Top policymakers and industry experts will share their perspectives at the Coalition of New England Companies for Trade’s (CONECT) 20th Annual Northeast Trade & Transportation Conference, April 12–14 at the Newport Marriott Hotel in Newport, R.I. Over 250 importers, exporters, government officials, legal experts, and providers of international trade and transportation services are expected to […]
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 inFood & Drink
Pinkberry Closes Up Shop on Lower Thames Street
For the second time this offseason, a franchise frozen yogurt shop has closed their location in Newport, RI. Back in November 6th we brought you the news that Orange Leaf Closes Newport Location Permanently, What’sUpNewp learned on Thursday that Pinkberry has closed their location at 359 Thames Street. A sign stating that their location was available for […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Frosty Freez Will Open For 2016 Season on Friday, April 1st
Frosty Freez is preparing to open at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 1st for the 2016 season and their 60th Anniversary. Frosty Freez, which has been serving ice cream since 1956, will be open from at least 11:30am to 9pm every day throughout the season starting on April 1st, the 2016 season will come to a […]
Posted inNews
Suspect Wanted For January Assault on Bliss Road Has Turned Himself In
NBC 10 has reported that the suspect wanted in connection to an assault in Newport that left a man severely injured has turned himself in to the authorities. Freddie Hicks is accused by Newport Police of an assault that took place on January 15th on Bliss Road near Wilbur Avenue, he has been wanted by police since […]
Posted inNews
The 16 Most-Read and Talked-About Newport Stories in February of 2016
Here’s what Newport was reading, talking about and most interested in during March of 2016! 16 – Cafe Zelda Aiming to Reopen on March 18th Under New Ownership 15 – The Culture Trip: Newport’s 10 Must-Try Cultural Restaurants 14 – Original Bar from Yesterday’s Finds New Home in Rhode Island 13 – Hoax: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Aren’t Moving […]
Posted inNews
Newport Based Marketing Communications Firm Wins Multiple Awards for Marketing Creativity
Newport based marketing communications firm, Black Diamond Marketing Group, has won multiple awards for its creative work for Natick, MA headquartered Middlesex Savings Bank. Black Diamond Marketing Group created the bank’s 2016 calendar, featuring photographs of places of interest or historical significance within the bank’s territory that was honored with an “Award of Excellence” from The Communicator […]
Posted inNews
Two Newport Businesses Land Among Travel and Leisure’s “Coziest Places to Stay in America”
Travel + Leisure came out today with a story titled The Coziest Places to Stay In America and two iconic and popular Newport, RI hotels found themselves among the list of nine. Castle Hill Inn landed at #9 on the list and Chanler at Cliff Walk came in at #3. Among the other nine places mentioned were Tickle Pink […]
Posted inNews
PODCAST: Discussion with Newport Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force
Just last weekend three people in Newport and on person in Middletown overdosed and was brought back by police officers using Narcan. Ben Ellcome, Coordinator for the Newport Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force, joined me today on The Open Forum on 1540 AM WADK Newport to discuss this incredibly important issue, substance abuse and what Newport is doing […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Diego’s Will Open ‘Diego’s Bodega and Catering’ in Middletown
It’s been in the works for several months and Diego’s has finally made a small announcement regarding their plan to open Diego’s Bodega and Catering in Middletown. The new venue is set to open up this summer at 124 Aquidneck Avenue, more details are soon to be announced. You may have heard it, you may […]
Posted inNews
Principal Crowley Finds Bone Marrow Transplant Match
Jaime Crowley, Principal of Thompson Middle School and winner of the Middle School Principal of the Year Award in 2015, was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome RAEB (MDS) in 2015 and has been in need of a bone marrow transplant. After a long search, Crowley has learned that his twin brother is a perfect bone marrow […]
Posted inNews
Original Bar from Yesterday’s Finds New Home in Rhode Island
A popular place to be and part of Yesterday’s & The Place has found a new home in Rhode Island. Vintage Cigar Lounge has confirmed that they will use “the original bar” from Yesterday’s in their new upscale lounge that will open at 47 High Street in Westerly on May 1st, 2016. Yesterday’s closed after 42 years […]
Posted inNews
Representative Reilly (R-District 72 Middletown, Portsmouth) Introduces House Companion Bill Requiring Legislative Approval of Toll Locations
Representative Daniel P. Reilly (R-District 72 Middletown, Portsmouth) has introduced legislation (H-7964), which would require that toll rates and the location of tolling facilities require General Assembly approval prior to the collection of any tolls or the construction of any tolling facilities. “My proposed legislation is a companion bill, to legislation submitted by Senator Marc […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport’s Island Moving Company Will Perform at Vets Memorial Auditorium in Providence
