The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning of areas of fog that are expected to reduce visibility through tonight. The statement covers a large area that includes cities in northern Bristol MA, western Plymouth MA, eastern Plymouth MA, southern Bristol MA, southern Plymouth MA, Barnstable MA, Dukes MA, Nantucket MA, northwest […]
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 inCity & Government, News
Someone painted a fake crosswalk on Harrison Avenue in Newport; City warning of changed intersection
The City of Newport is using social media to warn residents and visitors of a fake crosswalk that someone has recently painted on Harrison Avenue in Newport. “No, we did not install a new crosswalk on Harrison Avenue. But apparently somebody did,” the City of Newport shared on Facebook and Instagram. “Our Public Services crews […]
Posted inOpinion
Opinion: Strong, independent courts make us safe
The United States is fortunate to have strong, independent courts. Our judicial system, while imperfect, is generally free to uphold the law and promote public safety without political interference. That began to change in several unnerving ways during the Trump administration. Among the most concerning has been meddling from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
What’s On The Agenda: Newport City Council Meeting on April 12
Newport City Council will host their next Regular City Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. The meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm, is open to the public and will take place in the City Council Chambers. Here’s a look at what’s on the agenda; CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR THE REGULAR […]
Posted inNews
Reports: Rhode Island sees reduction in traffic fatalities and improvement in national traffic safety rankings
Recent traffic safety reports published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) show reductions in traffic fatalities in Rhode Island and a corresponding improvement in national rankings compared to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to a press release from the Rhode Island Department […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Folk Festival adds The Heavy Heavy to its 2023 lineup
The Newport Folk Festival continued their 2023 lineup announcements today with the news that The Heavy Heavy has joined their lineup and will perform at Fort Adams State Park on Friday, July 28, 2023. The Heavy Heavy Shore Fire Media, a PR firm that represents musicians, shares the following biography on The Heavy Heavy on […]
Posted inBusiness
BankRI to open branch in Bellevue Plaza in Newport this summer
Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) will be expanding its footprint with the opening of two new branches by the coming summer. The bank today announced a location in Newport in Bellevue Plaza, and another on Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston. The two branches will bring BankRI’s statewide total to 22 once open. “This is exciting growth for […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to host a workshop on Rhode Island Ethics Commission and Code of Ethics
Newport City Council will host a workshop on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in the City Council Chambers at Newport City Hall. The notice of the City Council Workshop states that the workshop is in regard to “Rhode Island Ethics Commission and The Rhode Island Code of Ethics”. What’sUpNewp followed up with Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Spears and Sen. DiPalma introduce legislation to protect human services benefits
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Tina L. Spears and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, have introduced legislation which will help individuals keep some access to crucial human services programs and benefits, even if their incomes rise above eligibility standards. “If a family’s provider picks up extra shifts at work, does that […]
Posted inNews
DEM: Free trees available, just in time for spring planting: April 7 deadline for popular Energy-Saving Trees program
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) – along with partners the RI Tree Council, Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association, and the Arbor Day Foundation – is giving 1,000 trees away to Rhode Islanders this spring through the Energy-Saving Trees program. Registration opens Friday, April 7. Now in its seventh year, this popular semiannual program helps Rhode Islanders save energy […]
Posted inNews
Biden pushes econ policy as Trump indictment gets attention
By COLLEEN LONG and JOSH BOAK Associated Press FRIDLEY, Minn. (AP) — President Joe Biden ventured to suburban Minneapolis on Monday to talk about factory jobs and contrast his agenda with “the last guy who had this job.” The “last guy,” as Biden calls Donald Trump, was simultaneously touching down in New York to become the first former president […]
Posted inNews
Great Swamp Shooting Range opens for the season
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has opened the Great Swamp Shooting Range for the season and welcomes sportsmen and women to use Rhode Island’s only free, public outdoor shooting range. Located within the Great Swamp Management Area in South Kingstown, the range has areas for three distinct disciplines: archery, clay target shooting, and paper target […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport: Driftway storage applications are now being accepted
