Breaking with tradition, the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC) is opening registration for the biennial Newport Bermuda Race a year in advance of the June 19, 2020 race start. In issuing the Notice of Race for the 52nd running of the event, the initial entry date moves up several months compared to 2018.The organizers’ goal is to […]
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 inThings To Do
30+ things to do in Newport this weekend: May 17 – 19
Here’s what’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend. Weather Forecast Friday – Scattered showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. South wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth […]
Posted inThings To Do
Where to find live music and entertainment this weekend: May 17 – 19
Here’s what’s happening in and around Newport this weekend for entertainment and live music, enjoy! Friday, May 17 Atlantic Beach Resort – Live music at 7 pmBuskers Irish Pub – Live music at 9 pmCeltica – Karaoke at 10 pmClarke Cooke House – DJ in the Boom Boom Room at 9 pmDiego’s Barrio & Cantina – […]
Posted inNews
Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund awards $121,100 to 20 local organizations
Newport Hospital’s Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund announced today they have awarded a total of $121,100 to twenty local organizations. The “Powered by Prince” grants will help to enhance the lives of children and families throughout Newport County through programs that promote active, healthy lifestyles, education, and fun for youth. “It is both an honor […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
Who’s hiring? 100 new job opportunities with employers like Newport Vineyards, Seamen’s Church Institute, and Gurney’s
Looking for a new job, gig, or career in or around Newport? Here’s who’s hiring right now in our neck of the woods. All job opportunities are within five miles of downtown Newport and have been posted within the last seven days. 22 Bowen’s – Line/Prep Cook – 22 Bowen’s Restaurant AAA Northeast – Branch Customer […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News
Lobster Roll Heaven, Il Forno Italian to replace Archetype Pizza on Lower Thames
Just in time for summer, it looks like 372 Thames Street, the previous of Archetype Pizza and Via Via, will have a new occupant. “Lobster Roll Heaven/Il Forno Italian” has filed a victualing license application with the restaurant to open in the former long-time pizza parlor. The application was filed by LRH, LLC of North […]
Posted inNews
Ten Open Houses to check out in and around Newport this weekend (May 18 – 19)
On the market for a new home in the Newport area? Here are ten open houses taking place this weekend that you shouldn’t miss! (In order of open house dates/times) 1. Farmhouse on Forest Photo courtesy of William Raveis Real Estate 391 Forest Ave, MiddletownPrice: $449,900Year Built: 1910Size: 1,382 square feetBedrooms: 3Baths: 1.5Open house: Saturday, May 18, 10 am – […]
Posted inThings To Do
Pollination Expert & NRCS State Biologist, Gary Casabona, returns to Prescott Farm for Native Plant Walk on June 2nd
Bees and insects may seem like a nuisance, but they are more important to your garden than you may know. On Sunday, June 2 at 11:00 am, the URI Master Gardeners, who help maintain Prescott Farm in Middletown, Rhode Island, will be doing their part to encourage other local gardeners and community members to join […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport County Road Report: Scheduled lane closures and traffic delays for May 18 – 25
Here’s what’s on tap for road construction and traffic this upcoming week. Of note, RITBA: Deck Project on Newport Pell Bridge has resumed Rhode Island Department of Transportation The following road and lane closure notices are effective for the week of May 18-24, 2019. All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Visit RIDOT’s Travel Advisories website for […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Committee hears Senator Euer’s bill to protect student borrowers
The Senate Finance Committee this week took testimony on legislation sponsored by Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) to protect student loan borrowers and establish oversight of student loan servicers operating in Rhode Island. The legislation (2019-S 0737), titled the Student Loan Bill of Rights, sets standards for student loan servicing, both prohibiting predatory […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Portion of Ocean Drive will go car-free for bikes and pedestrians on Sunday
Right on the tail of last week’s successful car-free Farm to Farm Ride in Portsmouth comes Newport’s first-ever car-free event on a segment of the iconic Ocean Drive. The Farm to Farm Ride was enjoyed by 750 people, but let’s be honest – the kids ruled the road. With no fear of car traffic, kids […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Everything you need to know about the Newport Pell Bridge Deck Repair Project
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) hosted two community information sessions this week that allowed individuals and the community to learn more about Deck Project on Newport Pell Bridge. Here is a copy of the presentation that was shared at the public information meetings. Please allow a moment for the slides to load. More […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
George Donnelly Sunset League releases 2019 schedule, opens 101st season on May 16th
The George Donnelly Sunset League, one of the oldest amateur baseball leagues in the country, will open their 101st season on Thursday, May 16th when Rathskeller takes on Town Dock at Cardines Field at 7:30 pm. Here’s the complete 2019 schedule; For more information, score updates, and standings, visit https://www.gdsunsetleague.com/ . History of the George […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News
Annual Great Chowder Cook-Off won’t take place in June, hopes to return this fall
Noticeably vacant from the 2019 Fort Adams schedule of events was the popular Annual Great Chowder Cook-Off, which for the past several years has taken place in June. Called by organizers the “original and longest-running chowder championship in the country”, the event won’t be returning this June but does hope to return later this year. […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
VIDEO: Newport School Committee’s May 14th Meeting
Newport School Committee met for approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes on Tuesday, May 14th. Newport Public Schools has made the following video available from that meeting.
