Sail Newport, along with a slate of dignitaries, officials and supporters, celebrated the opening of its new Mid-Park Marine Education and Recreation Center today. Over 200 people joined Executive Director Brad Read for a ribbon cutting ceremony, including Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Director Janet Coit, former […]
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.
Obituary for Lauramae S. Magnett
Lauramae Magnett, of 76 Broadway, Newport, RI passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at Newport Hosptial. She was the wife of the late James H. Magnett and the daughter of the late George W. French and Lauramae (Carpenter) Collier. Lauramae was born in Newport, RI on August 31, 1935. She was educated in the […]
What’s Up For Today: August 30th
Today’s Vitals Sunrise: 6:11 pmSunset: 7:21 pmLow Tide: 8:02 am & 9:41 pmHigh Tide: 2:47 am & 3:21 pmToday’s WX: Rain. Patchy fog. Low around 59. Northeast wind around 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.Marine: NE winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Waves […]
Bike Newport will raise money for 7-year-old boy injured in bike accident
Bike Newport announced yesterday that all funds raised by the Bike Newport team in the annual Bike to the Beach ride this Saturday will be contributed to the medical and recovery expenses for 7-year-old Jayden Manuel Rodriguez. Jayden was critically injured while riding his bicycle last week in his Newport neighborhood. Visit Bike Newport’s Facebook page to […]
Obituary for Daniel J. Leonard
Daniel J. Leonard, 60 of Portsmouth, RI passed away unexpectedly on Sunday August 27, 2017. He was born in North Adams, MA on August 8, 1957, to Anna E. (Silvia) Leonard of Bristol, and the late Ronald S. Leonard. He graduated from Portsmouth High School and served in the US Navy. Dan has been employed […]
Clean Ocean Access appoints Elena Kissel as new Director of Development
Clean Ocean Access (COA) has announced that Elena T. Kissel has joined their team as Director of Development. Elena will be guiding all fundraising initiatives and developing new relationships to build the visibility, impact, and financial resources for Clean Ocean Access. Elena comes to COA via New York City where she served as Director of […]
Waterfront home in Jamestown sells for $1.195 million
Lila Delman Real Estate International has announced the sale of 139 Seaside Drive in Jamestown for $1,195,000. In this transaction, Lila Delman Real Estate International was both the listing and In this transaction, Lila Delman Real Estate International was both the listing and the selling company. Nancy Cresser, Sales Associate, represented the seller and facilitated […]
Expanded Newport Wooden Boat Show headed to Bowen’s Wharf
In less than three weeks, classic wooden boats from all over New England will be sailing into the marina at Bowen’s Wharf for the expanded 2017 Newport Wooden Boat Show, September 14th through September 17th. “Boats that intrigued owners over 85 years ago are coming together with contemporary builds of heritage designs. The show features […]
What’s Up For Today: Tuesday, August 29th
Good Morning, Last night we wrapped up another summer season of sponsoring Laughter For Locals with The Bit Players at The Firehouse Theater. A big shoutout to everyone who came out and supported live local entertainment and this series this summer, look for more fun and entertaining events from us to be announced soon. Special […]
Op-ed: Representative Deborah Ruggiero – Manufacturing is real in Rhode Island
Manufacturing in Rhode Island is alive and well, but not the manufacturing from the days of our grandparents. Technology has changed how we do business today and how we live. Today’s manufacturing requires knowledge in technology, math, ladder logic, G-code, lean manufacturing principles and CAD programs. Manufacturing represents 15 percent of the state’s economy with […]
Cluny School hits the market for $2.995 million
Cluny School and its surrounding property on Brendton Road was listed earlier today for $2.995 million. “Just over 8 acres of prime real estate in the Ocean Drive area of Newport. Formerly operated as the Cluny School this rare property contains several historic buildings from the Arthur Curtiss James Estate”, states the property listing details. “This […]
Euer’s margin of victory increases after Board of Elections count remaining mail ballots
The Rhode Island Board of Elections held a hearing on Monday to review approximately 230 mail ballots from the Rhode Island Senate District 13 (Jamestown, Newport) race that held a Special Election on August 22nd. The Board requested a review because they had never seen so many mail ballots notarized by a single person, according to a press release from […]
Now Hiring In Newport: 110+ Local Businesses (August 28)
