Here’s what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, RI during this last weekend of April! You Might Also Like – This Weekend: Live Music and Entertainment Listings (April 28 – 30) Friday, April 28 4 pm & 7 pm – The Lost City of Z at Jane Pickens Theater 6:30 pm – Arbor Day […]
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, Things To Do
This Weekend: Live Music and Entertainment Listings (April 28 – 30)
Here’s where to find your most complete listings for live music, comedy, karaoke and dancing this weekend in and around Newport, RI. You Might Also Like –25+ Things To Do This Weekend in Newport (April 28 – 30) Friday, April 28 4 pm & 7 pm – The Lost City of Z at Jane Pickens Theater5 pm […]
Posted inNews
Rose Island Foundation Hosts Annual Meeting
The Rose Island Foundation Annual Meeting was a success with a turnout of over 65 attendees on Wednesday evening, including Foundation members, historical enthusiasts, volunteers and Newport residents. The commencement speech was beautifully addressed by the Foundation’s President, Lisa Morrison, who’s dedication and commitment to Rose Island is exemplary and appreciated. Guests of the meeting […]
Posted inNews
Preservation Society Creates Beech Tree Nursery at Green Animals Topiary Garden
The Preservation Society of Newport County has established a beech tree nursery on the grounds of Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, making an investment to ensure the future of the iconic landscapes of the Newport Mansions. Magnificent beech trees imported from Europe in the late 19th century dominate the grounds of many of Newport’s […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Restoration Foundation Releases Spring Program Lineup
This year, Newport Restoration Foundation will offer public programming that focuses on the theme of nature, tying in with the 2017 special exhibition Nature Tamed in the Landscape, Gardens and Collections of Rough Point. This May and June, mark your calendars for special events including: NEW FOR 2017: EXPANDED SELF-GUIDED HOURS Saturdays, 3:00 – 5:00pm, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator DiPalma Introduces Bill to Increase Wages for Developmentally Disabled Direct Care Workers
Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) and Rep. Teresa A. Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, Narragansett, South Kingstown) have introduced legislation (2017-S 0471 / 2017-H 5839) that would urge the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (DBHDDH) and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to increase the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Grassroots Donors Boost Senate Candidate Dawn Euer’s Fundraising to Over $20K in 33 days
The following was written by Dawn Euer for Senate, it has been published as submitted. Attorney Dawn Euer continues to build momentum in the race for State Senate in District 13, representing Jamestown and Newport, with today’s announcement that she has raised over $20,000 in the 33 days since announcing her campaign on March 24. “Meeting this early fundraising goal was only possible because […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Environment & Health, Things To Do
Rhody Squash Invites Community to Join Them For ‘Derby Day’ Fundraiser at Newport Vineyards
Hold your horses…! Rhody Squash players, families and volunteers invite members of the community to the annual Rhody Squash fund-raiser, which will be a ‘Derby Day’ party and silent auction on Saturday, May 6th from 5:00-7:00 pm at Newport Vineyards. Tickets are only $45/each and include one complimentary drink and light fare. A silent auction, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport’s Unique ‘Poetry of the Wild’ Installation Exhibition will Launch Publicly on May 6
Community members who created public installations featuring their art and poetry will be featured at numerous locations on Aquidneck Island as part of the city-wide “Poetry of the Wild” exhibition that will officially launch on May 6. This unique presentation of “poetry boxes” that serve as a catalyst for exploring our towns and cities will […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News, Things To Do
Child & Family and StyleWeek Northeast Announce Return of ‘Au Courant’ Benefit Event
Child & Family is pleased to announce that its signature benefit event, Au Courant, will return to the runway on Friday, June 16th at 7:00 pm at historic Fort Adams in Newport. Proceeds will support programs that strengthen the fabric of families in Newport County and throughout Rhode Island, including the expansion of foster care […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Mrs. Betty J. Foss
Betty Jean (Westgate) Foss, 80, passed away on April 24, 2017 in Middletown, Rhode Island. She was born on October 22, 1936 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to the late Raymond Westgate and Evelyn (Call) Westgate. Betty was an active member and Sunday school teacher at Middletown Baptist Church for over 40 years. She was also […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Anna M. Parente
Anna M. (Marcello) Parente, 89, of Middletown and Palm Beach Gardens, FL, passed away, Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at home. She was the wife of the late Francis John Parente Sr. Born in Cranston, she was the daughter of the late M.Thomas and Anna (Indeglia) Marcello. Mrs. Parente was a lifelong communicant of St. Mary’s […]
Posted inNews
2017 Marine Archaeology Public Training Offered
