A biologist and a political scientist, both with expertise in the cybersecurity realm—will discuss career opportunities in technology and national security available to young people, hurdles women experience in the field, and strategies for career success when they lead a “Warrior Women” panel discussion at Salve Regina University’s Bazarsky Lecture Hall on Thursday, Oct. 5 […]
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.
Op-Ed: Representative Ruggiero – Civic minded citizens matter
How many branches are in our federal government? It’s not a trick question, but a new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that one in three people cannot name even one branch of the federal government. There are three—the legislature (made up of the House and Senate) the executive (the president) and the […]
Just My Opinion: If not now…when?
Republicans, who have received millions of dollars in contributions from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other gun rights’ groups, have said this isn’t a time for “politics,” but a time for “thoughts and prayers.” Numerous sources, including Fortune Magazine and the Center for Responsive Politics, list President Donald Trump, Speaker of the House Paul […]
Newport Vineyards brings home Gold from the 13th Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition
Newport Vineyards has announced that they recently won Gold and Silver from the 13th Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition. Newport Vineyards 2016 Dry Rosé brought home Gold as the Best of Category for Vinifera Rose Wines and Silver was awarded for the 2016 Gewürztraminer in the Best of Category for Gewürztraminer. The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association […]
Public Invited to reception to meet Sister City delegation from Imperia, Italy on October 6
Mayor Harry Winthrop and the Newport City Council invite the public to join them at a reception on Friday, October 6 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in the lobby of the Gateway Center at 23 America’s Cup Avenue to welcome members of a delegation visiting from Newport’s Sister City, Imperia, and Italy. Light refreshments will […]
RIDOT to begin highway renumbering program with I-295 this fall
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that late this fall it will begin a highway renumbering program for its Interstate and other limited-access highways, starting with the entire I-295 corridor from Warwick to the Massachusetts border in Cumberland. The new exit numbers will be keyed to mile markers – a system used […]
Ballard Park to host ‘Halloween Dance Party’ on October 14th
People’s Credit Union’s Children’s Halloween Dance Party & Costume Contest will be held on Saturday, October 15th at Ballard Park. DJ Butch (well known for his BIG BIG BIG Halloween party) will spin spooky tunes children can dance to from 1 to 3 pm. At 2 pm, children will be invited to line up for a costume parade […]
Op-Ed: Boy Scouts thriving in Rhode Island
For nearly 110 years, the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America (NCBSA) has provided experiences that build character while creating young leaders and good citizens for as many boys as possible in Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Although times have changed since 1910, the Narragansett Council is proud to report that Scouting here […]
Fortress of Nightmares returns to Fort Adams this month with new attractions
Fortress of Nightmares returns to Fort Adams this month for its thirteenth season in a row with new adventures and attractions. Fortress of Nightmares is the largest and last of the season fundraiser for the year that benefits the Fort Adams Trust. The haunted attraction features: “Tunnels of Terror, Mayhem in Three-D and Paranormal 360.” “Tunnels […]
City Council will host workshop to discuss National Sailing Hall of Fame move to Newport
Newport City Council will host a workshop on October 18th to discuss the possibility of the National Sailing Hall of Fame moving to Newport. A Facebook Event, Newport City Council, Sailing Hall of Fame to Newport – Workshop, hosted by Latitude Yacht Brokerage, LLC states; Come show support for the sailing industry as the Newport City Council […]
Newport Shipyard Pumpkin Regatta raises over $8,200 for Warrior Sailing, ABSAR and Sea Mercy
More than 200 members of the yachting community rallied on Friday, September 29 at Newport Shipyard to paddle in the Shipyard’s annual “Pumpkin Regatta” which raised over $8,200 for three non-profit organizations: Warrior Sailing Program which provides maritime education and outreach for wounded, ill, and injured service members; and Antigua & Barbuda Search and Rescue […]
Has North Sails closed its retail store in Newport?
