Governor Raimondo signed an Executive Order yesterday afternoon extending the time period from seven days to thirty days for police departments to conduct background checks for concealed weapons and firearms. The move comes following a letter (seen below) from the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association which expressed concern that the current strain on their resources […]
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
Governor Raimondo signs Executive Order enabling restaurants and bars to include wine and beer with to-go orders
This evening, Governor Raimondo signed Executive Order 20-08, enabling restaurants and bars to include wine and beer with to-go orders. Bars, restaurants, and cafes are currently not allowed to offer any dine-in service, due to COVID-19 concerns. Delivery and take-out service are the only permitted business for bars, restaurants, and cafes at this time. According […]
Posted inBusiness
Help For Small Businesses: Learn about SBA Disaster Loan Program for Coronavirus-related economic injury
Are you a small business that has suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19)? If so, the Rhode Island District Office for the Small Business Administration (SBA) is inviting you to join them for this free webinar that will provide an overview of SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This webinar […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
54 Rhode Islanders have tested positive for COVID-19, 8 are from Newport County (March 20th)
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today made several important announcements about the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Before the announcements, here are some data updates; The Governor reports that Rhode Island now has 54 positive cases of COVID-19, up 10 cases from yesterday. Director of […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor, Director of Health provide COVID-19; 54 positive cases in Rhode Island
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH will provide updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response today at 1 p.m. What’s Up Newp will bring the press conference to you live right here as it happens. Updates as they happen; (refresh page for updates) Governor reports […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
What’s Up Newp Live Stream: Behind The Virtual Bar with Christina Mercado
What’s Up Newp Live Stream continues on Friday evening. This time around we’re taking a step away from the music and having some fun with the art of the cocktail. VIDEO Christina Mercado will be stepping behind the bar – virtually – to make cocktails for you all on Friday night at 6 pm..This short […]
Posted inCity & Government
Parent of a Newport student? Here are some reminders on meals being offered and Chromebook distribution
What’s Up Newp is passing on the following information that the City of Newport has provided; If you’re a parent of a Newport Public Schools student, please be sure to take note of the following important information: Meals are also being offered through Grab & Go Bags every Monday – Friday at Pell Elementary School from 12 […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
44 Rhode Islanders have tested positive for COVID-19, 6 are from Newport County
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today made several important announcements about the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. As What’s Up Newp reported earlier today, the Governor began the press conference by announcing there are 11 new positive cases of coronavirus in Rhode Island since yesterday. […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Cox boosting bandwidth, making public Wifi hotspots free across Newport
Cox Communications has informed the City of Newport that it is boosting bandwidth and making public Wifi hotspots free to use to anyone who needs it during the COVID-19 outbreak. To use – simply create a username, log-in, and surf the web from any one of the wireless hotspots located around the City. Not sure […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Newp Live Stream: Julio Amaro performs
What’s Up Newp will continue our live stream series today at 2 pm with a live performance by Julio Amaro Guitar! Julio usually brings his unique and beautiful style of music to Perro Salado every Monday night, and at restaurants all across the state on a weekly basis. Enjoy the tunes and be sure to […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Watch: Governor, Director of Health provide COVID-19 update (March 19) | 11 new positive cases, total in Rhode Island now 44
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH will provide updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response tomorrow, Thursday, March 19th, at 1 pm. What’s Up Newp will bring you the press conference live here at 1 pm. Live updates from press conference (refresh for updates); Governor […]
Posted inStyle & Shop
Grocery stores offering shopping hours for at-risk population
Passing on this info for those who need it.via R.I. Office of Healthy Aging
Posted inNews
Visitor to Middletown High School tests positive for COVID-19
