Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus shared that Joe Cardona’s request to return as Long Snapper for the New England Patriots in 2016 has been approved on the Dan Patrick Show on Friday, May 13th. Cardona split time between the New England Patriots and the Naval Preparatory Academy in Newport during the 2015/2016 NFL season. There were […]
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
VIDEO: Newport’s Heather Abbott Delivers Providence College’s Commencement Address
Heather Abbott, a 2003 graduate of Providence College and Newport resident, whose injuries in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing led her to establish a foundation which helps amputees obtain prosthetic devices, presentED the Commencement Address at Providence College’s Ninety-Eighth Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 15, 2016. Abbott was one of five honorary degree recipients. The […]
Posted inNews
24 Student-Athletes from Newport County Honored on Sunday at 2nd Annual Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards
The 2nd Annual Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards were held on Sunday evening at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. 75 student-athletes from across Rhode Island were expected to be honored at the 2016 Rhode Island Scholar Athlete Awards, the Keynote Speaker scheduled for the event was Tim Wakefield. The 13 high schools participating in the event included […]
Posted inThings To Do
Great Things To Do This Week: May 16 – 20
Discover the best events, activities and things to do during this weekend in and around Newport, RI. 1 – American Craft Beer Week Celebration Monday through Sunday at Wharf Pub The Wharf Pub will be doing a special menu for American Craft Beer from May 16th through May 22nd, they are the only place in Newport […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where to Find Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment This Week: May 16 – 20
Discover where to find live music, comedy, karaoke and entertainment this week in and around Newport! Monday Diegos: Trivia at 9pm Fastnet: Live music with The Ubiquitones from 10pm to 1am. No cover. Fifth Element: Live music with The Groove Merchants from 7pm to 10pm Midtown Oyster Bar: Live music with Yacht Club Rejects from 9pm to […]
Posted inThings To Do
Gregory Maguire, Author of “Wicked”, Will Speak at Jamestown Arts Center on May 26th
Join the Jamestown Arts Center in collaboration with DESIGNxRI on Thursday, May 26 at 6:00pm for a reading and discussion with author, Gregory Maguire, about his novel Wicked and its voyage from page to stage, as well as comments on recent books such as the New York Times bestseller, After Alice, and the Boston Globe […]
Posted inThings To Do
Volunteers Needed for Secret Garden Tours
For over a quarter of a century, Secret Garden Tours have provided more than 1.25 million dollars in support of art education in our public schools. An integral part of their great success has been the dedication and commitment of their wonderful, loyal volunteers. The 2016 “Historic Point” Tour will take place on Friday, JUNE 17, […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Cecile “Cis” Bernadette (Caron) MacDonald Mckinney: Long-Time Co-Owner of Almy House Country Store and Christmas Fantasy in Portsmouth
Cecile “Cis” Bernadette Caron MacDonald McKinney, 96, passed away on May 14, 2016 after a brief illness. Cis was born in Providence, RI on March 18, 1920 to the late Edouard and Pearl Caron. She was the older sister of the late Ed Caron, USAF, who died in Korea in 1952 during a B52 explosion […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring In Newport: Help Wanted at 50+ Local Businesses (May 15)
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 have been posted between May 9th – 15th; 22 Bowen’s – Restaurant Manager – 22 Bowen’s, Dining Room Supervisor – 22 Bowen’s, Kitchen Supervisor – 22 Bowen’s99 Restaurant – 99 Restaurants – Host Staff @ $11+, […]
Posted inNews
Look Who’s Talking About Newport: May 15, 2016
This is a daily look at where and why Newport is being mentioned locally and around the globe over the last 24 hours, for the latest news from What’sUpNewp, check out All The News. This story will be updated throughout the day to include new mentions and news. Patch – Broadway Businesses Might Lose Front Entrance Access Next […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Opera House Will Host Community Open House Today
The Opera House Theater & Performing Arts Center (Newport Opera House) will host a Community Open House on Sunday, May 15th from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Newport Opera House recently received its first check for $1,016,800 in cultural bond grants passed by Rhode Island voters in 2014, and construction will begin soon on […]
Posted inNews
Heather Abbott Will Deliver PC Commencement Address Today, George Wein Will Also be Honored
Heather Abbott, a 2003 graduate of Providence College and Newport resident, whose injuries in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing led her to establish a foundation which helps amputees obtain prosthetic devices, will present the Commencement Address at Providence College’s Ninety-Eighth Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 15, 2016. The ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. […]
Posted inNews
UPDATE: Sephora Will Open Store in Downtown Newport on May 20th
