On May 5, New England Boatworks (NEB) hosted a group of environmental leaders who travelled to this Portsmouth (R.I.) facility to applaud NEB for becoming the largest Clean Marina in Rhode Island. But these leaders also joined at the waterfront to discuss how public- and private-sector efforts are working together toward a common goal: the […]
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 inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What To Do With Mom on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 14th, and chances are that you’re scrambling around at the last minute looking to make those plans to celebrate your beautiful and amazing Mom! Here’s a look at where to dine and what to do with Mom; 1 – Spend Mother’s Day at Hotel Viking Treat your mother to […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: Mac Designs – Graphic Design/Signage Assistant
Mac Designs is now hiring a graphic design/signage assistant. Founded in 1983, Mac Designs is a creative design studio committed to serving clients from around the world with exciting graphics and signage solutions for their diverse projects. Position Description: Signage/graphic design company looking for a hands-on person with shop skills and computer skills. Will operate multiple […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Bazarsky Family Foundation Funds ‘Little Kids Rock’ for Newport Public Schools
On Wednesday, May 10, public school teachers from Newport will gather to expand their music education background and rock out with their peers. The educators are training on a new and innovative music program designed to ensure students have access to music programs that are as diverse as they are. The training is provided by […]
Posted inOpinion
Guest View: Senate District 13 Candidate David Allard – Get Involved
Part of my work as a teacher was encouraging students to discover their interests and to follow those interests with passion. Once those students discovered what they were passionate about, my advice was always the same–get involved. One of my greatest joys in teaching came from being able to connect my students with opportunities related […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Shirley Anne Roos
Shirley Anne Roos, 90, passed away on May 6, 2017 at the Grand Islander, after a lengthy illness. Shirley Anne was the daughter of the late E. Kramer and Jessie Nicholson of Southbury, Connecticut. Coming from a centuries-long ancestry of Connecticut Yankees, whom she could name and cite in great detail, she grew up in […]
Posted inNews
Volvo Ocean Race: One Year Away From Newport Stopover
The Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover opens on May 8th, 2018 (in less than one year)! I don’t know if it’s harder to believe that it’s been two years since the Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover Race Village opened at Fort Adams State Park or that the next edition is now less than a year way. […]
Posted inNews
Newport County YMCA Will Celebrate Donors at Major Donor Event
On Thursday, May 11, 2017 the Newport County YMCA will celebrate their generous and supportive donors at the Newport Yacht Club. The Highlight of the evening will be keynote speaker Rebecca Kowalski. Rebecca is the mother of Chase Kowalski and the founder of Race4Chase. According to the CMAK (Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski) Sandy Hook Memorial […]
Posted inNews
RITBA Announces Monumental Project for Newport Pell Bridge
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) announced today that it will begin a significant structural rehabilitation project on the Newport Pell Bridge. As an iconic and vital asset to the State of Rhode Island, the RITBA says it is incumbent upon them to maintain and preserve the bridge to extend its life. To do […]
Posted inNews
Newport County Students Will go ‘Behind the Scenes’ at Rhode Island Air Show
250 local high school students will attend the Rhode Island National Guard Open House Air Show “Behind the Scenes” on Friday, 19 May for a day of learning, networking, and entertainment centered on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) education. The RIse with S.T.E.A.M. event is sponsored by the Rhode Island National Guard in […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Mrs. Cornelius Elaine Baillargeron
ornelius E. “Connie” Baillargeron, 67, of Newport died Sunday, April 30, 2017 at home in Newport surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Baillargeron was born June 22, 1949 in Haver, MT. She is the daughter of the late Edward and the late Betsy (Rose) Niemi. She was married to James Randolph Baillargeron for 49 years. […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Fay Kerins
Fay M. Kerins, 90, of Wolcott Avenue, Middletown Rhode Island was called to the loving arms of Jesus on Friday, May 5, 2017. She was the loving mother of five boys and wife of 42 years to Gerald R. Kerins, who passed away in 1992. She died from complications of a stroke. Born in Newport […]
Posted inCity & Government
Agenda Released for May 10th Newport City Council Meeting
The following items of business will go before Newport City Council at its regular meeting to be held on May 10, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at Newport City Hall. For links to attachments, that may include applications, permits and etc., visit http://cityofnewport.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=1&event_id=51 COUNCIL LIAISON UPDATES 1.PUBLIC HEARING: Recommended 2018-2019 Operating Budget a.Ordinance Appropriating Revenues (First Reading) […]
Posted inBusiness
At a Ceremony Today, New England Boatworks of Portsmouth Will Become RI’s Largest Clean Marina
New England Boatworks will become Rhode Island’s largest Clean Marina in a presentation at their Portsmouth facility today, May 5. The Clean Marina Program is a voluntary initiative coordinated by the RI Coastal Resources Management Council that rewards marinas that go beyond regulatory requirements by applying innovative, pollution-prevention practices to their daily operations. New England […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
RI Tourism Marketing Commission to Discuss Upcoming Volvo Ocean Race Stopover Today
The Volvo Ocean Race Newport stopover in 2018 will be a main topic of discussion when the Special Legislative Commission to Study Methods for Growing Tourism in the State of Rhode Island Through Coordinated Branding and Marketing Efforts meets today. The meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Suite 101 (the Narragansett Room) at the […]