Despite jumping out to an early lead – and holding it until the eighth inning – the Newport Gulls dropped Game One of the NECBL Southern Division Championship Series to the Mystic Schooners last night, 7-5 the final at Fitch Field in Groton, Connecticut. The Gulls, who appeared to be cruising to a Game One […]
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
Obituary for MaryJo Buckley
Mary Jo Buckley, our mom, died August 7th, 2016 with her face kissed by the last rays of the setting sun of a perfect summer day. She left us peacefully. In her last days we gathered around her. We laughed and cried and sang songs, we held her hand and kissed her face, and said […]
Posted inJobs
50+ Companies Are Now Hiring in Newport
Looking for a full-time, part-time, or seasonal job in Newport, RI? Here’s who’s currently hiring in the City-By-The-Sea, all jobs have been posted within the past 7 days. 22 Bowen’s – Bussers and Greeters – 22 Bowen’sAstyra Corporation – Executive Receptionist (BHJOB1435_18264)Bohlin – Banquet Server – BohlinCastle Hill Inn – Seasonal Restaurant Manager – Castle Hill InnCitizen’s Bank – Asst […]
Posted inCity & Government
Poll: Should The City Of Newport Acquire New $1 Million Fire and Rescue Boat?
On August 10th, Newport City Council will receive a “Request For City Council Action” from the City Manager and Newport Fire Department that will ask the city council to accept the 2016 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) Award for the procurement of a new Fire & Rescue Boat. Many residents have voiced concern or support […]
Posted inThings To Do
Miantonomi Tower Will Open to Public Every Sunday This August For Free Tours
The City of Newport and Aquidneck Land Trust has announced the Second Annual Miantonomi Exploration Days! Established as a World War One memorial park, Miantonomi Park includes Miantonomi Hill, the highest point in Newport. The Hill, once the seat of power for the Narragansett Indians, has housed colonial beacons, revolutionary war fortifications, and finally, a […]
Posted inThings To Do
URI Master Gardeners Will Host Open Houses at 4 Aquidneck Island Public Gardens on August 20th
Gardeners looking for inspiration are encouraged to attend one of 16 open house events at demonstration gardens throughout Rhode Island as part of the University of Rhode Island Master Gardener Program’s first Project Open House on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. The free events will be held at gardens designed and maintained […]
Posted inCity & Government
Memorial Mass for Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Will be Held in Newport on Sunday
The Newport Police Department has shared that a memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 7th to honor all fallen law enforcement officers. The event is scheduled to take place at St. Mary’s Church on Spring Street in Newport and all are welcome to attend. Of cou
Posted inFood & Drink
Has The Shop on Thames Abruptly Closed? Customers Wonder What’s Up
The Shop on Thames has been closed for more than a week, and many local residents and business owners are wondering what the future is for the sandwich shop on Lower Thames Street. “I used to eat there all time but they’ve been closed for like a week, they’ve always had weird hours and would […]
Posted inNews
Newport Gulls Defeat Danbury on Friday Night, Will Move on to Southern Division Championship Series
The Newport Gulls defeated the Danbury Westerners 6-5 in Game Three of the NECBL Southern Division Semifinals on Friday night at Cardines Field, and will move on to face the Mystic Schooners in the Southern Division Championship Series this weekend. Game One of the second-round playoff series is set for 6:05 p.m. at “The Shipyard,” […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
If Re-Elected, Representative Lauren Carson Says She Will Change Scoot-Coupe Laws
Following a Scoot-Coupe accident on Sunday, July 31st where a 38 year old and 10 year old were seriously injured, Representative Lauren Carson (D-District 75, Newport) has said that if she is re-elected in November that she will introduce legislation to hopefully make being a passenger of the 3-wheeled vehicle a bit safer. The concern came […]
Posted inStyle & Shop
USA Athletes Competing in Rio 2016 Olympic Games Receive Bags That Were Made in Newport
Ralph Lauren, the official outfitter of the 2016 USA Olympic Team, identified a select group of manufacturers from across the United States to produce Team USA’s opening and closing ceremony uniforms—from yarn to dye to finished product. Each Olympic athlete competing in the Rio 2016 Games reportedly received a sailcloth duffel and tote bag from […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Casting Call for Independent Documentary Film Will Be Held in Newport on Saturday
There will be a casting call on Saturday, August 6th in Newport for two males between the ages of 25-35 for Restoring Arthur, a independent documentary film that will explore the life of railroad magnate and philanthropist Arthur Curtiss James (1867-1941). Surprise Valley Farm Arthur Curtiss James held controlling interest in the Western Pacific line, Great Northern, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things To Do This Weekend in Newport: August 5 – 7
