Robert Anthony Massarotti, age 73, of Portsmouth died Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at Roger Williams Medical Center of Providence, RI. Mr. Massarotti was born May 21, 1943, in Providence, RI, the son of the late Domenico and the late Angelina (Terranova) Massarotti. He was the husband of Patricia (Skillman) Massarotti. Robert was a URI graduate […]
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 inArts & Culture
2016 Newport Jazz Festival Mobile App and Daily Schedules Are Now Available
The official companion app for the 2016 Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management goes live today. The mobile app includes performance schedules, customizable schedule, artist profiles and a festival map. To download the app to your mobile device, go to: To download and print daily schedules with set times and stages, go […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Rebecca Lee Goodrich Conlan
Becky Goodrich, 48, of Newport, passed on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. She was born in Newport, Rhode Island on September 12, 1967; she was the daughter of the late Bruce and Maureen Goodrich. Becky graduated from Middletown High School. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Rhode Island and her Master’s in […]
Posted inCity & Government
Photos of New Broadway Amenities Will Be Displayed at Proposed Locations on Wednesday
The City Of Newport’s Department of Public Services will be placing a cone with a picture of either a bench or a bike rack at proposed locations along the Broadway corridor to give the merchants a visual of where they will be located on Wednesday. Proposed Amenities for “Park Zone” of Broadway Streetscape Project Proposed Amenities […]
Posted inCity & Government
Update: One Man Dead After Halsey Street Fire on Tuesday Afternoon
Newport Fire Department responded to 62 Halsey Street around 4 p.m on Tuesday for a small fire contained in a single story commercial structure. That structure would be the Newport County Tradesman Center II. Crews quickly reported that the fire was knocked down and that they were checking for extension. According to multiple sources, a man […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
National Sailing Hall Of Fame Announces 2016 Inductees, Newporter Among The Class
The National Sailing Hall of Fame (NSHOF) recently announced the nine people who will make up its 2016 class of inductees: America’s Cup winning helmsman Ed Baird (St. Petersburg, Fla.); legendary sailing champion (Star Worlds, Congressional Cup and America’s Cup) Bill Ficker (Newport Beach, Calif.); husband and wife sail training pioneers, adventurers and authors Irving […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Storm’s Latest Beer Celebrates a Newport Local and Former Employee Who is Battling A.L.S.
Newport Storm has announced the release of foRIster, a barrel aged double IPA. This collaboration beer, a first for their barrel aging program, was inspired by, and brewed for Newporter Bobby Forster. A former employee of Newport Storm, Bobby was diagnosed with A.L.S. in December of 2014. Before his diagnosis Bobby biked, hiked, sailed, kayaked, surfed, […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Report: 22 Bowen’s is Best Steakhouse in Rhode Island
According to a recent study, 22 Bowen’s on Bowens Wharf in Newport is the best steakhouse in Rhode Island! Business Insider teamed up with Foursquare to create a list of the top-rated steakhouses in every state and Washington, DC, based on explicit ratings, visit popularity, and tip sentiment by users of the city-guide app. Here’s what […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Cru Cafe Has Temporarily Closed
Cru Cafe, a Russel Morin Group Managed Company, has announced that they have decided to temporarily close. The announcement came recently on the cafe’s Facebook Page; “We are experiencing growing pains and have decided to temporarily close. It is our mission to provide our customers with the unparalleled service and product they deserve and we […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Prepares to Welcome Dignitaries from Japanese Sister City this Week
It’s been 162 years since Newport native Commodore Matthew C. Perry, USN, negotiated the nation’s first trade treaty with Japan, opening up the Pacific island nation to Western commerce and ushering in a new era of global trade. On Thursday, July 14th, Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano and the Newport City Council will join with dignitaries from […]
Posted inNews
Podcast #146: Chat with People’s Credit Union and Craft Brew Races
During the first hour of the The Open Forum today on WADK 1540 AM we focused on how to watch your credit, what you need to know about mortgages, what’s happening with interest rates and much more during our chat with Karen Vebber, a Mortgage Loan Officer at People’s Credit Union. At 1:30 p.m., we turned […]
Posted inArts & Culture
2016 Newport Folk Festival: Schedule of Official Events
The 2016 Newport Folk Festival is right around the corner and there are more events and after parties scheduled than ever before! The What’sUpNewp Crew has put together a list of all the official events (schedule of unofficial folk events to come) to keep your folkin’ weekend in official order, enjoy! We considered anything “official” […]
Posted inThings To Do
Island Moving Company Will Perform ‘A Tale Of Hook And Pan’ On Board Oliver Hazard Perry
