Modern-day preservationists from around the world and the U.S. will address the important work of safeguarding historic structures and objects, even when they shine light on a problematic past, at Salve Regina University’s 19th Conference on Cultural and Historic Preservation – Preservation and Memory – October 18-19, 2019. The conference welcomes nearly two dozen preservation […]
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 inBusiness, Food & Drink
Brick Alley Pub hosting a Moving Party for Plumby’s on October 13th
If somehow you didn’t hear the news, the Middletown Grange at 499 East Main Road in Middletown (across from Frosty Freez) will soon become Plumby’s, Brick Alley Pub’s fast-casual burger concept. Plumby’s opened on the second floor of Brick Alley Pub on August 17th, 2015, and on October 13th Brick Alley Pub for Plumby’s before […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for Janet B. (Brownlee) Munson-Lyons
Janet Munson-Lyons, 79, of Newport, passed away on October 5, 2019, at the Newport Hospital, surround by her loving family and friends. Born in Ferniegair, Scotland, on January 6, 1940. Janet was the daughter of George Brownlee and Annie (Holland) Brownlee. She graduated from Hamilton Academy and Jordan Hills College at the University of Glasgow. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Centennial Speaker Series: Hear from 11th Hour Racing’s Michelle Carnevale at Seamen’s on October 9th
The next Centennial Speaker Series at Seamen’s Church Institute of Newport will feature Michelle Carnevale, grant program director for 11th Hour Racing, on Wednesday, October 9th at 6 pm. Carnevale leads the organization’s ocean health grant-making and will be speaking about the grant program and the organization’s work to support innovative and local solutions to […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Students in grades 2 – 4 welcome to join Newport County Youth Chorus’ “Celebrating the Season” 6-week program
The Newport County Youth Chorus is welcoming new singers to join their next six-week program called “Celebrating the Season”. It is free to participate and no audition is necessary — just a love of singing! Classes begin the week of November 4. Session 2 “Celebrating the Season” will feature music about the holidays in a […]
Posted inThings To Do
Aquidneck Island Escapes: Mount Desert Island
Looking for a day-trip or weekend adventure idea off-island? Aquidneck Island Escapes is our series highlighting these destinations from Newport accessible via car or public transportation. If you missed it, our first Aquidneck Island Escapes brought us to Nantucket in May. Now that summer is over, we took off on a “Rhode Trip” from Newport […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
The Redwood Library & Athenæum will kick off inaugural John J. Slocum Jr. Memorial Lecture with Christopher Buckley
The Redwood Library & Athenæum announced today that they will kick off their first John J. Slocum Jr Memorial Lecture with humorist, Christopher Buckley. His presentation, “My Old Man and The Sea” is a son’s memoir of sailing adventures with the late William F. Buckley, Jr. and will be held: Friday, 25th October 2019 at […]
Posted inNews
Jay Leno, supporters raise more than $30,000 for Newport firefighter battling cancer
Nearly five-hundred people woke up this morning still smiling and laughing after Jay Leno’s performance at the Jane Pickens Theater last night. This one-night-only show, which sold out in less than ten minutes, benefited a veteran Newport firefighter who is currently battling cancer. The event was organized and put on by The Firehouse Theater, Jane […]
Posted inNews
Newport Police seek public’s assistance identifying suspect in fraudulent check case
Newport Police Department is seek the public’s assistance in identifying a person they are attempting to speak to regarding a fraudulent check case. ” We need your help! The photos attached to this post depict a person we are attempting to Identify in regards to a fraudulent check case. A vehicle associated with this case […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Preview: Agenda for Newport City Council’s October 9th Council Meeting
Newport City Council will meet next on Wednesday, October 9th. Here’s what’s on the agenda; CITY OF NEWPORTDOCKET OF THE COUNCIL MEETINGOCTOBER 9, 2019 THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS43 BROADWAY, NEWPORT, RI 02840 The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, will come […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Fall, early Winter schedule of events on Bowen’s Wharf include Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale, 29th Annual Seafood Festival, and more
Columbus Day Sidewalk Sales Friday, October 11th, through Monday October 14th, 10 am – 5pm. (Sunday October 13th 12pm-5pm). Forget the mall, shop small! New shops, new looks…how about some new fragrances or fashions for you, your home or boat? Over 20 locally owned boutiques and galleries to navigate as they offer special pricing on end-of-season merchandise to […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Residents, business owners invited to pick-up free daffodil bulbs at three locations in Greater Newport
Fall is in the air and that means only one thing – it’s daffodil bulb planting time! Once again, Daffodillion, the now Island-wide civic beautification campaign, will be providing free daffodil bulbs* at the following locations: · The Broadway Street Fair from noon – 5pm, Saturday, October 12 · Easton’s Beach Rotunda from 9am – noon, Saturday, October 19 […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
New season of Arts Around the Fire kicks off on October 16th
Newport’s Arts and Cultural Alliance’s monthly networking event, Arts Around the Fire, opens its season at Salvation Café on Wednesday, October 16th from 6-8pm at the Post & Beam room at 140 Broadway in Newport. The Alliance’s guest will be Dr. Erik Greenberg, the new Director of Museums for the Newport Restoration Foundation. Greenberg is a public historian and museum professional. He was the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Senator DiPalma to hold 3rd annual Cyber Hygiene Event on October 23
