A Newport native could be replacing a Middletown native as President Trump’s national security advisor, according to NBC Nes’ Peter Alexander. NBC News’ Peter Alexander reported on Monday night that Bob Harward, a retired United States Navy SEAL and a former Deputy Commander of the United States Central Command, is the top choice to replace now former […]
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
Obituary for James Burton
James A. Burton, 89, of Portsmouth died at home on Monday, February 13, 2017. Mr. Burton was born in Henderson, Kentucky on October 2, 1927. Mr. Burton left school at 17 to enlist in the Navy and fought in World War II serving on the USS Walter B Cobb APD-106 and in the Korean War […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for James W. Peckham
James W. Peckham, 82, of Little Creek Lane, Middletown, RI, passed away at home on Monday, February 13, 2017. Born on April 10, 1934 in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late Philip and Elizabeth (Conley) Peckham, and the brother of the late John Peckham. Mr. Peckham was a graduate of Rogers High […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Hope S. Hibbad
Hope S. (Freeborn) Hibbad, 97, of Newport died Monday, February 13, 2017 at Grand Islander Health Care Center of Middletown, RI. She was the wife of the late William F. Hibbad. Born on August 4, 1919 in Portsmouth, RI, she was the daughter of the late John and Sarah (Huling) Freeborn. Hope was born and […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Dell Technologies Signs on as Multi-Year Title Sponsor of the International Tennis Hall of Fame Open
The International Tennis Hall Of Fame announced in a press release on Wednesday that Dell Technologies has committed to a five-year, multifaceted sponsorship of the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) that includes the title sponsorship of the Hall of Fame’s annual ATP World Tour tournament. The company is also contributing its technology solutions and […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Storm and Empire Tea & Coffee Team Up to Create ‘High Test’, a new Coffee Stout
Newport Storm Brewery and Empire Tea & Coffee recently collaborated to put their knowledge, talent and love for coffee and craft beer to good use; the result a new coffee stout called ‘High Test’. “CJ Barone, owner of Empire Tea & Coffee, has always supported RI craft breweries and Newport Storm especially with the Newport […]
Posted inCity & Government
One Injured in Six-Car Crash on Pell Bridge on Tuesday Morning
One person suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a multi-car crash that forced the closure of the eastbound lanes of traffic on the Newport/Pell Bridge just before 9 a.m. today, according to the Rhode Island State Police. The victim, whose name was not released, was taken to South County Hospital. State Police Capt. Matthew Moynihan said the […]
Posted inThings To Do
Illuminated Garden Returns to Ballard Park during Newport Winter Festival
Ballard Exploration Company, Inc. will present the 12th Annual Illuminated Garden on Thursday, February 23rd Friday, February 24th and Saturday, February 25th, 2017 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in Ballard Park. The free event features thousands of lights displayed on the trees and unique features of Ballard Park’s three acre quarry meadow. In addition to […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Scott Vidinha
Scott E. Vidinha, 52 of Middletown passed away on Monday, February 13, 2017. He was born in Middletown, R.I. on October 14, 1964, the son of John and Adelaide (Almeida) Vidinha. In addition to his parents, he leaves his wife, Sharon M. Keeley and his brother, John A. Vidinha and his sister, Suzanne Dugan and […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Frank Nekrasz
Frank Nekrasz, 85, of Portsmouth, RI, died comfortably and peacefully on Saturday, February 11, 2017, while visiting family in Mahomet, IL. Mr. Nekrasz was born December 21, 1931 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He was the son of the late Frank and the late Tekla (Samoulis) Nekrasz. He was married to Johanna (Joan) M. Stachowski, for 52 […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Julia Loretta Plourde
Julia Loretta Plourde, 87, of Portsmouth died Saturday, February 11, 2017 at home in Portsmouth, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 5, 1929 in Providence, RI, to the late Edward and Ethel (Hollis) McKenney. She was married to John Michael Plourde for 32 years. She attended St Michael’s School in Providence […]
Posted inNews
Middletown Woman and Newport Man Each Claim $50,000 Lottery Win
A Middletown woman and an East Providence woman split a $50,000 PowerBall® win from the April 13, 2016 drawing, according to Rhode Island Lottery. They both plan to use their winnings to pay some bills. Their ticket matched four numbers and the PowerBall® number to win the standard $50,000 payout. Total Market, 970 Willett Ave., […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator DiPalma Bill Would Equalize Teacher Retirement Contributions Between State and Municipalities
Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) has introduced legislation (2017-S 0210) that would gradually increase the state’s contribution to the teachers’ retirement system, while reducing the municipal contribution, which would eventually result in the contributions being shared equally between the state and municipalities. “This legislation will provide meaningful tax relief […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Thomas J. Sears
Thomas J. Sears, 62, of Pawtucket passed away unexpectedly at Memorial Hospital on February 7, 2017 after a brief illness. Born in Newport, RI, on November 16, 1954 he was the son of the late Albert J. and Bella M. (Morris) Sears. Tom was a caring and quiet, loving person, who also loved animals. In […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up For This Week: Feb. 13 – 17
Here’s what’s happening for events, activities, live music and entertainment in and around Newport, RI this week! Monday, February 13th 1pm – City/School Liaison Subcommittee Meeting at Newport Public Library 4:30pm – 20th Century Women at Jane Pickens Theater 5pm – 9pm – Newport Skating Center is open 6pm – Energy & Environment Commission at Newport Public Library 6pm […]
Posted inCity & Government
SENEDIA, Undersea Tech Center Launch Series of Talks
The Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA) and the Undersea Technology Innovation Center (UTIC) are launching a series of technology talks to explore and share defense and undersea technologies, applications and opportunities. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWC Division Newport) is the first to conduct several technology talks that highlight upcoming opportunities, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquidneck Island Road Construction Report: Feb. 13 – 18
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: 2/4-2/10 Newport: In order to accommodate construction work at the Newport Transportation and Visitors Center, motorists will experience a right lane closure on America’s Cup Ave., from Gladys Carr Bolhouse Rd. […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Priscilla B. Bechtel
Petranella “Priscilla” B. Bechtel, 88, of Newport died on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Newport Hospital. Priscilla was born August 1, 1928 in Norwich, CT. she was the daughter of the late Peter and Carmella (Mannetta) Ballaro. Priscilla was the wife of the late LCDR Donald G. Bechtel Sr, USN (Ret). Priscilla grew up in […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 75+ Job Opportunities in Newport This Week (Feb. 12)
Newport, RI – 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 […]
Posted inNews
Winter Weather Advisory: Snow, Sleet and Freezing Rain Possible on Sunday
The National Weather Service has issued a National Weather Service for our area, it is effective from 7 a.m. on Sunday to 7 a.m. on Monday. The current advisory forecasts that Newport could see 1 – 4″ of snow throughout this period.. Today’s forecast is calling for a slight chance of snow before noon, then […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Robert Coffman
Robert P. “Jasper” Coffman, 69, of Jamestown, died February 8, 2017, succumbing to COPD. He was the loving husband of Karen E. (Nicholson) Coffman, father of Brendan J. Coffman, and grandfather of Cora. He also leaves behind his daughter-in-law Christina, his siblings Carol (Donnie) Pagal, Paul, Noel (Terry) McCue, as well as many nieces & […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
One Month Until 2017 Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The 61st Annual Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be held, rain, snow, or shine, on Saturday, March 11th, 2017. The parade will begin promptly at 11:00am from Newport City Hall and will proceed to Carroll Avenue at Saint Augustin’s Church in the heart of the Fifth Ward. The parade this year is estimated to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Coming Soon to Newport: The ‘Newport Burger Bender’ Contest
Discover Newport has cooked up a delicious new promotion to celebrate local dining during our quieter time. The Newport Burger Bender is a simple “best burger” contest taking place Friday, February 17 through Sunday, February 26, 2017, during the Newport Winter Festival. Restaurants, which are limited to one burger submission, have entered both existing burgers as well […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up For This Weekend: Feb. 10 – 12
Here’s a round-up of what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, RI this weekend! Friday, February 10 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Semi-Annual Book Sale at Redwood Library 4:30 p.m. – 20th Century Women at Jane Pickens Theater 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. – Newport Skating Center is open 6 p.m. – 2017 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Poll: How is Newport Doing with Snow Removal?
How is the City Of Newport doing with snow removal and plowing on city streets? Take our poll, and then let us know in the comments what the situation is on your street. [polldaddy poll=9662530]