The Rhode Island Foundation’s Program for Animal Welfare awarded Norman Bird Sanctuary an $11,000 grant to further develop the Animal Ambassador care and education program. The program is designed to directly support the care, feeding, and enrichment of the animals in Norman Bird Sanctuary’s care, including a barred owl, two red-tailed hawks, rabbits, rats, turtles, […]
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.
Representative Lauren Carson to DOT: Fix Memorial Boulevard now
Following yet another pedestrian-automobile collision on Newport’s Memorial Boulevard this morning, Rep. Lauren H. Carson is calling upon the Department of Transportation (DOT) to get to work on the planned redesign of the roadway immediately. “The intersection of Memorial Boulevard and Bellevue Avenue is one of the busiest in the state, and tourists as well […]
Salve biology professor JD Swanson recruited by National Science Foundation for prestigious 2-year rotational post
Dr. JD Swanson, associate professor of biology and biomedical sciences, has been hired by the National Science Foundation, Alexandria, Va., for a two-year rotational appointment as a Program Director in the independent federal agency’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), which is housed in the Office of Integrative Activities. In his new position, Swanson […]
Newport live music and entertainment guide: Nov. 17 – 19
Our Newport Live Music and Entertainment Guide is Newport County’s premier and most comprehensive source for live music and entertainment in our area. Here’s a look at all the live music and entertainment that’s worth seeing, hearing, doing, or knowing about in Newport County this weekend. Friday, November 17th Buskers: John Brazile at 9 pmCeltica: Karaoke at […]
20+ things to do in and around Newport this weekend
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this weekend. Friday, November 17th 1 pm to 2 pm – What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK 1 pm – Newport County Resiliency Roundtable at CCRI Newport 2:15 pm, 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Vincent at Jane Pickens Theater 5 pm to 8 pm – Fireside Live Music […]
Tickets for 2018 Newport Folk Festival go on sale on November 29th
Newport Folk Festival announced on their Facebook Page on Thursday, November 16th that tickets for their 2018 festival will go on sale at 10 am on Wednesday, November 29th. Historically, the majority of tickets will sell out within minutes. Yes, before a single artist is announced. Tickets for the 2017 Newport Folk Festival went on […]
WUN Radio Edition – Podcast #6: 84-room hotel, restaurant and retail coming soon to Newport Yachting Center
Colin Kane, a founding partner of Peregrine Group LLC and Peregrine Property Management LLC, joined Frank Prosnitz and me on the program to discuss his groups plans to build a new 84-room hotel on the former site of the Newport Yachting Center. Tune into What’sUpNewp Radio Edition with Ryan Belmore every weekday at 1 pm […]
Album Review: Littlefoot’s ‘Lavender’
Littlefoot’s musical evolution of their dream pop sound has been astounding. The Boston via Providence act has gone from exhibiting raw tones and progressions to adding numerous dimensions to be more clear and poignant. Their second album, Lavender, is being officially released on November 17 and it’s an excellent example of a band both sticking […]
Ron Gallo comes to Fete Music Hall in Providence on November 18th
Ron Gallo has been going through a transformation. A few years ago, he was the lead singer of the Philadelphia act Toy Soldiers. Then he moved down to Nashville and he started going solo while writing music that evokes an electrifying rock style. He then formed a band and released his debut album Heavy Meta […]
Salve’s CHP program gets $96,000 grant from Southeastern New England Educational and Charitable Foundation
A $96,000 grant from the Southeastern New England Educational and Charitable Foundation to Salve Regina University’s program in Cultural and Historic Preservation will fund student projects at two historic mill sites in Rhode Island, will expand the program’s 3D digital documentation capabilities, will launch an annual public lecture series, and will help establish six new […]
The Big Lonesome will ring in release of ‘Fascination’ at The News Cafe in Pawtucket on November 17th
A new location can bring about a few changes. The outlook might get tweaked a little and the list of enjoyments can get revamped. That’s what happened when Chad Gosselin moved from the confines of Boston down to Providence this past April. His Americana rock act, The Big Lonesome, in turn shifted their home base […]
Registration open for Newport County YMCA’s 32nd Thanksgiving Day Pie Run
The Newport County YMCA will host the 32nd Annual Pie Run held on Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 23, 2017. The race, originally founded by the Newport Running Club, collects donations for local food pantries as well as raises money for local charities in Newport County. The Thanksgiving Day tradition starts promptly at 8:30 am. The 5-mile USATF sanctioned […]
Holiday Happenings for the Newport Historical Society’s Museum of Newport History Shop
