Authentic 19th-century coaches drawn by matched and highly-trained teams of horses visit Newport every three years for a Weekend of Coaching, hosted by The Preservation Society of Newport County. The public can enjoy free viewing of the colorful and historic coaches every day, as they drive through the streets of Newport and the grounds of […]
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 inThings To Do
Newport Tour Guides & Greeters News – #33: Coaching Weekend!!
It’s finally here! The much-anticipated once-every-three-years’ event is happening this weekend — COACHING WEEKEND! Sponsored by the Preservation Society of Newport County, this event attracts visitors from around the world. Look for these beautiful coaches pulled by teams of four horses all around the city, from Bellevue Avenue to the Breakers to a big […]
Posted inThings To Do
This Weekend: 25+ things to do in and around Newport
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend. Friday, August 17th A Weekend Of Coaching returns to Newport August 16 – 19 Ida Lewis Distance Race 4 pm to 8 pm – Winner Winner Nights at Ragged Island 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Blackkklansman at Jane Pickens Theater 6 pm – No Tell […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: A discussion with Seth Bock and Rob Dupont, Greenleaf Compassion Center of Portsmouth
Among Rhode Island’s newest and fastest growing industries is medical marijuana, with three medical marijuana compassion centers and over 100 licensed growers across the state. Joining Frank Prosnitz and me today on The Open Forum on AM 1540 WADK Newport were Seth Bock, Owner of Greenleaf Compassion Center of Portsmouth, and Rob Dupont, the Center’s […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: Town of Middletown ready to host Founders’ Day 275 Celebration on August 18th
Robert Sylvia and Theresa Santos from the Middletown Town Council joined Frank Prosnitz and me on What’sUpNewp Radio today to chat about Middletown’s 275th Anniversary celebration. Events will take place at Paradise Park from 11 AM to 5 PM & Second Beach from 6 PM to 10 PM including the running of Boyd’s wind grist mill, the Sons […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH recommends reopening Third Beach, closes three other beaches (Updated)
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) announced on Wednesday afternoon that they recommend reopening Third Beach in Middletown for swimming based on results from water samples that show bacteria levels within acceptable limits. Third Beach has been closed since August 10th. RIDOH also recommends closing Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick, […]
Posted inJobs
Featured Job Opportunity: Newport Historical Society – Sales Associate
Newport Historical Society’s Museum of Newport History & Shop is currently seeking a part-time employee to assist in the daily sales operations of the museum and shop. The associate will contribute to the overall success of the Newport Historical Society through his/her role in the shop. Qualified candidates will have an outgoing personality, ability to […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 100 local businesses who are hiring right now in and around Newport (Aug. 15)
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 LISTINGS BeYoutiful Salon & Spa – Full or Part Time Hairstylist, Full or Part Time Nail TechJane Pickens Theater – Crew MemberNewport Historical […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: What’sUpNewp – Media Sales Associate, Freelance Writers, and Interns
What’sUpNewp and What’sUpRhodeIsland are currently looking for an enthusiastic self-starter to join our sales team and writers to join our content team. Media Sales Associate As a Media Sales Associate for What’sUpNewp and What’sUpRhodeIsland you’ll strategically target active and prospective businesses to advertise on our online platforms, radio programming, and podcasts. Developing partnerships and sponsorships with […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: A conversation with Clean Ocean Access and RI Department of Health about beach closures
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has closed 29 beaches across Rhode Island so far this summer for a total of 111 days due to high bacteria counts. Locally, Third Beach has been closed since August 10th for this reason. Today on the radio, we chat about beach closures, high bacteria counts, what it […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Update: ‘Bioluminescence Night’ at Beavertail State Park moved to August 21st
Update: The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has announced that due to forecasted inclement weather, tonight’s ‘Bioluminescence Night’ at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown has been rescheduled to Tuesday, August 21. The event will include an outdoor viewing of the Disney movie, Moana, stargazing, and illumination jelly fish and local sea creatures. WHAT: […]
Posted inJobs
Featured Job Opportunity: The General Store – Retail Sales Positions
Local Newport Gift Store seeking Mature, Experienced, Reliable and Personable salespersons! Positions available for 12 to 20 hours per week, and 20-30 hours per week. No Nights! Must be available for rotating weekend shifts, competitive hourly wage. Send resume’ to: info@thegeneralstorenpt.com. Resume’ only candidates will be considered, no phone calls or walk-ins! To apply for […]
Posted inNews
Newport County YMCA partners up with the Potter League to host a ‘Doggie Dip’
On Saturday, August 18th at noon the Newport County YMCA will be hosting a Doggie Dip with the Potter League for the Animals. The event is a fundraiser to support the Newport County YMCA Potter League Summer Camp. The suggested donation is $10 and this event is open to the entire community. The Newport County […]
Posted inNews
The Museum of Newport Irish History will host ‘Shamrocks & Seashells’ benefit on September 8th
“Shamrocks & Seashells,” the 9th Annual Benefit for the Museum of Newport Irish History’s Interpretive Center, will be held Saturday, September 8, at 6:00 p.m. at Easton’s Beach Rotunda Ballroom. Traditional Irish music will be played by “The Exiles,” featuring award-winning Irish step dancer, Kevin T. Doyle. Guests will also enjoy a bagpiper greeting, vintage […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp Radio – August 13: Victory Day, Washington County Fair, Things To Do, and Newport Grand
On this edition of What’sUpNewp Radio on AM 1540 WADK I chat about Victory Day, Washington County Fair, things to do this week, and more. You’ll also hear an interview I previously did with Patti Doyle, Chairwoman from Twin River Management Group, about Newport Grand closing on August 28th.
