A furnished seaside manor c1888 that seamlessly combines Victorian-inspired, 19th-century charm with modern, world-class amenities will sell “Without Reserve” to the highest bidder through NYC-based Concierge Auctions. Bidding for the Jamestown estate – previously listed for $3.495 million – opens May 17th. The auction will take place via the firm’s online marketplace in cooperation with Justin […]
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
Podcasts: 7 gubernatorial candidates sit down with What’sUpnewp
The biggest news in the gubernatorial race has not just been the financials, but how many people are running for the seat, the decision by former Democratic Secretary of State to switch from running for governor as an independent to running in the Democratic primary, and what the candidates have had to say. Frank Prosnitz and […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Volvo Ocean Race: Miles falling away as fleet speeds towards Newport
Stage leaders Team Brunel continue to set the pace as they blast along at more than 22 knots, matching the wind for speed, and holding a narrow 15-mile jump on second-placed Dongfeng Race Team. The top trio, which also includes Turn the Tide on Plastic, were less than 30 miles apart as the battle for […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Dawn Euer announces re-election campaign
(This story was updated following our radio interview with Senator Euer) Senator Dawn Euer announced today that she is running for re-election to the state senate in District 13, representing Newport and Jamestown. Her re-election announcement comes only one year after her campaign kick-off for last year’s special election to fill the unexpired term of […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 120+ 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 120 businesses hiring right now in and around Newport. All job listings have been posted within the last 7 days and are located within 5 miles of Newport. Featured Job Listings Advanced […]
Posted inNews
East Bay Recovery Center will open today in Bristol
Governor Gina M. Raimondo will join leaders from East Bay Community Action Program, the Town of Bristol, the Bristol Health Equity Zone, and her Health and Human Services Cabinet to celebrate the Grand Opening of East Bay Recovery Center today at 10 a.m. at the Parish Hall of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (across from the Church […]
Posted inBusiness
BedJet partners with Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina for sleep technology comfort pilot program
BedJet a nationally recognized sleep technology start-up company known for a Top 25 Kickstarter tech campaign and an appearance on ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank,” has announced Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina as the newest partner in its sleep technology comfort pilot program. The program launched in the summer of 2017 and is available exclusively […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Portsmouth Public Library to host co-author of ‘Edible Flowers: A Global History’
We like to look at them, they make us truly smile, but why on earth would anyone want to eat them? Find out on Thursday, June 21 at 3 PM at Portsmouth Free Public Library when co-author of Edible Flowers: A Global History, Mary Newman, will share examples of flowers that have a long history as a tasty ingredient […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: A conversation with Bari Freeman, Executive Director of Bike Newport
May is National Bike Month! Bari Freeman, Executive Director of Bike Newport, joined me to chat about National Bike Month, events her organization has planned this month, the future of bike share in Newport, the Bike Barn, the “first-mile” bike path, and more! For more information on Bike Newport, visit www.bikenewportri.org. Tune into What’sUpNewp Radio Edition with […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor far outdistances rivals, with campaign fund exceeding $4.3 million
(This story has been updated from an earlier version, reflecting campaign contributions posted on the state Board of Elections website on May 1) Raising some $1.3 million during the first quarter of 2018, Gov. Gina Raimondo’s campaign war chest now exceeds $4.3 million. During the quarter, according to her campaign finance report filed late this […]
Posted inThings To Do
25+ fun things to do in and around Newport this May
Here’s a look at some of the great things happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this May! 1. newportFILM presents Eating Animals – May 3: newportFILM will present Eating Animals at the Casino Theater. Eating Animals tells the story of the beginning of the end of factory farming. The film is the feature-length […]
Posted inCity & Government
Gov. Raimondo will participate in ‘A Community Conversation on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment’ in Portsmouth on May 5
The Portsmouth Prevention Coalition and the Newport County Prevention Coalition will host “A Community Conversation on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment” with Governor Gina Raimondo, Congressman Patrick Kennedy, and others in the Town Council Chambers at Portsmouth Town Hall on Saturday, May 5th from 11:30 am to 1 pm. “This will be a conversation with […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Volvo Ocean Race: Into the trades, racing north
