Condé Nast Traveler recently announced the results of its 29th annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Aquidneck Island recognized as one of the “Top 10 Islands in the U.S.” “Aquidneck Islanders should be proud to be included among top-notch islands like Maui, Longboat Key and Kiawah Island,” said Evan Smith, president and CEO of Discover Newport. […]
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 inCity & Government
Candidates for RI House District 75 Will Debate Tonight at Public Forum
The League of Women Voters of Rhode Island will host a Candidates Forum for RI District 75 (Newport) tonight at Pell Elementary School. For the first and only time this election season, Representative Lauren Carson (D) and her opponent Mike Smith (I) will discuss in a public forum why they believe that they are best suited to represent RI House […]
Posted inCity & Government
Councilor Leonard: Last Night’s City Council Meeting “Was An Embarrassment”
The talk of the town this morning is all about last night’s Newport City Council meeting – one that went on for almost 2 1/2 hours and had plenty of fiery moments. “This council meeting was an embarrassment,” Councilor Kathryn Leonard told us on Thursday morning. An application for an entertainment license at the Irish […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Councilor Florez Proposed Panhandling Ordinance Amended, Discussed and Finally Withdrawn
At tonight’s Newport City Council meeting, Councilor John Florez’s controversial panhandling ordinance was introduced, then amended, then debated and finally withdrawn. After what was already a long, confusing and fiery Newport City Council meeting, Florez introduced his original proposal and resolution (seen below) and immediately introduced an amended version to it. Pretty much removing all […]
Posted inNews
RECAP: October 26th Newport City Council Meeting
The following items were discussed by Newport City Council on Wednesday, October 26th, here’s a quick review of what was approved, amended and/or changed during the more than two-hour meeting. More in depth stories and follow up to come on a few key issues. (Meeting notes are in bold, full agenda can also be seen […]
Posted inNews
National Weather Service Issues Frost Advisory For Newport
You may want to cover your outdoor plants this evening. The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a Frost Advisory for Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which includes Bristol and Newport. With temperatures expected to fall into the mid 30’s in our area, the advisory will be in effect from 10 p.m. on Wednesday […]
Posted inCity & Government
POLL: How Has This Election Shaped Your Confidence in Government At All Levels
This has been among the most contentious election in memory. We wonder how this election has shaped your confidence in government at all levels. [os-widget path=”/ryanbelmore/on-a-scale-of-1-lowest-to-5-greatest-what-is-your-confidence-level-in” of=”ryanbelmore” comments=”false”]
Posted inNews
AG Kilmartin to Host National Association of Attorneys Generals Eastern Region Meeting in Newport on Thursday and Friday
Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Eastern Region will host a two-day meeting in Newport, R.I., according to a press release from the Attorney General’s office on Tuesday, October 11th. The event will reportedly focus on local, state and federal governmental and non-governmental partnerships to deliver cost-effectives services […]
Posted inBusiness
Fifth Element Owners Purchase Foley’s on Broadway
Foley’s on Broadway has been sold to familiar fellow Broadway business owners, the properties neighbor – Brad Cherevaty and Frank Doyle from The Fifth Element. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to grow our business on Broadway. We look forward to working closely with the neighborhood and city officials to realize the potential of the space. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
More Than 50 Local Restaurants Will Participate in Newport Restaurant Week
Savor three-course prix-fixe lunches for $16 and three-course prix-fixe dinners for $35 during Newport Restaurant Week, November 4 – 13. The popular, bi-annual tradition throughout Newport and Bristol Counties will include more than 50 restaurants and inevitably invigorates the palates of frequent restaurant goers and occasional diners alike with dishes catering to the season’s harvest. […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport International Boat Show Reports Increased Attendance and Strong Sales
Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced today that its 2016 Show was a tremendous success. Attendance was up over last year, and as in the past, Thursday and Friday brought in a significant number of serious buyers. “Every year we try to raise the bar in terms of […]
Posted inThings To Do
Top Halloween Events and Parties Happening in Newport (Oct. 28 – 31)
As the end of October approaches in Newport, a spooky wind sweeps in and strange things begin to go bump in the night. Here’s all that’s happening in Newport over Halloween Weekend that is spooky, frightful, terror-filled and spooktacular. You might also like – 7 Spooky Things to do in Newport This October (This story may be updated […]
Posted inCity & Government
What To Watch For: October 26th Newport City Council Meeting
