Hurricane Gert may be spinning away from the United States a few hundred miles away to our south, but she served up some fun conditions for local surfers on Wednesday and Thursday. 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 […]
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
Craft Beer Corner: Long Trail Brewing & to our friend Russ
From way back in 1989, Long Trail Brewing Company has been producing some of the best in the country. Starting in a basement, once the beers started hitting the local watering holes it was clear a bigger space was gonna be necessary. Being eco-friendly, not only does Long Trail recycle their glassware, but any malts […]
Posted inCity & Government
Mayor Winthrop endorses Smith for Senate District 13
In a letter to the editor, Newport Mayor Harry Winthrop endorsed Mike Smith for Senate District 13 (Newport, Jamestown) on Wednesday. “Rarely do I venture into partisan politics but I am compelled to do so in the District 13 Senate race. I am supporting the business oriented, jobs focussed candidate, moderate Mike Smith,” said Winthrop […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
25+ things to do this weekend in Newport: Aug. 18 – 20
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do this weekend in and around Newport. You Might Also Like – LISTINGS: Live music and entertainment in Newport this weekend: Aug. 18 – 20 Wondering what’s happening on Thursday, August 17th? Click here. Friday, August 18th 12:30 pm – Ida Lewis Distance Race 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – MAUDIE at […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
LISTINGS: Live music and entertainment in Newport this weekend: Aug. 18 – 20
Discover where to find live music, karaoke, comedy, dancing and entertainment this weekend in and around Newport! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE –25+ things to do this weekend in Newport: Aug. 18 – 20 *Unless otherwise noted, the venue is located in Newport. Friday, August 18th Buskers: Dave & Neal at 9 pmCeltica: Karaoke at 10 pmClarke Cooke House: DJ & Dancing […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles
REVIEW: What Cheer Brigade’s ‘You Can’t See Inside Of Me’
Adding to Providence’s musical variety, brass bands have come to prominence since the turn of the decade with rhythms that take hold of the soul. The Extraordinary Rendition Band and Kickin’ Brass are great examples by possessing an infectious sound that can start a party anywhere. With the Providence Honk Fest being one of the […]
Posted inNews
LIST: Public, Private Firework Displays That Will Light Up the Newport Sky in 2017 (UPDATED)
If you love fireworks, this year is shaping up to please you with more than ten firework displays taking place over Newport in 2017. If you dislike fireworks or have a pet that hates fireworks, hopefully, the following information will be of assistance in preparing you for the displays. Scheduled Firework Displays (this list was […]
Posted inNews
‘Prayer against hatred’ rally will take place outside Newport City Hall on Sunday
For the second time in as many years, Pastor Paul Hoffman has felt the pull to step out and speak up for unity against hatred. Prompted by the recent events in Charlottesville, VA, Pastor Hoffman knew he could not stand idly by. “We need to unite against hatred by opening a dialogue and creating a […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Richard Perkins
Dr. Richard Perkins, age 81, of Portsmouth died Friday, August 11, 2017 at home in Portsmouth. Dr. Perkins was born February 26, 1936 in Springfield, MA . He is the son of the late Harry and the late Anne (Dunlop) Perkins. He married Jean Carlberg. Richard graduated from Newington High School and later graduated from […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Cynthia T Barrett
Cynthia T. (Trull) Barrett, 91, of Holyoke, MA died on Saturday August 12, 2017 at Loomis House, in Holyoke, MA. She was the wife of the late George Ellenwood Barrett. Born on August 29, 1925 in New Bedford, MA, she was the daughter of the late Carlton C. and Rosamond (Gifford) Trull. Raised in Fairhaven, […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Reynaldo M. De Guzman
Reynaldo M. De Guzman, 74, of Middletown, RI, passed away on August 15, 2017 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, MA. He was the husband of Victoria (Fernandez) De Guzman. Born in the Philippines on November 30, 1943, he was the son of the late Juan P. and Hilaria (Mandapat) De Guzman. Mr. De […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Gregory James Harry Mellekas
Gregory James Harry Mellekas, 57 of Newport passed away at home on August 14, 2017. Born in Newport, he was the son of the late James S. and Efstratia “Toula” (Sologiozy) Mellekas. Greg’s story began when he took a trip to Mytiline, Greece and met the love of his life Maria (Koukouta) Mellekas. They were […]
Posted inCity & Government
PODCAST: Lt. Governor Dan McKee on National Grid’s Proposed Rate Hike
With National Grid’s proposed rate increase of 53% on the energy portion of your electric bill, Lt. Governor Dan McKee is urging Rhode Islanders to seek alternatives. McKee joined us to talk about the rate hike, and how Rhode Islanders can avoid paying the legislature’s upcoming special session on September 19th, including the controversy surrounding […]
Posted inCity & Government
CCACG surveys District 13 Senate candidates with gambling questions
