If you were among the few unlucky ones to miss Newport Naval Station’s Salute To Summer & Firework Display on August 27th, you’re in luck….kind of. While there won’t be live music or a big public gathering this time around, anyone in Newport on Saturday, September 3rd will have the opportunity to enjoy a possible […]
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 inNews
20 Aquidneck Island Open Houses To Visit This Labor Day Weekend
Looking to buy a new house? Check out these open houses near Boston this weekend to see what Aquidneck Island living is all about. All listings via www.riliving.com. Newport 28 NARRAGANSETT AV Newport, RI / 02840 Price Change $319,000 MLS# 1126694 Type: Condo Complex Name: NARRAGANSETT CONDOS Beds: 3 Beds Baths: 1 Full / 0 Half […]
Posted inNews
By The Numbers: Salve Regina University Class of 2020
On Tuesday September 6th, Salve Regina University’s full-time college freshmen who make up the Class of 2020 will gather for Convocation, a traditional ceremony to formally welcome them to their new home for the next four years and officially kick-off the 2016-2017 academic year. The public ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. on the lawn […]
Posted inThings To Do
Public Invited To Tour SSV Oliver Hazard Perry in September and October
The 200-foot SSV Oliver Hazard Perry, this country’s newest Tall Ship and one of only 75 Tall Ships in the world designated by Sail Training International as Class A, will be open for free tours at Fort Adams State Park on three occasions: Saturday, September 3(11 a.m. to 3 p.m.); Saturday, September 24 (9 a.m. […]
Posted inThings To Do
12+ Great Things To Do In Newport This Labor Day Weekend
Hello weekend, it is us Newp! The weekend ahead is looking stellar. Summer is winding down and we have the ultimate guide to keep you busy, entertained and smiling this weekend. If you’re on your way to Newport, make those moves and hit the pedal faster. If you’re already in Newport – then let the good […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where To Find Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment This Labor Day Weekend in Newport
Discover the best places to find live music, comedy, karaoke, dancing and entertainment in Newport, RI over the Labor Day Weekend. Wondering what else is happening this Labor Day Weekend in and around Newport? Here’s 12+ Great Things To Do In Newport This Labor Day Weekend. If you find value in these listings, please consider supporting […]
Posted inCity & Government
Three Meter Maids, One Parking Ticket: Is There A More Efficient Way To Enforce Parking in Newport?
On Thursday evening, we watched three meter maids casually have a conversation and “hang out” on Thames Street in front of the Post Office. At first, we thought they may be just saying hello and catching up as they cross paths to continue on their parking enforcement journey. After 25 minutes we took the following […]
Posted inNews
Frank Antonio Salon Sends MLK Center Kids Back to School Looking Good
Frank Antonio Hair & Makeup sends MLK Center Kids back to school in style Twenty children and their grateful parents enjoyed an afternoon of pampering at Frank Antonio Hair & Makeup, thanks to the generosity of salon co-owners Frank Barbosa and Antonio Aponte. The children were treated to complimentary haircuts and styling just in time […]
Posted inCity & Government
Safety First: Three New Lights Installed in Storer Park
City of Newport Public Services Department, Buildings & Grounds Announces Installation of Storer Park Lights Three new decorative LED lights have been installed in Storer Park to address concerns by neighbors and park users. To respond to this need for better lighting in a timely manner with available resources, the Public Services Department staff fabricated […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum Welcomes New Senior Curator
The Newport Art Museum Welcomes Francine Weiss as their new Senior Curator After engaging in a national search, the Newport Art Museum management selected Francine Weiss to fill the Senior Curator position previously held by Nancy Whipple Grinnell, who is leaving the museum to pursue other projects. Nancy led the museum’s curatorial department for 18 […]
Posted inNews
New Report: At Least 1 in 5 Girls Who Attended St. George’s in the 1970’s Were Sexually Abused
There was a new report issued on Thursday via an independent investigaor looking at sexual abuse at St. George’s School, the investigation details widespread abuse at the Middletown boarding school during the 1970’s – 80’s. Michelle Smith reports for the Associated Press on September 1st that “Among the findings is that at least one in five […]
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Following Inspection, RITBA Provides More Information on Monday’s Sakonnet Bridge Incident
RITBA undertook an immediate and thorough inspection of the Sakonnet River Bridge following Monday’s incident. The Authority has reported that the bridge is safe and sustained no structural damage. The inspection did find some minor cosmetic issues which will be repaired. The cost of the cosmetic repairs will be less than $50,000 and the Authority […]
Posted inFood & Drink
POLL: Where is Your Favorite Place To Watch NFL and College Football in Newport, RI
Whether you’re a fan of the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish or somewhere in between, the most important part of NFL and College Football season is the food, drinks, and atmosphere. Read our recent list of the best places to watch NFL and College Football in Newport, RI. [socialpoll id=”[socialpoll id=”2292286″]”] […]
Posted inNews
Thank You For Making August Our Best Month Ever
It’s been just about 4 1/2 years since Rob Ianelli and crew launched What’sUpNewp in March of 2012, the latest site that was a part of a network of sites that was launched to “change the way young taste makers live, travel and interact with one another.” Our site may cover things that it didn’t back then, […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
What About Bobby: What Would You Say If You Were Told That You Would Be Dead In Two to Five Years?