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Ida Lewis Distance Race goes big on Friday
With 51 teams registered to compete, the 2018 Ida Lewis Distance Race will create quite the spectacle of sail when it starts at 12:30 p.m. on Friday (August 17) between Fort Adams and Rose Island. Prior to the gun, Ida Lewis Yacht Club’s Race Committee will decide – based on weather forecasts and sea conditions – which […]
Posted inThings To Do
This Week: 40+ things to do in and around Newport (Aug. 13 – 18)
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week! Monday, August 13th 11 am – No Tell Motel at Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Blackkklansman at Jane Pickens Theater 6 pm – Single-use plastics on Aquidneck Island at Clean Ocean Access 8 pm – Laughter for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This Week: Live music and entertainment listings (Aug. 13 – 18)
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. Monday, August 13 Fastnet Pub: The Ubiquitones at 10 pmFifth Element: The Groove Merchants from 7 pm to 10 pmFirehouse Theater: Laughter For Locals with The Bit Players at 8 pmJane Pickens […]
Posted inNews
Podcast : Discussing Medicaid with Linda Katz and Carmela Geer
Medicaid matters in Rhode Island, with one in three Rhode Islanders, served by the program. It’s the subject of a recent Economic Progress Institute Report and the subject of this edition of The Open Forum on WADK (1540 AM). Joining Frank Prosnitz is Linda Katz, chair of the institute’s “Protect Our Healthcare Coalition,” and Carmela […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Island Moving Company will perform Peter Pan on Oliver Hazard Perry this September
Island Moving Company, Newport’s contemporary ballet company announces the return of Second Star to the Right: A Tale of Hook and Pan. The site-specific ballet is in the tradition of Island Moving Company’s renowned Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff and legendary Dracula at Belcourt Castle. In partnership with Rhode Island’s official flagship and Tall Ship ambassador, […]
Posted inNews
Podcast – August 10: Looking ahead to Rhythm & Roots, Providence Folk Festival and more music with WUN’s Ken Abrams
Ken Abrams, our fabulous music, arts, and entertainment writer, joined me on this edition of What’sUpNewp Radio to chat about life after the Newport festivals. There’s Rhythm & Roots, Providence Folk Festival, and much more music that is sure to keep you busy from now thru Labor Day. We also hit on Ken’s Six Picks for […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Boxfit celebrates 5 Years in business
From their humble beginnings in the basement of the Newport Boys & Girls Club to training world-class Volvo Ocean Race sailors at their gym at 1 Casino Terrace, founders Jesse Macrae, and Andrew Menton have worked hard to establish their place in the Rhode Island workout community. Newport Boxfit, established in 2013, is a fun […]
Posted inOpinion
Op-Ed: Family Scouting Means More Options for Families and Girls
By: Tim McCandless, Scout Executive & CEO – Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America My three older brothers and I grew up in Scouting and became Eagle Scouts in the 70’s and early 80’s. My sister Marjorie loved Scouting, too. She wanted to be a Scout but was not permitted to participate. Regrettably, she missed […]
Posted inThings To Do
This Weekend: 25+ things to do in and around Newport (Aug. 10 – 12)
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend. Friday, August 10th WET PAINT at Newport Art Museum The Official Draken Experience at Bowen’s Wharf 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Blackkklansman at Jane Pickens Theater 5:30 pm – 5th Annual Newport Yacht Rendezvous at Newport Shipyard 6 pm – No Tell Motel at Newport Playhouse & Cabaret […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This Weekend: Live music and entertainment listings (Aug. 10 – 12)
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend for live music, movies, and entertainment. Friday, August 10 Atlantic Resort: Sean Rivers at 4 pmBuskers: Live music at 9 pmCeltica: Karaoke at 10 pmClarke Cooke House: DJ & Dancing in the Boom Boom Room at 10 pmDiego’s Barrio Cantina (Middletown): […]