Posted inNews
Bristol Suicide Prevention Group installs new sign on Mount Hope Bridge, advertises local 24/7 mental health resources
The Bristol Health Equity Zone (HEZ) Suicide Prevention Group is celebrating the culmination of three years of work with the installation of a new bridge sign, which advertises local 24/7 mental health resources, at the entrances to the Mount Hope Bridge. The HEZ group brought the idea to Rhode Island Bridge and Turnpike Authority Executive […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News
Rhode Island’s Granny Squibb Iced Tea Company launches ready to drink cans, named ‘official iced tea’ of Newport Folk Festival
The Granny Squibb Company is launching new ready-to-drink (RTD) cans available in three flavors, just in time for National Iced Tea Month in June. Headquartered in Rhode Island, Granny Squibb’s Organic Iced Tea will now be even more accessible for iced tea lovers in a new RTD can format. The new Granny Squibb’s Organic Iced […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Food Truck Festivals of America will host Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival at Fort Adams on Saturday
For the first time, Food Truck Festivals of America will bring their popular food truck series to Newport! Scheduled for Saturday, May 18th from 12 pm, Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival will feature food and craft beer from a wide arrange of vendors from Rhode Island, New England, and beyond. ” Food Truck […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City hopes to cut down on overcrowded dinghy docks with a new sticker program
With boating season just around the corner, the City of Newport announced today that the Harbormaster’s Office is rolling out a new dinghy permitting program designed to help reduce the number of unattended vessels at the King Park Stone Pier. Earlier this month, the City Council gave their approval to a new dinghy permitting program […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Agenda for Newport City Council’s May 22nd Regular Council Meeting
The City of Newport has published the agenda for Newport City Council’s next Regular Council Meeting. Scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 at 6:30 pm, here’s what City Council will discuss. The agenda and any updates, can best be viewed here. CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING MAY 22, 2019 THE MEETING WILL BE […]
Posted inNews
What you need to know about Bike To Work Day
Bike Newport is hosting Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 17th across Newport. Bike Newport, supporters, sponsors, friends, and all those interested will gather for their annual Bike Commuter Breakfast from 7-9 am at Newport City Hall (rain location is Bike Newport’s office across the street, at 62 Broadway). At 4:30 pm, those interested […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Newport Waterfront Oyster Festival returns this weekend, here’s what you need to know
The 4th Annual Newport Waterfront Oyster Festival returns to Bowen’s Wharf this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Bowen’s Wharf has announced that newly-crowned Miss Rhode Island, Molly Andrade from Middletown, will make her first official public appearance on Friday May 17, at the Opening Night VIP Benefit Party of the 4th Annual Newport Oyster Festival. Molly Andrade […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City hosting Fill-A-Public Works Truck Food Drive May 19-25
The City of Newport’s Department of Public Services is joining hundreds of Public Works Departments from across New England to collect food and household goods to support our local community food bank needs. Newport’s Fill-A-Public Works Truck Food Drive will be taking place during National Public Works Week, from May 19-25, 2019 and will support the Martin […]
Posted inNews
Corinne Bailey Rae, PJ Morton, ELEW, and Ethan Iverson will join Jon Batiste for Newport Jazz Festival’s Friday Evening Concert
It’s always great to watch Jon Batiste on stage, but concert attendees are in for a real treat when Jon Batiste & Friends – Corinne Bailey Rae, PJ Morton, ELEW and Ethan Iverson– take over the Friday evening concert at the Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Investment Managers on August 2, at 8:00 pm, at the International Tennis Hall of Fame […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Things To Do
BankNewport 10 Miler set for June 2nd
The BankNewport 10 Miler will host runners from near and far on Sunday, June 2nd, for a road race starting and finishing at Fort Adams. When the starting gun fires at 7:30 am on Sunday, participants will cross the start line just outside the historic walls of Fort Adams, exit the State Park, turn right […]