Salve Regina University’s overall ranking among the best institutions of higher education in the United States climbed to 27th in the Regional Universities (North) category, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges survey made public today. Salve was also recognized by U.S. News as a top university for Undergraduate Teaching (13th), Most […]
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
What’s Up in Newport: Sunday, September 17
Sunday, September 17, 2023 | Reading Time: 7 minutes 🌹 Sydney Gordon, founder of Folk Vintage on Thames Street, announced on Saturday that she will appear in the upcoming season of The Bachelor. Read More 🌧️ Atlantic storm Lee made landfall at near-hurricane strength Saturday, bringing destructive winds, rough surf and torrential rains to New England […]
Posted inNews
Newport woman, owner of Folk Vintage, to appear on ‘The Bachelor’
Sydney Gordon, founder of Folk Vintage on Thames Street, announced on Saturday that she will appear in the upcoming season of “The Bachelor”. Sydney made the announcement on Instagram. “‼️SECRETS OUT‼️ Our queen & owner of Folk, @syd_gord is on this season of @bachelorabc !! We are so excited to follow along on her journey and see the many […]
Posted inCity & Government
New bus schedule for Newport Public Schools begins on Monday
Newport Public Schools has revised the 2023/2024 bus routes. This new bus schedule goes into effect on Monday, September 18th. Note that there are new times for most morning routes. The new schedules can be found here: https://5il.co/13jho NPS_Bus_Routes_2023-24_September_UpdateDownload
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Saturday, Sept. 16
Saturday, September 16, 2023 | Reading Time: 7 minutes 🌬️ Lee is now a Tropical System. It will be a bit breezy out there today. The National Weather Service currently has a high surf advisory issued until 8 am tomorrow morning. 💡 The good news – as of 6:55 am, there are currently 0 active power outages across the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Road Report: Travel Advisories for September 16 – 23
Here are the weekly road construction reports from the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority (RITBA) and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). All schedules are weather-dependent. RHODE ISLAND TURNPIKE & BRIDGE AUTHORITY September 17 – 23, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Open Road Tolling (ORT) Lane Closure- 9/19- 7 am to 3 pmWestbound Left Lane […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOT provides update on Aquidneck Ave, Pell Bridge Ramps projects
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation provided updates today on two Aquidneck Island projects – Aquidneck Avene in Middletown and the Pell Bridge Ramps in Newport. Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown Credit: RIDOT “Overnight paving requires the continued closure of Aquidneck Avenue, from East Main Road to Green End Avenue, Sunday-Thursday nights from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Ongoing sidewalk and drainage work […]
Posted inCity & Government
Independent Man, State House Dome to undergo historic repair and preservation
Governor Dan McKee today announced that the Independent Man and the cupola atop the Rhode Island State House dome will undergo an important, historic repair and preservation effort which will include the Independent Man temporarily moving from atop the dome for the first time since 1975 and for only the second time in the state’s history. “The […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport International Boat Show announces 2023 Newport For New Products Award winners
The Newport International Boat Show announced today the results of this year’s Newport For New Products™ (NFNP) Awards. Judged on Thursday during the Show’s opening day and announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, September 15, 2023, the winners are: Best New Navigation Product (Including Marine Electronics) – B&G Hercules Best New Boating Operation, Maintenance […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up in Newport: Friday, September 15
Friday, September 15, 2023 | Reading Time: 7 minutes 🍻 In light of this Saturday’s forecasted hurricane, organizers of the 2nd Annual Newport Oktoberfest have made the decision to postpone this year’s Newport Oktoberfest to Saturday, September 28, 2024. Read More 🙏 Due to the likelihood of rain and stormy conditions from Hurricane Lee on Saturday, […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Anne M Pacheco
We mourn the loss and celebrate the beautiful life of Anne Pacheco, who passed away on September 8, 2023. Born on September 19th, in Manhattan, NY, Anne was the beloved daughter of the late Harry and Violet Boyajian Garabedian. Residing in Somerset, MA, for the majority of her life, Anne was a compassionate and dedicated […]
Posted inBusiness
$5 million donation from Bally’s will help CCRI launch new programming in the gaming and hospitality industries
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) today joined Governor Dan McKee, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski, and Bally’s Corporation Chairman Soo Kim to announce a $5 million donation to CCRI to develop and launch new programming in the gaming, hospitality, and security industries and to support student scholarships. The gift marks […]
Posted inNews
Zack: The adorable feline with a ‘beefy physique” awaits you at Potter League
Meet your new best friend, Zack – this week’s adoptable cat of the week! Zack is a 10-year-old male feline, weighs 27.5 pounds, and is currently available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown. “We can’t begin to tell you how incredibly special Zack is. Quite simply, Zack is a big, black […]
