Tiverton Public Library recently announced that it will host a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccination clinic on Saturday, January 29. The clinic is open 10 am-12 pm for individuals ages 5-11 and 10 am-3 pm for individuals ages 12 and up (boosters available). Pre-registration is required. If you have already received a COVID-19 vaccination, Tiverton Public Library asks […]
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 inBusiness
Marina Cafe & Pub announces it’s ‘going out of business’
Goat Island’s Marina Cafe and Pub announced via social media on Saturday, January 15 that it is going out of business. Update – Marina Cafe and Pub reopening on May 25 “After 13 years of fun and celebrations the Marina Cafe and Pub is going out of business. A proposal to extend our lease has […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Week: Jan. 18 – 23
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. This story may be updated as we learn about additional events or listings. Have an event you’d like to see added to this list or a future list? Add it to our event calendar. Note: An event or performance may change at […]
Posted inNews
Update: Travel restrictions have been lifted on the Mt Hope, Newport Pell, and Jamestown Verrazzano Bridges
Update: 8:29 am – Travel restrictions have been lifted for the Mt Hope, Newport Pell, and Jamestown Verrazzano Bridges. The bridges are open to all traffic. Original Story The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) is implementing full wind restrictions on the Newport Pell and Jamestown Verrazzano bridges. Only automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport to kick off the local redistricting process
With the General Assembly set to vote on a proposal that would realign House and Senate Districts to better reflect 2020 Census data, The City of Newport has announced that its officials are preparing to kick off their own local process to examine City Council Wards and Voting Precincts. The City’s Canvassing Authority is inviting […]
Posted inNews
National Grid: Prepared for Winter Nor’easter to impact Massachusetts and Rhode Island
National Grid today announced in a press release that it is prepared for the winter nor’easter that is forecasted to hit New England late tonight and through Monday afternoon. The storm is expected to bring snow, rain, and strong wind gusts of up to 55 miles per hour in some locations. The primary concerns associated […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Island getting $47.1 million in federal funds for bridge projects
Congressman David Cicilline announced via a press release on his website today that Rhode Island will be receiving $47.1 million for bridge projects this week, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58). More information on the funding via Congressman Cicilline’s press release; New $47.1M Federal Investment Will Upgrade & Strengthen RI Bridges […]
Posted inReal Estate
‘Fire Station No. 1’ on Mill Street in Newport sells for $3.05 million
Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the sale of 25 Mill Street in Newport. The property, which is known as “Fire Station No. 1” sold for $3.05 million. According to Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty, Michelle Drum and Kate Rooney of Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty represented the sellers. The buyer was represented by Tom […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19
Seven community based COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held across the state on Saturday
Governor Dan McKee’s office and administration today announced the community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, January 15. Community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held Saturday, January 15 in Central Falls, Lincoln, Newport, Warwick, Wakefield, and Cranston. Registration is recommended for these clinics. To register, visit C19VaccineRI.org and click “Upcoming Community Vaccination Clinics.” In addition, the COVID-19 vaccine is available at state […]
Posted inNews, Sports
Rhode Island Pro Soccer launches social media platforms
Rhode Island’s upstart Professional Soccer Club today announced that it has launched its newly-formed social media platform, signaling another step in its development. The club went live with its Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts this morning, and they are as follows: Twitter @RI_ProSoccer Rhode Island’s it for us.We’re leading the charge to bring @USLChampionship soccer to the […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
RIPTA implementing winter service, fare, and route changes beginning Saturday
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) today announced that it will implement winter service changes effective Saturday, January 15, 2022. RIPTA is also reminding passengers that, as previously announced, as of January 15, paper fare products will no longer be accepted on buses. RIPTA says in a press release that this is the final step in their […]
Posted inCity & Government, COVID-19
Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Friday
Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano joins What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation at noon on Friday, January 14. We’ll speak to Mayor Napolitano about how COVID is impacting city services, expectations for popular events, including the cherished St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We’ll also speak to the Mayor about budget talks with the school department, progress […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinic to be held at Raytheon on Friday
