The Newport School Committee voted Tuesday to keep the Newport Area Career Technical Center (NACTC) building in place and remove the cell tower at Rogers High School, addressing two significant issues facing the district. The committee supported retaining the NACTC building, which houses popular cosmetology and automotive programs. The move requires revising the Rogers High […]
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
RITBA: Access to bridges on Wednesday may be restricted due to high winds
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) anticipates that it may need to restrict access to some or all of its bridges on Wednesday afternoon and evening due to high winds. The highest winds are expected between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., according to RITBA. RITBA operates and maintains the Newport Pell, Mount Hope, Jamestown […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Salve Regina University to present ‘The Rhythm of Life’ on December 11
On December 11 at 7:30 p.m., the dance department at Salve Regina University will present a one-night-only performance, “The Rhythm of Life”: A Journey of Black American Music and Vernacular Dance.” The performance is part of an ongoing initiative to realign the creative processes of Black American jazz music and dance. Using the frameworks of […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island’s Global Entry Enrollment Center reopens
The Global Entry Enrollment Center at T.F. Green International Airport has reopened, allowing Rhode Islanders to once again schedule in-state interviews to participate in the program. The center, which had been closed for renovations since July 6, 2020, is now open for business. The reopening was announced on Dec. 10, 2024 by U.S. Senators Jack […]
Posted inArts & Culture
New exhibits celebrating Newport’s creativity and history to debut at Newport Art Museum’s upcoming ‘Free For All Saturday’
The Newport Art Museum (NAM) will unveil two new exhibits as part of its upcoming Free For All Saturday event on December 14. The exhibits, which celebrate art, creativity, and history in the City of Newport, will be on display as the public is invited to explore the museum at no cost. Free For All Saturday […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Energy preparing for heavy rains and high winds this week
In a news release today, Rhode Island Energy (RIE) says it is closely monitoring a storm forecasted to hit New England early Wednesday into early Thursday, bringing heavy rain and high winds. Current forecasts call for winds with potential gusts of more than 70 mph along the coast and 50 mph inland. RIE says it […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Holiday Gift Idea: Dine local with Newport County Dinner Club
The Newport County Dinner Club is marking its 36th year with a holiday offer that’s a win-win for local restaurants and food lovers alike. For just $25, members get two-for-one dining at more than 50 top-notch restaurants across Newport County. The club’s motto, “Dine local, Shop local,” encourages residents to support businesses in their community. […]
Posted inBusiness
Organizations, individuals from Newport among finalists for RIHA’s ANCHORS Awards
The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) proudly unveiled the finalists for the inaugural ANCHORS Awards this week during a special celebration held at Matunuck Oyster Bar in Wakefield, RI. With 74 outstanding nominees across 13 diverse categories, the ANCHORS aim to celebrate excellence and dedication within Rhode Island’s vibrant hospitality industry. Public voting for all award categories is […]
Posted inNews
Newport Police Department joins 30×30 Initiative to boost women in policing
The Newport Police Department is leading the way in Rhode Island by joining the 30×30 Initiative, a national effort to boost the number of women in law enforcement. They’re the first agency in the state to make this commitment. Chief Ryan Duffy says the department is dedicated to improving both the representation and experiences of […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up in Newport: December 9 – 16
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island, this week/weekend, Monday, December 9 through Monday, December 16, 2024. Check back often as we update this story throughout the week as more things pop up! Are you organizing an event? Submit events to our community calendar. Community Calendar Monday, December 9 Things […]
Posted inNews
Salve Regina University gets the green light for new residence hall
Salve Regina University announced today that it has finalized an agreement to build new student housing on its oceanside site to accommodate more students. The new residence hall will be on the corner of Shepard and Lawrence Avenues, near the historic William Watts Sherman House. The state-of-the-art facility will accommodate 205 undergraduate students. As part of […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Lawrence Chase
Lawrence L. Chase, 88, of Newport, Rhode Island, went to be with his Savior on December 5, 2024 surrounded by family. He was the husband of Lynn (Heggen) Chase for nearly 62 years. Born in Newport, RI on June 18, 1936, Larry was the son of the late John F. and Hope (Levens) Chase. After […]
Posted inBusiness
In celebration of its 44th Anniversary, Brick Alley Pub will offer 50% off all nachos on December 11
Mark your calendars; this year’s installment of Brick Alley Pub will feature some special treats in celebration of its 44th Anniversary on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. To celebrate their 44th Anniversary, they are rolling back their nacho platter prices to 50% off (dine-in only with beverage purchase). They’ll also be offering buy-one-get-one on all Brick […]
