STATE HOUSE – Rep. Lauren H. Carson is urging her constituents to actively participate in the project to redesign the Claiborne Pell Bridge access ramps, now in the planning stages. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is currently accepting public comments the project’s draft environmental assessment, conducted in in conjunction with the Federal Highway […]
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 inStyle & Shop
Chamber of Commerce to kick of Holidays By The Sea on Monday
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is kicking off its 2019 Holidays by the Sea initiative at 10 am on Monday, November 25th at Liberty Donuts. “The goal is simple; encourage people to shop, stay, dine and explore locally this holiday season. All merchants, Chamber members and non-members alike, are encouraged to participate,” the Chamber states in […]
Posted inNews, Real Estate
On The Market: Three Open Houses to check out this weekend
On the market for a new home? Well this upcoming weekend is looking like a good time to explore homes that have recently hit the market. In case you missed it, long time What’s Up Newp contributor and local real estate professional Tyler Bernadyn has started a new real estate column on What’s Up Newp. If […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport County Road Report: RITBA and RIDOT scheduled lane closures, construction (Nov. 23 – 30)
Here’s what’s on tap for road construction and traffic in Newport County this upcoming week. Rhode Island Department of Transportation The following road and lane closure notices are effective for the week of November 23-29, 2019. All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. No Lane Closures at this Time. Visit RIDOT’s Travel Advisories website for a full […]
Posted inArts & Culture, History, Things To Do
‘The Newport Bridge: A Rhode Island Icon’ will premiere on Rhode Island PBS on December 4th
The Newport Pell Bridge’s 50th Anniversary celebration isn’t over just yet. On December 4 at 7 pm, join Rhode Island PBS will pay tribute to the iconic bridge with the premiere of THE NEWPORT BRIDGE: A RHODE ISLAND ICON. “This Rhode Island PBS original proudly chronicles the celebration of this historic event and puts it […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Style & Shop
VIDEO: ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ features highlights from inaugural Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week
Jay Leno’s popular car show released video this week of some of the best moments from the inaugural Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week. Jay Leno’s Garage shared the following description of the video on their YouTube Page; “The Inaugural Audrain Concours and Motor Week in Newport, RI, hosted by Jay Leno & Donald Osborne, […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: 30+ things to do, live music and entertainment listings
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Jamestown, Middletown, and Portsmouth this weekend, enjoy! ICYMI – Residents of all Newport County communities (Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth and Tiverton) as well as Naval Station Newport personnel are invited to enjoy free admission to the Newport Mansions this weekend, Nov. […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Gurney’s adds multi-sensory, themed igloos to property for the winter season
On November 22, Gurney’s Newport is launching multi-sensory and themed igloos for the winter season. The themes include Winter Wonderland, Tropical Oasis, and Fortune Teller. Each theme showcases a multi-sensory experience reflected through the cocktails (Gurney’s is offering an expanded winter cocktail list), design, activities, music, and more. More Details Dates Available: November 22, 2019 – February 29, 2020Availability: Reservations available Thursday – Sunday.Pricing: Igloos – […]
Posted inThings To Do
Opening of Gurney’s Skating Rink postponed to Tuesday, November 26th
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, usually recognized as a summer locale, will once again transform into a winter wonderland for the holidays and beyond when the Gurney’s Skating Rink returns for its second year in a row. This year, the property is inviting guests, visitors and locals alike to revel in the holiday spirit at […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport Public Education Foundation awards more than $25,000 in grants to Newport school teachers, local organizations
The Newport Public Education Foundation, Inc. (NPEF) has awarded over $25,000 in teacher and community enrichment grants to Newport Public School teachers and local organizations. Grant amounts ranged from $250 – $2,500.00 and spanned all grade levels and curriculum areas. Thirty (30) awards were made, 6 to the elementary school, 12 to the middle school and 11 to […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
RIDOT releases Draft Environmental Assessment for public review for the reconstruction of the Pell Bridge approaches
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has provided What’s Up Newp with the following notice. You’ll see it on our website for the next thirty days. In the notice, RIDOT, in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration, announces the release of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review for the Reconstruction of the Pell […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority successfully prices bonds
Source: RITBA The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) announced today the Authority priced two bond issues. One, backed by the Motor Fuel Tax Allocation provided to the Authority will fund $50,000,000 of projects previously approved by the RITBA Board as part of the comprehensive 10 year Renewal and Replacement Plan which Plan includes the […]