Rosemarie K. Kraeger, Superintendent of Middletown Public Schools, informed parents in the Middletotown Community today that a recent visitor to Middletown High School has tested positive for COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease. The visitor was at Middletown High School on March 11th, according to the letter. “We will be providing the RIDOH with a […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Public schools to transition to distance learning through at least April 3rd
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today made several important announcements about the state’s response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Schools: The next two weeks—from Monday, March 23rd through Friday April 3—will be distance learning weeks for all public schools in Rhode Island. During this time, school buildings will […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Middletown setting up a call-in center to handle inquiries related to COVID-19
Just two days after declaring a State of Emergency, the Town of Middletown announced today that they are taking additional precautions to care for the needs of residents during this critical time. As part of this operation, the Town announced today that it is setting up a call-in center at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Whitehouse approves emergency package to provide relief for Rhode Islanders
The following was shared with What’s Up Newp by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s office. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse this afternoon voted to approve a deal negotiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that will put supports immediately in place for Rhode Island workers affected by the economic fallout from COVID-19. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquidneck Island Emergency Volunteer Alliance seeking volunteers
The Aquidneck Island Emergency Volunteer Alliance (AIEVA) has been activated to recruit volunteers in case their is a need to man phone banks and deliver food to seniors. They are asking indiviudals 18 years or older to go www.edwardkinghouse.org and click on the “Volunteers Needed” button to register to become a volunteer or go tp the AIEVA facebook […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Watch: Governor Raimondo, DOH provides COVID-19 update
Please note: This story is being updated as new information comes in. Please check back for any updates. Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH provides updates to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Video Takeaways from press conference; 33 positive case of coronavirus in Rhode Island. Up […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: Job opportunities available in Newport right now ( March 15-18)
Looking for a new gig, job, or career? Here’s who’s hiring right now in and around Newport! All job opportunities are within five miles of downtown Newport and have been posted this week, March 15-18. Have a job opportunity that you’d like to see included here? Email it to Ryan@whatsupnewp.com. Current Job Opportunities 7-Eleven – […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: 11 Aquidneck Island real estate sales, transactions (Mar. 5 – 10 )
Here’s what sold on Aquidneck Island between March 5th – 10th, 2020. 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. Reminder […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Newp Live Stream: Brian Twohey brings us some Irish music on St. Patrick’s Day
What’s Up Newp continued our live stream series on Tuesday evening with a very special St. Patrick’s Day performance by Brian Twohey! Among those that COVID-19 is hitting the hardest is our dear friends in the music and arts world. MANY are going to lose a lot of gigs this month, and what they rely […]
Posted inThings To Do
WATCH LIVE: Dropkick Murphys ‘Streaming Up From Boston’ on St. Patrick’s Day
Dropkick Murphys will be performing for a free live stream concert from Boston on St. Patrick’s Day. “We hope you and your families are doing well during this trying time…For the first time in 24 years, we are not playing on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The current world situation is the ONLY thing that would ever […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Newp Live Stream: Timmy May performs on St. Patrick’s Day
What’s Up Newp will continue our live stream series on Tuesday with a very special St. Patrick’s Day performance by Timmy May! You’ve seen him perform during Irish Sessions at Fastnet Pub on Sunday night and we’re happy to bring some live Irish Music to you on this St. Patrick’s Day. https://www.facebook.com/WhatsUpNewp/videos/1108050809542661/ –What’s Up Newp […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles
Cabin Fever Chronicles: Your stories of coping with coronavirus in Newport
What’s Up Newp’s “Cabin Fever Chronicles” is the place to share stories and thoughts about how you and your family are coping with restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll feature tips and anecdotes from our readers and others about how we’re all living with the coronavirus outbreak. How much toilet paper are you hoarding? (You […]
Posted inCity & Government
Town of Middletown declares State of Emergency; extends budget deadlines
Shawn Brown, Administrator for Town of Middletown, has signed two executive orders, one declaring a state of emergency for the Town of Middletown, and the second one extending the budget deadlines for the School Committee and for the Town Administrator. More information may be found on the town’s website at https://middletownri.com/blog/2020/03/15/covid19/