The House today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Deborah Ruggiero designed to better enable municipalities to take advantage of the economy of scale and get lower electrical prices for customers in their towns. It would also better enable communities to demand more green energy, and encourage a more competitive electricity supply market in Rhode Island. […]
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 inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Save The Date: 15 Biggest, Can’t Miss Events In June
Here are the biggest events happening in June 2017 – expect some of the biggest crowds this month to gather at the following events. June 1st – Newport Car Museum Opens in Portsmouth – Newport Car Museum has announced they will officially open their doors for the first time in Portsmouth on June 1. A private […]
Posted inNews
Top 10 Most Read Stories in May 2017
As May comes to a close, there’s certainly plenty of big stories to look back on from the last 31 days. More than 46,000 unique users visited our website in May, resulting in nearly 110,000 pageviews. Here’s what our readers were talking about and reading, your opportunity to catch up if you missed something. 10. New […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Things To Do
Newport International Polo Series Will Open Up 26th Season Against Peru on Saturday
On Saturday, June 3rd at 5 pm, Peru will make its debut as the 33rd nation to compete against USA, on Opening Day of theNBC10 Newport International Polo Series XXVI, Presented by BMW. The 6-chukker exhibition polo match will feature USA vs. Peru for a duration of approximately 2 hours. The match will commence with the raising […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
20+ Local Attractions Will Offer Free Admission For Newport County Residents and Hospitality Employees, June 10 – 12
Newport County residents and hospitality industry employees are invited to visit many great local attractions from Saturday, June 10 through Monday, June 12, 2017. A total of 14 attractions/organizations (more than 20 attractions when you count each Preservation Society of Newport County property) in Newport and Bristol Counties are participating. Visitors showing proof of residency […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Ruggiero and Sen. DiPalma Bill to Create Young Adult Voluntary Extension of Care Program Heard in Committees
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Deborah L. Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown) and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma’s (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) legislation (2017-H 5807 / 2017-S 0669) that would create a young adult voluntary extension of care program to extend the age of foster care from age 18 to age 21 have been […]
Posted inNews
7 Local Women Will Be Recognized as ‘Wild Women’ by Women’s Resource Center
Women’s Resource Center (WRC), a domestic violence intervention and prevention services nonprofit organization with offices in Newport and Warren, R.I., announces its “Wild Women” honorees for 2017. The following seven women will be recognized at a luncheon in their honor on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at the Rhode Island Country Club (Barrington, […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
22nd Annual Newport Flower Show Set to Take Place at Rosecliff from June 23 – 25
Newport Flower Show, themed Fête Des Fleurs: Paintings and Parterres, will take place at Rosecliff from Friday, June 23 through Sunday, June 25, 2017. America’s premier summer flower show will transport guests’ imaginations to France, the place that has inspired generations of artists and gardeners. Newport Flower Show highlights include: Opening Night Party Presented by ALEX […]
Posted inNews
URI Master Gardeners and Newport Restoration Foundation to Host Lecture at Prescott Farm on June 4th
Throughout the country, efforts are being made to promote pollination by native bees and other flying insects, and on June 4 at 11:00 am, the URI Master Gardeners, who help maintain Prescott Farm in Middletown, Rhode Island, will be doing their part to encourage gardeners to join the cause. The URI Master Gardeners, have invited […]
Posted inNews
Letter To The Editor: Why I’m Voting for David Allard for State Senate
My name is Brigid Behan, and I want to tell you why I’m voting for David Allard for State Senate. I first met Dave when he was my Spanish teacher. Mr. Allard was a tough teacher—he pushed me to do my best in class, but also encouraged me to find my passions outside of the […]
Posted inNews
Redwood Library to host Debate on the Legalization of Marijuana on May 31st
Have an opinion on the legalization of marijuana? Here’s your chance to hear from both points of view on the issue. The Redwood Library will host a debate on the legilization of marijuana at the Casino Theater in Newport on Wednesday, May 31 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Advocates with differing views, Jared Moffat, Director […]
Posted inNews
Rep. Abney honored as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Sigma Nu Chapter ‘Citizen of the Year’
STATE HOUSE – Rhode Island’s Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau has announced that Chairman of the House Committee on Finance Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown) was recently honored by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – Sigma Nu Chapter as their “Citizen of the Year” in recognition of his exemplary demonstration of […]