My Name is Bobby Forster, I Live In Newport and I Have ALS. What would you say if you were told that you would be dead in two to five years? For me, I simply said that is not going to work. So far, I have been right! Hi, my name is Bobby Forster and […]
Posted inNews
Driver of Moped Transported to Hospital via Helicopter After Middletown Crash on Wednesday
The driver of a moped involved in a car (truck) vs moped crash in the area of 175 West Main Road in Middletown was transported to Rhode Island Hospital via Boston Medflight 1 on Wednesday afternoon. A Middletown Rescue transferred the patient to the helicopter, which landed at J. Paul Braga Jr. Memorial Field in […]
Posted inNews
Portsmouth Police Department Will Begin Removing Unregistered Mooring Balls
Portsmouth Police Department announced on August 31st that they will begin removing unregistered mooring balls in seven days if corrective action is not taken. Officials have tagged all mooring balls that have no identifying information/are not registered and consider them a hazard to navigation in the waters off Portsmouth. The updated from the Portsmouth Police Department; The […]
Posted inThings To Do
Secret Garden Tours Will Allow Public to Tour 9 Private Gardens On and Off Bellevue Avenue
Join the Benefactors of the Arts on September 9th, 10th or 11th for self-guided tours of some of the most beautiful, prestigious gardens and properties in historic Newport, RI. The Secret Garden Tours will feature nine gorgeous gardens that are dotted On & Off Bellevue Avenue, Historic Hill and the Kay/Catherine neighborhoods. These private gardens are shared with […]
Posted inNews
Update: More Information Released Regarding Tuesday’s West Main Road Car Crash
Portsmouth Fire Department responded to a serious automobile accident on West Main Road, in the area of King Charles Drive, around 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Incident Command reported it as a head-on accident with two people trapped and requested two helicopters to the scene. Portsmouth Police Departments confirmed that one car was traveling north and crossed […]
Posted inCity & Government
Chat with Representative Lauren Carson (Part 2): 38 Studios, Small Business, Retail & More…
Here comes the second part of our recent Chat with Representative Lauren Carson (D-District 75, Newport), in the first part of our conversation we spoke at length about 38 Studios, Tourism, why she believes Newport needs a Grant Writer and some other Newport city administration topics. Chat With Representative Lauren Carson (Part 1): 38 Studios, […]
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First Day Of Classes For Salve Regina University Set for September 7th
It feels like it was just yesterday (it wasn’t, it was May 15th) that we were writing about and congratulating the 704 who were graduating from Salve Regina University, hard to believe that it’s time to welcome the Seahawks back and the Class of 2020 to Newport. Salve Regina‘s Class of 2020 are set to move […]
Posted inThings To Do
Dates set for 42nd Annual Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair
Norman Bird Sanctuary will host the 42nd Annual Harvest Fair on Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd. The event will be held at Norman Bird Sanctuary, located at 583 Third Beach Road in Middletown, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. An autumn ritual for generations of families, this beloved old-fashioned fair offers […]
Posted inThings To Do
Bowen’s Wharf Set to Host Newport Wooden Boat Show from September 15 – 18
The Newport Wooden Boat Show Will Be A Four-Day Celebration of Wooden Boats Bowen’s Wharf has announced they the details for the Newport Wooden Boat Show: a waterfront celebration concurrent with the Newport International Boat Show (NIBS) and Newport Brokerage Boat Show. “Bowen’s Wharf Co. has for the past seven years partnered with NIBS to include New […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Inaugural Aquidneck Food Challenge to Launch Tomorrow
Forget Paleo and Atkins, vegetarian and vegan, and discover what it means to be “Aquidneck-ian” for ten days this September. New food organization Aquidneck Community Table – which in March united the Aquidneck Growers’ Market, Sustainable Aquidneck, and Island Commons Food Initiative – is launching a new diet this fall: ten days of hyper-local eating. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Cambridge Police Chief Temporarily Placed On Leave For Issue Regarding His Former Role With Newport Police Department
Multiple sources are reporting Cambridge (Maryland) Police Chief Daniel Dvorak, who served the Newport Police Department before taking on the role, was placed on temporarily administrative leave this week due to an issue that ties back to his previous position in Newport. Daniel Dvorak retired as a Lieutenant after 22 years on the Newport Police Department […]