On Wednesday, February 12th the Rotary Clubs of Middletown, Jamestown, Newport, and Portsmouth/Tiverton and the Newport Kiwanis, in conjunction with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLK), will hold their eighth annual Texas BBQ buffet to benefit the MLK Community Center’s Hunger Relief Programs and to restock their Feed-A-Friend Food Pantry and new […]
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
Council to take up School Committee vacancy on February 5th
City Councilors will be hosting a special workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 at 6 p.m. in order to discuss the process of filling a vacancy on the School Committee resulting from the resignation of Kathleen M. Silva. According to the City Charter, City Councilors are charged with filling “any vacancy arising from death, resignation […]
Posted inReal Estate
What’s For Sale: 14 Aquidneck Island Open Houses to check out this weekend
Looking for a new house to make a home on Aquidneck Island? Check out these fourteen open houses taking place across the Island this weekend! Aquidneck Island Open Houses are brought to you by William Raveis Newport. Contact William Raveis for all of your real estate, mortgage, and insurance needs! Aquidneck Island Open Houses February […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Foundation is offering college scholarships of up to $20,000 to honor Roger Williams
The following was written by the RI Foundation. Local high school seniors have until Feb. 12 to apply for college scholarships of up to $20,000 through the Carter Roger Williams Initiative at the Rhode Island Foundation. Conceived of and funded by philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter, the program honors the principles of the state’s […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this weekend: Jan. 31 – Feb. 2
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this Super Bowl Weekend! Friday, January 31st Things To Do 10 am – Community Zumba Class at MLK Center1:30 pm – Oscar Shorts Animated 2020 at Jane Pickens Theater3:30 pm – Oscar Shorts Live-Action 2020 at Jane Pickens Theater5 pm – FUNDA FEST: A Celebration of Black Storytelling at Newport Art Museum7 […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Legislation introduced that would require safety barriers on Newport, Jamestown, Mount Hope bridges
Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) has introduced legislation that would require safety barriers or netting on the three bridges that connect Aquidneck and Conanicut islands to the Rhode Island mainland. The bill (2020-H 7366) would direct the Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, to erect the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Agenda: City of Newport Planning Board Meeting (Feb. 3)
The City Of Newport’s Planning Board will host their next meeting on Monday, February 3rd at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at Newport City Hall. The Planning Board is the steward for the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which sets the long-term goal for the City and is a key measure by which large development projects and zoning […]
Posted inNews
Polo Ball goes to bat for David Ortiz Children’s Fund
Newport Polo today named the David Ortiz Children’s Fund as the beneficiary of the Bon Voyage Ball – the 20th annual International Polo Charity Ball – to take place on Friday, August 7, 2020 at Rosecliff, one of the famed Bellevue Avenue mansions in Newport, RI. “We are privileged to partner with David Ortiz Children’s Fund, to help support crucial […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
What’s Up Newp to host Local News Discussion tonight at Firehouse Theater
What issues matter most to you in your neighborhood, in Newport, or on Aquidneck Island? We want to hear from you. Are you receiving the news and information you need about those issues? We want to hear from you. Are there issues or things happening out there that you don’t think are getting the attention […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: 14 Aquidneck Island real estate sales, transactions (Jan. 22 – 28)
Here’s what sold on Aquidneck Island between January 22 – 28, 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. […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Legislative News – Jan. 28: Senate to vote on 3-D, ghost gun ban; RI Works benefits; Educational funding formula
The latest news from the Rhode Island General Assembly; MEDIA ADVISORY: Senate to vote on 3-D, ghost gun ban tomorrow STATE HOUSE — The Senate is scheduled to vote on legislation that would ban 3-D printed guns during its session tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 29. The Senate is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. in its […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
Now Hiring in Newport: 65+ local job opportunities available right now
Looking for a new job in or around Newport? There are more than sixty local companies hiring right now, good luck! To the best of our knowledge, all job opportunities have been available in the last seven days and are located within five miles of downtown Newport. Featured Listing: If you are interested in learning […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport County Youth Chorus to offer a new Middle School Ensemble class in Newport
The Newport County Youth Chorus is welcoming singers to join a new Middle School Ensemble class for students in grades 5 – 8 with unchanged voices that will be offered in Newport this spring. It is free to participate and no audition is necessary — just a love of singing! Sign up at www.newportsings.org/join. The […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Kathleen Silvia resigns from Newport School Committee
