Marie Elaine Dion, age 70, of Middletown, died Sunday, April 2, 2017, at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Marie was born February 11, 1947, in Watertown, MA, the daughter of the late Ernest and the late Concetta (Taverna) Falbo. She was the wife of Paul Dion for 49 years. Marie graduated from […]
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
Child Offered A Ride By Stranger on Monday, Newport Police Addresses Concern
The Newport Police Department has released a statement in regards to an incident that took place on Monday where a child was offered a ride home from a stranger. “Newport Police has learned of a series of Social Media posts that have generated concern amongst parents of school-aged children. On April 3, 2017 a 9-year-old […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport County YMCA Opens Doors to RhodySquash
The Newport County YMCA has partnered with RhodySquash offering a permanent home for their program in Newport County, it’s being called a “perfect match with a combined focus on healthy living and social responsibilities” by both organizations. “RhodySquash provides an opportunity for the youth of our community to achieve their personal best through the integration […]
Posted inNews
April 7 is Deadline to Apply for Scholarships and Grants Targeting Newport County
Newport County women and nonprofits that provide programs supporting the self-sufficiency and independence of local girls and women have until April 7 to apply for scholarships and grants through the Miss Swinburne Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation. In 2016, the Miss Swinburne Fund awarded $42,000 in scholarships to 17 students and $18,460 in grants […]
Posted inNews
Opposition of Welcome Center Offers $200,000 to ‘Save The Breakers Landscape’ (Updated)
This story was originally published at 4 am on April 4th, it has been updated to include a response from the Preservation Society of Newport County. Ronald Fleming, founder and president of The Townscape Institute and a member of the Friends of Newport Preservation, has offered a $200,000 challenge grant to the Trustees of The Preservation […]
Posted inNews
Expect Traffic Delays, Road Closures on Saturday, April 15th for ‘Newport Rhode Races’
Nearly 2,000 runners will compete in the inaugural Newport Rhode Races on Saturday, April 15th, which features a marathon, half-marathon and 5k. The marathon begins at 7:30 a.m., the half marathon at 8 a.m., and the 5k The marathon begins at 7:30 a.m., the half marathon at 8 a.m., and the 5k begins at 8:15 […]
Posted inThings To Do
Salve Regina Will Host 54th East Coast Shotokan Karate Championships This Weekend
About 150 athletes representing 30 different clubs will compete in the 54th Annual East Coast and Collegiate Shotokan Karate Championships this weekend at Salve Regina University, according to a news release from Salve Regina University. The two-day event on April 8-9, which is being organized by Salve students, will include competition in multiple divisions, including […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Newport Night Run Draws Crowds to Support Public Education
Hundreds of enthusiastic supporters turned out for the 2017 Newport Night Run on Saturday, April 1st., to participate in a 5K road race in support of the Newport Public Education Foundation. The 2017 Newport Night Run was the largest to date in the race’s four-year history, with 1200 runners registered. The event sold out more […]
Posted inNews
Clean Ocean Access Publishes 10 Years of Environmental Impact Report
Clean Ocean Access (COA) has published its 2006-2016 Clean Report. COA’s Clean Report highlights results from their Clean Program from 2006-2016, through efforts of their community volunteers dedicated to eliminating marine debris to improve ocean health. With participation of over 7,600 volunteers, Clean Ocean Access has hosted 457 cleanup events and removed an astounding 94,487 […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Up For This Week: April 3 – 7
A look at what’s happening for events, activities, city meetings, entertainment and more this week in and around Newport. Monday, April 3 4:15 pm & 7 pm – The Zookeeper’s Wife at Jane Pickens Theater 6 pm – 2017 Alliance For A Livable Newport Annual meeting – Open to the Public at Salvation Cafe 6:30 pm – Planning […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Live Music and Entertainment Listings: April 3 – 7
Discover where to find live music, entertainment, comedy, karaoke and trivia this week in and around Newport. You Might Also Like – What’s Up For This Week: April 3 – 7 Monday, April 3 Diego’s: Trivia at 9:30 p.m. Fastnet: Live music with The Ubiquitones from 10 pm to 1 am.Hotel Viking: Live music with Travis […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senate Candidate Dawn Euer Participates in Common Cause event
PROVIDENCE, RI – Dawn Euer, longtime Newport resident and declared democratic candidate for the vacant senate seat in District 13, participated on Saturday in a panel discussion sponsored by the good government group, Common Cause. The topic was ‘Demystifying Democracy’ with a focus on testifying at the State House and making your point in three minutes. Euer is […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Island Road Construction Report: April 2 – 8
Here is what’s happening for road work, closures and detours in and around Newport, RI this week. Roadwork scheduled by Rhode Island Department Of Transportation: 4/1-4/7 Newport: In order to accommodate construction work at the Newport Transportation and Visitors Center, motorists will experience a right lane closure on America’s Cup Ave., from Gladys Carr Bolhouse Rd. […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for CAPT. Thomas W. Lyons Jr. U.S.N. Ret.
