Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a press briefing to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island at 1 pm on Thursday, May 28th. What’s Up Newp will carry the press briefing, and provide updates, below as it happens. This feed had a lot of technical issues today. […]
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
Representative Lauren Carson announces she will run for reelection
Rhode Island State House Representative Lauren Carson announced this morning that she will run for reelection for her seat representing Newport in House District 75. Given the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Carson says she is determined to recover and grow Newport’s economy and resources. Carson said in a statement, “We have been sobered by this virus. […]
Posted inNews
The Vox Hunters will perform a free live-stream concert for Common Fence Music on June 21
The Vox Hunters, will perform a free Livestream concert for Common Fence Music on Sunday, June 21, at 7pm. The concert can be accessed by a link provided at commonfencemusic.org. on the day of the show. The Vox Hunters are a Rhode Island-based duo. Armand Aromin and Benjamin Gagliardi are seekers of old songs and chronic […]
Posted inCity & Government
Recap: Newport City Council Meeting
On Wednesday at 6:30 pm, Newport City Council hosted a regular council meeting. Here’s the full video and a recap of the meeting; The following items of business, filed with the City Clerk under the Rules of the Council, came before the Council at its regular meeting; We’ll provide updates as they happen. 1.PUBLIC HEARING: […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport City Council to consider resolution that would require pedestrians to wear masks at all hours on downtown streets
Newport City Council is considering expanding cloth mask regulations on some of its downtown streets. A resolution introduced by Vice Chair Susan Taylor last week would require that “pedestrians wear masks at all hours (unless wearing a mask would be harmful to a person’s health) on the following streets: Broadway between Gould Street and Farewell […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Phase II of Reopening RI expected to start June 1, indoor dining, hair salons, and gyms to reopen
During her press briefing on Friday afternoon, Governor Raimondo said that her intention is to move to Phase II of Reopening RI on Monday, June 1st. We’ve included the guidance for Phase II below. Additional detailed guidance is expected to be rolled out on reopeningri.com early next week. A few highlights from her announcements; Beginning […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport City Council, School Committee host workshop to discuss school construction bond
The City Council and the School Committee helda joint workshop tonight, Thursday, at 5 pm to discuss the proposed School Construction Bond to build a new High School building and add an addition on to Pell Elementary School.
Posted inBusiness, News
Audrain Automobile Museum acquires $10 million European sports car collection that had been donated to Cal State Fullerton University
The Audrain Automobile Museum announced today that they have acquired the Nicholas Begovich Collection for future display with the Museum’s collection in Newport. “Comprising fourteen post-war sports and grand touring cars, the collection represents the vision, fascination and lifetime passion of Nick Begovich, a brilliant and accomplished electrical engineer and physicist whose professional accomplishments and success allowed […]
Posted inCity & Government
COVID-19 in Rhode Island – May 20: Daily Press Briefing & updates
Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health will host a press briefing to provide an update on COVID-19 in Rhode Island at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, May 20th. Updates From Press Briefing Gov: Press Briefing will take place at 1 pm on Thursday and Friday. No press briefing on Saturday, Sunday, or […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: 10 Aquidneck Island real estate sales, transactions (May 13 – 19)
Here’s what sold on Aquidneck Island over the last week. Aquidneck Island real estate sales and transactions on What’s Up Newp are brought to you by OUR Real Estate, a locally owned full service, boutique brokerage and lifestyle company. Read more about this locally owned full service, boutique brokerage and lifestyle company below. Newport 55 Bliss […]
Posted inNews
Collaboration between the state and Rhode Island National Guard accomplishes mission
Story by Staff Sgt. Kristi Mcdonald / Joint Force Headquarters, Rhode Island National Guard | This story originally appeared here The Rhode Island National Guard (RING) has a unique and important mission. The service members are people from the local community that serve their country and state on a part time basis. Soldiers and Airmen of […]
Posted inBusiness, Jobs
Now Hiring: 65+ job opportunities in and around Newport
Looking for a new gig, job, or career? Here’s who’s hiring right now in Newport. 7-Eleven – Sales AssociateAcosta – Retail Service MerchandiserAmazon Workforce Staffing – Amazon Warehouse – Immediate HireAmerican Academy of Physician Assistants – SALES FLOOR ASSOCIATEAmericas Staffing Partner – Medical ClerkAtlantic Lawn & Garden – Arborist/Tree Care/Climber WantedBay Voyage Restaurant – BartenderBecket […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council receives weekly COVID-19 update from City Manager
Newport City Council received their weekly COVID-19 crisis update from City Manager Joe Nicholson on Tuesday, May 19th. The full video can be seen below. Our quick notes from the meeting; City Manager: Has been flooded with requests from restaurants for outdoor dining. He is hoping to get through the rest of the applications over […]
