Autumn is here and between apple picking and spending time with loved ones, Newport Gallery Organization invites you to make some time to experience Newport’s vibrant art scene during their November Newport Gallery Night. “Our 26 member galleries, museums, and cultural institutions will be open for self-guided tours, and showcasing the new works of some […]
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, News
Newport Police to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday
Newport Police is partnering with DEA in The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, according to the City of Newport. Scheduled for Saturday, October 26th beginning at 10 am, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rogers High School to host Veteran Day Assembly on November 1st
Newport Public Schools has announced that Rogers High School will honor area Veterans with an assembly on Friday, November 1, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. The assembly, which is open to the public, will feature speakers and music by the Navy Band Northeast’s Ceremonial Band. This Veteran’s Day Assembly will be held in the Patrick F. […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
Now Hiring in Newport: 75 local job opportunities
Looking for a new job or career in or around Newport? There are more than seventy local businesses currently hiring, good luck! 22 Bowen’s – Food Runners & Bussers – 22 Bowen’s Restaurant Advanced Remarketing Services – Customer Service Representative-3pm-8pmAmerican Heart Association – Statistical Analyst AR Global – Assistant Portfolio Controller Assemblers Incorporated – Sub-Contractor […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County announces Artist Award Recipients
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County (ACA) is excited to announce the recipients of the 2019 Artist Awards. ACA provided two opportunities for artists and community organizations to apply for funding. In September 2019, the recipients of the Artist Awards were ali kenner brodsky & co. and Out of the Box Studio & […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Week: 40+ 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! Cruise Ship Schedule Friday (Oct. 25) – Start Pride (Capacity: 208 passengers)Saturday (Oct. 26) – Navigator (Capacity: 490 passengers)Sunday (Oct. 27) – Star Pride (Capacity: 208 passengers) You might also like; Trinity Church’s annual […]
Posted inNews
Fall For Lucy’s Hearth raises nearly $85,000
On Wednesday, October 16th, Lucy’s Hearth, Newport County’s only shelter for homeless families, hosted its 8th Annual “Fall for Lucy’s Hearth” event in the USTA Wing at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The event raised nearly $85,000 which will directly support homeless children and their families to gain permanent housing. Co-chaired by Deborah Linnell, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Le Brio: Alliance Française de Newport will present French film at Jane Pickens Theater on November 12th
The Alliance Française de Newport will sponsor the only area showing of “Le Brio” (eloquence, panache, brilliance), a French language film with English subtitles, on November 12th at 7:30 pm at the Jane Pickens Theater in Newport. While the movie will be open to the public, high school and college language students will be admitted […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
MoMents of Nice Dance performance coming to the Jamestown Arts Center
The Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) announces dance performance with Ali Kenner Brodsky & Co Thursday, October 24th at 7:00pm. This works-in-progress presentation of MoMents of Nice will include several vignettes from AKB & Co.’s latest evening-length work which will premiere April 30 – May 1 at JAC. This piece has been in creation for the […]
Posted inNews
DEM announces findings in boating collision resulting in the death of Tiverton sailor near Newport Pell Bridge in August
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has completed its investigation into the collision between a powerboat and a two-person catamaran sailboat near the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge that resulted in the death of Sandra G. Tartaglino, 60, of Tiverton, on August 11. DEM has found that Frank Teixeira, 75, of Portsmouth, was not speeding or […]
Posted inCity & Government, Opinion
Letter To The Editor: Middletown’s Proposed Property Tax Changes
During the Middletown Town Council meeting of 19 August 2019, a proposed property tax change championed by Councilman Dennis Turano was presented by John Simmons, of the RI Public Expenditure Council. Mr. Simmons’ organization conducted an economic analysis that included three modeled scenarios. The outcome of the first two scenarios resulted in a net loss […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
VIDEO: City Council, School Committee workshop on school construction process
City Councilors met with their counterparts on the School Committee on Wednesday night for a special joint workshop to discuss the next steps in the school construction process. The meeting was open to the public and lasted approximately two hours and thirty three minutes. If you missed the meeting, you can watch it now in […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: 40+ things to do in Newport including Fortress of Nightmares, Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, and Pell Bridge Run
