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 inEnvironment & Health

Volvo Ocean Race Unveils Squad of Onboard Reporters for 2017-18 Edition of Race

by Ryan Belmore

The Volvo Ocean Race has unveiled a 10-strong squad of Onboard Reporters to tell the story of the toughest test of a team in professional sport. Featuring hardened media pros from six nations around the world, the group of Onboard Reporters for the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 includes award-winning adventure photographers, extreme sports filmmakers, the […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do

12th Annual ‘Movies On The Rocks’ at Ballard Park Set to Kick Off on August 2nd

by Ryan Belmore

Friends of Ballard Park’s 12th Annual MOVIES ON THE ROCKS series kicks off on Wednesday, August 2nd.  Four movies will be shown in the quarry meadow off of Hazard Road in Newport on Wednesdayevenings during the month of August. A short provided by the Rhode Island International Film Festival will be screened prior to each feature.  The […]

Posted inNews

UPDATE: Sandy Point and Hazard’s Beach Reopened for Swimming

by Ryan Belmore

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has recommended reopening Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth and Hazard’s Beach in Newport for swimming. The beaches have been closed because of high bacteria counts. RIDOH had recommended reopening Third Beach and Peabody’s Beach in Middletown, Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick, and Warren Town Beach for swimming on Thursday, […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do

Island Moving Company Announces Choreographers for Open for Dancing

by Ryan Belmore

Newport’s Island Moving Co. presents Open for Dancing 2017, September 20-24, 2017. The company’s biennial festival of Newport’s historic landscapes through site-specific dance features three choreographers working in diverse landscapes with companies of dancers made up of the Island Moving Company dancers plus members of the community. The celebration brings together musicians, choreographers, professional dancers, and dance […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Food & Drink, Things To Do

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival Set to Return for 12th Year, Announces 2017 All-Star Line-Up

by Ryan Belmore

The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, one of the East Coast’s most sophisticated and anticipated events, returns for its 12th year  September 21- 24, 2017. Signature events include the Burgundy Dinner at The Elms, Wine & Rosecliff Gala at Rosecliff, Grand Tastings on Saturday and Sunday at Marble House, the Vintner Dinner at Rosecliff, Newport After Dark at Forty 1˚ […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do

Guide to 2017 Newport Folk Festival Events and After Parties

by Ryan Belmore

The 2017 Newport Folk Festival is here and there are more events and after parties scheduled than ever before! The What’sUpNewp Crew has put together a list of all the official events to keep your folkin’ weekend in order, enjoy! Note: We considered anything “official” that Newport Folk Presents, has been promoted by Newport Folk Festival. or that benefits […]

Posted inNews

Obituary for Jayne M. Butler

by Ryan Belmore

Jayne Marie Butler, 63, of Newport, RI died Monday, July 24, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Jayne was born on July 20, 1954 and grew up in Portsmouth, RI. She is the daughter of the late Russell D. Posey and the late Frances V. (Reise) Posey. She was married to her […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do

Where to Find Live Music and Entertainment This Weekend in Newport (July 28 – 30)

by Ryan Belmore

Newport, R.I. – Discover where to find live music, karaoke, comedy, dancing and entertainment this Newport Folk Festival weekend in and around Newport! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE – Things To Do This Weekend in Newport (July 28 – 30) *Unless otherwise noted, venue is located in Newport. Friday, July 28th Belle Mer: Spirit of ’67 – Presented by […]

Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do

Newport Art Museum to Present Caleb Cole’s “Forget Me Not” Artist Talk and Closing Party

by Ryan Belmore

The Newport Art Museum will present an Artist Talk & Closing Party for exhibiting artist Caleb Cole on Friday, July 28, 2017 from 6 pm to 8 pm, in the Museum’s historic John N.A. Griswold House. Cole’s exhibition, Forget Me Not, closes July 30 and showcases a mini retrospective of mixed media works by the contemporary artist.  Cole’s tender and meticulously crafted […]

Posted inCity & Government

City of Newport, Partners to Relaunch ‘Newport Waves’ at a Ceremony on July 26th

by Ryan Belmore

Newport, R.I.  —  Two summers ago, Newport, RI was festooned with street banners proclaiming “Newport Waves!”. Posters around town and screens from the Hyatt Hotel to the Jane Pickens Theater and the Folk Festival at Fort Adams shared the message. Familiar Newport faces reminded people everywhere to Stop. Look. and Wave! The campaign was the […]

Posted inEnvironment & Health

More than 1,800 Quench Their Thirst at 2017 Craft Brew Races at Fort Adams on July 22nd

by Ryan Belmore

Newport, R.I.— More than 1,800 runners, brewers, vendors and festival attendees basked in the sun at Fort Adams this past Saturday for the Craft Brew Races 5K and beer festival. Fifty local and regional craft breweries poured samples of their beer for thirsty runners, who had completed a 3.1-mile looping course around Fort Adams state park, as […]

Posted inNews

Obituary of Robert Pierce

by Ryan Belmore

Robert W. Pierce, 76, of Newport passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 with his family at his side.  Although Robie, to all who knew him, valiantly battled Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for nearly 30 years, his family was always his first priority.  But, he loved interacting and exchanging ideas with everyone, especially his many […]

Posted inJobs

Now Hiring In Newport: JF3 Salon, Harry’s, Hotel Viking and 110 Other Local Businesses

by Ryan Belmore

Is it 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 Annie’s – Experienced Short Order Cook – Immediate Hire Classic Cruises of Newport – Front Desk Ticket Sales Representative for Classic Cruises of […]

Posted inNews

Newport Restoration Foundation Announces 11th Annual Doris Duke Preservation Award Honorees

by Ryan Belmore

The 11th annual Doris Duke Preservation Awards will recognize three recent projects for their contributions to preserving Newport’s architectural heritage and character. The awards will be presented on Friday, September 8, 2017, at a celebration at Rough Point, the Newport home of preservationist and philanthropist Doris Duke. The Doris Duke Preservation Awards is a collaboration […]

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