The Newport Hospitality Commission has announced the return of world-renowned classical guitarist Diego Campagna to Newport for a special concert to benefit the City’s music programming at Thompson Middle School. Campagna, a native of Imperia, Italy, will help kick off Memorial Day Weekend with a performance on Thursday, May 23rd at St. Mary’s Church on […]
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
NACTC hosts National Signing Day event to honor high school students pursuing a career in the skilled trades
In order to help close the skills gap and raise awareness of career options in the skilled trades, Newport Area Career and Technical Center (NACTC) and Kirby Perkins Construction, participated in SkillsUSA National Signing Day Sponsored by Klein Tools, celebrating thousands of high school seniors across the country pursuing a career in the skilled trades. […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
International Tennis Hall of Fame to partner with local charities in ‘Aces for Rhode Island’
When the ATP Tour comes to Newport this July, every ace fired off during the professional tennis tournament will mean more than just a point on the scoreboard – it will also result in raising significant funds to support local charities. The International Tennis Hall of Fame has partnered with 10 local non-profits for the […]
Posted inNews
Million Dollar Listing: Unit on Coddington Wharf sells for $1.1 million
Residential Properties has announced the sale of 31 Coddington Wharf, Unit 30 for $1.1 million dollars. The Selling Agent, Lori Eley, is a member of RPL’s Narragansett Office. “This beautiful penthouse sits right in downtown Newport and enjoys stunning views out to Newport Harbor and all the highlights of Narragansett Bay, including Fort Adams Park […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Historic Tea Table returns to Newport for Whitehorne House Museum’s reopening
When it reopens on May 29th, 2019, Newport Restoration Foundation’s Whitehorne House Museum will be the only museum in the world dedicated to displaying and exploring the artistry, history, and culture of 18th-century Newport furniture and related decorative arts. The museum, located at 416 Thames Street in Newport, has been closed for regular visits since […]
Posted inNews
Salve Regina to celebrate graduate commencement on May 16th
U.S. Army veteran Adam DeCiccio will receive a master’s degree and will serve as keynote speaker when Salve Regina University celebrates its graduate commencement on Thursday, May 16 at 3 p.m. on the Oceanside lawn of McAuley Hall. Salve Regina President, Dr. Jane Gerety, RSM, will award 263 degrees during the ceremony, including 69 master […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News
LoBro Taco announces closure
LoBro Taco, which is owned by Scratch Kitchen & Catering, announced on Wednesday that they have closed. The restaurant , which opened in December, posted the following on Facebook; “The dream is over, friends. We are sad to announce that LoBro Taco is no more. We gave it our best, but we ran out of […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Alliance Francaise of Newport awards scholarship to Portsmouth High School Student
The Alliance Française of Newport recently made the first of three annual scholarship awards to Aquidneck Island high school students who have excelled in their study of French language. This year’s Portsmouth High School award went to Brynn McKenna, who plans to pursue study of English at Stonehill College this fall. Marie Martineau, director of […]
Posted inNews
Small Business Week Kicks Off with community and civic leaders participating in Business Walk
Over 80 community and civic leaders celebrated the kick off of Small Business Week on May 7 by visiting nearly 100 businesses throughout Newport and Bristol counties, building connections and fostering support of economic growth. Civic leaders in attendance included Senator Dawn Euer, Representative Terri Cortvriend, Representative Deb Ruggiero, Representative Susan Donovan, Representative June Speakman, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Salve Regina to dedicate Gerety Hall at Wakehurst to honor its retiring president
In recognition of Dr. Jane Gerety, RSM, and her 24 years of commitment to Salve Regina, university trustees will welcome the community to celebrate the dedication of Gerety Hall at Wakehurst in a ceremony on Thursday, May 9 at 4:30 p.m. The dedication, open to the public, will be held on the grounds of Wakehurst, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport Public Schools to host Community Education Summit Workshops, Demographic Analysis
Newport Public Schools release the following two documents on Tuesday regarind upcoming Community Education Summit Workshops and a Demographic Analysis.
