From seven states across the region, 86 paddlers advanced the mission of Clean Ocean Access on August 17, 2019 by paddling around Rose Island and Goat Island to bring awareness to the importance to protect and preserve shoreline access as part of the 2nd annual Paddle for Access hosted at the Newport Shipyard, Newport, Rhode […]
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 inObituaries
Obituary for Valentine Vernon Craig
via O’Neill Hayes Funeral Home Valentine Vernon Craig, née Valentine Peace Vernon died on August 16, 2019 in Middletown, Rhode Island, she was 101 years old. Valentine was born in New York City on March 29, 1918, her parents were Valentine Anais Joséphine Marie Louise Dorn, born in Fort de France, Martinique and Grenville Phillips […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for Mary C. (Martins) Donovan
via Memorial Funeral Home Mary C. Donovan, 90, of Newport, Rhode Island, passed away on August 17, 2019, at Village House Nursing Home. Mary was born in Newport, RI to the late John I. Martins, and Margaret (Harrington) Martins. She was the wife of Joseph T. Donovan for 62 years. Mary is survived by her […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Fort Adams Trust to host Civil War Living History Reenactment
On Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th the Fort Adams Trust is hosting a Civil War Living History Reenactment within the walls of Historic Fort Adams. This two day event includes Civil War living history activities bringing the sights and sounds of the Civil War into the heart of Newport Harbor. Historic Fort Adams is located […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
Infosys to hold hiring event for CCRI Graduates
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) announced that Infosys is holding a hiring event for CCRI graduates on Monday, August 26 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Infosys Design Hub, located at 75 Fountain Street, Providence. The positions for which Infosys is hiring are for Junior Operations Associates and require an Associate Degree, basic […]
Posted inNews
Newport Open Houses: 13 homes to check out this weekend (Aug. 17 – 18)
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. What’sUpNewp’s Open House listings are brought to you by our real estate partners, William Raveis Newport. Contact William Raveis for all of your real estate, mortagage, […]
Posted inHistory, News
Newport on The Rhode Show: Exploring the History within Fort Adams
Our friends from The Rhode Show make the “long” trek to Newport on Friday morning for a live broadcast from Fort Adams. If you happened to miss the show live, you can watch the clips that included live shots from three different areas within Fort Adams at the link below now. https://www.wpri.com/rhode-show/exploring-the-history-within-fort-adams/ Catch The Rhode […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s up in Newport this weekend: Things to do, live music and entertainment (August 16 – 18)
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend. Friday, August 16th 15th Annual Ida Lewis Distance Race starts Friday off Fort Adams Things To Do 4 pm to 8 pm – Waffles at Ragged Island Brewing3:45 pm & 8:15 pm – Where Did You Go Bernadette? at Jane Pickens Theater5 pm – Seaport […]
Posted inArts & Culture, History, News
Breakers Landscape Restoration: $1 million phase one completed
via Preservation Society of Newport County The Preservation Society of Newport County announced the completion of phase one of its multi-year, multi-million dollar rehabilitation of The Breakers landscape today. “The revival of The Breakers gardens and grounds is one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by the Preservation Society, and will take a number […]
Posted inNews
What does the future hold for Aquidneck Island? Aquidneck Island Land Trust shares details of build-out analysis
Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) hosted a public program on Wednesday night to share details of a build-out analysis of Aquidneck Island by Sasaki Associates. The analysis presented two possible scenarios for the island: (1) What will be the impact to Aquidneck Island if current development and sprawl trends continue status quo? (2) What will be […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Recap: August 14th Newport City Council Meeting
Newport City Council met for approximately three hours and seven minutes on Wednesday night. Here’s our attempt at a quick recap of the meeting and the council votes. Of note, you’ll see votes totaling six instead of seven. Councilor Lynn Ceglie was absent from the meeting. See The full City Council Agenda Here, Watch The […]
Posted inCity & Government
Alliance For A Livable Newport on process of building and renovation Newport Public Schools
The executive committee for the Alliance For A Livable Newport has shared with What’sUpNewp the following letter that they have submitted to members of Newport City Council; “The Alliance for a Livable Newport looks forward to the NPS/School Committee/City Council workshop on August 15, 2019. Monumental decisions are forthcoming that will determine the long-term quality […]
Posted inNews
After a month missing, Jesse James’ dog has been found alive
After more than a month missing, Jesse James dog, Coco has been found! The news comes after a month of wondering where Coco went and several rewards offered. James announced the news on his Facebook Page on Wednesday evening; ” THEY FOUND HER!!!!!!!!!! The Amazing officers at Newport PD Found COCO!!!I guess she fell through a […]
