newportFILM announced on Tuesday, August 22nd that longtime Executive Director Terri Conners will transition into a role on the Board of Directors this fall, current Managing Director Rebecca Bertrand will be named Executive Director. Conners was hired by newportFILM Founders Andrea van Beuren and Nancy Donahoe in 2010 as the organization’s first Executive Director. Over […]
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 inHistory, Things To Do
Fort Adams Trust will host Civil War Reenactment this weekend
On Saturday, August 26th and Sunday, August 27th the Fort Adams Trust will host a Civil War Living History Reenactment within the walls of Historic Fort Adams. This two-day event includes Civil War living history activities bringing the sights and sounds of the Civil War to Newport. Events will begin at 9 a.m. on both days and include reenactors […]
Posted inNews
Treasurer’s Green Business Loan Project underway in Middletown
Treasurer Magaziner today joined state and local officials to tour a rooftop solar array at Embrace Homes Loans in Middletown, one of the first Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) projects developed as part of the Treasurer’s commitment to creating jobs and supporting local businesses. “Helping Rhode Island’s businesses invest in energy efficient projects reduces […]
Posted inNews
Powerball Jackpot Jumps to $700 Million
The estimated jackpot for Wednesday, August 23rd’s Powerball drawing is now $700 million. Saturday’s estimated jackpot was $535 million, there were no jackpot or million dollar winners. Wednesday night’s cash option is an estimated $443.3 million. Tickets can be purchased up until 9:50 pm on Wednesday night. It was in March 2012 that Newport’s own Louise White stepped […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Movies On The Rocks will wrap up 2017 series with free screening of Star Wars Rogue One
Friends of Ballard Park’s 12th Annual MOVIES ON THE ROCKS series wraps up on Wednesday, August 23rd with a free screening of Star Wars Rogue One. The movie will be shown in the quarry meadow off of Hazard Road in Newport. A short, Snack Attack, provided by the Rhode Island International Film Festival will be screened prior to the feature. […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Things To Do
SSV Oliver Hazard Perry to offer public tours in September and October
Having completed a full summer of teen voyages throughout northern New England, the 200-foot Tall Ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry will be open to the public for free tours at Fort Adams State Park over the Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend (September 2 and 3) from 1 to 4 p.m. both days. The largest privately-funded, actively sailing civilian Tall Ship in the U.S., Perry also […]
Posted inNews
Treasurer Magaziner will tour Infrastructure Bank-Financed Rooftop Solar Array in Middletown today
This afternoon General Treasurer Seth Magaziner will be joined by representatives of Embrace Home Loans and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, along with members of the Rhode Island General Assembly and the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, to tour a rooftop solar array that was recently installed at the corporate headquarters of Embrace Home Loans […]
Posted inCity & Government
What to know for the Senate District 13 Special Election on Tuesday, August 22nd
Residents in Rhode Island Senate District 13 (Newport, Jamestown) will go to the polls on Tuesday, August 22nd to decide who will replace M. Teresa Paiva Weed at the State House. Paiva Weed resigned in the spring to take a position as executive director of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island. Democratic Dawn Euer, an attorney and […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring In Newport: Style Newport, Preservation Society of Newport County and 100 other businesses
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 Annie’s – Experienced Short Order Cook – Immediate Hire Classic Cruises of Newport – Front Desk Ticket Sales Representative for Classic Cruises of Newport Harry’s […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Warrior, Irie 2, Haerlem and Young American win Ida Lewis Distance Race
The weather started out gloomy, then got downright nasty for the 13th edition of the Ida Lewis Distance Race, which started Friday, August 18 off Fort Adams State Park in Newport, R.I. A forecast calling for storms to pass over the race course during the night convinced seven of the original 40 entrants to drop out prior to the […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter To The Editor: Dawn Euer – It would be the highest honor to serve you in the General Assembly
To the Editor: During the course of this election I have had the opportunity and privilege to talk with thousands of concerned citizens who genuinely want government to work for them. Everyone wants to see their tax dollars working in the most efficient ways possible. They want their elected officials to be both responsive and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
20+ Things To Do This Week: August 21 – 25
Discover the best things, events and activities to do in and around Newport this week. Monday, August 21 J Class World Championship 1 pm – The Great American Eclipse Party at Top of Newport 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Maudie at Jane Pickens Theater 5 pm – Mt. Gay Mondays at Plumby’s 8 pm – Laughter For […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Listings: Live Music and Entertainment (August 21 – 25)
