Good news for fans of The Coffee Grinder – they have found a new home in Newport. After closing at their location at 33 Bannisters’ Wharf at the end of 2021, The Coffee Grinder has found a new home in the Perry Mill in the former space known as Freaky Burrito (337 Thames Street Unit […]
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 inWeather
Weather: Forecast for Sunday, May 8
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today it will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 52 degrees. [Related – Weather: Gale Warning in effect for Narragansett Bay this weekend] 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Today: Mostly cloudy, with a […]
Posted inNews, Weather
Weather: Forecast for Saturday, May 7
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today it will be mostly rainy, with a high near 53 degrees. [Related – Weather: Gale Warning in effect for Narragansett Bay this weekend] 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Saturday: Showers, mainly before […]
Posted inWeather
Weather: Gale Warning in effect for Narragansett Bay this weekend
The National Weather Service has issued a Gale Warning for Narragansett Bay. The Warning is in effect from 7 am on Saturday, May 7 through 8 am on Monday, May 9. Gale Warning URGENT – MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA 339 AM EDT Sat May 7 2022 ANZ236-072045- /O.CON.KBOX.GL.W.0029.220507T1000Z-220509T1200Z/ Narragansett Bay- 339 […]
Posted inNews
Top stories this week on What’sUpNewp
It was a busy week of news in Newport and around Rhode Island. Here’s what folks were reading the most; Top Stories 1 – Aquidneck Community Table finds a new home for Saturday Aquidneck Growers Market 2 – What Sold: 25 Newport County real estate sales, transactions ( April 25 – 29) 3 – Richest […]
Posted inNews
AIDS Run/Walk for Life 5K planned for June 25 in East Providence
Get out your capes and your running shoes! AIDS Project Rhode Island (APRI) this week announced the return of its annual AIDS Run/Walk for Life event. This year marks the first time APRI has held an in-person event since 2019. The dual Run/Walk will take kick-off at Pierce Memorial Field on the morning of Saturday, June 25, 2022. The […]
Posted inBusiness
Cindy’s Country Cafe, CJ’s Pub, Chopmist Charlie’s, and other businesses currently for sale in Rhode Island
The latest listings on BizBuySell, LoopNet, and Kirby Properties show all kinds of businesses currently for sale in Rhode Island. Reasons for selling, when provided, typically do not mention economic hardship, but more often involve the owner retiring or not having time to actively run the business. The names and locations are generally left out, but there […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Restaurant Group will host three hospitality job fairs in May
Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) today announced that it will host three Hospitality Job Fairs this month to hire for positions at The Mooring, 22 Bowen’s, Smoke House, Bar ‘Cino and Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Foodlove Market in Middletown and at the Boat House in Tiverton. On Tuesday, May 10th from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., the public is invited to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Smoke House reopens for the season
Smoke House restaurant welcomes guests back for the season beginning today, May 6th. Smoke House is currently open Sunday – Thursday from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 pm and Friday – Saturday from 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm for dining in and take-out. Led by The Mooring’s Executive Chef Jennifer Bachman and Sous Chef Regan Pardo De Zela, this season’s Smoke House menu will feature signature summer […]
Posted inBusiness
Now Hiring: 101+ job opportunities available right now in the Newport area
Looking for a new gig, job, or career? Here’s who’s hiring right now 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. Are you a business owner and manager who is hiring? Provide your job opportunities to us […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Pet of The Week: Maggie May
Meet your new best friend, Maggie May– this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Maggie May is a 9-year-old female Shepherd/Mix. Maggie May is considered a medium-sized dog, weighing in at between 20 and 59 pounds. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council will host its next Regular Council Meeting on May 11, here’s a look at what’s on their docket
Newport City Council will host its next Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, May 11 at 6:30 pm. Here’s a first look at what’s on their docket, the agenda with supporting attachments will be posted on the City’s website in the coming days. CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 11, 2022 The […]
Posted inNews
Weather Forecast for Friday, May 6
