With a mere 48 hours remaining in the countdown to Opening Day, Newport Polo received the official go ahead that they and their fans anxiously awaited, to proceed with opening Season 29 of the Newport International Polo Series on Saturday, June 6th on schedule. The Gallo Thomas Invitational replaced USA vs. Switzerland, and featured the home team, Newport against a […]
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 inCity & Government
Watch Live: Governor Raimondo, RIDOH provide COVID-19 update | June 8
Governor Raimondo and the the Department of Health provided an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island during a press briefing at 1 pm today. Updates from press briefing; Gov: On press briefing – will take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1 pm going forward. Gov: On COVID-19 app, new update available for the […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for Gladys Holmes Bozyan Lavine
This obituary originally appeared on O’Neill Hayes Funeral Home. Gladys Holmes Bozyan Lavine died in Middletown, RI, peacefully in her bed at age 86 on June 7, 2020. She is survived by her children, Rachel, Adam, and Rebecca, her daughters in law Roberta and Aiko, and her grandchildren, Shingo, Ayano, Jacob and Ari, as well […]
Posted inNews
VIDEO & PHOTOS: Black Lives Matter Rhode Island hosts Rally for Justice and Equality in Newport
Thousands joined Black Lives Matter Rhode Island for a peaceful protest on Saturday. The 2 1/2 hour rally began at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (MLK Center) and then marched up Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard to Equality Park and then down Broadway, making stops for speeches in front of the Newport Police […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City Council members introduce resolution ‘Condemning Racist Hate Speech’, would also include bias training for City employees and City Council
A resolution aimed at condemning all hate speech and use of racist slurs has been introduced by three Newport City Council members. The resolution, which was added to the upcoming City Council agenda and introduced earlier this week, would also implicit bias training for all employees of the City of Newport and City Council. The […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport releases statement on Black Lives Matter Rhode Island rally that is scheduled for Saturday
The City of Newport released the following statement regarding the Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Demonstration that is planned for Saturday, June 6th. The City of Newport and its community partners are preparing to welcome demonstrators to Aquidneck Island on Saturday, June 6th for a planned peaceful demonstration sparked by the murder of George Floyd. As […]
Posted inNews
Rally for Justice and Equality scheduled to take place in Newport on Saturday
Black Lives Matter Rhode Island announced on Thursday that they will host a Rally for Justice and Equality on Saturday, June 6th in Newport. The event is scheduled to begin at 3 pm and says it will take place at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 20 Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland Blvd. The […]
Posted inNews
DEM asks beach-goers to buy season parking passes online and in advance to ease traffic tie-ups at beach entrances
via Rhode Island Department of Health The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is encouraging Rhode Islanders to buy season beach passes online or in advance to help ease traffic backups into parking lots and reduce the amount of time beachgoers spend at the entry booths. The online purchase option is accessible here. Individuals may purchase resident, non-resident, or senior […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor Raimondo extends executive order mandating the use of face coverings until July 4th
Governor Gina Raimondo on Thursday signed an executive order extending her emergency declaration requiring people to wear a cloth face covering while in public until at least July 4th. The order continues to direct “Any person who is in a place open to the public, whether indoors or outdoors, shall continue to cover their mouth […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Newport businesses board up windows: ‘Better safe than sorry’
In a statement issued today related to the ongoing nationwide protests, the City of Newport said they “are not aware of any credible threats to the City of Newport or Aquidneck Island, our public safety personnel are actively taking precautions to prepare for any potential unrest”. Despite that statement, several business owners have begun boarding […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, Things To Do
The Wayfinder Hotel, Nomi Park open
In case you missed it, Newport added a new hotel and restaurant this past weekend. The Wayfinder Hotel, located at 151 Admiral Kalbfus Road, officially opened this past weekend after several months of renovations and upgrades. More than a hotel, The Wayfinder considers itself “a property conceptualized and inspired by Newport’s vibrant local community”. The Wayfinder […]
Posted inNews
Newport Public Schools announces details, schedule for Summer Meals Program
Info provided by Newport Public Schools The City of Newport is excited to celebrate the arrival of the summer! With summer right around the corner, it’s time to think about keeping our children healthy while school is out. The City of Newport provides free meals to children during the summer. This summer, meals will be […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport will require pedestrians to wear masks on downtown streets beginning Friday
