Born in St. Jean de Luz, France, July 29th, 1928, Richard (Dick) Grosvenor came from an established Newport family. He was the youngest of six children and graduated from Groton School and Harvard University, ’51. He married Margot Sullivan, on October 19th, 1949 and later received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Salve Regina University, […]
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
Police identify body that was found in water off of Beavertail State Park
Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety, advises that members of the Rhode Island State Police Major Crimes Unit, Forensic Services Unit and the State Medical Examiner’s Office announced this morning in a press release that they have identified the body that was […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs, News
Magellan Health to expand in Rhode Island, add 100 new jobs
There could be some new high-end jobs coming soon to Newport. Governor Gina M. Raimondo and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation announced today that Magellan Health, which has an office on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, will expand their Rhode Island presence with 100 new jobs. “I am excited to see Magellan expand their Rhode Island […]
Posted inThings To Do
15 events to enjoy in Newport before autumn arrives
Although pumpkin beer, football and hoodie weather will all be here before you know it, Summer doesn’t end until Autumn begins on Friday, September 22 at 4:02 pm. Here are some great things to do before we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall! 1 – Newport Fall Secret Garden Tour | September 8 […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Candidates announced for 2018 International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction
Wimbledon champions Pat Cash and Michael Stich, along with Anders Jarryd and Tom Okker, who both won multiple doubles titles at Grand Slam tournaments, and Czech legend Helena Sukova, a 14-time major champion in doubles and mixed doubles, have been named candidates for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2018, according to a press release from the International Tennis Hall of […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Jorn Zeuge
Jorn Zeuge, 74, of Middletown passed away at home Friday, September 1, 2017. Born in Kuddeworde, Germany, he is the son of the late Wilfried and Ilse (Bruggemann) Zeuge. Jorn leaves his wife Paula (Bergholz) Zeuge, two sons Robert Zeuge and his wife Kristen of Hooksett, NH, Roland Zeuge and his wife Diane of Markt […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Nancy E. (Coen) Shepard
Nancy E. (Coen) Shepard, age 83, of Middletown died Friday, September 1, 2017, at John Clarke Health Care Center of Middletown, RI. Mrs. Shepard was born on October 14, 1933 in Newport, RI, the daughter of the late Philip and the late Edith (Brigham) Coen. She was the wife of Richard C. Shepard for the […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Robert Arthur Halliday
Robert “Bobby” Arthur Halliday, age 75, of Portsmouth died Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Charlton Memorial Hospital of Fall River, MA. Robert was born June 23, 1942 in Newport, RI. He is the son of the late Gilbert and the late Alyce (Silvia) Halliday. Bobby leaves his wife Jane (Alvernes) Halliday; his five children Robert […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Arthur Rogers
Arthur Arnold Rogers of Middletown, formerly of Deerfield, MA (1952-2008), died peacefully on Saturday, September 2, 2017 after an extended illness. Born February 14, 1925 in Evanston, IL, he attended local schools and the University of Wisconsin in Madison. His college years were interrupted by service in the U.S. Navy 1943-46, where he held the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Dawn Euer sworn into Rhode Island Senate, becomes Senator of District 13 (Newport, Jamestown)
Dawn Euer was sworn into the Rhode Island Senate today at a ceremony at the State House. Senator Euer, a Democrat who represents District 13 in Newport and Jamestown, was surrounded by family, friends, legislators and other dignitaries as she took the oath of office, administered by Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea in the […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Restaurant Group partners with Certified EO to launch national accreditation program for employee-owned companies
The Newport Restaurant Group announced today that it is helping to launch a national accreditation program for employee-owned companies called Certified Employee-Owned (Certified EO). “This is a major milestone for the Newport Restaurant Group and for all employee-owned companies,” said Paul O’Reilly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newport Restaurant Group. “We’re big believers in […]
Posted inNews
First Ever AmpSurf Clinic Launches in Newport County
For the first time ever, AmpSurf will hold a clinic in Newport County. AmpSurf New England will hold an adaptive surfing clinic at Second Beach in Middletown, RI on September 16th, 2017. The event involves adaptive surf therapy with certified adaptive surf instructors and is free for anyone with any kind of disability. The event is […]
Posted inJobs
125 local businesses are hiring right now in Newport
Time for a part time gig, new full-time job or a new career? Start your job search right here on www.whatsupnewp.com, there are more than 100 businesses hiring right now in Newport. Featured Jobs 12 Meter Charters – Crew Member Position For 70 Foot Charter Sailing Yacht Admiral Fitzroy Inn – Now Hiring: Admiral Fitzroy Inn – […]
