The Newport Lobster Shack on Wednesday announced that their kitchen is officially back open for the season. The kitchen will be open on weekends from 11 am to 5 pm. For the time being and while they get their groove back, they will be serving up a limited menu. The Newport Lobster Shack Market 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 inBusiness, Food & Drink
Franklin Spa reopens for the season
After taking some time off this winter, Franklin Spa will reopen this morning at 6 am for the season. They will be open from 6 am to 1 pm for breakfast only. Just in time for this weekend’s Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, Franklin Spa will be offering some St. Patrick’s Day Specials this weekend. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Dates Set: 51st Annual Newport International Boat Show will take place September 15 – 18
Newport Exhibition Group announced today that its 51st Annual Newport International Boat Show will take place September 15 through 18, 2022 at the Newport Yachting Center. “After celebrating a successful Golden Anniversary in 2021, this Show is sure to be an event not to miss,” said Lisa Knowles, Show Director of Newport Exhibition Group in […]
Posted inNews
Redwood Library & Athenæum will announce 275th Anniversary plans, welcome Governor McKee on Thursday
The Redwood Library & Athenæum will announce plans for its 275th anniversary on Thursday, March 10 at 10 am. Governor Dan McKee will tour the nation’s oldest library in America and deliver brief remarks. The Redwood Library & Athenæum is America’s first purpose-built library (1747), and the oldest continuously operating in its original location. […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Pet of the Week: Kaya
Meet your new best friend, Kaya– this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Kaya is a 3-year-old female Mixed Breed. Kaya is considered a medium-sized dog, weighing in at between 20-59 pounds. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say about Kaya; Kaya […]
Posted inNews
RIPTA to detour three bus routes in Newport on Saturday due to Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) today announced that it will detour Routes 60, 63, and 67 in Newport on Saturday, March 12, 2022, to accommodate the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The following route changes will be in effect on Saturday, March 12, 2022: Route 60 (Newport/Providence): Inbound trips to the Newport Transportation Center between 8:30 am and Noon will travel the regular […]
Posted inNews
Reminder: ‘Spring Forward’ this weekend; check smoke detectors, too
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 am on Sunday, March 13, 2022. Unfortunately, it means that you’ll lose an hour of sleep this weekend. But, the good news is that the sunset will be much later into the evening. In Newport, the sun will rise at 6:01 am on Saturday and will set at 5:48 […]
Posted inSports
Bryant University men’s basketball team headed to March Madness
Bryant University men’s basketball team won its first-ever Northeast Conference (NEC) Championship with a 70-43 victory over second-seeded Wager in front of a sold-out crowd at Chace Athletic Field in Smithfield on Tuesday night. This is a historic moment for Bryant, it is the first time that the Bulldogs have ever won the NEC’s automatic […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘The Gilded Age’ returns to Newport for filming in May, extras needed
HBO’s The Gilded Age is preparing to begin filming for Season 2. According to a casting call from Grant Wilfley Casting Inc., filming will take place in Newport sometime between May 9 – 13. The show is looking for skilled tennis players to play in an 1880s match and Newport locals to be extras. Scenes for season one […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Playhouse will reopen in July, following long closure due to flooding
The Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant today announced that they will reopen to the public on July 10. The popular spot in Newport was forced to close in August 2021 due to flooding caused by Hurricane Ida. Since November 17, Newport Playhouse has been hosting shows and events at the Wyndham Hotel and Johnny’s Restaurant. “The Newport […]
Posted inNews
Portsmouth Police arrest Warren man for distributing Fentanyl/Methamphetamine
Portsmouth Police Department today announced that it has arrested a Warren man on five counts of manufacturing/possession and delivery of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine According to Portsmouth Police, on March 7, 2022, Bryan Machado 37 years of age, of 5 Hanley Lane, Warren RI was arrested on five counts of manufacturing/possession and delivery of Fentanyl and […]
Posted inNews, Weather
Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be held, rain, wind, snow, or shine on Saturday
Planning on attending the Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday? Well, you might want to plan on preparing for possibly some rain and wind. While rain is in the forecast for this Saturday, the 66th Annual Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be held, rain, snow, wind, or shine! The Parade will begin promptly […]
Posted inCity & Government
Patricia DiCenso, former Rogers High School Principal, appointed to chair the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Dan McKee today announced the appointment of Patricia M. DiCenso, a former Principal at Rogers High School, as Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education. Patricia M. DiCenso. Photo via LinkedIn “Patricia has demonstrated successful leadership in various roles in education throughout her career. Her extensive experience speaks for itself as does […]