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today we have a chance to see some showers, with a high near 60 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Today: A chance of showers, mainly after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near […]
Posted inThings To Do
Registration opens for 11th Annual Citizens Pell Bridge Run
Registration is now open for the October 16th, 2022 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 […]
Posted inNews
Concert to be held for Newport County on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Day
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLKCC) today announced a free community event to celebrate the Imagination Library on Sunday, May 22, 2022, from 11:00 am to 1:00 p. at the Rodger’s Recreation Center at Salve Regina University. The event features a concert with the Toe Jam Puppet Band, Refreshments will be provided […]
Posted inNews
Girls on the Run Rhode Island will host the Girls on the Run 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Run in Bristol on May 22
Girls on the Run Rhode Island today announced that it will host its 5K event on May 22, 2022, at Colt State Park. Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade that focuses on social-emotional learning, mental well-being, and physical activity. During the program, girls participate […]
Posted inThings To Do
FirstWorks announces lineup for 2022 Summer Beats Concert Series
FirstWorks, a Providence-based nonprofit dedicated to connecting art with audiences, announced their 2022 Summer Beats Concert Series today. The summer line-up features three free concerts. Presented in partnership with Roger Williams Park Conservancy and Providence Parks Department, two outdoor concerts at the Bandstand offer an opportunity for all ages to experience the hip-hop stylings of hometown hero Flawless on […]
Posted inCity & Government
House OKs Rep. Donovan’s bill to protect donors of feminine hygiene products from liability
STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Susan R. Donovan to provide legal protection to those who donate feminine hygiene products. “There are tens of thousands of women in this state who struggle to afford the necessity of feminine hygiene products. They are expensive, they aren’t covered by SNAP, […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: May 6 – 8
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport and around Rhode Island this weekend, Friday, May 6 through Sunday, May 8. Newport County Open Houses: 21 listings to check out this weekend Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (May 6-8) Six Picks Music: The best in local music this weekend […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Mary Ellen Kane
Mary Ellen Kane, 86 passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday morning May 5, 2022. She was surrounded by her family for the past few days as she prepared to pass from this world. She was the loving wife of Jack Kane with who she recently celebrated their 67th anniversary. Mary Ellen was a lifelong […]
Posted inNews
Newport man wins $40,000 playing Rhode Island Lottery’s ‘Rhode Island Super Loteria’
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, a man from Newport won $40,000 playing the “Rhode Island Super Loteria” Instant Game, according to the Rhode Island Lottery. The man, who wasn’t identified, told Rhode Island Lottery that he and his wife will use the money towards a honeymoon, as they got married during the COVID-19 pandemic, and […]
Posted inNews, Sports
SWAT Team Members from East Providence to run BankNewport 10 Miler for charity
The Annual BankNewport 10 Miler, scheduled for June 5th, 2022, expects more than 2,000 runners to take on the streets of Newport. Two of those participants will be officers from the East Providence Police Department, running in full tactical gear and as part of efforts to raise funds for the nonprofit, Cops for Kids with […]
Posted inBusiness
John Clarke Senior Living designated as Blue Cross Blue Shield Safe Zone
John Clarke Senior Living this week announced that they have been certified as a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island LGBTQ Safe Zone. The certification comes after John Clarke staff and management received training from SAGE an advocacy agency for LGBTQ elders. “We are so honored to have been awarded this certification. It is important […]
Posted inNews, Weather
Newport County Weather Forecast for Thursday, May 5
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 65 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. North wind 7 to 9 mph becoming south […]
Posted inNews
RentReliefRI Clinic, Community Resource Fair to be held at CCRI’s Newport Campus on May 14
The Governor’s Department of Community Affairs and Outreach, RI Housing, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) today announced that they will host a RentReliefRI clinic, vaccine/booster clinic, and community resource fair at CCRI’s Newport Campus on Saturday, May 14, 10 am – 2 p.m. The event is […]