The Newport City Council on Wednesday night approved a resolution supporting the design and construction planning for the Middle Passage Port Marker Memorial at a new location on state-owned land at America’s Cup Avenue. The council also backed a resolution to install a flagpole at Murphy Field in honor of Private Michael Murphy, a World […]
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
New Rogers High School on track for August Opening
Newport Public Schools is entering its final weeks of the school year with a packed calendar of events and preparations for the long-awaited opening of the new Rogers High School this fall. Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain confirmed the last day of school is June 20, with graduation set for June 12 at Toppa Field. “We […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire
Newport Police need help identifying shoplifting suspects
The Newport Police Department is investigating a shoplifting incident from May 26 and is asking the public for help identifying the suspects. On Wednesday, the department posted images on Facebook showing two individuals and a motorcycle they believe are linked to the theft. Detective Jack Billings, who’s leading the investigation, is calling on anyone who […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration set for June 21st
Newport’s third annual Juneteenth celebration is set for June 21, 2025, at Eisenhower Park on Washington Square. The free, family-friendly event, organized by Rhode Island Slave History Medallions (RISHM), runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers a variety of activities to mark the national holiday. Kicking off with a reenactors parade and honorary […]
Posted inInstagram, News, Nonprofit
Sail Away In Style: Restored Beetle Cat up for grabs in IYRS raffle
IYRS School of Technology & Trades is nearing the final stages of its annual raffle, offering the public a rare opportunity to take ownership of a newly restored Beetle Cat sailboat. With just 29 of the 150 available tickets remaining, the drawing is expected to take place soon. The 12-foot wooden sailboat, meticulously restored […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Here’s what’s happening at Tiverton Public Library in June
The following is a list of library programs that adults can enjoy at the Tiverton Public Library in June. Patrons are encouraged to visit https://tivertonlibrary.org or call 401-625-6796 to learn more and to register. All Month Long One-on-One Tech Help Tech help is available to everyone, regardless of your skill level. Come with specific questions or we […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Newport County organizations receive portion of $8 million in Champlin Foundation grants
The Champlin Foundation announced today (May 28) that it will award $8 million in grants to support improvements for 89 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island, with several Newport County organizations among the recipients. The grants support capital projects in healthcare, historic preservation, social services, and other critical areas. “A core value for The Champlin Foundation […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM: 5,000 local food benefit cards available for eligible seniors
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will distribute about 5,000 benefit cards to eligible seniors to purchase fresh, RI Grown fruit and vegetables, as well as local honey. The SFMNP benefit cards preloaded with $50 will be distributed from senior centers throughout the state starting June 1, 2025, and are valid through November […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire, Things To Do
Morning Notes: Aquidneck Growers’ Wednesday Market opens today on Memorial Boulevard
Good Morning, Newport! Today is Wednesday, May 28, the 148th day of 2025. There are 217 days left in the year. 🥎 Tiverton High School’s softball team has secured a spot in the Division 2 state tournament semifinals after beating Pawtucket Co-Op 11-1 on Tuesday. What’sUpNewp’s Justin Walker was on hand for the game and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Floral visionaries Cordelia de Castellane and Emily Thompson to share artistic insights at Newport Flower Show
Two acclaimed floral experts will share their artistic insights during the 29th annual Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff. Cordelia de Castellane has been described as a tastemaker and true ambassador of the French lifestyle. On Saturday, June 21, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the author of “Flower Couture: From My Garden to My House” […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to vote on limiting parking stickers to only residential properties
Newport City Councilor David Carlin III is introducing a resolution at Wednesday’s council meeting to limit parking sticker distribution to only properties and property owners tied to residential properties. The proposal aims to tackle Newport’s ongoing parking challenges by tightening the rules on who can get city-issued parking stickers. “Parking in Newport has been and […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do this week in Newport: May 27 – June 1
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this week and weekend. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Community Calendar More Events | Submit Your Event | Promote Your Event
Posted inNews
Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joins WUN for a one-on-one conversation on May 28
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain will join What’sUpNewp for her monthly one-on-one conversation on Wednesday, May 28, at 1:30 pm. Have a question for the Superintendent? Ask It Here.
