Newport Police Department has announced that on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, National Grid Gas will be completing the final restoration of the concrete roadway on Bellevue Ave at Prospect Hill Street, from a prior repair. The work includes the full excavation of concrete panels and pouring of new concrete in the northbound lane. Bellevue Ave […]
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 inNews
WalletHub: Rhode Island is 10th ‘Most Environmentally Friendly State’
With Earth Day around the corner and many local economies still recovering from the past year’s devastating hurricane season, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2018’s Greenest States. In order to showcase the states doing right by Mother Earth, WalletHub compared the 50 states in terms of 23 key metrics that speak to […]
Posted inThings To Do
Portsmouth Free Public Library to host Touch-a-Truck event on May 5th
Portsmouth Free Public Library’s annual Touch-a-Truck fundraising event is almost here! Touch-a-Truck will give the community’s children (and adults) a chance to get up close and personal with all kinds of big and fascinating vehicles. From a school bus to a police car, from a race car to a fire truck, everyone will have the opportunity […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: A conversation with Len Lardaro, University of Rhode Island economist
Len Lardaro, the University of Rhode Island economist who produces a monthly Current Conditions Index, is encouraged by the sustained growth of the state’s economy. Lardaro, who has been following the Rhode Island economy for years and has often been critical of its performance, now believes it is showing some real strength. Lardaro joins What’sUpNewp’s […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
17 runners from Newport County complete 122nd Boston Marathon
More than a dozen residents from Newport County participated in the cold, wet, and windy 122nd running of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16th. The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events. The Boston Athletic Association manages this American classic, […]
Posted inNews
Harry Anderson, actor and Newport-native, has died
Several media outlets are reporting tonight that actor and writer Harry Anderson has died, he was 65 years old. Anderson was most well known for Night Court (1984), Dave’s World (1993) and Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme (1990). Anderson was born on October 14, 195,2 in Newport. “This morning at 6:41 a.m. the Asheville Police […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s happening this week in and around Newport: April 16 – 21
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, RI this week. Monday, April 16th 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Isle of Dogs at Jane Pickens Theater 6 pm – 2018 SPRING FLING at the Chanler on Cliff Walk 6 pm – Rhode Rage Release Party at Newport Craft Beer 6:30 pm – Taco & Tequila […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live music and entertainment this week: April 16 – 21
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 16th 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: Isle Of Dogs at 4:45 pm & 7:30 […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
17 Newport County residents will run 2018 Boston Marathon
More than a dozen residents from Newport County will participate in the 122nd running of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16th. The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events. The Boston Athletic Association manages this American classic, which is sponsored […]
Posted inCity & Government
Students from Rogers High School and Thompson Middle School will participate in public forum
One Newport NPS Strategic Plan Subcommittee and the Alliance for Livable Newport (ALN) has announced that they will host “Students of Newport Public Schools Speak Out” on Tuesday, May 1st at Claiborne Pell Elementary School in Newport. This event will feature the opportunity to listen to Thompson and Rogers School students talk about their future aspirations […]
Posted inNews
Podcast – What’sUpNewp Radio: Child Abuse Prevention Month, Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover
The topics on today’s edition of What’sUpNewp Radio ranged from Newport County YMCA’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, Healthy Kids Day, and Five Day of Action to the 2018 Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover. Anne, Sophie, and Katie were among my guests from the Newport County YMCA, while Suma Plowden, Stopover Director, was my guest from […]
Posted inNews
Adele Turner Inn, Victorian Ladies Inn purchased by Landings Capital & Development
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty announced on Friday the sale of three properties in Newport – 93 Pelham Street, 63/65 Memorial Boulevard, and 7 Annandale Road. The combined sales price for the properties was $3,250,000. The sellers of all three properties were represented by Eric Kirton, Sales Associate with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. Eric also facilitated the […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s happening this weekend in and around Newport: April 13 – 15
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do this weekend in and around Newport! You may also like – Live music and entertainment this week: April 13 – 15 Friday, April 13 4 pm to 8 pm – Haven Brothers at Ragged Island Brewing 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Isle of Dogs at Jane Pickens Theater 8 pm – […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live music and entertainment this week: April 13 – 15
