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…. Monday, August 22nd Fastnet: Live music with The Ubiquitones from 10pm to 1am. No cover.Fifth Element: Live music with The Groove Merchants from 7pm to 10pmFirehouse Theater: […]
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 inJobs
85+ Companies Who Are Hiring Right Now In Newport: August 21
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. All jobs posted within last 7 days. [the_ad id=”21151″] 12 Meter Charters – Sailing Sales Representative/Ticketing Agent22 Bowen’s – Bussers and Greeters – 22 Bowen’sAll About Home […]
Posted inCity & Government
Report Compares Fire Protection Costs Across Rhode Island, Newport Finds Itself Among Costliest
In the midst of a controversial discussion on whether or not the City of Newport should accept a grant for a new Fire/Rescue Boat, several residents are sharing a 2015 report that helps Rhode Island communities understand the cost of fire protection in their community. The fire project report by Watchdog RI,a non-partisan, nonprofit organization […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Annual Newport Classic Yacht Regatta Moves From Fort Adams to IYRS
Organizers of The Newport Classic Yacht Regatta, the third and final leg of the North American Circuit of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, have announced that in an effort to grow the event among both boats and spectators that they will move from Fort Adams State Park and will be based at IYRS. The 37th edition […]
Posted inNews
Real Estate: 27 Open Houses on Aquidneck Island This Weekend
On the market for a new place to make a home? Here’s what open houses are taking place this weekend in Newport, Portsmouth and Middletown. All listings via www.riliving.com. Newport 28 WILBUR AV Newport, RI / 02840 $425,000 MLS# 1134475 NEW Type: Single Family Neighborhood: EUSTIS Beds: 3 Beds Baths: 1 Full / 1 Half Living […]
Posted inNews
North Kingstown Reports They’ve Responded to Record Number of Boat Fires in 2016
Just days before Newport City Council is expected to make a decision on whether or not to accept the 2016 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) Award for the procurement of a new CRBNE Fire/Rescue Boat (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive), a community nearby is reporting that 2016 has been the worst year they’ve had for boat […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where To Find Live Music and Entertainment This Weekend in Newport: August 19 – 21
Discover the best entertainment, comedy and live music happening around Newport, RI this weekend. If you find value in these listings, please consider supporting the venues in bold. These are the businesses who make what we do on a daily basis possible! Newport, RI Live Music & Entertainment Listings This information was provided to us […]
Posted inThings To Do
15+ Great Things To Do This Weekend in Newport: August 19 – 21
Discover the best events, activities and things to do this weekend in and around Newport, RI. Friday, August 19th Ida Lewis Distance Race 5pm: Cocktails with the Curator at Jamestown Arts Center 7:30pm: Dueling Pianos at Studio 3 8 p.m.: Live improv comedy with The Bit Players at The Firehouse Theater Saturday, August 20th 2016 NVC New […]
Posted inNews
newportFILM Raises $180,000 at 7th Annual Summer Benefit
newportFILM has announced that their 7th Annual Summer Benefit, that took place on Saturday, August 6 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, brought in a record-breaking $180,000 to further their mission of educating, enlightening and creating community dialogue through documentary film. Andrea van Beuren and Terri Connors Photo by Meg Heriot Presented by The de Ramel […]
Posted inCity & Government
Report: Rhode Island Tourism Activity on the Rise
According to Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, new figures released today “indicate that the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s marketing efforts, in conjunction with the state’s tourism regions, are producing positive results”. According to data from STR, Inc., a leading global travel-industry monitoring service, shows that hotel room revenue for the 2016 calendar year is up 6.9 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Broadway and Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard Return to Two-Way Traffic Pattern
Broadway and Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard returned to their regular two-way traffic pattern on Wednesday afternoon after being closed for for a few weeks for construction and addition of decorative crosswalks. On Tuesday, July 26th, Cardi Corporation began work on the decorative crosswalks on Broadway. Due to the nature of the work, the new traffic […]
Posted inCity & Government
Agenda for Newport City Council’s August 24th Meeting
The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, will come before the Council at its regular meeting to be held on August 24, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at Newport City Hall. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG CITIZEN’S FORUM: (Speakers must sign in with the City Clerk). The […]
Posted inCity & Government
Drought Advisory: Governor Encourages Residents, Businesses to Conserve Water
Governor Gina M. Raimondo is issuing a statewide “Drought Advisory,” based on indicators and assessments from the state’s Drought Steering Committee. “Rhode Islanders should be aware the state will be taking proactive steps to increase public outreach about water conservation,” Raimondo said. “We all have an important role to play – I encourage residents and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Obituary for Tom Cullen, Long-Time Owner of The Black Pearl
