A press release from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced that Rhode Island will be running approximately 100 COVID-19 vaccination clinics in settings such as schools, churches, senior centers, and many other community sites over the next month. RIDOH says that the decision is in response to the public request for COVID-19 vaccination […]
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 inReal Estate
‘Beacon Rock’ estate sells for $23 million
Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty announced the sale today of ‘Beacon Rock’ at 147 Harrison Avenue in Newport. This architecturally significant oceanfront estate sold for $23,000,000. Commodore Edwin D. Morgan, cousin of J.P. Morgan, commissioned architect Stanford White from the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White of New York, to design a residence […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Hotel Viking welcomes Patrick Popores as its new Executive Chef
Hotel Viking today announced the appointment of Executive Chef Patrick Popores. Off the heels of a substantial renovation that was completed in 2021, the hotel says in a press release that it is ushering in a new era of creativity and culinary craftsmanship. “It’s such an honor to welcome Chef Popores to our team,” says […]
Posted inNews
Lend-a-Vest for Safety launched on Block Island
The New Shoreham Police Department recently launched its Lend-a-Vest for Safety program, which makes orange vests available to hikers during hunting season at 10 of Block Island’s most popular trails. The program is underwritten by the Mary D Fund and coordinated by the New Shoreham Police Department in collaboration with the Nature Conservancy and the […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Francis J. Clay
Francis J. Clay, age 77, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2021 at Hope Hospice Inpatient Center in North Providence, Rhode Island with his daughter, Lisa, by his side. Francis was born in Newburgh, NY to Francis B. Clay and Mary Louise Roberts. He grew up in Middletown and Portsmouth Rhode […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum announces The Newport Biennial 2022 Featured Artists
The Newport Art Museum today announced its acceptance of 69 artists into The Newport Biennial 2022 exhibition, which will be on view from January 8 – May 29, 2022. For over 30 years, The Newport Biennial (formerly known as the Newport Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition) has been a highly anticipated event by artists, curators, and collectors in Rhode […]
Posted inNews
HGTV unveils Dream Home 2022, a luxurious modern mountain cabin located in Warren, Vermont
Another HGTV Dream Home has landed in New England. The 2022 HGTV Dream Home is located in Warren, Vermont, which sits just minutes from Sugarbush Resort, Mad River Glen, and less than an hour from Stowe Mountain Resort and Stowe, Vermont. The house and giveaway package totals more than $2.4 million and includes the luxurious […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Gallery Night celebrates the holidays with December Newport Gallery Night
Enjoy an artful evening with December Newport Gallery Night on Thursday, December 9th, 2021 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. For the close of the 2021 season, Newport Gallery Night will be hosting December Newport Gallery Night featuring DeBlois Gallery, Beach Studios, and the Jamestown Arts Center. DeBlois Gallery will be hosting their preview party for […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Restaurants serving up dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, believe it or not, will be here before you know it. For some of you, the thought of cooking at home, traveling, or visiting the family is simply, out of the question and you’re looking for a place to dine out. You’re in luck, we have a full round-up of […]
Posted inNews
Looking Upwards’ Executive Director receives Salve Regina University Award
Carrie W. Miranda, executive director of Looking Upwards, was recently honored with Salve Regina University’s Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award 2021. “A mover and shaker in the human service field for over 25 years, Miranda continues to be a strong and determined advocate supporting the voice and self-determination of individuals with disabilities,” a press release received […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up This Week: S’more Holiday Cheer, Elf, “Brinner” Pop-Up, and more
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 any […]
Posted inNews
Champlin Foundation awards $13.2 million in capital funding to 126 nonprofit organizations
The Champlin Foundation announced today $13.2 million in capital funding to 126 nonprofit organizations serving a variety of priorities, including 17 first-time grantees. From building renovations and facility expansions to equipment upgrades and vehicle purchases, grants will help Rhode Island build back stronger. This grant cycle builds on a round of $5.8 million in funding that was distributed in June for a 2021 total of $19 million. Ten organizations in Newport County were awarded […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Navy Choristers’ Holiday Concert returns this Friday, will benefit Agricultural Education Program
The Newport Navy Choristers, under the direction of Lori McDowell, will present their annual holiday concert on the evening of Friday, December 10, 2021, at 7:30 PM at St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth. The concert will benefit the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm, a project of Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District and Portsmouth Middle School. Tickets are […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
