The Pell Center at Salve Regina University will host a variety of events during the Spring 2017 semester, all of which are open to the public and free to attend. The Pell Center at Salve Regina University is a multidisciplinary research center examining issues at the intersection of politics, policies, and ideas. Dedicated to honoring the […]
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
Miss Rhode Island and Miss Rhode Island’s Outstanding Teen programs seeking contestants for May competitions
The search for 2017’s Miss Rhode Island and Miss Rhode Island’s Outstanding Teen is underway! Ideal candidates for both scholarship competitions would possess the confidence, talent, intelligence and poise to be a leader and role model for other young women. Local titleholders will be ambassadors for women who care about their role and other women’s […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Revolving Door to Host Thomas Tew Rum Cocktail Contest
On Monday, February 20th the Newport Distilling Company will host its fourth annual Thomas Tew Rum Cocktail contest at The Revolving Door Restaurant as a part of the 2017 Newport Winter Festival celebration! The competition will begin promptly at 9 pm. Entry is $5 per person/free with a Winter Fest bracelet and there will be […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up For This Week: Feb. 6 – 10
Newport, RI – Here’s what’s happening for events, activities, live music and entertainment in and around Newport, RI this week! Monday, February 6th 4:30 p.m. – Jackie at Jane Pickens Theater 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Newport Skating Center is open 6:30 p.m. – Planning Board Meeting at Newport City Hall 7 p.m. – Manchester By […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring In Newport: 70+ Local Businesses (Feb. 5)
Newport, RI – 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 […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Thurston L. Gray, Sr.
Thurston L. Gray, Sr., 80, of Mail Coach Road, Portsmouth, RI, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2017 at Newport Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the loving husband of 57 years to Mary (Lovejoy) Gray. Born in Blue Hill, ME on January 16, 1937, he was the son of the late […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquidneck Island Road Construction Report: Feb. 5 – 10
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: 2/4-2/10 Jamestown: Rte. 138 East, from North Rd. to Conanicus Ave., right lane closed for sign installation, Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Newport: In order to accommodate construction work […]
Posted inThings To Do
Colonial Food for Thought: Newport Historical Society to Host a ‘Newport Eats’ Living History Event
In 1777, Newport was occupied by British troops and a blockade prevented trade to the island. A population with a sophisticated palate, used to trade goods from all over the word, was now forced to eat local. What did people eat 240 years ago to survive the harsh winter and war-torn environment? On Saturday February 18, 2017 […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up For This Weekend: Feb. 3 – 5
Newport, RI – Here’s what’s up for events, activities, live music and entertainment in and around Newport this weekend. Scroll down for live music and entertainment listings Friday, February 3rd 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Annual Warehouse Sale at Karol Richardson 2 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. – Jackie at Jane Pickens Theater 5 p.m. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jemison Faust Wins Newport Annual Best-In-Show Award
The Newport Art Museum has announced the winners of the 2017 Newport Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition. One of the Museum’s most anticipated annual events, this exhibition highlights top talent from the region, bringing together an eclectic mix of art sourced from Rhode Island and beyond. Entries are open, calling established and emerging artists alike to submit […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Skating Center Kicks-Off February Food Drive in Support of Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
Throughout the Newport Skating Center’s 2016-2017 season, Bank Rhode Island’s (BankRI) support as its Community Partnership Sponsor has helped nearly 600 people—the majority of who are children—take to the ice through community skating programs. On Friday, February 3, the partnership kicked-off its latest community-focused effort, a February food drive to support the Martin Luther King, […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Agnes Sullivan
Agnes M. Sullivan, 99, a lifelong Newporter passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2017. Born in Newport on May 9, 1917. She was the daughter of the late John J and Catherine (Gillies) Sullivan. Preceded in death by her sister Marion E Sullivan and her brothers, John F. “Peanuts” Sullivan Jr. and Cornelius J Sullivan. […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Francis Xavier Girr Jr.
