College Choice has published its annual ranking of best Catholic colleges and universities, among the 75 mentioned on the list is Providence College and Newport’s Salve Regina University. Katie Amondson, Associate Editor of the ranking says, “Catholic Colleges and Universities are not meant for Catholics alone. An education that focuses on the entire person is a […]
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
Almost Five Years Later, Sunken Barge Incident Is Now a Maritime Insurance Dispute
Back in the late fall of 2011, a nor’easter struck Newport and sunk a barge that was was being rented by Abhe & Svoboda Inc. to paint and repair the Claiborne Newport Pell Bridge. Almost 5 years later, the incident has become a maritime insurance dispute (St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co. v. Abhe & Svoboda […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Volvo Ocean Race: Hong Kong Will Host Stopover in 2017-2018 Race
Hong Kong, one of the world’s most prestigious sailing destinations, will be hosting the Volvo Ocean Race for the first time when the event visits in February 2018 during the 13th edition. In a press conference today, Volvo Ocean Race organisers announced a unique collaboration with the Hong Kong Sailing Federation to bring the race […]
Posted inCity & Government
Water Main Flushing to Begin Throughout Newport on April 17th
As part of the Newport Water Division’s ongoing maintenance of the water distribution system, a water main flushing program in designated areas will begin during evening hours beginning Sunday, April 17, 2016 and ending May 4, 2016. The flushing of the water mains using fire hydrants will begin at 8:00 p.m. and continue until 4:00 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport’s Seasonal Restaurants Prepare to Reopen for Season
As we make our way quickly towards the beginning of the “busy season”, many restaurants (particularly among the waterfront) are preparing to wake up from their long winter nap. Here’s a look at when some of your favorite bars and restaurants are planning on opening (if they haven’t already); @ The Deck – Reopened for the […]
Posted inNews
On Personal Facebook Page, Representative Doreen Costa Critical of Newport’s Road Conditions
While visiting Newport on Tuesday, Representative Doreen M. Costa weighed in on the current conditions of roads in Newport and Rhode Island. On her personal Facebook Page, Costa was critical of the current conditions of the roads in Newport saying; “If you want to find the WORST roads in Rhode Island just drive around Newport… […]
Posted inNews
Podcast #80: Featured Guests Include People’s Credit Union and Heather Abbott
Today’s edition of The Open Forum on 1540 AM WADK featured Karen Vebber from People’s Credit Union, Heather Abbott and me! Karen Vebber, a Mortgage Loan Officer at People’s Credit Union, joined me to discuss finances, mortgages and helpful tips and information you should know about interest rates, loans, mortgages and more. Heather Abbott then […]
Posted inCity & Government
Representative Reilly and Portsmouth Middle School Eighth Graders Hold Mock Session in RI House Chamber
Representative Daniel P. Reilly (R-District 72 Middletown, Portsmouth) invited Portsmouth Middle School students to the Rhode Island State House on Tuesday, for a mock session in the Rhode Island House Chamber. “It was so exciting to see local eighth grade students take a genuine interest in learning how our state government works. Today, I played […]
Posted inHistory
Providence Library Releases Hundreds of Historic Photos of Newport and Block Island
The new online showcase for the collections of the Providence Public Library released over 1,400 historic photos into their digital library on Tuesday, many of these new additions are photos of Newport and Block Island. “Shot tower behind old Aquidneck Mill, Thames Street”, VM013_GF3992, Rhode Island Photograph Collection , Providence Public Library, Providence, RI. Photos […]
Posted inNews
Newport Art Museum to Honor the Benson Family at its Beaux Arts Ball
At the Newport Art Museum’s Beaux Arts Ballon Saturday, July 2, 2016, the Museum will recognize the Benson family’s three generations of contributions to American art and design. The gala honorees include master stone carvers John Benson and Nicholas Benson; noted artists Richard Benson, Christopher Benson, Oliver Benson and Samuel Benson; and the late artistic craftsmen Thomas […]
Posted inNews
NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow Will be Permanently Homeported in Newport, RI
Senator Jack Reed shared today that NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow would now be homeported in Newport, RI. It previously had been homeported in Woods Hole, MA. “Rhode Island is a critical hub for oceanographic research and permanently homporting this vessel in Newport is a smart, cost-effective move that is in the best interests of […]
Posted inThings To Do
The Shadows are Illuminated at Save The Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium in April.
