Today, the Rhode Island Democratic Party (RIDP) announced that its Democratic Delegation has voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as President of the United States. The following statement is from RIDP Chairwoman Liz Beretta-Perik; “The American Presidency is at its best when it becomes a vehicle for generational renewal. When we think of John […]
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 inMusic & Entertainment
Bar Fly and Nate Cozzolino will perform at King Park on July 28
New England Music Organization, in collaboration with North End Entertainment and the City Of Newport, is thrilled to announce Bar Fly as the headlining act at NIMFest this coming Sunday, July 28th. The local rock group has managed to cultivate a devoted group of fans who are passionate about the band as detailed in a […]
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Rhode Island Unclaimed Property website gets .gov Domain
The Rhode Island General Treasurer’s Office announced today that the official website providing information about unclaimed property has changed from FindRIMoney.com to FindRIMoney.gov. “The transition to a .gov domain further assures Rhode Islanders recovering unclaimed property can trust the website is official and secure,” said General Treasurer Diossa. “I would like to thank Carol Aguasvivas […]
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Produce Recall in Rhode Island: Wiers Farm pulls products
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Wiers Farm is recalling produce products packed between July 5th and July 12th because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. These products were sold at Save-A-Lot in Rhode Island and at Walmarts in Connecticut. These products were sold in many other states, […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Classical announces 2024-2025 Chamber Series
Following its record-breaking 55th summer festival, Newport Classical today announced that it will present its fourth full-season Chamber Series held on select Fridays at 7:30 pm, newly expanded to twelve concerts held between September 2024 and June 2025, at the organization’s newly air-conditioned home venue, Newport Classical Recital Hall. Newport Classical Executive Director Gillian Fox says, “This year’s Newport Classical Music Festival […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Eileen Ivers: Joyful Christmas coming to The JPT on December 14
The JPT Film & Event Center in Newport will host Eileen Ivers: Joyful Christmas on Saturday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. Spectacle Live presents this concert. Tickets for the concert will go on sale on Friday, July 26, at 10 am at JanePickens.com. They are $49 to $69. Eileen Ivers is one of the most […]
Posted inNews
Aquapalooza prompts precautionary closure of shellfish area
With more than 1,000 boats expected to gather off Prudence Island this weekend, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is taking a precautionary measure to protect the area’s shellfish habitat. A 700-acre area of shellfish grounds will be closed from sunrise on July 27 until sunrise on August 3. This includes the area […]
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Newport’s Emily Anne Goss graduates from University of Maryland Global Campus
A Newport resident has earned an associate degree in general studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus, according to an announcement on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Emily Anne Goss of Newport received the associate degree in general studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus in spring 2024. She was one of more than […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Restoration work highlights the opening of Isaac Bell House
Lauded for its elegance and innovative design, Isaac Bell House is one of the best surviving examples of Shingle Style architecture in the country. Beginning July 27, guide-led tours will allow visitors to experience this National Historic Landmark on Saturdays and Sundays through August 31 with the purchase of a special, timed ticket. The house […]
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Newport launches Ad-Hoc Revenue Review Committee
Newport officials are looking for volunteers to help the city explore new revenue streams to help balance the city’s budget needs with the rising costs of services. The city said the new Ad-Hoc Revenue Review Committee will help the city reach its goal of finding new sources of revenue outside of local property taxes, which […]
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City of Newport offers water safety tips ahead of Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals
With Newport’s Folk and Jazz Festivals just around the corner, City of Newport officials are offering safety tips and reminders for those planning to spend time on the water. Newport city officials are advising those planning to spend time on the water during the upcoming Folk and Jazz Festivals to wear a life jacket, headlamp, […]
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Senator Reed, Whitehouse propose move to end ‘Big Pharma’ price hikes
A new bill introduced by Senator Reed and Whitehouse would stop pharmaceutical companies from deducting the costs of their advertising from their federal taxes, a move that the office of Senator Reed says would put an end to what it calls “Big Pharma” deliberately increasing drug prices for consumers. Under current law, pharmaceutical companies can […]
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Newport County residents among University of Tampa’s 2024 degree recipients
Syracuse, N.Y. — The University of Tampa hosted its 158th commencement ceremony in May, honoring 1,717 degree-seeking candidates and providing remarks by three notable local speakers. The commencement ceremony, held on May 4, was attended by the students, their families and friends, UT faculty and staff members, and the general public. It included remarks by […]
