The following was written and provided by the City of Newport. City Councilors will be holding interviews next week with applicants vying to fill a vacancy left on the School Committee following the resignation of Kathleen M. Silvia. In all, a total of eight candidates have submitted applications to serve out the remainder of Silvia’s […]
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 inNews, Things To Do
Pell Center and League of Women Voters to celebrate centennial of women’s suffrage with public lecture
The Pell Center at Salve Regina University and the League of Women Voters, Newport County announced today that they will host Susan Ware, historian and leading feminist biographer to present “Why They Marched: Celebrating the Centennial of Women’s Suffrage” on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 as part of the Pell Center’s spring lecture series. The lecture will […]
Posted inBusiness
The Hilb Group acquires certain assets of D. F. Dwyer & Associates
The Hilb Group, LLC, a Richmond, Virginia based insurance agency, announced today that it has acquired certain assets of Newport-based D. F. Dwyer & Associates, LLC . “Based in Newport, RI, D. F. Dwyer & Associates provides a full range of property & casualty insurance products and services to businesses and individuals,” a press release from The […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Newport Restaurant Group opening new restaurant in former Outback Steakhouse in East Greenwich
Newport Restaurant Group is growing (again) in Rhode Island. What’s Up Rhode Island has confirmed that Newport Restaurant Group has plans in place for a new restaurant at 1000 Division Road in East Greenwich, which until recently was home to Outback Steakhouse. “It will be a new concept for us, we are currently finalizing the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
R.I. Senate passes Plastic Waste Reduction Act; legislation designed to reduce use of plastic bags
The Senate today passed the Plastic Waste Reduction Act that was introduced by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence). The legislation (2020-S 2003A) is designed to reduce the use of plastic bags by retail establishments by offering recyclable bag options and providing penalties for violations. “We all know how dangerous plastic […]
Posted inBusiness
SEA CORP awarded two multi-million dollar contracts from Navy
Systems Engineering Associates Corporation (SEA CORP) of Middletown announced on Wednesday that they have been awarded two significant contracts. SEA CORP one of 40 companies awarded a $982 million multiple award contract for the advancement of the unmanned surface vehicles family of systems On 7 February 2020, SEA CORP was one of 40 contractors awarded […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rep. Canario and Rep. Edwards deliver legislative grant to Portsmouth Police Department
Rep. Dennis M. Canario (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton) and House Majority Whip John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth) recently delivered a legislative grant to the Portsmouth Police Department that will be used to buy equipment that aids the department’s Accident Reconstruction Team. “The dedicated officers of the Portsmouth Police Department protect and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Representative Abney presents MLK Center with $10,000 legislative grant
On Tuesday, February 26th, Representative Marvin L. Abney (Chairman, House Committee on Finance; Member, House Committee on Conduct; Member, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs) presented the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLK) with a $10,000 legislative grant at a Mobile Food Pantry site visit. Chairman Abney has served the residents of Newport and […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina of Bar ‘Cino earns James Beard Award nomination for Rising Star Chef of the Year
What a year it has been for Bar ‘Cino! Newport Restaurant Group opened the restaurant in Washington Square in June 2019, and has since opened a second location outside of Boston. Today, The James Beard Foundation announced its list of Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists in advance of the 30th annual James Beard Awards and […]
Posted inBusiness, Real Estate
Hotel proposed for Lee’s Wharf
A new hotel could be coming to the lower Thames Street area. Plans for the hotel, being called Manchester House, at 24 Lee’s Wharf and architectural drawings were submitted to the City of Newport’s Planning Departing on Tuesday. David Martland, an attorney for property owner Howard G. Cushing Jr., provided us with the following renderings […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Island moving Company announces 38th Season Opening Performance Series at Rosecliff
Island Moving Company (IMC) announced today its performance dates for both its Family and Repertory Series productions at Rosecliff March 5th–8th. IMC’s repertory show entitled Unequivocal Voices presents two world premiere works, choreographed by Island Moving Company’s Associate Artistic Director Danielle Genest and visiting Guest Artist Shane Farrell. Performances run Thursday, March 5, Friday, March […]
Posted inNews
Common Fence Music will present Traditions Festival, a three-act musical event, on March 7th in Portsmouth
COMMON FENCE MUSIC will be hosting its TRADITIONS FESTIVAL, a three-act musical event, on Saturday, March 7, 2020, 8pm at CFP Arts, 933 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, RI. Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 at the door, and $23 for CFM members. All tickets can be purchased online at www.commonfencemusic.org, and at the door. Doors will […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: Aquidneck Island real estate sales, transactions (Feb. 18th – 24th)
