Joe Cardona, who is currently serving at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, RI, will start at Long Snapper for the New England Patriots in the NFL Season Opener on Thursday, September 10th. The 23 year-old was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round (166th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, after the […]
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 inEnvironment & Health, News
Mark Stenning, Former CEO of International Tennis Hall Of Fame, Honored with Golden Achievement Award by the International Tennis Federation
In a special ceremony last night at the US Open, the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) honored former Hall of Fame CEO Mark L. Stenning by presentation of the 2015 Golden Achievement Award. The Golden Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant contributions internationally […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Art Museum Introduces New Fall Programming: Second Saturdays, Drinks with Designers and Art After Dark
The Newport Art Museum is kicking off the fall season with a series of new programs. “Second Saturdays” (beginning September 12), “Drinks with Designers” (beginning September 17), and “Art After Dark” (beginning October 8), will join the ranks of the many events and educational programs the Museum currently offers in its galleries at 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. These […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Perry Mill Tavern Will Close on September 10th, Last Call For Members of Jameson Club
On July 10th, the What’sUpNewp Crew brought you the news that the Owners Of Midtown Oyster Bar Have Purchased Perry Mill Tavern. What’sUpNewp has learned that Perry Mill Tavern will officially close on Thursday, September 10th. It is currently unknown when the new owners expect to reopen the restaurant and bar at 337 Thames Street. For […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Firehouse Pizza Looks to Reopen as ‘Firehouse 595’
The Firehouse Building, located at 595 Thames Street in Newport, RI, which once operated as Firehouse Pizza may soon reopen as Firehouse 595. Rui Reis, who owned Firehouse Pizza, hopes to renovate the building that was Firehouse Pizza until approximately 2012 and reopen the building as Firehouse 595 in the near future. In a victualing license […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Will Welcome World Series Champion Trot Nixon on September 20th
Retired Red Sox World Champion player Trot Nixon will speak at the 2nd Annual New England Festival of Hope on Sunday, September 20th from 5pm to 7pm at Easton’s Beach. Trot was a member of the 2004 Red Sox team that won the first World Series in 86 years. A Red Sox fixture in the […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Oliver Hazard Perry Seeks Volunteers To Sail With Them to New London
Rhode Island’s tall ship OLIVER HAZARD PERRY is departing The Hinckley Company’s shipyard (Portsmouth, RI) on Thursday morning, bound for New London’s Maritime Heritage Festival. They are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to work alongside the crew for the weekend. Join them for a four-day adventure! Interested participants should be on the dock at 0800 tomorrow morning […]
Posted inThings To Do
Jamestown Arts Center to host First East Coast Screening of ‘Sense The Wind’
Jamestown Arts Center will host the first East Coast showing of ‘Sense The Wind’ with cast and crew from the film on Saturday, September 12th Sense the Wind is a journey into the sport of blind sailing and into the lives of four of its competitors. On board cameras and audio capture the high stakes tension. Camera angles at […]
Posted inNews
Preservation Society Of Newport County Receives $1.5 Million Donation
The Preservation Society of Newport County has announced that it has received notice from the Trustees of The Helen D. Buchanan Trust of their intent to make a $1.5 million contribution for The Breakers Welcome Center from the Estate of Helen D. Buchanan. It is the largest one-time cash donation in the history of the […]
Posted inNews
Salve Regina University’s Ranking Jumps in 2016 U.S. News and World Report Survey
In the 2016 edition of U.S. News’ Best College rankings, Salve Regina University jumped 14 spots from the previous year among top tier Regional Universities – North. Salve Regina was also designated as the 28th Best College for Veterans. U.S. News’ Best Grad School Rankings cited the University’s program in rehabilitation counseling 69th (up two […]
Posted inThings To Do
Fort Adams Trust Seeks ‘Deadicated Volunteers’ for Fortress Of Nightmares
Fortress Of Nightmares, Newport’s premier haunted attraction, will return to Fort Adams State Park on October 16th, 17th, 18th, 23th and 25th. The event is scheduled to take place nightly from 6pm-10pm. The 2015 event will feature Tunnels Of Terror, Haunted Officers Quarters, Fort Adams Zombie Hunter Challenge (Laser Tag), Beer Graveyard & Frightful Food Trucks, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Jon Batiste, Newport Folk and Jazz Festival Alumn, Will Make Debut Tonight as CBS ‘Late Show’ Bandleader
Jon Batiste & Stay Human at 2015 Newport Jazz Festival Jon Batiste, who had a huge presence in Newport, RI this summer, will make his debut as the CBS Late Show bandleader tonight at 11:35 p.m. Batiste and his band Stay Human became the the first group to play at Fort Adams State Park for both […]
Posted inNews
POLL: How Was The Summer Tourist Season For Your Business?
Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Newport, recently predicted a busy Labor Day Weekend and was optimistic about Fall Three key factors, he said, have led him to the projection. “First, occupancy rates have been at or near capacity throughout the summer. Specifically, Newport’s lodging tax was up 36.5% in July over the same time […]
Posted inNews
Newport Skating Center Could Return to Newport This Winter
What’sUpNewp has learned that there is possibility that the Newport Skating Center may return to Downtown Newport for the 2015/2016 skating season. Due to the September 2014 sale of the Newport Yachting Center, the home of the Newport Skating Center for 14 years, by Newport Harbor Corp. to the Peregrine Group there was no ice skating […]
Posted inNews
New Academic Center Provides Green Learning Opportunities at St. George’s School
Students at St. George’s School, located at 372 Purgatory Road in Middletown, R.I., return this fall to a state-of-the-art science facility, complete with several sustainable features, built by Shawmut Design and Construction. The project, which took 14 months to complete, was built to achieve LEED Gold certification. “It was a great pleasure to work with […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Newport Vineyards Announces Plans to Celebrate 20th Anniversary on September 27th
It has been 20 years since John and Paul Nunes acquired Vinland Wine Cellars from retiring Captain Alexander and established the Newport Vineyards brand! On the heels of the 20th Anniversary and following a multi-million dollar renovation, Newport Vineyards with host a 20th Anniversary Bash on Sunday, September 27th at 2pm. The event will include a Great Grape […]
Posted inThings To Do
10th Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival is Just Two Weeks Away
From September 25th through September 27th, three of Newport’s most beautiful historic mansions will be filled with visitors and vendors celebrating the 10th Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, presented by The Preservation Society of Newport County and FOOD & WINE. Hundreds of wines from around the world will be poured, and a variety […]
Posted inThings To Do
What To Do in Newport, RI During The Last Two Weeks of Summer
Although pumpkin beer, football and hoodie weather will all be here before you know it, Summer doesn’t end until Autumn begins on September 23 at 4:21 A.M. Here’s 15 things to do before we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall! 1 – newportFILM Outdoor Series | September 10 Catch newportfilm’s last free outdoor […]
Posted inNews
Huge Turnout For Final Weekend of Live Music on Atlantic Beach Club Patio
Atlantic Beach Club, an Aquidneck Island institution for decades, saw live music out on their patio come to a close over Labor Day Weekend. Hundreds of people showed up Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to celebrate the final few days of the live music on the patio, an end of an epic era. Some dedicated […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Live Music and Entertainment in Newport, RI This Week | September 8 – 10
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Newport for live music and entertainment this week, enjoy! Discover the best things to do this week with our look at the best events happening in Newport, RI this week. Listings: Entertainment & Live Music In Newport This Week Tuesday, September 8 – Thursday, September 10 Buskers Irish Pub […]
Posted inThings To Do
Best Things To Do This Week in Newport, RI | September 8 – 11
Now that we’re on the otherside of Labor Day, the Summer Of 2015 is unofficially over. Truth be told, Autumn doesn’t arrive until September 23rd and there’s still plenty to keep you busy, smiling and entertained in the City By The Sea! Don’t put those summer shades or your fun pants away just so soon, […]
Posted inThings To Do
Things To Do on Labor Day in Newport, RI
Happy Labor Day! Here’s how to make the most out of the last day of this long holiday weekend… 1 – Closing Day For lululemon | lululemon athletica Newport Pop-up Shop will close up their pop-up shop on William Street on Monday. They will have treats and fun for those who visit all weekend. MORE INFO 2 […]
Posted inNews
Salve Regina to Celebrate Convocation, Officially Open 2015-2016 Academic Year
Barbara LoMonaco, Salve Regina’s new vice president for student affairs, will present the keynote address when the university community gathers on Tuesday, Sept. 8 to celebrate Convocation, an annual ceremony to welcome new students and officially open the academic year. Festivities will begin at 2 p.m. on the lawn of Wakehurst Student Center, Ochre Point […]
Posted inHistory
55 Years Ago, The Cowsills Were Formed in Newport
Back in the spring of 1965, four brothers who wanted to be The Beatles formed a band called The Cowsills. The original Cowsills consisted of Bill on guitar, Bob on guitar and organ, Barry on bass and John on drums. The following is an excerpt from the history of the family and the band by […]
Posted inThings To Do
Volunteer Tour Guides Wanted as Newport Art Museum Launches New “Gallery Guide” Program
The Newport Art Museum is now accepting applications for its new “Gallery Guides” program. Gallery Guides will be 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 Museum’s exhibitions, collection and architecture. Accepted candidates will go […]