Posted inNews
Newport Resident Crowned Miss Rhode Island 2017
Miss Rhode Island 2017 was crowned on Sunday evening at the Casino Theatre in Newport, which just so happens to be the city that the newest Miss Rhode Island calls her hometown. Nicolette Peloquin, 21, of Newport, formerly Miss Newport Harbor, beat out 15 other contestants to win the honor of becoming Miss Rhode Island […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
40+ Things To Do This Week In and Around Newport: May 29 – June 2
Here’s what’s happening, new and to do this week in and around Newport, RI! You Might Also Like – Live Music and Entertainment Listings: May 29 – June 2 Monday, May 29th 9 am & 10:30 am – Weekend at Gurney’s R/DE and REACH with B/SPOKE 10 am to 4 pm – Hourly Tours of Fort Adams […]
Posted inNews
Live Music and Entertainment Listings: May 29 – June 2
Discover where to find live music, entertainment, comedy, karaoke and trivia this week in and around Newport. You Might Also Like – 40+ Things To Do This Week In and Around Newport: May 29 – June 2 Monday, May 29 4 pm – A Quiet Passion at Jane Pickens Theater6 pm to 9 pm – Julio Amaro […]
Posted inNews
Newport County Road Construction Report: May 26 – June 3
Here is what’s happening for road work, closures and detours in and around Newport County this week. Roadwork scheduled by Rhode Island Department Of Transportation: 5/26 – 6/2 Portsmouth: Rte. 24 North and South, Barker Bridge Ramp, possible shoulder closures for bridge work, Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Newport/Jamestown: Rte. 138 on the Newport […]
Posted inJobs
Now Hiring: 130+ Job Opportunities Available Right Now in Newport
Looking for a spring or summer gig? Or perhaps a new part-time job or new career? There are more than 100 companies in Newport hiring for all different positions, and in all sorts of industries right now! Featured Job Opportunities: Adventure Travel Company Needs a Part-Time AssistantPinkberry Team Members & Shift LeadersGraphic Design/Signage AssistantStudio Barre […]
Posted inHistory
John F. Kennedy at 100: Family Reflects on his 100th Birthday in New Video
John F. Kennedy was born on in Brookline, Massachusetts on May 29, 1917, 2017 marks his 100th birthday. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum has announced a year-long celebration to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of President John F. Kennedy. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts on May 29, 1917, President Kennedy was […]
Posted inThings To Do
Swiss Village Farm will host 2017 Annual Visitors Day on June 10th
Swiss Village Farm (SVF) will open their doors on Saturday, June 10th from 9 am to 3 pm to allow the public to tour their grounds and to learn about endangered breeds and cryo-preservation. The only day of the year that SVF is open to the public, visitors are invited to take self-guided tours through the historic […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Newport and Middletown Restaurants Ready to Compete in Great Chowder Cook Off on June 10th
Newport Waterfront Events’ 36th Annual Great Chowder Cook-Off, taking place on Saturday, June 10th from noon to 6:00 p.m. at Fort Adams State Park, will feature Newport’s The Revolving Door restaurant and Chef Joshua Berman competing in the event for the first time in the “Seafood” category while Chowder Cook-Off Hall of Famer, The Mooring […]
Posted inNews
Newport Boy Scout Troop 3 Celebrates 70 Years of Scouting
Newport’s local Boy Scouts of America Troop (#3) is celebrating 70 years as a group and is inviting all former scout families and supporters to join them for a 70th-anniversary party! According to records at the Narragansett Council in East Providence, RI, Boy Scouts Of America (BSA) Troop #3 Newport was chartered by the Sheffield […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Sylvia “Saucy” Mureddu
Sylvia “Cadesky” Stoun Mureddu, 96, died, May 25, 2017, at home surrounded by her family. She was the devoted wife of the late Michael L. Mureddu of Newport and the late Meyer J. Stoun. Sylvia was born in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada on July 27, 1920. She was the daughter of the late Samuel and […]
Posted inNews
New Water Bottle Filling Station Installed at Perrotti Park
Good news for those who travel with a reusable water bottle? There is now a second outdoor water bottle filling station in Newport. On May 24, 2017, the Greenlove Foundation unveiled a new water bottle filling station at Perrotti Park. It is the second outdoor water bottle filling station dedicated by the Foundation in Newport, […]
Posted inBusiness, Style & Shop
New Businesses and Experiences Ready for Newport’s Busiest Season
As Memorial Day weekend kicks off in the City by the Sea and our eight coastal communities, new and renovated businesses eagerly await building longstanding relationships with visitors and residents alike. Here is a sampling of open or soon-to-be open neighbors: Editor’s Note. This list was provided by Discover Newport, the official travel and tourism […]
Posted inHistory, Things To Do
Artillery Company of Newport is Now Offering Tours of Their Military Museum
Here’s your chance to tour the armory and military museum of the Artillery Company of Newport, the oldest military unit in the United States operating under its original charter. The Artillery Company of Newport, chartered in 1741 by the Rhode Island General Assembly during the reign of King George II of Great Britain, is today […]