Weather: Today – Sunny, with a high near 38. North wind 9 to 13 mph.Tonight – Mostly clear, with a low around 23. North wind around 8 mph. Marine: Today -N winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt. Waves around 2 ft this morning, then 1 foot or less.Tonight -N winds […]
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
Rhode Report: Newport County road and lane closures this week
Newport, RI – The following road and lane closure notices are effective for the near future, according to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. RIDOT (December 8-14) Middletown: Rte. 138A (Aquidneck Ave.) at Green End Ave., alternating lane closures […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Seamen’s Church Institute invites public to join them for their free Annual Christmas Breakfast
Seamen’s Church Institute has announced that they will host their Annual Christmas Breakfast from 9 am to 11 am on Christmas morning. Chef Joan Dermody will make magic in the kitchen and present a Christmas breakfast feast, according to Seamen’s. Breakfast buffet will include, eggs, bacon, french toast , and plenty more! Free & Open to […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 9th: Weather forecast and things to do
Weather: Today – Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.Tonight – Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming north after midnight. Marine: Today -NW winds around 5 kt, becoming SW this afternoon. Waves 1 foot or less.Tonight […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 8th: Weather forecast and things to do
Here’s what’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport today. Weather: Today – Sunny, with a high near 34. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph.Tonight – Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Northwest wind 9 to 11 mph. Marine: Today -NW winds 5 to 10 kt. Waves 1 foot or less.Tonight -NW […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport Art Museum announces call for entries for 2019 Newport Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition
The Newport Art Museum will be accepting work for jurying for the Newport Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition on January 12 (10 am – 4 pm), January 13 (10 am – 4 pm) and January 14 (2 – 6 pm) in the Museum’s Ilgenfritz Gallery at 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. Submissions are open to established and emerging artists […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Stone Wall Initiative to celebrate with public ceremony At Simmons Farm
The Aquidneck Stone Wall Initiative will hold a public ceremony on Thursday, December 13th to celebrate repairs to the dry laid stone walls at the West Main Road entrance to Simmons Farm. Historically known as Coggeshall Farm, Simmons Farm is one of the island’s oldest farms still in operation. Over the years, its historic stone walls […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH and RIDEM lift remaining Blue-Green Algae Advisories
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) are lifting the remaining blue-green algae advisories for bodies of water in Rhode Island. Recent visual surveys of locations under advisory found that there were no blooms of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. Advisories are lifted for the […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 7: Weather forecast and things to do
Weather: Today – Sunny, with a high near 38. Northwest wind around 15 mphTonight – Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph. Marine: Small Craft Advisory in effect until 9 am EST this morningToday –NW winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Waves around 2 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
LoBro Taco to open on Broadway
Newport, RI – There’s a new restaurant opening in The-City-By-The-Sea this week. It looks as if LoBro Taco will open to the public for the first time on Friday, December 7th. From the team behind Scratch Kitchen & Catering, which is also on Broadway, the new restaurant at 66 Broadway will serve tacos, burritos, quesadillas, […]
Posted inNews
RIDOT expanding Pell Bridge Ramp Project thanks to $20 million Federal Grant
The addition of $20 million in federal grant money secured by Senator Jack Reed will enable the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to accelerate work associated with the Pell Bridge Ramp Project – including adding more roadwork connecting to this important interchange and gateway to Newport, according to a press release from RIDOT on […]
Posted inNews
Jamestown Police Officer rescues man from water in the East Ferry area
Jamestown, RI – Jamestown Police Department shared a press release on Thursday afternoon that details how one of their officers jumped into the water in the East Ferry area to rescue a man. The press release; FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE On December 6, 2018 at approximately 12:50 AM, the Jamestown Police Department received a 911 call […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Newport Art Museum’s Faculty & Student Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale opens during Art After Dark
Newport Art Museum’s Art After Dark, which recently received the 2017 Editor’s Pick Award for Best Artsy Social Event by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine, is back on Thursday, December 13 from 5 – 9 pm. Each Art After Dark has unique programming for the whole family. This event joins the ranks of the many events and educational programs the Museum currently offers in its galleries at 76 Bellevue […]
