The following is an official press release from Sail Newport/Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (October 30, 2015) – Governor Gina M. Raimondo, in partnership with Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and Senate President Paiva Weed, joined Volvo Ocean Race and Sail Newport today to announce the return of the Volvo Ocean Race to Newport in […]
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 inEnvironment & Health, News
Volvo Ocean Race Will Return to Newport
Photo by Dan Nerney/Sail Newport Organizers from Sail Newport, the State of Rhode Island, the RI Dept. of Environmental Management, Discover Newport, and the City of Newport have announced that Newport will once again be a North American Stopover during the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race. 2015 Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover The 2015 Newport Stopover […]
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Morning News and Notes | October 30th
Good Morning! Here’s a round-up of the latest on what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, RI; Best Things To Do in Newport on Halloween Weekend: (What’sUpNewp) Newport Restaurant Group Promotes Chef to Restaurant Director: (Patch) Where to Find Live Music and Entertainment in Newport This Halloween Weekend: (What’sUpNewp) Photos: Hurricane Sandy […]
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Morning News and Notes
Good Morning! Here’s a round-up of the latest on what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, RI; In Newport, Measuring Direct Benefits from Recent Tourism Awards is Tricky: What’s also tricky is keeping Newport positioned to earn the awards in the first place. Discover Newport’s Evan Smith explains. (Patch) Pasta Beach Hopes to […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Pasta Beach Hopes to Open in New Location on Bellevue Before Summer of 2016
Photo Credit: Queenie Darleen Pasta Beach may soon be making the long anticipated move to their new home on Bellevue Avenue. A lawyer for Pasta Beach has recently shared a Status Update regarding their move from 7 Memorial Boulevard to 136-138 Bellevue Avenue with Newport City Council. The liquor license was transferred to the new location and […]
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Morning News and Notes | October 28
Good Morning! Here’s a round-up of the latest on what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, RI; More Than 50 Local Restaurants Will Participate in Newport Restaurant Week: Savor three-course prix-fixe lunches for $16 and three-course prix-fixe dinners for $35 during Newport Restaurant Week, November 6 – 15. (What’sUpNewp) Latest Hotel Amenity: Books: Castle […]
Posted inThings To Do
Host Your Own Laser Tag Battle at Fort Adams This Fall
After successfully hosting Laser Tag Battles at Fort Adams during Fortress of Nightmares, Fort Adams Trust has announced that they will continue to host laser tag battles until November 22nd for private parties, corporate retreats and children’s birthday parties. Using innovative technology supplied by E-Combat, taggers can point and shoot a harmless laser at their opponent and […]
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Gallery: 65 Incredibly Beautiful Photos of Fall Foliage in Newport, RI
Photo by: Sean J. Casey Who says you have to travel to Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine to enjoy the vibrant red, yellow and orange colors of fall foliage in New England? Local and visiting Instagram users have been capturing some incredibly beautiful photos of fall foliage in Newport, RI. [View the story “65 Incredibly Beautiful […]
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Newport, RI Morning News and Notes | October 27
Good Morning! Here’s a round-up of the latest on what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, RI; Newport Jazz Festival Flex Tickets are Back: Jazz fans can get a head start on their summer plans by purchasing flexible discount tickets to the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival®presented by Natixis Global Asset Management, which is […]
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Planned to Celebrate Completiton of Universal Trail at Norman Bird Sanctuary
Members of the public are invited to join the staff of Norman Bird Sanctuary on Monday, November 23rd to celebrate the completion of upgrades to the Universal Trail and the new trailhead entryway. The ADA-compliant Universal Trail offers an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to establish a connection to the natural world, and helps fulfill […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Newport Jazz Festival Flex Tickets are Back
Jazz fans can get a head start on their summer plans by purchasing flexible discount tickets to the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival®presented by Natixis Global Asset Management, which is set for July 29 – 31. Tickets are available while supplies last at www.newportjazzfest.org and at the Newport Visitor Information Center, 23 America’s Cup Avenue, beginning […]
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Wanted: One 30 Foot Christmas Tree For Bowen’s Wharf
Bowen’s Wharf is currently on the hunt for a Christmas Tree to “spruce” up the “Anchor Of Newport” for the Christmas Season and for their annual Tree Lighting! Have a tree or know of one that is available on Aquidneck Island? The tree should be a minimum of 30′ high and should be look good […]
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Brooke Shields Spends Weekend in Newport, RI