Newport City Council last night passed a resolution (6 -1, Leonard nay) that will begin requiring that pedestrians wear masks between the hours of noon and 10 p.m. (with the exception of young children, or if wearing a mask would be harmful to a person’s health) on the following streets: Broadway between Gould Street and […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Recap & Video: Newport City Council Special Meeting
Newport City Councilors hosted a Special Council Meeting this evening on the City’s proposed FY2021 budget as well as an update from the City Manager on the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. This is a What’s Up broadcast. We’ll provide updates and a recap here throughout and following the meeting. To view and/or participate in the official […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Butler Basketball Club says threats have forced them to postpone their ‘Peace Love Unity’ march
This story was originally published at 2:13 pm on June 2nd. It has been updated. A walk planned for Peace Love Unity in Newport and Middletown on Sunday, June 7th has been cancelled, due to “threats made against Aquidneck Island on social media”. The event, which was published on Monday, invited the public to “join […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County Awards the Fourth Annual Tinney Family Arts Scholarship to Olivia Brennan
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County (ACA) is very excited to announce the recipient of the fourth annual Tinney Family Arts Scholarship: Olivia Brennan, a Portsmouth High School graduating senior. Olivia will receive $2,000 and a Certificate of Achievement. ACA usually presents the award at the annual “Raise Upthe Arts” event, where Olivia […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
VIDEO: NAACP Prayer Vigil for Racial Justice held in Newport
A Prayer Vigil for Racial Justice in honor and memory of George Floyd was held in Liberty Square in Newport on Monday evening. Area clergy, branch members, Mayor Jamie Bova and Congressman David Cicilline participated in the event that drew approximately 150 people to the square. Photo Gallery
Posted inNews
RITBA: Phase One of Newport Pell Bridge Deck Rehabilitation Project completed, Phase Two begins this week
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) is pleased to announce the successful completion of Phase One of the Newport Pell Bridge roadway deck rehabilitation project. Phase One, which began March 23rd, completed nearly three weeks ahead of schedule. This work consisted of a partial depth hydro-demolition and replacement of the concrete roadway deck of 4,500 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Full Text: Governor Raimondo’s Emergency Declaration – Phase II Re-Opening
Rhode Island officially moves into Phase II of Reopening Rhode Island on Monday, June 1st. Among the changes, personal services, restaurants, and youth sports return. Here’s the Governor’s Emergency Declaration for Phase II. Here’s more info on Phase II.
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council will host a special meeting on June 2nd; mask wearing, 2021 budget on the agenda
Newport City Council will host a special meeting remotely at 6:30 pm on June 2nd. Here’s what’s on their agenda; CITY OF NEWPORTDOCKET OF THE COUNCIL MEETINGJUNE 2, 2020 THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS43 BROADWAY, NEWPORT, RI 02840 The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules […]
Posted inOpinion
Guest View – Bud Cicilline: We will be a better country if we stand up for racial justice and do our part
“Man’s inhumanity to man,” and “depraved indifference” are just two ways of describing what we have just seen in Minneapolis and, at a time, when unity and support of each other are so desperately needed. Many of us are shocked and dismayed. Still others aren’t surprised because the underbelly of racism and discrimination has manifested […]
Posted inNews
2020 Clagett Regattas postponed until 2021
After considerable assessment and review, the board of the C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta have determined that due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the 2020 Clagett Regatta in Newport and the Clagett/Oakcliff Match Race Clinegatta will be postponed until 2021. “Extraordinary times require extraordinary actions. Safety, health, and fun have always been Clagett’s […]
Posted inNews
Governor Gina Raimondo, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott issue joint statement on the killing of George Floyd
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott today issued the following joint statement: “What happened to George Floyd — and what has happened to far too many black Americans — is indescribably horrible. This moment serves as yet another wake up call that we have a long way to go in this country. […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
COVID-19 in Rhode Island – May 29: Daily Press Briefing & updates
Governor Raimondo and the Department of Health hosted a press briefing today to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island. Updates from press briefing Governor: Phase II will officially begin on Monday, June 1st. More info and guidance on reopeningri.com. Gov: Says Phase III will hopefully begin around July 1st. Gov: Say to businesses, […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government
Guidance released for Phase II reopening of Rhode Island
Governor Raimondo and the state of Rhode Island has released a wide variety of guidance for Rhode Island businesses and sectors ahead of the start of Phase II of Reopening in Rhode Island. Governor Raimondo has said that Phase II will begin on Monday, June 1st. Phase II Guidelines For Restuarants Phase II general business/organization […]