Posted inNews
Road work to affect traffic in Little Compton and Tiverton
Get ready for some lane closures in Little Compton and Tiverton next week. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is kicking off pavement improvements and drainage work from December 8-14, 2024. Here’s what you need to know: Little Compton: Expect alternating lane closures on South of Commons Road (from Commons Road to Brownell Road) […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport financial advisors named to Forbes Best-In-State Advisor lists
UBS announced that two financial advisors in the firm’s Newport, Rhode Island office were named to Forbes’ Best-In-State advisor lists for 2024. Private Wealth Advisor Jamie Hilton has been named to the 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list. Additionally, Financial Advisor Kara Museler has been named to the Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State list […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Holidays at The JPT’ series features film classics, festive events, and live music
The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) has announced its Holidays at The JPT series, which features a variety of holiday classic films, community businesses and organizations, and live musical performances to help guests prepare for the holiday season. “At The JPT, we strive to make every visit an extraordinary experience, and the Holidays at The […]
Posted inNews
Newport Pell Bridge westbound off-ramp closure scheduled for Dec. 10
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) published a travel advisory for the Newport Pell Bridge today. According to RITBA, the westbound off-ramp to East Shore Road (located just after the RITBA offices) will be closed on Tuesday, December 10 from 6 am to 3 pm, with an inclement weather date of Wednesday, December […]
Posted inNews
Newport Car Museum challenges public to design CYBERBEAST wrap
The Newport Car Museum is giving car enthusiasts a chance to leave their mark on its newest addition – a Tesla CYBERBEAST. The museum has launched a design challenge, inviting people of all ages to create a custom wrap for this electric vehicle. The winning design will be featured on the CYBERBEAST, which will be […]
Posted inNonprofit
Newport Art Museum awarded more than $100,000 in grants
The Newport Art Museum (NAM) announced today that it has been awarded an $84,310 grant from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation (vBCF) to continue a series of capital improvement projects that will enhance visitor experiences and support essential upgrades to the Museum School at the Coleman Center. According to Newport Art Museum, this funding comes […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to vote on artificial intelligence powered constituent engagement system
The Newport City Council is set to review a proposal for an advanced artificial intelligence system designed to handle constituent engagement on the web and through phone interactions. The recommendation, put forth by City Manager Colin K. Kennedy and the IT Department, seeks approval for a contract with Polymorphic, Inc., not to exceed $14,000. The […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to vote on $1 million Coggeshall School sale agreement
The Newport City Council is set to review a purchase and sale agreement for the former Coggeshall School property at its meeting on Wednesday, December 11. The proposed deal with BCM Realty Partners, LLC would transform the site into apartments aimed at providing workforce housing opportunities. City Manager Colin K. Kennedy has submitted the agreement […]
Posted inNews
Newport secures $15,031 in federal funding for active shooter training
Newport is receiving $15,031 in federal funding to “carry out active shooter training and purchase related equipment” as part of a larger $9.85 million package to boost public safety across Rhode Island. The state’s congressional delegation announced this funding, which comes from the 2024 appropriations bills and will support various state agencies, local police departments, […]
Posted inBusiness
Monarca Authentic Mexican Cuisine to open on Broadway
A new Mexican restaurant is set to spice up Newport’s dining scene, taking over the space occupied by Hummingbird. Monarca Authentic Mexican Cuisine has filed a victualing license application with the City of Newport, signaling its intent to open at 104 Broadway. The application, submitted by owner Maria Carranza on Nov. 20, outlines plans for […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport Today: Friday, December 6
Good Morning! It’s Friday, December 6, 2024. Today, we’re covering Newport City Council’s upcoming meeting, the reopening of The Elms, what Dr. Michael Fine finds crazy about mammography and colonoscopy rules, all that’s happening, new, and to do out there today, and much more. This newsletter has 17,154 readers today- thanks for being one of them! […]
Posted inNews
Senator Whitehouse introduces bill to improve offshore wind development process
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today introduced the Create Offshore Leadership and Livelihood Alignment By Operating Responsibly and Together for the Environment (COLLABORATE) Act, a comprehensive bill to improve the offshore wind development process and bring new sources of affordable clean energy onto the grid. The COLLABORATE Act would put domestic offshore wind development on track by […]