The Newport Rotary Club’s annual charity polo match is set for May 31 at 5 p.m. at the Newport Polo Club grounds. This marks the event’s 34th year. Gates open at 3 p.m. with food trucks and a cash bar on-site. Tickets are $15 at the gate, and kids under 15 get in free with […]
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, Nonprofit
Newport Hospital’s Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund awards $188,500 to Aquidneck Island programs that serve youth
More than 30 local programs that serve youth across Aquidneck Island have received grants from Newport Hospital’s Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund. In total, the fund awarded $188,500 to 31 organizations to support initiatives that help children lead healthier lives through physical activity, education, and healthy choices. Among the recipients are six programs to be […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Harbormaster’s Office offers free paddling workshops
Newport residents can boost their paddling skills and water safety knowledge through free workshops this May, courtesy of the Newport Harbormaster’s office. The Newport Harbormaster and the American Canoe and Kayak Association lead this workshop. They’re designed to help participants enjoy safe kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding experiences. There are two sessions to choose from: Sunday, […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Trinity Church needs tour guide volunteers for 2025
Want to share your love of history and architecture? Trinity Church is seeking volunteer tour guides for its 2025 season. They’re asking for a commitment of three hours on either Saturday mornings or afternoons. The ideal volunteer enjoys meeting people from all walks of life, communicates well, and has a passion for history and architecture. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do this week in Newport: April 28 – May 4
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this weekend, Monday, April 28 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 inCity & Government
Newport Police Department adds therapy K9 to the force
The Newport Police Department is welcoming a new four-legged member to its team. Bo, a chocolate Labrador Retriever, is training to become a therapy and comfort K9 for the Community Policing Unit. Bo comes to the department as a generous gift from Dame Dogs Labradors in Pascoag. Local trainer Jess Gaes of Petrichor K9 is […]
Posted inSports
Portsmouth honors late mother at Pink Out lacrosse game
Portsmouth High School honored Patricia “Pat” Carrellas with a pink out lacrosse game against Prout on Friday (April 25). Carrellas, who recently lost her battle with breast cancer, is the mother of senior captain Margaux Boneu and two other children. The event included a 50/50 raffle, bake sale, and gift baskets. All proceeds go to […]
Posted inNews
Lottery lightning strikes twice for Massachusetts woman in Newport
A Massachusetts woman has hit the jackpot twice in two months, winning $60,000 each time from the same lottery game at the same Newport store. The lucky player from East Freetown, who remains anonymous, bought her winning tickets for the Rhode Island Mega Loteria Instant Game at the Cumberland Farms on Broadway. After using her […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island celebrates Arbor Day with grants to Newport area organizations
Newport Tree Conservancy and Norman Bird Sanctuary are among the recipients of urban forestry grants announced at Rhode Island’s 128th Arbor Day celebration. Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) revealed the grant recipients for the Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program and Tree Equity RI program at an event […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee, Rhode Island AI Task Force invite public input through statewide survey
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force are inviting Rhode Islanders to participate in a quick online survey on their awareness of and experiences with AI. Public feedback will inform the Task Force’s recommendations, guiding how Rhode Island responsibly and effectively adopts AI to spark innovation and create efficiencies in government and […]
Posted inNews
Goose, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jensen McRae, and Remi Wolf & Friends added to 2025 Newport Folk Festival lineup
The Newport Folk Festival continued rolling out its lineup for its 2025 event this week, announcing Goose, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jensen McRae, and Remi Wolf & Friends will be performing in Newport this July. Set for July 25-27, the festival has already sold out but continues to reveal its performer list, with more names expected […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire
Newport Police need help identifying shoplifting suspect
The Newport Police Department is asking the community for help in identifying a suspect involved in a recent shoplifting incident at a local boutique. Police have shared three photos of the individual on social media, looking for information about the theft that happened on April 21 at Thryn Boutique on 433 Thames St. Detective Brett […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown Center Project advances with Planning Board approval
The Middletown Planning Board has given the green light to zoning amendments for the proposed Middletown Center development. This unanimous approval paves the way for the project to be reviewed by the Town Council. The board’s positive recommendation comes with a few strings attached. The development team has already made about two dozen changes, and […]
