The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow, which is in effect from 3 AM to 4 PM EST Friday. The Winter Storm Watch is no longer in effect. Last updated at 9:52 p.m. on Thursday. .WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 4 PM EST […]
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
Island Moving Company Invited to Perform at Green Street Studios in Boston
Island Moving Company, Newport, RI’s contemporary ballet company, will be part of a new series of performance showcases at Green Street Studios in Cambridge, MA. The first in a series of “*G*enre *S*pecific *S*hared Concerts,” the ballet showcase will be presented April 21 at 8pm; April 22 at 8pm and April 23 at 6pm at […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Schedules ‘Limited Parking Ban’ Due to Friday Snowstorm
There will be a “Limited Parking Ban” in effect at 12:01 AM Friday, March 10, 2017, until 2:00 PM Friday, March 10, 2017, due to the forecasted snow storm. This Limited Parking Ban affects the following streets along the St. Patrick’s Day Parade route: Broadway, Washington Square and Thames Street. — You Might Also Like: Snow-Related […]
Posted inNews
GreenLove Foundation Installs Water Bottle Filling Station at Melville Elementary School
The Greenlove Foundation has announced that it has installed its 2nd water bottle filling station this year in the Melville Elementary School in Portsmouth, RI. The unveiling of the first water station by Greenlove in an elementary school took place in front of an enthusiastic group of students and teachers. The school’s intern vice […]
Posted inOpinion
Guest View: Newport Preservation Society Refuses to Negotiate a Compromise on Unpopular Breakers Proposal
The following was submitted by Friends of Newport Preservation, the views and opinions do not represent those of our staff, advertisers or sponsors. The Newport Preservation Society has refused to meet with The Friends of Newport Preservation to seek a compromise regarding the controversial proposal to build a party venue on the grounds of The […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Adopts Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban
Newport has become the second community in Rhode Island to institute a ban on single-use plastic bags. On Wednesday night, Newport City Council voted 7-0 in favor of an ordinance that prohibits businesses from distributing the bags. “Prohibiting the use of single-use plastic carryout bags is necessary to protect the environment and the public health, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Wolfe Tones, Ireland’s Legendary Folk Group, Will Perform in Newport on March 9th
The Wolfe Tones, an iconic and legendary Irish rebel music band, will perform at Ancient Order of Hibernian’s (AOH) Hibernian Hall on Thursday, March 9th. The Wolfe Tones, who have entertained crowds from Ireland to Australia and everywhere in between, will take you on a journey of Irish history through song, dance and storytelling. The Wolfe […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquidneck Island Planning Commission to Host Newport County Legislative Forum on March 15th
The Aquidneck Island Planning Commission (AIPC) has scheduled its 2017 Newport County Legislative Forum, to be held on Wednesday, March 15, from 8 – 10 a.m., in the auditorium of the Community College of Rhode Island in Newport, RI. The 2017 forum is AIPC’s second annual legislative forum and part of its ongoing “Smart Island” […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Ann R. (Gill) Hibbard, 84, Prudence Island
Ann R. (Gill) Hibbard, 84, of Prudence Island, left this earth on March 3. She was the daughter of the late Muriel (Buckley) and Raymond Gill of Pawtucket. Ann was predeceased by Albert (Dudley) Hibbard, her husband of 57 years. Ann is survived by two daughters, Katherine Hibbard of Prudence Island and Beth Hibbard Oman […]
Posted inNews
US Attorney General to Address Rogers High School Students on March 16th
The entire Rogers High School student body, grades 9 – 12, will assemble in the Rogers auditorium on Thursday, March 16, 2017, starting at 9:00 A.M. to listen to Peter F. Neronha, U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island. The Attorney General will address the students about opioid and heroin addiction following a presentation […]
Posted inNews
61st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Could Be Coldest in Decades
Thanks to winter weather blowing in, parade goers on Saturday could see the lowest temperatures in decades, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS). The lowest average temperature in the 61-year Newport Saint Patrick’s Parade Day history was 14 degrees in 1995, with a low for the day of 7.9 degrees and […]
Posted inNews
UPDATE: National Weather Service: 3-8″ of Snow Possible Thursday into Friday for Newport
The National Weather Service is forecasting that our area will most likely see 3-8″ of snow on Friday, March 10th. Of course, everyone has their eye on this week’s forecast with the 61st Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade set to kick-off at 11 a.m. on Saturday. While the National Weather Service calls for 4 to 7″ […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Spring Newport Restaurant Week Expands to 12-Day Event, Will Kick-Off on March 27th
