Portsmouth High School’s varsity baseball team came out on top against Middletown, securing a 7-3 victory on Friday (May 2). The Patriots started strong, putting three runs on the board in the first inning. Damon Owen kicks things off with a solo homer to left field. Portsmouth didn’t let up, adding four more runs in […]
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
Sen. Euer introduces bill for greater RI nursing home financial oversight
Sen. Dawn Euer has introduced legislation to increase the financial transparency of nursing homes and their business partners and ensure that public funds are used efficiently to improve patient care and staff conditions. “This bill is really about the stability of our nursing homes. Recently we’ve heard from many sources that in order to sustain […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jay Leno to headline comedy fundraiser at Newport Craft Brewing
Comedy icon Jay Leno is bringing his stand-up comedy back to Newport this summer for a good cause. He’ll perform at Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. on July 9, 10, 11, and 12 as part of their Summer Series. The best part? All the money from these shows goes to the Dr. Martin Luther […]
Posted inNews
Kenny Loggins, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Union featuring Phil Cook, and Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners added to 2025 Newport Folk Festival lineup
The Newport Folk Festival continued rolling out its lineup for its 2025 event this week, announcing Kenny Loggins, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Union featuring Phil Cook “Harmony You Can Count On”, and Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners will be performing in Newport this July. Set for July 25-27, the festival has already sold out […]
Posted inNews
Travel Advisory: Roadwork scheduled in Middletown and Tiverton May 3 – 9
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has published its list of travel advisories for the week of May 3 – 9, 2025. Here’s a look at what’s on the schedule for Newport County. Weekday Middletown: Rte. 138 (East Main Rd.), from Oliphant Lane to Mitchell’s Ln., lane shifts possible for curb and drainage work, Mon. […]
Posted inNews
Lane closures scheduled for Pell Bridge, Route 138 Connector
The Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority (RITBA) has published its weekly lane closure schedule for May 4 – 10, 2025. Here’s what’s planned on their bridges and roadways. Newport Claiborne Pell Bridge Westbound Right Lane Closure- 5/5 and 5/8- 7 am to 3 pm Westbound Left Lane Closure- 5/9- 7 am to 3 pm […]
Posted inInstagram, News, Nonprofit, Things To Do
Registration is now open for the Citizens Pell Bridge Run
Don’t miss your chance to run or walk across the Claiborne Pell Bridge. Registration for the 2025 Citizens Pell Bridge Run is now open. Set for October 19, this is the only day of the year when runners and walkers can cross the Pell Bridge on foot while enjoying its four miles of sweeping views. […]
Posted inPolice & Fire, Things To Do
Aquidneck Island Police Parade returns on Sunday
The 40th Annual Aquidneck Island Police Parade will occur this Sunday (May 4). The parade will honor three New England Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2024, according to the Newport Police Department. This year’s Grand Marshall is Robert E. Kenahan, the oldest living retired Rhode Island State Trooper. The parade […]
Posted inSports
Team Race World Championship returns with new format and teams
The past decade in team racing has seen the emergence of a new, spectator-friendly format and the continued global spread of the discipline. What it hasn’t seen, however, is an official world championship. That drought will end in a month’s time when the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, R.I., hosts the 2025 Team […]
Posted inNews
Rep. Cortvriend bill for biosolids PFAS testing approved by RI House, heads to Senate
The House of Representatives today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Terri Cortvriend to require anyone applying for a permit to spread biosolids on land to first test the material for PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The legislation now goes to the Senate. In Rhode Island, land application is not the primary disposal method of […]
Posted inBusiness
Smoke House is now open for the summer season
Smoke House is now open for the summer featuring signature Southern-style barbecue, a refreshed cocktail list, new menu additions, and a lively patio for outdoor dining. “When Smoke House opens, it’s a sure sign that true summer days are right around the corner,” said Corey Barreira, Director of Operations, Newport Restaurant Group. “We’re thrilled to welcome guests […]
Posted inNews
CCRI recruiting for Multi-Craft Core Curriculum, will be offered at Newport campus
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is currently recruiting students for the third cohort of its Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) pre-apprenticeship program, set to begin May 12 at the college’s Newport Campus. The MC3 program prepares students for high-demand careers in construction and the skilled trades through hands-on learning, industry-recognized credentials, and direct pathways […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do this weekend in Newport: May 2 – 4
