Newport residents will be getting two hours of free daily parking at all metered spaces when the City’s new parking rates go into effect on July 1st. In addition to allowing for two free hours at metered spots every day, the City of Newport shares today in a press release that the new parking program […]
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 inBusiness, Food & Drink
Luke’s Lobster to open on Bowen’s Wharf
Luke’s Lobster today announced the opening of their new location on Bowen’s Wharf in Newport. The walk-up window location at 36 Bowen’s Wharf, custom crafted by the Luke’s Lobster team, will join the iconic waterfront destination just in time for summer on May 25th. Locals and visitors alike will have the chance to enjoy a […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment
Newport Polo opening weekend to premiere ‘Polo Passport’ at The JPT
Newport Polo is excited to announce a sneak peek premiere of Polo Passport at Jane Pickens Theater on Friday, June 2 at 6 PM to benefit Ukraine, as part of Opening Weekend festivities, followed by a cocktail reception next door at official team headquarters, The Vanderbilt from 7-9pm to meet & greet the filmmakers and Ukraine Polo delegation. The Premiere and Meet & Greet reception […]
Posted inNews
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (May 6 – 13)
The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Rhode Island Bridge & Turnpike Authority May 7 – 13, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeEastbound Right Lane Closure- 5/8 to 5/12- […]
Posted inNews
Senator Reed visits Norman Bird Sanctuary, plants a Cherry Tree
US Senator Jack Reed visited the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown today to praise the organization’s efforts to engage local communities in nature preservation and celebrate the recent grant award from the US Department of Agriculture’s People’s Garden Initiative. The initiative aims to promote the growth of healthy food and support resilient, local food systems […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Island Senate passes Senator Euer’s environmental justice bill
The Rhode Island Senate on Thursday passed a bill sponsored by Senator Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) to create environmental justice zones throughout the state. Such zones would have an additional layer of protection from new, polluting developments. “Far too often, polluting industries choose to set up shop in neighborhoods that are already home […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Odie
Meet your new best friend, Odie – this week’s Adoptable Dog of the Week! Odie, who is available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, is a 3-year-old male mixed breed. The Potter League considers Odie a medium-sized dog, weighing in between 20 – 59 pounds. “Meet Odie, a lovable and energetic […]
Posted inNews
RIDOT provides weekly updates on Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 project
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today provided the following project update on Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2, Newport. The road to nowhere is gone. Starting last Friday night, we were able to demolish, remove and clear the old Route 138 structure in just under 24 hours, reopening the road to traffic more than […]
Posted inReal Estate
Home on Chartier Circle in Newport sells for $5.5 million
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the sale of 4 Chartier Circle in Newport for $5,500,000. The buyers were represented by Nicole Carstensen of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. Justin Mandese of Real Broker, LLC represented the seller. Neither the buyer or seller were identified by Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. 4 Chartier Circle, Newport. Credit: Mott & Chace Sotheby’s […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: May 5 – 7
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this weekend, Friday, May 5 through Sunday, May 7, 2023. Six Picks Friday, May 5 Things To Do 11:30 am to 11:30 pm: Cinco de Mayo Party at Diego’s Newport 12 pm: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by the Beach at Diego’s […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Island National Police Parade returns on May 7
The Aquidneck Island National Police Parade will celebrate its 38th Police Parade in Middletown and Newport on Sunday, May 7. The Parade, which will be held rain or shine, will begin at 11:50 am in front of the Hampton Inn, 317 West Main Road. The parade will proceed southbound on West Main Rd into Newport and […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Restaurant Group elevates CFO Mick Lamond to Executive Vice President
Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) this week announced that its longtime Chief Financial Officer, Mick Lamond, has been promoted to executive vice president. In his new position, Lamond will oversee the day-to-day operations of NRG, including more than a dozen restaurant, hotel, and special event venues and real estate holdings, working alongside CEO Paul O’Reilly to […]
Posted inNews
MVYRADIO awards 7th round of ‘Business Diversity Initiative’ grants
MVYRADIO announced this week that it has awarded its latest round of quarterly ‘Business Diversity Initiative’ grants to local businesses.This round, Conrado, Magic Mirror Cape Cod and Oasis Massage were selected to receive a grant of sixty underwriting messages each on MVYRADIO to be used to inform the public about their business. The flight of […]
