newportFILM is set to screen a documentary about trailblazing astronaut Sally Ride in Newport next week. The organization, teaming up with Newport Out and NASA Rhode Island Space Grant Consortium, will show “SALLY” at the Casino Theatre on May 22. This Sundance Film Festival selection dives into Ride’s professional achievements and personal life. Tam O’Shaughnessy, […]
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 inArts & Culture
Book Review: Ocean Vuong takes existentialism to deeply intimate level in ‘The Emperor of Gladness’
By DONNA EDWARDS Associated Press Hai is 19 and suicidal. Grazina is 81 and living alone with dementia. So when she strikes a deal to house him so they can keep each other company in exchange for his help as a kind of unofficial live-in nurse, this could spell their mutual salvation or destruction. Ocean […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jamestown Arts Center launches FlatFile Program to showcase and support artists
The Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) is proud to announce the launch of its new FlatFile program, designed to extend the life of curated JAC exhibitions by offering a selection of original artworks and limited-edition prints for sale at accessible prices. The FlatFile collection features 2-dimensional works on paper by 18 artists who have recently exhibited at […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Historic solo sailing adventure comes to Newport’s big screen
A documentary about the first American to sail solo around the world is coming to The JPT on May 31. “Around Alone” showcases Dodge Morgan’s 1985 voyage on American Promise, a 60-foot sloop custom-built by Ted Hood. The film gives viewers a unique look at the challenges of solo sailing, with footage from automatic cameras […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: ‘Jaws’ returns to The JPT this Memorial Day Weekend
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: Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Northwest wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northwest wind […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIPEC analysis finds Rhode Island’s Housing Resources Commission in need of reform
The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) today released a policy brief highlighting issues with the design and operations of Rhode Island’s Housing Resources Commission (HRC). RIPEC found that the HRC has wide statutory authority over housing policy and programming and shares many of the same top-line responsibilities with the Department of Housing. Conducting a […]
Posted inNews
Salve Regina University graduates inspired to put their mercy mission in motion at 75th Commencement
Today, on the oceanside campus of Salve Regina University, Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong, president, conferred 508 bachelor’s degrees upon the Class of 2025 at the University’s 75th Commencement. A separate ceremony was held Thursday, May 15 for recipients of graduate degrees — 206 master’s degrees, 18 doctoral degrees and 11 Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees. In an […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Imagination Library to celebrate 4,270 Newport County children served
The Bazarsky Family Foundation is throwing a free party for kids to celebrate Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. It’s happening on June 8, 2025, at Middletown High School. The fun kicks off from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Kids can enjoy a show by the Toe Jam Puppet Band and munch on snacks. This event is […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Newport native Troy Ramey returns home for a sold-out concert
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: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 1 pm, then isolated showers between 1 pm and 2 pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 pm. Patchy fog before […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Restoration Foundation unveils new Doris Duke Fashion Gallery
The Newport Restoration Foundation is opening a new gallery at Rough Point Museum on June 12, dedicated to Doris Duke’s fashion collection. This Doris Duke Fashion Gallery will feature rotating exhibits that explore Duke’s collection and highlight her support for the arts, design, and preservation. The first exhibit, “Women Designers of the 20th Century,” showcases […]
Posted inArts & Culture
NIMFest returning to King Park with star-studded summer lineup
Music lovers, get ready for some free outdoor entertainment. The NIMFest summer concert series is coming back to Newport’s King Park Gazebo in 2025, thanks to the New England Music Organization (NEMO) and North End Entertainment. Every Sunday from July 6 to August 24, you can catch live performances from 3 to 6 p.m. at […]
Posted inBusiness
‘Little Clam’ to open at Wayfinder Newport
Little Clam, a “New England coastal restaurant”, is opening at Wayfinder Newport this summer. According to its website, Little Clam will bring “a fresh take on New England coastal dining, celebrating local farmers, fishermen, and timeless seaside flavors”. You’ll find the restaurant inside the Wayfinder Newport hotel at 151 Admiral Kalbfus Road. Chef Antonio Wormley […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senate approves Senator DiPalma’s bill to lower prescription drug prices for Rhode Islanders