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. You may also like – What’s happening this weekend in and around Newport: April 13 – 15 Friday, April 13th Buskers: Live music at 9 pmCeltica: Karaoke at 10 pmClarke Cooke House: DJ […]
Posted inThings To Do
SVF Foundation to host Annual Visitors Day on June 16th
Looking for some family fun this summer? Interested in learning more about heritage breed livestock? Swiss Village Farm (SVF) Foundation has announced that they will the date of their 2018 Annual Visitors Day celebration. SVF will open their doors on Saturday, June 16th from 9 am to 3 pm to allow the public to tour their grounds […]
Posted inCity & Government
Representative Carson’s Tourism Commission will discuss tax impacts of short-term rentals
The Special Legislative Commission to Study Methods for Growing Tourism in the State of Rhode Island Through Coordinated Branding and Marketing Efforts, which is led by Representative Lauren Carson(D-Dist. 75, Newport), will meet Friday at the State House for discussions about the tax impacts of short-term rentals. The meeting is scheduled Friday, April 13, at 3 […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys to play in Exhibition Match at International Tennis Hall of Fame in July
Reigning US Open Champion Sloane Stephens and Finalist Madison Keys will compete in a women’s exhibition match at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Friday, July 20. The best of three sets match is set to take place late Fridayafternoon, following that day’s quarterfinal matches of the Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open, an ATP World […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Nashville troubadour Woody Pines set to perform at Common Fence this weekend
Nashville troubadour Woody Pines and his band will make their way to Portsmouth this weekend to perform at Common Fence Point Hall on Saturday, April 14th at 8 pm. “Pines first cut his teeth as a professional busker, drawing liberally from the lost back alley anthems and scratchy old 78s of American roots music, whether country, blues, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Rosemary & Thyme expands, Rustica Kitchen opens on lower Thames Street
After much-awaited anticipation, Rustica Kitchen opened for the first time at 404 Thames Street on Thursday morning at 8 am. The folks behind the newest restaurant to open in Newport are Matt and Anna Tscheulin, chef and owners of Rosemary & Thyme Artisan Bakery/Cafe. Rustica Kitchen will be serving up street-driven and chef-driven food: “I want […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Tour Guides & Greeters News #15: Newport Daffodil Days herald spring’s arrival (at last!)
It’s true, it’s true, the Crown has made it clear; spring weather must arrive this time each year! Of course, we are merely paraphrasing the first line of Lerner & Lowe’s most famous song from the 1960 Broadway musical “Camelot.” But we are hopeful, as was King Arthur in the original play, to wish for […]
Posted inCity & Government
City Council approves the execution of the Letter of Interest with National Sailing Hall Of Fame
The Newport City Council voted 4 to 3 on Wednesday night to approve the execution of a Letter of Interest with the National Sailing Hall of Fame that would allow the nonprofit to purchase the first and second floor of the Armory. After almost an hour of discussion, and testimony from more than a dozen […]
Posted inBusiness
Brewers Association: Whalers Brewing Company among 50 Fastest Growing Breweries
The Brewers Association (BA) announced on Tuesday its inaugural list of the 50 fastest growing small and independent1 craft brewing companies of 2017. Median growth from 2016 to 2017 for these breweries was 216 percent; the median size of breweries on the list went from 284 barrels in 2016 to 963 barrels in 2017. These companies represent 5.5 […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Podcast – What’sUpNewp Radio: Sean and Dani, Newport Out
Sean and Daniel from Newport Out joined Frank Prosnitz and me today on What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK Newport. Newport Out is a Travel Destination and Wedding website that markets Newport R.I. specifically to the LGBTQ community. Hear from Dani and Sean from about 15:00 until the end of the show. For more information, visit […]
Posted inNews
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to be held to help send Rogers High School Robotics Teams to National Competition
The Rogers High School Robotics Teams are heading to the National Competition for the fourth year in a row. After winning at the regional level, the teams will make the trip to UMASS Dartmouth in May for the National SeaPerch Challenge. The Rogers teams compete at two levels, the high school division and the more […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Shift Drinks: Brent Ryan, Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling
A lot has changed over the past few months for the company that produces Newport Storm beer and Thomas Tew rums. In March, it was announced that a private equity group had purchased a controlling interest in the company. Along with renovations to the brewery, Newport Storm’s packaging was rebranded with modern, clean and crisp […]