Newport Police Department issued the following press release on Wednesday afternoon regarding a house fire that took place on Dudley Avenue on Sunday afternoon. On Sunday, September 1st, 2019 at approximately 4:32 pm, Newport Police Officers were dispatched to 47 Dudley Avenue, a single family home, for a report of a working fire. Newport Fire […]
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
Mobile sports betting soft launches in Rhode Island
Mobile sports betting is now legal, and live, in Rhode Island. The Department of Revenue announced today that the mobile application for Sportsbook Rhode Island entered its next phase today with a soft launch allowing bettors to create their accounts and to place bets through mobile devices. The full mobile service went live at Twin […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport Police: Eighty-seven motor vehicles cited in last sixty days for failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks
With the beginning of school year, fall season and the increase in school children, buses, bicycle and pedestrian traffic, the Newport Police Department is out today with a press release and the following information wishing to remind motorists and bicyclists to drive safely, as well as pedestrians to be vigilant and use the best safety […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jamestown Arts Center seeking sculptures, installations for its inaugural Outdoor Arts Experience
The Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) has announced that it will be accepting applications for its 2020 exhibition, the Outdoor Arts Experience, September 1 through October 31, 2019. The Jamestown Arts Center is seeking sculptures and installations for its inaugural Outdoor Arts Experience, 2020. The Outdoor Arts Experience (OAE) is planned as a celebration of the Jamestown […]
Posted inBusiness
OceanPoint Marine: BankNewport expands Marine Lending Division
BankNewport announced yesterday the expansion of its Marine Lending Division, leveraging its lending capabilities to offer a suite of competitive and innovative consumer marine and recreational vehicle financing programs. The announcement marks the formation of OceanPoint Marine Lending that will operate as a division of BankNewport. Over the past year, BankNewport has acquired two privately […]
Posted inNews
Explaining why What’sUpNewp has, and needs, Members (and why we “charge” for a newsletter)
We’ve been getting a lot of questions about why we have a voluntary membership program, called What’sUpNewp Members, and why we have a newsletter that not everyone can get for free. Let us try to explain… Let us tell you why we need members and supporters (why we have a newsletter “that costs money”); What’s […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring In Newport: 75+ job opportunities available right now
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. Self promotion – What’sUpNewp hiring Local Government Reporter Current Job Opportunities In Newport 22 Bowen’s – Food Runners & […]
Posted inNews
AmpSurf to host Paddle Out on September 11th, free adaptive surfing clinic on September 14th
AmpSurf has announced that it will hold its third annual adaptive surfing clinic at Second Beach in Middletown, RI on September 14th 2019. The event starts at 8 am and involves adaptive surf therapy with certified adaptive surf instructors. The adaptive surfing clinic is free for anyone with any kind of disability. There are still […]
Posted inSports, Things To Do
Registration now open for 2nd Annual Aquidneck 10k
Gray Matter Marketing announced today via a press release that the popular Aquidneck 10K road race will return on March 22nd, 2020. The 6.2-mile course will start and finish at Sachuest Beach. Participants will run or walk alongside beach grass and sand dunes, down Sachuest Point, pass the Norman Bird Sanctuary on Hanging Rock Road, […]
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 this week and weekend. Tuesday, September 3rd Things To Do 2 pm – Return to Camelot – a Remembrance of the Kennedy weddingat St. Mary’s Church4:45 pm – Maiden at Jane Pickens Theater5 pm – Beer + Burger Tuesdays at Brix5 pm – Flight Night Wednesdays at Brix7:30 […]
Posted inNews
Alliance Française de Newport names new president, officers
The Alliance Française de Newport has announced their next president will be Andrew Snook. Snook, a relative newcomer to Rhode Island, has lived in Newport since 2016. He is a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices N.E. Prime Properties. He succeeds president Mary-Gail Smith who recently oversaw fundraising for restoration of the Rochambeau Monument in Newport. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’sUpNewp, Jane Pickens Theater to host The Big Lebowski Party on October 29th
Join What’s Up Newp and Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center on Tuesday, October 29th for a special screening of The Big Lebowski, the quintessential comedy cult classic from 1998. This event is made possible and brought to you by our friends at Narragansett Beer, official sponsor of What’sUpNewp’s movie series at Jane Pickens Theater […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things to do this Labor Day Weekend in Newport
Here’s what’s happening, new, and to do this Labor Day Weekend in and around Newport. Friday, August 30 Things To Do 11 am – 16th Annual Fox Donnelly Memorial Golf Tournament4:45 pm – Maiden at Jane Pickens Theater5 pm – Tide Lines Exhibit at Kings Lens7:30 pm – Yesterday at Jane Pickens Theater8 pm – Live improv comedy with The Bit […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Island Moving Company will host two new productions at Newport Congregational Church in October
