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 […]
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
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 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Teas & Javas Will Become ‘Local Mercantile Newport Café’
After several months of renovations, we know have a better plan of what will become of the building previously was used as Teas & Javas, People’s Cafe and People’s Credit Union. Local Mercantile Newport Café, or Local Mercantile Cafe, will soon open at 282 Thames Street and is “thoughtfully crafted dishes made by talented people”, […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Day 1 of Hall Of Fame Tennis Championships: Family Fun Day and Qualifying Rounds
Today is day #1 of the 2016 Hall of Fame Tennis Championships at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, today will include family activities, tennis clinics, arts and crafts, kids entertainment, museum scavenger hunts, qualifying matches and more! Tickets for the day are $7 for children, $15 for adults and free for […]
Posted inThings To Do
Bit Players and Firehouse Theater Make Available ‘Summer Season VIP Passes’
The Bit Players, Rhode Island’s most award-winning comedy troupe, has announced that they are now offering a special VIP pass for loyal fans that wish to attend multiple shows during their very busy summer season. This pass will grant the holder access to any of the listed shows at the Firehouse Theater this summer: one […]
Posted inCity & Government
Broadway Streetscape Improvement Project Change in Traffic Pattern Starting Monday, July 25th
On Monday, July 25th, Cardi Corporation is scheduled to begin work on the decorative crosswalks. Due to the nature of the work, a new traffic pattern will be established making Broadway one-way northbound from Marlborough Street to Gould Street and Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland Boulevard one-way southbound from Equality Park Place to Marlborough Street (see […]
Posted inNews
Report: Middletown Native Being “Seriously Considered” to run as Trump’s Vice President
There are several reports coming in at this hour that Donald Trump “is seriously considering a retired general” for his Vice President running mate, the person being considered has very strong ties to Rhode Island. According to the Washington Post & MSN, Trump is considering tapping Retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn for the position. “After […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Songhoy Blues Forced to Cancel Appearance at 2016 Newport Folk Festival
Songhoy Blues have cancelled their debut appearance at the 2016 Newport Folk Festival, and all other festival appearance and club shows in the U.S. and Canada, due to medical reasons. Newport Folk Festival had announced that the band would perform at their on Saturday of the 2016 festival back on March 18th, the band is still listed as […]
Posted inThings To Do
What To Do This Weekend In and Around Newport (July 8 – 10)
Discover the best events, activities and things to do during this weekend in and around Newport, RI. Weekend Highlights 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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Folk Festival Releases 2016 Schedule and ‘Official Folk Handbook’
With just two weeks until the Newport Folk Festival, organizers of the sold-out event have updated their smartphone apps, released the ‘Official Folk Handbook’ and have released their 2016 lineup schedule. Official Folk Handbook From site map to schedules and what to bring to the Festival, Newport Folk Festival has it all laid out for […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where to Find Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment This Weekend (July 8 – 10)
Discover the best entertainment, comedy and live music happening around Newport, RI this weekend. If you’re looking for events and other activities that are happening this weekend, check out – What To Do This Weekend In and Around Newport (July 8 – 10). If you find value in these listings, please consider supporting the venues in […]
Posted inThings To Do
Craft Brew Races Will Return to Fort Adams State Park on July 16th
On Saturday, July 16, the Craft Brew Races will return to Rhode Island for a 5k road race followed by a craft beer festival at historic Fort Adams State Park. The event was previously held in Newport in 2015 and attracted more than 1,500 participants. The Craft Brew Race consists of a 5k run or […]
Posted inNews
28 Open Houses This Weekend in Newport, Portsmouth & Middletown
Here’s our weekly roundup of open houses taking place on Aquidneck Island over the weekend, happy home shopping! Need real estate help or a reliable agent? E-mail us at Ryan@whatsupnewp.com, we’d be happy to put you in touch with a preferred and reliable real estate agent that can fulfill your needs. The following information has […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Rolex Presents New York Yacht Club Race Week Beginning Saturday on Narragansett Bay
The splendor and power of racing sailboats will be on display during New York Yacht Club Race Week Presented by Rolex. Rolex has been a committed partner of the most prestigious yacht clubs, institutions and regattas in the world, since it began its partnership with the New York Yacht Club in 1958. New York Yacht […]
Posted inNews
Podcast #144: Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant
Michael Johnson, a cast member, and Owner Jonathan Perry stopped by The Open Forum on WADK 1540 AM on Friday to chat about all that’s happening and to do at the Newport Playhouse & Cabaret Restaurant. Johnson also spoke about his recent acting roles in Ghostbusters, Exeter and an ABC pilot that is set to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Festivals Foundation Announces Schedule for Bridgefest 2016
Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. announces the schedule for Bridgefest™ 2016, which features concerts and entertainment events presented by area artists, clubs, restaurants, theaters, museums and other organizations. The annual celebration of Newport’s rich musical heritage, including folk and jazz music, takes place July 25-28, bridging the gap between the iconic Newport Folk Festival™ and Newport […]
Posted inNews
(Video) IYRS Groundbreaking Ceremony for “The Future of IYRS”
The expansion of IYRS’s campus got underway in late June on Spring Wharf, where an old building was demolished to make way for a new 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art structure on a half-acre site the school acquired in 2015. On Friday, Senator Jack Reed and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse were among the special guests for the […]
Posted inCity & Government
“St. George’s” Bill Signed Into Law, Will Close Loophole in Mandatory Abuse Reporting
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Maryellen Goodwin and Rep. Marvin L. Abney to close a loophole in abuse reporting laws to ensure that schools report allegations of sexual abuse of children to the Department of Children, Youth and Families has been signed into law. The legislation (2016-S 2947aa, 2016-H 8335) is intended to address a situation […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Fimp’s Fave Five: 5 Craft Beers Worth Drinking Right Now
Sarah Fimple is the Beverage Manager at The Wharf Pub on Bowen’s Wharf in Newport, RI. Fimp’s Fave Five is back, Fimp’s Fave Five is here to tip you off on five new and/or great craft beers that are worth picking up at the liquor store, searching for around the city or stopping into The […]
Posted inCity & Government
(Video) Prayer Service Held Outside Newport City Hall Today in Wake of Recent Shootings
In the wake of the the incidents that have happened in Dallas ; Minnesota and Baton Rouge this week, Pastor Paul Hoffman of EFC Newport and fellow members of the faith community hosted a prayer service at Newport City Hall today (Friday, July 8th) at 12 p.m. Pastor Paul is inviting invited the people of EFC, other local pastors […]
Posted inNews
Former Local Resident Gives First Hand Recount of Deadly Dallas Shootings
11 police officers were shot last night during what was supposed to be a peaceful protest in Dallas, Texas on Thursday night. 5 of those officers have died and 6 others are currently being treated at nearby hospitals. Sarah Bertness Sarah Bertness, a native of Barrington, graduate of the Wheeler School and former staff member at […]
Posted inNews
Summer Party Raises More Than $100,000 for SSV Oliver Hazard Perry
With “Launching Life’s Adventure” as its theme, this year’s fourth annual summer fundraising party for Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island (OHPRI) on Friday, July 1, raised over $100,000 for its education-at-sea programs that begin this summer aboard Rhode Island’s Official Sailing Education Vessel SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. The 200-foot ship was dockside at Newport Shipyard and open for […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Theodore Springett:
Theodore Phillip Springett, 84 of Newport passed away quietly on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at the Village House in Newport RI. Mr. Springett was the youngest of 7 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Springett. He resided in Newport. He served his country during the Korean War. Ted graduated from Rider College where he […]