On Friday, nearly 200 people, including Governor Raimondo and RIPTA Board Chair Wayne Kezirian joined Grow Smart RI at the RI Convention Center for “Next Stop: Making Transit Work for RI” — a forum to discuss ways to most effectively leverage the state’s transit system to benefit more Rhode Islanders, as well as the state’s […]
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
Obituary for Mary Nunes, 85, Newport
Mary Walsh Nunes, 85, of Newport, passed away Friday March 17, 2017 at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 28th, 1931 in Newport RI. She was the daughter of John J and Margaret (O’Hanley) Walsh. Mary is survived by her sister, Sr. Anne Walsh, OSU. Mary is also survived by her […]
Posted inThings To Do
20+ Things To Do This Week (March 20 – 24)
Discover what’s happening, new and to do during the remainder of this week in Newport! Monday, March 20th 1 pm – Newport Prevention Coalition at Newport Police Station 3:30 pm – The Sense Of An Ending at Jane Pickens Theater Tuesday, March 21st 10 am – Volvo Ocean Race Newport Announcement and Pep Rally at Belle Mer 5:30 pm […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where To Find Live Music and Entertainment This Week in Newport (March 20 – 24)
Discover where to find live music, entertainment, comedy, karaoke and trivia this week in and around Newport. You Might Also Like – 20+ Things To Do This Week (March 20 – 24) Monday Diego’s: Trivia at 9:30 p.m.Fastnet: Live music with The Ubiquitones from 10 pm to 1 am.Jane Pickens Theater: 3:30 pm – The Sense Of […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring In Newport: 85+ Local Businesses and Companies (March 19)
Looking for a job in or near Newport, RI? Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, seasonal gig or new full-time career, chances are that someone is looking for you out there. Jobs Opportunities In & Around Newport, RI All jobs posted in last 7 days and are in or within 5 miles of Newport. 22 […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Communities Can Apply for Funds to Improve Downtown Business Districts
Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (RICC) have announced they are accepting applications for the Main Street Rhode Island Streetscape Improvement Fund, which supports projects that improve the state’s commercial districts. The Main Street grants were created in the state fiscal year 2016 budget and make funding available for […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Judith Sullivan
Judith Sullivan, 77 of Newport, Rhode Island died Friday March 17th, 2017 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, Massachusetts. Born on May 14th, 1939 in Brockton Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Biando and Rita Giovanniello, and sister of the late Michael Giovanniello. Judith moved to Newport in 1972, with her husband, […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Dr. Norman D. Allen D.D.S.
Newport – “Bud” Allen, 92, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2017, in his home. He was born July 28, 1924, in Manchester, CT, son of Carl H. Allen and Agatha Haverly Allen. He attended Dental School at the University of Maryland and received his certificate of Orthodontics at the University of Montreal. He was […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
UPDATED: Sail Newport to Host Volvo Ocean Race Press Conference and Pep Rally on March 21st
Sail Newport is inviting the public to attend a Volvo Ocean Race Newport stopover press conference and Pep Rally on Tuesday, March 21. A press release on Wednesday stated there be a major announcement starting promptly at 9:00 a.m. with speakers from the Volvo Ocean Race and Sail Newport. The press conference will be held […]
Posted inNews
Owner of Pour Judgement Plans to bike across America to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis
The idea behind Bikes And Beers Across America (BBAM) started out like many great ideas – a late night bar conversation scratched out on cocktail napkins. Hank Whitin, owner of Pour Judgement Bar & Grill, became reflective on his upcoming milestone birthday. “I realized I didn’t want to turn 50, 25 lbs. overweight and drunk […]
Posted inThings To Do
25+ Things To Do This Weekend in Newport
Discover what’s happening, new and to do for events, activities and fun this weekend in Newport! Friday, March 17th 1 pm – Diabetes Info Classes for Diabetics, Family, Friends, & Caregivers! at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center 4 pm – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration presented by What’sUpNewp at Midtown Oyster Bar 4:30 pm & 7 pm – The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where To Find Live Music and Entertainment This Weekend (March 17 – 19)
Looking for live music, karaoke, comedy, dj, dancing or any other fun form of entertainment this weekend in Newport? Here’s what’s happening, new and to do in and around the city! You Might Also Like – 25+ Things To Do This Weekend in Newport Friday, March 17th 2 pm to 1am – Live music with Brian […]
Posted inCity & Government
Agenda for Newport City Council’s March 22nd Meeting
The following items of business will go in front of Newport City Council at their regularly scheduled Council Meeting on Wednesday, March 22nd at 6:30 pm. This meeting will take place inside Council Chambers at Newport City Hall and is open to the public. This docket, along with all supporting documents and live video of […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Dr. Joan B. David
