Newport Police and Homeland Security have arrested a 23-year-old man on charges of possessing child pornography. Ryan McElwee of Newport was taken into custody on December 5, 2024, following a joint investigation by local police and Homeland Security Investigations. Authorities searched McElwee’s home, leading to one count of child pornography possession. After his arrest, McElwee […]
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
The Elms to open for Holidays at the Newport Mansions
Starting Saturday, Dec. 7, The Elms will open for Holidays at the Newport Mansions, joining The Breakers and Marble House with lavish decorations including dozens of Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, fresh floral arrangements, poinsettias, holiday ornaments, antique toys and more. The Elms has been closed to the public for the past several weeks as HBO […]
Posted inCity & Government
New Newport City Council to hold its first Regular City Council Meeting on December 11
Members of Newport City Council are gearing up for their first meeting of the 2024- 2026 term. Originally scheduled to take place at Pell Elementary School, starting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting has been moved to the Council Chambers at Newport City Hall, meaning. the elevator at City Hall is back in service. The agenda […]
Posted inBusiness
Residential Properties Ltd. expands into Jamestown with Mansions & Manors acquisition
Residential Properties Ltd. (RPL) is expanding into Newport County by acquiring Jamestown-based Mansions & Manors®, an independent brokerage. The merger, set for Jan. 1, 2025, represents RPL’s strategic entry into a new market. Sally Lapides, RPL’s President and CEO, announced the acquisition, noting the shared values between the two female-founded and run brokerages. “Gloria and […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport today: Thursday, December 5
Good Morning! 🌅 It’s Thursday, December 5th. 🗓️ On this day in 1784, Phillis Wheatley, the first African American woman poet of note in the United States, died in Boston. In 1933, Utah became the 36th U.S. state to ratify the Twenty-first Amendment, repealing Prohibition. Today is a day for celebrating a wide array of observances! From the serious to the silly, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Historical Society to showcase Newport Fire Department’s rich history
A new exhibition at the Newport Historical Society is set to shine a light on the Newport Fire Department’s nearly 300-year journey. Opening December 17 at the Richard I. Burnham Resource Center in Newport, “Raise the Alarm: Newport Fire Department through the Decades” offers a free, in-depth look at the department’s evolution. The exhibit starts […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee issues Statewide Drought Advisory
Governor Dan McKee issued a statewide drought advisory today, as recommended by the state’s Drought Steering Committee comprised of key stakeholders on the federal, state, and local levels. A statewide drought advisory is recommended after analyzing several scientific drought indices and is one of four progressive drought declarations: 1) advisory, 2) watch, 3) warning, and […]
Posted inReal Estate
Jamestown condo sells for $2.1 million, second highest in 2024
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty has just closed a deal on a luxury condo in Jamestown. The property, which sold for $2.1 million, now holds the title for the second-highest condo sale in the area this year. Located at 53 Conanicus Avenue #6B, this newly remodeled unit offers stunning views of Narragansett and Newport […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Newport Mayor Charlie Holder to join What’sUpNewp for a live one-on-one conversation
Newport’s new Mayor Charlie Holder is kicking off his monthly Q&A series with What’sUpNewp, starting Thursday, December 12. This 30-minute live chat will begin at 10 a.m., the day after Holder’s first City Council meeting as Mayor/CouncilChair on December 11. Have a question for the Mayor? You can submit your questions below and tune in […]
Posted inNews
Winter is ready to share her love and playfulness with a family that can provide her with the care she needs
Meet your new best friend – Winter, this week’s adoptable dog of the week. Winter is a three-year-old female mixed breed available for adoption from the Potter League for Animals in Middletown. “She’s a bit shy at first, but don’t let that fool you. Once she warms up to you, her playful and goofy side […]
Posted inCity & Government
House Commission studying services and programs for older adults in Rhode Island will meet on Dec. 6
A legislative commission in Rhode Island is meeting on Friday, December 6, to assess its progress and set future goals for improving services for older adults in the state. The commission, led by Newport Rep. Lauren H. Carson, will gather at 2 p.m. in Room 135 of the State House. The group, which is officially […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport today: Wednesday, December 4
Good Morning! 🌅 It’s Wednesday, December 4th. 🗓️ Today is a great day to bundle up because it’s Chester Greenwood (Earmuff) Day! 🎊 Speaking of warmth and good feelings, today is also Giving Tuesday! Celebrate by showing your appreciation for the women in your life on Choose Women Wednesday. Other holidays today include Cabernet Franc […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport today: Wednesday, December 4
.bh__table, .bh__table_header, .bh__table_cell { border: 1px solid #C0C0C0; } .bh__table_cell { padding: 5px; background-color: #FFFFFF; } .bh__table_cell p { color: #2D2D2D; font-family: ‘Helvetica’,Arial,sans-serif !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; } .bh__table_header { padding: 5px; background-color:#F1F1F1; } .bh__table_header p { color: #2A2A2A; font-family:’Trebuchet MS’,’Lucida Grande’,Tahoma,sans-serif !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; } Good Morning! 🌅 It’s Wednesday, December 4th. 🗓️ Today is […]