Senator Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) will be holding his third annual Cyber Hygiene Event on Wednesday, October 23 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the CCRI Newport Auditorium. The purpose of the event is to provide the public with an increased awareness of the various cyber exploitations and practical […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Second round of Rhode Island Innovation Campus Projects announced, will be located in Kingston, Portsmouth, and Providence
Governor Gina Raimondo today joined with University of Rhode Island (URI) President David Dooley to announce the second round of RI Innovation Campus projects that will catalyze academic research into new commercial products and businesses. The two additional campuses are expected to create hundreds of jobs in rapidly-growing advanced industries including advanced materials manufacturing and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: 25+ things to do, live music and entertainment listings
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this first weekend of October, enjoy! Friday, October 4th Things To Do Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week 2019Fall Festival Weekend at Salve Regina University3:30 pm – Teens: Silent Book Club at Newport Public Library4 pm to 8 pm – Wally’s Hot Dog Cart at […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Island Kids Count hosts community discussion on Newport children and families, here’s the data and presentation
The Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Data in Your Backyard series is presenting community-level child well-being data from the Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook in communities across the state. Earlier today, RI Kids Count presented Newport-specific data on child and family well-being at the BankNewport Administration & Operations Center in Middletown. While What’sUpNewp couldn’t be at the presentation today, we […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rep. Carson to co-host constituent meeting with Newport Energy and Environment Commission
Representative Carson will co-host her next constituent meeting with the Newport Energy and Environment Commission on Monday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. at the Newport Library in the Program Room. This special meeting will feature a presentation by Shaun O’Rourke, director of stormwater and resiliency for the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. The mission of the […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
Now Hiring: 90+ job opportunities available right now in and around Newport
Looking for a new gig, job, or career in or around Newport? Here are nearly one-hundred job opportunities that are available right now. All job opportunities available in the last seven days and are located within five miles of downtown Newport. 7-Eleven – Store Employee Advanced Remarketing Services – Customer Experience Representative Advantage Solutions – […]
Posted inCity & Government, Things To Do
Tour d’Elegance to begin with a drive over Pell Bridge as part of Bridge’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
As part of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations for the Newport Pell Bridge, The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) again announced today that it is partnering with Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week for The Tour d’Elegance. The Tour d’Elegance is a scenic drive for all of the cars participating in Audrain’s Newport Concours d’Elegance which […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Wedding Tips & Tricks: Keeping track of RSVP’s and meal counts
Selecting the venue to host one of the most significant days of your life not only establishes the ambiance for your wedding weekend but also reflects your personal style and preferences. Many couples opt for unique and intimate locations, such as their private residence or a beloved childhood home, to create a truly memorable experience […]
Posted inNews
Greenlove Foundation donates water bottle filling station to St. Philomena School
A dedication ceremony, celebrating the donation of a water bottle filling station to Portsmouth’s St. Philomena School, on the first day of fall, September 23, under bright skies on the school’s picturesque campus lawn, was attended by the Greenlove Foundation board members, students and faculty. The filling station, located in a high traffic area (between […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News, Things To Do
Common Fence Music will celebrate Arts & Humanities Month with performance by Radio Jarocho
COMMON FENCE MUSIC is celebrating National Arts & Humanities Month with an exciting performance by NYC-based Mexican ensemble RADIO JAROCHO on Saturday, October 5, 2019, 8pm. Doors will open to CFM members at 7pm, non-members at 7:15pm. The concert will take place at the CFP Arts, Wellness & Community Center, 933 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, RI. […]
Posted inThings To Do
10th Anniversary of Loeb Visitors Center at Touro Synagogue celebrated with free admission for Rhode Island residents
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. Visitors Center at the Touro Synagogue National Historic Site in Newport. The Loeb Visitors Center tells the story of religious freedom and tolerance in Rhode Island. At the core of the Center’s exhibits is President George Washington’s 1790 Letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, which […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Norman Bird Sanctuary will host 45th Annual Harvest Fair this weekend
Treat your family to traditional games and entertainment this weekend at Norman Bird Sanctuary’s 45th Annual Harvest Fair, October 5th & 6th. You can challenge your friends to a sack race, go for a hay ride, peruse craft vendors, enjoy an all-day lineup of live music, and more. Norman Bird Sanctuary is looking for volunteers […]