Yesterday, the goal for the leading group was to be the first to pick up the northeast trade winds and Brunel has done just that. “Not very stable trade winds, very shifty and cloudy,” skipper Bouwe Bekking reported on Tuesday morning. But shortly afterwards his team was enjoying the conditions and charging north at nearly 20 knots, […]
Posted inNews
Top 10: The most-read and most-shared stories in April 2018
Wondering what the talk of the town was around Newport in February? While covering dozens of events and posting hundreds of stories in the month of February, it’s the news that’s unexpected, original and breaking news that saw the most traffic on our site. Most-Read Stories 10. SVF Foundation to host Annual Visitors Day on June […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Where to dine with mom on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 13th, and chances are that you’re scrambling around at the last minute looking to make those plans to celebrate your beautiful and amazing Mom! Here’s a look at where to dine and what to do with Mom on her very special day; Brick Alley Pub Treat Mom to a […]
Posted inNews
Pell Center receives grant to provide cybersecurity training to tax preparation industry
The Pell Center at Salve Regina University has received a three-year grant for more than $130,000 from the American Coalition for Taxpayer Rights (ACTR) to provide cybersecurity awareness and training to individual tax preparers during IRS Tax Forums across the country each year. In recent years, individual tax preparation professionals and smaller businesses with tax […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: Joe Bardenheier, The Shackleton Climate Project
Joe Bardenheier, Vice Chairman of The Shackleton Climate Project, joined me today on What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK Newport to discuss The Shackleton Climate Project and their upcoming event in Newport, Chasing Shackleton – A Presentation by Explorer Tim Jarvis. Listen To Our Convo Event Details Join Tim Jarvis as he presents his present-day […]
Posted inBusiness
Innovate Newport Groundbreaking Ceremony: Newport County Chamber of Commerce first confirmed tenant of facility
A ceremonial groundbreaking took place earlier today celebrating the redevelopment of the historic Sheffield School into a technology incubator and co-work facility known as Innovate Newport. Located on Broadway in Newport’s north end, the 33,000 square foot building is being rehabilitated to provide co workspace for entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups as well as private suites […]
Posted inNews
Coast Guard hosts Narragansett Bay Task Force training in Rhode Island
Coast Guard Station Point Judith hosted a National Association of State Boating Law and Administration boat crewman course April 23-27, in Narragansett, Rhode Island, for marine units who are part of the Narragansett Bay Task Force. The National Association of State Boating Law and Administration is a national nonprofit organization working to strengthen the ability of state and territorial boating […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Volvo Ocean Race: Into the North
Just over a week into Leg 8 from Itajaí, Brazil, to Newport, USA, Charlie Enright’s American crew crossed into the northern hemisphere at 10:39:40 UTC followed closely by Team Brunel and Turn the Tide on Plastic. MAPFRE, Dongfeng Race Team and team AkzoNobel joined their rivals in the north shortly afterwards leaving just Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag […]
Posted inThings To Do
25+ things to do this week
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. Monday, April 30th 4 pm – Lean On Pete at Jane Pickens Theater 5:30 pm – Teens: Advanced Readers Copies Book Club at Newport Public Library 7 pm – Ocean Plastics Program at Channing Memorial Church 7:30 pm – Heal Documentary at Jane Pickens […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live music and entertainment listings: April 30 – May 5
Here’s a look at all the live music and entertainment that’s worth seeing, hearing, doing, or knowing about in Newport County this week. Monday, April 30th Diego’s: Trivia at 9:30 pmFastnet Pub: The Ubiquitones at 10 pmFifth Element: The Groove Merchants from 7 pm to 10 pmJane Pickens Theater: Lean On Pete at 4 pm, […]
Posted inNews
Volvo Ocean Race: A closer game
Four teams are within four miles of the lead as Leg 8 of the Volvo Ocean Race enters its second week on Sunday morning. As at 1100 UTC on Sunday morning, Turn the Tide on Plastic was working hard to fend off attacks by Vestas 11th Hour Racing, Dongfeng Race Team and Team Brunel as the leading four boats […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Volvo Ocean Race: Trade winds bring relief
Vestas 11th Hour Racing has had a productive 24 hours on Leg 8 of the Volvo Ocean Race, cutting its deficit to leader Turn the Tide on Plastic in half. Now trailing by just 5 miles, and sailing in more stable trade wind conditions, Vestas 11th Hour Racing’s Tom Johnson says the hunt is on. […]
Posted inNews
Annual Traffic Stop Analysis: Rhode Island has racial and ethnic disparities in its traffic stop and search data
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) posted an analysis by Central Connecticut State University’s (CCSU) Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) of traffic stops on its website today. The analysis studied traffic stops by 37 municipal police departments, the Rhode Island State Police (RISP), the University of Rhode Island (URI) and the Department […]