Arnaud Mentré, the French Consul General at Boston, visited Newport recently in order to see first-hand the progress being made with The Rochambeau Monument Restoration Project in King Park. According to Mentré in a statement, “During my first trip to the State of Rhode Island as the Consul General of France, it was a pleasure […]
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 inEnvironment & Health
Gurney’s debuts Wellness Retreats
Continuing their commitment to wellness, Gurney’s Resorts has debuted “Wellness Retreats,” a brand new fitness-focused program each month, offering hotel guests the opportunity to stick to their routine with wellness top of mind. Presenting a curated weekend in partnership with the experientially-driven wellness and travel design firm, The Wellth Collective, the Wellness Retreats will run monthly from November to April, and will feature a three-day scheduled itinerary including programming such as […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – January 16th: Weather forecast and things to do
Weather Forecast Today – Sunny, with a high near 39. Southwest wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Tonight – Clear, with a low around 22. Northwest wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Marine Forecast Today – W winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts […]
Posted inNews
Schorsch siblings match Richard Sardella’s $10K gift to the MLK Community Center
Newport County families and sibling group, Nicholas and Indira Schorsch, Jr., Sloane L. Schorsch, Victoria N. Schorsch, Brendan and Tessa O’Donnell and Zoey D. Schorsch have, collectively, accepted restaurateur Richard Sardella’s challenge and will make a $10,000 gift to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. The Schorsch siblings and their families spend much […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for Pamela Elizabeth Shakarian
PORTSMOUTH –Pamela E. Shakarian, 60, of Portsmouth, RI, passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 14, 2019.A 13th generation Portsmouth native and granddaughter of Armenian Genocide survivors, Pamela Shakarian graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1976 and received a B.A. in sociology from Salve Regina University, Newport, RI, in 1981.Pamela was a Raytheon Company employee for more […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator DiPalma named Senior Deputy Majority Leader
President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, Providence, North Providence) has named Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) to serve as senior Deputy Majority Leader. “It is a true honor to be named as Senior Deputy Majority Leader by President Ruggerio and I am looking forward to working […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for Mary Jo Dieckhaus
Mary Jo Dieckhaus, age 76, of Newport, RI passed away early Monday morning on January 14, 2019 at her home after a long battle with cancer. Mary Jo was born on October 5, 1942 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph and Helen Dieckhaus. She graduated from Pembroke College/ Brown University in 1964 and went […]
Posted inNews
7 Newport County residents among Roger Williams University December 2018 graduates
Roger Williams University has announced that the following local/Newport County residents were among the 151 students who received their degrees in December as part of the Class of 2018. Mary Grace Dela Dingco of Newport, RI, Cum Laude B.S. in International Business Richard Doyle of Newport, RI, B.S. in Criminal Justice Crystal Drew of Middletown, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Wellness Week Marketplace returns on Sunday
Now in its second year, Newport Wellness Week is a week-long celebration of mind, body and spirit featuring a diverse array of wellness events, special offers and deals throughout Newport and Bristol Counties. The Wellness Week Marketplace at Newport Marriott will serve as the kick-off event for Newport Wellness Week, which takes place Jan. 19-25, 2019. […]
Posted inNews
Seamen’s Church Institute accepting funds for Coast Guard
Seamen’s Church Institute has announced that due to the ongoing government shutdown that they are now accepting donations to help support the US Coast Guard. In a letter to supporters, Ann Souder, President of the Seamen’s Church Institute, stated; “Dear Friends, The US Government shutdown has just become the longest in our history and has […]
Posted inNews
Clean Ocean Access: 29 volunteers collect over 200 pounds of trash at Island Park cleanup
On Saturday, January 12th, Clean Ocean Access (COA) hosted a beach cleanup at Island Park in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, where 29 volunteers helped to collect over 200 pounds of marine debris. Located on Aquidneck Island, Island Park sits on a peninsula in northeast Portsmouth. This quaint community was once the site of a popular amusement […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank invests in drinking water improvements for Tiverton Mobile Home Community
Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank has announced $350,000 in financing to support drinking water improvements at the Four Seasons Mobile Home Cooperative Association (Four Seasons) in Tiverton, R.I. Financing was made possible through the Infrastructure Bank’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The principal forgiveness loan will empower Four Seasons to improve the safety and quality […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – January 15th: Weather forecast and things to do
