For the first time in over three decades, women’s professional tennis is returning to Newport, and it’s coming with a powerful message of equity thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between the International Tennis Hall of Fame and The MARGARET Fund. The collaboration, announced today, will see The MARGARET Fund serve as a supporting sponsor of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Umbrella Sky returns to Newport with groovy tie-dye theme for third year
Newport’s beloved Umbrella Sky installation is set to make its colorful return this summer, bringing a fresh psychedelic twist to the city’s artistic landscape with its new “Tie Dye Sky” theme. The popular public art installation, organized by nonprofit ArtScape, will transform Brick Market pedestrian street into a vibrant outdoor gallery featuring over 450 custom […]
Posted inCity & Government
New law encourages affordable housing development in Rhode Island
A new law sponsored by House Commission on Housing Affordability Chairwoman June S. Speakman and Sen. Tiara T. Mack makes various improvements to Rhode Island’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Act to encourage the construction of homes Rhode Islanders can afford. The bill is part of the housing package backed this year by House Speaker […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Middletown gears up for Summer Concert Series
Get ready for some free outdoor tunes in Middletown this summer. The town is rolling out its “Music In Middletown” series, with concerts every Monday in July at Paradise Valley Park and in August at Second Beach. Here’s what’s on tap for July at Paradise Valley Park (19 Prospect Ave.): July 7: Lois Vaughan Trio […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Housing Authority receives national award for ‘A Ride Can Change A Life’
The Newport Housing Authority has received national recognition for a groundbreaking transportation initiative, “A Ride Can Change a Life,” earning a prestigious Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). The award celebrates outstanding innovation in housing and community development programs across the United States. Launched as a pilot and now a fully […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Queen Mary 2 graces Newport Harbor today
Good morning, Newport! Today is Wednesday, July 2, the 183rd day of 2025. There are 182 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know Newport Harbor is welcoming one of the world’s most famous ocean liners today as the majestic Queen Mary 2 makes her scheduled port call at the City by the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fort Adams Trust opens historic underground listening tunnels to self-guided tours
Fort Adams Trust has opened its mysterious underground listening tunnels to the public for the first time, marking a significant expansion of the self-guided tour experience at the National Historic Landmark. The narrow, brick-lined passageways were originally constructed in the 19th century as a covert military feature, allowing soldiers to detect approaching enemy intruders. These […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Antiques Roadshow’ expert to share stories of hidden treasures at Rosecliff
Stories of priceless artwork lying unrecognized for decades will take center stage when one of America’s leading antiquities experts visits Newport next week. Lark E. Mason Jr., a regular appraiser on PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow” since the show began in 1996, will present “Discovering America’s Treasures” on July 17 at 6 p.m. at Rosecliff. The talk […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Colony House to host Independence Day Celebration with Declaration Reading, 21-gun salute
The Newport Historical Society will open the doors of the Colony House on July 4th as part of the city’s Independence Day celebrations, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience history at one of America’s oldest government buildings. The Colony House, which stands as the fourth oldest statehouse still operating in the United States, […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News, Things To Do
Providence Restaurant Weeks returns with 60+ participating eateries
Providence Restaurant Weeks is set to return July 6-19, offering diners two weeks of special menus and dining deals at more than 60 restaurants throughout Providence and surrounding Rhode Island communities. The annual event, presented by Navigant Credit Union, will feature breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials including multi-course prix fixe menus and seasonal offerings across […]
Posted inSports
Tennis Hall of Fame debuts new documentary series featuring 2025 inductees
The International Tennis Hall of Fame launched its sixth season of the “Road to Newport” documentary series this week, featuring intimate profiles of the three tennis legends set to be inducted this August in Newport. Maria Sharapova and doubles champions Bob and Mike Bryan will share their journeys from childhood to tennis stardom in the […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Preservation Society names new chairman, welcomes trustees at annual gathering
Good morning, Newport! Today is Tuesday, July 1, the 182nd day of 2024. There are 183 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know Outgoing Board of Trustees Chairman William F. Lucey receives the Antiquarian Award, presented by Vice Chairman Patrick Kerins. (Credit: Dave Hansen/The Preservation Society of Newport County) The Preservation Society […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire
Portsmouth Fire Department quickly contains brush fire on Anthony Road
Portsmouth firefighters successfully contained a brush fire on Anthony Road Monday morning, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes. At 11:13 a.m., Portsmouth Fire Department crews responded to Anthony Road in the Common Fence Point neighborhood for a reported brush fire. Upon arrival, firefighters were able to quickly contain the blaze before it could reach […]
Posted inCity & Government
Math Matters: Newport County communities receive state funding for summer learning programs
Four Newport County communities will benefit from more than $2 million in state funding aimed at boosting math skills among Rhode Island students this summer, as part of Governor Dan McKee’s expanded Learn365RI initiative. Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, and Tiverton were among 25 municipalities statewide awarded grants through the McKee Administration’s #MathMattersRI campaign, designed to provide […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council schedules Executive Session following disrupted meeting
The Newport City Council will convene in executive session Tuesday (July 1) to discuss compliance with the council’s rules of decorum, following a June 25 council meeting where a councilor’s conduct prompted a mid-meeting recess. The closed-door meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the second-floor conference room at Newport City Hall. The council will […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee signs Matunuck Oyster Bar ‘Take it Outside’ bill
Today, Governor Dan McKee signed legislation (2025-H 6392, 2025-S 1139) amending the state’s outdoor dining law and paving the way for Matunuck Oyster Bar to open a tented area for al fresco dining. The newly signed legislation will allow the restaurant to use the marina parking lot across the street for a mobile kitchen and outdoor dining, keeping roughly […]