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this weekend, Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Community Calendar More Events | Submit Your Event | Promote Your Event
Posted inSports, Things To Do
Tickets are now on sale for the combined ATP and WTA Hall of Fame Open
Tickets are on sale now for the 2025 Hall of Fame Open, to be held July 6-13 on the grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF). For the first time since 1990, women’s professional tennis returns to Newport, with the Hologic WTA Tour joining the ATP Challenger Tour for the only grass […]
Posted inCity & Government
Portsmouth Library to welcome state representatives for constituent meet-up
Local lawmakers are hosting a casual Meet-Up for residents on May 17 at the Portsmouth Free Public Library. The event runs from 12:30 to 2 p.m., giving people a chance to chat with their elected officials, share ideas, or bring up any concerns they might have. Representatives Terri Cortvriend (District 72 – Portsmouth, Middletown) and […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire
Newport Police arrest three more individuals in connection with officer assault
Three Newport residents are facing charges related to an assault on two local police officers that happened on April 29. Keyshla Cruz Martinez, 33, Jose Cruz Ortiz, 40, and Mayra Custodio, 27, were arrested on April 30. They’re each charged with simple assault, obstructing officers, and disorderly conduct. The arrests are connected to an incident […]
Posted inSports
Kirk hits winning single in 10th, Blue Jays rally past Red Sox 7-6 in Giolito’s return
By IAN HARRISON Associated Press TORONTO (AP) — Alejandro Kirk hit a game-ending, bases-loaded single in the 10th inning and the Toronto Blue Jays overcame a six-run deficit to beat the Boston Red Sox 7-6 in Lucas Giolito’s return on Wednesday night, stopping a three-game losing streak. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. started the 10th as the […]
Posted inNews
Senator Reed: New $18.4B Navy submarine contract to boost Rhode Island workforce, help safeguard the nation
Rhode Island’s workforce and economy are getting a major boost thanks to a new $18.4 billion U.S. Navy contract awarded to General Dynamics Corp, the parent company of Electric Boat. The contract, which could be worth even more if all options are exercised, will fund the production of two new Virginia-class fast attack submarines. U.S. […]
Posted inBusiness
Island Art Spot announces move to larger location
Island Art Spot, a popular art studio in Middletown, is moving to a bigger space at 1149 Aquidneck Avenue. The studio shared this news on Instagram on April 30. The move is set for June and will allow for more classes, workshops, and parties. It’ll also have extra room for tween, teen, and adult programs. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Superintendent Jermain shares updates on Rogers High School construction progress, budget considerations
The new Rogers High School project remains on schedule with keys to the building set to be handed over on June 6, according to Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain. The project is entering its final phase with punch lists being created and moving plans already underway. “Things are moving along quite nicely,” Jermain said […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Newport kicks off Bike Month Friday with group ride, new path, & ‘Drive Less RI’ app launch
This Friday, May 2nd, beginning at 7:30 am, celebrate Bike Month and the Launch of the DRIVE LESS RI APP with a refreshing breakfast and lots of fun giveaways! At 9:00 am, Bike Newport will lead the first group ride on the new shared-use path! As yet unnamed, the community recently voted to name the […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire
Newport Police arrest four after officers attacked
A violent clash in Newport has led to the arrest of four people after two police officers were injured Tuesday night. The trouble started when police responded to a domestic violence call at the Festival Field Housing Development around 9:12 p.m. on April 29. Officers identified Angel Cruz Martinez, 28, of Newport, as the suspect […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island officials to present Climate Action Strategy updates in Newport
Rhode Island is gearing up to hear from its residents about the state’s climate action plan. A public meeting is set for May 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Newport Public Library. The Aquidneck Island Climate Caucus is organizing this event to get community feedback on ways to cut carbon emissions across the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Carson introduces bill creating flood audit program for homes and business properties
To help Rhode Islanders make their property more resilient to the effects of climate change, Rep. Lauren H. Carson is proposing a new flood audit program, similar to the state’s existing energy efficiency audit program. Under the Rhode Island Property Resilience Act (2025-H 6276), which she introduced April 25, the program would provide homeowners and […]
Posted inSports
Rogers Softball dominates Middletown in 10-2 victory
Rogers High School’s softball team put on a show Tuesday night at Toppa Field, beating Middletown 10-2 in a game that was closer than the final score suggests. The Vikings held a tight 3-1 lead for much of the game before their bats came alive late, blowing it open against their crosstown rivals. Freshman pitcher […]