Posted inSports
Red Sox extend winning streak to 5 with 8-3 win over Jays
By MAUREEN MULLEN Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Enmanuel Valdez, Triston Casas and Masataka Yoshida each drove in two runs and the Boston Red Sox extended their winning streak to five games with an 8-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night. “We’ve been doing that since Day One,” manager Alex Cora said. […]
Posted inNews
Rosemary Costigan named Interim President at Community College of Rhode Island
Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education today shared an update on the executive search for a new president of Community College of Rhode Island College (CCRI) and voted unanimously to name Rosemary Costigan, Ph.D., RN., as the interim president during its monthly meeting. CCRI President Meghan Hughes, Ph.D. announced in March that she will step down […]
Posted inBusiness
Greater Newport Chamber to host Excellence in Business Awards on May 17
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce will host the 2023 Excellence in Business Awards, sponsored by Carey, Richmond & Viking Insurance on Wednesday, May 17th at The Newport Harbor Hotel. The Excellence in Business Awards are given annually to honor outstanding business achievement in Greater Newport and are designed to celebrate the successes of local businesses […]
Posted inThings To Do
Jamestown Newport Ferry kicks off its hop-on hop-off season on May 17
Beginning Wednesday, May 17, 2023– Jamestown Newport Ferry kicks off itsHop-On Hop-Off season early to transport folks from Jamestown to Newport for two spectacular events—the first event is at Jamestown Newport Ferry’s Stop #3, Fort Adams, for The Ocean Races’ Ocean Live Park with In-Port Race action, and the second event is at Stop #5, […]
Posted inNews
Newport School Superintendent provides weekly update
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain shared the following community update with parents, families, and staff on Wednesday, May 3.
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport’s Spring Recycling Day collects 13.25 tons of material
More than 422 Newport residents took advantage of the City’s Spring Recycling Day on Saturday, April 22nd, according to the City of Newport. The event, which was held in concert with the 54th anniversary of Earth Day, provided residents with the chance to recycle hard to dispose of items, including E-Waste, textiles, rigid plastic, metal, cardboard and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment
‘Good Burger 2’ is being filmed in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Film & TV Office today officially announced that production has begun on Good Burger 2 in Rhode Island, an all-new original movie sequel to the iconic ‘90s feature film based on the sketch from the comedy series All That. The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved classic comedy Good Burger will follow Dexter Reed (Kenan Thompson) and […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
Beach Road Weekend 2023 adds Patti Smith, Dispatch, Caamp & more
Beach Road Weekend continues to add to its stellar lineup with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Patti Smith, indie rockers Dispatch, Caamp, Sammy Rae and the Friends, Dinosaur Jr., Maggie Rose, Crooked Coast, Cory Wong, Twiddle and Neighbor. These acts join a lineup that includes Mumford & Sons, Bon Iver, Leon Bridges, Japanese Breakfast, […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Style & Shop
Saturday farmers market opens in Middletown on May 6 with new vendors and activities
An exciting lineup of new and returning vendors will join Aquidneck Community Table’s Saturday market when it moves outdoors to Middletown on Saturday, May 6. Open from nine to noon every Saturday morning through October, the attractive Embrace Home Loans campus at 25 Enterprise Drive in Middletown – conveniently located between Middletown Town Hall and […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island shows strong employment in Q1, but economic expansion has slowed
Rhode Island’s economy improved across most key economic measures in Q1 2023, but the rate of economic expansion has slowed, according to the Rhode Island Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Briefing for the first quarter of 2023, released today. The Briefing, completed by The Center for Global and Regional Economic Studies at Bryant University and the […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Spirit of Gallo acquires Fishers Island Lemonade
Spirit of Gallo has announced that it will acquire Fishers Island Lemonade, a female-founded beverage brand. A trailblazer in the ready-to-drink (RTD) category, Fishers Island Lemonade was one of the first premium craft cocktails to be packaged in a can. Fishers Island Lemonade (9% ABV) is positioned as a leader in the premium RTD category […]
Posted inBusiness, Things To Do
Registration opens for the 12th Annual Citizens Pell Bridge Run
Registration is now open for the October 15th, 2023, Citizens Pell Bridge Run! The annual event is a 4-mile run, or walk, across the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge and raises funds for local nonprofits. The course runs from Jamestown to Newport and is unique in that it is the only day of the year that […]