22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille will host an elegant four-course wine dinner on Wednesday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m., featuring the acclaimed wines of DuMOL. Mariette Catelli, East Coast Regional Sales Manager at DuMOL, will be on hand to lead guests through each of the wine selections. Guests will begin with a Caviar Waffle […]
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 inNews
IYRS School of Technology & Trades to celebrate Graduation & Launch Day on May 31
IYRS School of Technology & Trades has announced that its 27th annual Graduation & Launch Day will occur on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Restoration Hall at IYRS (449 Thames Street). This year’s commencement speaker will be Ben Sorkin, CEO of Bristol, RI-based electric boating company Flux Marine. “While most schools figuratively launch […]
Posted inNews
‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’ is coming soon
Bravo is bringing “The Real Housewives” to Rhode Island, expanding its popular franchise to the Ocean State. The new series will spotlight a close-knit group of Rhode Islanders with deep roots in the community and multi-generational family ties. Set against the state’s scenic coastline, the show will dive into the lives, businesses, and complex family […]
Posted inNews
Public Enemy, Jack Antonoff, and Robert Lester Folsom added to 2025 Newport Folk Festival lineup
The Newport Folk Festival continued rolling out its lineup for its 2025 event this week, announcing Public Enemy, Jack Antonoff and Bleachers present The Ally Coalition Talent Show at Newport and Robert Lester Folsom will be performing in Newport this July. Set for July 25-27, the festival has already sold out but continues to reveal […]
Posted inCity & Government
Sen. Euer introduces Children’s Cardiac Safety Act
Sen. Dawn Euer has introduced legislation to catch undiagnosed heart conditions in children by ensuring that screening questions about family cardiac history and cardiac symptoms are incorporated in all annual physicals and sports preparticipation physicals for children 19 and under. Senator Euer was inspired to work on this bill by a Rhode Islander whose family […]
Posted inInstagram, News
Newport prepares for 2025 Cruise Season: Full schedule and peak visit times revealed
Discover Newport has unveiled the 2025 cruise ship schedule for Newport. The schedule, shared in an industry newsletter, covers ships anchoring near Perrotti Park. Most visits are set for September through early November. “This information is valuable for Newport businesses that typically see more customers on cruise ship days,” Discover Newport notes in the newsletter. […]
Posted inSports
Infosys and International Tennis Hall of Fame renew collaboration until 2028
Infosys and the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) today (May 7) announced an extension of their collaboration for a further three years that will help support the Hall of Fame’s mission to preserve the history of tennis as well as the iconic induction celebration that will feature the likes of Maria Sharapova and Bob & Mike Bryan in the Class of […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Newport’s Mother’s Day celebrations offer something for everyone
Good Wednesday 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: Patchy fog before 4 pm, then patchy fog after 5 pm. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 62. South wind 6 to 10 mph. Tonight: Patchy fog. Otherwise, partly […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do this week in Newport: May 7 – 11
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this week. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Community Calendar More Events | Submit Your Event | Promote Your Event
Posted inArts & Culture
newportFILM to screen award-winning deaf rights documentary in Providence
newportFILM is hosting a special screening of “DEAF PRESIDENT NOW!” in collaboration with the Rhode Island School for the Deaf and Apple TV+. The event will be held on May 15 at Avon Cinema in Providence. This documentary captures the powerful 1988 protests at Gallaudet University that resulted in the appointment of the school’s first […]
Posted inCity & Government
House approves bill to encourage affordable housing development
The House today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. June S. Speakman, chairwoman of the House Commission on Housing Affordability, to make various improvements to Rhode Island’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Act to encourage the construction of homes that Rhode Islanders can afford. The bill is part of the 12-bill housing package backed this year […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Thomas Edward Poole
Thomas Edward Poole, 85 years of age, left this world for a heavenly destination on May 3, 2025. He was a resident of Nemasket Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Middleboro, MA since January of 2025. Thomas was born in Fall River, MA to the late Clifford and Mabel Poole. After graduating from Durfee High School […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Registration opens for Kids’ Wonder Lab at MLK Community Center
The MLK Community Center is kicking off registration for the next round of The Kids’ Wonder Lab. This free program helps children between 18 months and 4 years old develop their skills through play. The 10-week session runs on Mondays, with two time slots available: 10:00-11:30 a.m. and 3:00-4:30 p.m. The MLK Center is teaming […]
