This past Sunday afternoon I was surprised to see a fit, tanned middle-aged man at my kitchen door. It was Lou DiPalma, with a handful of pamphlets meant for my wife Jeanne, to help in his re-election campaign. To be honest, I am not one to answer the door on such occasions (Jeanne at work, […]
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
Today In Newport – October 29: Weather forecast and things to do
Newport, RI – Here’s a look at what’s up for weather and things to do in and around Newport today. Weather: Today – Rain and thunderstorms, mainly before 11 am. High near 59. Southwest wind 9 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter To The Editor: Senator DiPalma has remained humble and helpful to his constituents today, as he has since the first day he was elected
I am writing to share my views about district 12’s Senator, Louis DiPalma. Most all can agree, that no one assesses the data and details more carefully when making decisions that affect all of us. But, what I find most remarkable is how Lou has remained humble and helpful to his constituents today, as he […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – October 28: Weather forecast and things to do
Newport, RI – Here’s a look at what’s up for weather and things to do on this Sunday in Newport! Weather: Today – Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Southwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Tonight – A slight chance of showers before midnight, then rain, mainly after […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport’s off-season parking season begins on November 1st
Metered parking, which is in effect from May 1st through October 31st, will be free beginning on November 1st. Off-Season Metered Parking is in effect from November 1st through April 30th, 2019. There is no fee for parking at meters during this time but a 3-hour limit remains in effect until 6 p.m. daily. Newport […]
Posted inNews
Navy Gateway Inns & Suites nearing completion, ribbon-cutting set for November 1st
The Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (NGIS) transient lodging facility on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport, R.I. is nearing completion and making final preparations for its first guests. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is slated for Nov. 1, with doors opening to guests in the very near future. “A significant difference on this project … this is the […]
Posted inThings To Do
Fall Community Barn Dance is coming to St Michael’s Country Day School
In partnership with Common Fence Music and St Michael’s Country Day School, the Newport String Project presents its Fall Community Barn Dance on Sunday, November 4th from 2pm-4pm. Join the Newport String Project for a high-energy afternoon of fiddle-fuelled fun. Participants of all ages will be led through old-time dances by seasoned dance caller Jim Hicks. […]
Posted inNews
Million Dollar Listing: Tiverton’s Tramonto Del Sole fetches $2.265 million
Lila Delman Real Estate has announced the sale of “Tramonto Del Sole”, 137 High Hill Road, in Tiverton for $2,265,000. This transaction marks the highest sale in Tiverton since February 2015.* Alyce Wright, Lila Delman Sales Associate, and Susan Gustavson, Lila Delman Broker Associate, represented the seller. “Our steadfast commitment and dedication to this Italian […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – October 27: Weather forecast and things to do
Newport, RI – Here’s a look at what’s happening, new, and to do out there today in and around Newport. Weather: Flash Flood Watch in effect from October 27, 08:00 AM EDT until October 27, 08:00 PM EDTHigh Wind Warning in effect from October 27, 06:00 AM EDT until October 27, 05:00 PM EDTHazardous Weather […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport Restaurant Week returns November 2 – 11
(Brick Alley Pub is among the 50+ restaurants participating in Fall Newport Restaurant Week this November) More than 55 restaurants throughout Newport and Bristol counties will participate in the fall edition of Newport Restaurant Week November 2-11, 2018. Celebrate the cuisine of the Classic Coast by savoring two-course prix fixe lunches for $20, three-course prix fixe dinners […]
Posted inNews
Innovate Newport announces partnership with Workbar
The effort to convert Newport’s former Sheffield School into a hub for entrepreneurs and high tech businesses took a major step forward this week as Innovate Newport announced a partnership with Workbar, a trailblazing coworking provider that operates nine locations and 12 partner sites throughout Boston, Rhode Island and the South Coast of Massachusetts. The […]
Posted inThings To Do
Christmas at the Newport Mansions returns on November 17th
Newport, RI – Christmas at the Newport Mansions returns to The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House with newly imagined holiday decor from November 17 to January 1, 2019. Rosecliff will also be open in December, with a new exhibition, Bill Cunningham: Facades, featuring photographs by the late New York Times photographer. Dozens of volunteers will spend a […]
Posted inNews
RI Waves: A new statewide safer streets campaign wants you to be noticed
