Island Communities Receive $1 Million Grant for Clean Water Partnership The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Sen. Jack Reed have announced a $1 million grant to the communities of Aquidneck Island for an innovative new program to protect and restore fresh and salt water quality on Aquidneck Island. The three-year program was developed by 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 inCity & Government
Representative Carson Calls For Release of 38 Studios Investigation Records
In a press release posted on September 20th, Representative Lauren H. Carson (D. – District 75, Newport) is calling 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 […]
Posted inCity & Government
‘Ban The Bag’ in Newport? Workshop Will Allow You To Share Your Opinion
At their May 25th meeting, six Newport City Council members voted in favor of supporting a resolution that will construct an ordinance to phase out the use of disposable plastic bags in Newport on Wednesday night Approval of the resolution required the City Administration to work with EEC and the Planning Board to construct an […]
Posted inNews
Cruise Ship To Make Unscheduled Stop in Newport on Tuesday
Discover Newport has announced that Newport has been added to Arcadia’s North American Tour, the cruise ship is expected to arrive from New York on Tuesday morning. “Please note the addition of a world-class cruise ship coming into Newport tomorrow(Tuesday, September 20th) morning. Arcadia, which once sailed as the largest custom-built vessel for the British market, […]
Posted inCity & Government
City Council Candidate: Panhandlers, Jaywalkers, Red-Light Runners Deserve to be Bitch-Slapped
The Alliance For A Livable Newport has released their 2016 local election questions designed to help voters make informed choices for City Council and School Committee. Andy Lavarre, Candidate for Newport City Council, angered many with his comment regarding the LGBT Community back in his campaign announcement back in June when he stated “LGBT sexual perversion, […]
Posted inNews
Coast Guard Searching For Missing Boaters Near Block Island
The Coast Guard is searching for two missing boaters Monday morning who failed to return from a fishing trip near Block Island. At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector Southeastern New England received a report that 54-year-old Linda Carmen and her 22-year-old son Nathan Carmen failed to return from an offshore fishing trip. They departed […]
Posted inNews
Salve Regina Dedicates Lily Haseotes Bentas Center
Christened with a Cumberland Farms old-time milk bottle, the Lily Haseotes Bentas Center was officially dedicated Saturday afternoon (Sept. 17) on Salve Regina University’s seaside campus in honor of the convenience store chain’s chairman of the board. Bentas, a Cumberland native, has been a university trustee since 2007. The $8.7 million newly constructed 23,000-square-foot academic […]
Posted inBusiness
50+ Companies Hiring Right Now In Newport: September 19
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
12+ Great Things To Do This Week: September 19 – 23
Discover the best events, activities and things to do in and around Newport, RI this weekend! Entertainment Listings: Here’s where to find live music, comedy, trivia, karaoke, open mic and more this week. Monday, September 19th 4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. – The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years at Jane Pickens Theater […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment Listings: September 19 – 23
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 inEnvironment & Health
Fleet of 9 to Compete in 12 Metre North American Championship in Newport Next Week
There are few things that delight sailors, and landlubbers, more than catching sight of a historic 12 Metre yacht slicing through the water. Fortunately for anyone who lives in or visits Newport, R.I., this week, a fleet of nine boats will gather in the City by the Sea to contest the 12 Metre North American […]
Posted inCity & Government
ACLU Says Proposed Panhandling Ordinance Raises Serious Constitutional Questions
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island is calling an ordinance that has been proposed in Providence, and could soon be introduced in Newport, constitutionally problematic and thinks City Council’s in each community should find other ways to address homelessness and poverty in their communities. “The ACLU believes that the ordinance that has […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport International Boat Show Announces ‘Newport For New Products’ Awards
Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced today the results of this year’s Newport For New ProductsTM (NFNP) Awards. Judged on Thursday during opening day and announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, September, 16th. The eleventh–annual NFNP winners are: Best New Electronics Product Garmin GPSMAP 7600 with J1939 […]
Posted inCity & Government
UPDATED: Councilor Florez Looks to Address Panhandling Issue in Newport