Time for a part time gig, new full-time job or a new career? Start your job search right here on www.whatsupnewp.com, there are more than 100 businesses hiring right now in Newport. Featured Jobs Admiral Fitzroy Inn – Now Hiring: Admiral Fitzroy Inn – Overnight InnsitterAnnie’s – Experienced Short Order Cook – Immediate HireClassic Cruises of Newport – Front Desk […]
Obituary for Leonard F. Harkin
Leonard “Lenny” F. Harkin, Jr., 70, of Swansea, MA, formerly of Newport, RI passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, MA after battling a long-term illness. Lenny was born on March 22, 1947 in Newport, RI. He was the son of the late Leonard F. Harkin and the […]
12+ things to do this week: August 28 – September 1
Discover what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this week. Monday, August 28th 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Wind River at Jane Pickens Theater 7:30 pm – Sucrée II: Seaside Garden Party at Rotunda Ballroom at Easton’s Beach 8 pm – Laughter For Locals with The Bit Players at The Firehouse […]
Live music and entertainment listings: August 28 – September 1
You Might Also Like –40+ things to do this week in Newport: August 14 – 18 Monday, August 28 4:30 pm – Brian Scott at The Landing4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Wind River at Jane Pickens Theater6 pm to 9 pm – Julio Amaro at Perro Salado7 pm to 10 pm – The Groove Merchants at Fifth Element7 pm […]
On This Day In Newport History: Nation’s First Jail Sentence For Speeding Handed Down
On August 28, 1904, the nation’s first jail sentence for speeding in an automobile was handed down in Newport, RI. Judge Darius Baker imposed the offender to a sentence of five days for traveling at 15 miles per hour. A jail term was especially harsh because automobile traffic laws were still new. Although laws against galloping […]
What’s Up For Today: Monday, August 28th
Good Morning, The final weekend of August is here, can you believe it? It’s hard to believe that September is around the corner. There’s plenty to be enjoyed in and around Newport County this weekend, enjoy! Note: Starting today, we’re attempting to put this info up on www.whatsupnewp.com just after midnight each night. We hope this pleases […]
Obituary for Tony Mark Clarke
Tony Mark Clarke, 55, of North Kingstown, formerly of Middletown and Newport, RI died unexpectedly Friday, August 25, 2017 in Newport. Mr. Clarke was born January 11, 1962 in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He is the son of William Herman and the late Argenida Maria (Osorio) Clarke. The Clarke family settled in Middletown, RI in the […]
‘Ruweida V’ Wins Panerai Newport Classic Yacht Regatta
The 38th Annual Panerai Newport Classic Yacht Regatta presented by IYRS concluded in Newport today with R-Class Ruweida V, restored by IYRS students, as the overall winner. In addition, the winners of the North American Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge went to S&S Sonny in the Vintage Division and 12-Meter Valiant in the Grand Prix Division. The Challenge […]
What’s Up For Today: Sunday, August 27th
Today’s Vitals Sunrise: 6:07 pmSunset: 7:26 pmLow Tide: 5:24 am & 6:05 pmHigh Tide: 12:21 am and 12:52 pmToday’s WX: Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Marine: N winds around 5 kt, becoming E this afternoon. Waves 1 to 2 ft.Tonight’s WX: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. East […]
40 classic yachts will parade in Newport Harbor on Sunday morning
The 38th edition of the Panerai Newport Classic Yacht Regatta presented by IYRS will start Saturday, August 26th in Bristol, Rhode Island with a point-to-point distance race from Bristol to Newport and culminate in Newport on Sunday, August 27th with racing in Newport. Of interest to many will be the Classic Yacht Parade on Sunday, August 27th that will […]
What’s Up For Today: Saturday, August 26th
Good Morning, The final weekend of August is here, can you believe it? It’s hard to believe that September is around the corner. There’s plenty to be enjoyed in and around Newport County this weekend, enjoy! Note: Starting today, we’re attempting to put this info up on www.whatsupnewp.com just after midnight each night. We hope this […]
7-year-old airlifted to hospital after motor vehicle accident involving a bicycle
Newport Police Department has confirmed that at about 3:00 pm today, Newport Police and Newport Fire Department responded to Hillside Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a bicycle. A 7-year-old local boy was treated by Newport Fire Department personnel and then transported by Life Flight to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. […]
Fall for Newport: 11 autumn events to fill your calendar
In Newport and its neighboring coastal communities, fall is a time when the air turns as crisp as the ripened apples on the trees and the pace is noticeably slower—but that doesn’t mean things slow down. Discover Newport, the official destination management organization (DMO) dedicated to promoting the City of Newport and the eight surrounding coastal […]
