As nearly 1,700 sailors who will soon race to Bermuda make their preparations, loading food and gear into their boats and lining up to pre-clear Bermuda customs and immigration, all of them have one question in mind: “What will the weather be?” And one answer: “I just hope it’ll favor my boat.” Sailors don’t agree […]
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, Things To Do
Podcast #129: Strawberry Festival, Chowder Festival and Summer Solstice Celebration
We took a long tough look at some of the biggest issues today on WADK 1540AM from 12:30pm to 2pm! 😉 At 12:45 p.m., Anne Marie Richards joined us to chat about Saturday’s 4th Annual Strawberry Festival, the Orlando Tragedy and all that’s happening at Trinity Church. At 1:30 p.m., Michele Maker Palmieri called in from Fort Adams to chat about The 35th […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
One week until the 14th C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Clinic and Regatta hits Narragansett Bay
In one week Narragansett Bay will play host to the sailors of the 14th C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Clinic and Regatta. Sailors from Canada, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico along with US sailors from Florida, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Connecticut will be taking part. Sailors will be utilizing two of the three classes […]
Posted inThings To Do
Island Moving Company Will Host Nuit Blanche Summer Gala on July 8 at The Elms
Island Moving Co. will present the Nuit Blanche, a fund raising gala on Friday, July 8, 2016 at the historic Bellevue Avenue estate of The Elms in Newport, Rhode Island. The Nuit Blanche draws inspiration from the Paris Jazz Age, when jazz icons such as Josephine Baker and Django Reinhart entertained in chic clubs, rubbing shoulders with Hemingway, […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Vanquish Boats Kicks Off Summer With a Launch Party at Newport Shipyard
Vanquish Boats has announced that the company will be hosting a Summer Launch Party on June 25, 2016 at the Newport Shipyard. From 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., all are invited to enjoy a cocktail, sponsored by KEEL vodka, and to climb aboard for the only opportunity of the summer to see all of the Vanquish models in one place, including […]
Posted inFood & Drink
20+ Competitors Will Face-Off at 35th Annual Great Chowder Cook-Off on Saturday
Get ready Chowderheads to enjoy endless samples of traditional and exotic “chowda” prepared by 21 competitors hailing from Rhode Island and as far away as Florida, Maine and even Ireland at the 35th Annual Great Chowder Cook-Off, scheduled for Saturday, June 18th, 2016 from noon – 6:00 p.m. on the North Lawn at Fort Adams […]
Posted inNews
Look Who’s Talking About Newport: June 16, 2016
This is a daily look at where and why Newport is being mentioned locally and around the globe over the last 24 hours or so, for the latest news from What’sUpNewp, check out All The News. This story will be updated throughout the day to include new mentions and news. Providence Journal – 5 Rhode Island events to […]
Posted inCity & Government
House Of Representatives Approve 2017 Budget Bill, Will Now Be Sent to Senate for Vote
The House of Representatives today voted 59 -13 to approve an $8.94 billion 2017 state budget bill that includes no broad-based tax increases, provides tax relief to retirees, enhances the state’s economic development tools, fully funds education, significantly scales back a proposal to tax medical marijuana and rolls back parking fees at state beaches to […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport Gulls Find Their Swing, Defeat North Adams SteepleCats on Wednesday night
Four Homers Power Gulls to Victory Newport defeats North Adams 11-4 to improve to .500 Four home runs by three different Gulls powered Newport to an 11-4 victory against the North Adams SteepleCats on Wednesday night at Cardines Field, as the team improved to 3-3 on the season. The Gulls, who picked up their first […]
Posted inNews
Governor Raimondo, First Family, Warwick Mayor and DEM Director Will Go Clamming Today
Governor Gina Raimondo and her family will join Mayor Scott Avedisian and DEM Director Janet Coit today on a clamming trip with Warwick native and shellfisherman, Jody King. The First Family will participate in digging for clams aboard King’s “Black Gold.” “I have such fond childhood memories of watching the fishing boats pull into port,” […]
Posted inNews
Town & Country Releases Travel Guide on “What to Do, Eat, and See in Newport, Rhode Island.”