Here’s what’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport today. Weather Forecast Today – Sunny, with a high near 35. North wind around 7 mph becoming west in the afternoon.Tonight – Mostly clear, with a low around 26. West wind 3 to 8 mph. Marine Forecast Today – NW winds 5 to 10 […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for Diana Dunn
Diana Louise Dunn died unexpectedly at home on Monday, January 14th, 2019. She was a resident of Newport RI and was an artist drawn to painting the sea. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and received a Masters in Art from Columbia University. She leaves behind Thor Jason Gundlach, the light of her […]
Posted inNews
Officer Candidate School Graduations now being live streamed
From Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs Office NEWPORT, R.I. — The graduations of the Navy’s newest officers are now available live from Officer Training Command (OTC).OTC is now broadcasting its Officer Candidate School (OSC) graduations on the internet so that family, friends and anyone interested in the ceremonies can view it wherever they are.The live […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring in Newport: 100 job opportunities right now
Looking for a new part-time gig, job, or career? You’re in luck, there are one hundred businesses hiring in Newport right now. All jobs posted within the last 7 days and are located within 5 miles of downtown Newport. 22 Bowen’s – Restaurant Manager- 22 Bowen’s 99 Restaurant – Prep Cooks Aces Pizza – Kitchen StaffAdmiral […]
Posted inFood & Drink
What’s Open, What’s Closed: When restaurants are taking time off this winter (Updated)
It’s beginning to look a whole lot more like the off-season around Newport, RI. Many restaurants have already permanently/temporarily closed or are preparing to do so over the next few weeks. Temporarily Closing This story was originally published on January 1st, 2019, it will be updated as more information is received and confirmed. Did we miss something? Let us know, email Ryan@whatsupnewp.com. @ The […]
Posted inThings To Do
What to do in Newport this week (Jan. 15 – 21)
Here’s what’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. Be sure to scroll down to our events calendar for a full list (that’s always being updated) of what’s happening this week, and beyond. You Might Also Like – Where to find live music and entertainment in Newport this week (Jan. 15 […]
Posted inNews
Where to find live music and entertainment in Newport this week (Jan. 15 – 21)
Here’s where to find live music, comedy, movies, and other forms of entertainment in and around Newport this week. You Might Also Like – What to do in Newport this week (Jan. 15 – 21) Tuesday, January 15 Jane Pickens Theater – National Theater Live: The Tragedy of King Richard The Second at 2 pm, On The […]
Posted inNews
Clean Ocean Access, Sail Newport among eight organizations receiving grants from 11th Hour Racing
11th Hour Racing today announced eight grantees, representing a variety of organizations and projects in the U.S. and the U.K. Funded by The Schmidt Family Foundation, 11th Hour Racing’s grant program is committed to mobilizing sailing, marine, and coastal communities to create systemic change for the health of our oceans.11th Hour Racing funds projects that […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport County Youth Chorus will present a Winter Concert on February 2 at Emmanuel Church
The Newport County Youth Chorus will present our first concert of the year on Saturday, February 2 at 3:00 pm Emmanuel Church. 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 High School, will provide additional support. The concert […]
Posted inNews
Today In Newport – January 14th: Weather forecast and things to do
Weather Forecast Today – A slight chance of snow showers before noon. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 34. North wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Tonight – Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Northwest wind 7 to 9 […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for Sheila E. (Barry) MacKinnon
Sheila (Barry) MacKinnon, 95, formerly of Middletown, RI, passed away on January 13, 2019 at Village House Nursing Home in Newport. Sheila was the wife of the late Deacon Joseph W. MacKinnon. Born and raised in Newport, she was the daughter of the late Jeremiah and Helena (O’Sullivan) Barry. Sheila resided on Freeborn St. in […]
Posted inThings To Do
Professional chamber choir Collegium Ancora will visit Newport to present “All About that Bass… and Treble!”
This Presidents’ Day weekend, professional chamber choir Collegium Ancora visits Newport to present “All About that Bass… and Treble!”: a program of choral music featuring works for men’s voices and for women’s voices, as part of the Newport Winter Festival. Artistic director Vince Edwards has assembled a varied program full of familiar and lesser-known works ranging […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Style & Shop, Things To Do
Newport Wellness Week returns this month
Newport Wellness Week, a week-long celebration of mind, body and spirit, returns January 19-25, 2019. Featuring a diverse array of wellness events, special offers and deals throughout Newport County and beyond, Newport Wellness Week has been designed to educate and inspire everyone from those who strive to embrace a healthier lifestyle to those who are […]