This afternoon, Newport School Committee Chairman Raymond Gomes delivered a letter to Newport City Hall for Committee Member Kathleen Silvia, according to a press release from Newport Public Schools. Ms. Silvia tendered her letter of resignation from the Newport School Committee effective immediately. According to the press release, Chairman Gomes stated the following to the Superintendent […]
Posted inSports
Goran Ivanišević and Conchita Martínez to be inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame
Croatian tennis legend Goran Ivanišević and Spanish tennis great Conchita Martínez, each a Wimbledon champion and former world No. 2, among their many career accolades, have been elected to receive tennis’ ultimate honor in 2020 – induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The new inductees will be celebrated tonight in a special ceremony […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Legislative News – Jan. 27: Funding of school trips; banning intentional release of balloons; Plastic Waste Reduction Act
Here’s the latest news and updates out of the General Assembly today, Monday, January 27th. This story will be updated if more items come in. MEDIA ADVISORY: House Health, Education and Welfare Committee to hear bills on the funding of school field trips STATE HOUSE — The House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare is […]
Posted inNews
United Way offering free tax prep at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites in Newport and Bristol
After returning more than $27 million to the pockets of Rhode Islanders last year, United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) has announced that the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is back for 2020 and is again led by UWRI. The effort has a presence in Newport and Bristol, with a program site in each […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this week: Jan. 27 – Feb. 3
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this week. While you’re here be sure to check our our new community calendar, what you’ll see there has been added by the What’s Up Newp Crew or added by a local event organizer, business, or reader. Check back often as the calendar is […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Preview: Agenda for Newport Zoning Board of Review Meeting (Jan. 27)
The City of Newport’s Zoning Board of Review will host their next meeting on Monday, January 27th at 7 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The Zoning Board of Review is responsible for overseeing and administering the City’s zoning code in a fair and equitable fashion, according to the City’s website. Here’s what’s on […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
DeBlois Gallery to host 2020 Annual Aquidneck Island High School Art Show
The Annual Aquidneck Island High School Art Show, hosted by the DeBlois Gallery will have an Opening Reception: Friday, February 7th from 5 to 7 pm. “The late Rosemary Day, devoted art teacher at Middletown High School and a member of the DeBlois Gallery firmly believed that her students should have the opportunity to exhibit […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport Art Museum to welcome new winter exhibitions at opening reception
The Newport Art Museum announce today that they will welcome three new exhibitions to its galleries this winter: “The Newport Annual,” “paperwork: Works on Paper from the Permanent Collection,” and “Somaflora: Recent work by Maggie Nowinski.” An Opening Reception celebrating all three shows will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020 from 5 – 7 […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
CCRI Art Professor leads state-wide effort to showcase work of local animators to new audiences
Community College of Rhode Island Adjunct Art Professor Brian O’Malley has curated a public screening for a group of independent animators next month, allowing them the opportunity to showcase their work to new audiences in a fresh, cinematic landscape. CCRI shared the following information via a press release on Friday; The inaugural screening of O’Malley’s […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this weekend: Jan. 24-26
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in Newport County this weekend. Friday, January 24th Blackstone Caterers hosting Rare Bourbon & Craft Beer Dinner on January 24th Things To Do Newport Wellness Week10 am – Community Zumba Class at MLK Center4:30 pm – Bombshell at Jane Pickens Theater6 pm – Rare Bourbon & Craft Beer Dinner at Blackstone Caterers7 pm […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City Seeks to “Elevate History” Against Climate Change
The City of Newport this week became one of the first communities in the country to adopt standards designed to help protect some of its most historic neighborhoods from the threat posed by rising sea levels, according to a press release issued today by the City of Newport. On Tuesday, Historic District Commission members voted […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival returning to Fort Adams in May, expanding to two days
Food Truck Festivals of America (FTFA) has confirmed with What’s Up Newp that the Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival will return to Fort Adams this May. Due to the popularity of the event last year, the festival will be two days in 2020! The 2nd Annual event will return to Newport on Saturday, […]