Photo courtesy of The Real Brooke Shields Facebook Page After appearing on the Today Show on Friday, Actress Brooke Shields made her way to Rhode Island to spend the weekend in Newport, RI. It looks as if the 50 year old actress known for her early movie roles and TV series such as Suddenly Susan […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
VIDEO: Martina Hingis Presented Hall of Fame Ring on October 25th in Singapore
Photo: Getty Images/WTA Swiss tennis great Martina Hingis, who is both a Hall of Famer and part of the current world No. 1 doubles team, was honored at the BNP PARIBAS WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global on Sunday evening in a special ceremony to present her official Hall of Fame ring. The Hall […]
Posted inJobs, News
Now Hiring: Bike Newport is Looking For a New Program Manager
Bike Newport is currently accepting applications for the position of Program Manager. This position will assist with all elements of their work in improving bike education, infrastructure, and ridership in and around Newport, Rhode Island. The right candidate will be a personable, passionate, well-organized, detail-oriented, social media savvy, community loving, active transportation enthusiast who wants […]
Posted inNews, Style & Shop
Two Newport Yoga Businesses Join Together in Unique Collaboration
What’sUpNewp was the first to bring you the news on August 30th when we shared that Thames Street Yoga and Long Time Sun Apparel were moving in together. Here’s an update on the collaboration; Thames Street Yoga, a vinyasa yoga studio on lower Thames and Long Time Sun a yoga lifestyle boutique located just off […]
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RITBA Announces Construction Will Take Place on Mount Hope Bridge Through October 31st
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) today announced that due to road repairs on the Mount Hope Bridge, it will necessitate the closing of both the eastbound and westbound lanes periodically during non-rush hour times 9am-3pm. Construction on the bridge will continue through Saturday, October 31st. Police details and civilian flaggers will be […]
Posted inStyle & Shop
Marc Allen Fine Clothiers to Host Child & Family Holiday Shopping Event
Marc Allen Fine Clothiers will host a holiday shopping event to benefit local non-profit, Child & Family. The shop, which opened its doors for business in April, has quickly become the top shop for exclusive luxury brands and custom-made men’s clothes in Newport. From November 17th-21st, 25 percent from every sale will be donated to […]
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As Daylight Savings Time Ends, Bicyclists are Reminded to be Visible at Night
Photo: Chris Tompsett of Newport demonstrates the best of night brightness. As the clocks fall back, cyclists need to light up. Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 1. As darkness arrives earlier, cyclists are reminded to take extra precaution riding at night. White lights on front, red lights on back, and plenty of reflectors and […]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things to do This Week in Newport | October 26 – 29
Photo by Morgan Macia/Macia Photography The last week of October is already here, where did our beloved fall go? Anyway, Halloween is right around the corner and things are really getting spooky around The City By The Sea! Here’s what’s happening, new and to do this week in and around Newport… 1 – Esporao Wine […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Your Guide to Live Music, Karaoke, Trivia and Entertainment This Week
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Newport for live music and entertainment this week, enjoy! Listings: Entertainment & Live Music In Newport This Week 1 – Bowens Wharf Tuesday: Live music from Joe from My Mother’s Moustache from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 2 – Buskers Irish Pub & Restaurant | 178 Thames Street Wednesday: Open […]
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Morning News and Notes | October 26
Good Morning! Here’s the latest on what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport, RI; A New Leaf: (Two-thirds of Rhode Island’s commercial lobstermen have left the business in …. told me when I visited him at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, in Newport, … (The New Yorker) Best Things to do This Week […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Yesterday’s Memorabilia Brings in Nearly $28,000 at Auction
If it wasn’t already official, it is now. Yesterday’s and the place is no more. Nearly 100 people including previous employees, local business owners and memorabilia collectors attended an auction held by Salvadore Auctions, Inc. on Saturday, October 26th to bid on everything from beer taps to chairs to the framed photographs. The three hour […]
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EPA and Federal Partners Announce $5 Million for Southeast New England Program for Coastal Watershed Restoration
BOSTON – October 27, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — EPA today joined state and local dignitaries to announce $5 million in federal funding to continue efforts of the Southeast New England Program for Coastal Watershed Restoration. The program brings together innovation and partnerships to apply an ecosystem approach to protecting and restoring the coastal watersheds of […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Gallery: Our Favorite 2015 Pell Bridge Run Photos
More than 3,500 walkers and runners participated in the 2015 Citizens Bank Pell Bridge Run on Sunday, October 25th. This event is the only time throughout the year that pedestrians are allowed to run or walk across the Claiborne Pell Bridge from Jamestown to Newport, R.I. According to the Citizens Bank Pell Bridge Run Facebook Page, Geoff Nelson became […]