A new affordable housing complex opened its doors in downtown Jamestown today, marking the completion of an innovative pilot project designed to serve individuals and families with low to moderate incomes, including those with disabilities. The 2 Hammett Court development, a partnership between nonprofits Looking Upwards and SWAP, features 12 affordable and accessible apartments created […]
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
Rhode Island General Assembly passes $14.34 billion budget despite federal uncertainties
The Rhode Island General Assembly approved a $14.34 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 on Friday (June 20), addressing significant financial challenges while prioritizing healthcare, housing, and municipal support despite looming federal uncertainties. The Senate passed the budget bill (2025-H 5076Aaa) with a decisive 32-4 vote, following the House’s approval of 66-9 on Tuesday (June […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Community rallies around teen injured in Portsmouth stairwell collapse
The Aquidneck Island community is coming together to support a local teenager whose life was forever changed by a tragic accident that shocked the state earlier this month. Aaron Delgado, who suffered critical injuries in the Portsmouth stairwell collapse during a graduation party on June 15, remains in the ICU facing a long road to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Portsmouth Police arrest repeat DUI offender with BAC over three times legal limit
A 64-year-old Portsmouth man with a history of fatal drunk driving was arrested Monday after crashing his vehicle while driving with a blood alcohol content more than three times the legal limit, according to Portsmouth Police. Stephen M. Reise of Donna Drive was taken into custody following a motor vehicle accident on June 23, marking […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Winners announced for 29th Annual Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff
The Preservation Society of Newport County has announced the winners of the 29th annual Newport Flower Show, which took place this past weekend at Rosecliff mansion. The prestigious event, which benefits The Preservation Society of Newport County, recognized excellence across four main divisions: Botanical Arts, Floral Design, Horticulture Design, and Photography. Top Honors In the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport’s Gilded Age elegance featured in Saks Fifth Avenue’s luxury window displays
The opulent mansions and picturesque waterfronts that have made Newport a destination for sophisticated travelers are now gracing the windows of luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue’s most prestigious locations. Rhode Island Commerce announced Tuesday (June 24) that a new collaboration with Saks will showcase Newport’s Gilded Age elegance and coastal beauty through elaborate window displays […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Rhode Island Foundation offering grants to nonprofits that serve LGBTQ+ residents
Nonprofits that serve the state’s LGBTQ+ communities have until August 15 to apply for grants of up to $10,000 through the Equity Action Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation. “In times as challenging as these have become, supporting organizations that serve the state’s LGBTQ+ communities is vital,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “We are […]
Posted inReal Estate
Historic Newport estate sells for nearly $8 Million, marking city’s highest sale since September
A luxurious Newport estate has sold for $7,925,000, marking the highest real estate transaction in the city since September of 2024, according to Multiple Listing Service data announced Tuesday by Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. The property at 10 Ocean Lawn Lane changed hands through a transaction that brought together agents from two real […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: JPT offers blockbuster films and cold drinks this summer
Good morning, Newport! Today is Tuesday, June 24, the 175th day of 2025. There are 190 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know The JPT is providing an escape from rising summer temperatures with cool evenings indoors. Catch major blockbuster films, Total Recall, Body Heat, and National Lampoon’s Vacation, accompanied by refreshing local beer, wine, and […]
Posted inHistory
On This Day In History – June 24, 1953: Jacqueline Bouvier and JFK Announce Engagement
Jacqueline Bouvier and Sen. John F. Kennedy (D-Mass.) announced their engagement on this day in 1953. After she accepted his proposal, Kennedy presented her with a 2.88-carat diamond-and-emerald engagement ring from Van Cleef & Arpels. Kennedy went on to become the nation’s 35th president in 1961. Jackie, as she was widely known, soon emerged as […]
Posted inCity & Government
Weather Alert: Unhealthy ozone levels expected statewide on Tuesday
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) forecasts that air quality will reach UNHEALTHY levels due to elevated ground-level ozone on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, during the afternoon and continuing into the late evening. Fine particles from wildfire smoke and local sources are expected to reach moderate levels statewide. Key Details: The highest ozone levels […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum to present ‘Howard Gardiner Cushing: A Harmony of Line and Color’
The Newport Art Museum on Monday (June 23) announced that it will present Howard Gardiner Cushing: A Harmony of Line and Color, the first major retrospective in decades of one of the Gilded Age’s most visionary—and overlooked—American artists. On view in the Museum’s Cushing Gallery from July 12 through December 31, 2025, this exhibition brings together […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport County this week and weekend: June 23 – 29