Posted inReal Estate
Home on Ashurst Avenue in Middletown sells for $5 million
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that 43 Ashurst Avenue has sold for $5,000,000. Kylie McCollough, Sales Associate of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty, represented the seller, and Janet Kermes, Sales Associate of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty, represented the buyer. According to data available from Rhode Island Multiple Listing Service, the […]
Posted inSports
New York Yacht Club American Magic confirms initial core sailing team roster
Today, New York Yacht Club American Magic, the U.S. sailing team challenging for the 37th America’s Cup, confirmed the initial core sailing team roster: Tom Burnham, Lucas Calabrese, Andrew Campbell, Riley Gibbs, Paul Goodison, Michael Menninger, and Dan Morris. “We are excited to announce this group of talented sailors,” remarked Terry Hutchinson, Skipper, and President of […]
Posted inNews
Breeze Airways announces five new routes from T.F. Green, including nonstop service to LAX
Governor Dan McKee, joined by Rhode Island elected officials, the Rhode Island Airport Corporation and Breeze Airways, the new low-fare airline from JetBlue founder David Neeleman, today announced the addition of five new routes from Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) this summer, including non-stop service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This is the airport’s first […]
Posted inNews
Brick Alley Pub to host 10th Annual Post-Parade Day Clean-Up, volunteers wanted
The Annual Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is arguably one of the busiest days of the year in Newport, and there’s no secret that our city needs a pick-me-up when the crowds go home. Luckily for Newport, there are some pretty amazing volunteers that come together each year to assist with the clean-up efforts. Those clean-up […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Ruggiero bill would push Renewable Energy Standard to 100 percent by 2030
Rep. Deborah Ruggiero is sponsoring legislation that would substantially increase renewable energy production and supply by requiring that 100 percent of Rhode Island’s electricity by offset by renewable production by 2030. The bill has a hearing Thursday before the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee. “The need to address climate change is urgent, and as the Ocean State, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Carson will present the results of her 2022 Survey at a constituent meeting on March 21
Representative Lauren Carson, who represents Newport’s 75th District in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, will present the results of her 2022 Constituent Survey at an in-person constituent meeting on Monday, March 21 at 6:00 PM at the Newport Public Library. According to a press release from Representative Carson, the survey covered a wide range of topics including infrastructure investments, […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up in Newport County this week: March 7 – 13
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. This story may be updated as we learn about additional events or listings. Have an event you’d like to see added to this list or a future list? Add it to our event calendar. Note: An event or performance may change at […]
Posted inNews
Newport Police share traffic flow, parking restrictions ahead of Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Traffic flow and parking in Newport will be affected by the 2022 Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 12, 2022. The parade kicks off at 11 am. Newport Police Department today shared the following traffic flow and restrictions; Traffic will be congested in the downtown area from about 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Carson introduces legislation that would turn the Office of Health Aging into a ‘far more robust and comprehensive agency’
Rep. Lauren H. Carson has introduced legislation to transform the state’s Office of Healthy Aging into a far more robust and comprehensive agency to better serve the needs of Rhode Island’s seniors. According to a press release from the Rhode Island General Assembly, the legislation (2022-H 7616) would expand the office to a full-fledged state […]
Posted inNews
Sen. DiPalma and Rep. McNamara introduce bill to study RI Board of Education
Sen. Louis P. DiPalma and Rep. Joseph M. McNamara have introduced legislation (2022-S 2442 / 2022-H 7784) that would create a joint study commission to examine the governance structure of Rhode Island’s public education system. The purpose of the commission would be to study, review, and make recommendations on how to most efficiently and effectively administer the […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOT provides an update on Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation on Friday provided a project update on Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2. “Bridge deck demolition and rehabilitation work continues along Route 138 behind barrier at the three bridge overpasses which may require temporary lane shifts along Third Street and JT Connell Highway, and excavation, drainage and conduit work along […]
Posted inNews
Top stories this week on What’sUpNewp
Catch up on all of the most popular stories that appeared on What’sUpNewp this week, February 27 – March 5. 1 – 20-foot section of the Cliff Walk suffered a ‘catastrophic failure’ 2 – Winners of 2022 Newport Burger Bender announced 3 – What Sold: 10 Newport County real estate sales, transactions (Feb. 21 – […]