Your brick-and-mortar choices to buy scented candles, potpourri, and air fresheners in Newport, Rhode Island just got a lot smaller. Earlier this month and without any public notice, Yankee Candle closed its store located at 36 America’s Cup Avenue/Long Wharf Mall in Newport. “On background I can confirm we have closed the Yankee Candle store at […]
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
City of Newport opening Warming Centers ahead of upcoming cold weather
The City of Newport has announced that they will be opening several warming centers over the coming days as colder than normal temperatures again settle over the region. Warming Center locations open when the weather forecast calls for low temperatures, or a combination of precipitation, wind chill, and temperatures that “feel like” temperatures of 20° […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Carson, Sen. Euer to hold constituent meeting that was rescheduled due to gas outage
Rep. Lauren H. Carson and Sen. Dawn Euer have rescheduled their constituent meeting, which had to be postponed due to the Aquidneck Island gas outage, for Monday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. in St. John’s Guild Hall, 61 Poplar St., Newport. Parking will be available behind the church, in the lot opposite 25 Willow St. […]
Posted inNews
National Grid: Thank You, Aquidneck Island
National Grid send out the following email to its customers on Wednesday, January 30th in response to the natural gas outage last week; Thank You to Our Customers, Our Partners, Our Neighbors To our customers in Newport and Middletown – we want to express our thanks for your kindness, patience, and resiliency throughout the past […]
Posted inNews
Next-generation, wind-powered ocean drone launches from Newport Shipyard
A cutting-edge scientific drone was launched this morning from Newport Shipyard to assist with a University of Rhode Island study. While it may resemble a seven-meter-long sailboat, the unmanned surface vehicle will journey without a single crew-member on an important mission to better understand the role that the ocean plays in the Earth’s climate, according […]
Posted inCity & Government
Lottery opens for dinghy and kayak rack spaces at King Park, Willow Street
Kayakers and dinghy owners take note: The Newport Harbormaster’s Office announced today that they will be accepting applications for dinghy and kayak rack spaces at the King Park and Willow Street dinghy racks beginning Feb. 1st until Feb. 28th. Spaces will be determined through a lottery system, with a drawing held on March 4, 2019 […]
Posted inCity & Government
List of Warming Centers in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) announces that due to forecasted extreme cold, the following communities will have warming centers open to the public for those who need to seek temporary shelter. If you do not see your community listed contact your local municipalities for more information. If you need additional assistance call 2-1-1. Barrington: Barrington […]
Posted inCity & Government
Lt. Governor McKee takes action to improve the emergency response of utility companies
Today, Lt. Governor Daniel J. McKee announced his plans to resubmit the Utility Emergency Response Bill, legislation to improve the emergency preparedness and response of utility companies operating in Rhode Island. Lt. Governor McKee, who serves as Chair of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Advisory Council, modeled the bill after the law that allowed Massachusetts […]
Posted inThings To Do
Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial coming to Fort Adams State Park this Memorial Day Weekend
Operation Stand Down RI (OSDRI) has confirmed with What’sUpNewp that their Annual Boots On The Ground For Heroes Memorial will take place at Fort Adams State Park this Memorial Day weekend. In 2016, OSDRI launched the Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial with the widely acclaimed and dramatic display of nearly 7,000 military boots. […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – January 30th: Weather forecast and things to do
Weather Forecast Today – Snow showers likely, mainly after 5pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Increasing clouds, with a high near 34. Breezy, with a west wind 11 to 21 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total daytime snow accumulation […]
Posted inBusiness
Mainstay Hotel sells for $14.34 million (UPDATED)
The Mainstay Hotel, located at 151 Admiral Kalbfus Road in Newport, has sold for $14,340,000, according to Lila Delman Real Estate. David Lawrence, Lila Delman Sales Associate, represented the seller, Atlantic Beach Hospitality Group, while Gregory Arakelian, Lila Delman’s Senior Commercial Consultant, represented the buyer, Philip Hospod of Dovetail +Co. This transaction marks the highest commercial mixed use sale in the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Preview of upcoming events, activities at Hotel Viking
Following their several day closure due to the gas outage last week, Hotel Viking has announced they have reopened and has made available a list of upcoming events that the community can look forward to. “Hotel Viking is now open and accepting reservations following the Newport gas outage. We are grateful to our staff who […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring In Newport: 77 job opportunities available right now