Posted inNews
Arson investigation launched after fire at Tiverton home
Police are asking for the public’s help in an arson investigation after a fire broke out at a home on Main Road near Little Compton. The Tiverton Police Department and Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office are looking into the incident that happened on April 19 around 11:30 p.m. Someone called 911 to report a […]
Posted inSports
Tiverton falls to North Smithfield in high school baseball showdown
Tiverton High School’s baseball team came up short in a 5-2 loss to North Smithfield at their home field on Thursday (April 24). The Tigers struggled to get on the scoreboard until the sixth inning, when they finally manage to put two runs up, cutting into North Smithfield’s lead. Tyler Garside stepped up for Tiverton’s […]
Posted inSports
Tiverton High School Softball dominates Middletown in 15-0 victory
Tiverton High School’s softball team dominated Middletown in a 15-0 victory at home on Thursday (April 24). The Tigers come out swinging, racking up five runs in the first inning and nine more in the second. They sealed the deal with another run in the third, triggering the mercy rule and ending the game early. […]
Posted inSports
Providence to host National Ice Curling Championship this weekend
Rhode Island is hosting a national ice curling championship, bringing 28 teams from across the country to Providence College’s Schneider Arena. The Grand National Curling Club Arena Club Championship takes place from April 25 to 27, giving spectators a chance to see this winter sport up close. The Ocean State Curling Club is organizing the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Historical Society launches QR Code Tour for The Colony House
The Newport Historical Society (NHS) announced today (April 24) a new self-guided, QR code tour of The Colony House, the fourth oldest statehouse still standing in the United States and a key site in Newport’s Revolutionary War history. The project was made possible thanks to a $149,000 shoulder season tourism grant from Rhode Island Commerce. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Mansions to host inside “The Gilded Age” tours
A special guide-led tour in May and June will explore four of the historic Newport Mansions that appear in HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” offering insights into the making of the Emmy-winning period drama series. The Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour will take visitors through Marble House, The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer and The Elms, all of which […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum presents first museum solo exhibition of visionary artist Bobby Anspach
This summer, the Newport Art Museum will present Everything is Change, the first museum solo exhibition celebrating the groundbreaking work of Bobby Anspach. The exhibition emphasizes the late artist’s unique ability to create a sense of connection and community through his immersive, sculptural installations and will feature a selection of Anspach’s innovative works, including his Place for […]
Posted inNews
Former White House chief speechwriter Cody Keenan to deliver Salve Regina University commencement address
Salve Regina University announced that former White House chief speechwriter Cody Keenan will present the keynote address and receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree as a member of the class of 2025 at the University’s 75th Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Salve will also award honorary degrees to Kasim J. Yarn and Tiziana C. […]
Posted inBusiness
People’s Credit Union partners with Bike Newport to support the Community Bike Garage
People’s Credit Union has announced its sponsorship of Bike Newport’s Community Bike Garage, a vital resource that provides bicycle repairs, education, and access to bikes for the community. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement. Bike Newport’s Community Bike Garage empowers bicyclists through hands-on learning, collaborative repairs, and expert guidance […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island adds jobs, but key indicators signal economic softening
Rhode Island’s economy showed weakness in several key indicators in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Rhode Island Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Quarterly Briefing, released today by The Center for Global and Regional Economic Studies at Bryant University and the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC). Rhode Island-based jobs (non-farm employment) continued to rise […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Potter League, Women’s Resource Center team up for film screening on domestic violence and pet safety
The Potter League for Animals, in partnership with the Women’s Resource Center, invites the public to a special screening of the short documentary film Tipping Point on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:00 PM at the Potter League’s Animal Care & Adoption Center in Middletown. Directed by award-winning local filmmaker Susan M. Sipprelle, Tipping Point shares the stories of eight […]
Posted inReal Estate
Rhode Island ranks last, earns ‘F’ grade in Realtor.com’s State Housing Assessment
Rhode Island sits at the bottom of a new national housing report card, highlighting the state’s ongoing struggles with affordability and homebuilding. The report, released by Realtor.com®, grades all 50 states on how well they’re tackling housing challenges through affordability measures and new construction. Rhode Island gets an F grade and ranks 51st overall, including […]