Portsmouth, R.I,–The Town of Portsmouth and Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) have acquired 4.9 acres of scenic land and water for a future waterfront community park in northern Portsmouth next to Mount Hope Bridge and adjacent to the Portsmouth Town Common. Under the arrangement, the Town of Portsmouth will hold ownership and Aquidneck Land Trust 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: Interview with Joe Dias, Executive Director of Fort Adams Trust
Joe Dias, Executive Director of Fort Adams Trust, joined Ryan Belmore, Owner/Editor of What’sUpNewp, on the Tuesday, January 12th edition of The Open Forum on 1540AM WADK Newport. The Fort Adams Trust announced the appointment of Joe Dias as Executive Director on November 3rd, 2015. Dias’ responsibilities at Fort Adams Trust include overseeing the general management […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport Historical Society Announces Newport Eats Food Initiative
As Newport Historical Society staff put the finishing touches on the multi-million dollar Resource Center renovation project, the Society is working to launch its first initiative of the New Year,Newport Eats. “Rhode Island is a gastronomic state,” explains the Society’s Executive Director Ruth Taylor, “and Newport has long been known as a center for fine […]
Posted inArts & Culture
2016 Newport Jazz Festival Rolling Lineup Announcements
The Newport Festivals Foundation continues to slowly roll out the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival lineup. This year’s event will take place from July 29-31 at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. $59 Flex Tickets are currently on sale and can be used for General Admission to concerts at Fort […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport Police Department May Soon Roll Out Body Worn Camera Pilot Program
Joe Nicholson, Intermin City Manager for the City Of Newport, has suggested after reviewing a recent Council Resolution that the Newport Police Department roll out a body worn camera pilot program. Council Resolution 2015-57 “Investigating Body Cameras” was originally introduced by Councilor John Florez in May of 2015. While originally reluctant to the proposal, Interim […]
Posted inNews
REPORT: Fifty-Five Percent of Rhode Island AAA Members Support RhodeWorks Truck Toll Plan
Fifty-five percent of AAA members in Rhode Island support the Raimondo administration’s RhodeWorks plan, and more than 80 percent believe the state is not spending enough money on repair and maintenance of roads and bridges, according to a survey from AAA Northeast. More than 2,200 AAA members responded to the online survey in late November. […]
Posted inNews
PODCAST: Interview with Evan Smith, Executive Director of Discover Newport
Evan Smith, Executive Director of Discover Newport, joined me for his monthly visit to The Open Forum on 1540 AM WADK Newport on Monday, January 11th. Topics included a recap on Christmas In Newport, a look at what we have to look forward to opening in 2016 around Newport County, concerns that we may have […]
Posted inNews
Four Newport Organizations Receive the “Mary Brennan Tourism Award” For Support of Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover
Award Received at RI Hospitality Association’s 26th Annual “Stars of the Industry” Awards Ceremony The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) recently awarded Sail Newport, R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Discover Newport and Newport Hospitality, Inc. with the “Mary Brennan Tourism Award” at the 26th Annual Meeting and “Stars of the Industry” awards ceremony at Twin River Casino. The organizations were […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport-Area Residents Get First Chance to Buy Tickets For Newport Jazz Festival Opening Night
Be among the first to get tickets to one of the city’s most popular summer social events when Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™ offers area residents a 24-hour head start to purchase tickets for the Friday night concert of the Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Global Asset Management and the annual pre-concert cocktail party on the Horseshoe […]
Posted inNews
Over $815,000 in Grants Approved To Protect and Restore Water Quality in Narragansett Bay Watershed
01/11/2016 Newport, R.I. – The Narragansett Bay Estuary Program and the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) announced on January 11th that more than $815,000 in grants will fund eleven projects aimed at protecting and restoring water quality in the Narragansett Bay watershed. These grants will support municipalities and nonprofit agencies, in both […]
Posted inNews
Number Of Roadways Where Parking Bans Are Enforced During Snow Storms May Increase
Newport City Council will address a request for city council action at their regularly scheduled meeting on January 13th that will increase the number of roadways where parking bans are established during snow emergencies. The recommendation comes from the Department of Public Services that believes increasing the number of roads from 9 to 24 will […]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things To Do In Newport This Week (Jan. 11-15)
Discover the best events, activities and things to do in and around Newport, RI this week, January 11th through January 15th. FYI – MANY Newport restaurants will be taking some time off this week, visit When Newport Restaurants Are Open and Closed This Winter for full details. Have something you would like to add to this story? […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Newport Gulls Will Host 2016 NECBL All-Star Game in July at Cardines Field
