Giusto will host a special “Tour through the Alps” wine dinner on Friday, December 6th, featuring wines from the Alpine region of Italy paired with a five-course menu. The event, a partnership with Nick Mucci of Mucci Imports and Wine Wizards, will showcase wines from Valle d’Aosta and Alto Piemonte. Executive Chef William Rietzel has […]
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
Newport Fire, Police to escort Santa through Newport’s neighborhoods
Santa Claus is coming to town! The annual Santa’s Ride through Newport neighborhoods is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, December 10th. Santa will be escorted by the Newport Fire and Police Departments at 5:30 p.m. on the following dates — Tuesday, December 10th, Thursday, December 12th, Tuesday, December 17th, and Thursday, December 19th. Santa will […]
Posted inNews
Independent Man will return to State House dome this December
The Independent Man statue will be lifted back into place atop the Rhode Island State House dome in early December, Governor Dan McKee announced today. The statue was removed last year after drone footage revealed a crack in its marble base, raising concerns about its stability. The 15-foot statue will be de-installed from public display […]
Posted inSports
Thanksgiving Day Football Game between Rogers and Tiverton moved to Wednesday night
Rogers High School will take on Tiverton High School in a Thanksgiving Day Football game a day earlier than scheduled. The game has been moved from 10:15 a.m. on Thursday to 5 p.m. on Wednesday due to the inclement weather forecast for Thanksgiving in Newport. The game will take place at Toppa Field in Newport. […]
Posted inNews
U.S. Naval War College bids farewell to Adm. Guillermo E. Barrera
Former Commander of the Colombian Navy Adm. Guillermo E. Barrera has retired as the first ever Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Distinguished International Fellow at the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, Rhode Island, after 13 years of service. Selected in 2011, Barrera was the first of four international fellows chosen by the CNO […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in the running for Best Domestic Airport
If you’re a fan of Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), now is the time to make your voice heard. The airport is once again vying for the title of Best Domestic Airport in Travel + Leisure’s (T+L) 2025 World’s Best Awards survey. Last year, PVD secured an impressive second-place finish, coming within a […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport today: Wednesday, November 27
Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, November 27th. Did you know that on this day in 1924, the very first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in New York City? 🎈 November 27th also marks Lancashire Day in the United Kingdom, a day to celebrate the establishment of the Lancashire parliament back in 1542. 🏛️ Speaking of […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport today: Wednesday, November 27
.bh__table, .bh__table_header, .bh__table_cell { border: 1px solid #C0C0C0; } .bh__table_cell { padding: 5px; background-color: #FFFFFF; } .bh__table_cell p { color: #2D2D2D; font-family: ‘Helvetica’,Arial,sans-serif !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; } .bh__table_header { padding: 5px; background-color:#F1F1F1; } .bh__table_header p { color: #2A2A2A; font-family:’Trebuchet MS’,’Lucida Grande’,Tahoma,sans-serif !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; } Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, November 27th.Did you know that on […]
Posted inNews
RITBA warns customers of text scam
Today, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority warned customers of a widespread text scam known as smishing. A text customers have received today references an unpaid toll from a Kansas road. Smishing is a type of phishing that involves sending fraudulent communications via text message. “We’re committed to keeping our customers’ information secure,” said […]
Posted inNonprofit
Duchess seeks playful forever home
Meet Duchess, a one-year-old mixed-breed female who is looking for a new home where she can be the center of attention. This playful and energetic pup weighs 49 lbs and has a larger-than-life personality. She loves to play fetch and would do best with a high-energy dog that matches her play style. She likes the […]
Posted inNews
People’s Credit Union appoints Christie Jencks as Head of Commercial Lending
People’s Credit Union has announced the promotion of Christie Jencks to Head of Commercial Lending, effective November 26, 2024. In this role, Jencks will oversee the growth and management of People’s Credit Union’s commercial loan portfolio. She will be responsible for business development, as well as operational aspects of the portfolio, including credit analysis and […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH encourages Rhode Islanders to take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses this Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising residents to take steps to ensure their health and safety this holiday season. The Department is urging residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV, which are expected to increase during the upcoming months. […]
Posted inNews
Battle of Rhode Island to be recounted at Tiverton Library
Local historian Fred Zilian will give a talk on the Rhode Island Campaign and Battle of Rhode Island (1778) at the Tiverton Public Library on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. The library is located at 34 Roosevelt Ave. in Tiverton. During the Revolutionary War, Newport […]