It appears that North Sails has closed their retail location in the heart of Newport at 172 Thames Street. On Monday evening and Tuesday morning, What’sUpNewp observed a U-Haul out in front of the business being loaded with contents, merchandise, and fixtures from the store. On Tuesday afternoon, the store was completely empty with no […]
Newport Art Museum to present artist talk and book signing with Christopher W. Benson
The Newport Art Museum will host an Artist Talk & Book Signing with exhibiting artist Christopher W. Benson on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at 3 pm. The talk will take place in the Museum’s Cushing Building, where Benson’s exhibition, “Pictures & Windows: The Paintings of Christopher W. Benson from 1975 to 2017,” is currently on view. A book of […]
Newport Police Department to participate in 2nd Annual Broadway Street Fair
On October 7, 2017, the 2nd annual Broadway Street Fair will be from noon to 6:00 pm. Newport Police Department announced on October 3rd that they will have activities in front of the police station that will include child identification kits provided by the Masons, face painting, karaoke, visits from McGruff the Crime Dog and several […]
Chuck Mosley brings the ‘Reintroduce Yourself World Tour’ to Providence on October 3rd
Chuck Mosley has always been a sort of creative enigma. He was the original lead singer of experimental hard rock act Faith No More during the ‘80s where he brought a mix of rapping and punk rock grit during a time where no one was attempting to do so. After he left, he was the […]
WalletHub: Providence is among ‘Worst Cities for People with Disabilities’
With October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the 2017 cost-of-living adjustment for disability benefits being significantly lower than U.S. inflation, the personal-finance website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2017’s Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities. In order to ease the process of finding the best place to live while managing a […]
Greenlove Foundation installs water bottle filling station at St. Michael’s Country Day School
On October 2, 2017, members from the Greenlove Foundation participated in St. Michael’s Country Day School assembly to celebrate the school’s environmental efforts and successes during the past three years. As a result of the school’s environmental accomplishment, Greenlove has donated a water bottle filling station to SMCDS which was officially unveiled on Monday. […]
George Wein, the father of outdoor music festivals, turns 92
George Wein, the iconic producer of the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, will turn 92 years old on October 3rd, 2017. 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 produced the first Newport […]
Now Hiring in Newport: 120+ local businesses and companies
Time for a new part-time gig, new full-time job or a new career? Start your job search right here, there are nearly 100 businesses hiring right now in Newport. Hiring? Post a job, it will be included in our Featured Jobs and more. Featured Jobs 12 Meter Charters – 12 Meter Charters – Crew Member Position […]
Newport Music Festival’s 2017-18 Chamber Music Series kicks off on October 27th
The Newport Music Festival’s 2017-18 Chamber Music Series opens October 27 at the Newport Art Museum at 7 p.m. with a performance by the Euclid Quartet. The four-concert series begins in anticipation of the Newport Music Festival’s 50th-anniversary summer festival (July 4-22, 2018). The Chamber Music Series will feature award-winning guest artists and Newport Music Festival’s internationally renowned resident artists. On March 24 the series presents […]
Live music and entertainment listings: Oct. 2 – 6
A look at where to find live music, comedy, movies, karaoke and more this week. Monday, October 2nd 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Battle Of The Sexes at Jane Pickens Theater6 pm to 9 pm – Julio Amaro at Perro Salado7 pm to 10 pm – The Groove Merchants at Fifth Element7:30 pm – Columbus at Jane Pickens Theater9 pm – Yacht […]
20+ things to do this week: Oct. 2 – 6
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this week. Monday, October 2nd 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Battle Of The Sexes at Jane Pickens Theater Tuesday, October 3rd 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Battle Of The Sexes at Jane Pickens Theater 6 pm – 4th Annual Meatball Challenge 2017 […]
Newport Police to sponsor two ‘Prescription Drug Take Back Days’ on October 7th and October 28th
Newport Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public two opportunities to drop off expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for proper disposal. It is free and anonymous. Dropping off these medications helps prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. It also provides […]
Green Love Foundation donates water bottle filling station to St. Michael’s Country Day School
On October 2, 2017, members from the Greenlove Foundation will participate in St. Michael’s Country Day School assembly to celebrate the school’s environmental efforts and successes during the past three years. As a result of the school’s environmental accomplishment, Greenlove has donated a water bottle filling station to SMCDS which will be officially unveiled on […]
20+ things to do this weekend: Sept. 29 – Oct. 1
Discover what’s happening, new and to do in and around Newport this weekend. You Might Also Like – Live music and entertainment listings: Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 Friday, September 29th 4 pm – Annual Pumpkin Regatta at Newport Shipyard 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Battle Of The Sexes at Jane Pickens Theater 4:30 pm – WWI Baseball at Cardines Field […]
