Long-awaited traffic improvements at the intersection of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road in Tiverton were unveiled today as Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti Jr. joined with state and local officials to mark the dedication of a new roundabout there. The roundabout also serves as the entrance to the new […]
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 inArts & Culture
Newport Festivals Foundation announces donation to LA’s The Harmony Project on behalf of Lucius; Brandi Carlile joins Newport Folk Festival Board of Advisors
On behalf of 2018 Newport Folk Festival performer Lucius, Newport Festivals Foundation announced on Tuesday via a press release that they have donated $5,000 to the Harmony Project – a nonprofit that provides free music instruction and instruments to youth in underserved areas of LA. The funds will be used to underwrite expenses for Harmony Project’s Leimert Park […]
Posted inNews
Waterfront home in Middletown sells for $4.1 million
In a press release on Tuesday, Lila Delman Real Estate announced that 393 Indian Avenue in Middletown has sold for $4,100,000. This transaction represents the highest sale in Middletown, year-to-date according to data from the Rhode Island Statewide MLS*. Melanie Delman, President, and Keith Marvelle, Sales Associate, represented the buyer. The buyer and seller were not […]
Posted inNews
Newport Grand closes today, Tiverton Casino Hotel opens on September 1st
The time has come, Newport Grand will permanently close at 11 pm on Tuesday, August 28th. Tiverton Casino Hotel will open at 10 am on Saturday, September 1st, a month earlier than first expected. “Today we say goodbye to Newport Grand Casino and officially close our doors at 11pm tonight. It’s been a wonderful run […]
Posted inNews
DEM announces emergency closure of upper Narraganset Bay to shell fishing due to collapsed sewer line in Warwick sewer line
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced that all waters of Upper Narragansett Bay bounded by the DEM range marker on Conimicut Point to the center of the tower at Nayatt Point to the northern tip of Prudence Island to the southern tip of Warwick Point have been closed to shellfishing effective at […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Festivals Foundation’s 8th Annual Gala raises more than $660,000
More than 360 music fans from around the world turned out to celebrate the Newport Jazz and Folk festivals at Newport Festivals Foundation’s Eighth Annual Gala held at The Elms on Saturday, August 4. The dinner event, which raised more than $660,000, included performances by pianist Jon Batiste, vocalist Jazzmeia Horn and a special duo […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp Radio – August 27: Owen Ross from The Every Student Initiative; Dan McGowan, WPRI
Today’s topics ranged from Newport Grand to a new school survey that just came out. Owen Ross from The Every Student Initiative in Portsmouth joined me to chat about the community mental health forum their group was holding on Monday night in Portsmouth. With classes set to begin for students across Rhode Island, WPRI asked […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This Week: Live music and entertainment listings
Discover all that’s happening for live music, arts, entertainment, and theater this week across Newport County! Unless otherwise indicated, the venue is located in Newport. Bold listings are our advertisers and supporters. Please consider supporting them, they make what we do possible. Monday, August 27 Fastnet Pub: The Ubiquitones at 10 pmFifth Element: The Groove Merchants from […]
Posted inThings To Do
This Week: 30+ things to do in and around Newport
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. Pictured: An Irish Folk Music will be held at King Park on Saturday. Monday, August 27th 4:30 pm – Blackkklansman at Jane Pickens Theater5:30 pm – Community Round Table at Florence Gray Center6 pm – Evening Skimmer Tour at Perrotti Park7:30 pm – Heal at Jane Pickens Theater8 pm […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Steady sailing lifts New York Yacht Club to Grandmasters Crown
A year ago, the host New York Yacht Club won the Grandmasters Team Race for the first time by the thinnest of margins. This year, the home team emphatically defended the title, compiling the most points in the round robins and then losing just one of six races in the knock-out portion of the event. “We […]
Posted inJobs
Featured Job Listing: Boys & Girls Club of Newport County – Lifeguard
Lifeguard Description: Lifeguard events, programs and activities with responsibility, safety and genuine concern for swimmers and participants. Job Requirements · Demonstrated knowledge of principles related to development of youth between 4 and 18 years of age. · Strong group leadership skills and an understanding of group dynamics. · Strong communication skills both oral and written […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Columbia wins The Panerai Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta
(Photo of sailboat racing in 2017 race, photo by Tyler Fields) The inaugural Narragansett Bay Classic Yacht Rendezvous started on Thursday afternoon with the Newport to Bristol Feeder Race Sponsored by Gowrie Group and PURE Insurance. A total of 28 Classic Yachts raced up Narragansett Bay in champagne sailing conditions before enjoying the Herreshoff Marine Museum’s ‘Living Boat Show and welcome cocktail […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp Radio – August 24: Magnolia Cajun Band ready for Rhythm & Roots Festival; John Fuzek speaks about Providence Folk Festival
