Discover what’s happening, new and to do this week in regards to events, activities, meetings and live music! Monday, January 30 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. – Jackie at Jane Pickens Theater 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Newport Skating Center is open 6 p.m. – City Of Newport: Bring Your Bag Sub-Committee Meeting at City […]
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 inCity & Government
Aquidneck Island Road Construction Report: Jan. 28 – Feb. 4
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: 1/28-2/3 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
Newport’s Giovanni Feroce Will Speak at February Meeting of Executives Association of Rhode Island
Giovanni Feroce, who owns the Wyndham Estate in Newport, will address the Executives Association of Rhode Island at its February 21st meeting at noon at the Radisson Hotel in Warwick. Feroce will speak to the group, who are composed of owners and decision makers of their businesses. In accepting the invitation to speak, Feroce said, “The […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring In Newport: 70+ Companies (Jan. 29)
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. American […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up For This Weekend: Jan. 27 – 29
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, January 27th 12 p.m. – Economic Update Luncheon at Newport Vineyards 3 p.m. – Fab Friendly Fridays at FabNewport 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. – Jackie at Jane Pickens Theater 4:30 […]
Posted inNews
Local Church Examines & Challenges National Unrest
What happens when a local Christian Church decides to “show the love” to all of Newport County? The 2017 Year of Care is created. After the November election and then the Presidential inauguration, local Christian church Evangelical Friends Church (EFC)Newport launched this new community outreach program teaming with five local non-profit support agencies: the Aquidneck […]
Posted inCity & Government
Upper Bay Conditional Shellfish Area B Reopens Tomorrow
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced yesterday that Conditional Area B in Upper Narragansett Bay will reopen to shellfish harvesting at sunrise today, Saturday, January 28; the opening comes four days earlier than anticipated. The shellfish closure began at sunrise on Wednesday, January 25 – following 2.03 inches of rainfall in the […]
Posted inNews
Craft Beer Corner: The Wharf Pub’s Staff Top Favorites
Our top favorite beer list is back! Here at the Wharf we like our staff to pick their favorite beer of the week and join in on the fun. Here is what we are into this week: Brooklyn Improved Old Fashion (pretty much half our staff favorite) – Improved old fashion is a strong ale aged […]
Posted inNews
Ocean Lawn, Former Firestone Estate, Sells for $11.65 Million
Ocean Lawn, one of Newport’s most notable estates, was sold on January 27, 2017, according to a press release distributed by Lila Delman Real Estate International. This marks the third sale by Melanie Delman, President, Lila Delman Real Estate International, of a major Newport oceanfront mansion in the past 18 months, according to Rhode Island […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Volvo Ocean Race Confirms all 2017-18 Race Dates
The Volvo Ocean Race will give sports fans an extra Christmas present in 2017 after adding Melbourne to the route for the forthcoming edition starting in October. The change to the 2017-18 route, announced on Friday morning in Melbourne, means the Race will visit Australia for the eighth time – but for the first in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Art Museum is Now Accepting Applications for Volunteer Gallery Guide Positions
Enjoy intellectual stimulation and lifelong learning with other art lovers! The Newport Art Museum is now accepting applications for its “Gallery Guides” program. Gallery Guides are dedicated volunteers who provide tours for visitors of all ages. The guides will be trained to use questions, conversation and factual content to engage visitors in positive, meaningful and relevant exploration of the […]
Posted inThings To Do
Local Residents and Businesses Welcome to Enter Displays in 12th Annual Illuminated Garden at Ballard Park
Ballard Exploration Company, Inc. will present the 12th Annual Illuminated Garden on Thursday, February 23rd Friday, February 24th and Saturday, February 25th, 2017 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in Ballard Park. The free event features thousands of lights displayed on the trees and unique features of Ballard Park’s three acre quarry meadow. Local school groups, […]
Posted inNews
RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund Encourages Requests for Assistance
The energy sponsors of the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund and its administrator, United Way of Rhode Island, are encouraging those households in need of energy assistance this winter to visit their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to determine if they qualify for the Fund. For those in need who are unsure of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor Raimondo Kicks Off ‘Million Women Mentors’ Initiative