The Newport Historical Society announces the opening of its webstore www.shopnewporthistory.com which launched November 3, 2017, upcoming holiday happenings, and its participation in the first annual international Museum Store Sunday on November 26, 2017. Online Store The Newport Historical Society is excited to offer patrons all over the world an opportunity to purchase unique and inspired gifts, while supporting the […]
Norman Bird Sanctuary to host Annual Meeting & Volunteer Appreciation Party on November 30th
Norman Bird Sanctuary invites community members to celebrate a year of achievements and outstanding volunteer contributions at their Annual Meeting at Newport Vineyards on Thursday, November 30th. Members, supporters, and the community are invited to recognize extraordinary accomplishments including the renovation of the organization’s historic Barn Museum, the reconstruction of their organic educational garden, and […]
Who’s Hiring: 75 businesses hiring right now in 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 70 businesses hiring right now in and around Newport. Featured Jobs Christine’s Coastal Cleaning – Assistant HousekeeperMokka Coffeehouse – Barista, Counter Server, and Short Order CookNewport Marriott – Food and Beverage Positions available at the […]
Bridge to Fitness holds fundraiser to benefit MLK Center
Bridge to Fitness held an especially created group exercise class on Saturday, November 11th to raise almost $1,000 to benefit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (MLK Center). The fitness facility inspired group exercise class trainers, Rachel Alexander and Lauren Freitas, to come up with a unique and early November fundraising event with the […]
Fort Adams’ Fortress of Nightmares sees record attendance in 2017
Fort Adams has announced that their annual fall event and fundraiser, Fortress of Nightmares, held Fridays and Saturdays from October 13th through October 28th had a record attendance over prior years of almost 4,000 attendees. This season’s production marked the thirteenth season in a row for the festivities. Fortress of Nightmares is a haunted attraction featuring Tunnels of […]
Newport Holiday Stroll returns for second year, festivities kick off on December 1st
The second annual Newport Holiday Stroll will partner this year with Lila Delman Real Estate and dozens of local businesses to present this free, city-wide community event to the City-by-the-Sea once again during the first two weekends of December. The Stroll festivities will kick off on Friday, December 1 and continue through two consecutive weekends […]
10th Annual ‘Singing For Shelter’ fundraiser set for December 7th
Mark and Anne Gorman of Newport are hosting their 10th Annual SINGING FOR SHELTER acoustic Christmas concert, for the benefit of Lucy’s Hearth and The McKinney Shelter. The event will be held on Thursday, December 7th from 7:00 to 9 pm at Channing Church in Newport. The doors open at 6:15 pm. .Advance tickets are $18 and are available […]
WUN Radio Edition – Podcast #5: Newport Health Equity Zone
Kelsea Dixon, a program coordinator for the Newport Health Equity Zone (HEZ), joined us to chat about HEZ – what it is, what they are doing and how people can get assistance and involved. Newport Health Equity Zone is a citywide collaborative funded by the DOH that focuses on increasing access to health resources for […]
Land on Ledge Road sells for $8.2 Million
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty has announced that 3 lots on Ledge Road in Newport have sold $8.2 Million. According to data from the Rhode Island Statewide Multiple Listing Service, this is the highest recorded land sale in the municipality in over a decade. The sellers of this waterfront land were represented by Eric Kirton, […]
WUN Radio Edition – Podcast #4: Island To Island Fundraiser
Newport resident and What’sUpNewp contributor Tyler Bernadyn join me to chat about his time living in St. John, the upcoming Island To Island Fundraiser, the connection between Aquidneck Island and St. John, The Last Straw and much more. Tune into What’sUpNewp Radio Edition with Ryan Belmore every weekday at 1 pm on AM 1540 WADK. It’s where to get the scoop on what’s […]
Newport’s Clean City Program to hold ‘Fall Recycling Event’ at Easton’s Beach on November 18th
Newport Public Services Department’s Clean City Program has announced that they will hold a Fall Recycling Day for ‘harder to recycle’ items on Saturday, November 18th from 8 am until 12-noon rain or shine in Easton’s Beach east parking lot, 175 Memorial Blvd., Newport. This event ONLY will accept the following items for recycling: Paper Shredding, Scrap […]
15+ things to do this week
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this week. Monday, November 13th 1 pm to 2 pm – What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Goodbye Christopher Robin at Jane Pickens Theater 6 pm – Seamen’s Church Institute Annual Meeting and Member/Volunteer Party at Seamen’s […]
Entertainment and live music listings (Nov. 13 – 17)
Here’s a look at where to find live music, comedy, entertainment, karaoke, trivia, and movies this week in and around Newport. Monday, November 13 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Goodbye Christopher Robin at Jane Pickens Theater6 pm to 9 pm – Julio Amaro at Perro Salado7 pm to 10 pm – The Groove Merchants at Fifth Element9 pm […]