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week and weekend, enjoy! You Might Also Like Spooky things to do in and around Newport this OctoberNewport Tour Guides & Greeters News #94: Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, Cars & Coffee, Pell Bridge Run, and more Featured Events Friday, October […]
Posted inCity & Government
Town on Portsmouth launches Parks and Recreation Community Needs Assessment Survey
The Town of Portsmouth’s Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging residential and business leader participation in an online survey with a focus on the quality of life in Portsmouth, needs for parks & recreation services, programs and facilities as well as views on a new Portsmouth Community Center to house community services and programs ranging […]
Posted inNews
National Grid working to restore power to thousands after powerful Nor’Easter
As a quick-hitting, powerful nor’easter roared through the region overnight and lingers into today, National Grid has nearly 1,300 field personnel in Massachusetts and Rhode Island responding to power outages caused by downed limbs, trees, and poles. The widespread storm brought heavy rain and higher than forecasted winds, with some peak gusts reaching 80 mph, […]
Posted inCity & Government, Environment & Health, Things To Do
RITBA: Motorists should expect delays due to brief road closures during Pell Bridge Race on Sunday
On Sunday, October 20, 2019, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Foundation will host the Citizen’s Bank Pell Bridge Run over the Newport Pell Bridge. Open to runners and walkers, the 4-mile course crosses the Newport Pell Bridge eastbound, from Jamestown to Newport. The event day is the only day of the year that pedestrians are permitted on the […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Newport Restaurant Week returns November 1 – 10
More than 50 restaurants throughout Newport and Bristol Counties will be highlighting rich autumnal flavors during Newport Restaurant Week this November 1st through 10th, Discover Newport, the official destination management organization for Newport and Bristol counties, announced today. “Celebrate the cuisine of The Classic Coast’s fall harvest with farm-to-table and dock-to-plate dishes ranging from familiar comfort […]
Posted inNews
Daffodillion announces end of program; two final chances to grab free daffodil bulbs
Having now reached its goal of beautifying Newport with one million daffodils, Daffodillion has announced this will be the last year it will distribute free daffodil bulbs to Aquidneck Islanders. “With the 1,094,250 daffodils that have been donated and planted the past twelve years and that will bloom for generations to come, there is little […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Court House traffic pattern to remain in place for Environmental Testing
A traffic pattern change around the area surrounding the former Coffey’s Garage on Spring Street will remain in place in order to accommodate environmental testing at the request of the Historic Spring Leadership Committee. The test, which was put in place at the direction of the City Council in July, is intended to simulate the […]
Posted inNews
Group of Aquidneck Island residents will quadruple donations made to MLK Center
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center announced today that four generous Aquidneck Islanders have issued a special matching challenge to friends of the MLK Community Center. Gail Jacobs and Roy Williams of Middletown and Sue and George Petrovas of Newport have united to put $20,000 on the line to inspire the community to […]
Posted inNews
Buddy Croft to retire from RITBA, search process begins for a new Executive Director
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) announced today that Earl J. “Buddy” Croft III will be retiring as Executive Director. Mr. Croft informed the RITBA Board of Directors of his planned retirement during the regularly scheduled Board meeting this morning. Mr. Croft will be retiring toward the end of January 2020. This will allow […]
Posted inNews
Sea Rose Montessori to host Fall Open House to welcome potential students, families
Sea Rose Montessori Co-op School has announced that they will hold an open house on Saturday, October 19, from 9 a.m.–12 noon. “Come meet experienced teachers, explore the eco-friendly renovated schoolhouse, visit the beautifully prepared environment for independent learning and discovery and connect with Sea Rose families,” Sea Rose Montessori said in an event announcement..Sea […]
Posted inBusiness, Things To Do
Gurney’s Skating Rink returns November 22 – March 1
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 inBusiness, Environment & Health
Newport Bicycle permanently closes
To the surprise of many, Newport Bicycle has permanently closed. After five years at 130 Broadway, and several more years around the community, the popular bike shop closed its doors for good on Columbus Day. On September 21st, Newport Bicycle announced a going out of business sale on Facebook and responded to one disappointed customer […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Rhode Island Foundation awards $50,000 to Connect Greater Newport
The Rhode Island Foundation awarded Connect Greater Newport $50,000 to support regional economic development in Newport and Bristol Counties. The Foundation is the most recent investor of the initiative, joining the City of Newport, Town of Middletown, Town of Jamestown, Town of Portsmouth, Town of Warren, van Beuren Charitable Foundation and BankNewport. This funding will […]