This month at Save The Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium in Newport, the vast, hidden world of the deep sea becomes a backyard of discovery. Visitors will learn about the types of fish that light the way with bioluminescence, as well as other adaptations these animals have to living in darkness. The aquarium, open from […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Sardella’s Will Celebrate 36th Anniversary by Offering Original Menu Prices from 1980
In celebration of 36 years in business, Sardella’s will once again offer original menu prices from 1980! Sardella’s Italian Restaurant was founded by former mayor of Newport, Richard Sardella, in 1980. Newport’s oldest Italian Restaurant celebrated their 35th Anniversary in 2015 by offering their 190 menu and pricing to the public for just one day, […]
Posted inNews
Podcast #79: Discussion with Ballard Park, Meeting Street and Representative Carson
Even thought I have been under the weather with flu-like symptoms, the show must go on and it did. Here’s what happened today on The Open Forum on 1540 AM WADK. The first 30 minutes of the show today I discusses current events and local news before being joined by Evangeline Brennan, Director of Early […]
Posted inNews
More Than 350 Head Start Professionals to Attend New England Conference on Early Education in Newport This Week
More than 350 Head Start and Early Head Start professionals and parents will gather at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Goat Island in Newport this week (April 12th – 14th) for The New England Head Start Association’s (NEHSA) annual conference, “Crossing the Bridge to Wellness Through Data and Practice”. The conference is the largest gathering […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Set to Celebrate ‘RI Historic Cemetery Restoration and Awareness Day’ With Walking Tours
Friends of Island Cemetery, Newport Historical Society, Belmont Chapel Foundation, and the Newport Restoration Foundation are coming together to offer tours of Newport’s historic cemeteries. By decree of RI House Resolution H7350, approved in January 2016, Saturday, April 16, 2016, is officially “RI Historic Cemetery Restoration & Awareness Day.” To commemorate the day and draw […]
Posted inNews
Ferry Service May Soon Return Between Providence and Newport
Miss the convenience of the ferry that used to run between Providence and Newport? Well, it may soon return. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) on Friday, April 8th seeking an operator to run service between Newport and Providence. At this RIDOT is asking for 7 day a […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 50+ Companies Currently Hiring in Newport (March 10)
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. All jobs have been posted in the last week 11th Hour Racing: Marketing Assistant22 Bowens: Kitchen Supervisor- 22 Bowen’s & Restaurant Manager and Dining Room Supervisor – 22 […]
Posted inThings To Do
T.J. Wray to Launch New Book, Kick Off Scholarship Honoring Memory of Former Student
Dr. Tina (T.J.) Wray, assistant professor of religious studies, will celebrate the launch of her new book, “Good Girls, Bad Girls of the New Testament: Their Enduring Lessons,” and kick off a scholarship fund to honor the memory of one of her students during a public event at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 at McKillop Library. A book […]
Posted inNews
WPRI: Pedestrian Struck By Car on West Main Road on Friday Night
Middletown police confirmed to Eyewitness News that a pedestrian was struck by a car overnight on West Main Road in Middletown. For more information and updates, visit Police: Pedestrian struck by car in Middletown
Posted inNews
Farewell Street Will Close For Road Work on Monday
The Department of Public Services and its contractor, Narragansett Improvement Company, are scheduled to begin road work on Farewell Street from Broadway to Marlborough Street on Monday, April 11, 2016. What to Expect: Farewell Street will be closed to all thru traffic and a detour will utilize Washington Square and Meeting Street. The project includes the […]
Posted inNews
PODCAST #78: Chat with Erika Van Pelt, Newport Restoration Foundation and Discover Newport
Today’s shows was the definition of “The Open Forum”, topics ranged from what’s going on this weekend, to DYCF, to American Idol, to Keeping History Above Water and finally tourism. Rhode Island’s own Erika Van Pelt joined me to discuss the end of American Idol, her journey on season 11 of the show, what she’s up to […]
Posted inNews
Open Houses This Weekend on Aquidneck Island (April 8 – 10)
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. Friday, April 8th – […]
Posted inNews
Eco-Depot Headed to Second Beach on April 16 for Styrofoam and Electronic Waste Collection
Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) in conjunction with the town of Middletown Department of Public Works will host a special collection of household hazardous waste (HHW), electronic waste (e-waste) and Styrofoam on Saturday, April 16 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Second Beach located at 474 Sachuset Point Road. This special event is available free of charge to Rhode Island residents only. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things To Do This Weekend in Newport (April 8 – 10)
Discover the best events, activities and things to do during this weekend in and around Newport, RI. (In chronological order) 1 – Salve Regina 11th Annual French Film Festival April 3 – 14 Six thought-provoking films, including the 1959 classic, “Hiroshima Mon Amour,” will be featured when Salve Regina University presents its French Film Festival April […]