The Alexandria Brief
Alexandria news, information, and conversations that you won’t find anywhere else.
About The Publisher
I’m Ryan Belmore, and I live in Alexandria.
I moved here from Rhode Island in 2021 with my wife, Jen, and our two dogs. Since then, I have served on the city’s Commission for the Arts and Board of Zoning Appeals, and now serve as a media representative on the Local Emergency Planning Committee. I contributed a column to ALXnow for two years before serving as its publisher from March to October 2025. I launched The Alexandria Brief in November 2025.
This is my home now. You are my neighbors. The decisions I cover affect me too — I’m a taxpayer and resident, just like you.
My Background
I’ve spent nearly 15 years in local independent journalism. In 2012, I took over as Owner and Publisher of What's Up Newp in Newport, Rhode Island, and have grown it into a publication recognized as Rhode Island Monthly's Best Local News Blog for three consecutive years (2018, 2019, 2020). I still own What's Up Newp and work daily with a team of on-the-ground contributors.
I 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. I’ve been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism. I’ve worked with major technology companies and journalism foundations, and I continue to coach and mentor new publications.
In Newport, I also hosted a daily radio talk show for four years and have since worked as a Senior Editor at Mountain News, which published OnTheSnow. Before all of this news business, I spent several years working in administration/management with the New England Patriots and several years as a volunteer firefighter/first responder in Rhode Island.
I didn’t come to journalism through a traditional path. I experienced foster care and homelessness as a kid and was adopted as a teenager. That shapes how I think about community — who gets noticed, who gets heard, and what it means to show up for your neighbors.
Contact: ryan@alexandriabrief.com
What makes The Alexandria Brief different
Original reporting
Deep dives and analysis — not just what happened, but why it matters and what it means for Alexandria. Solutions-oriented journalism that makes you smarter about your community.
By a neighbor, for neighbors
I live in Alexandria and cover the city I call home. These decisions affect me too — I, like you, am a taxpayer and resident.
The Alexandria Brief is a member of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and the Del Ray Business Association.
Community-powered
100% funded by community members — no advertising, no conflicts of interest, no corporate ownership. Just independent journalism, answerable to neighbors.
Free for all
All content is free for everyone. No paywall. Local news should be accessible to every Alexandria resident, whether you can pay or not.
Community-focused journalism
I focus on what matters to Alexandria — not what gets pageviews or clicks. Real journalism serving the community’s needs.
My Vision & Values
My Mission: To deliver independent journalism that makes Alexandria residents smarter about their community. I focus on accountability, deep dives, and the stories that affect your daily life — not what gets pageviews.
My Values: I’m committed to accuracy, independence, accountability, and transparency — the ethical standards of the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, and Local Independent Online News Publishers. I will correct all known errors and clearly mark any sponsored content.
What I cover
From city hall to your neighborhood — government decisions, development projects, community events, public safety, local businesses, and the stories that affect your daily life in Alexandria.
Government & Politics — City council, school board, mayor, budget, elections
Public Safety — Crime, police, fire, emergency services
Development — Construction, zoning, neighborhood impact
Business — Local businesses, economic development, openings and closings
Food & Drink — Restaurants, bars, cafes, and the people behind them
Community & Culture — Events, neighborhoods, civic associations, arts
Education — Alexandria City Public Schools, policies, budgets
Transportation — Metro, DASH, traffic, bikes, infrastructure
Subscribe
All content is free to read — no paywall on any journalism.
Subscribe for free to receive The Alexandria Brief every weekday morning. All journalism is free for everyone, always. No credit card required. Unsubscribe anytime.
Newsletters
The Alexandria Brief - A daily newsletter that makes you smarter about Alexandria—with news, context, and analysis on what’s shaping your community. Delivered every weekday morning
Weekend Brief - A weekly newsletter, delivered on Thursdays, that serves as your guide to all that’s happening, new, and to do for the weekend ahead in Alexandria.
Customize which newsletters and notifications you’d like to receive here.
Why become a member?
While all my journalism is free, I’m funded entirely by member support. If you’re able, consider becoming a member to help keep this sustainable.
