In continued celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Charter of the Rhode Island Department, Grand Army of the Republic, the Rhode Island Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will conclude their year-long commemoration of their parent organization’s founding with the placing of a memorial marker at the final resting place of the […]
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 inArts & Culture
Shapes of Birds & Arabic Calligraphy at Newport Art Museum’s Art After Dark
Newport, RI – Newport Art Museum’s Art After Dark, which recently received the 2017 Editor’s Pick Award for Best Artsy Social Event by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine, is back on Thursday, October 11 from 5 – 9 pm. Each Art After Dark has unique programming for the whole family. This event joins the ranks of the many events and educational programs the Museum currently offers in its galleries […]
Posted inNews
Salve Regina awarded grant to preserve history of slavery in South Kingstown
Newport, RI – The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded Salve Regina University a grant from the Joseph O’Neill Ott Fund to support the creation of a digital collection of 18th century documents related to slavery. The project, “Documenting Slavery in South Kingstown’s Colonial Records,” will describe each page of probate records digitized from the South Kingstown […]
Posted inNews
Boil Water Advisory in place for Prudence Island Water District
A boil water advisory is in place for the Prudence Island Water District because E. coli bacteria was found in the water supply. A list of streets that are affected is available online. The entire water district is affected by the boil water advisory. Residents on private wells or on Prudence Park Water Coop are not […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor Raimondo’s Gun Safety Working Group releases recommendations
Providence, RI – Governor Gina Raimondo’s Gun Safety Working Group today released its final report, which includes dozens of recommendations for reducing gun violence, including proposals to strengthen mental health resources in schools, prohibit concealed-carry weapons on school grounds, ban high-capacity magazines, strengthen our permitting laws, and improve statewide data collection on firearms. The Gun […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport’s 7 Best Tacos for National Taco Day (October 4)
Today is National Taco Day! There are countless variations of tacos that can be found in Newport, as many restaurants get creative with their use of chicken, fish, lobster, pork, steak, beans and beyond. Here are our favorite places to go for tacos in Newport, RI; No particular order 1 – Fish Tacos & Pork Tacos […]
Posted inBusiness
Gurney’s Resorts announces new executive appointments in Newport, Montauk
Gurney’s Resorts announces the appointment of two accomplished hospitality veterans to its newest resorts. Jaime Stuyck has been tapped as the new Resort Manager of Gurney’s Yacht Club & Resort which launched in May in Montauk as the brand’s second property in the destination. Kevin Maguire, an accomplished culinary enthusiast with over 20 years of culinary […]
Posted inNews
New Salve Regina, Washington University partnership offers students a dual degree engineering program
Newport, RI – Salve Regina University is partnering with Washington University in St. Louis to offer a dual-degree engineering program in which students can complete three years of pre-engineering study at Salve followed by two years in WU’s school of engineering. The program, effective immediately, is available to current and future Salve students who meet […]
Posted inNews
Salve will host RI’s first ‘Blue Innovation Symposium’
Newport, RI – Salve Regina University in partnership with the Consulate General of Canada in Boston will welcome to Newport more than 200 experts and sponsors from across the marine industry in both the U.S. and Canada who will share their ideas on education, technology, commerce and networking when the Blue Innovation Symposium is held for […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Foundation releases results of Together RI community meeting in Newport
The sense of community and education are among Rhode Island’s greatest strengths, according to a survey of participants in the Rhode Island Foundation’s Together RI community dinner at Rogers High School. “Together RI’s goals were to find out, first-hand, about where residents see opportunities and challenges, and to create a neutral place to discuss topics […]
Posted inHistory
George Wein, the father of outdoor music festivals, turns 93
George Wein, the iconic producer of the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, was born on October 3rd, 1925, meaning he turns 93 years young today. George Wein is considered to be as much a legend as his festivals. Through his company, Festival Productions, he has spearheaded hundreds of music events since 1954 when he […]
Posted inThings To Do
Six Picks: The best in local events this October
(Photo – The Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival returns this month. Photo Credit: Bowen’s Wharf) In Newport and its neighboring coastal communities, fall is a time when the air turns as crisp as the ripened apples on the trees and the pace is noticeably slower—but that doesn’t mean things slow down. Here’s a half-dozen of our […]
Posted inThings To Do
Spooky things to do in and around Newport this October
