Receive our daily newsletter? That’s great, you’re among the 9,000 lucky ones to find out and discover what’s happening, new and to do in Newport before anyone else. If you don’t subscribe, you can sign up HERE. Receive It In The Morning While we’re happy to have you on board, we’re looking for feedback on what […]
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
Rhode Island Becomes First State to Adopt ‘Recycle Across America’ Standardized labels, Honored at Hollywood Event
Just in time for Earth Day 2016, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) has announced that Rhode Island will be the first state in the nation to adopt standardized recycling bin labels from Recycle Across America (RAA). RAA is a non-profit organization that has created the first-ever standardized society wide labels for recycling bins in the […]
Posted inNews
Hotel Viking Draws on Its Historic Past to Inspire a Modern-Day Makeover
Designers of Hotel Viking’s recently completed renovation carefully incorporated elements of the hotel’s historic past into a makeover of its public spaces. The result: Newport, RI’s Gilded Age grande dame is sitting pretty as its 90th anniversary approaches in May. Originally funded by the sale of common stock shares, Hotel Viking has been an integral […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“Heifetz on Tour” Returns to Rhode Island, Musicians Will Spend a Week in Jamestown
The Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) has announced their May 2016 classical music residency in partnership with the acclaimed Heifetz International Music Institute. This program, which began in October 2013, will include an in-school educational component in addition to musicales in local homes, and a public concert at the JAC. The residency and public concert are incredible opportunities for the […]
Posted inNews
Newport Newswire: April 24, 2016
A look at where and why Newport is being mentioned today, locally and around the globe; Note: This is very much a live blog, this story will be updated throughout the day when/if more stories come out regarding Newport. Boston.com – New England is home to three of the top coziest inns in the US (2 in […]
Posted inNews
Newport Newswire: April 23, 2016
A look at where and why Newport is being mentioned today, locally and around the globe; Note: This is very much a live blog, this story will be updated throughout the day when/if more stories come out regarding Newport. ABC News – Elite Boarding School Cancels ‘Healing’ Event on Sex AbuseThe Boston Globe – St. George’s cancels […]
Posted inNews
New England Patriots Lead “Football For You” Clinic at Naval Station Newport on Thursday
Current Patriots players, alumni and cheerleaders led a Football For You clinic at Naval Station Newport in Newport, R.I. on Thursday, April 21, guiding children of servicemen and women through offensive and defensive skill stations. The event celebrated the Month of the Military Child. Photo by Eric J. Adler Joe Cardona, Naval Officer and Long […]
Posted inNews
Newport Could Host Two Marathons in 2017
Rhode Race & Events Inc., d/b/a Newport Rhode Races, has submitted an application for a special event license for a marathon/half marathon and 5k beginning and ending at Easton’s Beach on April 16, 2017. Rhode Race & Events Inc. is a company that former employees of Eident Sports Marketing reportedly created after Eident “went out of […]
Posted inNews
Planet Aid Donation Center in Newport Will Host Donation Drive for Earth Day
International nonprofit Planet Aid announced today that, in honor of Earth Day, it is encouraging Rhode Island residents to go green by hosting a large donation drive. The event will be held at the Planet Aid Donation Center in Newport. Those who wish to de-clutter their house in an environmentally friendly way are invited to bring their unwanted […]
Posted inNews
Newport Newswire: April 21, 2016
A look at where and why Newport is being mentioned today, locally and around the globe; Note: This is very much a live blog, this story will be updated throughout the day when/if more stories come out regarding Newport. Newport This Week: Council Takes Stand on Guns in SchoolsWPRO – Rhode Island bans powdered alcoholPatch – Sold! 8 […]
Posted inThings To Do
Shura Baryshnikov, Daughter of Jessica Lang, Will Speak at Salve Regina University
Shura Baryshnikov, co-founding artistic director of Doppelgänger Dance Collective, will talk about “Mercy Me: Creative Freedom through Acceptance of Self” when she presents the Atwood Lecture at Salve Regina University. Free and open to the public, Baryshnikov’s talk will be given on Wednesday, April 27 at 7 p.m. in Bazarsky Lecture Hall, located in O’Hare Academic Center […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport Cancels Public Hearing on Comprehensive Land Use Plan
The City Of Newport announced on April 21st, and effective April 24th, that the following Public Hearing on Comprehensive Plan Update that was scheduled for April 28th has been cancelled. There is no reason given for the cancellation. The following was the public notice for the event; Notice of Public Hearing of a Proposed Comprehensive Land […]
Posted inThings To Do
Local Organizations Invite Public to Participate in Their Cleanup Events for Newport’s 2016 Earth Day Celebration
