Where does your drinking water come from? Where does your wastewater end up? Why does it all cost so much? The Alliance for Livable Newport (ALN) will host a Community Forum and Information session featuring Julia Forgue, Director of the Newport Utilities Department, and her staff who will explain their department’s responsibilities and operations. 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 inFood & Drink
Newport Storm Named Official Beer of Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade for Sixth Year
Newport Storm’s Spring Irish Red Ale has been welcomed back as the “Official Beer” of the 2017 Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. 2017 marks the 61st annual parade, and the sixth time that Newport Storm Brewery has been given the honor. “The Newport Storm Brewery can’t wait for the 61st Annual Newport St. Patrick’s […]
Posted inNews
$2 Million Powerball Ticket Sold In Rhode Island (Updated)
This story was originally published on February 19, 2017. No one won the $361 million Powerball jackpot on Saturday night, but someone in Rhode Island is $1 million richer. The $1 million ticket matched five numbers (03, 07, 09, 31, 33) but not the Powerball (20), according to the Rhode Island Lottery’s website. The location […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
2nd Annual Quahog Week Kicks Off Across Rhode Island on March 20th
Quahog Week, which made its debut last year, returns to Rhode Island restaurants on March 20 – March 25, 2017. The week-long celebration highlights the importance of Rhode Island’s wild harvest shellfish to the state’s history, traditions, and economy. As part of the week, participating restaurants and markets will feature quahog-inspired menu items and deals, […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Donald W. Ritter
Donald William Ritter, 83, of Newport, Rhode Island and Harbour Island, Bahamas, passed away on February 15,, 2017. Donald was the son of Herbert R. and Meta H. Ritter and was raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He attended Choate and graduated from Trinity College, Hartford. He was a member of the Newport Reading Room, Spouting […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport to host first ever J Class World Championship in August
Just over one hundred years on from the advent of the Universal Rule, to which they were originally built, the J Class will this year get to race its first ever World Championship. The J Class Association has recently become an affiliate member of the International Maxi Association (IMA). The IMA administers the International Maxi […]
Posted inNews
Booking.Com: Newport Trending As One of Most Popular Cities to Visit for Spring Break in 2017
Newport is among the most six popular cities in the U.S. to travel to this spring, according to a news release highlighting 2017 Spring Break Travel Trends from Booking.com. Booking.com has found that Newport is among this year’s trending cities, based on current bookings. Newport joins Big Bear Lake, California; Charleston, South Carolina; Moab, Utah; […]
Posted inNews
Weather Forecast: Mild Week Ahead for Newport
Good news for anyone who enjoyed the 60-degree temperature on Sunday, the forecast for the week is snow-free and temperatures are forecasted to be pretty mild. It should make for a very busy school vacation and Newport Winter Festival week in the City-By-The-Sea. Latest detailed forecast by The National Weather Service Last updated: 3:32 pm […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up For This Week: Feb. 20 – 24
Here’s a round-up of what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, RI this weekend! The 29th Annual Newport Winter Festival, Touted as “New England’s Largest Winter Extravaganza,” will take place February 17th-26th, 2017 throughout Newport and Newport County. Featuring over 150 events, the Festival offers a unique winter experience combining food, festivities, […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring In Newport: 75+ Job Opportunities (Feb. 19)
Looking for a job in or near Newport, RI? Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, seasonal gig or new full-time career, chances are that someone is looking for you out there. Jobs Opportunities In & Around Newport, RI All jobs posted in last 7 days and are in or within 5 miles of Newport. 22 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquidneck Island Road Construction Report: Feb. 20 – 25
Here is what’s happening for road work, closures and detours in and around Newport, RI this week. Roadwork scheduled by Rhode Island Department Of Transportation: 2/18-2/24 Weekday Newport: Gladys Carr Bolhouse Rd. (Goat Island Causeway) East and West, from Washington St. to Goat Island Rd., alternating one-way traffic with a partial right lane closure for a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Kool & The Gang to Perform at 2017 IYRS Summer Gala
The 20th Annual IYRS Summer Gala will be quite the “celebration” in July, thanks to a live performance by Kool & The Gang. Sources have confirmed that Kool & The Gang, the longest running R&B group in history, will follow in the footsteps of Jackson Browne (2016), The Beach Boys (2015), Lyle Lovett (2014) and Jimmy […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Throwing Muses Among 10 Musicians and Bands Selected to Join R.I. Music Hall Of Fame
The Rhode Island Music Hall Of Fame announced on Friday that Throwing Muses, an alternative rock band formed in 1980’s in Newport, and nine other musicians and bands would be inducted into their Class of 2017. At a Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame press conference held Friday, February 17, ten 2017 Inductees were announced […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Police Department to offer ‘Rape Aggression Defense’ Classes