Posted inPolice & Fire
Man arrested for carrying concealed firearm at Glen Manor House
A Massachusetts man is facing gun charges after police found him drunk and carrying a hidden weapon without proper permits at a historic Rhode Island property. Nelson Rivera, 36, from Chelsea, Mass., was arrested on May 4 at the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth. Police spotted Rivera and three others fishing on the property’s dock […]
Posted inArts & Culture
CUSP Gallery brings contemporary art to Belmont Chapel
Newport’s historic Belmont Chapel is gearing up for its first art exhibition after a major restoration. From June 14 to 22, 2025, the chapel at Island Cemetery will showcase “As Above, So Below,” featuring works by local artist Juditta Musette. As Above, So Below. Contributed photo. Curtis Speer’s CUSP Gallery is behind the exhibition, which […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire
Tiverton Police apprehend suspect in casino larceny and home break-in
A Massachusetts man is facing multiple charges after leading Tiverton police on a foot chase that ended with his arrest and the recovery of stolen property. Jesse Dossantos, 37, from New Bedford, was caught on May 5 after Officer Nikolas Constantino spotted him walking on Stafford Road around 10:15 a.m. Constantino recognized Dossantos as matching […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Classical to bid farewell to Executive Director Gillian Fox
Newport Classical’s Executive Director, Gillian Fox, will become the next President and CEO of the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah, N.Y., starting June 9. Fox, who has led Newport Classical since 2021, will work with the Board and staff to ensure a smooth transition through the start of the Music Festival. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Scarborough North and Salty Brine state beaches open for weekends beginning May 10
Today, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced that Scarborough North and Salty Brine state beaches in Narragansett will be open Saturdays and Sundays, starting Saturday, May 10, through Memorial Day, to accommodate early beachgoers. DEM will have lifeguards on duty, and bathrooms and concessions will be open on weekends at both locations. All other state beaches, except […]
Posted inNews
United Congregational Church celebrates 330 years with daffodil dedication
Last Sunday, United Congregational Church marked a joyful milestone with a Daffodil Dedication to celebrate its 330th anniversary. Though not a typical milestone, the event offered a long-awaited opportunity to honor a history that couldn’t be celebrated five years ago, when the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted plans for the 325th anniversary. The planting […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Middletown-based Rite-Solution awarded $243 million contract
Good Tuesday morning, Newport! Weather Forecast Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 pm. Patchy fog before 9 am. High near 61. Southeast wind 11 to 14 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch are possible. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Four Newport County students receive Lt. Governor’s Leadership Awards
Four Newport County high school students are among 54 graduating seniors recently honored by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos at the State House in Providence. The 32nd annual Lt. Governor Leadership Awards ceremony recognizes students who excel in their studies, show dedication to community service, and demonstrate leadership in their schools or communities. The local honorees […]
Posted inNews
Michael and Tish Curtis Behan named co-grand marshals of 2026 Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Newport’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has picked its grand marshals for the 2026 event, which marks the parade’s 70th anniversary. Michael and Tish Curtis Behan will lead the celebration as co-grand marshals. The committee chose the Behans for their active community involvement and long-time support of the parade. The 70th annual parade is set […]
Posted inArts & Culture
New exhibition to open at Newport Historical Society
The Newport Historical Society (NHS) announced today that a new exhibition, Newport 1775: Whose Side Are You On? will open on Thursday, May 15, as part of a two-year celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. The exhibition will be open to the public free of charge, thanks to the support of the Maya L. Auchincloss Revocable Living […]
Posted inSports
Rhode Island FC battles to scoreless draw in historic home opener
Rhode Island FC and Western Conference leaders San Antonio FC battled to a scoreless draw in Rhode Island’s home opener at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket on Saturday. Despite dominating possession and outshooting San Antonio 16-6, Rhode Island FC (1-3-2) couldn’t find the back of the net against the conference-leading visitors (5-2-1). The home team […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do this weekend in Newport County: May 3 – 4
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this weekend, Saturday, May 3 through Sunday, May 4. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Saturday, May 3 Things To Do 7 am: Veteran Car Tour 2025 at Audrain Automobile Museum 9 am: Aquidneck Growers Market at Newport […]