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 […]
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
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
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 […]
Posted inHistory
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
‘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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Things To Do
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 […]
Posted inNews
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. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
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 […]
Posted inHistory
Cities across the nation are considering removing Christopher Columbus statues, should Newport?
The recent violence in Charlottesville, racial tension across the nation and the current state of national politics has ignited (or reignited) a debate in State Houses, City Halls, Town Halls and in neighborhoods across the United States about monuments in local communities.Confederate-era and other controversial figures New York City, Buffalo, San Jose, San Francisco, Detroit and several […]
Posted inThings To Do
September Secret Garden Tour will take you inside eight prestigious gardens
The Benefactors of the Arts invites you to join them for their Secret Garden Tour, which are self-guided tours of some of the most beautiful, prestigious gardens and properties in historic Newport, on September 8th, 9th and 10th. The tour features more than eight gorgeous gardens that are dotted on and off Bellevue Avenue, the Drive, Historic […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up For Today: Friday, August 25th
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! Of note, we’re attempting to put this info up on www.whatsupnewp.com just after midnight each night. We hope this […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: Admiral Fitzroy Inn – Overnight Innsitter
The Admiral Fitzroy Inn, located at 398 Thames Street in Newport, is now hiring for the position of Overnight Innsitter. Responsibilities: Walk through the Inn after front desk closes to double check doors, windows, coffee maker, lights. Respond to all guest calls for assistance via back doorbell, intercom, remote desk bell, in a timely and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks:The Best in Local Music This Week (August 24-August 30)
Festivals and musical superstars dominate “6 Picks” this weekend as we add more videos to the weekly column. Check out our preview of some of the best shows this week along with a couple of videos likely to cause some air guitar playing in your living room. Blues and BBQ Festival Saturday The East Providence […]
Posted inCity & Government
Dawn Euer will be sworn in as Senator of District 13 on September 5th
Just two weeks after winning the Special Election for Senate District 13, Dawn Euer will officially be sworn in to represent the people of Newport and Jamestown on Tuesday, September 5th at 3 pm. Euer will get right to work in the Senate, both the Senate and the House have committed to returning for a […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Congressional, Defense and Innovation Leaders to Speak in Newport at Defense Innovation Days
The Rhode Island Congressional delegation and other Defense leaders are set to speak at the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance’s (SENEDIA) Fourth Annual Defense Innovation Days conference at the Newport Marriot on August 28 – August 30. “Industry leaders look forward to this event each year, as it provides a forum where policymakers and business […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
30+ things to do this weekend: August 25 – 27
Hard to believe it, but the final weekend of August is here. Here’s what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this weekend, enjoy it! You Might Also Like – Live music and entertainment listings: Aug. 25 – 27 Friday, August 25 J Class World Championship Fort Adams Civil War Weekend 10 am to […]