Posted inSports
Story hits 3-run HR, Red Sox beat Yankees 5-0 after firing Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom
By KEN POWTAK Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Trevor Story hit a three-run homer, Tanner Houck pitched six effective innings and Boston climbed out of the AL East basement with a 5-0 victory over the New York Yankees on Thursday in the opener of a doubleheader after the Red Sox fired Chief Baseball Officer Chaim […]
Posted inCity & Government
Department of Health: Updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 Vaccine to be available in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is recommending that everyone six months of age and older get the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Vaccine will become increasingly available over the next several weeks at sites throughout Rhode Island. The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Energy prepares for Hurricane Lee impacts
Rhode Island Energy (RIE) today issued a press release saying that it has been closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Lee this week and is prepared for its potential impacts. The storm is likely to arrive in the area Friday afternoon and continue throughout the day into Saturday. Lee is expected to bring tropical-force winds, […]
Posted inNews
Tropical Storm Watch issued for Newport
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Newport and its surrounding areas. Tropical Storm Watch Lee Local Watch/Warning Statement/Advisory Number 37 National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA AL132023 1058 AM EDT Thu Sep 14 2023 RIZ007-142300- /O.CON.KBOX.TR.A.1013.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/ Newport RI- 1058 AM EDT Thu Sep 14 2023 … TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT… * LOCATIONS […]
Posted inNews
Little City Thrifty Vintage Market returns to WaterFire Arts Center October 14 – 15
Recently named “Rhode Island’s Best Flea Market” (Domino Magazine), Little City Thrifty is returning to WaterFire Arts Center in Providence, RI for a curated weekend of indoor vintage and antique shopping on October 14th & 15th!Little City Thrifty’s October event will bring vintage lovers and dealers from far and wide, and will feature over 90 booths […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up in Newport: Thursday, Sept. 14
Thursday, September 14 | Reading Time: 7 minutes 🌪️ The National Weather Service in Boston said radar data and videos showed it was likely that a tornado damaged trees and power lines in Rhode Island and Connecticut on Wednesday. In Lincoln, Rhode Island, photos after the storm showed at least one roof damaged and the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up this weekend: Sept. 14 – 17
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in events, live music, and entertainment this weekend in and around Newport, Rhode Island. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 THINGS TO DO 10 am to 6 pm: Newport International Boat Show at Newport Yachting Center Marina 10 am to 6 pm: Newport Brokerage Boat Show at Safe Harbor Newport […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: 21 homes changed hands in Newport County last week
Here’s a look at What Sold last week in Newport County. September started off with a strong number of property transfers. Read below to see what homes changed hands in your neighborhood! For more information on any of these sales or questions about the local real estate market, please reach out to Tyler Bernadyn, WhatsUpNewp’s […]
Posted inNews
Tornado Warning Issued by NWS Boston for Northeastern Providence County
The National Weather Service in Boston/Norton has issued a Tornado Warning for east Central Windham County in northern Connecticut and Western Providence County in Rhode Island. Effective:17:55 EDT on 09-13-2023Expires:18:30 EDT on 09-13-2023Event:Tornado WarningAlert:The National Weather Service in Boston/Norton has issued a * Tornado Warning for… Southwestern Norfolk County in eastern Massachusetts… Northwestern Bristol County in southeastern Massachusetts… Northeastern […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Movement + Color: Gallery Sitka’s latest exhibition opens on Sept. 23
Gallery Sitka’s latest exhibition, “Movement + Color” opens with a reception on Saturday, September 23, 2-4pm at Gallery Sitka on the corner of Spring and Franklin Streets. “Movement + Color” is by Bristol, RI based artist, Kate Huntington. Kate shares, “In this exhibit, I’ll share a variety of paintings – both seascapes and figures. Many people will be able to pick out […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee: Here is how Rhode Island is preparing for Hurricane Lee
Governor Dan McKee and Lt. Governor Sabina Matos today convened the leadership of all state agencies to review preparedness and response plans as Rhode Island continues to ready for additional flash flooding and severe weather as Hurricane Lee approaches. The Administration will continue to provide updates over the next several days. “We’ve mobilized all of […]
Posted inNews
Save The Bay invites Rhode Island volunteers to #SeaTheChange during Ocean Conservancy’s 38th annual International Coastal Cleanup
This September-November, Save The Bay is calling on volunteers to be the change and #SeaTheChange as part of Ocean Conservancy’s 38th International Coastal Cleanup® (ICC), the world’s largest volunteer effort to remove and record trash from local lakes, waterways, beaches and the ocean. “With each piece of trash we collect, we see the difference we […]