Providence, RI – Road safety is a serious matter, but RI Waves takes a light-hearted approach — with the help of the likes of WJAR’s Mario Hilario, Jim Nellis of RI Food Fights, WaterFire Providence’s Barnaby Evans, and the gargoyle of TEN31 Productions. Organized by Bike Newport, the video, outdoor, print, and social media public awareness […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: A conversation with John Marion, executive director of Common Cause of Rhode Island
With less than two weeks until the election, John Marion, executive director of Common Cause of Rhode Island, joins WUN’s Frank Prosnitz on this edition of The Open Forum on AM 1540 WADK Newport to discuss voter suppression issues nationwide and look ahead at the upcoming legislative session. Common Cause of Rhode Island is a […]
Posted inNews
Newport Historical Society to sponsor Write Your Way to Hamilton Essay Contest
Newport, RI – Are you a 10th-grade student who wants to see the award-winning musical Hamilton in the room where it happened first on Broadway? The Newport Historical Society is once again sponsoring the “Big Ideas for a Changing World: Write Your Way to Hamilton Essay Contest.” The prize for the winning essay writers is a trip to New York […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
International Tennis Hall of Fame introduces TeamFAME, a new chapter of the National Junior Tennis & Learning network
Newport, RI – The institution dedicated to celebrating tennis’ most accomplished champions and leaders is now also home to special program dedicated to inspiring the future of the sport. The International Tennis Hall of Fame has officially opened the doors for TeamFAME, a new chapter of the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. TeamFAME […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter To The Editor: This year I will vote for Jamie Bova on November 6th again; I urge you to do the same
To the Editor: Back in 2016 a politically savvy friend and colleague whose opinions I respect advised me, “You should meet Jamie Bova, she’s running for City Council.” Jamie and I met to talk about why she was running and what her platform was. She impressed me because I liked what she said but also […]
Posted inNews
Rogers High School to host Red Ribbon Week Assembly
Newport, RI – On Monday, October 29, 2018, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, all Rogers High School, Newport Area Career & Technical Center and P-TECH students will assemble in the Patrick F. Carroll Auditorium at Rogers High School for a Red Ribbon Week Assembly. Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – October 26: Weather forecast and things to do
Newport, RI – Here’s a look at what’s up for today in Newport in regards to weather, events, and more! Weather: Today – Sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph.Tonight – Rain, mainly after 2 am. Low around 43. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight. Chance […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Podcast: Simona De Tullio and Charles Kehres preview Island Moving Company’s ‘Far To Near’
Newport, RI – This weekend’s series of contemporary ballet performances by Island Moving Company at Casino Theatre in Newport will feature choreography by IMC Artistic Director Miki Ohlsen and choreographers from Italy and Puerto Rico. Simona De Tullio, Director of the Breathing Art Company based in Bari, Italy, will debut two pieces during Far to Near : Choreography. […]
Posted inNews
Helly Hansen announces partnership, support of New York Yacht Club’s American Magic
Sumner, WA / New York, NY — Helly Hansen, the Norway-based global leader in sailing, today announced its partnership with New York Yacht Club American Magic, the U.S. Challenger for the 36th America’s Cup, the highest prize in international sailing. With more than 140 years of innovation and performance-driven apparel trusted by professionals around the world, […]
Posted inNews
Transatlantic Race 2019: The world’s oldest, most respected, and most challenging of oceanic races returns in June
NEWPORT, R.I. — In nine months’ time, on June 25, 2019, the latest edition of the world’s oldest, most respected and most challenging of oceanic races will set sail from Newport, Rhode Island, bound for the Old World. Organized by the Royal Yacht Squadron, New York Yacht Club, Royal Ocean Racing Club and Storm Trysail Club, […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – October 25: Weather forecast and things to do
Newport, RI – Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport on this Thursday, October 25th. Weather: Today – Sunny, with a high near 50. Northwest wind 11 to 14 mph.Tonight – Clear, with a low around 35. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Gallery Night returns on November 8th
(Photo: Coastal Contemporary Gallery: Taleen Batalian, Installation and Rebecca Stern, Painting) This November, enjoy the cool air on November Newport Gallery Night which will take place on November 8, 2018 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Deblois Gallery is featuring “Small Works, Big Ideas”, an open show and pre-holiday art mart. Coastal Contemporary Gallery is hosting “UNRAVEL”, an […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Marriott to host screening of Hocus Pocus on October 28th
To capture the magical spirit of Halloween, the Newport Marriott invites locals and guests alike for an afternoon screening of “Hocus Pocus” on Sunday, October 28 from 3:30 to 6 pm in the Grand Ballroom. Newport Marriott will welcome guests for a screening of the 1993 American horror fantasy comedy film, which marks its 25th anniversary […]