The following was written by Jonathan Buonocore, Research Associate, Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University. It originally appeared on The Conversation. As a LION Member, What’sUpNewp has been given permission to republish this content. New plans to build two commercial offshore wind farms near the Massachusetts and Rhode Island […]
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
Fishermen of Newport and Newport Lobster Shack to honor Ronnie Fatulli
(Pictured Ronnie Fatulli in 1979. The lobster weighed 30 pounds!) On Thursday, June 21, 2018, the Newport Lobster Shack and Fishermen of Newport will honor Ronnie Fatulli for his lifelong commitment to the commercial fishing industry of Newport, his love of the working waterfront and his successful efforts to insure a permanent commercial pier in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum to host Gallery Talk with Exhibiting Artist Rania Matar
(Photo: Rania Matar, Christilla, Rabieh Lebanon, 2010, From the series “A Girl and Her Room,” Archival pigment prints, Courtesy of the artist and Robert Klein Gallery.) The Newport Art Museum has announced that they will welcome the public to join them for a Gallery Talk with exhibiting artist Rania Matar on Sunday, June 24 at 2 pm. Matar will speak […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp Radio – June 18: Fort Adams Trust, St. Barnabas Parish Festival, Newport Music Festival
It was a jam-packed Monday edition of What’sUpNewp Radio on AM 1540 WADK today. Sandy Kristianson and Rob McCormack from Fort Adams Trust kicked-off the show with details on the 2nd Annual Music On The Porch series and more on what’s happening, new and to do at the Fort this summer. Jane Roggero, Chair of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Tickets now on sale for Greg Abate Uptown Jazz Quintet show during Bridgefest
Internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist Greg Abate will kick off the new “What’sUpNewp Live” series when he brings The Greg Abate Uptown Jazz Quintet to The Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant during Bridgefest on August 2nd at 7:30 pm. The Greg Abate Uptown Jazz Quintet will feature Greg Abate, Phil Grenadier (trumpet), Matt DeChamplain (piano), Paul Del Nero (bass), and Luther […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This Week: Live music and entertainment listings
Here’s a look at all the live music and entertainment that’s worth seeing, hearing, doing, or knowing about in Newport County this week. Monday, June 18th Diego’s: Trivia at 9:30 pmFastnet Pub: The Ubiquitones at 10 pmFifth Element: The Groove Merchants from 7 pm to 10 pmJane Pickens Theater: Rider at 4:45 pms, Chesil Beach […]
Posted inThings To Do
This Week: 40+ things to do in and around Newport
(Photo: newportFILM will kick-off their 2018 Outdoor Series on Thursday night with Won’t You Be My Neighbor. This weekend, it will also open at Jane Pickens Theater). Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport County this week. Monday, June 18 Newport Charter Yacht Show at Newport Shipyard 11 am – […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Three authors in city for summer residency present public readings, reflections on June 23, 24 & 27 at Salve Regina University
Three award-winning writers who are in Newport as featured faculty in Salve Regina’s exclusive summer residency creative writing degree program, the Newport MFA, will host public readings and reflections from some of their best-selling works on June 23, 24 and 27. All readings are free and open to the public, and will be presented in […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
169 boats set sail in light winds on 51st Newport Bermuda Race
(Photo by Daniel Forster) The combination of a light southeast wind and more than one knot of current flowing out of Narragansett Bay pushed the fleet of sailboats starting the Newport Bermuda Race on the way towards Bermuda on Friday afternoon with few incidents of note. “In spite of the light conditions,” said Jonathan Brewin, […]
Posted inNews
Million Dollar Listing: Beachfront home in Portsmouth’s Lawrence Farm sells for $1.425 million
(Photo credit: Lila Delman Real Estate) Lila Delman Real Estate has announced the sale of 234 Hargraves Drive in Portsmouth for $1,425,000. Anne Northup Burns, Sales Associate, represented the seller. This marks the highest sale in Portsmouth year-to-date, according to data from the Rhode Island Statewide MLS.* “This unique offering in the established Lawrence Farm […]
Posted inCity & Government
Representative Ruggiero’s bills for seniors, foster children included in state budget bill passed by House
STATE HOUSE – Two proposals introduced by Rep. Deborah Ruggiero — one extending services to foster children up to age 21 and another providing grants to senior centers — were included in the 2019 budget bill passed by the House of Representatives today. “These are two initiatives that I feel each go a long way […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Changes, updates coming for Top of Newport at Hotel Viking
Hotel Viking will unveil a totally refreshed Top of Newport, their rooftop bar and kitchen, in early July – just in time for 4th of July festivities! Boasting 360-degree views of Newport, in addition, to live music, rotating events and fresh seafood dishes compliments of Chef Simone Ferrara, the spacious rooftop bar will feature completely new furnishings with […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 100+ businesses in and around Newport
