Portsmouth, RI – Registered voters headed to the polls today in Portsmouth to vote on local and statewide races. There are 781,960 registered voters in Rhode Island as of August 31, according to the Secretary of State. Approximately 145,000 (18%) of those registered voters voted in today’s Statewide Primary. The results posted are preliminary and […]
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
2018 Statewide Primary: Here’s how Middletown residents voted
Middletown, RI – Registered voters headed to the polls today in Middletown to vote on local and statewide races. There are 781,960 registered voters in Rhode Island as of August 31, according to the Secretary of State. Approximately 145,000 (18%) of those registered voters voted in today’s Statewide Primary. The results posted are preliminary and […]
Posted inCity & Government
2018 Statewide Primary: Here’s how Newport residents voted
Newport, RI – Registered voters headed to the polls today in Newport to vote on local and statewide races. Early numbers aren’t available for how many of the 15,407 registered voters in Newport voted today. There are 781,960 registered voters in Rhode Island as of August 31, according to the Secretary of State. Approximately 145,000 […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
2018 Statewide Primary: Ceglie, Larkin move on to General Election in 2nd Ward Newport City Council race
Newport, RI – The three-way race for the 2nd Ward Councilor seat on Newport City Council has been narrowed down to two after today’s Statewide Primary. The top vote-getters, incumbent Lynn Underwood Ceglie and Valerie Larkin, will move on to face off on November 6th in the General Election on November 6th. Unofficial Results (100% precincts reporting) Non-Partisan […]
Posted inThings To Do
Annual Four Bridges Bike Ride will roll across Rhode Island this weekend
North Kingstown, RI – The sixth annual 4 Bridges Ride, sponsored by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, will take place on Sunday, September 16th. The ride will take cyclists from North Kingstown to Bristol via four of the state’s major bridges: the Verazanno Bridge, the Claiborne Pell Bridge, the Sakonnet Bridge and the Mt. […]
Posted inNews
Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover Team among those recognized by EPA for Environmental Achievements
Boston, MA – Two organizations and three individuals in Rhode Island were recognized today at the 2018 Environmental Merit Awards ceremony of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s New England regional office. These environmental leaders were among 28 recipients across New England honored for their work to protect New England’s environment. Wenley Ferguson of Save The Bay and Terrence […]
Posted inNews
RIMTA will host environmental panel, honor Jamestown’s Susan Maffei Plowden during Newport Int’l Boat Show
The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) will host an environmental panel and honor Jamestown resident Susan Maffei Plowden during the Newport International Boat Show. The panel and award presentation will take place at RIMTA’s Industry Partnership Breakfast, an annual event that draws marine-trades professionals from throughout the state. Sponsored by Gowrie Group, the event […]
Posted inJobs
100+ local businesses in Newport are now hiring
Newport, RI – Time for a new part-time gig, new full-time job or a new career? Start your job search right here, there are 100 businesses hiring right now in and around Newport. Featured Job Opportunities Advanced Remarketing Services – Customer Support RepresentativeBecky’s BBW – Counter Help, Dishwashwer, PrepBen’s Furniture – Retail SalesBoys & Girls Club Newport – LifeguardClean Ocean Access […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
The Resolute Cup: Corinthian competition keeps them coming back
Whether it’s a recurring regatta, restaurant or retail store, there’s no compliment like a repeat customer. Since it was first run in 2010, the Resolute Cup has struck a chord with Corinthian sailors around the United States. Of the 28 clubs (click here for a list of competing clubs and sailors) sending teams to the fifth edition of the […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp Radio – September 11: Temporarily closure of Newport Skating Center and more
The construction of a new 84-room hotel and restaurant on the former site of the Newport Yachting Center will keep the Newport Skating Center closed for at least the next two seasons. Today on the What’sUpNewp Radio on AM 1540 WADK Newport, I spent the majority of it discussing that news that we brought you […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: A conversation with Tracy Nelson, Newport Canvassing Authority
Ahead of Wednesday’s Statewide Primary in Rhode Island, Tracy Nelson, Canvassing Clerk for Newport’s Canvassing Authority joined me to chat about what we should know, have ready, and do when we go to the polls on Wednesday in the City-By-The-Sea. The Newport Canvassing Authority is charged with conducting all elections for the City of Newport. Under […]
Posted inJobs
Featured Job Listing: Sweet Berry Farm – Kitchen & Market Staff
Join our team! We’re currently hiring for both our kitchen and market crews. No experience necessary. We will train the right person. Kitchen Positions: Contact Brian at (401) 855 – 1812 Part time time positions, 8am to 2pm, Mon – Sun, September – December. Market Positions: Contact Kathy at (401) 847 – 3912 All part time shifts are available, Mon-Sun, September through […]
Posted inJobs
Featured Job Listing: Ben’s Furniture – Retail Sales
