A look at where and why Newport is being mentioned today, locally and around the globe; Washington Times – Rhode Island bill would ban smoking on public beachesProvidence Journal – Political Scene: $1.4M and counting allotted to R.I. lawmakers’ pet … (mention of Rep. Abney, Middletown/Portsmouth)Sarasota Herald Tribune – Letter From Home: Ringling mansion has its secrets ( McCarty compares Ca’ […]
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
Foundation Accepting Nominations for Noreen Stonor Drexel Friend of Education Awards
The Newport Public Education Foundation is accepting nominations for the annual Noreen Stoner Drexel Friend of Education Awards. The Noreen Stonor Drexel Education Awards are selected annually and recognize individuals and organizations that significantly contribute to the students of Newport Public Schools. The awards are named in memory of Noreen Stonor Drexel, a 22 year Special […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Starbucks Will Close for a Few Weeks for Renovations
If Starbucks on Thames Street is where you usually start your day, you’re going to have to head somewhere else for your cup of coffee for a few weeks. Starbucks has announced that their location at 212 Thames Street in Newport will be closed from Wednesday, April 20th through Thursday, May 5th for renovations. The cafe […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring In Newport: 50+ Companies (Week of April 17)
Looking for a job in Newport, RI? Here’s our weekly roundup of job opportunities that are currently available in and around Newport, RI. In case you missed it, here’s our list from last week. Have a job to advertise? An apartment to rent? Something to sell? Post a Classified Ad. All jobs have been posted in the last week Featured […]
Posted inNews
22 From Aquidneck Island Will Run 120th Boston Marathon
The 120th running of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon will take place on Monday, April 18th and 22 Aquidneck Islander’s are preparing to participate in the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events. From Newport Bastian, ZacharyBenestad, ElizabethBoyer, ChristineCasey, WilliamChimiak, JacquelineHolden, GretchenMartin, AmyNanfelt, ScottSchock, StephanieYost, Christopher From Portsmouth Callahan, Kevin Chappell, […]
Posted inJobs
Help Wanted: Administrative Assistant (PT $16/Hour)
Trinity Church, an historic Episcopal congregation in the heart of downtown Newport, is looking for a skilled Administrative Assistant to join our church staff. With well over three hundred years of history in this place, we are a well-established organization and, by the grace of God, are currently experiencing rapid growth in programs and membership. […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Taylor Fritz and Jared Donaldson to Compete in Hall of Fame Tennis Championships
Taylor Fritz, an 18-year-old American standout who has been sky-rocketing through the Emirates ATP Rankings this season and is currently ranked world No. 69, has committed to the player field of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. Rhode Island native Jared Donaldson, also a rising star on the ATP World Tour and currently ranked inside the world […]
Posted inNews
Newport Newswire: April 15, 2016
A look at where and why Newport is being mentioned today, locally and around the globe; People Magazine – Heather Abbott, Who Lost a Leg in the Boston Marathon Bombing, Helps Provide Specialized Prosthetics to Other AmputeesThe Providence Journal – 4 fun R.I. food things to do this weekend (Castle Hill with a mention)Rhode Island Public Radio – Rhody […]
Posted inCity & Government
City Of Newport: Construction Projects for Week of April 18, 2016
The Department of Utilities construction projects that are in progress for the week of April 18th are noted below. Friendship Street Sewer Improvement – Milling of the roadway will occur on Monday, April 18th. The entire width will be milled between Hope St. and Friendship Place, and the east side of the road will be […]
Posted inNews
Podcast #83: Leadership At All Levels with Gail Alofsin
Gail Alofsin joins me on the third Friday of every month for “Leadership At All Levels” and always brings with her interesting guests, today was no exception. Joining Gail and I today on The Open Forum on 1540 AM WADK Newport from 12:30pm to 1pm was Meredith Ewenson (newportFILM), Laura Pedrick (Aquidneck Land Trust) and […]
Posted inThings To Do
Plumby’s Will Host Stand-Up Comedy Tonight
What better way to spend Tax Day than at Plumby’s with a burger, beer and a bunch of laughs. Plumby’s Upstairs Burger Bar at Brick Alley Pub invites you to join them at 8pm on Friday, April 15 for their Spring Edition of the PLUMBY’S Live Comedy Show. April’s show will feature Ben Hague, Emily Ruskowski, Doug […]
Posted inThings To Do
Salve’s Dance Minors Will Present ‘Student Choreography Showcase’ on April 21-23
Salve Regina University’s dance minors will present new dance works in their annual Student Choreography Showcase, which is being directed by assistant professor of dance Lindsay Guarino and 2015 Salve Regina graduate Cayley Christoforou. Performances will be given in Megley Theatre, located in Antone Academic Center on Lawrence Avenue, on Thursdayand Friday, April 21-22 at 8 p.m. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Record Store Day Is Saturday, Here’s Who’s Participating and What’s Happening Locally
