Looking for a new gig, job, or career? Here’s who’s hiring right now in the Newport area. All job opportunities are located within five miles of downtown Newport and have been posted within the last seven days. Antonio’s Pizza By The Slice – Delivery DriverAquidneck Pizzeria – Pizza Delivery DriverBankNewport – Universal Banker – NewportBecket […]
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
COVID-19 Daily Update – April 28: 218 new cases, 6 new fatalities; Press briefing updates
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), provided updates about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response today at 1 pm. Press Briefing Updates From Press Briefing Gov: Says it’s vital to obey the stay at home order, she wants to be able […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Island offers 3rd most coronavirus support in country, study says
With 89 percent of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 having some sort of pre-existing condition, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the States Offering the Most Coronavirus Support. The report seeks to examine how states care for people who are at risk both health-wise and financially. To identify which states offer the most support […]
Posted inBusiness, City & Government, News
Reopening RI: Governor rolls out strategy to reopen the economy in a phased approach
At her daily press briefing today, Governor Gina Raimondo rolled out her strategy to reopen Rhode Island’s economy in a phased approach. Raimondo announced a three-phase plan for gradually loosening restrictions, assuming the state continue to make progress in flatting the curve. Reopening Timeline This timeline covers several weeks and goes well into June. To move […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Week: Things to (virtually) do in Newport County | April 27 – May 4
Here’s a look at what’s happening out there virtually this week. Know of something happening out there that you’d like to see included here? Email Ryan@whatsupnewp.com. Monday, April 27th 6 pm – Resume Writing Workshop- Updated newportFILM Virtual Nothing Fancy:Diana Kennedy JPT Film & Event Center Virtual Screening Room THE TIMES OF BILL CUNNINGHAMOTHER MUSICTHE […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM, Infrastructure Bank award $4.7 million in grants to 15 municipalities for wastewater treatment facility resilience projects
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) today awarded $4.7 million in matching grants to 15 municipalities for wastewater treatment facility resilience projects. The grants being awarded today include: Barrington/Warren (Joint Application), $130,000 Acquire emergency generators for use within their respective collection systems, which will help these […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
COVID-19 FAQ: Coronavirus Disease 2019
This exhaustive FAQ on COVID-19 was written by Howard B. Owens, Publisher of The Batavian, a local, independent online news publisher covering Batavia and Genesee County, New York. The Batavian is a fellow member of LION Publishers, a national organization dedicated to local independent online news publishers, of which What’s Up Newp also belongs. What […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
COVID-19 Daily Update – April 26: Totals up to 7,439 positive cases, 226 associated fatalities
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Doctor McDonald from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), provided updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response today at 1 pm. Video of Press Briefing Updates from Press Briefing Gov: Says one day of drop in data does not make a trend but it’s a […]
Posted inNews
Health care workers silently stand in protest against rally to “reopen Rhode Island”
While Governor Raimondo and Director of Health Dr. Alexander-Scott were hosting their daily briefing inside the State House on Saturday afternoon, a rally to reopen Rhode Island was being held on the State House Lawn. The “Knock It Off Rally” to reopen Rhode Island, which was hosted by “Rhode Islanders Against Excessive Quarantine”, brought approximately […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
COVID-19 Daily Update – April 25: 7,129 positive cases, 215 associated deaths
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), provided updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response today at 1 pm. Video: Press Briefing Updates From Press Briefing Gov: We’re still in a plateau, looking forward to decline. Gov: In the […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Road Report: Scheduled road and lane closures, construction (April 25th – May 2)
Here’s what’s on tap for road construction and traffic in Newport County and across Rhode Island this upcoming week. Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority The following road and lane closure notices are effective for the week of April 25th – May 2nd, 2020. All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Visit RITBA’s Travel […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport asking visitors to Cliff Walk to wear face masks
In accordance with guidance from state health officials, the City of Newport today announced that it is advising that face masks should be worn at all times while traversing the Cliff Walk until further notice. Earlier this month, parking restrictions were put in place by the City to limit crowding along the trail, however in […]
Posted inCity & Government
Federal Highway Administration issues finding of no significant impact for reconstruction of Pell Bridge approaches
