In celebration of Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM), Melinda and Peter Gerard announced in a press release on Friday, March 3rd the formation of the Loti Falk Gaffney Pell Elementary School Music Empowerment Trust also known as the Pell Inspiration Program (PIP), a program to introduce the students of Pell Elementary School to inspired […]
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 inThings To Do
Newport Storm Pint Nights Will Help Support 61st Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Newport Storm’s Spring Irish Red Ale has been welcomed back as the “Official Beer” of the 2017 Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. 2017 marks the 61st annual parade, and the sixth time that Newport Storm Brewery has been given the honor. During the entire week leading up to the parade, Newport Storm hosts a pint […]
Posted inCity & Government
State Rep. from Newport County Introduces Bill to Create a Study Commission on Marijuana Legalization
Rep. Dennis M. Canario (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton) has introduced legislation (2017-H 5551) that would create a 15-member special legislative commission to study the effects of legalizing recreational marijuana in Rhode Island, according to a press release on March 3rd from the State of Rhode Island General Assembly. “The potential effects of legalizing […]
Posted inNews
Craft Beer Corner: Born to be Wild – Sours Are In at The Wharf Pub
One question we’ve been surprisingly asked a lot lately down here at The Wharf Pub is – “Do you have any sours on tap right now ?” Sours are huge right now in the Craft Beer industry. Sours are great beers for guests that are just being introduced to craft beer, also guests that normally […]
Posted inThings To Do
25+ Things To Do This Weekend in Newport (March 3 – 5)
Discover what’s happening, new and to this weekend in Newport for events, activities and entertainment! You Might Also Like: Where to Find Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment in Newport This Weekend (March 3 – 5) Friday, March 3rd 3 p.m. – Family Friendly Fridays at Fab Newport 4 p.m. – Mother Goose at Rosecliff 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News, Things To Do
Where to Find Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment in Newport This Weekend (March 3 – 5)
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! Newport Live Music & Entertainment Listings Those listings that include links are our proud sponsors and advertisers, they make these listings and what we […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senate President, Governor Discuss Rhode Island’s Promise Free College Proposal at Rogers High School
Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed joined Governor Gina M. Raimondo today at Rogers High School for an assembly with the school’s students, according to a press release from the State of Rhode Island General Assembly.The Senate President and Governor talked with the students about the importance of continuing their education after graduation and discussed […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Jazz Festival Announces Third Wave of Artists, The Roots Will Headline Sunday
Producer/Founder George Wein and Artistic Director Christian McBride announce the third wave of artists for the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Global Asset Management, which takes place at Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino August 4 – 6. Tickets are available atwww.newportjazzfest.org. “As […]
Posted inThings To Do
Norman Bird Sanctuary Invites Children and Families to Meet a Unique Variety of Animals Up Close
Norman Bird Sanctuary invites children, families, and animal lovers for the special opportunity to meet a unique group of animals up close and personal on Sunday, March 5th, at the “Meet the Animal Ambassadors” public program. This one-of-a-kind program allows attendees of all ages to learn from, observe, and sometimes even touch fascinating live animals […]
Posted inNews
12 Open Houses on Aquidneck Island This Weekend (March 3 – 5)
Looking for a new home in Newport, Portsmouth or Middletown? Here’s what open houses are taking place in those communities this weekend. All links direct you to listing on RILiving.com; Open Houses in Newport This Weekend 90 THIRD ST – $385,000 – Open house on 3/5/2017 from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM 3 La Salle PL – $410,000 […]
Posted inNews
Local Military Spouse is Named 2017 Armed Forces Insurance Navy Spouse of the Year
Joy Goodrich was selected as the Naval Station Newport Spouse of the Year® on February 13th and on February 24th she was named the branch winner for Navy Spouse of the Year®. One last vote will take place on March 2nd –– for 24 hours –– to name the overall Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum Spotlights Creative Work of Newport County Students During Youth Art Month
March is National Youth Art Month, and each year the Newport Art Museum partners with the Rhode Island Art Education Association in spotlighting the creative work of Newport County students in its galleries. Over 100 pieces of student art work from public and private schools in Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Jamestown, Tiverton, and Little Compton will […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Fernando Rego Fernandes, 88, Newport