Newport Public Services Department’s Clean City Program would invite Newport area residents and friends to volunteer for one of the many cleanup events happening for Newport’s 2016 Earth Day celebration. The Clean City Program will be picking up items collected from the cleanup events listed below. Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is waiving all disposal […]
Posted inNews
Podcast #87: Passing of Prince, Presidential Preference Primary, Roads and More…
On today’s edition of The Open Forum on 1540 AM WADK Newport, I discussed the upcoming Presidential Preference Primary, the news of the passing of Prince, marathon news, parking meter rates, Newport’s road conditions and much more. Listen – 12:30pm to 1pm Listen – 1pm to 2pm Listen to The Open Forum with Ryan Belmore […]
Posted inCity & Government
Preview of April 27th 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 April 27, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at Pell Elementary School. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG CITIZEN’S FORUM: (Speakers must sign in with the City Clerk). The Citizen’s […]
Posted inThings To Do
Daffodillion and Newport Tree Society Will Host ‘Spring Fling’ at The Chanler on Cliff Walk Tonight
With “half-a-dillion” of its goal of 1 million daffodils ready to burst forth, Daffodillion has announced its plans for the Third Annual Newport Daffodil Days Festival, one that promises to be bigger and daffier than ever. Ladies, don your daffodil festooned bonnet and men, your daffy derby and join Daffodillion and the Newport Tree Society for its annual Spring Fling on […]
Posted inCity & Government
House Commission’s Interim Report Details Concerns About Tourism Campaign, Seeks Improved Communication
A House commission that has been studying the potential for growing tourism through a coordinated marketing effort has issued an interim status report that registers its concerns about the process leading up to the state’s recent rollout of a new statewide tourism promotional campaign, and indicates that it is looking forward to better communication and collaboration during […]
Posted inNews
U-Haul of Newport to Add Interior Storage with Property Acquisition
U-Haul customers in and around Newport will soon have more secure and convenient storage options with the forthcoming expansion at U-Haul Moving & Storage of Newport at 111 Connell Hwy. The store, located just off the Newport Bridge near the Newport Naval Base, opened in 1978 but it added abutting land with an existing building in November for the expansion project. […]
Posted inNews, Style & Shop
UPDATE: lululemon Pop-Up Shop Will Open on May 20th
{Photo by Marial Maher/Visual Manor} This story was originally published on February 22, 2016. After a successful Summer of 2015 at 106 William Street, lululemon athletica will once again return to Newport, RI and open up a Pop-Up Shop for the Summer of 2016 At the end of last season and before the lululemon athletic Pop-Up Shop […]
Posted inThings To Do
Neighborhoods of Newport House Tour will Provide Exclusive Entry to Five Private Homes
The 15th Neighborhoods of Newport House Tour, presented by St. Michael’s Country Day School, will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2016 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. The 2016 tour includes the following properties; Passage Rocks: A secluded modern retreat overlooking the East Passage of Narragansett Bay.The Playhouse: An early 1900s boathouse renovated as a […]
Posted inThings To Do
Great Chowder Cook-Off Adds “Best of the Best” Category for Chowder Hall Of Famers
Newport Waterfront Events has announced that it has added a “Best of the Best” category bringing the total number of competitors to-date to nineteen for the 35th Annual Great Chowder Cook-Off, taking place this summer on Saturday, June 18th from noon to 6:00 p.m. at Fort Adams State Park. In addition to the traditional “Clam” […]
Posted inNews
Newport Newswire: April 20, 2016
A look at where and why Newport is being mentioned today, locally and around the globe; Note: This is very much a live blog, this story will be updated throughout the day when/if more stories come out regarding Newport. Washington Times: Officials look to revive Providence-Newport ferry serviceThe Providence Journal – DOT envisions revival of Providence to […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Island National Police Parade Selling Blue Light Bulbs to Honor 2015 Fallen Officers
The 2016 Aquidneck Island National Police Parade (AINPP) committee are now selling blue light bulbs to honor those in law enformencent that made the ultimate sacrifice in 2015. The “Blue Bulb” has represented support for Law Enforcement for many years and has become a tradition in many homes around the holiday season. How did this […]
Posted inNews
Newport Shipyard Receives Nearly $750k Federal Grant for Capital Improvements
U.S. Senator Jack Reed announced on Monday that Newport Shipyard has won a $744,990 federal grant to make capital improvements that will help create jobs, increase economic activity, and improve their building, service, and maintenance capabilities. Senator Jack Reed Senator Reed led the effort to restore federal funding for the Small Shipyard Grant Program in the FY […]
Posted inNews
Newport Newswire: April 19, 2016
A look at where and why Newport is being mentioned today, locally and around the globe; Note: This is very much a live blog, this story will be updated throughout the day when/if more stories come out regarding Newport. CUInsight.com: $500 million McCoy Federal Credit Union partners with national lender Embrace Home Loans to expand mortgage […]