On Saturday, the Newport Rhode Races Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K hosted over 3000 participants at the annual running event. Runners began and completed their journey at Easton’s Beach, touring the “city-by-the-sea” on foot and taking in the flower-filled spring sights. Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong joined in the festivities, starting all three races. In the marathon, Matt Homich was […]
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 inSports
Whitlock, Turner help Red Sox make short work of Angels, 2-1
By KEN POWTAK Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Garrett Whitlock threw seven innings of one-run ball, Justin Turner hit a two-run homer and the Boston Red Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 2-1 on Sunday in a game that lasted just under two hours. Making just his second start after opening the season on the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Public invited to screening of award-winning climate change documentary ‘Beyond Zero’ at Salve Regina University
Beyond Zero, the award-winning documentary film that offers an inspirational roadmap for how businesses can reverse climate change, will be screened for the public at Bazarsky Lecture Hall on the campus of Salve Regina University on Wednesday, April 19. Presented by the university’s master’s degree program in leadership and dynamics practice together with sponsorship from the […]
Posted inNews, Real Estate
‘Belle Terre’ in South Kingstown sells for $2 million
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty on Friday announced the sale of 600 Main Street in South Kingstown for $2,000,000. The sellers were represented by Claudia Philbrick, and the buyers were represented by Janet Kermes, both of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. Built in 1908, “Belle Terre” is a historic residence on over ten acres. It was […]
Posted inNews
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (April 15 – 22)
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 April 16 – 22, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Right Lane Closure- 4/17 to 4/19- […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Indigo De Souza joins the 2023 Newport Folk Festival lineup
As part of their ongoing lineup announcement, Newport Folk Festival today announced that Indigo De Souza has joined their lineup. Indigo De Souza, a singer-songwriter from Asheville, North Carolina, will perform on Saturday, July 29. Read Indigo De Souzas’ full bio here. For her Artist Give, Indigo asked Newport Festivals Foundation to make a grant […]
Posted inNews
League of Women Voters of Newport County to host a forum on ‘The Bottle Bill’ on April 24
The League of Women Voters of Newport County is hosting a forum on April 24 to discuss the Bottle Bill (HB 5502, SB753) that has been introduced in the RI Legislature. Jed Thorpe of Clean Water Action and Kevin Budris of Just Zero Waste will lead the discussion. “Under the Bottle Bill, beverage distributors would […]
Posted inSports
Celtics hope for deep playoff run, but first face the Hawks
BOSTON (AP) — Joe Mazzulla has been navigating an opportunity he’s always wanted, but never expected to have this soon. Along the way, the Celtics coach hasn’t strayed too far from what put him in this position in the first place. “As big as this is, I still think it comes down to the most […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Senator Euer confirms she’s not running for Congress, will endorse Sandra Cano in race for CD1
State Senator and Judiciary Chairwoman Dawn Euer (District 13, Newport and Jamestown) announced today that she is not running for congress and will give her unequivocal support and endorsement to Sandra Cano to be the next congressperson representing the first district of Rhode Island. Senator Euer’s name had been considered by some as a viable […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Cat of the Week: Buster
Meet your new best friend, Buster – this week’s adoptable cat of the week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Buster is a 6-year-old male Domestic Shorthair. “Buster is a very handsome, friendly black and white cat who loves his chin scratches,” the Potter League for Animals shares on its […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up this weekend in Newport: April 13 – 16
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do this weekend in and around Newport and Rhode Island. Thursday, April 13 Things To Do Newport Daffodil Days Festival 9 am to 12 pm: April School Vacation Camp: “EcoArt” (April 10-14) at Portsmouth Arts Guild 11 am to 8 pm: Taproot Taco Thursdays at Newport Vineyards 11:30 am: KID’S […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport City Council Recap for April 12
The Newport City Council met on Wednesday night for a Regular Council Meeting. All members of the City Council were present for the meeting. Following the roll call and Pledge of Alliance, the Rogers Middletown Tiverton (RMT) co-op hockey team was honored after recently winning the 2023 RI Interscholastic League Division II Championship. Councilor Holder […]
Posted inSports
State leaders, local organizers promote The Ocean Race’s stopover in Newport
State leaders and local event organizers today promoted The Ocean Race, a prestigious around-the-world sailing competition whose high-tech, 60-foot IMOCA class sailboats will berth in Newport May 13-21 for their only North American stopover. The Department of Environmental Management’s Fort Adams State Park will again provide the homebase for the race stopover, where a temporary race village, called Ocean Live Park, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Preservation Society invites Newport County residents to enjoy free admission to its properties April 22 – 23
