The Newport Little League invites the community to O’Brien’s Pub for their 2025 Annual Fundraiser on Thursday, May 1st, from 6 to 9 PM. The $20 admission includes a drink, light appetizers, a silent auction, raffles, and much more! Proceeds from this event help repair fields, provide equipment to their players, and provide scholarships. This is […]
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
Arts Around the Fire to feature Victoria Cimino, Discover Newport’s new President and CEO
The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County’s networking event, Arts Around the Fire, continues on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sardella’s Restaurant. The Alliance’s guest will be Victoria Cimino, an award-winning destination leader and brand expert who recently came to Newport as President and CEO of Discover Newport. Stepping into the shoes of […]
Posted inCity & Government
RI Department of State announces Rhode Island Independence Day Commemoration
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the RI Department of State today announced that the State House will once again be open for special Saturday hours on Saturday, May 3 in recognition of Rhode Island Independence Day. In addition, Rhode Islanders are encouraged to display a state flag and share pictures with the RI […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit, Things To Do
Aquidneck Island Earth Week is back, beginning April 19
Community partners across Aquidneck Island are coming together to host a week packed with impactful, eco-friendly events. Join us for clean-ups, free workshops, film screenings, work parties, guided hikes, and so much more! Now in its sixth year, Aquidneck Island Earth Week is a unified effort by local non-profits, town committees, businesses, and residents to […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
Rain doesn’t dampen spirits at 2025 Grenon’s Newport Night Run
The 2025 Grenon’s Newport Night Run, a 5K race supporting local education, went ahead Saturday night despite rainy weather. Adrian Massie took first place overall, clocking in at 17:04. Nathaniel Tokarsky (17:58) and Fred Barber (18:22) secured second and third in the men’s category. For the women, Lil Harding led the pack with a time […]
Posted inBusiness
Sweet Berry Farm announces new ownership after 45 years
Sweet Berry Farm is changing ownership, but its core values and community ties remain intact. Jan and Michelle Eckhart, who founded and have long owned the farm, shared the news on Facebook Saturday. They’re handing over the reins to a new team that shares their vision for the 100-acre property. “We’ve got some exciting news […]
Posted inNews
Luke Combs, Maggie Rose, Lukas Nelson, and Tom Odell added to 2025 Newport Folk Festival lineup
The Newport Folk Festival continued rolling out its lineup for its 2025 event this week, announcing Maggie Rose, Luke Combs, Tom Odell, and Lukas Nelson would 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 in the […]
Posted inReal Estate
Pelham Street House sells at auction for $2.96 Million
A historic Newport property has sold for nearly $3 million at auction. The Georgian post-and-beam house at 38 Pelham St. went for $2,966,250 after eight buyers competed, each with $50,000 in bank funds, according to JJManning Auctioneers. Built in 1744 for John Gidley, the 7,260-square-foot building sits on 0.17 acres in Newport’s Historic Hill District. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rogue Island Comedy Festival announces star-studded 2025 Spring lineup
Get ready for some serious laughs in Newport as the Rogue Island Comedy Festival announces its star-studded lineup for the 2025 Spring Fest. Comedy powerhouses Natasha Leggero and Ian Lara are set to headline the event. Leggero, a Netflix and Comedy Central favorite, will be joined by Lara, who’s made waves on Comedy Central and […]
Posted inNews, Police & Fire
Portsmouth firefighters battle roof fire at Connors Funeral Home
A fire has caused major damage to the roof of Connors Funeral Home in Portsmouth. The blaze broke out Friday afternoon, but thankfully, no one was hurt. People started calling 911 around 1:23 p.m. to report the fire at 55 West Main Road. When firefighters got there, they could see flames coming through the roof. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do this week in Newport County: April 4 – 6
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County, Rhode Island, this weekend, Friday, April 4 through Sunday, April 6. Check back often as we update this story throughout the week as more things pop up! Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Community Calendar Friday, April 4 Things […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Salve Regina University dance program to present ‘EIGHT’ at Casino Theatre April 10-12
The dance program at Salve Regina University will present EIGHT at the Casino Theatre in Newport from April 10 to 12, 2025. The title is inspired by the eight dance majors approaching graduation, and the performance highlights the infinite flow of energy and connectedness symbolic of the number eight. Lindsay Guarino, chair of Salve’s Department of Music, […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News, Nonprofit, Things To Do
Ben & Jerry’s ‘Free Cone Day’ returns to Newport on April 8
On April 8, from 12 pm to 8 pm, Ben & Jerry’s is throwing its annual Free Cone Day celebration, serving up free scoops of ice cream to fans worldwide. During the much-loved tradition, Ben & Jerry’s aims to spread some joy across the globe, one ice cream-filled cone at a time. Last year, fans […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Colleen Beaver