Island Moving Company Announces A New Production, Second Star To The Right: A Tale Of Hook And Pan Island Moving Co., Newport’s contemporary ballet company, presents a new site specific production, in the tradition of its renowned Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff and the Company’s legendary Dracula at Belcourt Castle. In partnership with Newport’s new Tall Ship, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Collecting Trends Will Be Featured at 10th Anniversary Newport Antiques Show
There are many antique events across the country, but there are few that offer the opportunity to view and learn about the antiques from the country’s leading experts in one venue. The 2016 Newport Antiques Show offers this type of opportunity July 22nd – July 24th when over 40 dealers present a diverse selection of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Tourism Marketing Study Commission Will Meet in Newport on Friday
The Special Legislative Commission to Study Methods for Growing Tourism in the State of Rhode Island Through Coordinated Branding and Marketing Efforts will meet Friday at the Old Colony House in Newport. The meeting, open to the public, is scheduled Friday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Old Colony House, which […]
Posted inCity & Government
SafeWise Report: Newport Ranked 35th Safest City in Rhode Island
While Newport has made a habit of landing on the top of lists, the latest SafeWise Report ranks Newport at the absolute bottom for safety. While striving to provide the best in home security and safety resources, SafeWise delivers current, and relevant content to aid users in creating a safer, more secure home. According to […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for H. Albert Daniels
H. Albert “Al” Daniels, 85, of Portsmouth died Saturday, July 9, 2016, from cancer at Newport Hospital. Mr. Daniels was born on September 12, 1930 in Melrose, MA. He is the son of the late H. Albert, Sr. and the late Elizabeth S. (Rydell) Daniels. He was married to the late Alice P. (Kelly) Daniels […]
Posted inCity & Government
Petition Seeks to Keep Benches Out of Equality Park
Nearby residents and business owners are currently circulating a petition in opposition of the addition of benches in Equality Park. During the Broadway Streetscape Improvement Project construction and landscaping updates over the last year, benches in the park were removed. Proposed Amenities for “Park Zone” of Broadway Streetscape Project Local residents and business owners believe […]
Posted inNews
Island Moving Company Wins $10,000 Art Works Award
More Than $82 Million Awarded for Arts Projects Nationwide Includes $10,000 awarded to Island Moving Co. National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects and partnerships in the NEA’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2016. Included in this announcement is an Art […]
Posted inNews
60+ Businesses Hiring in Newport Right Now | July 11
Looking for a job in Newport, RI? Here’s our weekly roundup of job opportunities that are currently available in and around Newport, RI. All jobs posted within the last 7 days; 22 Bowen’s – Line Cook – 22 Bowen’sABM On-Site – CleanerAccountTemps – Accounts Payable ClerkAquidneck Restaurant & Pizzeria – Delivery Driver & Line Cooks (Middletown/Newport)BAE Systems – Program ManagerBank Newport – Branch […]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things To Do This Week In and Around Newport | July 11 – 15
Discover the best events, activities and things to do during this weekend in and around Newport, RI. Ongoing 48th Annual Newport Music Festival – July 8 – 24, 2016, it continues the tradition of presenting unique chamber music programs, American debuts, world-class artists and gala special events in the Gilded Age summer cottages of Newport. Enjoy 60 […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Mary Ellen Schoenbucher
Mary Ellen (Russell) Schoenbucher, 77, of Portsmouth, RI, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2016 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA. She was the devoted wife of Paul E. Schoenbucher. Born on February 3, 1939 in Rutland, VT, she was the daughter of the late John A. and Mary (Collins) Russell. Mary Ellen […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Joyce L. Gardner
Joyce L. (Parris) Gardner, 63, of Marie Drive, Coventry, RI, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2016 at Kent Hospital in Warwick. She was the wife of Geoffrey Gardner. Born in Perrysburg, OH on February 14, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Norman D. and Illa-Mae (Brossia) Parris. She was a graduate of […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Day 2 of Hall Of Fame Tennis Championships: Early Rounds & More
Today is day #2 of the 2016 Hall of Fame Tennis Championships at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport. Tickets can be found HERE. Schedule Of Events 10:00 am – Doors Open11:00 am – Play Begins12:00 pm – 5:00 pm – USPTA Free Clinics2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – ATP Juniors Clinic Order Of Play For […]
Posted inThings To Do
Island Moving Co.’s Great Friends Dance Festival Opens This Week
Island Moving Co. presents its seventh annual Great Friends Dance Festival, taking place July 14-17 and July 19-23, 2016 at the Great Friends Meeting House in Newport, RI. Performances, which are unique each night, are at 7:30pm. Tickets to the performances are $28; $23 for seniors and students. Ticket prices include a donation to the […]