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rep. Ruggiero bill seeks consumer protection for solar customers
The Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau has provided the following press release regarding a bill that has been introduced by Representative Deborah Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown). According the the press release; Rooftop solar arrays have been popping up all over Rhode Island in recent years, bringing clean energy and decentralizing generation to enrich […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport In Bloom, Point Association hosting spring plant sales this month
If you’re looking to add some plants or flowers to your garden or home this spring, you’re in luck as two organizations are planning to host their annual plant sales over the next few weekends. Newport In Bloom Spring Plant Sale The 2019 Newport in Bloom plant sale will take place on Sunday, May 19. The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport County Youth Chorus to present 2nd Annual “Song Fest” on June 1st
The Newport County Youth Chorus has announced that they will present the 2nd annual “NCYC Song Fest” on Saturday, June 1 at 1:00 pm at St. Mary’s Church in Portsmouth. The chorus will be led by Artistic Director Elizabeth Woodhouse and NCYC Accompanist Melissa Woolverton. Sabina Sams and Sara Lombardi, NCYC chorus managers from Middletown […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Scenic Roads Go Car-Free: Middle Road in Portsmouth and Ocean Avenue in Newport will close to cars and open to cyclists and walkers
“It’s not a road closing, it’s a road opening! – to people biking, walking, rolling, and strolling,” explains Bike Newport’s current blog post. Two upcoming community events invite people to leave their cars behind and explore Aquidneck Island’s scenic vistas safely, comfortably and car-free. It’s a second success for Portsmouth, and a big FIRST for Newport’s […]
Posted inThings To Do
20+ things to do in Newport this week: May 6 – 13
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. Monday, May 6th Matsiko World Orphan Choir to perform at Emmanuel Church on May 6th 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – The Mustang at Jane Pickens Theater Tuesday, May 7th 8 am – Connect Greater Newport Regional Business Walk4:45 pm – The Mustang […]
Posted inThings To Do
Where to find live music and entertainment this week: May 6 – 13
Here’s what’s happening in and around Newport this week for entertainment and live music, enjoy! You Might Also Like – 20+ things to do in Newport this week: May 6 – 13 Monday, May 6 Diego’s Newport – Trivia at 10 pmFastnet Pub – The Ubiquitones at 9:30 pmFifth Element – The Groove Merchants at 7 pmJane […]
Posted inNews
Agenda for May 8th Newport City Council meeting
Newport City Council will host their next Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30 pm at Newport City Hall. Here’s what’s on the agenda;
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 100+ job opportunities available in Newport right now
Does the new month have you looking for a new gig, job, or career? Well you may be in luck as there are more than 100 local companies hiring right now in and around Newport. Good luck! 22 Bowen’s – Busser, Food Runner, and Host/Hostess41 North – Line Cooks/Sous Chef – 41 North All About […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Things To Do
Naval War College to host Army-Navy baseball game at Cardines Field
The U.S. Naval War College has announced that they will host a baseball game on Friday, May 10th at historic Cardines Field. The Army-Navy baseball game will be played in period-accurate uniforms, and gates to Cardines Field will open at 10:00 am; first pitch is at 11:30 am. Admission is free and the event is […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Aquidneck Island Road Report: Scheduled lane closures and traffic delays for May 4 – 11
Watch for lane closures and traffic delays on the following highways, byways, and roads over the upcoming days. Rhode Island Department of Transportation The following road and lane closure notices are effective for the week of May 4-10, 2019. All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Visit RIDOT’s Travel Advisories website for a full […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Spring Concert for The Choir School of Newport County will take place on May 18th
The Choir School of Newport County has announced that it will host its fifth annual Spring Concert on Saturday, May 18, at 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn St., Newport! The ensembles of The Choir School, separately and together, joined by instrumentalists and special guests, will perform in addition to Spring Concert 2019 special […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health
Elevate Fitness to kick off 10th season of Beach Bootcamps
Elevate Fitness is hitting the beach starting May 14th to kick off their 10th season offering the acclaimed summer Beach Bootcamps. According to Elevate, Beach Bootcamps are their most popular camp ever, and they are modeled after owner Kathy Martin’s signature bootcamp classes using an array of fitness styles including HIIT, weights, kettlebells, TRX, cardio, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
January gas outage adds four days to school calendar, last day for Newport Public Schools is now June 21st
Newport Public Schools announced today that the last day of classes has been moved to June 21st, due to make-up days from the gas outage. The 2018-2019 school calendar has been revised, with the four make-up days from the gas outage, the last day of school for students will be Friday, June 21st. Note that […]
Posted inNews
Salve business students to unveil their study of university’s economic impact on Aquidneck Island
Undergraduate business students who conducted an independent study assessing the economic impact of Salve Regina University on its surrounding communities will reveal their findings at a press conference before university officials and community leaders on Thursday, May 9 at 12:30 p.m. in Bazarsky Lecture Hall, located in the O’Hare Academic Building, Ochre Point Avenue. The semester-long academic […]