Governor McKee’s office today announced the community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, January 14. Raytheon in Portsmouth will serve as one of the six community-based clinics, offering the Pfizer vaccine for those 12 and older from 4 pm to 7 pm. Community based COVID-19 vaccination clinics will also be held on Friday in Providence, North Kingstown, […]
Posted inBusiness
Storage Facility, Glamping Investment Resort, and other businesses currently for sale in Rhode Island
The latest listings on BizBuySell and LoopNet show all kinds of businesses currently for sale in Rhode Island. Reasons for selling, when provided, typically do not mention economic hardship, but more often involve the owner retiring or not having time to actively run the business. The names and locations are generally left out, but there are occasional […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 100 job opportunities available right now in the Newport area
Looking for a new gig, job, or career in or around Newport? Here’s a roundup of some of the companies that are hiring right now in the Newport area. All jobs were posted or provided to us within the last seven days and are located within five miles of downtown Newport. Are you a business […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
FEMA Medical Team will support hospital staffing needs in Rhode Island
Governor Dan McKee today issued the following statement on the announcement by President Joe Biden that Rhode Island has secured and will receive FEMA emergency medical personnel to support hospital staffing needs. “We promised Rhode Islanders that we would pursue every resource to alleviate stress on our hospital system and support critical staffing needs. Yesterday, […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend in Newport County: Jan. 14 – 16
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week. This story may be updated as we learn about additional events or listings. Have an event you’d like to see added to this list or a future list? Add it to our event calendar. Note: An event or performance may change at […]
Posted inNews
National Grid reminding Rhode Islanders of their heating assistance programs
As below freezing temps are forecasted for the weekend and further into January, National Grid issued a press release today reminding its Rhode Island customers to take advantage of several energy programs that can help them pay and manage their energy bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), commonly referred to as Heating Assistance, provides […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott to step down from serving as RIDOH Director
Governor Dan McKee’s office announced today that Governor Mckee has regretfully accepted Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott’s resignation as the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). For the next two weeks, Dr. Alexander-Scott will continue to serve as RIDOH’s Director while the Governor conducts a search for new leadership of the Department. “Dr. Alexander-Scott […]
Posted inCOVID-19, News
Governor McKee, RI Department of Health hosts COVID-19 briefing; announces new initiatives to support hospital staffing capacity issues
Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH hosted a COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday at 10:30 am at the Rhode Island State House. Expected topics were to include an update on hospital staffing supports and testing and vaccination capacity. Watch the briefing below. Governor McKee’s office issued the following press release […]
Posted inNews
Following an inspection, weight limit deemed necessary for Sin and Flesh Brook Bridge in Tiverton
Following the results of a recent inspection, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) said today in a press release that it has determined that a 3-ton weight limit is necessary for the small bridge that carries Fish Road over the Sin and Flesh Brook in Tiverton. All vehicles heavier than 3 tons will need […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Museum Reads: Newport Art Museum’s Art-Themed book group returns on January 20
A new year of Museum Reads, the Newport Art Museum’s Art-Themed book group for adults begins on Thursday, January 20, 2022. According to a press release from Newport Art Museum, Museum Reads promises engaging conversations with authors and each other on the third Thursday of each month from 12 – 1 pm. Meetings will take place in person at the Newport Art […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Elms will be featured on FOX Nation’s ‘Castles USA’
FOX Nation will debut season three of its series Castles USA on Monday, January 24th. Hosted by FOX News Channel’s (FNC) Judge Jeanine Pirro, the two-episode season will follow Pirro as she dives into the history of “two of the most beautiful castles in the United States”, including The Elms in Newport and George Eastman House in Rochester, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
RI Black Heritage Society will celebrate MLK Day with a presentation on Civil Rights leader Mahlon Van Horne
In celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. state holiday, the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society this week announced that it will host a presentation “FREEDOM IS NOT ENOUGH: The Life and Times of Reverend Mahlon Van Horne.” The virtual presentation is free of charge and will be held on Monday, Jan. 17 at […]
Posted inThings To Do
Newport Classical reschedules January 21 performance by Pianist Daniel del Pino
Newport Classical on Tuesday announced that after careful consideration that it has rescheduled its January 21 concert featuring Spanish pianist Daniel del Pino for June 3, 2022. Tickets for the original concert date will be valid for the new date. For full ticketinginformation and refunds, ticketholders can visit www.newportclassical.org. In addition, Newport Classical has updated […]