Looking for a new job, gig, or career? Here’s who’s hiring in and around Newport, Rhode Island right now. All jobs are located within five miles of downtown Newport and have been posted within the last week. Have a job opportunity that you’d like to list here and advertise on our website and in our […]
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 seek public’s assistance in identifying person of interest
Newport Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance identifying a person in regards to a larceny complaint. “We Need Your Help! If you have any information on the identity of the person depicted in the photos attached with regards to a larceny complaint, please contact Officer Nicholas St. Lawrence at 401-847-1306 or his email address […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport to host Fall Recycling Day at Easton’s Beach
The City of Newport announced today that they will host a Fall Recycling Day at Easton’s Beach on Saturday, September 28th. Their announcement; Newport residents are once again invited to bring your tired computers, rigid plastics, and hazardous household waste to the City’s annual fall recycling day at Easton’s Beach. Held in conjunction with Rhode Island […]
Posted inNews
RIMAP provides update on search for Endeavour
The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP) and its partners the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and SilentWorld Foundation (SWF) announced the results of their current Newport Harbor shipwreck studies on Sunday at Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina. Of most interest to many, is whether or not the Lord Sandwich/Captain Cook’s Endeavour is indeed at the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, History, Things To Do
Newport Historical Society lecture will host lecture on Female Revolutionary Resistance
On Thursday September 19, 2019 at 5:30 pm, at the Newport Historical Society Resource Center, Dr. Emily Murphy, Curator for the National Park Service at Salem Maritime National Historical Site, will discuss the political spinning bees of the New England seacoast in the late 1760s and early 1770s, including several that took place in colonial Newport. This […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Week: 60+ things to do, live music and entertainment listings
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week and weekend. City & Government Calendar This Week Monday 9/9 – Newport Planning Board Meeting at 6:30 pmMonday 9/9 – Portsmouth Town Council MeetingTuesday 9/10 – Middletown Beach Commission at 4:30 pmTuesday 9/10 – Middletown Conservation Commission 5:30 pmTuesday 9/10 – […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for Walter Madison Gray
via Memorial Funeral Home Walter M. Gray, 79, of Portsmouth, RI, passed away at home on September 5, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Walter was born on November 6, 1939, in Fall River, MA to the late Everett Gray and Julia (Healy) Gray. Walter was the husband of Carol “Sandy” Gray for 57 years. […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: 25+ things to do, live music and entertainment listings
Here’s a look at all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this September weekend. Friday, September 6th Things To Do 10 am to 5 pm – September Secret Garden Tours4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Brittany Runs A Marathon at Jane Pickens Theater5 pm – Giles Van Gruisen at Kings Lens and Friends5:30 pm – […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Reminder: Speed limit on Pell Bridge is 25 mph during road deck project
To address the necessity for reduced speeds during Phase II of the Newport Pell Bridge road deck project, The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) is informing the motoring public that beginning the week of September 9th RITBA will be partnering in a multi-agency speed and distracted driving enforcement campaign with local and state police. This enforcement […]
Posted inNews
Newport Homes For Sale: 14 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 more than a dozen homes that have recently hit the market. 36 Friendship Street | $659.000 3 bed | 2.5 baths | 1,980 sq ft | 5,227 sq ft lot Open House: Sunday, September 8th from 11 am to 1 […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport County Road Report: RITBA and RIDOT scheduled lane closures, construction (Sept. 7 – 14)
Here’s what’s on tap for road construction and traffic this upcoming week. Phase II of Newport Pell Bridge Road Deck Project is underway. Reminder: Speed limit on Pell Bridge is 25 mph during road deck project Rhode Island Department of Transportation The following road and lane closure notices are effective for the week of September […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport County Airbnb hosts earned $11.6 million this summer
Airbnb hosts in Rhode Island welcomed nearly 8,000 guests, brought in more than $1.7 million per week this summer. Airbnb announced today that its Rhode Island host community earned a total of approximately $24.1 million in supplemental income while welcoming approximately 111,700 guest arrivals to the state this summer, from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor […]
Posted inArts & Culture
VIDEO: Onne van der Wal profiled in Rhode Island PBS Original documentary
Noted Newport based nautical photographer and sailor Onne van der Wal was the feature of a recent Rhode Island PBS special, Second Wind: The Snoek Refit with Onne van der Wal, earlier this week. The Rhode Island PBS Original documentary is described as “The documentary profiles Onne van der Wal personal journey from sailor to photographer, […]