RIDOH reports the first human case of Jamestown Canyon Virus and the second human case of West Nile Virus in 2021
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) today announced Rhode Island’s first human case of Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) and the State’s second human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2021. Both are spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. “Although we are no longer in mosquito season in Rhode Island, […]
Posted inNews
2022 Newport Winter Festival canceled due to COVID-19 concerns
For the second year in a row, the Newport Winter Festival has been canceled due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. The annual event, which would have been celebrating its 33rd Anniversary in 2022, was scheduled to take place in February. Newport Winter Festival made the announcement on Facebook on Monday, December 6; “Due to concerns over […]
Posted inNews
SantaCon returns to Newport on Saturday
Dozens of “Santas” are expected to take to the streets of Newport on Saturday, December 4 to take part in the annual event known as SantaCon. SantaCon is a free-to-attend non-commercial, non-political, nonsensical Santa Claus convention that happens once a year for charity. It’s a mass gathering where people dress in Santa Claus costumes or as […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 77 job opportunities available right now in and around Newport
Looking for a new gig, job, or career in or around Newport? Here’s a roundup of some of the companies that are 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 […]
Posted inThings To Do
Santa Claus to visit Middletown neighborhoods beginning December 6
The Middletown Fire Department has announced the Santa Claus Middletown Tour2021 schedule. According to sources within the department, Santa and his elves are expected to start theirannual visits to Middletown on Monday, December 6, and visit every neighborhood throughFriday, Dec. 17. As in year’s past, Santa’s visits will be weather dependent and the schedule can […]
Posted inNews
Inspired by Second Beach Christmas Tree, November Project Newport adds Christmas Tree to Easton’s Beach
Inspired by the second beach tree, November Project Newport wanted to bring a little holiday spirit to Newport, their home turf. November Project Newport is a free fitness movement that gathers every Wednesday at 6:20 am at Easton’s Beach. According to November Project Newport, the tree is dedicated “to anyone who has watched a sunrise/sunset, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Castle Hill Inn is bringing back its Pop-Up Tree and Wreath sale this weekend, proceeds benefit James L. Maher Center
Following on the success of their Pop-Up Tree and Wreath over Thanksgiving Weekend, Castle Hill Inn is bringing back the event this weekend. Photo provided by Castle Hill Inn The event will take place from 10 am-3 pm on Saturday, December 4, and Sunday, December 5. All proceeds from the tree & wreath sale will benefit the Middletown-based James […]
Posted inNews
Cranston man wins $1 million on “Millionaires Club” Instant Game
The second and final $1,000,000 top prize in the “Millionaires Club” Instant Game from Rhode Island Lottery has been claimed by a Cranston man. According to a photo on Rhode Island Lottery’s website, the man’s name is Joseph Burnett. According to Rhode Island Lottery, the man purchased the winning ticket at the Speedway, located at 305 Phenix […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Holiday Exhibition at Tiverton Four Corners’ GALLERY at FOUR benefits Alzheimer’s Association
Tiverton Four Corners’ GALLERY at FOUR is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter for a month-long fundraising campaign during the gallery’s holiday exhibition. SHOW HO HO…art for Alzheimer’s will host a gallery reception to meet the artists and learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association on Saturday, December 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. SHOW HO HO…art for […]
Posted inNews
Stowe Cider releases Aprés Spritz
Stowe Cider this week introduces Aprés Spritz, as a 16-ounce can. It will be sold in 4 packs for $16. “We’re stoked to finally announce an exciting collaboration that’s been months in the making! Introducing Aprés Spritz, an aperitivo spritz-inspired cider made in collaboration with our friends over at J Skis,” Stowe Cider said in […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Narragansett Beer partners with Colorado’s New Belgium Brewing to launch ‘Norse x NorseWest’, a craft Nordic-inspired farmhouse ale
Narragansett Beer today announced its partnership with Colorado’s New Belgium Brewing to launch the craft Nordic-inspired farmhouse ale “Norse x NorseWest”. Influenced by the rich history of brewing during the Viking Age, Narragansett Beer says in a press release that Norse x NorseWest is “a modern take on historical tastes, crafted with American malts and […]
Posted inNews
Santa scheduled to tour Newport’s neighborhoods beginning December 7
With the holiday season upon us, the City of Newport says that it is busy gearing up for a variety of COVID-safe festivities aimed at spreading cheer across the City, highlighted by the return of Santa’s nightly rides. SANTA’S NIGHTLY RIDES Beginning Tuesday, December 7, Santa will be escorted by Newport’s Fire and Police Departments for his […]