Newport’s Habormaster’s Office is accepting applications for its 2023 Washington Street Driftway Storage Program. Dinghy owners are encouraged to download and submit their applications as soon as possible. Under the City’s Harbor Ordinance, dinghies, kayaks, and other vessels less than fourteen (14) feet and/or otherwise approved by the harbormaster are allowed to be kept in designated […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Foundation offering grants to nonprofit organizations that serve LGBTQ communities
Nonprofits that serve the state’s LGBTQ communities have until April 13 to apply for grants of up to $10,000 through the Equity Action Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation. “Our program is open to nonprofits that traditionally have served Rhode Island’s LGBTQ communities, as well as organizations that are working to initiate or expand services to the LGBTQ […]
Posted inNews
Gregory Alan Isakov added to the 2023 Newport Folk Festival lineup
Newport Folk Festival kept their rolling lineup announcements going today with the news that Gregory Alan Isakov will return to Newport to perform at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival at Fort Adams State Park. Gregory Alan Isakov, who will perform at Newport Folk Festival, on Sunday, July 30, 2023, is an American singer-songwriter who has […]
Posted inJobs
Preservation Society of Newport County will host a job fair on April 12
Whether you are seeking a career change or just want a new beginning, don’t miss The Preservation Society of Newport County’s free job fair. This event will be held Wednesday, April 12, from 3-7 p.m. EDT inside the Preservation Society headquarters at 424 Bellevue Ave., Newport, R.I. With approximately 30 part-time and full-time positions in […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Ujifusa introduces two bills to support veterans
Sen. Linda Ujifusa, a member of the Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is sponsoring two bills that support veterans. One (2023-S 0710) would allow veterans of the United States National Guard who served in any military conflict to receive an exemption on their property taxes. Current law provides such tax exemptions to veterans […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Van Morrison to perform at PPAC on May 11 & 12
Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) announced today that Van Morrison will return to PPAC for two shows on Thursday, May 11, and Friday, May 12, 2023, at 7 pm. He last performed at PPAC in December 2007 to a sold-out crowd. Tickets for both shows go on sale Friday, April 7, 2023, at 10A at the PPAC […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band will stop at The VETS in Providence on July 29
Four-time Grammy-winning singer, composer, and actor Lyle Lovett confirms new nationwide summer tour dates with his renowned Large Band. The tour will stop at The VETS in Providence July 29. General on-sale begins April 7 at 10am. Tickets are available online at TheVetsRI.com or by calling 401.421.2787. For tour info visit lylelovett.com. An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band will feature an arrangement of Lovett standards, as well as […]
Posted inNews
Portsmouth Police investigating a fatal crash on Anthony Road
On April 2, 2023, at approximately 10:56 am the Portsmouth Police and Portsmouth Fire Department responded to 1127 Anthony Road for the report of a motor vehicle accident. Upon police arrival, officers say that they observed that a vehicle had struck the residence. Officers observed significant damage to both the vehicle and the residence. According […]
Posted inNews
Photo Gallery: Newport Daffodil Days Opening Ceremonies
The 12th Annual Newport Daffodil Days kicked off on Sunday, April 2 at Bannister’s Wharf with an opening ceremony, which included a musket fire and a garland of daffodils cut by Miss Daffodil, who was Marie Morris of Newport, and Newport Mayor Xay. The fun continued with the annual “Daffy Doggy Paw-rade,” where participants and […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Mira
Meet your new best friend, Mira – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Mira is a 3-year-old female mixed breed. She is considered a medium-sized dog, weighing in between 20 – 59 pounds. “Mira Mira is the kind of buddy you want around […]
Posted inNews
Nantucket carpenter wins $1 million prize on instant ticket game, plans to build house
Kevin Purcell of Nantucket has won a $1 million prize in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “$5,000,000 100X Cashword” instant ticket game. According to Massachusetts Lottery, Purcell chose the cash option on his prize and received a one-time payment of $650,000 (before taxes). A carpenter, Purcell tells Massachusetts Lottery that he plans to put his winnings toward […]
Posted inNews
This week’s most read What’sUpNewp Stories
The following are the most-read What’sUpNewp stories of the week, March 26 – April 1, 2023.
Posted inNews
401Gives has helped more nonprofits than ever, as effort approaches halfway mark of goal
Rhode Islanders are incredibly generous. As of Friday night, March 31, 401Gives has helped more nonprofits than any previous year, with 520 organizations receiving gifts since 6 a.m. In total, those gifts have raised $1,826,909, putting 401Gives near the halfway mark of its goal of raising $4.01 million before it wraps up Monday. Last year, 507 nonprofits […]