Newport Police Department has announced that Officer Brittany Foster will be instructing Rape Aggression Defense classes, a women’s self-defense course, in March. The Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Basic Personal Defense System is a national program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques taught for women only. All courses are taught by nationally certified R.A.D. Instructors. The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
2017 Newport Folk Festival Now Officially Sold Out
What remained for available tickets to the 2017 Newport Folk Festival have now all sold out. Tickets for the 2017 Newport Folk Festival went on sale at 10 a.m. on November 30th, about a week earlier than last year. New this year, tickets were sold through Eventbrite, instead of Ticketmaster, and there was a payment plan option. Within […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Registration for Sail Newport’s Summer Youth Program Closes on February 19th
Registration for the Sail Newport’s 2017 Youth Sailing Programs, Rhode Island’s most sought-after summer sailing program, will close on February 19th, 2017. The Youth Sailing Program has the goal of developing solid sailing skills, and to provide inspiration to young sailors, from the beginner to the advanced or racing sailor, with an emphasis on fun […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
2017 Bike Newport Night will Raise Funds for Community Bike Projects
Bike Newport has announced that their annual winter fundraiser, Bike Newport Night, will take place on Thursday, March 16th from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Midtown Oyster Bar. Funds raised at past Bike Newport Night’s have supported bike educator training, bike rider safety education, the distribution of night safety equipment, the purchase of high-capacity […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Ruggiero’s ‘Aging in the Community’ Bill Would Increase Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Seniors
As part of her “Aging in the Community” package of legislation, Rep. Deborah Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown) has introduced legislation that would reform property tax relief for Rhode Island’s elderly community by increasing the property tax credit for low-income seniors. Rep. Deborah Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown) The bill (2017-H 5458) would amend the […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Nelson Thompson
Nelson (Tom) Lee Thompson, 86, of Newport, RI, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Clara (Butt) Thompson. Besides his wife of 62 years he is survived by a son Rickey Thompson and his wife Patricia of North Kingstown, RI, his daughters […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rhiannon Giddens to perform at 2017 Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals
Rhiannon Giddens will be just the fourth artist that has had the honor to perform at the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival in the same year. Newport Folk Festival announced on February 17th that the singer, violinist, banjo player and a founding member of the Grammy-winning country, blues and old-time music band Carolina […]
Posted inNews
Holly House on Berkeley Avenue in Newport Sells for $2.75M
One of Newport’s great beauties, “Holly House,” located at 11 Berkeley Avenue, has been sold for $2.75 million, according to Lila Delman Real Estate International (LDREI). Alex Thursby and Kim Doherty, Sales Associates at LDREI, represented the seller. This is the second highest sale in Newport year-to-date following the sale of Ocean Lawn for $11.65 […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Thomas Sherman
Thomas Richard Sherman, 62, of Newport, RI, passed away on February 13th, 2017 in Newport Hospital after succumbing to illness and heart failure. Tom was born in Fall River, MA to Thomas and Gwendolyn (Curran) Sherman on February 11th 1955. He was an accomplished pitcher at Somerset High School, graduating in 1973. He lived in […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News, Things To Do
What’s Up For This Weekend: February 17 – 19
Here’s a round-up of what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, RI this weekend! The 29th Annual Newport Winter Festival, Touted as “New England’s Largest Winter Extravaganza,” will take place February 17th-26th, 2017 throughout Newport and Newport County. Featuring over 150 events, the Festival offers a unique winter experience combining food, festivities, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Save the Dates: Secret Garden Tour Announces 2017 Dates
The Newport Secret Garden Tours have announced their 2017 dates. Join the Benefactors of the Arts for the June and September 2017 Secret Garden Tours. Take a self-guided walking tour through Newport, RI’s historic Point section June 16-18. From September 8-10, garden aficionados can take a fall tour of some of the most beautiful, prestigious […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Ranked as 5th Best State for Animal Protection Laws
Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston) has announced that Rhode Island has been ranked as the fifth best state in the country for laws protecting animals by the Animal Legal Defense Fund in the group’s eleventh annual year-end report. Last year, Rhode Island was ranked seventh in the country. “This is a true honor for […]