Kim Clijsters, Andy Roddick, Paralympian Monique Kalkman have been named to the ballot for 2017 International Tennis Hall of Fame induction Former world No. 1’s Kim Clijsters and Andy Roddick have been nominated for the highest honor in the sport of tennis- induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Clijsters and Roddick are both on […]
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
Newport International Boat Show Is Just One Week Away
NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW KICKS-OFF THE FALL BOAT SHOW SEASON Gates Open on September 15th to the Largest Show Since 2009 Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, announced today that it has secured a record number of exhibitors, and organized more educational activities and attractions for showgoers than ever […]
Posted inNews
Newport Historical Society Finds New Ways to Make Newport’s History Available To The Public
New online resources, “Hamilton” essay contest & the NHS approach to practicing public history Over the last several years, the Newport Historical Society has received growing recognition for its innovative approach to public history. The Society is pleased to announce its most recent activities which bring history to the public in meaningful ways: an exclusive […]
Posted inCity & Government
26 Firefighters from Newport Fire Department Will Participate in Two-Day Training to Fight Yacht and Marina Fires
On the eve of the 2016 Newport International Boat Show, 26 firefighters from the Newport Fire Department will go back to school for two days of special training in how to fight fires aboard yachts, ships, and in marinas and yacht yards. “The training follows the Newport City Council’s 5-2 decision to accept a federal […]
Posted inCity & Government
Japanese Flag “Inadvertently” Flown on City Property For Nearly Two Months
Many may walk run or drive by Long Wharf at Washington square and never notice there are two flag poles standing tall next to The Brick Market Building, but a few members of our audience do notice and have taken note of a peculiar flag flying high over the City over the last few months. Owned […]
Posted inNews
Updated: USS Zumwalt Will Depart Newport on Monday Morning
The US Navy’s newest warship, USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000) is expected to make a brief stop in Newport on September 8th, according to multiple sources. Update 9/12/16: The USS Zumwalt DDG 1000 is expected to depart Naval Station Newport at approximately 10 a.m. on Monday. Besides it’s voyage in and out of Newport Harbor, the ship […]
Posted inNews
Tropical Storm Hermine Incident Prompts St. Mary’s To Remove All Trees In Front Of Church
If you’ve happened to drive by St. Mary’s Church today, yes you’d be right to think that it a new look, looked different and something was missing. Over the Labor Day weekend and during Tropical Storm Hermine, a limb from one of their trees located on the opposite side of Spring Street crashed down and landed on […]
Posted inThings To Do
Navy Band Northeast Will Open Newport Polo’s New England Challenge on September 10th
With the return of fair weather, and a patriotic opening concert by the Navy Band Northeast, the New England Challenge this Saturday, Sept. 10 is shaping up to be one of the best polo matches to enjoy for a late summer reprise at the NBC10 Newport International Polo Series, presented by your Rhode Island BMW Centers. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Baseball, Biking and Soccer Pros Will Unite on Sunday at New England Festival of Hope
Founded in 2014 in response to growing global discontent and divides – social, economic, religious, to name a few – the New England Festival Of Hope promotes a hopeful message for a united future. Pro athletes Dwight Evans, Kevin Robinson and Teal Bunbury have more than just their New England sports notoriety in common. Each […]
Posted inNews
11th Hour Racing Grants $1 Million to Sail Newport’s Campaign for Blue Space
Donation advances Sail Newport’s Mid-Park Marine Education and Recreation Center Sail Newport has announced that 11th Hour Racing has awarded a grant of $1 million to its fundraising Campaign for Blue Space. The funds will be used for a new facility and the expansion of marine educational programming. Sail Newport launched the $10 million […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor Raimondo Signs ‘Rhode Island Family Home Visiting Act’ in Newport on Tuesday
Governor Gina Raimondo has signed legislation sponsored by President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed and Chairman of the House Health, Education and Welfare Committee Joseph M. McNamara to establish the Rhode Island Family Home Visiting Act. The law (2016-S 2096, 2016-H 7220) calls for the Rhode Island Department of Health to work with the Department […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Island Moving Company Will Host Children’s Auditions for ‘Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff’
Island Moving Co. will hold auditions for children’s roles in its holiday production Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff on Saturday, September 17th at Island Moving Co.’s studios at 3 Charles St. in Newport, RI. Auditions will be at 1:30pm for children ages 7-11 and at 4pm for children 12 and up. Candidates are asked to arrive […]