With heavy hearts but great affection, we celebrate the life of Colleen Beaver, who passed away on March 31, 2025, at the age of 58. Colleen was born on January 17, 1967, and spent her life bringing joy, compassion, and vibrant energy to everyone around her. A proud graduate of Portsmouth High School and Katherine […]
Posted inNonprofit
Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County names Adequoyah Mathews its Youth of the Year
The Boys & Girls Club of Newport County has announced Adequoyah Mathews as the 2025 Youth of the Year, the organization’s highest honor recognizing outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to community service. The event was held at the Community College of Rhode Island – Newport Campus, where Adequoyah stood out among a talented group […]
Posted inCity & Government
Jamestown Democratic Town Committee to host conversation with Senator Reed
The Jamestown Democratic Town Committee will host a Community Conversation with Rhode Island’s senior United States Senator, Jack Reed, on Tuesday, April 15. “Senator Reed has been a champion for middle-class families and believes all Americans should have the opportunity to build a better life,” the Jamestown Democratic Town Committee shares in a press release. “He is a […]
Posted inNews, Nonprofit
401Gives raises $4.88 million for Rhode Island nonprofits
Rhode Islanders came out in extraordinary force to support their local nonprofits during this year’s 401Gives, making the 2025 edition the biggest and most successful yet. All told, the statewide day of giving toppled its goal by raising $4.88 million, and exceeded every high mark set previously. The total raised is more than $1 million more […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Flower show returns June 20 – 22, tickets go on sale on April 4
Tickets for the 2025 Newport Flower Show, which will be held June 20-22 at Rosecliff, will be available to the general public starting Friday, April 4. One of America’s premier flower shows, the 29th annual Newport Flower Show will feature vibrant displays of floral design, botanical arts, and horticultural specimens in an elegant historic estate. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Travel through time at The JPT this April
The JPT will take you through the decades with April’s showings of Dr. Strangelove, Good Night, and Good Luck, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, and Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Spanning from first-century Jerusalem to French romance in the ‘60s, each film is rather timely to today’s societal themes. The JPT remains Newport’s go-to destination for unforgettable cinematic events. […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
RENEWport Community Dinner to connect families and build connections
RENEWport will host a community dinner for families of Newport children in 3rd and 4th grades on Thursday, April 10 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at Pell Elementary School. Families are invited to connect with friends and local family-focused organizations while enjoying dinner, crafts, music, and more. Dinner is free and attendees are asked to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport’s Zoning Board applications to move online
The City of Newport is continuing to expand its suite of online services. Beginning next week, applications for upcoming meetings of the Zoning Board of Review will be processed exclusively online through a new application portal that will be introduced on Wednesday, April 9. The change follows a new requirement passed by the Rhode Island General […]
Posted inNews
National Sailing Hall of Fame announces star-studded 2025 Class
The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame is set to welcome 11 new members in its Class of 2025. The 15th Induction Ceremony and Celebration is scheduled for September 25 at the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court in Newport, Rhode Island. A day earlier, The Sailing Museum will host a welcome event […]
Posted inNews
Joe Pratt to retire from Boy & Girls Club of Newport County
Today, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County (BGCNC) announces that Joseph Pratt, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, has decided to retire effective May 15, 2025. Pratt joined the Club in 2014, turning around the organization from having only five full-time staff, declining membership, and a $250,000 deficit to employing twenty-five full-time staff, […]
Posted inNews
Middletown to host Community Easter Egg Hunt
The Town of Middletown’s Outreach Department is hosting the 2nd Annual Middletown Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12, at 10 am. The event will take place at the Wyatt Road Soccer Complex, 520 Wyatt Road, Middletown. The Egg Hunt for walking-preK children will start at 10:15 a.m., with children in grades K-5 immediately following. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Volunteers needed for Newport’s June Secret Garden Tour
Imagine yourself sitting in a very stunning, colorful garden with a variety of trees and flowers, the sun shining down, a cool breeze grazing your face, and the sound of birds happily chirping away. Sounds delightful, right? The Newport Secret Garden Tour is looking for volunteers for the upcoming June Tours, which will take place […]