AM 1540 WADK Newport will host their 31st Annual Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 13th at the Newport Marriott on America’s Cup Avenue. The WADK Christmas Concert, which is scheduled to begin at 7 pm, will feature live music from the Jamestown Community Chorus and Larry Brown’s Swinglane Orchestra. While the event is free and […]
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
EFC Newport casts historic vote, prepares to open new doors in Newport County
Newport, RI -Senior Pastor Paul Hoffman announced on What’sUpNewp’s Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK Newport on Monday, December 11th that EFC Newport would be expanding their geographical boundaries in Newport County in the coming year. Pastor Paul Hoffman At their October 29, 2017 annual congregational meeting, EFC Newport members cast a historic vote to […]
Posted inNews
Updated: Kevin “K-Rob” Robinson dies at age 45, obituary published
Kevin Robinson, known to many as K-Rob, died on Saturday, December 29th at the age of 45. Kevin Robinson was born in East Providence, Rhode Island and became a BMX Superstar, a Guinness World Record Holder and a X Games Gold Medalist. K-Rob participated in the inaugural X Games that were held during the 1995 […]
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Rhode Island nets $1.6 million to continue infrastructure improvements at the Port of Galilee
Narragansett, RI – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline joined Governor Gina Raimondo on Monday, December 11th to announce $1.6 million in federal funding to upgrade key infrastructure at the Port of Galilee in Narragansett to help protect jobs and promote investment at Rhode Island’s busiest commercial […]
Posted inBusiness
Discover Newport announces new Board of Directors appointments
Discover Newport has appointed four new members to its Board of Directors in accordance to the organization’s governing bylaws. “Our new board members are committed to advancing our mission of stimulating economic growth throughout our destination by continuing to attract both leisure and business travelers in an increasingly competitive travel marketplace,” said Evan Smith, president and […]
Posted inNews
Oceanfront home in Point Judith sells for $2.5 million
Narragansett, RI – Lila Delman Real Estate has announced that the oceanfront residence located at 78 Calef Avenue in Narragansett has sold for $2.5 million, it was on the market for less than 30 days. Ruth Bellino, Manager of Lila Delman Real Estate International’s Narragansett office, represented the seller. “This stylish home embodies the best […]
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Volvo Ocean Race: Respite after a furious Leg 2 start
A spectacular start to the 6,500 nautical mile leg from Cape Town in South Africa to Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday saw the city’s famed ‘Cape Doctor’ breeze send the fleet on its way yesterday with 20 to 25 knots and huge seas. As evening approached, some boats saw gusts near 40 knots. After two weeks ashore in […]
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Continuing UHIP debacle named 2017 Pell Center Rhode Island Story of the Year
NEWPORT, R.I – The continuing problems related to the state’s public-benefits computer system known as Unified Health Infrastructure Project, or UHIP, has been voted the 2017 Pell Center Rhode Island Story of the Year by a panel of 18 judges from local media and academia. UHIP was launched in September 2016. Still unresolved 15 months later, the UHIP debacle has caused lengthy delays in payments, problems with verification of eligibility, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s up for this week in and around Newport: December 10 – 16
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County this week. Sunday, December 10th 2017 Newport Holiday Stroll 9 am – Brunch With Santa at Hotel Viking 10 am to 12 pm – Motors & Mimosas at Audrain Automobile Museum 11 am to 4 pm – NEWPORT ART HOUSE, BAFL (BRUNCH, ART, & FLEA MARKET) at Parlor […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport live music and entertainment guide: December 10 – 16
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 week. Sunday, December 10th Atlantic Resort (Middletown): The Mac Chrupcala Jazz Trio […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Sardella’s open on Christmas Day for 38th year
Sardella’s Ristorante Italiano in Newport will be open for the thirty-eighth consecutive Christmas Day. The tradition started on Christmas Day 1980. It was a record cold Yuletide. Days and nights of record below-zero temperatures resulted in Newport Harbor freezing over. Burst water pipes plagued downtown restaurants that could not open even if the owners planned […]
Posted inBusiness
USA Today nominates Newport Car Museum for “Best New Attraction” in the country
USA Today has nominated the Newport Car Museum for “Best New Attraction” in the entire USA. The nomination is part of its “10 Best” Readers’ Choice Awards contest and was decided with the help of a panel of travel experts who combed the country for the best new attractions of the year. Fans can go to http://bit.ly/2zMLp1E to vote for the Newport Car […]
Posted inNews