Newport Restaurant Week returns this spring to Newport and Bristol Counties, and for the first time, area restaurants will create seasonal dishes at prix fixe prices for 12 days. With approximately 50 restaurants expected to participate throughout Newport and Bristol counties from March 27th through April 7th, diners will have the opportunity to savor three-course, […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
RIMTA Presents John H. Chafee Boater Of The Year Award to Kate Wilson
The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) presented the John H. Chafee Boater of the Year Award to Kate Wilson of North Kingstown (R.I.) at a marine-trades industry breakfast that stood as the official opening of the 24th Annual Providence Boat Show. The Providence show, one of New England’s largest indoor boat shows, was held […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Local Restaurants to Participate in 2nd Annual Quahog Week, March 20 – 25
Forty 1 North, One Bellevue at Hotel Viking and Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen are among the fifteen restaurants across Rhode Island that will participate in the 2nd Annual Rhode Island Quahog Week. Quahog Week, which runs March 20 – 25, highlights the importance of Rhode Island’s wild harvest shellfish to the state’s history, traditions, […]
Posted inCity & Government
Preview: Agenda for March 8th Newport City Council Meeting
The following items of business will go before the Newport City Council at its regular meeting to be held on March 8, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. at Newport City Hall. This is a preview of the agenda, when the full agenda (with attachments) is uploaded, we will link to it here. COUNCIL LIAISON UPDATES 1. […]
Posted inBusiness
Drupal Connect Honored By Northrop Grumman With an Enterprise Supplier Award
Drupal Connect has announced Tthat it has been awarded the prestigious “Competitive Advantage” award as part of the 2016 Northrop Grumman Enterprise Supplier Recognition Award. John Florez, President and CEO of Drupal Connect, said the company was honored to receive the accolade. “Winning this award is a testament to the quality of service that we […]
Posted inBusiness
Amica Insurance to sponsor the Newport Marathon
Gray Matter Marketing has announced that Amica Mutual Insurance Co. will become the title sponsor of the 2017 Newport Marathon and Half Marathon. Recently named the “Best Half Marathon in the Northeast” by Competitor Magazine for 2016, the Amica Newport Marathon will be held on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, with more than 4,000 runners expected […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Keanna Lee Fenwick, 26, Newport
Keanna Lee Fenwick, 26, of Newport died Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Newport Hospital. Ms. Fenwick was born on July 8, 1990 in Leonard Town, MD. She was the daughter of Charles E. Fenwick, Sr. and Roberta (Grundel) Fenwick of Newport, RI. In addition to her parents, she is also survived by her first love […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Manuel R. Peters III, 79, Portsmouth
The sun was set on Sunday, March 5, 2017 when Manuel R. Peters III, age 79, of Portsmouth passed away surrounded by his family at Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center of Providence, RI. The sunrise came on May 7, 1937 when Manuel was born in Middletown, RI. He was the son of the late Manuel R. […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Christine Connell
Christine E. Connell passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2017. Christine was born on April 26, 1965 in Newport. She was the daughter of Jane M. Connell and the late John “Okie” Connell of Newport, RI. Christine grew up in Newport, graduated from Rogers High School in 1983 and later continued her education […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Sail Newport Tops Off New Education Center on Monday
When thousands of sailors arrive at Sail Newport over the spring and summer months, they will see the new 8,500 square foot building near completion after five years in the making. Today Sail Newport celebrated the milestone of placing the highest point on the new Marine Education and Recreation Center in Fort Adams State Park. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Public Invited to Reception to Meet Kinsale Delegation on March 9th
The Honorable Mayor Harry F. Winthrop and members of the Newport City Council are inviting the public to a reception welcoming a delegation from Newport’s sister city, Kinsale, Ireland, on Thursday, March 9, 2017, from 5 PM to 6 PM, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport, Rhode Island. This year’s […]
Posted inThings To Do
20+ Things To Do This Week in Newport (March 6. – 10)
Discover what’s happening, new and to do in Newport this week. Monday, March 6th 4:30pm & 7pm – A United Kingdom at Jane Pickens Theater 6pm – Newport Storm Pint Night at Parlor 6:30pm – City Of Newport Planning Board Meeting Tuesday, March 7th 11:30am – Newport Canvassing Authority Meeting 2pm – RIBC Blood Drive at the Brick […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Police Seek Public’s Assistance Identifying Shoplifting Suspect
Newport Police Department is asking the public for help in identifying a suspect in a recent theft at a Newport store. The suspect is accused of a retail theft on February 12th. Anyone who can recognize the suspect is asked to call Newport Police Department at 401-845-5775 or e-mail pwalsh@cityofnewport.com.