The race committee for the World Match Racing Tour Newport had its work cut out today, as the breeze, for the most part, refused to co-operate. After a full day out on the water, just one round of the Quarter Finals was completed. After some small ripples appeared on the surface of Newport Harbor, the […]
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
Podcast 120: Newport Tree Society, Newport Arboretum and Newport Open Space Partnership
Tina Dolen, Executive Director of Newport Tree Society joined me on The Open Forum on WADK 1540 AM on Friday to discuss Newport Tree Society, Newport Arboretum and the Newport Open Space Partnership. The final community meeting for the Newport Open Space Partnership will take place on Monday, June 6th at Pell Elementary School and […]
Posted inNews
Middletown Home Sells for $2.8 Million
Lila Delman Real Estate International has announced the sale of 585 Wolcott Avenue in Middletown for $2.8 million. This is the highest residential sale in Middletown for 2016, according to Rhode Island Statewide MLS. Kendra Toppa, Manager at Lila Delman Real Estate International, represented the buyer. The exquisite 4,836 square-foot custom built shingle-style residence was constructed […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Fort Adams State Park Adds Food Truck, Available Daily Through October
If you were visiting Fort Adams State Park in the past and got hungry, you would of either have had to bring a picnic, drive back downtown or swing on through the Fort Adams Visitors Center and see what they had to snack on. Earlier this year, Fort Adams State Park/Fort Adams Trust put out a […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
World Match Racing Tour: Day 5 Schedule of Events
The World Match Racing Tour continues today out at Fort Adams State Park with high-speed stadium-style racing between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Recap from Day #4 – World Match Racing Tour: Day 4 Recap and Results Spectators will enjoy watching the sheer power of the M32 catamarans as they skip over the water with their helmeted crews […]
Posted inNews
Look Who’s Talking About Newport: June 3, 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. WPRI – Supreme Court rules against RIPTA in […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
World Match Racing Tour: Day 4 Recap and Results
Winds of 10-15 knots off Fort Adams enabled the race organizers to pile in a full day of competition at the World Match Racing Tour Newport, to conclude the Super 16 Knockout round. The gusty conditions on Newport Harbor once again made for nail-biting racing with much hull flying and lead changes. The busy Super […]
Posted inNews
Investigation of Sexual Abuse at St. George’s Closed, No Criminal Charges
Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, and Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced on Thursday that the investigation regarding allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct by former faculty and students at St. George’s School has concluded. The investigation by the Rhode […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Deer Runs Wild Through Bowen’s Wharf and Into Lobster Bar on Thursday
A deer was spotted wandering around Bowen’s Wharf just after 2 p.m. on Thursday. Frank Silvia, Musical Director and Bar Manager for Landing and The Lobster Bar, tells What’sUpNewp that a deer came from the direction of Bowen’s Wharf and ran into the Lobster Bar just after 2 p.m. on Thursday. The deer, which he […]
Posted inThings To Do
Splendor At Sea: Preservation Society’s New Exhibition at Rosecliff Examines the Golden Age of Steam Yachting
Unlimited wealth, unrivaled power, unmatched luxury: these characteristics are synonymous with Newport in the Gilded Age. The same qualities that gave rise to the city’s fabled mansions also brought that same grandeur to the high seas. The Preservation Society of Newport County’s 2016 exhibition, Splendor at Sea: The Golden Age of Steam Yachting in America, shares […]
Posted inNews
Guga Kuerten Named Global Ambassador for the International Tennis Hall of Fame
The International Tennis Hall of Fame has named Guga Kuerten as a Global Ambassador for the organization. Kuerten, a three-time Roland Garros champion and former world No. 1 on the ATP World Tour was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012, in recognition of his outstanding tennis career. In the new role, Kuerten will […]
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Obituary for Catherine “Kate” Grana: June 29, 1949 – May 30, 2016
Catherine (Kate) Agnes Grana, 66, of Bristol died peacefully at home on Monday, May 30, 2016 after a brief illness. Born on June 29, 1949 in Meriden, CT, she was the daughter of the late Spero and Marion (Wood) Grana. She was the wife of Susan Cotta. Kate received her B.S.in Music Education from Western […]
Posted inNews
Newport 10 Miler: Registration Reopens, Volunteers Needed