Volvo Ocean Race fleet flying out of Cape Town
Charles Caudrelier’s Dongfeng Race Team and the Spanish MAPFRE squad were neck and neck leading the Volvo Ocean Race fleet out of Cape Town and towards the southernmost point of the African continent on Sunday. It was the eleventh time in the history of the event that the fleet had raced out of Cape Town, this […]
Posted inCity & Government
Defense Economy Commission to meet in Middletown on Thursday
The Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission will meet at Middletown Town Hall thisweek with the administrators of all three Aquidneck Island communities to discuss realignment of unused U.S. Navy properties on the island. The meeting is scheduled Thursday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m. in the Town Council Chambers, Middletown Town Hall, 350 East Main Road. The U.S. Navy […]
Posted inNews
Volvo Ocean Race sailors prepare for rough re-start in Cape Town
Strong winds are forecast for the start of Leg 3 of the Volvo Ocean Race on Sunday afternoon in Cape Town as the famous ‘Cape Doctor’ – a strong southeasterly wind – pays a visit over the weekend. On Saturday morning the doctor made a house call bringing a steady 40 knots of wind, and at least one […]
Posted inNews
Registration now open for 2018 Newport Charter Yacht Show
Newport, RI – Dates are set for the Newport Charter Yacht Show and registration is now open online: www.newportchartershow.com. The charter show, which features luxury sailing and motor vessels available for charter in New England, is open to yacht brokers, agents and industry professionals. The show will be held at Newport Shipyard in Newport, Rhode Island […]
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Parking ban issued for Portsmouth ahead of Saturday snowstorm
Portsmouth, RI – The town of Portsmouth announced on Friday afternoon that there will be a parking ban in effect from 4 am on Saturday, December 9th until 12 pm on Sunday, December 10th. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for all of Rhode Island and remains in effect from 4 am on Saturday until […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s up for this weekend in and around Newport: December 8 – 10
Newport, RI – Discover all that’s happening , new and to do in and around Newport County this weekend. Friday, December 8th 2017 Newport Holiday Stroll 8 am – City of Newport Trust & Investment Commission 2:30 pm, 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Lady Bird at Jane Pickens Theater 4 pm – Holiday Lantern Tour at Brick Market: […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport live music and entertainment guide: December 8-10
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. Friday, December 8th Buskers: Grace Morrison at 9 pmCeltica: […]
Posted inNews
Holiday Greetings from Rhode Island Troops: Lt. Cmdr. Janelle Piche
Lt. Cmdr. Janelle Piche, stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, gives a general holiday greeting to family in Coventry, Rhode Island. The Defense Video Imagery Distribution System provided the following video that was created by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ali Flockerzi.
Posted inNews
Holiday Greetings from Rhode Island Troops: Army Colonel Ryan Dillon and Staff Sergeant Yer Yang
Army Colonel Ryan Dillon, Coalition Spokesman, and Staff Sergeant Yer Yang, Supply Sergeant, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve send holiday greetings from Baghdad, Iraq to Providence and Narragansett, Rhode Island. Video by Sgt. Cameron Christensen
Posted inNews
Opening of Newport Skating Center delayed
Due to the recent spring-like temperatures, the Newport Skating Center has had to delay its opening. Michele Maker Palmieri, Owner and President of Waterfront Productions, the parent company of Newport Waterfront Events, announced on What’sUpNewp’s Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK today that the Newport Skating Center’s 36th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration and opening would […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport Art Museum’s Art After Dark to feature Faculty & Student Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale
Newport, RI – Newport Art Museum’s Art After Dark, which recently received the 2017 Editor’s Pick Award for Best Artsy Social Event by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine, is back on Thursday, December 14 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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Give the gift of an experience at The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center
As the holiday season fast approaches, The Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center wishes to remind that you can now give your loved ones the magic of a very unique experience at our historic local art house cinema. Whether it’s a gift card in any amount you see fit, a yearly membership (which now includes […]
Posted inNews
Representative Carson’s Tourism marketing commission to meet at Bristol Maritime Center on Friday
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 Bristol Maritime Center. The meeting is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 8, at 3 pm at the Bristol Maritime Center, […]