Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) has announced that they have received two grantsas 2015 came to a close. A $75,000 grant from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation will support a strategic planning initiative to be undertaken in early 2016 and help support the Land Trust’s operations in its mission to preserve open space for the benefit of […]
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
2016 Polar Bear Plunge at Easton’s Beach Raises Almost $12,000 For A Wish Come True
Every New Year’s Day, the Newport Polar Bears invite anyone crazy enough to join them at Easton’s Beach for a swim in the frosty North Atlantic Ocean. Thousands of brave souls embarked into the water off of Easton’s Beach last Friday at noon. Miss the event? Check out these photos. All proceeds from the swim and at […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Newport Will Welcome PowerShares Series Tennis Event in July
PowerShares Series Tennis, the circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30, announced today its 2016 circuit will kick off on April 8 in Chicago. The 2016 circuit will feature 12 stops throughout the year concluding December 3 with the first-ever tennis event at the Barclays Center in New York. The 2016 PowerShares […]
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Special Election Results: Senate District 11(Portsmouth, Tiverton, Bristol)
A special election in Senate District 11, which includes parts of Bristol, Portsmouth and Tiverton, to fill the seat of former Republican Senator Christopher Ottiano took place today, Tuesday, January 5. Republican nominee John Pagliarini and Democratic nominee Jim Seveney faced off against eachother in today’s Special Election to fill the vacant Senate seat. According to […]
Posted inThings To Do
Diamond Dallas Page, Former Professional Wrestler, Will Bring His Yoga Workshop to Newport
Dallas Page, better known by his former ring name Diamond Dallas Page, will once again bring his DDP Yoga Workshop to Newport, RI. Athena’s Home Novelties will host DDP Yoga ‘Inspiration Meets Perspiration II’ with Diamond Dallas Page at the Hyatt Regency Newport on Goat Island on January 10th from 11 am – 2pm. The […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Bands From Rogers High School and Thompson Middle School Will Make National TV Debut Tonight
RHS/TMS School Bands make national TV debut tonight! 7:00 pm Game URI vs Richmond on Cox Cable 134 or 1134HD The Rogers High School Band and Thompson Middle School Band will be the guest Band for the Nationally Televised URI Men’s Basketball Game vs. Richmond University tonight at 7:00 at the Ryan Center. The game […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
For the First Time, Three Newport Mansions are Remaining Open Daily Throughout Winter
Three Newport Mansions Open Daily for the Winter; Additional Houses to Open Mid-March The Breakers (1895), The Elms (1901) and Marble House (1892) are now operating daily year-round, contributing to Newport’s growth as a destination in the so-called “shoulder seasons.” “Over the last few years, we have gradually expanded the length of our Newport Mansions operating […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
The Hinckley Company Acquires Morris Yachts
The Hinckley Company, based out of Portsmouth, RI, kicked off the New Year by announcing that Morris Yachts has become a part of The Hinckley Company family. Hinckley acquired the assets of the sailboat builder on January first and plans to continue Morris’ boatbuilding and service operations in Downeast Maine under the name of Morris […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Fundraiser Will be Held To Support AOH Pipes and Drums Band’s Upcoming Trip to Dublin, Ireland
Support the AOH PIPES & DRUMS BAND and their upcoming trip to Dublin, Ireland to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of 1916 Easter Rising. Join the AOH Mens Singers and the AOH Pipe and Drum Band at Newport’s Hibernian Hall on Saturday, January 9th for an evening of celebration of Irish Culture, music and poetry to support the AOH Pipes & […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Common Fence Music Set to Host Fiddlers and Fishermen on January 23rd
Common Fence Music presents A Gathering of Fiddlers and Fishermen #17 with Master of Ceremonies Ilana Katz on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016. The Irish Session begins when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Stage performances begin by 7:20 p.m. The performance will take place at the Common Fence Point Community Hall, 933 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, R.I. This […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Onne van der Wal Set To Speak About His Experiences at Newport Art Museum
The Newport Art Museum welcomes Onne van der Wal, marine photographer and sailor, for the second lecture in the Newport Art Museum’s 88th annual Winter Speaker Series on Saturday, January 16 at 2pm in the Museum’s Griswold House at 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. Van der Wal will speak on his experiences documenting the ocean while sailing around the world and will […]
Posted inNews
Raytheon Awarded $255 Million for Future USS Lyndon B. Johnson
40 Percent Of The Work Will Be Performed in Portsmouth, RI Raytheon Company has been awarded a $255,281,689 fixed-price-incentive firm target modification to a previously awarded contract to procure mission system equipment for the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002). This contract modification includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this award […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
