STATE HOUSE – Two proposals introduced by Rep. Deborah Ruggiero — one extending services to foster children up to age 21 and another providing grants to senior centers — were included in the 2019 budget bill passed by the House of Representatives today. “These are two initiatives that I feel each go a long way […]
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 inFood & Drink
Changes, updates coming for Top of Newport at Hotel Viking
Hotel Viking will unveil a totally refreshed Top of Newport, their rooftop bar and kitchen, in early July – just in time for 4th of July festivities! Boasting 360-degree views of Newport, in addition, to live music, rotating events and fresh seafood dishes compliments of Chef Simone Ferrara, the spacious rooftop bar will feature completely new furnishings with […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 100+ businesses in and around Newport
Time for a new part-time gig, new full-time job or a new career? Start your job search right here, there are more than 100 businesses hiring right now in and around Newport. FEATURED JOB LISTINGS 12 Meter Charters – Sailing Crew Member on 70 foot charter yacht12 Meter Charters – Sailing Sales RepresentativeAdvanced Remarketing Services – Customer Experience […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This Weekend: Live music and entertainment listings
Here’s what’s up for live music, entertainment, movies and more this weekend in and around Newport. Friday, June 15th Buskers: Live music at 9 pmCeltica: Karaoke at 10 pmClarke Cooke House: DJ & Dancing in the Boom Boom Room at 10 pmDiego’s Barrio Cantina: Live music at 8 pmDockside: DJs Twalle and DJ 4Hundo at 10 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Brick Market Book Club will feature books tied to Newport’s history this summer
The Newport Historical Society invited the public to join them for their monthly book club at the Museum of Newport History & Shop every first Monday of the month at 5:30 pm at 127 Thames St. Newport, RI. Each month features a book with ties to Newport’s history. The books are available for sale in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum to host gallery talk with exhibiting artist Joan Hall
(Photo: Joan Hall in her Jamestown, RI studio.) The Newport Art Museum will welcome the public to a Gallery Talk with exhibiting artist Joan Hall on Thursday, June 21 at 5:30 pm. Hall will be introduced by Museum Executive Director Norah Diedrich and will lead guests through her exhibition “Sea of Heartbreak,” currently on view in […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport Bermuda Race starts on Friday
Making attempts at breaking records, surviving rough seas, reveling in starry nights and bonding over the adventure of navigating 635 miles of open water are all part of the longstanding and storied history of the Newport Bermuda Race, first held in 1906. Since its inception, over 52,000 sailors (more than twice the population of the […]
Posted inNews
Million Dollar Listing: Home on Old Beach Road in Newport sells for $1.38 million
(Photo of 116 Old Beach Road, photo provided by Lila Delman Real Estate) Lila Delman Real Estate announced on Thursday the sale of 116 Old Beach Road in Newport for $1,380,000. Annie Becker, Broker Associate, represented the buyer. “116 Old Beach Road was lovingly designed and built to blend into the estate setting of the […]
Posted inNews
Preservation Society of Newport County celebrates opening of new Welcome Center at The Breakers
After more than 10 years of planning and work, The Preservation Society of Newport County was joined by nearly 600 supporters for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of its new Welcome Center at The Breakers earlier today. Four hundred and fifty thousand (450,000) people a year visit the former Vanderbilt mansion, which is now […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health
America’s Cup boatbuilding will return to Rhode Island
New York Yacht Club American Magic (“American Magic”), the U.S. sailing team challenging for the 36th America’s Cup, announced plans on Thursday via a press release to open a dedicated construction facility and build a pair of state-of-the-art racing boats in Bristol, Rhode Island. The return of America’s Cup design, building and sailing activity to Rhode Island […]
Posted inBusiness
New businesses ready for Newport’s busiest season
(Photo: Diego’s Barrio Cantina) As summer’s arrival is just around the corner, new and renovated businesses throughout Newport and its surrounding coastal communities stand ready to make a memorable first impression on visitors and residents alike. Discover Newport, the official convention and visitors bureau for Newport and Bristol Counties, has put together the following sampling of […]
Posted inThings To Do
This Weekend: 30+ things to do in and around Newport
Photo: SVF Foundation will host their Annual Open House on Saturday Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, RI this weekend. You Might Also Like – This Weekend: Live music and entertainment listings Friday, June 15th 9 am to 5 pm – 2018 Newport Bermuda Race 10 am to 5 pm – June […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp Radio – June 14th: Pamela McLaughlin, Project SEARCH
Newport Hospital recently celebrated the graduation of Project SEARCH interns at a ceremony held last week at Newport Hospital. The Project Search program prepares special needs students for the workplace, helping them acquire career and life skills through hands-on internships. Their interns completed three 10-week rotations throughout the hospital, working alongside Newport Hospital employees in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Collaborative Community Initiative: Tree Path Project on display through June 21