What’sUpNewp has learned that Tom Cullen, who has owned The Black Pearl on Bannister’s Wharf for the last 43 years, passed away at the age of 75 on Monday, August 15th. Born on May 15, 1941, Cullen has been an Owner of Black Pearl since 1973 and a resident of Beacon Hill Road in Newport […]
Posted inNews
Senator Tim Kaine Visits Touro Synagogue, Reflects on George Washington’s Letter
While in Newport last weekend for a fundraiser for Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton, Senator Tim Kaine took time out of his visit to stop by Touro Synagogue and reflect on its significance. Just days after his second visit in just the last few weeks, the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee shared the following on his […]
Posted inThings To Do
Preservation Society Invites Public to Open House at The Elms Carriage House
Preservation Society of Newport County Open House to Showcase New Scholars’ Center at The Elms Carriage House on Thursday, August 18, 4:30-7:30 p.m. The Preservation Society of Newport County invites the public to an open house on Thursday, August 18, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at The Elms Carriage House, to see the recently completed adaptive restoration […]
Posted inCity & Government
Strategic Planning Underway for National Undersea Technology Hub
The Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA) announces the development of the Undersea Technology Innovation Center, a Rhode Island-based hub for national undersea technology excellence. The Undersea Technology Innovation Center will promote advanced learning in the undersea sector and the rapid development, testing and commercialization of innovative undersea technology for commercial, academic, and defense […]
Posted inNews
NECBL Unveils 2016 Awards, Newport Gulls Have Great Presence
The New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) have announced the members of the 2016 All-NECBL First and Second Teams, as well as the league’s annual End-of-Year Awards, as announced by Commissioner Sean McGrath on Tuesday. Comprised of a position player at each spot on the diamond, a designated hitter, three starting pitchers and a closer on each […]
Posted inCity & Government
Video: Fire Boat Discussion at City Hall on Tuesday Night
Newport City Councilor John Florez held a meeting on Wednesday night at City Hall for the public to ask questions and gain more information about the proposed Fire/Rescue boat. Among those on hand to answer questions (and ask questions) from the dozen or so citizens were Newport City Manager Joe Nicholson, Newport Fire Deparment Chief […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
In New Video, Sailors For The Sea is ‘Talking Trash’ – 8 Million Metric Tons Of It
Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic enters the ocean. That’s enough to cover every coastline on earth. Sailors For The Sea, a leading Newport-based conservation organization that engages, educates, inspires and activates the sailing and boating community toward healing the ocean, is working to stop this problem at the source by eliminating single […]
Posted inNews
Newport Polo’s ‘Bal du Soleil’ Raises More Than $20,000 for newportFILM
Newport Polo has announced that its 16th annual International Polo Charity Ball raised over $20K to support newportFILM. Held at Rosecliff, one of Newport’s famed Bellevue Avenue mansions, Bal du Soleil received over 400 guests making a red carpet entrance in glamorous French Riviera-themed black tie & evening gowns for a night of exquisite gourmet French cuisine, […]
Posted inBusiness
Erin Kopecky Will Take Over as New Director of Hospice and Palliative Care at Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties
Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties is pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Kopecky, RN, as the new Director of Hospice and Palliative Care, effective August 16. In this position Ms. Kopecky will oversee the running of Hospice at VNS, a division of Visiting Nurse Services. Hospice at VNS is a program […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport Wins Planning Grant for Working Cities Challenge
Through a collaborative community grant submission, the City of Newport was recently selected by the Working Cities Challenge Initiative to receive $15,000 in support of a much larger grant proposal to be submitted later this year. Those cities selected to receive the planning grants were announced this past Friday by Boston Fed President and CEO […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: Chat with Trudy Coxe, Kaity Ryan and Cynthia O’Malley from Preservation Society of Newport County
On the third Monday of each month, we dedicate an hour to catching up with our friends at the Preservation Society of Newport County. Kaity Ryan, Manger of Preservation Policy, and Cynthia O’Malley, Director of Educational Sales, joined Trudy Coxe, CEO of Preservation Society of Newport County, and me in the AM 1540 WADK studio […]
Posted inNews
See Newport Like You’ve Never Seen The City Before, By Drone in 4k Video
There is a family that has been traveling across the United States this summer to capture the beauty of America’s cities through aerial videography, lucky for us – they came to Newport, RI. For Blue Mantle Media’s 11th video in their “Blank by Drone” series they visited the City-By-The-Sea. See more of their travel adventures at http://www.BlankByDrone.com.