The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP) announces its 2017 classes, to be held in Warwick on May 13, 20, 27 and in Warren on June 10, 17, 24. All the class topics are given in a downloadable training application posted on the www.rimap.org website. All classes are open to the public and completion of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Representative Canario Introduces Bill to Exempt Fees for Elderly and Disabled State ID Cards
Rep. Dennis M. Canario (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton) has introduced legislation (2017-H 6050) that would exempt the elderly and disabled people who cannot operate a vehicle from paying for state-issued identification cards. “This legislation is needed because for many in our elderly and disabled communities, if they are not active drivers then they […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
City Council Approves @ The Deck’s Entertainment License Expansion
Newport City Council approved @ The Deck’s application to expand their entertainment license on Wednesday evening, the approval allows the waterfront restaurant to increase their maximum decibel from 65 decibels to 75 decibels. @The Deck falls under the Waterfront Business Zoning (WB), according to the City Of Newport Zoning map. According to Newport City Ordinance 8.12.080., […]
Posted inNews
Coast Guard Discovers That an Aid-To-Navigation Buoy was Shot and Sunk near Block Island
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Ida Lewis discovered a buoy sunk in the water with bullet holes, Monday, near Block Island, Rhode Island. The crew was conducting regular aids-to-navigation maintenance when they approached Clay Head buoy number 7 and found it submerged. The crew raised the 12,000-pound buoy and found 20 bullet holes in it. Due to the extensive […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Newport Starbucks to Become ‘Military Family Store’, Will Add Job Opportunities for Veterans and Military Spouses
Starbucks in Newport has been designated as a Military Family Store – looks to provide jobs to veterans and military spouses, while also serving as a communal hub for current and former service members. Starbucks announced on Tuesday that its store on Thames Street in Newport has become one of 37 locations around the country […]
Posted inThings To Do
Rail Explorers to Host Newport County Days in May
Rail Explorers, an eco-tour company featuring pedal-powered rail bikes operating along Aquidneck Island’s historic rail lines, will offer a specially priced tour for Newport County residents on Wednesday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 17 from its depot in Portsmouth. “We are very pleased to offer this special opportunity for the residents of Newport County […]
Posted inCity & Government, Opinion
Senate Candidate Mike Smith: As Your Next Senator I Will Fight For
The following was written by Dawn Euer for Senate, it has been published as submitted. I am excited to announce my candidacy for Senate District 13 for Newport and Jamestown. I would like to thank former Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed for her work and devotion to Newport and Jamestown. This special election on Tuesday […]
Posted inJobs
Preservation Society of Newport County Will Host Job Fair on May 11
Have you ever dreamed of working at the Newport Mansions? Now is your chance. The Preservation Society of Newport County will host a Job Fair on Thursday, May 11, 2017 to accept applications for full-time and part-time job openings in a variety of departments. The event will be held at the Preservation Society’s office at […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Island National Organization for Women Endorses Dawn Euer for Senate District 13
The Rhode Island National Organization for Women (RI NOW) has announced their endorsement of Dawn Euer in the Special Election for the open senate seat in District 13, representing Jamestown and Newport. The endorsement is the first endorsement officially issued by any group for the upcoming special election. RI NOW President Rebecca Kislak said: […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 12 Meter Charters – Crew Member Position For 70 Foot Charter Sailing Yacht
12 Meter Charters is currently hiring for a Crew member position available aboard a 70-foot charter sailing yacht. Overview: Our 70-foot sailing yachts that raced in the America’s Cup are available for customized events accommodating from one to over 300 guests. Corporate Events, Private Parties, Team-building, Wedding Events, Sunset Sails and Racing Regattas are available. Harbor Sails […]
Posted inThings To Do
Annual 4 Bridges Ride to Be Held on September 17th, Registration Now Open
The fifth annual 4 Bridges Ride, sponsored by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority Foundation will be held on Sunday, September 17th 2017. The 26 mile charity ride allows cyclists an opportunity to cross the Verrazzano, Pell, Sakonnet and Mt. Hope Bridges connecting the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. All net proceeds […]
Posted inNews
Clean Ocean Access: Volunteers Cleaned over 100 Pounds of Litter Per Hour on Earth Day
Clean Ocean Access’ Earth Day cleanup proved to have a positive impact at Marine Avenue Beach and surrounding areas along the Cliff Walk in Newport. In less than two hours, 91 volunteers removed 260 pounds of marine debris. Their efforts were not confined to Marine Avenue Beach, as they ventured out and cleaned up Bailey’s […]
Posted inNews
Newport Will Host 2020 U.S. Senior Open Championship (UPDATED)
This story was originally published on October 15, 2016, it was updated on April 25, 2017, to include an official release from the USGA. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has named the Newport Country Club in Newport, RI the host site for the 2020 U.S. Senior Open Championship. The championship for golfers age 50 and […]