Citizens Concerned About Casino Gambling (CCACG) released the following District 13 Senate Candidates survey results across the 20 best crypto casino sites 2022 today. “To better inform District 13 voters about the Senate candidates’ positions on gambling in RI, we are pleased to share the results of our survey,” CCACG President Liz Taber said. “We […]
Posted inBusiness, News
BedJet partners with Hotel Viking to launch exclusive pilot program
Hotel Viking is known for having one of the coolest rooftops in Newport, and now it may have the coolest beds in town – literally. BedJet – the internationally recognized sleep tech start-up based in Brick Market that we reported on last week – just announced Hotel Viking as its first partner in a new […]
Posted inCity & Government
VIDEO & AUDIO: Euer, Ripoli and Smith participate in Senate District 13 Candidate Forum
What’sUpNewp and AM 1540 WADK hosted a Senate District 13 Candidate Forum on Tuesday evening live on the air at AM 1540 WADK. Republican candidate Mike Smith, Democratic candidate Dawn Euer and Independent candidate Kim Ripoli participated in the two hour forum that was moderated by Frank Prosnitz, news editor of What’sUpRhode Island and on-air […]
Posted inNews
Newport County YMCA and Potter League to host a Doggie Dip on August 19th
On Saturday, August 19th at noon the Newport County YMCA will be hosting a Doggie Dip with the Potter League for the Animals. The event is a fundraiser to support the Newport County YMCA Potter League Summer Camp. The suggested donation is $10 and this event is open to the entire community. The Newport County […]
Posted inNews
JOB: Special Events Administrative Assistant at The Preservation Society of Newport County
The Preservation Society of Newport County is now hiring for the position of SPECIAL EVENTS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (Part-Time). The Preservation Society of Newport County seeks a part-time, Special Events Administrative Assistant. Hours of work are 24 hours per week – preferably Monday, Friday and one other day. Special events may require work on evenings, weekends and/or […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter To The Editor: There are many reasons to support Dawn Euer in the Special Election for State Senate
To the Editor: There are many reasons to support Dawn Euer in the Special Election for State Senate. Here are just a few: Dawn helped lead the movement for marriage equality to become law in Rhode Island. As a board member of Bike Newport, she has worked to provide safe streets for our cyclists and […]
Posted inThings To Do
FabNewport to Host 2nd Annual Maker Party on August 27th
FabNewport will present its Second Annual Maker Party at the Casino Theater on August 27 from 5-8pm. A student showcase is followed by Boston College professor, evolutionary psychologist Peter Gray, discussing his research on children thriving as learners. In addition there will be food and fun for the whole family. The event is fundraiser. Tickets […]
Posted inCity & Government
Lower Thames Street will be closed for construction on Wednesday night
The Newport Police Department has announced that National Grid Gas will again be conducting required maintenance on a gas main on lower Thames Street in Newport on Wednesday night, August 16, 2017. “Workers will be excavating the roadway in the area of Thames Street at Young Street beginning at 8 pm requiring the closure of Thames […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Whitehouse Endorses Dawn Euer for Senate District 13
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse announced today his support of Democratic Candidate Dawn Euer in the state senate race representing Jamestown and Newport (Senate District 13). The announcement came via a news release provided by the campaign for Dawn Euer for State Senate. “I’m proud to endorse Dawn Euer to be the next senator for District 13. Dawn is a smart attorney and has the experience necessary to […]
Posted inNews
JOB: Special Events Attendant at The Preservation Society of Newport County
The Preservation Society of Newport County seeks a Part Time, Per Diem Special Events Attendant. Events season roughly matches tourism season (April-October) though events occasionally exceed this range. Work shifts are dependent on event timing, and can range from early morning to late night. Job Responsibilities Assist the Director and Supervisors of Special Events […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
‘Music on the Porch’ series at the Eisenhower House Continues with the Elderly Brothers on August 17th
The “Music on the Porch” series at the Eisenhower House in Fort Adams State Park continues August 17th with the Elderly Brothers. The free concert will feature the area renowned group performing for two hours on the House’s porch from 5 – 7 PM along with refreshments from Newport Storm Breweries as well as, special cuisine from Blackstone Caterers’ A […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Panerai Newport Classic Yacht Regatta Returns for 38th Edition August 26th-27th
The 38th Annual Panerai Newport Classic Yacht Regatta presented by IYRS returns August 26th and 27th to celebrate classic yachts, both power and sail, and the importance of the craft associated with their restoration. For the first time, immediately following the Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta, Newport Classic Yacht Regatta competitors will compete in a point-to-point race from Bristol to Newport. This […]