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 100 businesses hiring right now in and around Newport. FEATURED JOB LISTINGS 12 Meter Charters – Sailing Crew Member on 70 foot charter yacht12 Meter Charters – Sailing Sales RepresentativeAdvanced Remarketing Services – Customer Experience […]
Posted inArts & Culture
This Weekend: Live music and entertainment listings
Here’s what’s up for live music, entertainment, movies and more this weekend in and around Newport. Friday, June 15th Buskers: Live music at 9 pmCeltica: Karaoke at 10 pmClarke Cooke House: DJ & Dancing in the Boom Boom Room at 10 pmDiego’s Barrio Cantina: Live music at 8 pmDockside: DJs Twalle and DJ 4Hundo at 10 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Brick Market Book Club will feature books tied to Newport’s history this summer
The Newport Historical Society invited the public to join them for their monthly book club at the Museum of Newport History & Shop every first Monday of the month at 5:30 pm at 127 Thames St. Newport, RI. Each month features a book with ties to Newport’s history. The books are available for sale in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum to host gallery talk with exhibiting artist Joan Hall
(Photo: Joan Hall in her Jamestown, RI studio.) The Newport Art Museum will welcome the public to a Gallery Talk with exhibiting artist Joan Hall on Thursday, June 21 at 5:30 pm. Hall will be introduced by Museum Executive Director Norah Diedrich and will lead guests through her exhibition “Sea of Heartbreak,” currently on view in […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport Bermuda Race starts on Friday
Making attempts at breaking records, surviving rough seas, reveling in starry nights and bonding over the adventure of navigating 635 miles of open water are all part of the longstanding and storied history of the Newport Bermuda Race, first held in 1906. Since its inception, over 52,000 sailors (more than twice the population of the […]
Posted inNews
Million Dollar Listing: Home on Old Beach Road in Newport sells for $1.38 million
(Photo of 116 Old Beach Road, photo provided by Lila Delman Real Estate) Lila Delman Real Estate announced on Thursday the sale of 116 Old Beach Road in Newport for $1,380,000. Annie Becker, Broker Associate, represented the buyer. “116 Old Beach Road was lovingly designed and built to blend into the estate setting of the […]
Posted inNews
Preservation Society of Newport County celebrates opening of new Welcome Center at The Breakers
After more than 10 years of planning and work, The Preservation Society of Newport County was joined by nearly 600 supporters for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of its new Welcome Center at The Breakers earlier today. Four hundred and fifty thousand (450,000) people a year visit the former Vanderbilt mansion, which is now […]
Posted inBusiness, Environment & Health
America’s Cup boatbuilding will return to Rhode Island
New York Yacht Club American Magic (“American Magic”), the U.S. sailing team challenging for the 36th America’s Cup, announced plans on Thursday via a press release to open a dedicated construction facility and build a pair of state-of-the-art racing boats in Bristol, Rhode Island. The return of America’s Cup design, building and sailing activity to Rhode Island […]
Posted inBusiness
New businesses ready for Newport’s busiest season
(Photo: Diego’s Barrio Cantina) As summer’s arrival is just around the corner, new and renovated businesses throughout Newport and its surrounding coastal communities stand ready to make a memorable first impression on visitors and residents alike. Discover Newport, the official convention and visitors bureau for Newport and Bristol Counties, has put together the following sampling of […]
Posted inThings To Do
This Weekend: 30+ things to do in and around Newport
Photo: SVF Foundation will host their Annual Open House on Saturday Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, RI this weekend. You Might Also Like – This Weekend: Live music and entertainment listings Friday, June 15th 9 am to 5 pm – 2018 Newport Bermuda Race 10 am to 5 pm – June […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp Radio – June 14th: Pamela McLaughlin, Project SEARCH
Newport Hospital recently celebrated the graduation of Project SEARCH interns at a ceremony held last week at Newport Hospital. The Project Search program prepares special needs students for the workplace, helping them acquire career and life skills through hands-on internships. Their interns completed three 10-week rotations throughout the hospital, working alongside Newport Hospital employees in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Collaborative Community Initiative: Tree Path Project on display through June 21
(Photo: Newport String Project student musician’s Tree Path Project, featuring violins and musical notes) The Tree Path Project, a collaborative art-making project between the Women’s Resource Center, Newport Health Equity Zone,Salve Regina University and the Newport Art Museum will be on display and celebrating ideas of hope and community through Thursday, June 21. The Tree Path Project was developed and is […]
Posted inNews
Eco-Depot headed to Portsmouth High School on June 23
Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (Resource Recovery) and the Portsmouth Department of Public Works are partnering for a household hazardous waste collection on Saturday, June 23 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Portsmouth High School located at 120 Education Lane. Created in 2001, the Eco-Depot program is a free service offered that provides for […]