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced that the Federal Highway Administration has issued a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the proposed reconstruction of the Pell Bridge approaches. The full notice is below. The FONSI and Environmental Assessment (EA) are available for viewing at www.pellbridge-ea.com and at location on the legal […]
Posted inNews
Governor, DEM award $5.79 million in matching grants to 21 local municipalities
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that they have awarded $5.79 million in matching grants to 21 local municipalities to develop or renovate recreational facilities in their communities. The grants will fund 27 projects across the state including new athletic fields, playgrounds, splash parks, bike paths, walking trails, […]
Posted inCity & Government
COVID-19 Daily Update – April 23: 6,256 positive cases, 189 COVID-19 assoicated deaths
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), provided updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response today at 1 pm. Video of Press Briefing Updates from the Press Briefing Gov: Cases still rising. “We are not out of the woods”. […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Bar ‘Cino reopening for take-out
Bar ‘Cino today announced that they will re-open for take-out on Friday, April 24th. The Italian eatery, which is a member of Newport Restaurant Group, will offer a wide variety of its most popular dishes via contact-free curbside pickup from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Wine and beer will also be available at 50% […]
Posted inThings To Do
LIST: A look at the causes Newport Folk Festival artists are supporting with their 2020 artist donation
Coronavirus and this “new way” of living here in Rhode Island has certainly raised some concerns and doubts on just what will happen to our favorite festivals, events, and activities this summer. We’re keeping an eye on all those things here – Here’s the status of major Newport County events in 2020 In the meantime, […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Boston Globe: Rhode Island schools will continue distance learning for the rest of the school year
Rhode Island “State officials plan to announce Thursday that they are extending closures through the end of the school year,” according to the Boston Globe. Read the full story – When it comes to online learning, two New England neighbors take wildly divergent paths NEW: Rhode Island will continue distance learning for the rest of […]
Posted inNews
Cox Communications extends coronavirus response offer for Connect2Compete with free service for students until July 15
Recognizing that students will remain home to finish out the school year, Cox Communications today announced that it has extended free Connect2Compete service, the company’s low-cost internet offer for families with a K-12 student at home until July 15. Remote service support is also extended to ensure ease of implementation while students continue to learn […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Recap: Newport City Council hosts virtual council meeting
Newport City Council hosted a regular council meeting via Zoom on Wednesday evening. All members of City Council and the City Manager were present for the virtual meeting. While the public was able to listen in by phone, there was not any opportunity for the public to watch or participate in any way. Here’s a […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: 21 Aquidneck Island real estate sales, transactions (April 15 – 21)
Here’s what sold on Aquidneck Island 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 11 Keeher Street sold […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
COVID-19 Daily Update – April 22: 270 currently hospitalized, 181 have died
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), will provide updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response today at 2:30 pm. Press Briefing Updates From The Press Briefing Gov: In regards to data, at the moment, we’re “hovering at a […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
City of Newport: Be cautious of online and phone scams
The City of Newport is urging residents to be cautious of online and phone scams soliciting donations on behalf of the Newport Police Department. According to a press release form the City, “It has come to our attention that residents of Aquidneck Island and other nearby communities may have received phone solicitations from individuals asking […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Senator Whitehouse: Additional funding for small businesses, health care, testing in $484-billion bipartisan emergency deal was worth the wait
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is applauding a $484-billion bipartisan emergency deal to rescue small businesses, support hospitals, and expand testing amid the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation passed the Senate this evening by unanimous consent and heads to the House of Representatives. Whitehouse released the following statement: “This bipartisan compromise is much better than the bill […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Recap: Newport City Council receives weekly COVID-19 update from City Manager
Newport City Council held a workshop on Tuesday afternoon in order to receive their weekly COVID-19 update form Newport City Manager Joe Nicholson. Present for the meeting; City Manager Joe Nicholson,Newport Fire Chief Brian Dugan, Communications Officer Tom Shevlin, City Solicitor Chris Behan, Jamie Bova, Lynn Ceglie, Kathryn Leonard, Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, Susan Taylor, Justin McLaughlin, […]