newportFILM Will Screen The Champions, Documentary About Michael Vick’s Pitbulls
newportFILM, in partnership with Potter League For Animals, Handsome Dan’s Rescue & Best Friends Animal Society, will screen The Champions at 6pm on Thursday, January 14th at the Casino Theater. The Champions is an inspirational story about the pitbulls rescued from the brutal fighting ring of Atlanta Falcon’s star quarterback Michael Vick, and those who […]
Posted inArts & Culture
VIDEO: Newport Jazz Festival Featured in January 3rd 60 Minutes Story About Joey Alexander
“Joey Alexander plays jazz like a veteran of decades, but he’s just 12 years old.” Anderson Cooper reports on the jazz prodigy for CBS’s 60 Minutes. Joey Alexander is the youngest person ever to be invited to play the legendary Newport Jazz Festival. In 2015, he performed twice at Fort Adams – once on the […]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things To Do In Newport This Week (Jan. 4 – 9)
Discover the best events, live music, entertainment, activities and things to do in and around Newport this week, January – 4th through January 9th. 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 […]
Posted inNews
Newport’s Richard Hatch Returns to Primetime Reality TV This Week
Newport native, Richard Hatch will take another shot at reality television this week. THE BIGGEST LOSER — Season: 17 — Pictured: Richard Hatch — (Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC) THE BIGGEST LOSER — Season: 17 — Pictured: Richard Hatch — (Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC) Hatch will compete on the next edition of NBC’s The Biggest Loser. Season 17 […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
For The First Time in 20 Years, Tipped Workers See Minimum Wage Increase
The start of 2016 marks something that hasn’t happening in Rhode Island since 1996, tipped workers (bartenders, wait staff, waitresses, waiters and others) will see a minimum wage increase. Beginning on January 1st, 2016; the minimum wage increased from $2.89 to $3.39, an increase of 50 cents per hours. On January 1st, 2017; the minimum wage […]
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What You Should Know About The FTC New Set of Rules For Digital Native Advertising and Full Disclosure
Federal Trade Commission Cracks Down on Marketers and Publishers, Says Content Needs To Be Clear What Is An Ad and What Isn’t. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has set new rules for native advertising, aimed at preventing deceptive practices. The FTC is concerned that as native advertising evolves, consumers will not be able to differentiate advertising from other content. Some national […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Newport Jazz Festival Favorite Natalie Cole Has Passed Away
VIDEO: Watch Her 1986 Newport Jazz Festival Performance Singer Natalie Cole died on December 31st, 2015 at the age of 65 according to her publicist. Natalie Maria Cole was an American singer, songwriter, and performer. The daughter of Nat King Cole, Natalie rose to musical success in the mid-1970s as an R&B artist with the hits […]
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In Photos: 2016 Polar Bear Plunge at Easton’s Beach
Every New Year’s Day, the Newport Polar Bears invite anyone crazy enough to join them at Easton’s Beach for a swim in the frosty North Atlantic Ocean. Thousands of brave souls embarked into the water off of Easton’s Beach today at noon. All proceeds from the swim and at the after swim party at the Atlantic Beach […]
Posted inThings To Do
What To Do This Weekend In Newport (Jan. 1 – 3)
Happy New Year, Newport! We wish you and yours a very safe, prosperous and beautiful New Year! Discover the best events, activities and things to do in and around Newport, RI during this first weekend of 2016! With nice and cold temperatures, the Newport Skating Center is expected to be open all weekend long! Enjoy […]
Posted inNews
Naval Station Newport Ceases Publication of Base Newspaper, The Newport Navalog
The Newport Navalog, a source for news and information at Naval Station Newport since 1944, has ceased publication of its bi-weekly newspaper. It’s been a month of changes for local newspapers, last week both The Block Island Times and Jamestown Press announced they had been sold. Capt. Dennis R.D. Boyer, Commanding Officer of Naval Station Newport, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Brick Alley Pub
At Brick Alley Pub we have it all: “pub style” comfort food to modern multicultural cuisine all served with genuine down-home hospitality. Like America itself, Brick Alley is one big melting pot of ethnicities, flavors, and fun. If you are looking for stiff, over the top formal service with small portions of over-priced food, we […]
Posted inNews
Portsmouth Resident Fined For Feeding and Attracting Coyotes
The Portsmouth Police Department shared on their Facebook Page on Thursday, December 31st that they have cited a Jepson Lane resident for feeding wildlife in violation of the town ordinance. The resident had previously been warned not to leave out food which has been attracting coyotes to the area. The citation carries a fine of […]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things To Do on New Year’s Day In and Around Newport
Celebrating New Year’s Day in Newport? Here’s a look at some of the best and most popular events happening in the area… 9am – 11am: Diego’s Brunch – This doesn’t usually happen, but Diego’s brunch is brought to Friday in the off season in celebration of the New Year. $5 breakfast tacos will be served! (Full […]