On April 16, record stores across the country will take part in the ninth annual party known as Record Store Day. The celebration of the culture of the independent record store goes on all day in thousands of record stores throughout the country and includes music, food, artist appearances and all kinds of fun, no […]
Posted inNews
Newport Newswire: April 16, 2016
A look at where and why Newport is being mentioned today, locally and around the globe; Turn to 10: RI proposes Providence to Newport Ferry service (Note: What’sUpNewp was the first to bring you this news back on April 11th)The Providence Journal: Focus on Newport as sea level risesThe Providence Journal: Newport House Tour offers glimpses of city’s most […]
Posted inNews
Open Houses This Weekend on Aquidneck Island (April 16 – 17)
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. Open Houses In Newport […]
Posted inThings To Do
The Wailers Will Headline 7th Annual Waterfront Reggae Festival
Rhode Island Waterfront Events announces that the late Bob Marley’s legendary reggae band, The Wailers, will headline the 7th Annual Waterfront Reggae Festival on Saturday, August 13th from Noon to 10:00 p.m. at its waterfront location at India Point Park in Providence, Rhode Island. The Waterfront Reggae Festival was hosted at the Newport Yachting Center […]
Posted inNews
Now in its 20th Year, Expressive Arts Institute at Salve Regina Accepting Applications for its Foundation Course
The Expressive Arts Institute at Salve Regina University, which is celebrating 20 years of successfully implementing a holistic approach into the training of skilled professionals, is accepting applications for its foundation course being offered in three 3-day-weekend sessions from May 20-22 to July 8-10; and Aug. 12-14. This introductory training course is designed to provide artists, counselors, educators and […]
Posted inThings To Do
Salve Regina University’s Environmental Club to Bring New Film “RE– USE! Because You Can’t Recycle The Planet” and Director Alex Eaves to Newport
Salve Regina University’s Environmental Club, in collaboration with Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation will be hosting a one-time screening of RE– USE! Because You Can’t Recycle The Planet as well as a talk back with director Alex Eaves as part of the University’s Earth Week celebration in The O’Hare Academic Building at Salve Regina University on Wednesday April 20th at 6 […]
Posted inNews
Podcast #82: RI Historic Cemetery Restoration and Awareness Day and Newport Arboretum Week
On today’s edition of The Open Forum on 1540 AM WADK Newport I was joined by Scott Wheeler, Building & Grounds Supervisor for the City Of Newport, and Matt McEntee from Friends of Island Cemetery from 12:30pm to 2pm. While our conversation touched on topics such as Newport Daffodil Days Festival, Keeping History Above Water, […]
Posted inNews
The Greenlove Foundation Will Install Water Bottle Filling Station at Rogers High School
The Greenlove Foundation, established in memory of Kendra Lindsay Bowers, a passionate environmentalist and resident of Newport, RI, will celebrate Earth Week with the installation of a water bottle filling station at Rogers High School. Kendra Lindsay Bowers Kendra admired the beauty of our Earth and was committed to protecting its natural resources. At 19 […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport’s Daffodil Days Festival Set to Kick Off on Saturday
With “half-a-dillion” of its goal of 1 million daffodils bursting forth, Daffodillion has is just days away from hosting their Third Annual Newport Daffodil Days Festival. Featuring fun, free, family activities throughout Newport over nine days, organizers of the event say the 2016 festival promises to be bigger and daffier than ever. The 2016 Newport Daffodil Days Festival will […]
Posted inThings To Do
Award-Winning Poet Jane Springer Will Present Public Reading in Newport on April 21
Celebrated poet Jane Springer, a National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient and Whiting Writers’ Award winner who teaches literature and creative writing at Hamilton College in upstate New York, will present a poetry reading when she visits Salve Regina’s campus next week. The reading and reception will be presented on Thursday, April 21 at 6 […]
Posted inNews
Report: State Police Nearing End of St. George’s Sex Abuse Probe
According to a story posted on ABC News on Wednesday night, Rhode Island State Police have told The Associated Press that they’re nearing the end of an investigation into dozens of allegations of sexual abuse at St. George’s. There is no timetable on when the investigation will be completed and when more information on this case […]
Posted inCity & Government
RI General Assembly Approves Legislation Sponsored by Rep. Carson (Dist. 75, Newport) to Ban Powdered Alcohol in Rhode Island
With final legislative approval in both chambers today, the General Assembly has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Frank Lombardo III and Rep. Lauren H. Carson to ban powdered alcohol in Rhode Island. The legislation, which has been sent to the governor, is aimed at protecting Rhode Islanders, particularly youth, from a substance with an unknown […]
Posted inCity & Government
City Councilor Florez Uses Nextdoor to Seek Feedback From Newport Residents Regarding Road Conditions
City Counilor-at-Large John Florez is seeking community input about the current conditions of Newport roads and how you would like to see the City Of Newport move forward with dealing with this “important topic”. On April 13th, Florez posted on Nextdoor, a private social network that Newport residents are using to connect our community, a post […]