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 […]
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 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/
Posted inCity & Government, News
WATCH LIVE: Governor, DOH provide COVID-19 update
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, Tuesday, March 17th, at 1 p.m. in Conference Room 2A at the Department of Administration. Quick updates coming out of press conference (being updated); Governor announces two new cases […]
Posted inNews
COVID-19: Local and national resources
COVID-19 Live Blogs LIVE BLOG – COVID-19: The latest local updatesLIVE BLOG: Government, school, and business cancellations and closuresList of Newport County restaurants that are closing amid COVID-19 concernsNewport County restaurants offering take-out & delivery (Updating) How What’s Up Newp Can Help Coronavirus: What What’s Up Newp is doing to serve our readersEditor’s Note: A […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
WalletHub Study: Rhode Island is the most aggressive state versus Coronavirus
With states taking actions such as closing bars and restaurants or banning large gatherings to fight the spread of the coronavirus, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on the Most Aggressive States Against the Coronavirus. To identify which states are taking the largest actions to combat coronavirus, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Mermaid Masterpieces offering ‘Facebook Live Paint Parties’ all week
Local artist and business owner Rebecca Killian is going above and beyond has a great local, business owner, artist, and neighbor this week to offer her services and entertainment to keep kids (and adults) of all ages entertained. Killian, who owns Mermaid Masterpieces, is hosting Facebook Live Paint Parties at 1 pm and 6 pm […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Newp Live Stream: Mermaid Masterpieces’ Paint Parties
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 on to get by. What’s Up Newp and What’s Up Rhode Island are lending our platform and audience to our musician and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
These 20+ documentaries screened by newportFILM are available to watch now
Kathryn Allred Sheehan, Marketing Director for newportFILM, shared the following to help get you thru your cabin fever days; Sheehan said in part, “In light of everything going on, we compiled a list of docs we’ve screened that are available to watch while people are social distancing. I thought it could be a good fit […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Newp Live Stream: Jason Cardinal performs (March 15th)
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 on to get by. What’s Up Newp and What’s Up Rhode Island are lending our platform and audience to our musician and […]
Posted inNews
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Foundation will not be hosting the 4 Bridges Ride again
After seven years, the annual 4 Bridges Ride has come to an end. The 4 Bridge Ride, which is sponsored by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, posted the following on their Facebook Page on Monday; Event Update: The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Foundation will not be hosting the 4 Bridges Ride. The […]
Posted inCity & Government
VIDEO: Governor Raimondo hosts second press conference of the day
Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH provided another updated to reporters about Rhode Island’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) today at 4 pm. Happening Now Live Updates from press conference (updating) State House closed to visitors effective tomorrow.Major changes being made for Department of Human Services/Health Exchange. As of tomorrow […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Town of Portsmouth declares State Of Emergency
The Town of Portsmouth declared a state of emergency on Monday, joining Newport and other communities across Rhode Island. Here’s is the executive order, which was signed by Town Council President Kevin Aguiar;