National Grid issued the following statement about the reports from the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration surrounding the Aquidneck Island gas supply interruption from January 2019: “Last winter we experienced an unprecedented gas supply event. The Aquidneck Island community and National Grid were part […]
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
Report details causes of January natural gas outage
The Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (RIPUC) issued the following report today “describing the causes of the natural gas outage on Aquidneck Island on January 21, 2019”. On January 21, 2019, National Grid shut down a significant portion of its natural gas distribution system in Newport and Middletown, resulting in a gas […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Tickets now available for Newport Mansions’ Christmas festivities
The Preservation Society of Newport County has announced that tickets are now available for Christmas at the Newport Mansions, a spectacular holiday celebration for the whole family. Beginning November 23rd,guests can tour some of the seaside city’s most iconic and historic mansions including The Elms, The Breakers and Marble House and enjoy stunning Christmas decorations, live […]
Posted inCity & Government
City Council to host workshop on liquor licenses
Newport City Councilors are set to meet tonight to discuss the City’s existing rules governing liquor licenses in a City Council workshop. The workshop is open to the public and is scheduled to begin at 6 pm in the Council Chambers at Newport City Hall. The workshop was called for during the recent discussion that […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers to release report on January’s natural gas service outage on Wednesday
The Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (RIPUC) announced plans today to issue a report on Wednesday “describing the causes of the natural gas outage on Aquidneck Island on January 21, 2019”. The announcement comes just two days after What’s Up Newp published a story detailing how Newport officials are frustrated, concerned, and […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Week: 50+ things to do, live music and entertainment listings
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Jamestown, Middletown, and Portsmouth this week and weekend, enjoy! Cruise Ship Schedule Tuesday ( Oct. 29) – Meraviglia (Capacity: 4,500 passengers)Thursday (Oct. 31) – Silver Whisper (Capacity: 382 passengers, 295 crew)Friday (Nov. 1) – Caribbean Princess (Capacity: 3,142 passengers, 1,200 crew)Sunday (Nov. 10th) […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Govenor Raimondo unveils website, will connect Rhode Island parents with critical resources
Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced today that kids.ri.gov has been redesigned as a parent-focused website, providing resources on early childhood education and development from prenatal to Pre-K. Raimondo made the announcement at the Children’s Workshop in Warren, RI, a new RI Pre-K site. The enhanced website was made possible through a one-year federal preschool development grant, according to […]
Posted inCity & Government, Food & Drink, News
Understanding the Taxes on Tips: Rep. Carson, Cortvriend to host educational seminar for hospitality industry
Rep. Lauren H. Carson and Rep. Terri Cortvriend are partnering with the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and the Rhode Island Hospitality Association for an educational seminar called “Understanding the Taxes on Tips.” The seminar, scheduled for Thursday, November 7th, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Innovate Newport is free and open to the public. […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
National Grid: Lower gas rates ahead for Rhode Island customers
Rhode Islanders should see a decrease on their annual gas bill for the year ahead after the Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) approved recent rate proposals from National Grid on Friday afternoon, according to a press release from National Grid today. The filings, submitted by the Company in September, impact the Gas Cost Recovery (GCR) charges […]
Posted inNews
Lucy’s Hearth to provide Thanksgiving, Christmas assistance to current and former residents and their families
Lucy’s Hearth will be providing Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance to current and former residents and their families this holiday season. Community members interested in donating or volunteering for Thanksgiving or Christmas can visit Lucy Hearth’s website http://www.lucyshearth.org or contact Lucy’s Hearth at 401-847-2021. Lucy’s Hearth says they will not be able to accept donations of […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Survey seeks input on how well Newport accommodates its older residents
To make Newport a more livable City for residents as they age, a survey is asking residents age 45+ what the City is doing well and what it could do better. The survey is running from October 25 – November 29 and is part of the work being done by the City, AARP Rhode Island, […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary for William J. Sherman
William J. Sherman, age 62, of Middletown, passed away at Rhode Island Hospital on October 26, 2019. William was born in Newport, RI to Benjamin Sherman and Lorraine (Venancio) Sherman. He was the husband to Carol E. (Escallier) Sherman. William was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a longstanding member of the FOP. […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Armory Antiques Marketplace permanently closes