This story was originally published on December 8, 2015. What’sUpNewp has learned that International beauty and cosmetic giant Sephora will open a store in Newport, RI in 2016. The store will host a Grand Opening on Friday, May 20th at their new location at 49 Long Wharf Mall. Sephora will be open 10 a.m. to […]
Posted inNews
International Conference and Service Project Being Held This Weekend in Newport for Bridge and Turnpike Authorities
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority Hosts the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association’s Maintenance & Roadway Operations Workshop The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority is hosting the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association’s (IBTTA) Maintenance & Roadway Operations Workshop May 15th through May 17th at the Hyatt Regency Newport and at Fort Adams State […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Jack’s Abby Social Tennis League is Looking For Teams and Players in Newport
The Jack’s Abby Social Tennis League kicks off on May 19th in Newport, RI and they are currently looking for new teams and players to join their league. Jack’s Abby Social Tennis League, which is operated by the USTA New England, offers the opportunity for young professionals in Newport to meet new people through the game […]
Posted inNews
44 Open Houses on Aquidneck Island This Weekend: May 14 – 15
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 inNews
Newport Public Schools Submit Request for a Variance from RIDE School Construction Regulations
In order for the Newport School District to receive 35% reimbursement on the Rogers High School Roof project that was approved by voters in November 2014, Rhode Island Department of Education requires the district to notify the community twenty working days in advance of the request for a variance. Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent of Newport […]
Posted inNews
Look Who’s Talking About Newport: May 14, 2016
This is a daily look at where and why Newport is being mentioned locally and around the globe over the last 24 hours, for the latest news from What’sUpNewp, check out All The News. This story will be updated throughout the day to include new mentions and news. WPRO – Miss Rhode Island and Miss Rhode Island’s Outstanding […]
Posted inNews
Report: Rev. Dom Caedmon Holmes Abruptly Resigns as Abbot and Chancellor of Portsmouth Abbey School
Newport Patch is reporting (Portsmouth Abbey Abbot Abruptly Resigns) that Reverand Dom Cadmon Homes, Abbot and Chancellor of Portsmouth Abbey School, has abruptly resigned. The reason for his abrupt resigning is attributed to admitting misconduct. “The abbot and chancellor at Portsmouth Abbey School has abruptly resigned after admitting misconduct.” For more information, read the story […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Pagliarini Seeks to Reduce Severance Pay and Benefits for Contracted State Workers
Senator John A. Pagliarini Jr. (R- District 11, Bristol, Portsmouth, Tiverton) and Representative Robert Nardolillo III (R-District 28, Coventry) have recently introduced legislation, that they are calling “Betsy’s Bill” that would reduce a non-union state employee’s salary and benefits after leaving their position. Senator Pagliarini (R- District 11, Bristol, Portsmouth, Tiverton) In a State House […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senate Clears Senator Whitehouse’s Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize National Estuary Program
The Senate has unanimously approved Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and David Vitter’s (R-LA) bill to reauthorize the National Estuaries Program (NEP), which now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The program was first established in 1987 by the late Senator John Chafee (R-RI) to protect and restore estuarine […]
Posted inNews
Podcast #106: Politicians, Musicians, Students and Riverkeepers
In case you missed it, it was a free-form kind of Friday on The Open Forum today on WADK 1540 AM. Despite some technical errors to start the show (you’ll hear the awkwardness), we were able to catch up with a lot of guests about a variety of topics. 12:45 p.m. – Representative Carson dialed […]
Posted inNews
Attorney General Kilmartin Schedules Second Shred-a-Thon for Aquidneck Island
With the overwhelming success of the shred-a-thon held at the Middletown Police Department on May 5th, Attorney General Kilmartin has scheduled a second free shred-a-thon event at the Middletown Senior Center on Thursday, May 19th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., or until capacity. The event will take place in the rear parking lot of […]
Posted inNews
Expressive Arts Institute at Salve Regina Still Accepting Applications for its Foundation Course
The Expressive Arts Institute at Salve Regina University, which is celebrating 20 years of successfully implementing a holistic approach into the training of skilled professionals, is accepting applications for its foundation course being offered in three 3-day-weekend sessions from May 20-22 to July 8-10; and Aug. 12-14. This introductory training course is designed to provide […]
Posted inNews, Style & Shop
Give Old Denim a New Purpose by Upcycling at Laura Jean’s Denim Drive
Laura Jean Denim is holding a denim drive Wednesday, May 25 through Wednesday, June 15 that will upcycle donated jeans into housing insulation. Participants that donate at least one pair of used jeans will receive a coupon for $20 off a new pair of jeans. All donated denim will be upcycled into UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation as […]