Newport Art Museum’s Art After Dark is back on Thursday, May 10 from 5 – 9 pm. Each Art After Dark has unique programming for the whole family. This event joins the ranks of the many events and educational programs the Museum currently offers in its galleries at 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. Admission to Art After Dark is free for Museum members and is a $10 suggested […]
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 inBusiness, Jobs
Infrastructure investment at Quonset to support accelerated hiring of 1,300 at Electric Boat
Standing outside Electric Boat’s Quonset Point facility and flanked by manufacturing workers, tradesmen and members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced a new infrastructure investment that will allow Electric Boat to accelerate the hiring of 1,300 new employees. Additionally, Electric Boat will begin construction to significantly increase the size of […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Volvo Ocean Race: Small changes making the difference
At 1300 UTC every team apart from Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag had broken the magical mark of sailing 500 miles in 24 hours, lapping up the fast sailing that the stable north easterly breeze has granted them. Dutch-flagged Team Brunel continued to lead the charge, opening up their advantage on second-placed Dongfeng Race Team to 20 miles, […]
Posted inBusiness
United Way, CVS Health Foundation launch 2-1-1 partnership to address opioid addiction
As Rhode Island struggles with the highest rate of substance abuse-related deaths in New England, those caught in the cycle of addiction, as well as their family and friends, have a new resource to access the help they need. United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) and the CVS Health Foundation have announced a new partnership […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This Weekend: Live music and entertainment listings (May 4 – 6)
Our Newport Live Music and Entertainment Guide is Newport County’s premier and most comprehensive source for live music and entertainment in our area. Here’s a look at all the live music and entertainment that’s worth seeing, hearing, doing, or knowing about in Newport County this weekend. (Editor’s Note: Bold and linked listings are our proud […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
This Weekend: 30+ things to do in and around Newport (May 4 – 6)
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend. Friday, May 4th 3:30 pm, 5:45 pm, & 8 pm – Tully at Jane Pickens Theater 5 pm to 8 pm – Fireside Live Music with Ethan Bates at Newport Vineyards 7 pm – 3rd Annual Old School Prom at The Atlantic Resort 7 pm […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles, Things To Do
Newport Tour Guides & Greeters News #18: Red sky at night, Volvo Ocean Racer’s delight!
For the next two weeks — May 8-20 – the Volvo Ocean Race will be the big story and the big attraction for up to 200,000 additional guests and visitors to our City-by-the-Sea. Newport is the sole host U.S. stop for this 45,000 nautical mile race around the globe. Lots of activities and the fabulous […]
Posted inCity & Government
Stephanie Calise will run as a Republican in Senate District 11 race
Stephanie Calise, a Bristol resident, announced on Tuesday that she will run as a Republican in the upcoming Senate District 11 (Bristol, Tiverton, Portsmouth) race. Calise will run against Senator James Seveney, a Democrat in November. Stephanie Calise will officially announce her candidacy for State Senate on Friday, May 4th at 12:30 pm at the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport Festivals Foundation is now accepting submissions for Bridgefest
Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.invites local artists, clubs, restaurants, theaters, museums and other organizations to participate in Bridgefest® 2018, the annual celebration of Jazz, Folk and Newport’s rich musical community. Bridging the gap between the iconic Newport Folk Festival® and Newport Jazz Festival®, the series of events – including concerts, films, educational programs and music-related activities […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Newport Grand property to become upscale mix of hotels, retail and office space
This story was written by Ryan Belmore and Frank Prosnitz. Carpionato Properties, which today announced it has purchased the 23.5-acre Newport Grand for $10.15 million, is interested in buying nearby properties, transforming the area into an upscale combination of hotels, restaurants, retail and office space. Kelly Coates, Carpionato’s chief operating officer appearing on WADK’s WhatsUpNewp […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: A convo with Kelly Coates, Carpionato Group; Senator Dawn Euer
It was a jam-packed What’sUpNewp Radio Edition today on AM 1540 WADK Newport. Following the news that Carpionato Group had closed on its purchase of the 23.5 acre Newport Grand property from Twin River, LLC. Kelly Coates, President and COO of Carpionato Group, joined Frank Prosnitz and me to discuss the purchase of the building […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Newport Grand property sold for $10.15 million
(Editor’s Note – This story has been updated to include information from a press release that was provided to What’sUpNewp) Carpionato Group announced today in a press release that it has closed on its purchase of the 23.5 acre Newport Grand property from Twin River, LLC. The purchase is of the building and property only, […]
Posted inNews
The Boulders: Historic Jamestown home heads to auction
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 […]
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, […]