Residents of Newport County are invited to enjoy free admission to open Preservation Society of Newport County properties on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, 2023. The Preservation Society of Newport County announced today that residents of Jamestown, Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Little Compton are included in this offer. Free admission is also extended to […]
Posted inNews
Improving Student Outcomes: Governor Dan McKee delivers Education Address in Newport
Governor Dan McKee was welcomed to Newport by Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong at the Boys & Girls Club Newport Gymnasium at 11 this morning. At the event, McKee delivered the following speech outlining his vision to improve education outcomes and meet Massachusetts levels by 2030. Governor Dan McKee Education Address April 12, 2023 As Prepared for […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
Willi Carlisle will perform at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival
Newport Folk Festival kept their rolling lineup announcements going today with the news that Willi Carlisle will perform at Fort Adams State Park on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Willi Carlisle, an award-winning folksinger, writer, and theater artist from Northwest Arkansas, shares the following on his website as part of his bio; Willi Carlisle is a poet […]
Posted inNews
Massachusetts group seeks on-ramp to electric vehicle industry for Black-owned businesses
by Sarah Shemkus, Energy News NetworkApril 12, 2023 A Massachusetts organization is stepping up its efforts to help Black-owned businesses tap into the influx of money expected to pour into the electric vehicle sector in coming years and become full participants in an industry that is likely to see significant growth. “There’s plenty of money. […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 50+ job opportunities available right now in the Newport area
Looking for a new gig, job, or career? Here’s a look at some of the job opportunities available in the Newport area. All jobs were posted or provided to us within the last seven days and are located within five miles of downtown Newport. Have a job opportunity that you’d like to promote via What’sUpNewp? […]
Posted inNews
Representative Abney is running for Congress
Representative Marvin Abney, who has represented District 73 (Newport and Middletown) since 2012, announced on Tuesday that he is running for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District seat. In February, Rhode Island congressman David Cicilline announced that he will step down this summer to lead the Rhode Island Foundation. Abney currently serves as the chair of […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Lucy
Meet your new best friend, Lucy – this week’s Adoptable Dog of the Week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Lucy is a 1-year-old female mixed breed. “This sweet, fluffy girl would love to be your new best friend! Lucy would prefer a home with adults, and enjoys playing with […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
City On Fire: Charter Books to host a book signing with Author Don Winslow on April 22
With City on Fire, Rhode Island native Don Winslow delivered the best-reviewed crime novel of 2022, topping over 20 best-of-the-year lists, receiving rave reviews from the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, and many others. Now, the #1 internationally bestselling author of the Cartel trilogy (The Power of the […]
Posted inNews
City of Newport seeking public’s input on Police Chief search
As part of its search for a new Chief of Police, the City of Newport on Tuesday released an online community survey intended to help better inform the City’s hiring process. Community stakeholders are encouraged to fill out the survey – in English or in Spanish – by visiting www.CityofNewport.com/PoliceChiefSurvey There, residents, business owners, and all […]
Posted inFood & Drink
6th Annual Newport Burger Bender contest breaks records
The 2023 Newport Burger Bender contest broke records and sold thousands of burgers. The Newport Burger Bender contest, which ran February 17 to 26, featured a record-breaking 56 burgers from 42 restaurants. Competing restaurants served more than 6,200 burgers. This year over 1,800 people voted for their favorite burger. Chef Erica Costa and The Mooring […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
Chelsea Handler coming to The Vets on November 19
Grammy-nominated comedian, television host, best-selling author and advocate, Chelsea Handler is celebrating the kickoff week of her 2023 Little Big Bitch Tour by adding 24 more dates to the run. The tour will stop at The VETS in Providence on November 19. Tickets are available Friday, April 14 at TheVetsRI.com. Produced by Live Nation, the newly extended Little Big Bitch Tour will now bring Handler to […]
Posted inNews
Senator DiPalma to deliver the keynote address at CCRI’s 2nd Annual Cybersecurity Night
The Community College of Rhode Island is hosting its second annual Cybersecurity Night on Tuesday, April 18 at its Warwick campus featuring a keynote address from Rhode Island State Senator and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee Louis DiPalma. Senator Lou DiPalma Hosted by the college’s Computer Studies and Information Processing department, Cybersecurity Night is […]