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 […]
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
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 […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Land Trust Receives Two Grants To Support Its Mission
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 […]
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 […]
Posted inNews
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 & […]