Runners and volunteers are invited to participate in this weekend’s Newport 10 Miler, one of the most unique road races in Rhode Island featuring stunning views from start to finish. The Newport 10 Miler, set to take place on June 5th, is a ten-mile run/walk that starts and finishes at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, the […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport Gulls Looking for Families to Host 2016 Players
Got a Gull? Host Families Needed! Newport Gulls looking for families to host 2016 players Host families are the foundation of the Newport Gulls, and the organization is searching for a few more to take in players for the upcoming 2016 season. “Gulls host families have opened their homes to our players and coaches, who […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Barbara Hardy: May 5, 1944 – May 28, 2016
Barbara (Bond) Hardy, 72, of Newport died Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Village House Nursing Home of Newport, RI. Born in Newport, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Ellen (Jennings) Bond. She leaves her five sons: Fred Cookinham, Archie Cookinham, Gene Cookinham, Frank Cookinham, John Cookinham and was the sister of Ellen […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Diego’s Bodega in Middletown is Now Open
Diego’s Bodega Catering and Takeout is now open at 124 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown. Diego’s Bodega offers some of Diego’s Newport’s most popular items at their Middletown location for takeout, such as burritos, tortas, fresh guacamole, salsas, soups and salads. In typical “bodega” fashion, Diego’s Bodega also features a Mexican Market that offers anything and everything you will need for […]
Posted inNews
Save The Bay Lighthouse Tour Season Begins, Offers Half-Day and Full-Day Tours
Save The Bay kicks off its 2016 lighthouse tour season this month, with several half-day and full-day cruises that promise exceptional views and a tour of Rose Island Lighthouse or Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Grounds. Northern Lighthouse Tours are 3.5-hour cruises departing from the Bay Center at 100 Save The Bay Drive in Providence at 9 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Agenda Released for June 8th Newport City Council Meeting
The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, will come before Newport City Council at its regular meeting to be held on June 8, 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 […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Gail J. Carreira: August 21, 1950 – June 1, 2016
Gail J. Carreia, 65, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, MA, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of William Carreira of Portsmouth for 38 years. Gail was born August 21, 1950 in Fall River, MA, the daughter of the late Joseph and Lucinda (Furtado) Motta. […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
World Match Racing Tour: Day 4 Schedule of Events
The World Match Racing Tour continues today out at Fort Adams State Park with high-speed stadium-style racing between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Recap from Day #3 – World Match Racing Tour: Day 3 Recap and Results Spectators will enjoy watching the sheer power of the M32 catamarans as they skip over the water with their helmeted crews […]
Posted inNews
Look Who’s Talking About Newport: June 2, 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. Maine Edge – Captain Cook’s ship will belong […]
Posted inNews
“Ride of a Lifetime” at World Match Racing Tour Newport for East Bay Met School Principal Brad Martin
“It was fast and constant action, but it was a no-brainer to take the challenge,” said East Bay Met School Principal Brad Martin of Jamestown, Rhode Island. Martin took a Hot Seat ride aboard an M32 catamaran during today’s World Match Racing Tour Newport, resulting from a challenge by one of his students at the […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
World Match Racing Tour: Day 3 Recap and Results
The World Match Racing Tour Newport entered its match racing phase today. While Newport Harbour was fog-free and blessed with sun all day, there was a long pause mid-way through the Qualifying Group Sail-offs as the wind slowly veered from the north into the sea breeze direction of the southeast. But from there it built […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Smoke House Announces Return of Newport Storm Beer Dinner Series
Executive Chef Kyle Stamps of Smoke House and President and Head Distiller Brent Ryan of Newport Storm Brewery are bringing back the annual downtown dinner series celebrating the close ties between friends, microbrews and three original once-a-year dinner menus. Executive Chef Stamps has created three distinct beer dinners showcasing three unique courses, along with a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Folk Festival Will Host Kickoff Party and 2 Aftershows in Downtown Newport
In their ongoing lineup and event announcements, Newport Folk Festival has announced that they will host events at Newport Blues Cafe and Jane Pickens Theatre. The 2016 Newport Folk Festival will take place at Fort Adams State Park on July 22nd, 23rd and 24th. All tickets are available on Newport Folk Festival Ticketmaster. On Thursday, July […]