Governor Gina M. Raimondo has officially kicked off Rhode Island’s participation in the national Million Women Mentors (MWM) initiative. The initiative seeks to support the engagement of one million Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) mentors (male and female) to increase the interest and confidence of girls and women to persist and succeed in STEM […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Stephen Nippert
After Stephen Hartley “Red” Nippert, 66, died on Thursday, January 19, 2017 in Newport, RI, his many friends mourned his passing. He was a father, a lifelong fisherman, an avid reader, and was incredibly kind to anyone in need. He helped many people, yet always made it sound like they were doing him a favor! […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Nicholas Giordano
Nicholas J. Giordano, 95, died Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at Newport Hospital of complications due to pneumonia. Born and raised in New York City, he moved to Newport, RI eight years ago. His life was ‘the American Dream.’ Growing up in the depression era, he put himself through school, served proudly in the United States […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Gloria Gene Ivey
Gloria Gene Ivey, 70, of Lawrenceville Georgia passed away on January 24, 2017. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. January 28, 2017 at Gregory B. Levett and Sons funeral home located at 914 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30045 (770) 338-5558. Pastor Rodney Massey of Berean Bible Church will be officiating. Visitation will […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Fire Department’s Honor Guard to Present Colors at Boston Bruins Game Tonight
Before the Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Boston Bruins tonight at 7 p.m. at TD Garden, Newport Fire Department’s Honor Guard will be on hand to present the colors during the National Anthem. Those representing Newport Fire Department’s Honor Guard tonight is Chris Mariotti, Mark Riding, Kyle McKenna, Michael Page, Chris Garafalo and Brad Cronin. The […]
Posted inNews
President Trump’s Pick for Navy Secretary Has Ties to Newport
President Donald Trump announced yesterday his intention to nominate Philip Bilden, a resident of Newport and member of the Board of Trustees at the Naval War College, as the 76th Secretary of the Navy. Bilden, a highly successful business leader, former Military Intelligence officer, and Naval War College cybersecurity leader will bring strategic leadership, investment […]
Posted inCity & Government
Residents Voice Concerns Over John DePetro at Newport City Council Meeting
John DePetro took to the Newport airwaves for the first time on Wednesday at 1 p.m., about 24 hours after his announcement that Newport would be the new home for The John DePetro Show. Following the announcement on Tuesday, several residents and opponents quickly started to call for a boycott of the station and its advertisers […]
Posted inThings To Do
New Rosecliff Exhibition Displays Fashion and Satire of the Gilded Age
A new loan exhibition opens in the second floor gallery at Rosecliff on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Fashion and Satire: The Drawings of Orson Byron Lowell and Charles Dana Gibson pairs a collection of satirical illustrations with Gilded Age fashion pieces and accessories. Focusing on the life of “high society” in New York City, the […]
Posted inNews
Salve’s Administration of Justice Department to Cut Ribbon on New Digital Forensics Lab
Salve Regina’s broader cyber community of students, faculty, business leaders and state dignitaries will gather on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 6:15 p.m. to officially celebrate the opening of its new digital forensics lab, part of the university’s Administration of Justice (ADJ) department. The event will be held in the new lab (Room 261 of O’Hare […]
Posted inCity & Government
Navy’s Intermediate Leadership Course Officially Underway
Developed as a joint effort by U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) College of Operational and Strategic Leadership (COSL) Department and the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center (NLEC), the Intermediate Leadership Course (ILC) is designed to replace the Navy’s former Department Head Leadership Course. The course was developed to directly reflect the Chief of Naval Operations’ […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Reginald P. Parker, Sr.
Reginald P. Parker, Sr., 85, of Middletown died Sunday, January 22, 2017 at home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Rita Marion (Holmes) Parker Born on March 16, 1931 in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late John and the late Zoe (Munro) Parker. Mr. Parker served in […]
Posted inBusiness
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina Debuts
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina debuts this month in the former Hyatt Regency Newport hotel. George Filopoulos of Metrovest and BLDG Management, owners of Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, along with affiliates of Square Mile Capital Management LLC, purchased the Hyatt Regency Newport and are leading the transition of the property. Situated on nearly […]