Island Moving Company (IMC), Newport’s Contemporary Ballet announces performance dates for two new productions at the newly restored Newport Congregational Church. An evening repertory show titled “The Nature of Light” and children’s matinee shows of “Alice In Wonderland” will be performed between October 17 – 20. The Nature of Light will feature new work by Island […]
Posted inCity & Government, Environment & Health
2019 Beach Season: Keeping track of beach, lake, and pond closures (Updating List)
Throughout the summer season the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) will recommend closing the state’s licensed beach facilities, most of the time it’s due to high bacteria counts, harmful algae blooms, or for other reasons. Historically, beach closures in Rhode Island have been closely tied to precipitation. According to RIDOH, stormwater runoff from roads, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Read/Eat/Chat: Newport Art Museum releases fall schedule for art-themed book club
The Newport Art Museum will host three more meetings in 2019 of its art-themed book club known as Read/Eat/Chat. All are welcome to bring a lunch and discuss a predetermined book selection at each meeting. Read/Eat/Chat will take place at 12 pm on September, 19, October 17 and November 21, 2019 in the Newport Art Museum’s historic John […]
Posted inFood & Drink, History
Poll: Which Newport restaurant no longer with us do you miss the most?
For as long as Newport has been established, restaurants have come and gone much to the dismay of their fans and customers. But, there are just some places that we wish were here today, or that we miss now more than ever. On our Facebook Page yesterday we asked “which Newport restaurant no longer with […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government
City Council passes ordinance on Food Trucks, Food Carts
After what felt like months of discussion and debates, Newport City Council moved forward last night with a new ordinance for Mobile Food Establishments (food trucks and food carts). Going into last night’s City Council meeting, the following ordinance was proposed ( What’sUpNewp is working on getting a copy of the final official ordinance); The […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Video: August 28th Newport City Council Meeting
Newport City Council met for just about two hours last night (video of the meeting). Food Trucks pretty much ruled the night and took up the most time during the meeting. New amendments were introduced by Councilor McCalla last night so we’re still trying to understand them all (and get copies of them), but pretty […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
RIDOH closes three Newport beaches to swimming due to high bacteria levels
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Gooseberry, Hazards and Fort Adams Beaches in Newport for swimming because of high bacteria levels. RIDOH recommends re-opening Surfer’s End Beach at Sachuest Beach in Middletown because bacteria have returned to acceptable levels. 2019 Beach Season Closures BeachCity/TownClosed OnRe-OpenedNumber of Days Closed2019 Statewide (for bacteria) Third BeachMiddletown5/29/20195/31/20192Barrington […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Canario supports amendment that would shift funding from planned bicycle and pedestrian improvements to road and bridge improvement projects
Representative Dennis M. Canario (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton) is calling for the passage of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s (RIDOT) proposed Major Amendment #19 to the FFY 2018-2027 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The proposed amendment to STIP will be voted on this Thursday by the State Planning Council. The amendment proposes […]
Posted inHistory, Things To Do
Public welcome to observe artifacts, samples retrieved from Endeavour search
Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP) announced today that the preliminary evaluation of artifacts and samples retrieved from the potential Endeavour site in Newport Harbor will be open for public observation at their temporary facility on the grounds of Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina. The exhibit will be open from 11 am to 4 pm on August […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
135 job opportunities available right now in and around Newport
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. Self promotion – What’sUpNewp hiring Local Government Reporter Current Job Opportunities In Newport 22 Bowen’s – Line Cook – […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
DEM: Expect high surf over the next few days
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) issued a press release this morning advising the public to use caution along shoreline areas today and over the next few days because of high surf generated by a tropical storm in the western Atlantic Ocean. DEM reminds the public of the preventable tragedy that occurred in October, when […]
Posted inNews
Wedding Inspiration: Guest Book Ideas
Weddings should always reflect your personalities as a couple, so every detail counts when you’re gathering items for décor! One item that will last you a lifetime is your guest book. This gives your guests time to write a love note that you can revisit over and over again. We caught up with our friends […]