Posted inNews
Tickets for 2020 Newport Folk Festival tickets go on sale on December 4th
Newport Folk Festival took to social media today to announce that 2020 Newport Folk Festival tickets would go on sale at 10 am on Wednesday, December 4th. ” MARK YOUR CALENDARS! All 2020 Newport Folk Festival tickets go on sale Wednesday December 4 at 10AM EST. Tickets may sell out quickly, so be ready to […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport County Days: Free admission to Newport Mansions for Newport County residents this weekend
Residents of all Newport County communities (Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth and Tiverton) as well as Naval Station Newport personnel are invited to enjoy free admission to the Newport Mansions this weekend, Nov. 23-24. The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House will be open for tours and decorated for Christmas at the Newport Mansions, […]
Posted inThings To Do
49th Annual Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting set for December 7th
It’s really beginning to look a lot like Christmas down on Bowen’s Wharf. Bowen’s Wharf is just a few short weeks away from hosting their 49th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and festivities. The free and family-friendly fun begins at noon on Saturday, December 7th, and new this year Bowen’s Wharf has added a Christmas Village! […]
Posted inNews
Propososed layout for new Rogers High School unveiled
As plans progress to envision what a new Rogers High School could look like, the City of Newport and City and School officials are inviting all to join in a final Community Design Charrette hosted by the School Building Committee, this Thursday, November 21st. According to the City, “Several City Council members are expected to […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Court House Street reopens to traffic
After several months of being closed during a traffic study, traffic is flowing again down Courthouse Street. “A special thanks to our Public Services team for re-opening the street and restoring the traffic pattern around Lower Broadway in such a timely manner,” the City of Newport wrote on Facebook today. In addition to re-opening Court […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Fifth generation Newporter achieves Eagle Scout
At a recent Scout Troop 3 Newport Court of Honor, 16-year-old Michael Albert “Mac” Cullen was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. Son of Beth and Mike Cullen, Mac’s connection with Newport runs deep: his grandfather, the late Albert “Mac” McManus, was a 1939 Rogers High School graduate and his great aunt, the late Jane […]
Posted inThings To Do
Limited number of Flex Tickets for 2020 Newport Jazz Festival now on sale
A limited quantity of Flex tickets for the 2020 Newport Jazz Festival (August 7-9) are now on sale. With a Flex ticket, there is no need to decide now. Nab a ticket at this great price now and choose which day to attend once the line-up has been announced. Flex tickets cost $69 and are […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring in Newport: 60+ job opportunities
Looking for a new gig, job, or career in or around Newport? Here’s who’s hiring right now. All jobs located within five miles of downtown Newport and have been posted in the last seven days. 22 Bowen’s – Busser – 22 Bowen’s Restaurant 7-Eleven – Sales AssociateAdvanced Remarketing Services – Customer Support Technicians (Night help […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News, Things To Do
Episode of ‘The Great Food Truck Race’ that was filmed at Newport Vineyards to air on December 18th
Look for Newport, Middletown, and some of your favorite Aquidneck Island establishments on The Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race on Wednesday, December 18th! The Great Food Truck Race, hosted by Tyler Florence, welcomes teams of brand new food truck operators as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Season 11 of Great […]
Posted inNews
Home on Kay Street and adjacent lot sell for $2.395 million
Lila Delman Real Estate today announced the sales of 27 Kay Street & 0 Kay Street in Newport for a combined $2,395,000. Lila Delman Sales Associates Alex Thursby and George Tollefson represented the seller, according to Lila Delman Real Estate “Where some see challenges with historically significant homes, we see wonderful opportunities to uniquely market and […]
Posted inNews
RITBA: First sequence of the deck repair project on Pell Bridge is expected to be complete this week
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) announced this morning that the first sequence of the deck repair project on the Newport Pell Bridge is expected to be complete this week. This comes nearly three weeks ahead of its scheduled completion of mid-December. This work, which began in early August, consisted of a partial depth […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Week: 50+ things to do, live music and entertainment listings
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Jamestown, Middletown, and Portsmouth this week and weekend, enjoy! Tuesday, November 19th Resolution to reopen Court House Street passed by City Council, street will reopen on November 19th Things To Do 8:30 am – Ask the Expert at Innovate Newport11 am – Beer + Burger Tuesdays […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News
Waites Wharf Demolition permit Application to be heard by Planning Board on Monday night (Updated)
The City of Newport’s Planning Board will host a special meeting on Monday at 7 pm in the City Council Chambers at Newport City Hall to discuss the demolition permit application for Waites Wharf. Update – Nov. 18: This application was continued by the Planning Board on Monday night to January. More details to come. This is […]