Posted inNews
Neighbor In Need: Jammin for Jacob and Toni – Fundraiser planned to help support Jacob Hatch and Toni Thigpen
The following fundraiser is being planned to help support Jacob Hatch and Toni Thigpen in their fight against cancer. Flyer & Details Facebook Event Details – Jammin for Jacob and Toni Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 1 pm to 9 pm at Kempenaar’s Clambake Club JOIN THE FIGHT and jam with us on October 05 […]
Posted inNews
Neighbor In Need: Care4Carrigan Fundraiser planned for Carrigan Nelson
Friends, family, and loved ones are planning a fundraiser this month to raise money for Carrigan Nelson of Portsmouth. Funds will help pay for coasts associated with her medical care in her fight against Osteosarcoma – a rare bone cancer. More Info Facebook Event Details ????Care4Carrigan Fundraiser Monday, September 9th from 5:30 pm to 8:30 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Citizens Exploring School Unification will host a petition signing at Shaw’s
Citizens Exploring School Unification (CESU) will host a petition signing at Shaw’s grocery store in the Aquidneck Shopping Centre on Friday, September 6th from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Those interested can chat with CESU representatives and learn about the group’s mission and the issues related to school unification on Aquidneck Island, including its benefits and […]
Posted inThings To Do
Inaugural Tunnel to Towers 5k Run & Walk – Rhode Island coming to Fort Adams on October 19th
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established in memory of a fallen 9/11 firefighter, whose mission is to honor and support first responders and the military, will host Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk at Fort Adams State Park on Saturday, October 19th, 2019. The event will honor and celebrate Rhode Island’s first responders—fire, police, […]
Posted inNews
MLK Center seeking volunteers to help with Newport Marathon, Pell Bridge Run
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center is seeking volunteers to help staff the Newport Marathon & Pell Bridge Run! Help support the MLK Community Center and two wonderful events that are pillars in our community. Duties include distribution of race bibs, t-shirts, swag bags, preparation of finish line, etc. Volunteer opportunities available For the Newport […]
Posted inNews
Never Miss A Thing From What’sUp: Three email newsletters you should sign up for right now
Want to make sure that you never miss another story from What’sUpNewp and What’sUpRhodeIsland? Sign up for one or all of our newsletters and you’ll get the latest stories and updates sent right to your inbox. You can boost your email campaign success with ZeroBounce email verification solutions. Just click on a link to sign […]
Posted inNews
Is it the Endeavour? RIMAP to announce most recent search results on September 8th
The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP) and its partners the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and SilentWorld Foundation (SWF) have announced that they will announce the results of their current Newport Harbor shipwreck search for Captain Cook’s Endeavour at a public event at Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina on Sunday, September 8th at 3 […]
Posted inSports, Things To Do
Cardines Classic: U.S. Naval War College will host Annual Army-Navy Baseball Game on September 6th
The Naval War College has announced that it will host the third annual “Cardines Classic,” World War I era Army/Navy baseball game on Friday, September 6th at historic Cardines Field. The program is organized in close collaboration with Naval History and Heritage Command and the City of Newport. The Army-Navy baseball game will be played by […]
Posted inCity & Government, News, Things To Do
Schedule: Public, private Firework Displays that will light up the Newport sky in 2019 (Updated)
Fireworks have become tremendously popular over the last several years for those hosting weddings and special events in and around Newport. So popular and regular that Newport City Council is looking to change the application process to allow for more time to consider the displays and applications. With that in mind, this “live blog” or […]
Posted inThings To Do
Hip Hop Icon Rakim set to perform at Newport Blues Cafe on September 18th
The legendary Rakim will be making his debut appearance in Newport on Wednesday, September 18th. This Long Island, NY native has been revered by hip-hop fans worldwide since the 1980s. His musical legacy has consistently grown over the years and he recently released a book entitled, Sweat the Technique: Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius. He […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City Council will consider six-month moratorium on decisions relating to development activity in Innovation District
After some public outcry, a petition with more than 2,200 signatures, and an urge from The Alliance For A Livable Newport, growth on Newport’s North Side may be taking a break for a few months. A proposed City Council ordinance asking for a temporary “pause” on large scale developments that are, or soon will be, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Preview: September 11th Newport City Council agenda
The Newport City Council will host their next Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, September 11th, here’s what’s on their agenda; CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 43 BROADWAY, NEWPORT, RI The following items of business, filed with the City […]