As the middle of October approaches in Newport a spooky wind sweeps in and strange things begin to go bump in the night. Here’s all that’s happening in and around Newport in October that is spooky, frightful, terror-filled and spooktacular… 1 – Olde Town Ghost Walk Tours depart nightly thru Halloween at 8 p.m Ghost Tours […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 80+ businesses are hiring right now in and around Newport (Oct. 3)
Newport, RI – Time for a new part-time gig, new full-time job or a new career? Start your job search right here, there are more than 80 businesses hiring right now in and around Newport. Featured Job Opportunities Advanced Remarketing Services – Customer Support RepresentativeBailey T’s – Retail Sales AssociateBecky’s BBQ – Counter Help, Dishwashwer, […]
Posted inNews
Top 10: Most read What’sUpNewp stories in September 2018
Newport, RI – September was certainly a busy month around the City-By-The-Sea and here on What’sUpNewp. Out of the hundreds of stories we published in September, here are the top ten stories that were most read/saw the most page views. 1 (most -read) – Replica of Air Force One serves up quite the sight 2 – Melanie […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to be featured guest at The Pell Center at Salve Regina University
The Pell Center at Salve Regina University is hosting a special, live taping of Story in the Public Square featuring former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on October 10th where he will discuss his book, Every Day is Extra, and the stories shaping public life in the United States today. John Kerry will conclude the taping of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Representative Carson, Senator Euer to hold constituent meeting on October 9th
Representative Lauren Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) and Senator Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown) will hold a constituent meeting on October 9th to provide information on the three questions that will appear on the statewide ballot in November. The event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Edward King House, […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport Marathon: 171 Aquidneck Islanders among the 3,000 runners registered to race this weekend
(Photo: Clancy Creative/Newport Marathon) Newport, RI – It’s the annual Amica Newport Marathon, and runners from across the country and around the globe will be in town to compete on 13.1 or 26.2 miles of Newport and Middletown’s most picturesque roadways. The event is produced by Gray Matter Marketing. The participants are traveling from near and […]
Posted inNews
Newport Mental Health to provide free mental health screening at MLK Center on October10
With depression occurring in one out of three people in the U.S. and with the Oct. 11 National Depression Screening Day approaching, Newport Mental Health will be offering free mental health screenings at the Dr. Martin Luther King Center. Newport Mental Health will provide the free mental health screenings at the Dr. Martin Luther King […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: Pell Elementary Students speak with astronaut aboard International Space Station
Newport’s Pell Elementary School students made history today by becoming the first Rhode Island public school to make contact with the International Space Station (ISS). As part of United Nations annual World Space Week, K-4th graders talked directly with astronaut “Ricky” Arnold aboard the ISS live from their school gymnasium in Newport. What’sUpNewp broadcast a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Listings: Live music and entertainment in Newport County (Oct. 2 – 8)
Newport, RI – Discover all that’s happening for live music and entertainment in and around Newport County this week – Tuesday, October 2nd thru Monday, October 8th. Did we miss something? Let us know by emailing us Ryan@whatsupnewp.com. Newport Antonio’s Pizza Thursday – Trivia at 8 pm Bowen’s Wharf Tuesday – Busking at Bowen’s with Panoramic […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up: Things to do in and around Newport this week (Oct. 2 – 8)
Newport, RI – Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week – Tuesday, October 2nd thru Monday, October 8th. Tuesday, October 2 2:30 pm – Fahrenheit 11/9 at Jane Pickens Theater4 pm – Teens: You Can’t Tell Me What to Do (Open Studio) at Newport Public Library5 pm – At Sea with Benjamin Franklin for […]
Posted inNews
Pell Center to host a conference during National Cyber Security Awareness Month
Newport, RI – For the fourth year in a row, the Pell Center is supporting the annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) campaign as a NCSAM Champion Organization. This national effort aims to raise public awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and share useful resources through social media and various events across the country. The Pell Center is partnering […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor Raimondo announces co-chairs and members of Task Force to tackle plastics pollution
Providence, RI – Governor Gina M. Raimondo today announced the leadership, composition, and first meeting of the Governor’s Task Force to Tackle Plastics. Established by the Tackling Plastics Executive Order signed by Governor Raimondo in July, the group will develop a host of options to reduce plastic pollution in Rhode Island’s waters and reliance on single-use plastics. […]
Posted inCity & Government
City asks residents to “Adopt” a catch basin
Newport, RI As the foliage turns and leaves start to fall, Newport’s Department of Utilities is asking the public for help to keep the City’s storm drains and catch basins free and clear of those fleetingly beautiful autumn leaves. With 2,544 catch basins located throughout the City, Newport’s storm drainage system requires constant attention. This task […]