The League of Women Voters of Newport County is set to host Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Melissa A. Long for a discussion on advancing civil rights in the state’s courts. The event, “Justice for All: Advancing Civil Rights in Rhode Island’s Courts,” is scheduled for May 20, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Jane […]
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
Newport County teens recognized as Rhode Island’s future leaders
Three Newport County students were among those honored at the Young Leader Awards ceremony at the Rhode Island State House on May 9, 2025. General Treasurer James A. Diossa hosted the event, recognizing outstanding high school juniors’ academic success, community involvement, and entrepreneurial spirit. The local winners include Kira Pearson from Rogers High School in […]
Posted inSports
Salve Regina tabbed No. 1 Seed in Penn State Harrisburg Regional
The Salve Regina University baseball team is headed to Pennsylvania after earning its 10th trip to the NCAA Division III Championships. The 10th-ranked Seahawks will take on Little East Conference champions Keene State College in their first game of the regional, while host and 19th-ranked Penn State Harrisburg matches up with The College of New […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM ramping up patrols and education during National Safe Boating Week
Environmental Police Officers from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are teaming up with boating safety advocates across the U.S. and Canada to promote safe, responsible boating and encourage life jacket use during National Safe Boating Week, taking place May 17-23. Throughout the week, DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) will increase water patrols, conduct additional […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Euer introduces bill to protect ratepayers from rising costs related to utility company spending
Senator Dawn Euer has introduced legislation to limit which public utility company costs are born by ratepayers and to cap increases to their capital spending plans. “This bill sets down in law a list of costs to utilities that should not be passed on to the ratepayers,” said Senator Euer (D-District 13, Newport, Jamestown). “Some of these […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Police K-9 Bo to be officially sworn in as member of police department on Wednesday
Newport’s police force recently got a new four-legged member, and the public is invited to witness the official ceremony. K-9 Bo will officially be sworn in to the Newport Police Department on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 6 p.m. The swearing-in will take place in the Newport City Hall chambers. Lt. Joseph C. Carroll, who […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do this week and weekend in Newport: May 12 – 18
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this week and weekend. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Community Calendar More Events | Submit Your Event | Promote Your Event
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Newport’s Bike to Work Day set for Friday
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: Sunny, with a high near 62 degrees. Light and variable wind becoming south 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52 degrees. Southwest […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Newport rolls out the red carpet for mom
Good Sunday 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: Sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind 7 to 13 mph. Tonight: Clear, with a low around 45. North wind 5 to 8 mph. Marine Forecast Today: W wind […]
Posted inSports
Rhode Island FC battles back for draw against Monterey Bay
Rhode Island FC fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Monterey Bay FC on Saturday at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket. Joe Brito’s 77th-minute goal secured a point for the home team, marking his first of the 2025 season and fourth overall for Rhode Island FC. Monterey Bay FC grabbed the lead in the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Ida Lewis, “America’s Bravest Woman,” to be honored in Newport ceremony
On May 24, the Newport Historical Society is teaming up with the U.S. Coast Guard and other groups to honor Ida Lewis, a legendary lighthouse keeper, at a graveside ceremony. The event takes place at the Common Burying Ground on Farewell Street, celebrating Lewis’s life and her 50-plus years of service at Light Station Lime […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Newport leads age-friendly movement in Rhode Island
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: A slight chance of showers between 10 am and noon. Patchy fog before 11 am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Northwest wind 9 […]
Posted inCity & Government
What’s on the Docket: Newport City Council Meeting on May 14
Newport City Council’s upcoming meeting on May 14, 2025, is packed with important items. The agenda covers liquor licenses, budget changes, and various community events. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is seeking approval for three daily liquor licenses for its summer events, including the Hall of Fame Open and Induction Weekend. A public hearing […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fifth Annual Newport Live Summer Series returns to Norman Bird Sanctuary
Newport Live and Norman Bird Sanctuary are teaming up again for their fifth annual Summer Series, showcasing talented singer-songwriters Laura Cantrell, Jeffrey Foucault, and Leslie Mendelson. The outdoor concerts will happen at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, Rhode Island. Laura Cantrell opens the series on June 20, with Jeffrey Foucault performing on July 18, […]
Posted inBusiness
Save The Date: Broadway Street Fair returns to Newport this October
The popular Broadway Street Fair is back for its eighth year on October 11, with People’s Credit Union once again stepping up as the main sponsor. Stretching across six blocks from Equality Park to Washington Square, the fair celebrates Newport’s vibrant Broadway District. “We’re proud to return as the Presenting Sponsor of Newport’s Broadway Street […]
Posted inBusiness
BankNewport awards $23,000 grant to Child & Family’s Supportive Housing Program
BankNewport has given $23,000 to Child & Family to help their Supportive Housing Program for homeless families in Rhode Island. This money will provide stable housing, healthcare access, and financial education for up to 12 families each year. Child & Family’s program helps about 48 people annually, connecting them with key resources to find permanent […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Rhode Island State House illuminated blue and white in honor of Nurses Week
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: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 pm. Patchy fog before 4 pm, then patchy fog after 5 pm. High near 60. East wind 6 to 11 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Annual Quahog Week returns for ninth edition May 11 – 17
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative, a public-private partnership led by DEM, today (May 8) announced the ninth annual Quahog Week, which will be held from May 11 to 17. This week-long event “shell-ebrates” the cultural and economic importance of the quahog, Rhode Island’s official state clam. The […]
Posted inBusiness
Surv announces major franchise partnership for national expansion
Surv, a home services platform started by a college student in Little Compton, is gearing up for a nationwide expansion through a major franchise partnership announced today. The company, originally called Rent Sons, was launched by Patrick Brown at 18 to help cover his University of Rhode Island tuition. It’s now teaming up with Cornerstone […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do in Newport County this weekend: May 9 – 11
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this weekend, Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 4. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Friday, May 9 Things To Do 11 am: Winery Tours at Newport Vineyards 5 pm: Opening Reception for Sean Landers: Lost at […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Instagram
Newport Public Education Foundation receives $1,509 from Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day
Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s in Newport brought in $1,509 for the Newport Public Education Foundation, Inc. The April 8 event raised money through “upsales” like waffle cones and extra scoops of ice cream, with proceeds going to the foundation. On May 8, Tyler Rosenberg and Mickie Deary from Newport Ben & Jerry’s […]
Posted inNews
Morning Notes: Week-long roadwork to impact Bellevue Ave traffic flow next week
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: A slight chance of showers before 2 pm, then a chance of showers after 3 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Calm wind becoming south around six mph […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Middletown Town Council cancels Special Meeting to discuss regionalization with Newport City Council
Update Middletown Town Council’s Special Meeting, which was scheduled for Saturday, to discuss regionalization with the Newport City Council, has been cancelled. “A special meeting Saturday on school regionalization called by the #middletownri Town Council has been cancelled after local leaders learn their counterparts in Newport won’t be able to attend,” the Town of Middletown […]
Posted inFood & Drink
22 Bowen’s to host DuMOL Wine Dinner on May 21 with special guest Mariette Catelli
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 […]
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 […]