Posted inNews
How You Can Help Ramon Arroyo’s Family, Victims of Middletown Fire
Many in the Aquidneck Island community have been in shock and have been wondering what they should do/can do since a fatal fire took the life of a 7-year-old boy in Middletown overnight on Sunday, and left his two sisters hospitalized. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center has released the following information, and asks […]
Posted inCity & Government
Letter To The Editor: I’m Running for City Council At-Large, I love Newport and Believe Government Should Work For The People
I’m running for City Council At-Large in Newport because I believe in our city and I believe my unique perspective will serve our city well as we face ongoing challenges. I’ve always loved Newport, which is why I bought my home here and am running for a seat on the Council. With my experience as […]
Posted inNews
Fort Adams Trust Seeks ‘Deadicated Volunteers’ for Fortress Of Nightmares
Fortress Of Nightmares, Newport’s premier haunted attraction, will return to Fort Adams State Park on October 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th and 30th. The event is scheduled to take place nightly from 7pm-10pm. Fortress of Nightmares is a fundraiser to benefit The Fort Adams Trust, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Each haunt season, The Fort Adams Trust […]
Posted inNews
Update: Tropical Storm Warning Cancelled for Newport County
The Tropical Storm Warning that was in effect for Newport County over the last 24 hours has been cancelled by the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service issued the cancellation of the Tropical Storm Warning at 11.am. The forecast for the remainder of the day calls for a chance of showers with patchy fog possible […]
Posted inThings To Do
What To Do in Newport During The Last Two Weeks of Summer
Although pumpkin beer, football and hoodie weather will all be here before you know it, Summer doesn’t end until Autumn begins on September 22 at 10:21 A.M. Here’s some great things to do before we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall! 1 – Island Moving Company Presents: Second Star To The Right | […]
Posted inJobs
50+ Companies Hiring Right Now In and Around Newport: September 5
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 Crazy Dough’s – […]
Posted inThings To Do
12+ Best Things To Do This Week In Newport: September 5 – 9
Discover some of the great activities, events and things to do this week in and around Newport, RI. Looking for live music and entertainment listings? Here they are – Where To Find Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment This Week. Monday, September 5th 11:30 a.m. – Dark & Stormy Party at Silken Gallery at Corey Silken Gallery Tuesday, […]
Posted inNews
Update: Middletown House Fire Sends 3 Children, 5 Police Officers to Hospital on Sunday Night
Three children and at least five police officers were hospitalized after a fire broke out inside a home at 566 East Main Road in Middletown just after midnight on Monday. Chief Deputy John Dean of the State Fire Marshal’s Office tells WJAR that “Middletown police officers arrived first and rescued two children from the first […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where To Find Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment This Week in Newport: September 5 – 9
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 inNews
Tropical Storm Warning Issued For Newport
A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for Newport as Tropical Storm Hermine approaches Southern New England. Source: U.S. National Weather Service Tropical Storm Warning HERMINE LOCAL WATCH/WARNING STATEMENT/ADVISORY NUMBER 32 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA AL092016 513 AM EDT MON SEP 5 2016 RIZ007-051715- /O.CON.KBOX.TR.W.1009.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/ NEWPORT RI- 513 AM EDT MON SEP 5 […]
Posted inNews
Update: Coast Guard Search For Possible Missing Kayaker on Sunday
The Coast Guard searched for what may be a person in the water off the coast of Newport on Sunday. At about about 8:50 a.m., a local fishing vessel notified authorities of a unmanned adrift 8-foot red kayak and nearby paddle in the vicinity of Gooseberry Island, R.I. A Newport Fire Department crewmember notified Coast Guard watchstanders who […]
Posted inOpinion
Local Commentary: Marijuana Is Not The Enemy, Establishment Politics Is
The following was written and submitted by Michael J. Simpson. The views and opinions included in this op-ed do not necssarily represents those of What’sUpNewp’s management/staff, our advertisers or our sponsors. If you support safe, sensible and common sense regulation of medical and recreational marijuana and don’t think that the town of Middletown should maintain a […]
Posted inNews
Updated: ‘Fill The Boot’ Campaign Raises Concerns Among Some Residents, Others Say Leave Them Alone
Another Labor Day weekend has arrived and just as much as you can count on it being a long-weekend, you can count on the Newport Firefighters to be out on the streets holding their annual ‘Fill The Boot’ fundraiser the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). As is customary, Firefighters will be out collecting donations over the […]