It was all about the music and upcoming music festivals today on What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK Newport. Alan and Michelle from Magnolia Cajun Band, “Rhode Island’s Hometown Cajun Band”, joined me to chat about the band’s upcoming performance at next weekend’s Rhythm and Roots Festival in Charlestown. The Providence Folk Festival, a free […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum and Chanler at Cliff Walk to co-host book signing and talk with author Donna M. Lucey
The Newport Art Museum and the Chanler at Cliff Walk will cohost a book signing and talk with author Donna M. Lucey, held on the Terrace at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, on Sunday, September 9 at 4 pm. Lucey will discuss her new book, Sargent’s Women: Four Lives Behind the Canvas, which shares the lives of four remarkable […]
Posted inNews
Women’s Resource Center unveils new section of ‘Pathway To Hope’
The Women’s Resource Center serving Newport and Bristol Counties (WRC), a nonprofit domestic violence intervention and prevention services agency, unveiled a new section of its decades-old “Pathway to Hope” brick walkway. The celebratory event was held on the agency’s newly renovated porch and throughout the grounds of its historic 114 Touro Street headquarters in Newport. The evening’s celebration offered […]
Posted inJobs
Featured Job Listing: Forty 1 North – Hosts & Waitsatff
Hostess/Host & Waitstaff Positions available immediately. Waitstaff some experience required. To apply for this job email your details to employment@41north.com
Posted inNews
Congressional, defense industry, and innovation leaders to speak in Newport at SENEDIA’s annual Defense Innovation Days
Congressional and defense industry leaders will visit Newport from 27 August through 29 August for a sold-out event focusing on the future of innovation and technology in the defense arena. Hosted by the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), the 5th Annual Defense Innovation Days’ event will bring policymakers and industry representatives together to discuss […]
Posted inThings To Do
Naval Station Newport to host ‘Salute To Summer’on Saturday
The Naval Station Newport MWR will be hosting a Salute to Summer Free Concert and Fireworks Show on Saturday, August 25th at Dewey Field on Naval Station Newport. This event is open to active duty personnel, retirees, reservists, eligible family members, DoD civilians and contractors with base access, and the general public. Field gates will […]
Posted inJobs
Featured Job Listing: Midtown Oyster Bar – Hosts, Food Runner, Busser
We are on the lookout for anyone that has a passion for hospitality, enjoys working together to accomplish goals and most importantly want to make money for being nice! Full or Part-time available Good hourly pay and tips wages Experience requested but not mandatory. To apply for this job email your details to charlie@midtownoyster.com.
Posted inArts & Culture
Waterfront Series bring Irish folk music, dance to King Park on September 1st
On Saturday, September 1st, the last free concert in this year’s Waterfront series will be a mini-Irish festival featuring RI-based Irish traditional artists. The festivities are scheduled from 2 pm – 6 pm. A gazebo concert and dance with The Exiles (2pm) with former members of RI’s longstanding Pendragon folk ensemble and featuring National Heritage Award-winning dancer […]
Posted inCity & Government
Alliance For A Livable Newport publishes Second Ward candidates survey responses
On September 12th, Newport’s Second Ward voters will be asked to narrow the field of candidates for the Second Ward City Council seat in the primary election. The Alliance For A Livable Newport (ALN, which “has promoted and enhanced the quality of life in its city by providing an unbiased resource for information on issues facing […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp Radio – August 23: Pell Bridge ramp realignment, Newport Grand, Sheffield School and more.
Tim Towey made his weekly guest appearance on What’sUp Newp Radio on Thursday. Before the show, Tim and I visited Newport Grand before its closure next week and also took a tour of the area around the Pell Bridge ramps and what the upcoming changes could look like. Our conversation over this hour ranged from […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport Restaurant Week introduces new options and price points
(Pictured: 2nd floor of Midtown Oyster Bar) For the first time since its inception in 2006, Newport Restaurant Week, which takes place again this fall (November 2-11, 2018), will see a price increase and introduce a new structure for the event’s lunch offerings. Restaurateurs may also elect to offer an upgraded menu for three-course dinners. […]
Posted inNews
This Week: HGTV filming another episode of ‘Island Life’ in Newport
Aquidneck Island and Newport is becoming a popular spot for HGTV to film. For at least the third time, Newport will be featured in an episode of “Island Life”, the show that “follows everyday families in search of their own slice of paradise, and prove that fantasy can be reality”. On Thursday, the crew was […]
Posted inNews
Governor Raimondo, Lieutenant Governor McKee call on National Grid to return $8 Million to ratepayers
Governor Raimondo and Lieutenant Governor McKee are calling on National Grid to return to ratepayers $7.9 million of over-collections made after Congress passed a massive corporate tax cut. After Congress passed the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, National Grid’s federal corporate tax rate was reduced from 35 percent to 21 percent. “This money belongs […]