STATE HOUSE – The Senate has approved legislation from President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) that would enable sports wagering on in-state collegiate teams when they are participating in tournaments that consist of four or more teams. “In recent years, successful seasons for local college sports teams have generated a great deal […]
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
Work set to begin on the Mary Street Parking Lot
Newport’s spring construction season is set to get underway on Monday, April 3rd with some important upgrades to the Mary Street Parking Lot. The project, which is part of the City’s annual Road Improvement Program, calls for resurfacing the lot and making ADA improvements around the bathroom structure as well as along Cotton Court, according to […]
Posted inReal Estate
City of Newport: Short-term rental renewals are due by May 31
Short-Term Rental registration renewals for Newport’s 2023-24 operating period are now being accepted by the City Clerk’s Office. Under the City’s Zoning Ordinances, all Newport property owners who engage in rentals of 30 days or less are required to register as a Transient Guest Facility with the City no later than May 31st of each calendar year. This […]
Posted inNews, People & Profiles
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Heather Hole Strout, Executive Director of the MLK Center
Heather Hole Strout, Executive Director of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, joined What’sUpNewp at 11:30 am on Tuesday, March 28, for a virtual live video conversation. During the conversation, we chat with Heather about all that’s happening and new at the MLK Center, including an update on their big renovation, what services […]
Posted inNews
Classical High School student wins Rhode Island ‘Poetry Out Loud’ recitation contest
With the recitation of “No, I wasn’t meant to love and be loved,” by Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, Classical High School junior and 2023 Youth Poet Ambassador, Natasha Connolly, won the 18th annual 2023 R.I. Poetry Out Loud State Championship, the Rhode State Council on the Arts announced today. Connolly will represent Rhode Island in the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Congressman Magaziner leads effort to protect southern New England coastal economy and environment
Today, Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) announced that he is leading his colleagues from Southern New England, Reps. Cicilline, Auchincloss, and Keating, in requesting $8 million in federal funding for the Southern New England Estuaries Program (SNEP), which supports innovative solutions to ecological and economic issues in southeastern New England estuaries. Rep. Magaziner and his colleagues emphasized the […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
Tiverton Public Library to hold Earth Day Garden Expo
Spring is in the air — and the Tiverton Public Library and URI Master Gardeners are teaming up to produce the library’s first annual Earth Day Garden Expo on Saturday, April 22nd, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This program is free and open to the public and will be held at the library on […]
Posted inCity & Government
Chairman Abney introduces bill to increase affordable housing units
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Marvin L. Abney, Chairman of the House Finance Committee, has introduced a bill which would increase the number of allowable units per acre for all housing projects subject to inclusionary zoning. The bill is part of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) 14-bill package of legislation to address Rhode Island’s […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Remi
Meet your new best friend, Remi, this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Remi is a 1-year-old female mixed breed and is available for adoption right now at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown. “Remi is a sweet young dog, still learning her way in the world. She is super affectionate, and she’s not […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Goose to perform at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival
The Newport Folk Festival today announced that Goose will return to Newport, performing at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival on Saturday, July 29. Goose is an American jam band hailing from Connecticut. The group was formed in 2006 and consists of members Peter Anspach on guitar and vocals, Rick Mitarotonda on guitar and vocals, Trevor […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up This Week: March 27 – April 2
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week, Monday, March 27 through Sunday, April 2, 2023. Monday, March 27 Things To Do Newport Irish Heritage Month 11 am: Winery Tours at Newport Vineyards 12 pm to 2 pm: St. Mary’s Church Open 3 pm: Newport Community Electricity Program (in Person) at Edward […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Congressman Magaziner leads effort to double the Pell Grant
Today, Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) announced that he is leading 104 of his colleagues in requesting increased funding for the Federal Pell Grant Program and to double the maximum annual Pell Grant to $13,000. Magaziner and his colleagues also asked that appropriators secure the long-term affordability impact of the Pell Grant program for future years […]
Posted inNews
