Rhode Island Lt. Governor Dan McKee is calling on the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to rollback National Grid’s electricity rates, after Congressional approval of a federal corporate tax rate cut from 35 percent to 21 percent. In August, National Grid received permission from the PUC to raise winter electricity rates from 6.3 cents […]
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 inNews
Edward McPherson named new Executive Director of Island Moving Company
After a nationwide search, Island Moving Company (IMC) announced today that they have named Edward McPherson, a professional ballet dancer and Education and Program Coordinator for Midland County Public Libraries in Midland, Texas to succeed outgoing executive director Dominique Alfandre. IMC is a classically trained contemporary ballet company and Alfandre has successfully led the non-profit […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s up for this weekend in and around Newport: January 5 – 7
Newport, RI – Discover all that’s happening, new and things to do in and around Newport this weekend. Friday, January 5 2 pm, 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – The Shape Of Water at Jane Pickens Theater 2:30 pm – Innovate Newport Groundbreaking Ceremony (Postponed) 5 pm to 11 pm – Newport Skating Center Open 7 pm – Newport Storm Pint […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport live music and entertainment guide: January 5 – 7
Our Newport Live Music and Entertainment Guide is Newport County’s premier and most comprehensive source for live music and entertainment in our area. Here’s a look at all the live music and entertainment that’s worth seeing, hearing, doing, or knowing about in Newport County this weekend. Friday, January 5th Buskers: Live music at 9 pmCeltica: […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Seveney introduces legislation that would ban possession of ‘bump stocks’ on semi-automatic weapons
Sen. James A. Seveney (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol, Tiverton) has introduced legislation that would ban ‘bump stocks’ on semi-automatic firearms. A bump stock is an attachment that allows the shooter to fire a semi-automatic weapon with great rapidity. It replaces a rifle’s standard stock, freeing the weapon to slide back and forth rapidly, harnessing the […]
Posted inNews
Winter Storm Live Blog for Thursday, January 4th
Here’s the latest on the winter storm; This story will be updated as more information and forecasts are updated. Latest National Weather Service Forecast Tonight – Scattered snow showers, mainly before 9pm. Areas of blowing snow before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Wind chill values as low as -1. Windy, with a west […]
Posted inCity & Government
Independent RI Gubernatorial Candidate Trillo promises to challenge institutions, policies
When former Republican State Representative Joseph Trillo entered the Rhode Island governor’s race as an independent, he promised a campaign that would rattle some longtime institutions, challenge longstanding policies and laws, while streamlining state government. The very fact that the eight-term Warwick legislator would bolt his party to run as an independent, shocked many observers. […]
Posted inNews
National Weather Service: Block Island is only community in Southern New England to officially record blizzard conditions
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Taunton has reviewed the observations from the winter storm that affected our region today. NWS has determined that the only official reporting site that met blizzard criteria was Block Island, RI (BID). The definition of a blizzard is that falling and/or blowing snow reduces visibility to below 1/4 mile […]
Posted inJobs
50+ companies hiring right now in Newport
Time for a new part-time gig, new full-time job or a new career? Start your job search right here, there are more than 80 businesses hiring right now in and around Newport. Anchor Bend Glassworks – Gallery StaffAramark – Food Service Worker – Jamestown School DistrictAT&T – Part-Time Retail Sales ConsultantBedJet – Customer Service SpecialistCastle Hill Inn – Breakfast Server- […]
Posted inCity & Government
Trash and recycling collection suspended this week in Newport due to winter storm
In preparation for the predicted winter storm, the City of Newport would like to alert residents that weekly trash and recycling collection service will be delayed one additional day beginning Thursday, January 4, 2018 to accommodate the New Year’s Holiday and the storm delay. The adjusted schedule is as follows: For the week of January […]
Posted inCity & Government, People & Profiles
Podcast: Giovanni Feroce discusses why he’s running for Governor
Former state senator, Alex and Ani CEO and Newport resident Giovanni Feroce said he will run for governor this year in a series of New Year’s Day social media posts. Feroce joined Frank Prosnitz and I on What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK on Wednesday, January 3rd to discuss those posts, the Republican gubernatorial race, his plans […]
Posted inCity & Government
What to do and know during a ‘Snow Parking Ban’ in Newport
Newport, RI – With a forecast of several inches of new snow to fall this week, we thought it was an appropriate time to remind residents and tourists what a “snow parking ban” is here in Newport. Editor’s Note – There will be a Parking Ban in effect at 12:00 PM (noon) on Thursday, January […]
Posted inNews
Podcast: Cindy Sabato from Save The Bay discusses seals, tours, and much more