Dr. Joan David, 81, Professor Emerita of English at Salve Regina University in Newport and former chairman of the English department, passed away on Monday, March 13. Born June 18, 1935 in Fitchburg, Mass., Joan was a beloved member of Salve Regina’s faculty for 49 years from 1963 until her retirement in 2012. While teaching […]
Posted inThings To Do
AOH Pipes & Drums, Men’s Singers to Perform at St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Midtown Oyster Bar
The 61st Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade has come and gone and now it’s time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a more traditional way in Newport! Join What’sUpNewp on St. Patrick’s Day (Friday, March 17th) at Midtown Oyster Bar for our annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Stop by for some great food (like a […]
Posted inNews
First Wave Of Investments from Green Economy Bond Will Fund ‘First Mile’ Bike Path in Newport
As part of continued efforts to grow Rhode Island’s green economy, Governor Gina Raimondo, along with First Gentleman Andy Moffit and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), announced on Monday the first wave of investments, totaling $10 million, to be funded by the $35 million Green Economy Bond passed last November. Ten bikeway […]
Posted inNews
RI Supreme Court Directs Newport City Council to Issue Victualing Licenses to Preservation Society
The Rhode Island Supreme Court today ordered the City of Newport to “issue victualing licenses…forthwith” to The Preservation Society of Newport County for The Elms Carriage House and the Chinese Tea House at Marble House. The petitioners, the Preservation Society of Newport County and Newport Catering, Inc., d/b/a Glorious Affairs, Ltd., sought review of a […]
Posted inNews
Sunshine Week Celebrates the Public’s Right to Know
Sunshine Week encourages Americans to recognize the importance of open government to a robust democracy Editor’s Note: One of a package of stories marking Sunshine Week, an annual celebration of access to public information. Rita Ward had a question: Why did a weekly listing of causes of death suddenly stop appearing in the local newspaper? It […]
Posted inBusiness
Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education Approves New IYRS Program and Institutional Name Change
IYRS School of Technology & Trades has announced that last week the Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education (RICPE) approved IYRS’ proposed fourth full-time program offering in Digital Modeling and Fabrication. IYRS’ accrediting body, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), will now review the program. The comprehensive nine-month Digital Modeling & Fabrication program […]
Posted inCity & Government
SENEDIA’s Fourth Annual Defense Innovation Days Set for August 28-30
Defense Innovation Days, the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA)’s annual three-day national event highlighting innovation and technology in the defense arena, will be held Monday, August 28 – Wednesday, August 30 at the Newport Marriott in Newport, Rhode Island. SENEDIA’s fourth annual Defense Innovation Days event will feature national leaders from the U.S. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Step into Spring at ‘Nature Tamed in the Landscape, Gardens, and Collections of Rough Point’
Opening April 6th, 2017, this year’s special exhibition Nature Tamed in the Landscape, Gardens, and Collections of Rough Point brings the outside in with a look at how the natural world influenced those who shaped and lived at Rough Point, Doris Duke’s home in Newport. From the original landscape design by Fredrick Law Olmsted, to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
12+ Things To Do This Week in Newport
Discover what’s happening, new and to do during the remainder of this week in Newport! Note: This list usually starts on Monday, but the winter storm canceled almost every event happening on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday, March 15th 4 pm – A United Kingdom at Jane Pickens Theater 6:30 p.m. – Woodcock Walk at Norman […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where To Find Live Music and Entertainment This Week in Newport
Here’s what’s happening, new and to do for live music, karaoke, trivia and entertainment during the remainder of this week in Newport. This information was provided to us by the venue or musicians, it is subject to change. Did we miss something or get something wrong? E-mail Ryan@whatsupnewp.com! Wednesday Buskers: Open mic night with Mike […]
Posted inNews
RISP Respond to Highway Flooding; Jack-knifed Tractor-Trailer Truck; 15 Minor Accidents
At the end of Tuesday, Newport will have seen approximately 3″ of snow and a lot of hail/rain. Much less than the 12″+ that was forecasted for the City-By-The-Sea. Approximately 500 Newport National Grid customers lost power for a short while on Tuesday, no significant accidents were reported in the city. As of 4 p.m., Rhode […]
Posted inNews
Have a Bright Idea for a Healthier Newport County? There’s a Grant For That
Do you have an idea on how to create a healthy athletic activity for the children of Newport County? How about increasing good health habits, building confidence and a sense of achievement? If you do, then apply for funding from the Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund at Newport Hospital and become Powered by Prince! […]