Discover where to find live music, entertainment, comedy, trivia, karaoke, movies and more in and around Newport this week. You Might Also Like –40+ things to do this week in Newport: August 14 – 18 Monday, August 21 4:30 pm – Brian Scott at The Landing4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – Maudie at Jane Pickens Theater6 pm to […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter To The Editor: Mike Smith can be a vital change agent for the State House
To The Editor, I am writing this letting in strong support of Mike Smith for State Senate in the District 13 special election next week. His core issues are not only what are needed for the towns of Newport and Jamestown, but are policies that will benefit the state as a whole. First and foremost, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Preservation Society of Newport County announces lineup for Fall Lecture Series
The Preservation Society of Newport County will present a series of lectures on “Great Ideas of the Gilded Age”. The Fall Lecture Series is sponsored by ALEX AND ANI. Advance registration is required for all lectures, online at www.NewportMansions.org/Learn/Lectures or by calling 401-847-1851. Wednesday, September 6, 2017 6:00 p.m. Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport Gilded Suffragists-How Alva Belmont […]
Posted inHistory, Things To Do
Annual Reading of George Washington’s Letter at Touro Synagogue Set for August 20th
The annual reading of George Washington’s historic letter “To the Hebrew Congregation at Newport” will take place on Sunday, August 20th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Touro Synagogue. The letter, which honors American’s precious freedoms and religious tolerance, continues to be lauded and commemorated as possibly having the greatest impact on America and American Jewry. Light […]
Posted inNews
Photo Gallery: The Kings Lens – Hurricane Gert serves up waves off Newport
Hurricane Gert may be spinning away from the United States a few hundred miles away to our south, but she served up some fun conditions for local surfers on Wednesday and Thursday. All photos by Patrick Murphy, contributor to What’sUpNewp, the photographer behind The Kings Lens and Founder of The Kings Lens and Friends. The Kings […]
Posted inNews
Craft Beer Corner: Long Trail Brewing & to our friend Russ
From way back in 1989, Long Trail Brewing Company has been producing some of the best in the country. Starting in a basement, once the beers started hitting the local watering holes it was clear a bigger space was gonna be necessary. Being eco-friendly, not only does Long Trail recycle their glassware, but any malts […]
Posted inCity & Government
Mayor Winthrop endorses Smith for Senate District 13
In a letter to the editor, Newport Mayor Harry Winthrop endorsed Mike Smith for Senate District 13 (Newport, Jamestown) on Wednesday. “Rarely do I venture into partisan politics but I am compelled to do so in the District 13 Senate race. I am supporting the business oriented, jobs focussed candidate, moderate Mike Smith,” said Winthrop […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
25+ things to do this weekend in Newport: Aug. 18 – 20
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do this weekend in and around Newport. You Might Also Like – LISTINGS: Live music and entertainment in Newport this weekend: Aug. 18 – 20 Wondering what’s happening on Thursday, August 17th? Click here. Friday, August 18th 12:30 pm – Ida Lewis Distance Race 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – MAUDIE at […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
LISTINGS: Live music and entertainment in Newport this weekend: Aug. 18 – 20
Discover where to find live music, karaoke, comedy, dancing and entertainment this weekend in and around Newport! YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE –25+ things to do this weekend in Newport: Aug. 18 – 20 *Unless otherwise noted, the venue is located in Newport. Friday, August 18th Buskers: Dave & Neal at 9 pmCeltica: Karaoke at 10 pmClarke Cooke House: DJ & Dancing […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles
REVIEW: What Cheer Brigade’s ‘You Can’t See Inside Of Me’
Adding to Providence’s musical variety, brass bands have come to prominence since the turn of the decade with rhythms that take hold of the soul. The Extraordinary Rendition Band and Kickin’ Brass are great examples by possessing an infectious sound that can start a party anywhere. With the Providence Honk Fest being one of the […]
Posted inNews
LIST: Public, Private Firework Displays That Will Light Up the Newport Sky in 2017 (UPDATED)
If you love fireworks, this year is shaping up to please you with more than ten firework displays taking place over Newport in 2017. If you dislike fireworks or have a pet that hates fireworks, hopefully, the following information will be of assistance in preparing you for the displays. Scheduled Firework Displays (this list was […]
Posted inNews
‘Prayer against hatred’ rally will take place outside Newport City Hall on Sunday
For the second time in as many years, Pastor Paul Hoffman has felt the pull to step out and speak up for unity against hatred. Prompted by the recent events in Charlottesville, VA, Pastor Hoffman knew he could not stand idly by. “We need to unite against hatred by opening a dialogue and creating a […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Richard Perkins
Dr. Richard Perkins, age 81, of Portsmouth died Friday, August 11, 2017 at home in Portsmouth. Dr. Perkins was born February 26, 1936 in Springfield, MA . He is the son of the late Harry and the late Anne (Dunlop) Perkins. He married Jean Carlberg. Richard graduated from Newington High School and later graduated from […]