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this weekend, Monday, June 23 through Sunday, June 29. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Monday, June 23 Things To Do 10 am: Free self-guided tours at Eisenhower House 3 pm: Jamestown Farmers Market at Jamestown Recreation Center 3:15 pm & […]
Posted inCity & Government
Six Newport County organizations awarded $139,500 in state capital grants
Six Newport County organizations are among 43 recipients sharing $1 million in capital grants awarded by the Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation (RIHEBC) to support essential infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases. Child and Family Services of Newport County, Lucy’s Hearth, the Town of Middletown, Middletown Public Library, Portsmouth School Department, and Jamestown Public […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Newport residents may soon be able to apply for and manage parking permits online
Good morning, Newport! Today is Monday, June 23, the 174th day of 2025. There are 191 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know Newport City Council will consider awarding a contract for a digital parking permit program and a mobile license plate recognition (LPR) enforcement system at its meeting on Wednesday (June […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Free museums, live music, and strawberry festival mark Newport’s summer weekend kickoff
Good morning, Newport! Today is Saturday, June 21, the 172nd day of 2025. There are 193 days left in the year. 🚨 You need to know Today marks the official start of summer, and Newport County is celebrating with a spectacular array of events that showcase the best of the region’s culture, history, and community […]
Posted inSports
Rafaela hits a tiebreaking homer and Red Sox keep Devers hitless in a 7-5 win over the Giants
By JOSH DUBOW AP Sports Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Ceddanne Rafaela had a tiebreaking homer among his three hits, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 7-5 victory Friday night over their former star slugger Rafael Devers and the San Francisco Giants. Rafaela connected with a one-out drive over the wall in center against Sean Hjelle […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee, RIDOT kick off 2025 Providence-Newport Ferry season
The Providence-Newport Ferry has returned for another season! Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti, Jr., Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO Kristen Adamo, Discover Newport Communications Director Cassandra Earle, and Seastreak President James Barker today kicked off the 2025 Providence-Newport Ferry season. The popular service returns […]
Posted inNews, Weather
Weather Alert: Extreme Heat Watch issued for all of Rhode Island
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for all of Rhode Island. The Extreme Heat Watch is in effect from Sunday (June 22) through Tuesday (June 24). During this time, NWS says that the area could experience dangerously hot conditions with heat index values potentially exceeding 105 degrees. Extreme Heat Watch […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Friends Of The Waterfront Concert Series returns to King Park for five shows this summer
Newport’s King Park Gazebo is gearing up for a summer of music as the Friends of the Waterfront Concert Series makes its return. The New England Music Organization is hosting five free outdoor concerts at King Park from July to August. Blues harmonica star James Montgomery is set to kick things off on July 11 […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: RIPTA summer service changes bring free fares, more frequent buses to Newport
Good morning, Newport! Today is Friday, June 20, the 171st day of 2025. There are 194 days left in the year. Summer begins today. 🚨 You need to know Get ready for more frequent buses and free rides on key routes beginning Saturday (June 21). The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is rolling out […]
Posted inNews
Trinity Church’s Annual Strawberry Festival returns on June 21
Trinity Chruch’s Strawberry Fest is back! The event is scheduled to take place outdoors at Trinity Church (1 Queen Anne Square) on Saturday (June 21) from 11 am to 5 pm. There will be homemade strawberry shortcakes, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and strawberries by the carton for sale. “Fresh Strawberry shortcakes, fresh squeezed lemonade, cartons of fresh […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up in Newport County this weekend: June 20 – 22
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this weekend, Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Friday, June 20 Things To Do All Day: The Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff 12 pm: Museum of Newport Irish History open […]
Posted inNews
Providence-Newport Ferry will kick off 2025 season on June 20
The Providence-Newport Ferry will kick off its 2025 season on Friday, June 20. “The Ocean State,” operated by Seastreak, will run daily trips through Monday, October 13 (Columbus Day), including summer weekend and holiday stops in Bristol. One-way tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12), seniors (65+), and individuals with disabilities. […]
Posted inBusiness, News, Real Estate
Procaccianti Companies gets green light for The Bellevue Hotel
Procaccianti Companies on Thursday (June 19) announced that it has secured all necessary approvals to build The Bellevue Hotel, a new high-end boutique property at the Bellevue Gardens Plaza (181 Bellevue Ave.). The city’s Technical Review Committee gave the 91-room hotel project a unanimous thumbs-up on June 11, moving it into the pre-construction stage. “We […]