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Newport, RI? Discover some great events, activities and things to do this weekend in the City-By-The-Sea. Wondering where to find live music, comedy, karaoke, dj, dancing or some other form of entertainment this weekend? Here’s what can be found in Newport for live music and entertainment […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where To Find Live Music and Entertainment This Weekend in Newport: August 5 – 7
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 inNews
23 Open Houses on Aquidneck Island This Weekend (August 6 – 7)
Here’s our weekly roundup of open houses taking place on Aquidneck Island over the weekend, happy home shopping! Need real estate help or a reliable agent? E-mail us at Ryan@whatsupnewp.com, we’d be happy to put you in touch with a preferred and reliable real estate agent that can fulfill your needs. The following information has […]
Posted inStyle & Shop
Report: North Sails Will Open Retail Store in Newport This Fall
North Sails, a world wide leader in sailmaking who already calls Newport home of their world headquarters, has plans to open a retail store in Newport, RI this fall, according to a recent story from the Annapolis Patch. With their first U.S. store opening in Annapolis on August 6th, North Sails has plans to open […]
Posted inNews
Coast Guard Responds to Boat Fire on Narragansett Bay on Thursday
The Coast Guard was alerted to a boat fire Thursday off the coast of Hog Island on Thursday afternoon. At approximately 3 p.m., a good Samaritan called Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England watchstanders to report a boat engulfed in flames near the shore of Hog Island. Shortly after, Station Castle Hill immediately launched a 45-foot response boat […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Councilor Clarifies That Busking is Legal in Newport
Whether it was rumor, confusion or folklore; the rules and regulations around busking in Newport have always been a bit of a mystery. Following the recent incident in Providence regarding a gentleman being arrested for busking, Newport City Councilor Lynne Ceglie began an effort to clarify what is and isn’t allowed for busking and street […]
Posted inNews
Unmanned Kayak Found on Narragansett Bay, Coast Guard Searches for Possible Person in Water
The Coast Guard searched for a possible person in the water Thursday after being alerted to an unmanned and adrift kayak off the coast of North Kingstown, Rhode Island. At about 9 a.m., a good Samaritan used a VHF radio to contact watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England and report a yellow kayak with a black […]
Posted inThings To Do
Island Moving Company Will Host Performance On Board Oliver Hazard Perry
Island Moving Co., Newport’s contemporary ballet company presents a new site specific production, in the tradition of its renowned Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff and the Company’s legendary Dracula at Belcourt Castle. In partnership with RI’s new Tall Ship, the Oliver Hazard Perry, Artistic Director Miki Ohlsen presents Second Star to the Right: A Tale of […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Woman Pretends To Be Professional Restaurant Critic, Scams Gary’s Handy Lunch
Just a few short weeks after Tyler’s article on Yelp where he discussed all that’s good and bad from restaurant review websites, a woman has possibly taken “food critic” to an all-time low when she pretended to be someone she wasn’t. The woman visited Gary’s Handy Lunch on Lower Thames Street late last week, after complaining that she […]
Posted inThings To Do
Navy Band Northeast Will Perform Free Concert on Lawn of Newport Art Museum
The Newport Art Museum continues to engage and inspire with Art After Dark (August 11, 5-9pm), its popular late night event held monthly on Newport Gallery Night. Each Art After Dark has unique programming for the whole family. This event joins the ranks of the many events and educational programs the Museum currently offers in its galleries at 76 Bellevue Avenue, […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport Gulls Take Game One of Southern Division Semifinals on Wednesday Night
The Gulls improved to 5-2 on the season against Danbury after defeating the Westerners 7-2 on Wednesday Night in Game One of the best-of-three series in the NECBL Southern Division Semifinals. The Gulls look to advance to the Southern Division Championship Series with a win tomorrow night at Danbury. The Gulls came out strong, batting […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, Things To Do
Frosty Freez Will Host 60th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday
Frosty Freez, one of the area’s favorite ice cream shops, will celebrate their 60th Anniversary on Saturday, August 6th. The 60th Anniversary celebration will kick off at their location at 496 East Main Road at 11:30 a.m. and will include music, face painting, balloons, give-aways and 60 cent kiddie cones all day until they close at 10 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Joins National Campaign for Grade Level Reading
Newport is taking a big step toward improving student success by joining the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (GLR), a nationwide movement to increase early reading proficiency. Colleen Jermain, Superintendent of Newport Public Schools, said, “This campaign is the catalyst to help jump start our new strategic plan initiatives and will help bring attention to the urgency […]