Rhode Island’s musician community and all of Newport was reeling on Sunday when word spread that Malcolm ‘Mac’ Chrupcala, a long-time local musician, band leader and teacher had died. Chrupcala, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday night, according to family members. (Editor’s Note – An earlier version of this story stated Chrupcala was 65, that […]
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
20+ Great Things To Do In and Around Newport This Week (Nov. 28 – Dec. 2)
Discover what’s happening, new and to do this week for events and activities in and around Newport, RI! Christmas In Newport, a month-long celebration of the Holiday Season throughout Newport, begins on Thursday, December 1st! Monday, November 28th 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. – Loving at Jane Pickens Theater 5:00 p.m. – Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission at Bike […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquidneck Island Road Construction Report for Week of Nov. 27 – Dec. 3
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: 11/26 – 12/3 Jamestown: Rte. 138 East and West, from Rte. 1 to the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge, expect lane closures in a moving operation, for overhead lighting repairs, Monday – […]
Posted inJobs
50+ Companies Hiring in Newport Right Now (Nov. 27)
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. Have a job posting you would like to add to this list and have featured? You can add a listing here. Featured Listings: […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpRhodeIsland.com Is Temporarily Down
We’ve learned that www.whatsuprhodeisland.com crashed on Sunday, November 27th after being attacked. We’re working on rebuilding and restoring the site asap, until then you will be forward to the “Rhode Island” section on www.whatsupnewp.com. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Posted inThings To Do
Where To Find Santa in Newport This Christmas Season
Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and even the elves from the North Pole are coming to The City By The Sea this Christmas Season, here’s where to find them! Saturday, December 3rd Santa’s Workshop, noon-3 p.m. Easton’s Beach Rotunda Ballroom, 175 Memorial Blvd. Crafts, goodie bag, ride on Carousel and decorate cookies. $5 per child. 845-5800.www.cityofnewportn.com […]
Posted inThings To Do
46th Annual ‘Christmas in Newport’ Set to Kickoff on Thursday in Washington Square
Christmas In Newport, a city-wide celebration fostering the historic traditions of the holiday season, will kickoff their 46th season on Thursday, December 1st. With a volunteer base numbering 1500, the non-profit organization, Christmas in Newport, raises thousands of dollars for charity each year. In keeping with the true spirit of the season, any event listed […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jane Pickens Theater Will Host 3 Special Screenings of Holiday Classics in December
Buddy The Elf, Clark Griswold and The Bolshoi’s version of The Nutcracker are all coming soon to the big screen in Newport, RI. Along with their great regular programming, Jane Pickens Theater and Event Center will host the following three Christmas classics in December. On a non-related Christmas programming note, don’t miss Concert Film: “Mumford […]
Posted inThings To Do
Top 10 Reasons To Visit Newport This Holiday Season
In Newport, the most wonderful time of the year brings out the beauty and arguably the best out of our city’s historic buildings, streets, events, restaurants and people. From Christmas at the Newport Mansions to Illuminated Boat Parade, Newport is packed full of authentic holiday traditions, old and new in 2016. We’ve got the top […]
Posted inThings To Do
Upcoming Christmas Tree Lighting Celebrations Around Newport
Christmas trees across the City-By-The-Sea are about to light up and fill the Newport air with holiday cheer. Here are five scheduled Christmas Tree Lighting Celebrations to put in your calendar; Saturday, November 26th at 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Courtyard on Thames will host their 2nd annual holiday tree lighting between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport County Residents Invited to Enjoy Free Admission to Christmas At Newport Mansions This Weekend
The Preservation Society of Newport County is inviting all Newport County residents to enjoy free admission to Christmas at the Newport Mansions. The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House. Residents of Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth and Tiverton can see The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House decorated for the holidays on Saturday November 26th […]
Posted inNews
25+ Great Things To Do This Weekend in Newport
Discover the best activities, events and things to do in and around Newport, RI this weekend! Friday, November 25 9 a.m. – Black Friday & December 17th Trunk Show at lululemon Newport 1 p.m. – Holiday Reception at Silken Gallery at Corey Silken Photography 2 p.m. – Loving at Jane Pickens Theater 4 p.m. – The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff 4 p.m. […]
Posted inNews
In Photos: 2016 Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade
The Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade returned on November 25th, more than a dozen boats traveled along the harbor and competed for best decorated in various categories. Hundreds of people lined Newport Harbor to watch the boats motor by and join in on the holiday spirit, here are some of our favorite public social media photos […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council-Elect Will Take Oath of Office on December 1st
The seven members who have been elected to Newport City Council for the next two years will take their Oath of Office at Newport City Hall on Thursday, December 1st. Returning to the Council are Second Ward Councilor Lynn Ceglie, Thirs Ward Concilor Kate Leonard and Councilor-At Large members John Florez and Jeanne-Marie Napolitano. Harry Winthrop […]
Posted inNews
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Child Molestation in Newport
Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin has announced that Theodore Gathmann (age 20), of Roswell, GA, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Justice Stephen P. Nugent to one count of first degree child molestation. Under the terms of the plea, Gathmann was sentenced to 25 years with 12 years to serve, ordered to undergo sex offender counseling, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
10+ Bars Open on Thanksgiving in Newport
Looking to get out of the house today and grab a drink with family or friends? Here’s what bars are open around Newport on Thanksgiving night. 22 Bowens: Open regular hours. Benjamins: Open at 5pm. Buskers: Open at 7pm. Clarke Cooke House : Open, serving food until 9pm. Fastnet Pub: Open at 5pm. IYAC: Typically open […]
Posted inFood & Drink
10 Newport Restaurants Open For Thanksgiving Dinner in 2016
As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, we recognize there are many who will be looking for a place to dine out or order from on Thanksgiving in Newport, RI. Whether you’re far away from home and can’t make it back or just to prefer to eat out and keep it simple on Thanksgiving, the following restaurants offer you a warm […]
Posted inNews
What About Bobby: What I Am Thankful For
Having ALS has been the toughest challenge of my life. It has literally taken most of the things that I used to consider the most important to me in life. It has taken my independence in every way imaginable. I can no longer walk, talk, or even go to the bathroom on my own. I […]
Posted inArts & Culture
15 Places To Find Live Music and Entertainment on Thanksgiving Eve in Newport
Here’s what’s happening for live music, comedy and entertainment in and around Newport, RI on Thanksgiving Eve, enjoy yourself and be safe! Buskers: Open mic night with Mike Warner from 9pm to 1am. No cover. Facebook event – Wednesday- Open Mic- Buskers Pub Fastnet: Pub Trivia at 9pm. No cover. Jimmy’s Saloom: Ocean Mic at 9pm. No […]
Posted inCity & Government
Spruce Acres Farm Donates Christmas Trees For Washington Square and Newport City Hall
Spruce Acres Farm donated a tree to the Preservation Society of Newport County for its Christmas festivities at Washington Square. The Farm also donated Newport City Hall’s first Christmas tree in 16 years. “The tree is the centerpiece for the downtown decorations. We do the official Christmas in Newport decorations at Washington Square and Eisenhower […]
Posted inNews
Bristol Man Wins $10,000 on ’24 Karat Cash’ Instant Ticket Purchased on Broadway in Newport
A Bristol Man claimed a $10,000 “24 Karat Cash” Instant Ticket prize on Monday, November 21st and said he will put some of his winnings toward bills, according to the Rhode Island Lottery. The ticket was purchased at Charles 5 & 10 Store, located at 232 Broadway in Newport. The $10,000 winning ticket from Newport was part […]
Posted inBusiness
A1 Roofing Donates More Than Two Dozen Turkeys To Help Feed Needy Families
Newport based A1 Roofing donated over 25 turkeys to assist the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center’s Thanksgiving food drive on Monday, November 21st. The turkeys were just part of a larger effort to help stock the Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard based center for families in need at the start of the holiday season. “A1 […]
Posted inNews
Challenge Met: Kiernan Challenge Raises Over $100,000 for MLK Hunger Services
Philanthropists Peter D. Kiernan and Eaddo Kiernan join MLK Community Center Executive Director Marilyn Warren has announced the challenge has been met: donors from across Newport County and beyond have given more than $58,000 to the Kiernan Challenge benefiting the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. “It’s a great day to be a Newporter. Eaddo and […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Business News: November 21, 2016
Keeping up with what’s happening and new with Newport businesses can be tough, we decided to do something about it in order to help you (and us) keep track of all that’s happening in the City-By-The-Sea. This is ‘Newport Business News’, a weekly column where we keep you in the know of what’s happening with […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Tickets for 2017 Newport Folk Festival Will Go On Sale On November 30th
If you want to go to the 2017 Newport Folk Festival, purchasing tickets at 10 a.m. on November 30th will be your best and probably only shot. With the announcement from Newport Folk Festival via social media and e-mail today, NFF also announced that their is a new ticket provider and payment plan option; We […]