Posted inThings To Do
Music On The Lawn: The Ubiquitones will bring live music to St. John’s on Thursday
The Friends of Music at St. John’s has announced Mike Warner & The Ubiquitones will perform at Music on the Lawn at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at The Zabriskie Memorial Church of Saint John the Evangelist, 61 Washington St. With classic and roots rock ’n’ roll, blues and country, from Johnny Cash to the […]
Posted inNews
Wedding Tips: What to consider when finding the right wedding venue
One of the biggest decisions people will make when planning their wedding, is choosing the right wedding venue. Our friends at Blackstone Caterers are back to help point those planning weddings in the right direction of what to consider when making that decision. Know your guest countCouples often make the mistake of falling in love […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport Police seek public’s help identifying person in regards to larceny complaint
Newport Police Department is asking the public for their assistance in identifying a person in regards to a larceny complaint/investigation. ” We need your help!!! Looking to identify the person in the pictures depicted here with regards to a larceny complaint/investigation… Any information should be forwarded to Detective Christopher Sloan at 401-845-5771 or csloan@cityofnewport.com Thanks” […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Learn French: Three opportunities to learn about the language and culture in September
In September 2019, the Alliance Française of Newport will offer three opportunities for learning about French language and culture: Beginning French, Intermediate French and “The Salon,” a special Advanced Conversation Group. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for Registration is September 5th. Beginning and Intermediate Classes will begin on Tuesday, September 10th and end […]
Posted inJobs
Looking for a job? Here are 101 job opportunities available in and around Newport 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. 22 Bowen’s – Pantry Cook – 22 Bowen’s Advanced Remarketing Services – Customer Support Technicians (Night help needed) […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, Things To Do
Summer fun continues at Hotel Viking
The sun might be setting on summer, but Hotel Viking is offering its Newport neighbors and hotel guests several ways to enjoy the remainder of the season! From brand new specials at Spa Fjör, to a Cocktails & Canines class, to an 80s themed party at Top of Newport, there is something for everyone! Here’s a look […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health, News
Newport Marathon and Half Marathon, Ocean Road 10k, and BankNewport 10 Miler listed in Top 100 Races in the USA
Gray Matter Marketing has announced that three of their company’s events have been shortlisted for the Top 100 Races in the USA by national online race review website Bibrave.com . The BibRave 100 breaks the races into categories by distance. The Amica Newport Marathon and Half Marathon was named one of the top 20 half marathons in […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Poll: What are your thoughts on the Historic Spring Park Traffic Pattern Test?
It has been nearly two weeks since Court House Street has been closed to vehicular traffic and Stone Street has been converted to a one-way as the City tests a proposed traffic pattern at the request of the Historic Spring Leadership Committee. The test traffic pattern will be in place until October 15th. Now that […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
The Chanler at Cliff Walk welcomes Jacob Jasinski as new Executive Chef
Following the highly anticipated opening of The Chanler’s new restaurants, Cara and The Café, last summer, New England native Jacob Jasinski has joined The Chanler at Cliff Walk as Executive Chef, where he will oversee all culinary operations on property, including both restaurants, catering and in-room dining. Translating to “dear one” in Italian and “friend” […]
Posted inNews
Realtor.com: U.S. Housing Market Deja Vu
Lower interest rates are prompting more buyers to come into the market, putting pressure on an already tight U.S. housing market and reversing 10 months of national inventory growth, according to realtor.com®’s July 2019 Monthly Housing Trend report released today. The report, which tracks key trends across the market, including the national median home price, days on market and […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health
Newport Hospital employees raise money for colonoscopies in memory of co-worker
When one of their colleagues passed away nine years ago not long after being diagnosed with colon cancer, staff at Newport Hospital began raising money to help fellow employees cover their colonoscopy co-pay. This year, the “Cover Your Butt” campaign raised $2,700. On Monday, Aug. 5, three employees in diagnostic imaging — Kelly Blanchard, Sue […]
Posted inBusiness, News
RI Bio parnters with Innovate Newport to offer life sciences expertise and resources to entrepreneurs
Information provided by Innovate Newport. Innovate Newport, in collaboration with RI Bio, is pleased to announce that RI Bio’s Executive Director, Carol Malysz, and the organization’s new Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR), John “Jay” Round, will speak during Innovate Newport’s “Tuesday Talks” on September 10 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. *Tuesday Talks is Innovate Newport’s weekly series […]