Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos announced today that she will run for U.S. Congress in the upcoming special election in Rhode Island’s First Congressional District. David Cicilline, who currently represents Rhode Island’s First Congressional District, announced in February that he will step down to lead the Rhode Island Foundation, effective June 1. “Congressman David […]
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
Counting Crows, Dashboard Confessional coming to PPAC on July 18
After performing to sold-out crowds worldwide on the Butter Miracle Tour over the last two years, today, world-renowned rock band COUNTING CROWS has announced their return to the US in 2023 with the BANSHEE SEASON TOUR. After years of collaboration, cult-favorite rock band and long-time friend of the band, DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL, will be supporting the upcoming run, with English […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. McGaw, New England for Offshore Wind Coalition to host a local information event
Rep. Michelle McGaw and the Rhode Island State Committee of the New England for Offshore Wind Coalition today announced that they are hosting an educational event on offshore wind. The event, scheduled for Monday, March 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Little Compton Community Center, 34 Commons St., will provide the public […]
Posted inNews
Photos: 2023 Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The 67th Annual Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade was held on Saturday, March 11, 2023. The first slideshow is from WUN’s Ryan Belmore who photographed the parade in front of Brick Alley Pub. He also includes some photographs of a few moments of Justin Pomfret and The Traveling Wanna B’s performing at Midtown Oyster Bar […]
Posted inNews
Senator Whitehouse renews effort to make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide
As Rhode Islanders prepare to set their clocks ahead an hour this weekend, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is urging Congress to pass his bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the bill earlier this month. Whitehouse has been a cosponsor of the bill […]
Posted inCity & Government
Pell Bridge Ramps community outreach meeting scheduled for March 13
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will host a public meeting at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Newport Campus on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 6 pm to 7 pm to update the community on the construction of the Pell Bridge Ramps project and discuss what to expect this construction season. If […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Festivals Foundation is giving free Newport Jazz Festival tickets to Rogers High School seniors
The Rogers High School Winter Music Concert on Thursday night was cause for more than just one celebration. Not only was it Rogers’ first concert since the pandemic, but Newport Festivals Foundation also made a surprise announcement that every Senior at RHS would be receiving a free ticket to the Sunday of the 2023 Newport […]
Posted inCity & Government
House passes Edwards legislation that would limit vehicle inspections to Rhode Island inspection stations
The House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Majority Floor Manager John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton) that would keep motor vehicle inspections within state boundaries. The bill (2023-H 5034) would provide that only facilities located within Rhode Island be eligible for permits to operate as official inspection stations for the inspection of vehicles […]
Posted inSports
Hawkins, No. 11 UConn hold off Providence 73-66 in Big East
By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Sports Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Playing in front of a packed house, heavy on Huskies fans, fourth-seeded UConn looked like the favorite to win the Big East Tournament — at least for a while. Jordan Hawkins scored 19 points and No. 11 UConn held off a furious, second-half […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Danielle Ponder will perform at 2023 Newport Folk Festival
Newport Folk Festival today announced that Danielle Ponder has joined its 2023 festival lineup. Ponder, who is making her return to Newport, is scheduled to perform at Fort Adams State Park on Saturday, July 29, 2023. More about Danielle Ponder from her bio on her website; Bravery can take many forms. For Danielle Ponder it […]
Posted inBusiness
People’s Credit Union begins renovation of its branch in Middletown
People’s Credit Union has begun major renovations to its branch at 858 West Main Road in Middletown. The welcoming and innovative redesign, expected to be completed in July, is focused on providing an even higher level of personal member service as well as a number of self-service technology upgrades. Although the branch lobby will be […]
Posted inBusiness
International Tennis Hall of Fame announces new leadership
The International Tennis Hall of Fame today announced Dan Faber as the new Chief Executive Officer and Patrick McEnroe as the ITHF President. Both will start their positions on May 1. According to a press release from the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Faber and McEnroe will partner with the Executive Board, Board of Governors, and staff to further […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Finkelman nominated for Emerging Legislative Leaders Program
