State Representative Lauren Carson, RI House District 75 – Newport, says that she has learned that her opponent, Mike Smith, has turned down the opportunity to debate her in a proposed debate that was being organized by the Newport County League of Women Voters. UPDATE: Shortly after publishing of this story, Mike Smith responded with […]
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
Norman Bird Sanctuary’s 42nd Annual Harvest Fair Set for October 1st & 2nd
On Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Norman Bird Sanctuary will host the 42nd Annual Harvest Fair. The event will be held at Norman Bird Sanctuary, located at 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown. An autumn ritual for generations of families, this beloved old-fashioned fair offers something for everyone. […]
Posted inNews
Missing Boater Found Alive After 8 Days At Sea, Mother Still Missing
One of the boaters that the U.S. Coast Guard were searching for last week was rescued on Sunday. U.S. Coast Guard Officials say Nathan Carman, 22, was picked up by a freighter about 100 miles off Nantucket, seven days after he and his mother, Linda, left for their fishing trip near Block Island. He was […]
Posted inOpinion
Editor’s View: It’s Time We Dig Deep During These Turbulent Times
It was 26 years ago today, that my life changed forever. Someone I adore told me this week that “you need to tell your stories, people will find a lot of what they need in them.” I woke up today thinking a lot about those words and my story, here I share some of it […]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things To Do This Week Around Newport | September 26 – 30
Discover the best events, activities and things to do in and around Newport, RI this week! Monday, September 26 4:30 pm – Hunt For The Wilder People at Jane Pickens Theater 7:30pm – 8 Days A Week at Jane Pickens Theater Tuesday, September 27 4:30pm – Hunt For The Wilder People at Jane Pickens Theater […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where To Find Live Music and Entertainment in Newport This Week: September 26 – 30
Wondering where to find karaoke, trivia, live music, dancing, comedy or some other form of fun entertainment this week in Newport, RI? Here’s what’s happening around the City-By-The-Sea…. Newport, RI Live Music & Entertainment Listings This information was provided to us by the venue or musicians, it is subject to change. Did we miss something […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 50+ Job Opportunities in Newport Right Now
Looking for a job in 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 Our Classifieds […]
Posted inThings To Do
Registration Now Open for Salve Regina’s 17th Annual Mansion Run
Registrations are now being accepted at www.salve.edu/run for Salve Regina’s 17th annual 5k Mansion Run and Fun Walk that starts and finishes on the university’s seaside campus. The event will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 during the university’s celebration of Fall Festival Weekend. Open to the general public, the sanctioned 3.1-mile […]
Posted inNews
Coast Guard Suspends Search For Missing Boaters Off of Block Island
The Coast Guard suspended the search Friday for Linda and Nathan Carman after searching for six days and exhausting all search efforts. Initially, at about 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector Southeastern New England received a report that 54-year-old Linda Carman and her 22-year-old son Nathan Carman failed to return from an offshore fishing […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Natural Selections’ Exhibition at Salve Blends Interpretations of Science and the Natural World
The creative work of three new England-based artists who blur the boundaries between the microscopic and the macroscopic will be featured when “Natural Selections” is on exhibit Oct. 6-Nov. 9 at The Dorrance H. Hamilton Gallery on the campus of Salve Regina University. The public is welcome to an opening reception on Thursday, Oct. 6 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jane Pickens Theater Will Participate in Inaugural ‘Art House Theater Day’ on Saturday
Art House Theater Day is a Nationwide Celebration of Film Culture and the Cinematic Experience Two Rhode Island theaters, Jane Pickens Theater (Newport) and Cable Car Cinema (Providence), will join more than 160 theaters in participating in the inaugural Art House Theater Day on Saturday, September 24th. The Art House Convergence, an international consortium of […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up For The Weekend: Great Things To Do (Sept. 23 – 25)
Discover the best events, activities and things to do in and around Newport, RI this weekend. Friday, September 23rd 12 Metre North American Championship Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival 5:00 p.m. – Newport Festa Italiana – John Panaggio Original Ziti Night at Vasco de Gama Hall 6:00 p.m. – Hunt For The Wilderpeople at Jane […]
Posted inThings To Do
Local Canines Invited to Romp on Rose Island This Sunday
Let the Dogs Romp on Rose Island This Sunday Sunset Romp Slated to Benefit The Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation Adventurous canines and well-behaved people are invited to bid farewell to summer this Sunday with a special sunset dog romp on Rose Island. Proceeds from the event, which is being organized by Wag Nation, will benefit […]
Posted inNews
More Than 10,000 Sign Petition to Save Cliff The Coyote From Being Killed