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Rhode Island earns $289 million for climate resilience
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner announced the passage of bipartisan legislation that includes $289 million in federal funding to support climate resiliency efforts in Rhode Island. The funding, which is included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, will be used for the Rhode Island Coastline, Coastal Storm Risk Management project. The project includes $188 […]
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Congressman Amo secures wins for Rhode Island in Water Resources Development Act
As the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 passed the House, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) says the legislation will help to mitigate climate change impacts on the First District. The WRDA also includes funding for flood control projects. “As coastal communities face the existential threats of the climate crisis, Congress must authorize the federal […]
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Experts to discuss climate change impacts on Aquidneck Island
A panel of experts will discuss the impacts of climate change on Aquidneck Island at a summer forum hosted by Newport City Hall at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, July 23. The Energy & Environment Commission’s forum will take place in the second floor of City Council Chamber at Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway. The panel […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to consider zoning amendments, tourism district
The Newport City Council is set to tackle a packed agenda at its upcoming meeting on July 24, 2024, with proposed zoning amendments and the establishment of a tourism improvement district taking center stage. The meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 43 Broadway, will feature public hearings on several key issues […]
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Portsmouth Police charge three in joint sting operation targeting sex trafficking
Two individuals have been charged with crimes related to targeting children for sex, according to the Portsmouth Police Department. One individual has been charged with a crime related to the procurement of sexual conduct for free with an adult. These investigations stemmed from a joint investigation by the Portsmouth Police Detective Division and Homeland Security […]
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Adoptable Arya seeks a forever home
Arya, a 3-year-old female Siberian Husky, is this week’s adoptable dog of the week. She is a pack dog and enjoys playing with other dogs. Arya is also very friendly with people and children. “If you’re familiar with huskies then Arya will be no challenge for you. She is a pack dog and loves to […]
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CCRI launches new Table Game Dealer Training Program
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will be offering a new training course for aspiring table game dealers in August. The six-week program, run in partnership with Bally’s, will teach participants the skills necessary to handle blackjack and other novelty games, as well as provide customer service, conflict resolution, and gaming etiquette. Students will […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Restoration of stone walls at Miantonomi Park is completed
The City of Newport and Preserve Rhode Island (Preserve RI) announced today that the restoration of Miantonomi Park’s stone walls has been completed. The project began last September when a 250-foot stretch of wall was repaired. The second phase, begun in June, finalizes the north entry point to the park and repairs approximately 336 feet […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up in Newport this week: July 22 – 28
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week, July 22 – 28, 2024. This story will be updated throughout the week as we learn of events, meetings, and listings, so please check back often. Do you have something to add to this list or an upcoming roundup? […]
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$450 million grant aims to reduce energy bills, promote environmental sustainability across Rhode Island
A new federal grant program to help families across New England adopt heat pumps is expected to save Rhode Islanders money on their energy bills while also helping the environment. The $450 million grant, announced Monday, is coming from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and will be distributed as part of the New England Heat […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation reacts to President Biden’s announcement that he will not seek reelection
Just before 2 pm on Sunday, July 21, President Joe Biden announced that he would “stand down” and would not continue to seek re-election this November. Moments later, he came out and formally endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him. pic.twitter.com/RMIRvlSOYw— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024 Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation was quick to […]
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Cole Brauer named recipient of America and the Sea Award at Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport Museum has announced Cole Brauer as the distinguished recipient of the America and the Sea Award for 2024. The prestigious annual award recognizes those individuals and organizations whose extraordinary achievements in the world of maritime exploration, competition, scholarship, and design best exemplify the American character. Cole recently made history as the first woman from the United […]