Posted inCity & Government, Environment & Health, People & Profiles
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Dr. James McDonald, Rhode Island Department of Health
Dr. James McDonald from the Rhode Island Department Of Health will join us on this edition of WUN-ON-ONE on Tuesday, May 19th at 2 pm to discuss the latest on COVID-19. Dr. McDonald has served at the Rhode Island Department of Health since 2012 as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Board of Medical Licensure […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport City Council to receive COVID-19 update, host school bond workshop with School Committee this week
Newport City Council will host two workshops this week. On Tuesday, May 19th at 4:30 pm, City Council will receive their weekly COVID-19 crisis update from City Manager Joe Nicholson. Access is available via; Phone: 1-877-853-5247 (Toll Free) or 1-888-788-0099 (Toll Free) or 1-833-548-0276 (Toll Free) or 1-833-548-0282 (Toll Free). Meeting ID: 922 6938 0490Zoom: […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Week in Newport County: May 18-25
Here are a few things happening this week in and around Newport County. This story will be updated as we receive more information and updates, check back for the latest. Know of something that we missed? Email Ryan@whatsupnewp.com. Monday, May 18th Restaurants can reopen for outdoor dining beginning May 18th Rhode Island businesses required to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Connecticut and Rhode Island will align hair salon and barber shop reopenings in early June
As their administrations continue developing strategies for the safe reopening of sectors of the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut and Governor Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island today announced their intention to align the reopening of hair salons and barbershops in their respective states in early June. Hair salons and barbershops […]
Posted inNews
Photo Gallery: Rogers High School Class of 2020 honored on Broadway
City workers and volunteers spent Monday morning hanging banners along Broadway this morning to honor members of Rogers High School Class of 2000. Visit the full photo gallery on our Facebook Page (below). Parents, students, and family members – please feel free to download and/or share any photo that is of interest to you.
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor Raimondo details metrics for moving between phases of reopening
Governor Raimondo laid out four different metrics, in addition to the state’s operational response, that officials are tracking as they consider moving between phases of reopening. Hospital capacity: If the state continues to see less than 70% of ICU and non-ICU beds filled by COVID-19 patients, that is an indicator that it is safe to continue […]
Posted inThings To Do
Town of Portsmouth issues executive order on restaurant reopening and outdoor dining expansion
Portsmouth has joined Newport and Middletown in allowing restaurants to temporarily expand dining and liquor service. The executive order, Restaurant Reopenings and Outdoor Dining Expansion, states restaurants may apply for the temporary expansion of their food service areas to permit the service and consumption of food in outdoor portions of the licensed premises on or […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Emergency court measures extended to June 1st; Washington, Newport County courthouses to remain closed until September 8th
An executive order issued today by Rhode Island Supreme Court ChiefJustice Paul A. Suttell continues emergency measures that were first implemented on March 17 and were due to expire on May 17. The order addresses the gradual continuity of court services and operations that had been curtailed as the pandemic spread in Rhode Island. Among […]
Posted inCity & Government
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Stefan Pryor, Secretary of Commerce for State of Rhode Island | May 15th at 2 pm
What’s Up Newp presents WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Stefan Pryor, Secretary of Commerce for the State of Rhode Island on Friday, May 15th at 2 pm. Secretary Pryor oversees and coordinates the State agencies and offices responsible for economic development, business regulation, housing, and workforce development. Watch it live here on our website (we’ll post […]
Posted inNews
Ida Lewis Distance Race changes date to August 15
The Ida Lewis Yacht Club today announced that it has scheduled its annual Ida Lewis Distance Race to start on Saturday, August 15 rather than the previously announced Friday, August 14 date. The move is meant to enable teams to participate without having to take time off from work to do so, according to the reace. The […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: 14 Aquidneck Island real estate sales, transactions (May 6 – 13)
Here’s what sold on Aquidneck Island over the last week. Aquidneck Island real estate sales and transactions on What’s Up Newp are brought to you by OUR Real Estate, a locally owned full service, boutique brokerage and lifestyle company. Read more about this locally owned full service, boutique brokerage and lifestyle company below. Newport 74 Kay […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Easton’s Beach bath house and reserved parking hang-tag program discontinued due to COVID-19
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing health concerns, both the bath house and reserved parking hangtag programs at Easton’s Beach have been discontinued for the 2020 season. That news was delivered to patrons in an email on Wednesday. “We are terribly disappointed to have to cancel these wonderful amenities, however as we continue […]