Newport could soon be following in the footsteps of Providence when it comes to panhandling. Newport City Councilor John Florez announced on Friday morning on his Facebook Page that he plans on addressing the issue at the next meeting of the Newport City Council on Wednesday, September 28th. TIME TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT PANHANDLING: In […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter To The Editor: The Sense of Community Has Never Been More Evident Than It Has This Past Week
To the Editor, Having lived here for the past 33 years, I have always known that Aquidneck Island is a very special place to call home. That sense of community has never been more evident than this past week. Like your readers, we at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center were devastated by […]
Posted inThings To Do
30+ Great Things To Do This Weekend in Newport: September 16 – 18
Discover the most exciting events, activities and things to do this weekend in and around Newport! Wondering what’s happening for live music, comedy and entertainment this weekend? Here’s this weekend’s listings. Friday, September 16th 10:00 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Newport International Boat Show 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Hall of Fame ITA Grass Court Invitational […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment Listings: September 16 – 18
Discover the best places to find live music, comedy, karaoke, dancing and entertainment in Newport this weekend. Wondering what else is happening this weekend in and around Newport? Here’s 30+ Great Things To Do In Newport This Weekend. If you find value in these listings, please consider supporting the venues in bold. These are the businesses […]
Posted inNews
Gansett Cruises Celebrates 10 Years of Being on The Water
Gansett Cruises, the award-winning harbor tour company located on Bowen’s Landing on the Newport waterfront, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Captain Jeff O’Brien launched the company in June of 2007 with the start of the Tall Ships Festival that year. At the dock, M/V Gansett and her crew were immersed in the oldest […]
Posted inNews
Drink Craft Beer: 5 Craft Brews You Can Enjoy In Newport From Beantown Breweries
Drink Craft Beer is a weekly craft beer column written by Sarah Fimple, Bar and Beverage Manager of The Wharf Pub Don’t want to travel as far as Maine or Vermont? Boston is your next best bet. Another city up and coming in the Craft Beer Industry. Towns Such as Somerville and Cambridge you can […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Police Department Seeks Public’s Assistance in Theft of Cozy Trike
The Newport Police Department has released the following information in regards to locating a stolen Coxy Trike. The Newport Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following Cozy Trike battery powered tricycle Color Red with a Black seat, the item below is similar in nature except the one stolen does not have […]
Posted inBusiness
Hertz Leaves Broadway, Opens New Location at Gateway Visitors Center
Rental car company enhances offerings at Newport’s transportation epicenter. Discover Newport has announced that Hertz has opened a new location in the Newport Gateway Visitors Center, the city’s primary public transportation hub. The new branch replaces its former location on Broadway in Newport, next to The Fifth Element. “Hertz is a convenient and smart addition to the […]
Posted inNews
‘Rust Tide’ Being Found on Newport Harbor Poses No Risk to Public Health
“Rust Tide” in local waters poses no risk to public health or shellfish closures, says RI DEM The conversation about portions of Newport Harbor being discolored and smelly started two days ago when Mike Cullen, a resident in the Point Neighborhood, posted on NextDoor; “Brown, varnish-smelling water strongest @ Elm St Pier but is visibly brown […]
Posted inNews
Coast Guard, Local Authorities Respond to Boat Taking on Water Near Sakonnet Point on Wednesday
COAST GUARD, LOCAL PARTNERS DEWATER SAILBOAT NEAR SAKONNET POINT, RHODE ISLAND The Coast Guard was alerted to a sailboat taking on water Wednesday, three miles south of Sakonnet Point, Rhode Island. At about 9:15 a.m., Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector Southeastern New England received a distress call on VHF Channel 16 from the sailboat Rhapsody, reporting it was taking […]
Posted inThings To Do
Morocco Will Become 32nd Nation to Participate in Newport Polo Series When They Make Their Debut on Saturday
Debut of Morocco in Polo Series This Sat, September 17th Riding a tidal wave of excitement, Morocco will be the 32nd nation to debut in the NBC10 Newport International Polo Series, presented by your Rhode Island BMW Centers, as part of its 25th-anniversary celebration, followed by an après polo Marrakesh Express celebration with live entertainment and authentic culinary experience (by […]
Posted inNews
What About Bobby: A Thank You To My Hero
What About Bobby is a column that is written by Bobby Forster, a 27-year-old Newport resident living with ALS. In case you’re new here and missed the first story in this series, here it is – What About Bobby: What Would You Say If You Were Told That You Would Be Dead In Two to Five Years? […]