For more than 15 years, Save The Bay – Narragansett Bay seal tours and nature cruises have been proof that summer isn’t the only time to enjoy the Bay. Cindy Sabato, Director of Communications for Save The Bay, joined me on What’sUpNewp Radio Edition on AM 1540 WADK on Tuesday, January 2nd to chat about seal tours, […]
Posted inCity & Government
City Council likely to fill Florez’s seat on Council on Thursday
Newport City Council will hold a special meeting on Thursday, January 4th at 5 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall to consider the selection of a candidate to fill the upcoming vacant seat on City Council. Councilor At-Large John Florez announced in November that he would be stepping down from Council effective January 9th for […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senate Finance Committee to consider bills on PawSox stadium Thursday
The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday to consider legislation to provide public support for a new stadium for the Pawtucket Red Sox. The committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, Jan. 4, at the rise of the Senate (about 4: 30 p.m.) in Room 313 on the third floor of the State House. If the […]
Posted inNews
Bluewater joins the Volvo Ocean Race to help turn the tide on plastic
Bluewater, the world leader in delivering crucial water purification solutions for homes and businesses, will provide high quality, safe to use, drinking water to visitors at Race Villages in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Auckland, Itajaí, Newport, Cardiff, Gothenburg and The Hague. The on-demand drinking water is free of contaminants such as micro-plastics, chemicals, pharmaceutical byproducts and […]
Posted inNews
Firefighters respond to structure fire on Broadway
Newport Fire Department responded to a report of a fire outside of 419 Broadway in Newport around 5:30 pm on Tuesday evening. Upon arrival, responding units reported a fire near the electric panel outside of the house. Within minutes, the fire quickly spread to engulf all three floors of the apartment building. According to reports, everyone in […]
Posted inNews
RI Foundation offers local students grants for travel and adventure
College students with a yen for adventure have until January 12th to apply for fellowships through the Michael P. Metcalf Memorial Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation. The Foundation will give Rhode Island residents up to $7,000 to pursue self-designed enrichment projects that include travel. Over the years, the fund has awarded fellowships to more than 100 […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Public invited to experiment in the Newport Art Museum Studios during Art After Dark
Newport Art Museum’s Art After Dark, which recently received the 2017 Editor’s Pick Award for Best Artsy Social Event by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine, is back on Thursday, January 11 from 5 – 9 pm. Each Art After Dark has unique programming for the whole family. This event joins the ranks of the many events and educational programs the Museum currently offers in its galleries at 76 Bellevue Avenue, […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Land Trust announces winners of 2017 Art & Writing Contest
Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) has announced 15 student winners in the 2017 Sixteen on Center Art & Writing Contest, held annually to promote the importance and value of a healthy environment to local youth. Students at Aquidneck Island schools were invited to enter artwork of their favorite local vistas, or written work in prose or […]
Posted inNews
New Year’s hike through Ballard Park scheduled for January 13th
Friends of Ballard Park is hosting a guided hike on Saturday, January 13th from 10 am to 11 am. Staff from Friends of Ballard Park will share information about the site’s history and its unique features, including a vernal pond, quarry meadow and woodland forest as the group walks a little over one mile of trail. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Save The Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium gets cool with crazy fish in January
“Crazy Cool Fish” is this month’s theme at Save The Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium, where guests can learn about some of the more unique inhabitants of Narragansett Bay. An interactive story hour featuring “Flossie Flounder: A Tale of a Flat Fish” teaches visitors of all ages about different fish types. A “Can You Make […]
Posted inNews
Volvo Ocean Race: Tight action as Vestas 11th Hour Racing leads fleet away from Melbourne
Overall Volvo Ocean Race leader MAPFRE was at the head of the fleet off the starting line as the boats raced up Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay immediately after the start for Leg 4 to Hong Kong. But it was a very close run affair, and four hours after the start, as the fleet battled a […]
Posted inThings To Do
Corvias sponsors 2018 Family Membership Days at Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium
Save The Bay is pleased to announce Corvias as its 2018 Exploration Center and Aquarium Sponsor, underwriting the cost of admission for Save The Bay family members for the year. The interactive, hands-on marine science center, located at Easton’s Beach in Newport, is home to more than 40 species from Narragansett Bay and allows guests […]
Posted inNews
What’s up for this week in and around Newport: January 1 – 6
Discover all that’s happening, new and to do in Newport this week. You Might Also Like – Newport live music and entertainment guide: January 1 – 6 Monday, January 1 10 am to 9 pm – Newport Skating Center Open 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – The Darkest Hour at Jane Pickens Theater Tuesday, January 2 […]