The Newport City Council will host their final meeting before the November 8th election on Wednesday, October 26th. Here are a few items that we think are worth watching and why, the full agenda can be seen below. In order as they appear on the agenda 1 – PUBLIC HEARING: Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update […]
Posted inCity & Government
City Council and School Committee Candidates Answer Tough Questions From the Public
Election day is less than two weeks away and the Alliance For a Livable Newport (ALN), a local nonprofit that works to promote and enhance the quality of life in Newport by providing an unbiased resource for information on issues facing the community, wants to help you become a confident, educated and savvy voter. There […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
New England Revolution’s Teal Bunbury to Speak in Newport
How does a professional athlete “keep a clear head” during a roller coaster season of ups and downs? Teal Bunbury, midfielder for the New England Revolution will share his thoughts on this, Sunday, November 13, 2016 at EFC Newport, at the 9 a.m. and 10:45 services. Bunbury, along with Walt Day, Director of Athletes in […]
Posted inCity & Government
Video: Newport School Committee, City Council and Ward 1 Candidate Forums
As a public service, Alliance for a Livable Newport once again this year hosted local public forums where candidates for City Council and School Committee answered tough questions concerning issues they will face if elected to public office. These candidate forums, moderated by officers of the Rhode Island League of Women Voters, were designed to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Representative Carson to Host Constituent Meeting on Tuesday on Ballot Questions
Representative Lauren H. Carson (D – District 75, Newport) will hold a constituent meeting next week focusing on the seven ballot questions being posed to Rhode Island voters on Election Day. The meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St. All District 75 residents are welcome. Joining […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Happening, New & To Do This Week in Newport: Oct. 24 – 29
Discover what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, RI this week. Wondering where to find karaoke, trivia, live music, dancing, comedy or some other form of fun entertainment this week in Newport, RI? Scroll down for live music and entertainment listings. Monday, October 24 4:45 p.m. – Denial at Jane Pickens Theater […]
Posted inJobs
50+ Job Opportunities in Newport Right Now (Oct. 24)
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. Have a job posting you would like to add to this list and have featured? You can add a listing here. Featured From […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Whitehorse Tavern Mentioned Among ’10 Most Haunted Bars in America’
The Whitehorse Tavern hosts some more interesting patrons than you’ll find anywhere else: ghosts, spirits and shades, according to Fodor’s Travel. This is at least the second year in a row that Newport’s oldest restaurant has landed on the list by Fodor’s. “The oldest bar in the United States, of course, has some ghost stories to […]
Posted inNews
St. Clare Will Host Dedication and Blessing of New Building on November 1
After several years of planning and construction, St. Clare will host a dedication and blessing of their new building on Tuesday, November 1st. The 30 minute ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. with brief remarks by St. Clare’s administrator Mary Beth Daigneault; Jeff Lipshires, Vice President, Behan Bros; Governor Gina Raimondo and then a blessing and ribbon […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Teams From 15 Nations Will Compete in Inaugural Red Bull Foiling Generation World Championship in Newport This Weekend
Fifteen national champion teams from around the world have assembled for the first-ever Red Bull Foiling Generation World Final in Newport. The brainchild of sports directors Roman Hagara and Hans Peter Steinacher, Red Bull Foiling Generation gives wings to talented sailors aged 16-20 by introducing them to the type of cutting-edge foiling technology used in […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Votes: Weigh In On Our 2016 Mock Election
Newport (and thousands of other cities and towns) will head to the polls in less than three weeks to cast their votes on everything from who they want to represent them in the White House, City Hall and School Committee. We hope this mock election reminds you to vote on November 8th and inspires you to […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Video: Stoneacre Pantry, Ocean House and Johnson & Wales University on ‘The Chew’
Three Rhode Island culinary venues, as well as some beautiful shots of Rhode Island, appeared on The Chew earlier this week. In the pre-recorded October 19th episode, The Chew Crew visited Stone Acre Pantry (Newport), Johnson & Wales University (Providence) and Ocean House (Watch Hill)! The Chew is ABC’s daytime program that serves up everything food-from cooking and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Craft Beer Scene: ABV vs. IBUs – What is the difference?
Often times throughout a shift at The Wharf Pub, bartenders and servers are asked by customers – “what does ABV and IBU mean?”. More often than not the questions comes because we have ABV and IBU on our drink menu for every beer we carry. Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is usually listed to give you an idea of […]