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Newport poised to advance Middle Passage Port Marker Project
Good Tuesday morning, Newport! Here’s our daily rundown of what’s happening out there today, plus all that you need to know; enjoy! Weather Forecast Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southwest wind 5 to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Classical concludes Chamber Series with Trio Mediaeval
Newport Classical wraps up its 2024-25 Chamber Series with a performance by GRAMMY-nominated Trio Mediaeval on June 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The concert takes place at the Newport Classical Recital Hall in Newport. The Norwegian group will showcase Swedish and Norwegian vocal folk music, including traditional songs, hymns, fiddle tunes, ballads, and the unique […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jamestown exhibition brings attention to alarming bird population decline
The Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) is gearing up for an eye-opening exhibition called “Canaries in the Coal Mine: Where have all the birds gone?” running from June 28 to August 23, 2025. Curator Rachel Rosenfield Lafo has brought together artists who are tackling the worrying decline in North American bird populations through their work. “I […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: MLK Center and Butler Basketball team up for Juneteenth tournament
Good Monday morning, Newport! Here’s our daily rundown of what’s happening out there today, plus all that you need to know; enjoy! Weather Forecast Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. North wind around 6 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 51. South […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Bestselling author Lian Dolan to discuss new wedding novel at Charter Books
Good Sunday morning, Newport! Here’s our daily rundown of what’s happening out there today, plus all that you need to know; enjoy! Weather Forecast Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 64. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 51. Northwest wind around 6 mph. […]
Posted inNews
GoNetspeed bringing high-speed fiber internet to Newport
GoNetspeed is bringing its high-speed fiber internet network to Newport, marking the company’s expansion into its 10th state. As the Northeast’s largest independent fiber optic network builder, GoNetspeed plans to invest $13 million in Newport, providing multigigabit internet access to over 8,200 homes and businesses. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee emphasized the importance of this […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Miantonomi Park Memorial Tower open to public on Memorial Day
Good Saturday morning, Newport! Here’s our daily rundown of what’s happening out there today, plus all that you need to know; enjoy! Weather Forecast Today: A slight chance of showers after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport’s Black History Walking Tours return for 2025 Season
Newport’s Black History Walking Tours are back for a second season, kicking off on May 24. Rhode Island Slave History Medallions (RISHM) is running these 75-minute guided tours on weekends through October 26. Participants will explore Historic Hill, learning about resistance and freedom in Newport’s colonial era. Charles Roberts, who started RISHM, explains, “We’re shining […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Salve Regina students showcase island-inspired art in Newport exhibition
Good Friday morning, Newport! Here’s our daily rundown of what’s happening out there today, plus all that you need to know; enjoy! Weather Forecast Today: A slight chance of showers before 7am, then a chance of showers after 3pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Northwest wind 10 to 14 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown faces 5.25% tax hike in proposed budget
Middletown property owners are looking at a 5.25 percent tax hike across all categories for the next fiscal year, based on preliminary rates presented at a public hearing on Wednesday (May 21). The proposed budget for Fiscal 2026 stands at $93.3 million, up about $1 million from the current $92.3 million budget. Here’s how the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Secretary of State presents Civic Leadership Awards to local high school students
On Monday, May 19, 2025, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore honored the 130 high school students selected as 2025 Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award winners at a State House ceremony. The award is given annually to high school students who have made outstanding contributions to their schools and communities over the past year. “Every […]
Posted inCity & Government
Congressman Amo introduces R.U.B.I.O. act to limit Secretary of State’s roles
Representative Gabe Amo (D-RI), the Democratic Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has introduced new legislation aimed at limiting the Secretary of State’s role to a single government position. The Reaffirming Unified Boundaries for Integrity and Oversight (R.U.B.I.O.) Act seeks to ensure the Secretary of State can focus exclusively on managing U.S. […]