Looking for a new part-time gig, job, or career? Here’s who’s hiring in and around Newport right now. 22 Bowen’s – Restaurant Manager- 22 Bowen’s Alion Science & Technology – Associate Data SecurityAll About Home Care – CNAs and Homemakers APG Security – Healthcare Security Officer (Newport)AutoZone – Retail Sales Associate (Part-Time)Bed Bath & Beyond […]
Posted inNews
National Grid: Gas service restored for nearly 100% of impacted customers
“We have restored service to nearly 100% of impacted customers on Aquidneck Island. Only a few dozen remain who have either requested we come back later in the week or who we are still attempting to contact. “
Posted inNews
VIDEO: Informational meeting for businesses to learn about recovery assistance
The Newport County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a meeting this morning at Newport Marriott with small business owners impacted by the recent gas outage this morning. This meeting is meant to provide businesses with information about emergency loan funding, unemployment insurance, access to capital, claims processes, and other programs and resources. Representatives from the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Theme, details of Newport Polo’s 19th Annual Gala announced
On Monday, Newport Polo announced the theme, dates, and location for their upcoming 19th Annual International Polo Charity Ball. The announcement A highlight of the 2019 polo season in Newport, Rhode Island will be on Friday, August 2, when the South African Polo Team will be the guests of honor at Diamonds Are Forever, the 19th annual International Polo Charity Ball to take […]
Posted inBusiness
NPT HealthWorks and Fitzpatrick Team sign on as presenting sponsors of inaugural Aquidneck 10k
Fitzpatrick Team with Remax of Newport and NPT HealthWorks will serve as presenting sponsors for the inaugural Aquidneck 10K. The new road race event, which will take place on March 24th, 2019, is produced by Gray Matter Marketing and will start and finish at Sachuest Beach. “We’re proud to welcome two local businesses to support […]
Posted inBusiness
Bellevue Group relaunches as the Newport Living Group, adds three new team members
The Bellevue Group has re-named itself the Newport Living Group and added three new team members. The boutique team of five within William Raveis Real Estate Newport, serves the luxury real estate market, and sold more than $35 million of real estate in Rhode Island in the past two years. The Newport Living Group (NLG) […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – January 29th: Weather forecast and things to do
Weather Forecast Today – Cloudy, with a high near 36. Northeast wind 7 to 11 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.Tonight – Rain and snow before 3am, then rain likely between 3am and 5am, then a chance of rain and snow after 5am. Low around 29. Southeast […]
Posted inNews
City of Newport: Financial assistance being offered for small business owners affected by the natural gas outage
The following information has been provided by the City of Newport. With gas service restored to the vast majority of customers in Newport and Middletown, help is now being made available to Newport’s small business community through a pair of financial assistance programs offered by the State Commerce Corporation and National Grid. Taken together, the two […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Gurney’s to offer Super Bowl themed bits and cocktails this weekend
Gurney’s Newport will be a great place to cheer on the New England Patriots for the biggest football game of the year, offering themed bites and cocktails throughout the entire weekend.Menu items include “Patriot” Nachos (Sam Adams braised short rib, house made jalapeno cheese sauce, guacamole), Stuffie Croquettes (Traditional Rhode Island stuffie, chorizo aioli, pickle fresno chilis) and Pulled Pork Sliders (House-made BBQ […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport’s latest update on natural gas outage
Here are the latest updates from the City of Newport; January 28th at 10:03 am January 27th at 5:36 pm We’re happy to report that operations to restore gas service to Newport’s homes and businesses are beginning to wind down, with the vast majority of customers throughout the City successfully re-lit as of Sunday afternoon. […]
Posted inOpinion
Rep. Carson, Sen. Euer: Public deserves answers about cause of gas crisis
Public deserves answers about cause of gas crisis By Rep. Lauren H. Carson and Sen. Dawn Euer The public has a right to know all of the available information when it comes to their safety. The crisis last week with the gas system on Aquidneck Island is no exception. More than 10,000 of our Newport […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where to find live music and entertainment in Newport this week (Jan. 28 – Feb. 4)
Here’s where to find live music, comedy, movies, and other forms of entertainment in and around Newport this week. Monday, January 28 Diego’s Newport – Trivia at 10 pmFastnet Pub – Live music with The Ubiquitones at 9:30 pmFifth Element – Live music with The Groove Merchants from 7 pm to 10 pmJane Pickens Theater – The Favourite at […]
Posted inNews
National Grid provides restoration update and announces Small Business Assistance Program
The following press release was provided by National Grid. National Grid announced this afternoon (at Binge BBQ) that 97% of those customers impacted by the gas supply interruption in Newport have had their meters turned back on and gas appliances re-lit by qualified technicians. By the end of today, National Grid will have visited each affected […]