The Rhode Island Senate on Thursday (May 15) approved legislation (2025-S 0468aa) sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis P. DiPalma that would significantly lower the price of many common prescription drugs for struggling Rhode Islanders. “Prescription drug costs are astronomical. Year after year, in the greatest country on earth, we pay so much more […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Newport museums welcome military families with free admission this summer
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: Areas of fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 66 degrees. South wind 3 to 8 mph. Tonight: A slight chance of showers after 1 am. Patchy […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown will break ground on new Middle-High School on June 9
Middletown is set to celebrate the start of construction on its new Middle High School on June 9. The groundbreaking ceremony starts at 10 a.m. near the construction site by Gaudet Middle School. If it rains, the event will move to June 11. This 211,000-square-foot school, opening for the 2027-2028 year, will be Rhode Island’s […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Newport County historic sites receive $28,500 in Preservation grants
Preserve Rhode Island is giving out $125,000 in matching grants to 18 nonprofits across the state. Four projects in Newport County are getting $28,500 for fixing up historic buildings. These grants, given out with The 1772 Foundation, are helping with urgent repairs and long-term care of Rhode Island’s old buildings. In Newport, three projects are […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do in Newport County this weekend: May 16-18
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this weekend, Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Friday, May 16 Things To Do 7 am & 4:30 pm: National Bike Month – Bike To Work Day with Bike Newport […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Newport welcomes Impact100 Chapter, promising six-figure grants
A new Impact100 chapter in Newport County is offering local non-profits a shot at a $100,000 grant. The group aims to bring together at least 100 women, with each member contributing $1,000 to fund substantial grants for chosen organizations. Impact100 Newport County is entirely volunteer-run, ensuring all membership donations go directly back into the local […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Aquidneck Island Land Trust gives out $10,148 in community grants
The Aquidneck Island Land Trust is supporting local community and neighborhood groups with $10,148 in grants through its yearly Merritt Neighborhood Fund program. Six groups received awards between $998 and $2,500 for projects that build community identity and encourage land conservation and stewardship through volunteer work. This year’s grant recipients include Aquidneck Elementary School, which […]
Posted inCity & Government
Politics & Pancakes: Newport Chamber to host key state finance leaders
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its second quarterly Politics & Pancakes event on June 2. This gathering will bring Rhode Island legislators to the table to discuss state budget issues and policy priorities for the upcoming 2025 session. Key speakers at the event include House Finance Chairman Marvin L. Abney […]
Posted inBusiness
Upscale dining returns to Newport Harbor Island Resort
Newport Harbor Island Resort’s upscale restaurant, 1639, is gearing up to welcome diners back for the season on May 16. The resort’s spokesperson says Executive Chef Ryan Connors has crafted a new menu that caters to all tastes, featuring everything from raw bar favorites and homemade pastas to locally sourced seafood and meats. 1639 Deck […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council rejects Chomp’s outdoor seating plan
Newport City Council has voted 4-3 against Chomp Kitchen and Drinks’ application for outdoor seating on Broadway. The decision comes amid concerns about pedestrian safety and what some council members view as excessive capacity. Chomp, a new restaurant at 111 Broadway, wanted an 8-foot by 48-foot sidewalk cafe with eight tables and 46 seats. This […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Planning Board to host special meeting on proposed Waites Wharf hotel project
Newport’s Planning Board is gearing up to review two major hotel development proposals for Waites Wharf tonight (May 15). The board will look at plans for a 54-room hotel with a restaurant on the north lot and a 35-room hotel with a restaurant/event space on the south lot. Both projects also include 7-unit residential buildings. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment
Reach thousands of Newporters: Promote your event on What’sUpNewp!
Looking to attract more people to your upcoming local gathering? Submit it to What’sUpNewp’s event calendar and connect with locals searching for things to do in our community. Thousands of Newport residents turn to our calendar when planning their activities. What’sUpNewp offers options to fit your promotional needs. Free basic listings help spread the word […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Newport wants your ideas for Open Space Plan Update
Good Thursday 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: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 8 am, then isolated showers. Patchy fog before 7 am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 62. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph. The chance […]