The Armory Antique Marketplace closed its doors to the public for the last time on Thursday, October 24th. “The Armory as we know it has been a bustling and vibrant center of activity with a deep-rooted connection in our community. Through the years, we’ve shared our interests with many thousands of visitors, and built lasting […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Forum will help public understand what a unified high school can mean
To help residents understand some of educational benefits to students and the cost benefits to taxpayers of a unified high school, Newport This Week will be hosting several island-wide forums to help educate the public on a future model. The first forum, “The Future of Our Island High Schools,” is on Monday, Oct. 28, from […]
Posted inNews
Million Dollar Listings: Commonwealth Ave. home sells for $1.3 million, Atlantic Ave. home sells for $1.772 million
Lila Delman Real Estate announced today the sales of Newport’s 30 Atlantic Avenue for $1,772,000 and 13 Commonwealth Avenue for $1,300,000. Kim Doherty, Lila Delman Sales Associate, represented the seller of 30 Atlantic Avenue and facilitated for the buyer. Kim Doherty also represented the seller of 13 Commonwealth Avenue while City Councilwoman & Lila Delman […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Elevating History: Historic District Commission to host public information session on elevating historic properties
Newport’s Historic District Commission will be hosting a public information session at Innovate Newport on Tuesday, Nov. 5th to review a series of policies and design guidelines for elevating historic properties that are vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surge, the City of Newport announced today. According to the City, the effort is part of […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Aquidneck Growers’ Market moving Winter Market to Rotunda at Easton’s Beach
Attention, locavores and lovers of fresh local foods, Aquidneck Growers’ Market confirmed with What’s Up Newp today that they will be moving their winter market from Newport Vineyards to Easton’s Beach Rotunda. The Aquidneck Growers’ Market, a program of Aquidneck Community Table, received support form Newport City Council last night to move their market to […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: 30+ things to do, live music and entertainment listings
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Jamestown, Portsmouth, and Middletown this upcoming weekend, October 25 – 27. Friday, October 25th Things To Do 3:30 pm –Teens: Silent Book Club at Newport Public Library4:30 pm & 7:30 pm – Judy at Jane Pickens Theater5:30 pm – Ghost Walking Tour6 pm – Christopher Buckley Presents “My […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
VIDEO: Newport City Council Meeting (Oct. 23)
Newport City Council held a Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, October 23rd. There were no big surprises from the meeting, that lasted approximately one hour and twenty minutes. If you missed the meeting you can watch it below. Video provided by the City of Newport.
Posted inArts & Culture
Two new exhibitions opening at Jamestown Arts Center
The Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) announced today the opening reception of their annual Members’ Show Friday, November 1st 6 – 8 pm. The Exhibition showcases artwork created by the diverse and talented artists in the community and beyond. Local artists are invited to submit one piece that fits within the 30” size requirement. All artwork […]
Posted inThings To Do
Halloween Happenings: Your 2019 event and party guide
Newport, RI – Here’s all that’s happening over the next week in Newport, Jamestown, Middletown, and Portsmouth is Halloween themed! You might also like –Spooky things to do in and around Newport this October Also, children of all ages may get a kick out of the Annual Pumpkin Patch at Trinity Church. Open 12 pm […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Sports
Record year for Citizens Bank Pell Bridge Run: Event breaks its own attendance and charitable donation records
While many Rhode Islanders remained cozy in their beds on Sunday morning, more than 3,100 runners and walkers crossed the Claiborne Pell Bridge on foot during the ninth annual Citizens Bank Pell Bridge Run. All of the proceeds from this local-favorite event are donated to non-profits, and participants are encouraged to fundraise on their own […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
O’Brien’s Pub celebrating 40th Anniversary, invites public to join them for special menu on October 25th
O’Brien’s Pub is celebrating their 40th Anniversary this month. Diana Lavery, Marketing Manager for O’Brien’s Pub, provided What’s Up Newp with the following information, look back, and invite to the public; “Happy 40th anniversary to us! Located in the Fifth Ward – Lower Thames Street district of Newport, Rhode Island, O’Brien’s Pub opened in October […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
The Future Of Our Island High Schools: Public Forum planned for October 28th
Residents, parents, taxpayers and students from Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport are being invited to attend and participate in The Future of Our Island High Schools Public Forum on Monday, October 28th. The public forum, which is being hosted by Newport This Week, is scheduled from 6:30 pm to 8 pm in the CCRI Auditorium in […]