Cliff the coyote who has become well-known for roaming areas of Newport and Middletown is scheduled to be euthanized, according to sources. Thousands of residents have signed a petition, hoping that they can influence authorities that death isn’t the answer and encourage them to find another way to remove Cliff from the area. According to […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Rolex Big Boat Series Puts Fitting End on U.S. Calendar
The Rolex Big Boat Series concluded the 2016 Rolex Yachting calendar in the U.S. in fine style. The record fleet of 127 entrants brought an abundance of energy and vibrancy that shined through on windy San Francisco Bay and at the lively social gatherings. Two classes, the J/70 (36 entries) and J/105 (26 entries), comprised […]
Posted inThings To Do
Discover Newport Preview: Your Guide To Fall Festivals and Events
Discover Newport, the official destination management organization (DMO) dedicated to promoting the City of Newport and the eight surrounding coastal townships in Newport and Bristol counties, has released the following preview of upcoming events and festivals. Newport Welcomes the Savoring Season From apple picking to food and wine festivals, Newport Restaurant Week to harvest celebrations, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Tallulah on Thames Closes, Future Unknown
UPDATE: December 29th, 2016 – Tallulah On Thames Sets The Record Straight Regarding Current and Future Projects As we said yesterday when we updated you on all that was moving and shaking on the dining scene, with the changes in seasons comes many changes on the restaurant scene. Jake Rojas, Owner & Chef of Tallulah on […]
Posted inThings To Do
22nd Annual Newport Festa Italiana Set for September 23rd thru October 10th
Newport Festa Italiana will celebrate their 22nd year of promoting the appreciation of Italian culture through food, music, and the arts from September 23rd through October 10th. The 22nd Newport Festa Italiana starts on Friday, September 23rd with the John Panaggio Original Ziti Night at Vasco da Gama Hall, here’s a look at that event and some […]
Posted inThings To Do
Preservation Society Will Host “Gilded Metropolis” Study Day
The Preservation Society of Newport County will host “Gilded Metropolis: Newporters at Home – in New York” on Friday, October 21, 2016. This half-day Study Day is offered in partnership with the Newport Restoration Foundation, Newport Historical Society and Newport Art Museum. It will include several distinguished experts exploring the opulent primary residences and social […]
Posted inCity & Government
Eco-Depot Headed to Easton’s Beach on October 1 for Special E-Waste Collection
Newport Collection provides safe disposal of electronic and household hazardous waste Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) in conjunction with Clean City Newport will host a special collection of household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic waste on Saturday, October 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Easton’s Beach. This special event is available free of charge […]
Posted inCity & Government
Representative Carson Responds to 38 Studios Accusations From Opponent
The battle of press releases over 38 Studios continues between Representative Lauren Carson (D. – Dist. 75, Newport) and her opponent, Mike Smith. On September 20th, the Independent Candidate released a statement titled Smith Hits Carson on 38 Studios Flip Flop, in which he said “he was astounded that Carson would try to such an […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Restaurant News: Mudville Pub For Sale, Irish American Athletic Club Sells, The Shop and Boatyard Close
It’s almost inevitable every year, with the changes of season comes several changes to the restaurant scene. While there’s still a few deals in the works out there that we can’t yet report on, here’s a quick round-up of what’s moving and shaking with some local restaurants. The Shop Closes The space at 397 Thames […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum Welcomes Four New Exhibitions
The Newport Art Museum welcomes four new exhibitions to its galleries this fall, including Thomas Russell’s 50 Years: Selected Paintings, James Watkins: Reminiscence, 2015 NetWorks 2016, and the Photographers’ Guild Members’ Exhibition. The official Opening Reception for all four shows will be Friday, September 30, 5-7pm. Members free, non-members $10 suggested donation, cash bar. About […]
Posted inCity & Government
Mike Smith Reacts to Representative Carson’s Call For Release of 38 Studios Investigation Records
Earlier today, Representative Lauren H. Carson (D. – District 75, Newport) called upon Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin and the State Police to release documents related to the state’s four-year investigation into the 38 Studios deal, adding her voice to a growing list of state leaders. Mike Smith, her Independent challenger for the […]
Posted inNews
Update: Coast Guard Expands Search for Missing Boaters Near Block Island
The Coast Guard expanded its search Tuesday for two missing boaters near Block Island, Rhode Island to include an area roughly 100 miles south of Montauk, New York. Initially, at about 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector Southeastern New England received a report that 54-year-old Linda Carman and her 22-year-old son Nathan Carman failed to return from […]