We are hiring! Come join the team at Ben’s Furniture, Newport’s premier home furnishings store for over 76 years! We are looking for a retail sales associate to assist customers with home decor purchases both in person and over the phone. Ideal applicants will be friendly, energetic and be able to work well in a […]
Posted inBusiness
HopeHealth expands leadership team to support growth
HopeHealth, a leading hospice, palliative care and visiting nurse provider in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, has announced the expansion of their leadership team with three new additions: Addy Kane, chief financial operator; Diana Zapata, chief growth and marketing officer, and; Rosemarie Gallo, controller. The expanded leadership team aims to support growth in HopeHealth’s hospice, palliative […]
Posted inNews
Construction at Newport Yachting Center will keep Newport Skating Center closed in 2018 and 2019
The construction of a new 84-room hotel and restaurant on the former site of the Newport Yachting Center will keep the Newport Skating Center closed for at least the next two seasons. “We hope to break ground (on the project) sometime the end of October, for a late Spring 2020 completion,” Colin Kane, a founding […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp Radio – September 10: Jamie Lehane, Newport Mental Health
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), which is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), is celebrated annually on September 10th. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. Today on What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK Newport, we spent the majority of the show on […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum to host Newport String Project Season Opening Concert
Photo: Ealain McMullin and EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks, Directors of the Newport String Project For the last several years, the Newport Art Museum has proudly hosted the Newport String Project’s Season Opening and Closing concerts. The Museum is delighted to welcome them back to celebrate their 6th season at the Season Opening Concert in the galleries of the historic N.A. Griswold […]
Posted inThings To Do
International experts on addiction, ‘burnout’ present free public lectures on September 12th at Salve Regina
Christophe Sauerwein, academic director for The International Conference on Addiction and Associated Disorders (iCAAD), and Dr. Philippe Wuyts, a psychiatrist with expertise in anxiety, depression and burnout, will present back-to-back lectures on these critical health topics when they visit Salve Regina University on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 12. Both experts will present their lectures […]
Posted inThings To Do
35+ things to do in and around Newport this week
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. Photo – The Newport International Boat Show kicks off on Thursday. Photo Credit: Newport International Boat Show Monday, September 10th 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – The Wife at Jane Pickens Theater5:30 pm – Teens: Teen Advisory Board (TAB) at Newport […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where to find live music and entertainment this week in and around Newport
Discover all that’s happening for live music and entertainment in and around Newport this week. Monday, September 10 Fastnet Pub: The Ubiquitones at 10 pmFifth Element: The Groove Merchants from 7 pm to 10 pmJane Pickens Theater: The Wife at 4:30 pm & 7:30 pmMidtown Oyster Bar: Yacht Club Rejects at 9 pmPerro Salado: Julio Amaro from 6 […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter To The Editor: Take the ‘We The People Challenge’
“Old teachers never die, they just keep thinking of ways to educate and inspire people”. On a rainy Rhode Island Victory Day listening to Annie Lenox’s Medusa and reading Jon Meacham’s “The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels”, an idea flashed into my head; A viral challenge that celebrates the Constitution. Yes, I thought, […]
Posted inNews
Million Dollar Listing: Waterfront home on Jamestown’s East Shore sells for $3.225 million
Lila Delman Real Estate has announced the sale of 38 Collins Terrace for $3,225,000. This represents the third-highest sale in Jamestown year-to-date, according to statistics maintained by Rhode Island MLS* Cynthia Moretti, Broker Associate, represented the seller. “The buyers fell in love with what the sellers have been enjoying for over 35 years; 210 feet […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Common Fence Music is heading out on the road for their 26th Fall Season
For the first time in 25 years, Common Fence Music will be taking their award-winning concert series on the road! While their Portsmouth Mainstage – the Common Fence Point Hall in Portsmouth, the birthplace of the series – is undergoing much-needed renovations throughout the 2018-19 concert season, CFM is stepping out into the broader Aquidneck […]
Posted inNews
Cruise Ship scheduled to visit Newport on Sunday becomes disabled in Buzzards Bay, towed to Newport
Coast Guard crews and the Buzzards Bay Task Force launched Friday after the cruise ship, Star Pride, became disabled about two miles off the coast of Cuttyhunk. The captain of the Star Pride called watchstanders at Sector Southeastern New England at about 3:20 p.m., reporting the ship lost power and was disabled. Coast Guard crews and […]
Posted inNews
Entries Wanted for Home & Garden Competition at the Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair
Gardeners, bakers, and canners are invited to enter the Home & Garden Competition at the 44th Annual Harvest Fair on September 29th & 30th. Norman Bird Sanctuary’s Home & Garden Competition is a fun celebration of community and a great opportunity to show off your gardening and cooking prowess and win the coveted blue ribbon. […]