Posted inNews
Seamen’s Church Institute offers free Thanksgiving Meal
Seamen’s Church Institute will host its free Thanksgiving Day meal on Thursday, November 28, 2024, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. The meal will be served buffet style and is free and open to the public. Guests will enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. In addition to the meal, free winter coats, […]
Posted inNews
Salve Regina University students selected for Siemens Financial Leadership Development Program
Three students from Salve Regina University have been selected for the prestigious Siemens Financial Leadership Development Program (FLDP), landing internships that will take place in the summer of 2025. The global technology company offers these highly competitive spots to just 30 undergraduate students nationwide. From the thousands who apply, Siemens selects 80 students to attend their “Super Day” interviews […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport today: Tuesday, November 26
Good Morning! It’s Tuesday, November 26th. On this day in 1842, the University of Notre Dame was founded by Edward Sorin in Indiana. Today, we celebrate National Cake Day 🍰, Anti-Obesity Day 💪, Good Grief Day 😔, International Cake Day 🎂, National Heath Day 🍫, National Law Day ⚖️, and World Lewis Day 🐨. Speaking […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport today: Tuesday, November 26
.bh__table, .bh__table_header, .bh__table_cell { border: 1px solid #C0C0C0; } .bh__table_cell { padding: 5px; background-color: #FFFFFF; } .bh__table_cell p { color: #2D2D2D; font-family: ‘Helvetica’,Arial,sans-serif !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; } .bh__table_header { padding: 5px; background-color:#F1F1F1; } .bh__table_header p { color: #2A2A2A; font-family:’Trebuchet MS’,’Lucida Grande’,Tahoma,sans-serif !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; } Good Morning! It’s Tuesday, November 26th. On this day in […]
Posted inNews
Comic – Sour Grapes: Veggie
Check out this week’s Sour Grapes comic strip by Tim Jones! Tim Jones is the creator of the popular comic strip, Sour Grapes. The comic features Aesop, a flying dog who is grumpy, and his family and pet cloud, Ominous, as they navigate the challenges of a strange and troubled world. Jones is a cartoonist, […]
Posted inNews
Army-Navy Flag Football Game returns to Nimitz Field on Dec. 6
The U.S. Naval War College’s annual Army-Navy flag football game will take place at Nimitz Football Field on Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. The event is open to active-duty personnel, retirees, reservists, eligible family members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors with base access. Nimitz Football Field is located on Naval Station Newport, which is […]
Posted inNews
Newport Harbor Island Resort to light up lighthouse for the holidays
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the historic lighthouse at Newport Harbor Island Resort. The complimentary event will take place on Saturday, November 30th at 5:00 PM, offering panoramic views of the Newport Bridge. Attendees can enjoy carolers, warm drinks (including spiked options), and festive treats while celebrating the […]
Posted inNews
Luminaries to illuminate Salve Regina campus
Salve Regina University’s campus will be transformed by the warm glow of 1,000 luminarias on December 3, 2024, as part of the university’s annual Luminaria display. The event, open to the public, will feature paper lanterns inscribed with tributes to loved ones, illuminating the grounds near McAuley Hall and Our Lady of Mercy Chapel. Those […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Food Bank reports record high food insecurity
A new report from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank reveals a startling increase in food insecurity across the state, with 38% of households now struggling to afford adequate food. The 2024 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island, released at a Town Hall event today, shows food insecurity has reached a record high, particularly […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Mill Creek and Elizabeth Brook set for major upgrades with federal funding
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse announced today $2,480,539 in federal funding to enhance the resilience of Rhode Island communities. The grants, awarded through the National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF), will support two projects on Aquidneck Island aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and restoring natural habitats. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) receives $1,800,000 to […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up in Newport: November 25 – December 2
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island, this week/weekend, Monday, November 25 through Monday, December 2, 2024. Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Community Calendar Monday, November 25 Things To Do Holidays at the Newport Mansions 10 am: Holidays by the Sea Press Conference 4 […]
Posted inCity & Government
$15.5 million FEMA grant to boost resilience at Rhode Island ports
A $15.5 million Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program award — the largest grant the state has ever received through the program — will fund structure-elevation at the Port of Galilee and Wickford Dock, as well as replacement of a total of eight docks at three Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management […]