How is it that someone can go from earning a degree in psychology, with a concentration in situation theory and social influence to being the voice of a talking ball of mucus in commercials for Mucinex? T.J. Miller, recognized among the top comics today and winner of a Critics’ Choice Award for his role in […]
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 inOpinion
Op-Ed: City Council should not accept Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant
The Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant has provided the Newport Police Department with around $36,000/year over the past 12 years ($432,347 worth of grant funding since 2005). This money has gone towards funding communications equipment, community policing initiatives, traffic safety programs, targeted enforcement efforts, and a variety of other directives. Earlier this year, Jeff Sessions […]
Posted inNews
Edward King House now taking appointments for upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment session
The Edward King House Senior Center is now taking appointments for the upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment session scheduled for October 15th to December 7th. By calling 401-846-7426, appointments will be scheduled for sites that include the Edward King House Senior Center, the Middletown Senior Center, Park Holme Senior Center, Donovan Manor, and the Pemberton Apartments in Jamestown. Please do […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health
Newport Exhibition Group to be Honored During Newport International Boat Show
On Saturday morning, September 16, the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) will honor Newport Exhibition Group as the 2017 recipient of the RIMTA Anchor Award. The presentation will be made during the Newport International Boat Show on the morning of Saturday, September 16 at RIMTA’s Annual Industry Partnership Breakfast sponsored by Gowrie Group. The Anchor Award is an […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport-based Coast Guard cutter, air crews from Cape Cod deploy for Hurricane Irma
A Newport-based Coast Guard cutter crew and three air crews from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod have deployed in support of anticipated Hurricane Irma rescue and recovery operations. Sunday, the crew aboard Coast Guard Cutter Oak loaded the cutter’s buoy deck and cargo hold with nearly 137,000 pounds of aids-to-navigation gear including buoy chain, […]
Posted inBusiness, Style & Shop
New England Harbour Club set to permanently close
After 5 years on Long Wharf in Newport, The New England Harbour Club (The NEHC) is closing its doors for the final time this weekend. Ros Leach, a manager at The NEHC, tells What’sUpNewp that the stores lease has come to an end and the decision was recently made by ownership to close. The store, located […]
Posted inNews
Photo Gallery: The King Lens – September Swell
A busy storm and hurricane season provided southern New England with quite the swell on Saturday, September 8th, 9th and 10th. All photos by Patrick Murphy, contributor to What’sUpNewp, the photographer behind The Kings Lens and Founder of The Kings Lens and Friends. The Kings Lens And Friends, located at 7 Carroll Avenue, is a revolving art gallery for […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health
Saccucci Honda becomes Primary Sponsor of 32nd Newport County YMCA’s Thanksgiving Day Pie Run
The Newport County YMCA is honored to announce Saccucci Honda of Middletown, will be the Primary Sponsor for the Newport County YMCA’s 32nd Annual Pie Run held on Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 23, 2017. The race, originally founded by the Newport Running Club, collects donations for local food pantries as well as raises money for local […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Household hazardous waste, electronic waste collection scheduled for Newport
Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation will be running an Eco-Depot for Household Hazardous Waste and Indie Cycle will be collecting Electronic Waste on September 30th, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The collection will take place at Easton’s Beach, located at 175 Memorial Boulevard. This free program is open to all Rhode Island residents […]
Posted inNews
5th annual Four Bridges Ride will take place this weekend
The fifth annual 4 Bridges Ride, sponsored by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, will take place on Sunday, September 17th. Cyclists will have an opportunity to pedal across four of Aquidneck Island’s Newport County’s major bridges in a 26-mile course that will provide stunning views and a tour of some of Rhode Island’s most […]
Posted inNews
Newport woman arrested for selling counterfeit goods
Another arrest has been made for the sale of counterfeit goods in Newport, RI. As What’sUpNewp previously reported, Sergeant Joseph Carroll confirmed on Wednesday, August 23rd that in June the Newport Police Department received information that several businesses operating in Newport were selling high-end counterfeit goods. Based on this information, the Newport Police Department’s Criminal Investigations […]
Posted inCity & Government
Coyotes spotted in and around Braga Park, Newport Police provides recommendations and reminders
The Newport Police Department has received complaints of coyotes in and around Braga Park. Dog walkers are reporting that coyotes are walking very close and following them in the park. The coyotes have been observed lounging out in the open, near dwellings and have displayed no fear of humans. This behavior may be due to […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