Posted inHistory, News, Things To Do
Newport Historical Society to host ‘Cider in 18th Century Newport: A History Space Event’ on September 23
On Saturday, September 23, 2017, join the Newport Historical Society for “Cider in 18th Century Newport: A History Space Event.” This free, interactive program features cider press demonstrations from expert Chris Hurley from 10 am-2 pm and the specialty walking tour “Rum and Revolution” at 11 am. Peek inside the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House and learn about life in 18th century Newport. Hear Chris […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Mental Health announces new coordinator of Weekday Walk-In
Newport Mental Health has announced the hiring of Farrell Carley as coordinator of the Weekday Walk-In program at its 127 Johnny Cake Hill Road location in Middletown. “We’re thrilled to have Farrell on board. She’s a vital component of our team, especially with her vast experience in treating people with substance use, gambling and other […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
20+ things to do this week in Newport (September 5 – 8)
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do during this first week of (unofficial) fall in Newport. You Might Also Like – Live music and entertainment listings (September 5 – 8) Tuesday, September 5th 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Wind River at Jane Pickens Theater Wednesday, September 6th 2 pm to 6 pm – Newport Aquidneck […]
Posted inNews
Common Fence Music Announces 25th Anniversary Fall Season
Common Fence music has announced its 25th anniversary fall season! Only the second season to be arranged under the programmatic direction of new Artistic Director, Erin Young, the Fall 2017 season promises to be one of the organization’s most exciting to date. In addition to presenting eight performances at its original venue – Common Fence Point Hall […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live music and entertainment listings (September 5 – 8)
Discover where to find live music, entertainment, comedy, trivia, karaoke, movies and more in and around Newport this week. Tuesday, September 5 4:30 pm – Brian Scott at The Landing4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Wind River at Jane Pickens Theater5:30 pm to 9:30 pm – John & Joanne at Hotel Viking9 pm – Open mic at The Wharf Pub9 […]
Posted inNews
Body found washed ashore at Beavertail State Park, Police investigating
Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety, has announced that the State Police, with the assistance of the state Department of Environmental Management and Jamestown Police, are investigating the discovery of a body found washed ashore at Beavertail State Park in […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Island Moving Company announces choreographers for ‘Open for Dancing 2017’
Newport’s Island Moving Co. presents Open for Dancing 2017, September 20-24, 2017. The company’s biennial festival of Newport’s historic landscapes through site-specific dance features three choreographers working in diverse landscapes with companies of dancers made up of the Island Moving Company dancers plus members of the community. The celebration brings together musicians, choreographers, professional dancers, artists and […]
Posted inThings To Do
Artillery Company Newport and SNE Paranormal Team will host Guest Ghost Hunts of the Clarke St Armory
SNE Paranormal Team and the Artillery Company of Newport have announced they are collaborating on fundraising efforts and paranormal tours to benefit the Artillery Company of Newport through a series of guest ghost hunts of the Clark Street Armory building – home of The Newport Artillery Company during the month of October. The special paranormal […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport County YMCA, RhodySquash and the de Ramel Foundation partner to provide future squash programs in Newport County
On Thursday, August 31st, the de Ramel Foundation announced a gift of $500,000 to the Newport County YMCA to support the future of squash in Newport County. The partnership between the Newport County YMCA, RhodySquash and the de Ramel Foundation began February 1st, 2017. This relationship aligns three organizations with common goals of youth development, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
20+ things to do this Labor Day weekend: September 1 – 4
Spending some time in Newport during Labor Day weekend? Here’s what’s happening, new and to do for events and activities over the long weekend. You might also like – Labor Day live music and entertainment listings (September 1 – 4) Friday, September 1 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Wind River at Jane Pickens Theater 8 pm – […]
Posted inNews
Update: King Park Beach reopened to public swimming
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening King Park Beach in Newport for swimming. It had been closed because of high bacteria counts. When a beach closure is recommended, water quality analysis is conducted by RIDOH’s laboratory or a state-certified laboratory. The status of a beach may change daily. The most up-to-date beach […]
Posted inNews
Top 10: Most-Read What’sUpNewp Stories in August 2017
As August May comes to a close, there’s certainly plenty of big stories to look back on from the last 31 days. More than 59,450 people visited our website in August, resulting in nearly 130,000 page views. Here’s what our readers were talking about and reading, your opportunity to catch up if you missed something. […]