Here’s what sold on Aquidneck Island between February 18th – 24th, 2020. Aquidneck Island real estate sales and transactions on What’s Up Newp are brought to you by OUR Real Estate, a locally owned full service, boutique brokerage and lifestyle company. Read more about this locally owned full service, boutique brokerage and lifestyle company below. Reminder […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 105+ job opportunities in and around Newport
Looking for a new gig, job, or career? Here’s who’s hiring right now in and around Newport! All job opportunities are within five miles of downtown Newport and have been posted or confirmed available within the last seven days. Featured Job Listings 2020 Census – Job Opportunities22 Bowen’s – Busser – 22 Bowen’s Restaurant 7-Eleven […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Custom House Coffee and Ragged Island Brewing Company team up to create ‘Custom House Coffee Stout’
Custom House Coffee and Ragged Island Brewing Company have announced the release of a brand-new beer created in collaboration. The Custom House Coffee Stout will be available in Ragged Island’s Portsmouth Taproom starting on Wednesday, February 26th. The beer, created with Custom House Coffee’s high-quality Milano blend and organic Bali cold brew coffees, has a […]
Posted inSports
Beach Polo collects 1,165 pounds of food, $268 in cash for MLK Center
Newport Polo announced today that its Newport Winter Festival Beach Polo audience contributed 1,165 pounds of food and $268 in cash donations during the 9th annual Beach Polo exhibition that was held during closing weekend of the 32nd Newport Winter Festival. All proceeds will benefit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. The lively two-day event pitted teams from […]
Posted inNews, Sports
Newport Police officers will participate in Boston Bruins First Responders Night
The Boston Bruins will show their appreciation for the men and women who serve as First Responders and their families by hosting First Responders Night this evening during the Boston Bruins vs. Calgary Flames game at TD Garden. Newport Police Officers will be attending, look for them on television or at the game! The Boston […]
Posted inBusiness, Sports
The Ritz-Carlton becomes Official Hotel Partner of International Tennis Hall of Fame
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and the International Tennis Hall of Fame announced today a new collaboration with the hotel brand becoming the Official Hotel Partner of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. According to a press release from the International Tennis Hall Of Fame, “the joint effort brings together two brands with a shared passion […]
Posted inFood & Drink
2020 Newport Burger Bender winners announced
The competition in this year’s Newport Burger Bender was stiff with a record-breaking 40 burgers representing 29 restaurants. But alas, the 10 days of tantalizing temptations have come to an end. The Grill at Forty 1° North walks away with the award for the most votes in this year’s newly introduced non-beef burger category. “The Grill […]
Posted inReal Estate
‘Plaisance’ on Ledge Road sells for $9.4 million
Lila Delman Real Estate announced today the record breaking sale of ‘Plaisance’, 41 Ledge Road, in Newport for $9,400,000. Kim Doherty, Lila Delman Sales Associate, represented the seller while Annie Becker, Lila Delman Associate Broker, represented the buyer. This is the second time Kim Doherty and Lila Delman Real Estate have sold ‘Plaisance’, according to Lila Delman Real Estate. The […]
Posted inNews
Newport Restaurant Group donates $23,000 to local charities as part of Annual Gift Card Fundraiser
Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) announced today it has donated $23,000 to local food banks and non-profits committed to building a sustainable and local food supply for those in need. “We are so proud to support each of these wonderful organizations in their mission to feed those in need in New England,” said Casey Riley, COO, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Local high school students to participate in forum on ‘The Future of Island High Schools’ on Feb. 26th
High school students from Newport, Portsmouth and Middletown will participate in a youth forum, “The Future of Island High Schools – Youth Forum, Students Speak Up and Speak Out”, in the CCRI Newport Auditorum from 5 pm to 6:30 pm on Wednesday, February 26th. The public forum, which is being hosted by Newport This Week, in partnership […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News
Dine & Drink: Restaurant news and notes; what to eat and drink this week
Here’s the latest from the Newport County restaurant scene, enjoy! You might also like – What’s up in Newport County this week: February 24 – March 2 Dine & Drink News & Notes Marco’s Subs will open Marco’s Cafe at 382 Spring Street, formerly home to Rosemary & Thyme, this spring. Rosemary & Thyme permanently […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s up in Newport County this week: February 24 – March 2
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this week. Monday, February 24th Skill for Rhode Island’s Future, Lifespan hosting hiring event on February 24th Preview: Agenda for Newport Zoning Board of Review Meeting (Feb. 24) Things To Do 1 pm – Newport Hospital Hiring Event (Newport, RI) – Healthcare Careers3:45 pm – Teens: […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Island Planning Commission announces John Shea’s departures as Executive Director
The Aquidneck Island Planning Commission (AIPC) announced this morning the departures of John Shea as Executive Director. AIPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-based organization improving the environment, economy & quality of life for all on Aquidneck Island. The announcement from Sarah Churgin, Board Chair of AIPC, was made on social media and in an email […]