Posted inNews
Afternoon Digest: 🎄 Christmas Dining Guide 🚓 Tiverton man sentenced to life in prison for 2022 Newport murder
.bh__table, .bh__table_header, .bh__table_cell { border: 1px solid #C0C0C0; } .bh__table_cell { padding: 5px; background-color: #FFFFFF; } .bh__table_cell p { color: #2D2D2D; font-family: ‘Helvetica’,Arial,sans-serif !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; } .bh__table_header { padding: 5px; background-color:#F1F1F1; } .bh__table_header p { color: #2A2A2A; font-family:’Trebuchet MS’,’Lucida Grande’,Tahoma,sans-serif !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; } Good Afternoon! It’s Tuesday, December 3rd. Let’s get you caught […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport’s resident tax rate renewal period set to begin
The City of Newport announced today that residential property owners currently enrolled in the City’s Two-Tier residential tax rate program can apply for re-enrollment in the resident-friendly, money-saving program beginning January 2nd. Approved applications received during the re-enrollment period, which runs from Jan. 2nd until March 15th, 2025, will be valid for the next three (3) […]
Posted inNonprofit
Grant aims to keep Newport food pantries and meal sites stocked as holidays near
To keep local food pantries stocked as the holidays near, the Rhode Island Foundation is matching every donation the public makes to Trinity Rep during the 2024 run of “A Christmas Carol” with an equal grant to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, up to a total of $75,000. The goal is to keep the Food […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Holiday Dining Guide: Where to eat in Newport on Christmas
Newport residents and visitors looking to dine out on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day have several options to choose from this holiday season. Many local restaurants are opening their doors and offering special menus for those who prefer to leave the cooking to the professionals. Castle Hill Inn is offering a three-course Christmas Day brunch for $95 […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOH reminds property owners of lead safe work practices; says it has increased number of licensed lead inspectors who are available
As the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) continues to do outreach and education regarding the State’s new rental registry, RIDOH reminds property owners that housing built before 1978 is assumed to have lead-based paint. Work that disturbs lead must be done properly to protect public health. Property owners may need to hire a licensed […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Christmas Vacation Party grows in Newport, adds second night
Get ready for a festive movie night in Newport! What’s Up Newp and The JPT Film & Events Center are bringing back their annual screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on December 18 and 19 at The JPT. The fun kicks off each evening with a pre-movie concert by David Tessier’s All Star Stars from […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown swears in new Town Council and School Committee
Middletown’s newly elected Town Council and School Committee members took their oaths of office Monday evening, marking the beginning of new leadership for the town’s governance and education system. The inauguration ceremony, held at Middletown Town Hall, featured Congressman Gabe Amo administering the oath to both groups of elected officials. Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall […]
Posted inPolice & Fire
Tiverton man sentenced to life in prison for 2022 Newport murder
A 33-year-old Tiverton man will serve life in prison plus five years for the 2022 murder of Yordi Arevalo inside a Newport bar. Shamik Steele pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and felony assault in Newport County Superior Court on December 2, 2024. Superior Court Justice Stephen P. Nugent handed down the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up in Newport today: Tuesday, December 3
Good Morning! 🌅 It’s Tuesday, December 3rd. 🗓️ In 1777, a Philadelphia midwife overheard British plans to attack General Washington’s army and relayed the information, helping to thwart the attack. 📜 Closer to home, Gilbert Stuart, an American portrait painter, was born in Saunderstown on this day in 1755, and the First US mutual fire insurance […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport today: Tuesday, December 3
.bh__table, .bh__table_header, .bh__table_cell { border: 1px solid #C0C0C0; } .bh__table_cell { padding: 5px; background-color: #FFFFFF; } .bh__table_cell p { color: #2D2D2D; font-family: ‘Helvetica’,Arial,sans-serif !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; } .bh__table_header { padding: 5px; background-color:#F1F1F1; } .bh__table_header p { color: #2A2A2A; font-family:’Trebuchet MS’,’Lucida Grande’,Tahoma,sans-serif !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; } Good Morning! 🌅 It’s Tuesday, December 3rd. 🗓️ In 1777, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Hummingbird Restaurant closing after 8 years
After eight years serving the Newport community, Hummingbird restaurant is closing its doors. The owners, Dezna and Abe, announced the closure on Instagram Monday, citing their plans to move to North Carolina. Located at 104 Broadway, Hummingbird has been a local favorite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant offered both indoor and outdoor seating, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Chris D’Elia bringing “Straight Outta The Multiverse” to Historic Park Theatre
Chris D’Elia is bringing his “Straight Outta The Multiverse” comedy show to The Historic Park Theatre & Event Center in Cranston. The performance is set for April 11 at 8 p.m. As a stand-up comedian, D’Elia has toured the US and Canada. D’Elia has three comedy specials available on Netflix, NO PAIN (2020), MAN ON […]