(Photo: Newport String Project student musician’s Tree Path Project, featuring violins and musical notes) The Tree Path Project, a collaborative art-making project between the Women’s Resource Center, Newport Health Equity Zone,Salve Regina University and the Newport Art Museum will be on display and celebrating ideas of hope and community through Thursday, June 21. The Tree Path Project was developed and is […]
Posted inNews
Eco-Depot headed to Portsmouth High School on June 23
Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (Resource Recovery) and the Portsmouth Department of Public Works are partnering for a household hazardous waste collection on Saturday, June 23 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Portsmouth High School located at 120 Education Lane. Created in 2001, the Eco-Depot program is a free service offered that provides for […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator DiPalma’s legislation regarding net neutrality rules and state contracts passes Senate Commerce Committee
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Louis P. DiPalma’s legislation (2018-S 2008A) that would prohibit the state from entering into contracts with any internet service provider (ISP) who engages in business practices that were prohibited by recently repealed net neutrality rules was passed by the Senate Committee on Commerce last night. The legislation would require ISPs that […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Singer-songwriters to be featured at Newport To Nashville on Thursday
Newport to Nashville returns to The Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant on Thursday, June 14th. Referred to by organizer and owner Jonathan Perry as “Newport’s First Listening Room”, Newport To Nashville transforms The Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant every month into a “Nashville Style” Listening Room. The goal of Newport To Nashville is to showcase […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Whitehouse joins fellow senators in advocating for better insurance options for local shellfish farmers
Washington, DC – Senator Sheldon Whitehouse announced in a press release on Wednesday morning that he has joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) to advocate for better insurance options for local shellfish farmers, which would give the aquaculture industry more certainty to expand and create jobs. The senators outlined their […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp Radio – June 13: Rebecca Bertrand, Executive Director of newportFILM
Rebecca Bertrand, Executive Director of newportFILM, joined me on today’s edition of What’sUpNewp Radio on AM 1540 WADK Newport to chat about and give us a preview of all that’s ahead for newportFILM Outdoors and the non-profit organization this summer. newportFILM Outdoors More than a film festival, newportFILM Outdoors makes each film its own festival. At […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Gallery Night walking tours expand for the 2018 Season
Newport Galleries Night 2018 is underway and the season is kicking into high gear at their member galleries, museums and cultural institutions with June Newport Gallery Night on Thursday, June 14th from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The popular free Summer Guided Walking Art Tours continue for June Newport Gallery Night. And these short, informational […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’sUpNewp to present The Greg Abate Uptown Jazz Quintet during Bridgefest
We’re pleased to announce to our readers and supporters today that we’re kicking off a new series – “What’sUpNewp Live”, a new live music and concert experience. Internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist Greg Abate will kick off the new “What’sUpNewp Live” series when he brings The Greg Abate Uptown Jazz Quintet to The Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant during Bridgefest […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum to host film screening of “Reflections on a Mermaid: Roy Lichtenstein”
Beginning at 6:30 pm on Friday, June 22, the Newport Art Museum in partnership with Sail Newport is pleased to host a very special documentary screening featuring exclusive, extensive, intimate and never-before-shown coverage of one of the most influential and innovative artists of the 20th century, Reflections on a Mermaid: Roy Lichtenstein (1994), contextualizing Lichtenstein’s iconic creative process. Tickets for Newport Art Museum members […]
Posted inThings To Do
Japan America Society of Rhode Island releases schedule for 2018 Black Ships Festival
The Japan America Society of Rhode Island is celebrating the 35th year of the Black Ships Festival on July 13-15, 2018. Started in Newport in 1984, the organization announced on Tuesday in a press release that they have expanded the Festival to Bristol this summer. As WJAR has reported – following a dispute, Newport and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Summer Sunday concerts return to King Park gazebo on July 1st
The twelfth annual NIMFest music series will begin Sunday, July 1 from 3:00-6:00pm and consecutive Sundays through August 26 at King Park, Wellington Avenue, Newport. Concerts are free and feature local or regional performers in a variety of musical styles. Brunch Belly food truck and lawn seating available, bring a chair or blanket. The kickoff […]
Posted inNews
Three-Time Olympic medalist Elizabeth Beisel will lead two youth and teen swim clinics for Save The Bay
Save The Bay announced on Monday that on Friday, August 3rd, it will present two youth swim clinics, each led by three-time Olympic medalist and Saunderstown native Elizabeth Beisel, at Roger Williams University’s Aquatic Center. Each clinic will include 60 minutes of pool time and 15 minutes for autographs and photos with the Olympian, who […]