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

What’sUpNewp Will Host a ‘Jaws Summer Party’ at Jane Pickens Theater Tonight

by Ryan Belmore

Join the What’sUpNewp crew on Wednesday, July 27th at Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center for a Summer Party that will include live music, local vendors, Narragansett Beer and live music with The Teledynes! What’sUpNewp has partnered with Jane Pickens Theater to host this night that will include local live music, local vendors, a screening […]

Posted inEnvironment & Health, News

A Superyacht Tradition Lives On With the ‘Candy Store Cup’ This Weekend

by Ryan Belmore

From July 29-31, several of the world’s largest and most glamorous sailing yachts will race for the inaugural Candy Store Cup Superyacht Edition in Newport. Newport Shipyard and Bannister’s Wharf have consolidated the Newport Bucket and Candy Store Cup to create this fabulous superyacht event. “Initially, the Candy Store Cup was a quick race around […]

Posted inNews

Obituary for Mr. Jesse R. Dennis

by Ryan Belmore

Middletown, RI – Jesse R. Dennis, 99, of Middletown formerly of Simmons Street, Newport, RI, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at home with his family by his side. He was the husband of the late Anna Marie (Ryan) Dennis. Born in Newport, RI on April 26, 1917, he was the son of the […]

Posted inNews

Obituary for Mr. Prospero P. Alexander

by Ryan Belmore

Prospero Pacheco Alexander, 86, of Atria Aquidneck Place and formerly of 312 Water St. Portsmouth passed away peacefully Friday, July 22, 2016. Born Nov. 3, 1929, he was the son of the late Jose and Maria C. (Farias) Alexander. Mr. Alexander was a graduate of Durfee High School in Fall River, MA. He served in […]

Posted inJobs

Now Hiring In Newport: 40+ Local Companies (July 25)

by Ryan Belmore

Looking for a job in Newport, RI? Here’s our weekly roundup of job opportunities that are currently available in and around Newport, RI. All jobs posted within the last 7 days; Amazing Intimate Essentials & Smoke Shop – Retail Store ManagerAPG Security – Security OfficerArianna Skincare – Assistant Manager/ LogisticsBalanced Books – BookkeeperCastle Hill Inn – Breakfast ServerCitizen’s Bank – Associate Licensed BankerCompass […]

Posted inNews

Obituary for Sheila Ventura

by Ryan Belmore

Sheila J. (Dyer) Ventura, 74 of Middletown passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 21, 2016. She was the wife of John L. Ventura. She was born in Newport on September 27, 1941. A daughter of the late James E. and Julia (Shea) Dyer. Sheila grew up in the Newport’s Fifth Ward, a graduate […]

Posted inNews

New Video Shows What Possible Performances and Programming Could Come to the Newport Opera House

by Ryan Belmore

The Newport Opera House Theater and Performing Arts Center has released a new video on the restoration project, titled “Imagine” it is a presentation that showcases the programming possibilities and variety of performance genres that will enliven their stage once the theater is restored. The video shows some of those who have performed on the stage over the years, […]

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