Chaz Aracil, recent Rhode Island School of Design Alumni and Portsmouth local will showcase at Art Hearts Fashion at New York Fashion Week. The presentation takes place in New York City this upcoming February at the Angel Orensanz Foundation. New York Fashion Week is a semi-annual series of events where fashion collections are shown 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 inNews
Coast Guard Responds To Disabled RI Fishing Vessel Off of Block Island on Saturday
It’s been a busy and dangerous day for local U.S. Coast Guard crews as they had to respond to a disabled Rhode Island ahead and during winter storm. Update from US Coast Guard Station Castle Hill: “Today the crew faced 50 mph winds, up to 14 foot seas and minimal visibility in the blowing snow […]
Posted inFood & Drink
12 Newport/Middletown Restaurants Where You Can Order Food Online For Take-Out or Delivery
(Pictured: BBQ Chicken Pizza at VanGogh Pizza) Is the weather frightful or you just don’t feel like leaving the house? There are plenty of great local places throughout Newport and Middletown that will deliver you a great meal or even an adult beverage. What’sUpNewp has partnered with our friends at HungryRhody to give you the […]
Posted inNews
Winter Storm Live Blog: Tracking Newport’s Closures, Delays and Impact (Jan. 22 – 24)
Live Updates On What’s Closed, Delayed and Happening In and Around Newport Due To This Weekend’s Snow Storm The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our area, both are in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday morning. The Winter Storm Warning has been issued for heavy snow with accumulation of 6 to […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport Will Implement Parking Ban on Saturday Night
The Newport Police Department has announced there will be a “Parking Ban” in effect at 10:00 PM on Saturday, January 23, 2016, until Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 8am due to the forecasted snow storm. Motor vehicles parked on such a street one-half hour after the public ban has been announced may be towed. Residents […]
Posted inNews
Winter Storm Watch In Effect For Newport From Saturday Morning Through Sunday Morning
(Photo: Most Likely Snow Accumulation Potential) The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a Winter Storm Watch and Hazardous Weather Outlook for our area, both are in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday morning. The latest Winter Storm Watch (located below) is forecasting our area to see possible snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches. […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Three Newport Gulls Pitchers Will Return for 2016
Pitchers Wegman, Schryver, and Wilpon all set to come back to Newport for second summer By: Nick Lima, Director of Media Relations for Newport Gulls The Newport Gulls are welcoming back pitchers Brad Wegman, Hunter Schryver, and Bradley Wilpon to the roster for the upcoming summer season. The three pitchers each played prominent roles in the team’s 2015 NECBL campaign. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Island Moving Company Will Open Their 34th Season at Rosecliff on February 26th
ISLAND MOVING CO. OPENS ITS 34th SEASON AT NEWPORT’S ROSECLIFF MANSION Island Moving Co., Newport’s contemporary ballet company, opens its 34th season with an Opening Weekend at Newport’s most romantic mansion, Rosecliff, February 26, 27 & 28, 2016. The Company restages its popular ballet for the very young, Mother Goose, at four matinees; and presents two evenings of […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Newport Hospitality, Inc. Wins International Gala Award from Special Events Magazine for Planning Events for Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover
Newport Hospitality, Inc. was awarded a prestigious Gala Award for Best Multiple-Day Event Program for a Corporation or Association at The Special Event Conference awards ceremony in Orlando, FL. Spectator Event at Castle Hill during the Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover The award was earned for the company’s role as the appointed DMC partner for […]
Posted inCity & Government
PODCAST: Chat About Issues Of The Day and Interview with John Florez, Newport City Councilor
Topics on The Open Forum on 1540 AM WADK Newport today from 12:30pm – 2pm ranged from the three structure fires on Aquidneck Island last night, what to do this weekend, snow storm forecast and the latest headlines from St. George’s School. I was also joined by Tony Gugliota from WJAR Channel 10 and had […]
Posted inNews
After Nearly 35 Years, Potter League Executive Director M. Christie Smith Announces Retirement
M. Christie Smith, CAWA, has announced that she will be retiring from her position as Executive Director of the Potter League for Animals in December 2016. During her nearly 35-year tenure, Smith’s tireless dedication and expertise have built the Potter League’s strong reputation as a trusted community resource in animal welfare. “I love the Potter League,” […]
Posted inThings To Do
10 Best Things To Do In Newport, RI This Weekend (Jan. 22 – 24)
Discover the best events, activities, live music, entertainment and things to do in and around Newport, RI this weekend! Scroll down for live music, comedy and entertainment listings. 1 . Live Improv Comedy: Friday at 8pm & Saturday at 8pm and 10pm The Bit Players, RI’s most award-winning comedy troupe, hits the stage at The Firehouse Theater with […]
Posted inJobs, Style & Shop
Sephora is Now Hiring For New Newport, RI Location
Sephora is now hiring for their new location in Newport, RI at 49 Long Wharf Mall that is expected to open this spring. What’sUpNewp was the first to bring you the news that Sephora would open in Newport, RI back on December 8, 2015. The company is currently hiring for 11 different positions for their […]