Rep. Alex S. Finkelman has been nominated by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) to attend the 2023 Emerging Legislative Leaders Program held by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. The program will take place from July 10 to July 13 at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. “It’s an honor to be nominated […]
Posted inNews
William & James Farrar Scholarship Fund offering financial aid scholarship opportunity to a Newport County student
There’s a new scholarship opportunity for students seeking financial aid, and it has established prioritization for Newport County applicants. The William & James Farrar Scholarship Fund has been established in honor of Mary A. Sullivan-Farrar, a multi-generation Newporter and a strong supporter of construction engineering education. Ms. Sullivan-Farrar’s family has a long history in the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Bloom Flower & Home Market returning to Waterfire Arts Center April 1 – 2
Bloom Flower & Home will take place on April 1st and 2nd, 2023, at WaterFire Arts Center in Providence. This event gathers 85+ small and independent purveyors of flowers, indoor and outdoor plants, home décor, art, apothecary products, jewelry, and more from New England and beyond. Bloom also includes Rhode Island restaurant pop-ups JA Patty […]
Posted inNews
AARP Report: Caregivers in Rhode Island provide $2.1 billion in unpaid care to loved ones
The unpaid care provided by the 121,000 Rhode Island caregivers is valued at $2.1 billion, according to new state data available in AARP’s latest report in the Valuing the Invaluable series. This is a $300 million increase in unpaid contributions since the last report was released in 2019. The report highlights the growing scope and […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport stripes Broadway, Thames Street green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day
Mayor Xay and Third Ward Councilor David Carlin were joined by Fire Chief and Parade Grand Marshal Harp Donnelly IV (and his wife Tricia), and Newport-Kinsale Committee Member Rick O’Neill to paint the ceremonial green stripe on Broadway earlier today. Newport City Hall marks the official starting point for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day […]
Posted inCity & Government
Opinion: Student drivers need to know the costs of driving high
With the recent legalization of recreational cannabis for Rhode Island’s adults comes a significant influx of access to the drug, and make no mistake about it, this means easier access for our youth as well. This realistic fact influences the many physical and mental health concerns surrounding children and cannabis use, but in particular, we […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up This Weekend: March 8 – 12
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do this week and weekend in and around Newport, Thursday, March 8 through Sunday, March 12. Weather Thursday, March 9 Things To Do Newport Irish Heritage Month RI Craft Beer Week 11 am to 8 pm: Blind Beer Tasting at Newport Vineyards 2:30 pm: PC Friars Watch Party […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Cat of the Week: Twitch
Meet your new best friend, Twitch – this week’s Adoptable Cat of the Week. Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Twitch is a 15-year-old female domestic shorthair. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to share about Twitch; Meet Twitch! She is a 15-year-old black cat who loves her […]
Posted inNews
CCRI offering new certificate and degree programs
In response to labor market needs, the Community College of Rhode Island was recently approved by the Council on Postsecondary Education to add four new certificate and degree programs to its expansive list of academic programming. The new programs are: Certificate in Court Reporting Certificate in Surgical Technician Certificate in Mental Health & Wellness Certificate […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Newport Beer Festival will return to Fort Adams State Park on April 29
The Newport Beer Festival is back for its 11th year! Beer lovers from all over the state are invited to come to Fort Adams State Park on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm for a celebration of local and out-of-state craft breweries. The festival will feature 50 craft brewers and a […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senate approves bills temporarily lifting the 90-day limit on retired teachers serving as substitues
The Rhode Island Senate on Tuesday passed amended legislation sponsored by Sen. Bridget Valverde to help address the current shortage of substitute educators in Rhode Island schools. The legislation (2023-S 0020A) temporarily removes the limit on the number of days that retired teachers, administrators, and staff members can return to work as substitute employees during […]
Posted inBusiness
Sig’s Place has sold, its last day will be April 1st
After operating for over twelve years in Middletown and almost ninety years on Aquidneck Island, Sig’s Place has been sold and will be closing permanently on April 1. The business confirmed the sale on Tuesday, March 7 on its Facebook Page; “We’d like to share our bittersweet news that we’ve officially sold Sig’s Place and […]
Posted inSports
Rhode Island College Women’s Basketball to face Chicago in NCAA Championship Round of 16 on March 10
Rhode Island College (RIC) will face the University of Chicago in the NCAA Div. III Women’s Basketball Championship Round of 16 at Babson College on Friday, March 10, at 5:30 pm. The Anchorwomen defeated Rowan, 67-59, in the first round on March 3 and then took down No. 3-ranked and previously undefeated Scranton, 62-55, on […]