Portsmouth Police charge driver with DUI after a head-on collision on East Main Road
Portsmouth Police Department today announced via a press release that an operator has been charged with DUI following a head-on collision on East Main Road on March 24. Press Release On March 24, 2023, at 10:49 pm, the Portsmouth Police responded to the vicinity of East Main Road and Sea Meadow Drive for the report […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport releases final draft of Transportation Master Plan
With an eye toward making Newport a safe and inviting place for all people to travel, whether on foot, by bike, bus, or vehicle, the City of Newport on Thursday released the latest draft of its comprehensive Transportation Master Plan.Entitled Keep Newport Moving, the draft plan culminates almost 2 years of public outreach, community engagement, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Spring Street water main work is to begin on March 27
The City of Newport, Department of Utilities, Water Division will be making some critical and necessary improvements to the City’s Water System on Spring Street from Narragansett Avenue to Perry Street. Beginning on Monday, March 27, 2023, the Department’s contractor, Boyle & Fogarty (B&F) will start construction to replace the Water Main in Spring Street with an […]
Posted inSports
The Ocean Race: Final push for The Horn
After 48 hours of building wind and seas, with gusts over 40 knots and waves approaching 7 metres, conditions are starting to moderate on Sunday with the IMOCA fleet turning south to squeeze between Cape Horn and the ice exclusion zone. The wind is in the 18-22 knot range and the waves are 5 metres and decreasing. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Final Talk of Irish Museum’s 21 Lecture Series to feature Mike Slein
The Museum of Newport Irish History announces the fifth and final presentation of its 21st Annual Lecture Series, to feature Mike Slein,who will give a talk titled, “A Virtual Tour of Irish Newport: Connecting the Dots.” The illustrated lecture will be presented at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, in-person at the Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 […]
Posted inThings To Do
“Dancing at the Forty Steps” returns to the Cliff Walk on Sunday
“Dancing at the Forty Steps,” a flagship event of Newport Irish Heritage Month, will be presented Sunday, March 26 at 3:00 p.m., sponsored by the Museum of Newport Irish History. This family-friendly event is held outdoors, at the Forty Steps, on the east end of Narragansett Avenue on the Cliff Walk. The forecast is favorable for […]
Posted inNews
Most-read stories on What’sUpNewp this week
It was another busy week of news in and around Newport. Catch up on all the most-read and popular headlines that appeared on What’sUpNewp this week!
Posted inNews
Upcoming adult programs at Tiverton Public Library include poetry, gardening, and book clubs
The following is a list of library programs that adults can enjoy in April. Patrons are encouraged to visit https://tivertonlibrary.org or call 401-625-6796 to learn more and to register. All Month Long One-on-One Tech Help Tech help is available to anyone who’d like to learn more about computers, mobile devices, library services, and more! We […]
Posted inNews
High School Seniors can now apply for People’s Credit Union College Scholarship Program
People’s Credit Union today announced that it is providing graduating high school seniors planning to attend college in 2023 – 2024 the opportunity to apply for a $1,500 scholarship from the Cooperative Credit Union Association. The scholarship program is supported by credit unions across Rhode Island with their Better Values – Better Banking campaign and […]
Posted inNews
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (March 25 – April 1)
The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority March 26 – April 1, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeEastbound Left Lane Closure- 3/27- 12 […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
This Week At The Rhode Island General Assembly: Legislators address teacher shortages, renewable energy, and more
The Rhode Island General Assembly has been busy this week, with several important pieces of legislation being introduced and passed. One of the most significant bills was the legislation to temporarily lift the limit on retired educators serving as substitutes. Sponsored by Sen. Bridget Valverde and Rep. William W. O’Brien, the law will help address […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Folk Festival adds Alice Phoebe Lou to 2023 lineup
The Newport Folk Festival today announced that Alice Phoebe Lou will be heading to Fort Adams State Park to perform at the 2023 Newport Folk Festival. Alice will perform on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Alice Phoebe Lou is a singer-songwriter and musician from Cape Town, South Africa. She is known for her unique, soulful voice and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘A Hard Rain’s – A Gonna Fall: An Intersection of Art and Science; opens at Jamestown Arts Center on April 21
The Jamestown Arts Center’s latest exhibition, A Hard Rain’s-A Gonna Fall: An Intersection of Art and Science opens April 21. This exhibit brings together 11 artists from far reaches of the world – from Slovenia, Japan, Australia, to Norway, Brazil, and France – all presenting a common thread: each artist explores realms of post-ecological catastrophe […]