25 things to do this week: September 11 – 15
Here’s what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this week. Monday, September 11th 11 am – Busking at Bowen’s Wharf 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Wind River at Jane Pickens Theater Tuesday, September 12th 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Wind River at Jane Pickens Theater Wednesday, September 13th 10 am […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Live music and entertainment listings: September 11 – 15
A look at where to find live music, comedy, movies, karaoke and more this week. Monday, September 11 11 am – Busking at Bowen’s Wharf4:30 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 […]
Posted inNews
Waterfront home in Jamestown sells for $1.625 Million
Lila Delman Real Estate International has announced the sale of 102 Battery Lane in Jamestown for $1,625,000. According to Lila Delman Real Estate International, sales associate Michael Dupre represented the seller. “102 Battery Lane offers 3.25 acres of waterfront property with incredible views, magnificent sunsets, beach access, mature landscaping and privacy,” said Dupre in a […]
Posted inBusiness
Benny’s to close all 31 stores by end of year
A Rhode Island retail fixture will be no more by the end of 2017. Benny’s stores will cease operations at all locations in Rhode Island Connecticut and Massachusetts by the end of 2017, the company announced via press release today. Citing the desire of the Bromberg family ownership to retire from the operation of the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Construction and lane closures expected to begin again on Newport Bridge on September 19th, will run thru end of November
Construction is returning to the Newport Pell Bridge on September 19th, resulting in traffic being limited to one lane in each direction on the Newport side of the bridge, both east and west bound 24 hours a day through November 2017. After avoiding lane closures in July and August, Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) […]
Posted inCity & Government
What To Watch For: September 13th Newport City Council Meeting
The Newport City Council will next meet on Wednesday, September 13th at 6:30 pm in the Council Chamber at Newport City Hall, here’s what they will review, vote on and discuss. The meeting is open to the general public and there is an opportunity for the public to speak (on a topic not already on […]
Posted inNews
State Alliance of Rhode Island YMCAs Donates $5,000 to the YMCA of Greater Houston
The State Alliance of Rhode Island YMCAs donates $5,000 to the YMCA of Greater Houston’s Support Harvey Relief Efforts. The City of Houston is experiencing unprecedented flooding from Tropical Storm Harvey. Donations to the Y’s Relief Effort will help provide the families and individuals who come to the Houston YMCA with basic needs in this […]
Posted inNews
Norman Bird Sanctuary invites high-schoolers to hike trails and learn naturalist skills for stipend and community service hours
Local high school students can now serve the community by getting active and learning in nature at Norman Bird Sanctuary’s new Ready, Set, Hike program this fall. Over the course of 5 Sunday hikes, high-schoolers will explore all seven miles of hiking trails at NBS with an eye out for birds and native wildlife. During […]
Posted inNews
adidas will donate equipment, time to Newport County YMCA
Employees of one of the worlds largest brands and manufacturers of shoes, clothing and accessories are coming to Aquidneck Island to give back. On Thursday, September 14th, employees from adidas will be coming to the Newport County YMCA to donate sports equipment and their time training Y staff. The relationship came from Steven Noble, whose […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Live music and entertainment listings (September 8 – 10)
Discover where to find live music, karaoke, comedy, dancing and entertainment this weekend in and around Newport! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE –20+ things to do this weekend (September 8 – 10) *Unless otherwise noted, the venue is located in Newport. Friday, September 8 Buskers: Grace Morrison at 9 pmCeltica: Karaoke at 10 pmClarke Cooke House: DJ & Dancing in the Boom […]
Posted inOpinion
Op-Ed: Representative Lauren Carson – Lessons from Harvey, R.I. must plan with flooding in mind
In recent days we’ve seen harrowing images of Texans carrying their children, belongings and pets against strong currents in chest-deep waters, and heard the heartbreaking stories of loss as one of the most-damaging storms in history wreaked its havoc on the Gulf coast. Here in the Ocean State, we must take heed. We may be […]
Posted inNews
Middletown woman arrested in counterfeit goods crackdown
An arrest has been made after the Newport Police Department executed search warrants on 7 area businesses. As What’sUpNewp previously reported, Sergeant Joseph Carroll confirmed on Wednesday, August 23rd that in June the Newport Police Department received information that several businesses operating in Newport were selling high-end counterfeit goods. Based on this information, the Newport […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport Rugby Club set to kick off 37th year of competition on September 9th
Newport Rugby returns to Fort Adam’s State Park this Saturday at 1 pm with a clash against New Hampshire powerhouse, Amoskeag, to kick off their 2017 season. Coming off a successful season that took Newport to the New England Championship title game, the club has high expectations ahead of their 9-game season. President, Chris Behan believes the coaching appointment of […]