Posted inNews
Portsmouth Fire Department on Scene of Structure Fire on East Main Road
This story was originally published at 9:44pm on January 20th, it was last updated at 1:00 a.m on January 21st. Portsmouth Fire Department responded to a 2-Alarm Structure Fire at 1250 East Main Road. The call came in around 9:30pm on Wednesday night. Tiverton Engine 3, Car 3, Bristol Engine 4 with chief 3 and a […]
Posted inNews
Middletown Fire on Scene of House Fire on Green End Avenue
Middletown Fire Department responded to a house fire at 671 Green End Avenue shortly after 7pm on Wednesday night. Crews reported the fire was in the attic of the 1 1/2 story structure. Mutual aid from Portsmouth and Navy also responded to the scene. According to Zillow, the property is a 3 bed and 3 bath single family […]
Posted inNews
UPDATE: Wednesday Night House Fire on Kay Street
Newport Fire Department and services responded to 88 Kay Street around 6:45pm on Wednesday for a reported fire in the basement of a 2 story wood frame residential structure. The 2-Alarm Fire was knocked down quickly but crews found active fire extensions into walls and second floor. Canteen 1 from Providence responded to the scene to assist crews […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Second Edition of Ocean Race North Will See Boats Offshore Race From Charleston to Newport in May
Photo by Priscilla Parker Manuka Sports Event Management has confirmed their plans for the second edition of Ocean Race North, an offshore race running north from Charleston to Newport to start May 6. In addition, Fort Lauderdale to Charleston will run on April 8, 2016. “We are excited to be running Ocean Race North again in […]
Posted inNews
PODCAST: Interview with Stacey Carter from the Center For Business Outreach at Salve Regina University
Ryan Belmore, Owner/Editor of What’sUpNewp, was had Frank Prosnitz, Former Reporter for the Providence Journal and Providence Business News, as C0-Host on his radio show, The Open Forum, on 1540 AM WADK Newport today. Their guest was Stacey Carter from the Center For Business Outreach from the Department of Business Studies and Economics at Salve […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Newport Restaurant Group to Welcome ‘Avvio Ristorante’ in Former Papa Razzi Location in Cranston
Newport Restaurant Group, a division of Newport Harbor Corporation, an employee-owned hospitality company, is pleased to announce Avvio, a new restaurant in the former Papa Razzi space in Garden City, Cranston. Avvio will join the Newport Restaurant Group collection as the ninth location in Rhode Island and will embody the essence of everyday Italian dining; […]
Posted inNews
PHOTOS: Newport Shows Love For Dorian Murray Through #DSTRONG
In case you missed it, the Rhode Island General Assembly will honor 8-year-old Dorian Murray of Westerly today with a resolution proclaiming Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, as “#DSTRONG Day.” Dorian, who has been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare untreatable cancer, is scheduled to attend the session as a guest in both the House and Senate […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island General Assembly Will Honor Dorian Murray by Proclaiming Today as #DSTRONG DAY
The Rhode Island General Assembly will honor 8-year-old Dorian Murray of Westerly today with a resolution proclaiming Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, as “#DSTRONG Day.” Senate Minority Leader Dennis L. Algiere (R-Dist. 38, Charlestown, South Kingstown, Westerly) and House Corporations Committee Chairman Brian Patrick Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly) will introduce the resolutions in their respective […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum Will Welcome Four New Exhibitions This Winter
The Newport Art Museum will welcome four new exhibitions to its galleries this winter, including two solo artists, one group show, and an exhibition of recent Museum acquisitions. Mary Dondero: Small Points in Time, Jason E. Smith: Outer Myths, Paintings: Recent Acquisitions, and the Newport Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition will be on view this winter and celebrated during an opening […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
George Wein Announces Entire Lineup For 2016 Newport Jazz Festival
With last year’s highly-celebrated festival behind him, George Wein, Festival producer and chairman of the Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™, today announced the lineup for the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Global Asset Management, which will again take place in Newport, RI, July 29 – 31 at historic Fort Adams State Park and the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
State House Commission Studying Economic Impact of Sea Rise Will Focus on Newport on Thursday
Photo by Marial Maher/Visual Manor The House Commission on Economic Risk Due to Flooding and Sea Rise will meet Thursday to study the potential financial effects rising sea levels could have on Newport. Newport is one of three coastal areas in the state the commission is using as case studies to shed light on the […]
Posted inNews
PODCAST: Interview with Preservation Society of Newport County and International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Joining me today on The Open Forum on 1540 AM WADK Newport today was Trudy Coxe, CEO of Preservation Society of Newport County; John Rodman, Museum Experience Director of Preservation Society of Newport County and Doug Stark, Director of Museum at International Tennis Hall Of Fame. Give the podcast a listen and get an update on […]