The 23rd annual New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) All-Star Game will be held on Sunday, July 17th, at historic Cardines Field in Newport, RI. Hosted by the Newport Gulls, the NECBL All-Star game showcases the NECBL’s top student-athletes in a fun-filled afternoon and evening of baseball splendor. In 2015, the Newport Gulls recorded 25 wins […]
Posted inNews
Block Island Ferry Rates May Drop by 8 Percent in 2016
Interstate Navigation, the parent company of the Block Island Ferry, is looking to reduce passenger and vehicle rates by 8% due to the reduced cost of fuel. Interstate Navigation has filed a compliance filing to reduce base price of fuel and reduce passenger and vehicle base rates, it was put in front of Block Island Town […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City Of Newport Launches Monthly Newsletter
The City Of Newport has published its first monthly Engage Newport newsletter, it’s all part of an effort to inform residents about important city projects and news. The Engage Newport initiative is a multifaceted approach to create communication and engagement between the City government and its residents, businesses and those interested in the growth and health of Newport. […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
After 11 Seasons, Newport Gulls Manager Mike Coombs Will Retire
Long-time assistant Al Leyva to lead 2016 Gulls, alongside Kevin Long The following information was provided by Nick Lima, Director of Media Relations for the Newport Gulls; After 11 seasons, Newport Gulls Manager Mike Coombs is stepping aside, but he’s leaving the organization in good hands. Long-time Hitting Coach Al Leyva will be taking the […]
Posted inThings To Do
What To Do This Weekend In and Around Newport, RI (Jan. 8 – 10)
Discover the best events, activities and things to do in and around Newport, RI during this second weekend of 2016! Tip – Many restaurants are taking some time off this January, visit our comprehensive list before heading out to find out what’s open and closed. Friday, January 8th All Weekend – Newport Seal Tours: Head aboard one of […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Local Restaurants Will Offer 3-Course Meals to Benefit Norman Bird Sanctuary to
A trio of Winter Culinary Experiences benefitting one of Newport County’s most valuable resources, the Norman Bird Sanctuary! Enjoy a selection of 3-course meals that are filling and fulfilling! Three very popular local restaurants, Brix, The White Horse Tavern and Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen create special menus and generously donate half of the evening’s […]
Posted inNews
$50,000 Powerball Ticket Sold in Middletown and North Kingstown
Though Wednesday night’s PowerBall®jackpot was not hit, two winning $50,000 PowerBall tickets were sold in Rhode Island. The winning tickets matched four numbers and the PowerBall number to win $50,000. Stop & Shop, 1360 West Main Rd., Middletown, sold one of the winning tickets and 7-Eleven, 7330 Post Rd., North Kingstown, sold the other. Neither player added […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News, Things To Do
Race the State Rhode Island Returns on August 7
Manuka Sports Event Management has announced the return of Race The State, a multi-sport endurance race that takes competitors across Rhode Island. The second edition of the race will be held on Sunday August 7, 2016. In addition, Manuka has announced BankNewport and OceanPoint Insurance Agency will return as the presenting sponsors. Race the State is a multi- sport race designed to […]
Posted inNews
Mott & Chase Sotheby’s Announce Record Sale in Watch Hill
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty announces the sale of 6 Wapan Road in highly coveted Watch Hill, listed at $6.5 million. The sale is the highest in that community in the past 15 months according to data from the Rhode Island State-wide Multiple Listing Service. “This classic Shingle-style home is sited to take full advantage […]
Posted inThings To Do
10 Events That You Shouldn’t Miss in Newport This January
Discover the best things to do in and around Newport, RI in January, 2016! 1 – The First Sunday Gallery Sunday – January 3, 2016 The creators of this new event series will bring artists, artisans and art enthusiasts together while infusing the community with art, art viewing and education through self-guided options as well […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Call All Artists: RIPTA Launches Bus Pass Design Contest For Its 50th Anniversary
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) today announced a call for art in honor of its 50th Anniversary. RIPTA is inviting the public to submit vibrant, eye-catching, unique designs for a bus pass that will celebrate the Authority’s 50 years of public transportation in Rhode Island. “Creating a design contest for a commemorative pass […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Newport Jazz Festival Announces First Dozen of 2016 Acts
Over the last few weeks the Newport Jazz Festival has slowly been announcing who will take the stage on July 29-31 at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino. As of Wednesday, January 6th Newport Jazz Festival has announced at least 12 different acts that will perform at the 62nd edition […]
Posted inNews
55 South – 11th Hour Racing Announced as new team for American Sailors Charlie Enright and Mark Towill
Charlie Enright and Mark Towill announced today the formation of their new racing team, 55 South. Enright and Towill will train and race under 55 South as they work toward their ultimate goal of returning to the Volvo Ocean Race in 2017-18. In addition, Enright and Towill announced their title sponsor for 2016, sustainability organization, 11th Hour Racing based […]