Posted inCity & Government, Things To Do
Santa’s schedule of sleigh rides through neighborhoods of Newport
Newport, RI – Santa Claus, with the help of Newport Fire Department and Newport Police Department, will be making his annual sleigh ride through the neighborhoods of the City on December 12 13, 18, and 20. Look for Santa and crew between 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm on the following nights; Wednesday, December 12th Thursday, December […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Some of the best Christmas films are coming to the big screen at Jane Pickens Theater this month
Buddy The Elf, Clark Griswold and George Bailey are all coming soon to the big screen in Newport. Along with their great regular programming, Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center will host the following four Christmas classics in December. Cinema For A Cause: Elf – Sunday, December 9th at 1 pm The Jane Pickens Theater […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 6: Weather forecast and things to do
Here’s what’s happening, new, and to do out there. Weather: Today – Increasing clouds, with a high near 41. West wind 9 to 15 mph.Tonight – Scattered snow showers between 9pm and 1am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 31. West wind around 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 64 job opportunities available right now in and around Newport
Newport, RI – Time for a new part-time job, gig, or full-time career? There are more than 60 businesses currently hiring in and around The-City-By-The-Sea. Here’s who’s hiring right now, good luck! All jobs posted within last 7 days and are located within 5 miles of downtown Newport. 22 Bowen’s – Host/Hostess/Greeter and Busser – 22 […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Land Trust will open Spruce Acres Farm to public on December 18th
Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) has announced that Spruce Acres Farm will be open to the public starting on Tuesday, December 18. The 22.67-acre property, situated on the Middletown/Portsmouth border, was conserved by ALT in 2017. The former tree farm will offer 1.5 miles of publicly-accessible nature trails and an environmentally- friendly parking lot, which features a […]
Posted inBusiness
Construction is complete on the 16-foot Newport Marriott gingerbread lighthouse
Newport, RI – The Newport Marriott is delighted to celebrate Christmas in Newport with one of New England’s largest working gingerbread lighthouses, constructed by the Newport Marriott’s kitchen team. The artfully decorated culinary creation is located in the hotel’s lower lobby. Christmas in Newport is a month-long celebration that embraces the non-commercial traditions of the holiday season. Marking its […]
Posted inFood & Drink
OpenTable Diners Have Spoken: Castle Hill Inn, Bouchard Restaurant & Inn among the ‘100 Best Restaurants in America’ in 2018
Newport, RI – Today, OpenTable revealed the 100 Best Restaurants in America 2018, according to OpenTable diners. The list is a comprehensive look at the year’s most beloved dining spots culled from more than 12 million verified diner reviews of over 28,000 restaurants in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. From foodie-favorites with world-renowned chefs to breakthrough hidden gems, […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – December 5: Weather forecast and things to do
Newport, RI – Here’s what’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport on this 5th of December. Weather: Today – Increasing clouds, with a high near 37. North wind 5 to 7 mph.Tonight – Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 25. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming […]
Posted inNews
Clean Ocean Access volunteers remove 150 pounds of debris from Hull Cove in Jamestown
Jamestown, RI – On Saturday, December 1st, Clean Ocean Access held its second-to-last beach cleanup of the year at Hull Cove in Jamestown, RI. 48 volunteers and community members participated in the cleanup, collecting 150 pounds of debris from the cove, located on the southeastern coast of the island. Hull Cove is owned by the Conanicut […]
Posted inNews
Sweetback Sisters’ Country Christmas Singalong Spectacular coming to Portsmouth High School
Common Fence Music is very excited to bring back THE SWEETBACK SISTERS’ COUNTRY CHRISTMAS SINGALONG SPECTACULAR! on Saturday, December 8th, 2018, 7 pm at Portsmouth High School Auditorium, 120 Education Lane, Portsmouth, RI. Tickets to this performance are $25 in advance, $28 at the door, $23 for CFM members, $15 for children ages 3-12, FREE for children ages 0-2. Ticket prices include a […]
Posted inBusiness
Cox Communications to host grand opening of new Solutions Store on West Main Road
Cox Communications will celebrate the grand opening of a new Cox Solutions Store in the Middletown Plaza at 868 West Main Road in Middletown, with a special appearance by Grammy nominee and Rhode Island native Billy Gilman. This newest Solutions Store location will provide Aquidneck Island customers with a wide range of services, from bill […]
Posted inNews
Greenlove Foundation donates water bottle filling station to Bristol elementary school
On November 30, 2018, The Greenlove Foundation dedicated it’s fifteenth water bottle filling station(“WBFS”) at Guiteras Elementary School in Bristol. The Greenlove Foundation was founded in memory of Kendra L. Bowers who was an environmental science student at UVM. Kendra’s infectious passion to preserve and protect our land encouraged others to admire and to enjoy […]