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 […]
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 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]
Posted inNews
February 16th is Deadline for Newport County Nonprofits to Apply for $260,000 in Grants
Nonprofit organizations serving Newport County’s six communities have until Feb. 16 to apply for more than $260,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation. The Newport County Fund (NCF) offers grants of up to $10,000 in eight key funding areas: arts and culture, basic human needs, children and families, education, economic security, environment, health and […]
Posted inNews
EFC Newport Successfully Launches ‘2017 Year of Care’
Equipped with mops, sponges, cleaning supplies and perhaps most importantly, willing hearts, over 25 volunteers gathered on Saturday, February 4 and began the extraordinary effort of revitalizing the Aquidneck Island Christian Academy (AICA). From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the group gave the elementary school a deep cleaning along with much needed repairs and a […]
Posted inBusiness
People’s Credit Union Donates to Boys Town New England
People’s Credit Union recently donated $548 to Boys Town New England as a result of a monthly employee dress down day, called Casual for a Cause. The funds were raised through a combination of People’s Credit Union employee donations as well as a painted glassware raffle held throughout the month of January in the Credit […]
Posted inNews
Weekend Forecast: Another 1-2″ of Snow Possible, Followed by Chance of Rain and Sleet
Snow, rain and possibly sleet – it’s looking like a wet weekend for Newport, Aquidneck Island and most of Rhode Island. National Weather Service Detailed Weekend Forecast for Newport, RI: As of 8:48 a.m. on Friday, February 10th Friday Night: Snow likely, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 21. Light and variable wind […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Craft Beer Corner: BE(ER) MINE
Welp, it’s that romantic time of year again – Valentine’s Day! What better way to celebrate with your significant other than with good craft beer or a delicious libation? Every year we at The Wharf Pub like to spice things up by bringing you a crafty valentine themed beer selection and for the people who […]
Posted inNews
Beachfront Property in Misquamicut sells for $1.625 million
A beachfront home located at 119 Atlantic Avenue sold for $1.625 million, marking the highest price for a beachfront home in Misquamicut in the last 4 years, according to data from the Rhode Island Statewide MLS*. Prior to this record sale, 495 Atlantic Avenue sold for $1.2 million on January 13. Lila Delman Real Estate […]
Posted inThings To Do
Polar Pineapples Will Return to Goat Island for Newport Winter Festival
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, formerly The Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa, will once again transform Pineapples on the Bay to Polar Pineapples during the Newport Winter Festival! Try a signature infused cocktail or specialty hot drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) while enjoying views of the bay. This year we will have a variety […]
Posted inThings To Do
Boaterz and Bikerz Tour Will Stop in Newport During New England Trip in July
Boaterz n Bikerz of America Hull of a Tour 4 is back again in 2017 with exciting plans for a scenic coastal and mountain boating and motorcycling extravaganza throughout New England, appropriately dubbed “The Lobster Roll.” The weeklong tour is scheduled July 15 – 22, 2017 and will feature a guided ride throughout New Hampshire, […]
Posted inOpinion
Local Voice: What Does Snow in Newport Mean if You Use a Wheelchair?
Okay, many people have to wait to have their own parking lots and walks cleared, so that isn’t really the problem. But there is a problem – a really big one. That problem is that, in a day or so when the walks should all have been cleared, most – especially those in the business […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Jazz Festival Announces Second Wave of Artists
Producer/Founder George Wein and Artistic Director Christian McBride announce the second wave of artists for the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Global Asset Management, which takes place at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino August 4 – 6. Tickets are available at www.newportjazzfest.org. “We […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Wayne Botelho
Wayne Matthew Botelho, 47 of Newport, RI died peacefully in his sleep at Rhode Island Hospital on Wednesday January 25, 2017. Wayne attended Rogers High School where he played basketball and began his love for the culinary arts. His career as a chef provided him with fond memories of his time in the kitchen and […]
Posted inNews
8-12″ of Snow Expected For Our Area on Thursday (Updated)
Last updated at 10:45 a.m. on February 9th The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Newport and our surrounding area, the Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 6 a.m. on Thursday until 8 p.m. on Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, snow will begin between 5 and 8 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Parking Ban in Newport on Thursday, From Noon to Midnight
There will be a “Parking Ban” in effect at 12:00 PM (noon) Thursday, February 9, 2017, until Thursday February 9, 2017 at 11:59 pm., due to the forecasted snow storm. Motor vehicles parked on such a street one-half hour after the public ban has been announced may be towed. Residents can utilize the following parking […]
Posted inNews
Newport Police Seeks Public’s Help In Identifying Larceny Suspects
The Newport Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two suspecting in an investigation of a larceny that occurred at a local store on January 28th. Newport Police Detectives need your help! The photos below depict two suspects in an investigation of a larceny that occurred on 1/28/2017 from a local store. The […]
Posted inThings To Do
Preservation Society Introduces Beneath The Breakers Tour
The Preservation Society of Newport County has introduced the new Beneath The Breakers Tour, offering guests a never-before-seen look into the working side of the Vanderbilt family’s summer home and what it took to bring a great house like The Breakers (1895) to life. Based on research by Preservation Society staff and period documents, including […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Jazz Festival Assembly Continues to Bring Music to Local Elementary Schools
Following a special performance at the Boys & Girls Club of Newport County and a concert at Clayville Elementary School last week, Newport Jazz Festival Assembly – a performance series presented by Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. that brings music to elementary schools throughout Rhode Island – continues its Winter/Spring Tour February 9 – March 29. […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Marie Sullivan
Marie Therese Sullivan, 90, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2017 at the Village House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Newport. She was the wife of the late Frank D. Sullivan Jr. A lifelong Newporter and native Fifth Warder, she was born on June 2, 1926, and was the daughter of the late John J […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Andy Roddick, Jim Courier, James Blake and Mardy Fish to Compete in Newport
PowerShares Series Tennis, the circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30, announced its full 2017 circuit of events to include 10 events, starting March 30 in Toronto, Canada. The 2017 PowerShares Series will also again partner alongside ATP and WTA events in Charleston, S.C., Newport, R.I., Winston-Salem, N.C., and New Haven, Conn. […]
Posted inNews
Newport on TripAdvisor’s List of Most Romantic Places to Visit This Valentine’s Day
Newport has been featured by TripAdvisor as one of the most romantic getaways for Valentines Day in 2017. The story highlights the Cliff Walk, Newport Mansions, Bodhi Spa, Scales & Shells and The White Horse Tavern among their list of what to do and where to eat. TripAdvisor says it has “zeroed in on some […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Patrick Michael Maher
Patrick Michael Maher, 73, of Newport died Monday, February 6, 2017 surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. Born on September 7, 1943 in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late James L. and Mary (Toppa) Maher. He was the husband of Lynne (Sartini) Maher. Pat was born and raised in […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Robert J. Perrello
Portsmouth, RI, Robert J. Perrello, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2017, at the Rhode Island Veterans Home, Bristol. He was the husband of the late Helen (Buckley) Perrello. Born on June 15, 1920, he was the son of the late James Vincent and Mary (Magnapane) Perrello. It’s party time in heaven! Robert is reunited […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Charles R. Sullivan
Charles R. Sullivan, 80, of Windward Drive, Portsmouth, RI, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at home with his family at his side. He was the husband of Geraldine “Jean” M. (Rothfuss) Sullivan. Born in Newport, RI on October 23, 1936, he was the son of the late John F. and Rose M. (Capochiano) […]