Island Moving Co, Newport’s contemporary ballet company, will make its premiere at the beautiful Vets Memorial Auditorium at 7:30pm on Saturday, April 23, 2016. Now in its 34th season, IMC has performed on tour and regularly in Newport but has never performed a full evening at the Vets. For this evening, entitled “Moment to Moment,” Artistic Director Miki Ohlsen […]
Posted inNews
Representative Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown) Tours St. Clare’s Facility Expansion on Spring Street
Rep. Marvin L. Abney recently toured the under-construction expansion of the St. Clare skilled nursing facility in Newport. St. Clare’s currently is a 47-bed skilled nursing facility on Spring Street. The expansion and renovation will add 13 skilled nursing beds, 40 new independent/assisted-living units, an adult day care program, a memory care unit and a […]
Posted inThings To Do
Third Annual Newport Night Run Set to Take Place on Friday, April 1
Gray Matter Marketing and the Newport Public Education Foundation will present the Newport Night Run, Newport’s only nighttime road race, on Friday, April 1. This family-friendly event begins at 7:30 p.m., starts and finishes at Rogers High School, totaling 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) and is open to runners or walkers. Student priced registration is also […]
Posted inNews
Newport Opera House Theater and Performing Arts Center Receives Rhode Island Cultural Bond Grant of $1.01 million
The Newport Opera House Theater and Performing Arts Center has received its first check for $1,016,800 in cultural bond grants passed by Rhode Island voters in 2014. This first payment is part of the $4.2 million dedicated to the Opera House Theater from the Rhode Island Creative and Cultural Economy Bond measure approved by the statewide ballot measure […]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things To Do This Week In and Around Newport (March 28 – April 1)
Discover the best events, activities and things to do during March in and around Newport, RI. (In chronological order) 1 – Battle Chefs Tuesday at 8pm at The Revolving Door Restaurant Rhode Island’s best chefs go toe to toe weekly and are dealt an exotic secret ingredient and 45 minutes to impress the crowd and […]
Posted inThings To Do
16 Can’t-Miss Events Happening This Spring Around Newport County
Discover Newport has provided us with the following preview of what’s ahead for our area this spring. Spring is just around the corner and with it comes brilliant blooms (more than half a million daffodils planted in Newport and Bristol alone), a return of warmer weather and a robust events calendar celebrating the best of […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport Will Host Two Strategic Planning Community Forums
The City Of Newport is invited the public to help shape our city’s future by participating in one of two Public Forums. What are the most important issues the City should be addressing during the next five years to make it even better than it is today? What goals should the City Council pursue? This […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Rosemary & Thyme Cafe Will Soon Offer Dinner Service
Starting April 8th, Rosemary & Thyme Cafe will be expanding its hours to include dinner service on Friday and Saturday evenings. The evening service will be a bistro style menu that will include communal starters , desserts, BYOB service, and additional seating. The new menu will include both table service and takeout items. The kitchen […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 50+ Companies Currently Offering Employment in Newport (March 27)
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 – Now Hiring: 50+ Companies Currently Hiring in Newport (March 20) All jobs have been posted in the last week. [the_ad id=”9856″] Russel Moring […]
Posted inNews
VIDEO: AOH Pipes & Drums Perform in Dublin at 100th Anniversary of Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising
Newport’s Ancient Order of Hibernian’s Pipes and Drums are currently in Dublin and participating with other pipe bands to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising. The parade is one of many events to commemorate this important event in Irish history. The parade is being organized to honor those who fought for Ireland’s independence during […]
Posted inNews
Car Crashes Into Mama Leone’s on Friday Night
A car crashed into the front of Mama Leone’s on J.T. Connell Highway late Friday night. There were no reported injuries. NBC 10 has reported that A Jacksonville, Florida man has been issued a citation after driving into the front of the restaurant. Cindy at Mama Leone’s told us over the phone that the restaurant will be […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Where to Dine Out for Easter Brunch and Dinner in Newport
(Photo of Castle Hill Inn via Newport Restaurant Group) Easter is quickly approaching, it’s March 27th for those who don’t know, and if you plan on dining out it’s time to make those plans and reservations. If you’re looking for a normal brunch on Easter, here’s Where To Brunch In Newport. Be sure to call ahead to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown) Delivers $2,000 Grant to RhodySquash Program for Underprivileged Youth
Rep. Marvin L. Abney recently presented the RhodySquash organization with a legislative grant of $2,000 to be used for new equipment for the program that caters to underprivileged youth of Newport. “The RhodySquash program is an invaluable resource to the youth of Newport and it is my pleasure to support this most worthy program,” said […]