Capt. Thomas W. Lyons, Jr., 88, of Portsmouth died on Friday, March 31, 2017 at Atria Aquidneck Place. He was the husband of the late Marguerite (Creegan) Lyons. Born on July 10, 1928, and raised in Jamestown, he was the son of the late Thomas W. and Anna (Boone) Lyons. Capt. Lyons attended De La […]
Posted inJobs
130+ Companies Are Hiring In Newport Right Now
Looking for a spring or summer gig? Or perhaps a new part-time job or new career? There are more than 130 companies in Newport hiring for all different positions, and in all sorts of industries right now! Upcoming Job Fairs Jobs in Newport, RI All posted within the last 7 days and are in Newport […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
12 Can’t Miss Events Happening in Newport, April 2017
Discover the best events, activities, and things to do during April in and around Newport, RI. The Age of Consequences – newportFILM screening: April 4 Film screening at Casino Theater, followed by conversation with Dave Polatty (Associate Professor & Director of Civilian-Military Humanitarian Response Program at the U.S. Naval War College) & Sophie Robinson (The […]
Posted inNews
10 Most Popular Stories on What’sUpNewp: March 2017
Here are the most-read and most shared stories that appeared on www.whatsupnewp.com during the month of March, from St. Patrick’s Day to breaking news – March was a busy one in our publishing world! Thanks for an amazing March, it was by far our busiest March in terms of users, sessions and page view ever! […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Business, Things To Do
Rail Explorers Begins Operating on Aquidneck Island on April 8th
Rail Explorers, featuring pedal-powered rail bikes, will begin its Rhode Island operation with tours along ‘The Northern Ramble’ – a six mile exploration of the historic railroad between Portsmouth and the Sakonnet River on April 8. The Rail Explorers: Rhode Island Division is presented by the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad. What’sUpNewp was the first […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Ronald William Hamilton Barr
Ronald William Hamilton Barr, age 83, of Newport, died Friday, March 31, 2017 at home. Ronald was born August 8, 1933, in Deolali, India. He is the son of the late Henry William and the late Maisie (Hamilton-Littlewood) Barr. He was the husband of Nancy Scott for the last 10 years. After spending his early […]
Posted inNews
Tiverton Woman Wins $10,000 on Instant Ticket
A woman from Tiverton claimed a $10,000 “Maximum Payout” Instant Ticket prize, according to Rhode Island Lottery. The woman, who was not identified by lottery officials, says that she is saving for a house, so she plans on adding her winnings to her savings account. East Lake Variety, 750 East Rd., Tiverton, sold the winning […]
Posted inOpinion
Guest View: Small business – The Backbone of the Rhode Island Economy
Small business is the lifeblood of Rhode Island’s economy. We have more than 95,000 small businesses in this state employing over half of the state’s private workforce — our friends, our neighbors and our family members. Behind every small business in Rhode Island there’s a story about someone’s dream. It’s the story of their courage […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Art Behind The Scenes Event Will Feature Timothy Michael Hetland
The Arts and Cultural Alliance (ACA) of Newport County presents an Arts Behind the Scenes event featuring Timothy Michael Hetland, an artist focused on creating exciting works with metals and alloys, stones and crystals, and wood. Mr. Hetland is a 3rd generation Norwegian descending from Kragerø, Norway. Through his metal artworks he focuses on the […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport Tree Purchase and Planting Program Open for Applications
Newport R.I. — The City of Newport’s Forestry Division annual tree planting program is underway and great trees are available to City residents. The Division will be providing several varieties of trees at wholesale cost and they will plant the tree for any resident. Residents in neighborhoods that lack significant tree cover can improve home […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Anthony Somerfield
Anthony Somerfield, Jr. ,88, was carried to Heaven on Tuesday, March 30 2017, at Rhode Island Hospital. His illness was short, but his love of life was long. He was the husband of Elsie Victoria (Perry) Somerfield, the love of his life. Tony, as he liked to be called, was born on August 5th, 1928 […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Robert Corbin
Robert E. Corbin died on March 23, 2017 at Mass General Hospital after open-heart surgery, a few days after becoming 86 years old. Always known as Robin, he had a lifelong connection to and a deep love for Newport that went back several generations. His great grandfather, James Thomas Rhodes, who owned a shipping company […]