Sam Dangremond for Town & Country published T&C Travel Guide: Best of Newport, RI on Wednesday, it is “T&C’s guide to what to do, eat, and see in Newport, Rhode Island.” Among the 13 categories are best cocktails, best over-the-top destination, best place to break a sweat and best vintage store. Newport Storm Brewery, The Revolving […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
American Athletic Conference Will Return to Newport in August for Football Summer Kickoff and Media Days
Coaches and players from the 12 American Athletic Conference schools will return to Newport on August 1st and 2nd for the league’s Summer Kickoff and Media Days. The American Athletic Conference membership consists of the University of Central Florida, the University of Cincinnati, East Carolina University, the University of Connecticut, the University of Houston, the University of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Agenda for June 22nd Newport City Council 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 June 22, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at Newport City Hall. For more info, updates and links, visit HERE. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG CITIZEN’S FORUM: (Speakers […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport Charter Yacht Show Returns Next Week, Boats Will Be Docked At A New Venue
Newport Charter Yacht Show presented by Helly Hansen: Ready to Make Waves in Rhode Island Newport Shipyard General Manager Eli Dana announced back on November 19, 2015 that Newport Shipyard had acquired the Newport Charter Yacht Show from Newport Exhibition Group. Scheduled for Tuesday, June 21 through Friday, June 24, the Newport Charter Yacht Show has […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Albury Brothers Boats Provides Sail Newport a New 27′ Powerboat
To better serve the boating public through Sail Newport, Albury Brothers Boats has built a new 27 foot powerboat to perform race management duties for the non-profit organization.This flush deck 27 was delivered to Sail Newport in Fort Adams State Park on Memorial Day weekend. She will be in continuous use performing race committee duties, as […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Vineyard Café Opens at Newport Vineyards
Newport Vineyards has announced the opening of the Vineyard Café, as part of the final phase of their multi-million dollar expansion. Under the direction of Trisha Greene, Food & Beverage Director, and Andy Teixeria, Executive Chef, the new café offers a locally sourced menu as well as a wine and craft beer bar. Back on April […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Festivals Foundation Extends Deadline for Submissions for 2016 Newport Bridgefest to Wednesday, June 22
Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. has extended the deadline for submissions to Bridgefest™ 2016 from June 15 to Wednesday, June 22. Back on April 28th, The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County (ACA) announced at its 24th Annual Meeting that it had transferred rights to its popular BridgeFest music festival to Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. Local artists, clubs, […]
Posted inNews
Podcast #128: Frank Prosnitz, Phil West and Scott Wolf
Frank Prosnitz, Phil West and Scott Wolf joined me today on The Open Forum on WADK 1540AM between 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Phil West, former executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island and author of “Secrets & Scandals, Reforming Rhode Island 1986-2006” joined Frank and I to discuss the gun reform legislation that has been stalled in the RI […]
Posted inNews
Town of Portsmouth Will Host Community Discussion Regarding McCorrie Beach Town Property
The Town Of Portsmouth has announced that they will host a roundtable discussion for interested parties regarding issues between neighbors of the McCorrie Beach neighborhood on Thursday, June 23rd at 7 p.m. in the Portsmouth Town Council chambers. “Led by Police Chief Thomas Lee, this important discussion will touch upon various neighborhood concerns”, Richard Rainer, […]
Posted inNews
Look Who’s Talking About Newport: June 15, 2016
This is a daily look at where and why Newport is being mentioned locally and around the globe over the last 24 hours or so, for the latest news from What’sUpNewp, check out All The News. This story will be updated throughout the day to include new mentions and news. Turn To 10 – Congregation to file appeal […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Great Crew Work Keys Success at New York Yacht Club’s 162nd Annual Regatta Presented By Rolex
Tom Sutton and Stephanie Roble were two of the more than 1,000 sailors who competed at the New York Yacht Club’s 162nd Annual Regatta Presented by Rolex. The two race under different circumstances – Sutton, an independent registered investment advisor, is a club racer from Houston, Tx., while Roble, the 2014 US Sailing Rolex Yachtswoman […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport County’s Young Professionals Will Host Summer Party at Saltwater
The Newport County Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals group, the Emerging Leaders, will be hosting a summer kickoff party at Saltwater located at 49 America’s Cup Avenue on Thursday, June 23rd from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The Emerging Leaders are a group of committed young professionals forty and younger who meet regularly to establish contacts, share common […]
Posted inNews
Panera Bread in Newport to Hold Dedication of its New Mother Bread Bike Rack and Preview Party Dinner to Benefit Bike Newport
Panera Bread Newport, located at 49 Long Wharf Mall, announces that it will be holding a ribbon cutting and dedication of its newly installed Mother Bread Bike Rack as well as a Preview Party Dinner served for a $10 donation all of which will go directly to benefit Bike Newport and its bike friendly initiatives […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Health Equity Zone To Host Free “Spring Into Summer” Kick-Off Event
Looking for something fun to do as a family to celebrate the last day of school? Join the Newport Health Equity Zone at the Florence Gray Center on June 29th, from 3-7pm, for a free summer kick-off party to celebrate healthy neighborhoods and families. The event is hosted by the Newport Health Equity Zone, an […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Jonathan Kerry Dixon: March 13, 1963 – June 13, 2016
Jonathan Kerry Dixon, 53, of Middletown died Monday, June 13, 2016 at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI. Born on March 13, 1963 in Middletown, RI, he was the son of the late Robert Alan and Miriam (Hitchins) Dixon. Jonathan worked for the Maher Center and NUWC. He loved to paint and listen to music. At […]