Francis Xavier Girr, Jr. died on January 26, 2017 at the age of 86 after a long and full life. A third-generation Newporter, Frank was born on October 2, 1930 to Francis Girr and Kathryn Curry. He grew up in Middletown, RI across the street from Vernon Playground, where he spent his childhood playing baseball. […]
Posted inNews
Obituary For James O’Connell
James E. O’Connell, 83, of Portsmouth, RI, died unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017 with his wife by his side. He was the husband of Judith O’Connell. Father of Tracey Marino of Stratford, CT and grandfather of his beloved grandson, J.J. Marino. Jim was born in New York City on December 31, 1933. He was […]
Posted inCity & Government
Agenda for February 8th Newport City Council Meeting
The following items of business will go before Newport City Council at its regular meeting to be held on February 8, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at Newport City Hall. To see links to any of the following items, visit http://cityofnewport.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=1&event_id=45 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Suggested Action: CITIZENS’ FORUM: (Speakers must sign in with the […]
Posted inThings To Do
12+ Events Happening in February That You Shouldn’t Miss
Newport, RI – Discover the best events, activities and things to do during February in and around Newport, RI. 1- The Hotel Viking presents Paul Hobbs Wine Dinner – February 4, 2017: Founded in 1991, Paul Hobbs produces wines that express their vineyard origins with finesse, complexity and authenticity. Paul Hobbs wines are fermented with […]
Posted inNews
Former St Joseph’s Rectory on Washington Square sells for $1,062,500
The strong market for quality commercial and mixed use properties in downtown Newport continues to be strong as evidenced by the recent sale by Lila Delman Real Estate International of the iconic former St Joseph’s Rectory on Washington Square for $1,062,500. The mixed use property at 39 Touro Street has 8,386 square feet of gross […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Folk Festival Begins 2017 Rolling Lineup Announcements, Fleet Foxes to Perform
The Newport Folk Festival has begun its annual tradition of announces who will perform at the 2017 Festival via their unique rolling lineup announcements. The first announcement came on Folk Festival’s Facebook Page on Wednesday morning, when they announced Fleet Foxes would return to Fort Adams on Friday, July 28th. Fleet Foxes is an American indie folk […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Photo Gallery: Newport String Project presents Dvorak, Maconchy, Mendelssohn at Ochre Court
On January 29th, the Newport String Project presented perennial favorite Mendelssohn’s Octet for Strings in the vibrant setting of Ochre Court at Salve Regina University. The concert brought together a dynamic group of musicians working at the leading edge of socially engaged chamber music in Rhode Island and beyond. The program also featured Antonin Dvorak’s […]
Posted inNews
10 Most-Popular What’sUpNewp Stories in January
Newport, RI – Here are the most-read and most-popular stories that appeared on www.whatsupnewp.com in January, 2017. 10. 35+ Restaurants Will Take Some Time Off This Winter (Updated) 9. Gurney’s Comes to Goat Island 8. Stoneacre Pantry Confirms Future Plans for New Space in Washington Square and Former Space on Thames Street 7. Obituary for Alison M. […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for John Souza
John Roland Souza, 89 passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at Miriam Hospital, Providence RI after a brief illness. He is survived by his loving wife Evelyn (Almeida) Souza. They were married 65 ½ years. He is preceded by siblings Mary Augustine, Manuel Souza, Angie Venancio, Emily Myshrall, Madeline Silvia, Jesse Souza, Florence Medeiros, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum Announces Access Program for Low-Income Families
The Newport Art Museum has announced in a press release that it has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to encourage families of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. The program will enable low-income […]
Posted inNews
Trinity Church Launches ‘Trinity Serves’, a Community Capital Campaign
Trinity Church, founded in 1698, announced today in a press release that they will announce the public launch of a capital campaign at an event at the church on February 15, 2017 at 4:00pm. Trinity Serves supports a bold suite of projects to restore and renew the centrally-located Trinity campus to better serve the people of Newport […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Symposium Examines Gilded Age Art, Design & Technology April 23-26, 2017
The 25th annual Newport Symposium, Gilded Age Art, Design & Technology,, will be held Sunday, April 23 to Wednesday, April 26, 2017, in the historic houses and buildings of Newport, Rhode Island., according to a press release issued today by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Presented by The Preservation Society of Newport County, with […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Team MAPFRE Will Return to the Volvo Ocean Race
MAPFRE has announced that they will once again take part in the Volvo Ocean Race, they are the third team to confirm their presence on the start line of the 2017-2018 edition of the offshore race. MAPFRE thus continues as a sponsor, having begun with the team in the 2011-2012 race, with a more secondary presence, […]