Fernando Rego Fernandes, 88, of Newport died Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Newport Hospital. He was the husband of Guiomar (Nunes) Fernandes. Born on March 7, 1928, in San Miguel, Portugal, he was the son of the late Francisco and Georgina (Cabral) Fernandes. Mr. Fernandes worked as a greens keeper for 42 years at Wanumetonomy […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for James Furtado, 59, Newport
James G. “Jake” Furtado, 59, of Newport, RI, died February 28, 2017 at home. Born May 12, 1957, Jimmy was the son of Alberta Furtado of Middletown and the late Francis Furtado. Following in the footsteps of his father and many uncles, Jimmy entered the construction business after his graduation from Middletown High School in […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Martha Jane Braley, 78, Newport
Martha Jane (Todd) Braley, 78, of Leonard Terrace, Newport, RI, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 28, 2017. She was the wife of the late Roger L. Braley, Jr. Born in Tuscumbia, AL on September 15, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Fred W. and Leola W. (Willingham) Todd. Mrs. Braley […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Ermelinda Amaral, 93
Ermelinda (Andrade) Amaral, 93, formerly of Newport, RI, died on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at St. Elizabeth’s Manor, Bristol, RI. She was the wife of the late Jose Amaral. Born on November 1, 1923 in San Miguel, the Azores, she was the daughter of the late Jose Matias and Maria D’Conceicoa (Souza) Andrade. Mrs. Amaral […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Ben & Jerry’s on Thames Street will Participate in ‘Free Cone Day’ on April 4th
Ben & Jerry’s on Thames Street will celebrate Free Cone Day in the tastiest way possible….with free cups and cones of your favorite ice cream! On April 4th, between 12pm – 8pm, head to the Ben & Jerry’s at 359 Thames Street for your free cone or cup of ice cream, it’s Ben & Jerry’s […]
Posted inNews
Cluny School to Close After 60 Years (Updated)
Cluny School will close at the end of the 2016/2017 school year. School leaders informed the faculty and staff at 4 p.m., and parents at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the school’s campus located at 75 Brenton Road in Newport. “It is with a deep sadness that we announce the closure of Cluny School,” said […]
Posted inNews
RIDOT Beginning Demolition of the Old Sakonnet River Bridge
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced in a press release that starting on Wednesday, March 1st it is beginning the process of removing the old Sakonnet River Bridge. The bridge was closed in 2012 with the opening of the new Sakonnet River Bridge. “We’re pleased to inform citizens on both sides of the […]
Posted inThings To Do
Save The Date: 10 Great Events in Newport this March
Discover the best events, activities and things to do during March in and around Newport, RI. March is Newport Irish Heritage Month for a full list of events, activities and things to do, head here – Schedule Of Events: 40th Annual Newport Irish Heritage Month. (In chronological order) 1 – Newport-Kinsale Chef Exchange Kick-off – March 2nd: […]
Posted inCity & Government
Portions Of RI Sound And Lower Narragansett Bay And Sakonnet River Closed To Shellfishing
The Rhode Island Departments of Environmental Management (DEM) and Health (RIDOH) has announced today via a press release that areas of Rhode Island Sound, lower Narragansett Bay south of the Newport Pell and Jamestown Verrazzano Bridges, and lower Sakonnet River will be closed to shellfish harvesting beginning at sunrise on Wednesday, March 1, until further […]
Posted inThings To Do
Art After Dark at Newport Art Museum will go Beyond Architecture in March
The Newport Art Museum’s sparkling monthly late night affair Art After Dark is back onThursday, March 9, from 5 – 9 pm. Each Art After Dark has unique programming for the whole family. This event joins the ranks of the many events and educational programs the Museum currently offers in its galleries at 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. And the best news. Admission is free or by donation! So, reacquaint yourself with the Newport Art Museum. Details […]
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Obituary for Frederick M. Kelly
Frederick Mayer Kelly, 94, of Newport, RI, died Monday, February 27, 2017 at John Clarke Nursing Center in Middletown. He was the husband of the late Geraldine A. (Smith) Kelly. Born on July 22, 1922 in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Thomas Raymond and Harriet Mary (Bacheller) Kelly. Mr. Kelly was […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Sylvia Marie Craig, 58, Portsmouth
On Saturday, February 25, 2017, an earthly angel ascended to Heavenly Angel. Sylvia Marie Craig, 58, peacefully passed away, comforted by family and friends by her side, and enfolded in the loving prayers of those who loved her. Born May 22, 1958, at St Anne’s Hospital, Fall River, MA, a life-long resident of Portsmouth, RI, […]
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Obituary for Osvaldo Cortes, 64, Newport
Osvaldo Cortes, 64, of Newport died Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at Newport Hospital. Osvaldo was born October 16, 1952 in Aquadilla, Puerto Rico. He is the son of the late Juan Cortes-Nieves and the late Carmen Muniz. He was the husband of the late Migdalia Lopez-Pabon. Osvaldo was a former resident of 76 Broadway and […]