A Providence man admitted to a federal judge that he bought cocaine, transformed it into crack cocaine, and then sold it to others. He will spend six years in federal prison after getting convicted. Juan Gonzalez, 46, was sentenced on Tuesday to six years in federal prison. He will also serve four years of supervised […]
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
Providence Secures $3.7 Million in Fire Safety Funding
A new federal law will increase funding for local fire departments across the country. The new law, which was authored by Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, will help fire departments purchase new equipment, hire and retain firefighters, and improve their training. “Rhode Island’s firefighters work around the clock to keep us safe and respond to […]
Posted inNews
Rep. Magaziner pushes for a National Paid Time Off Policy
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) is pushing to enact a national paid time off policy, arguing the legislation is a matter of fairness and respect for workers. Under current law, nearly one in five U.S. workers do not have access to paid annual vacation leave. Magaziner says the legislation would change that by requiring employers […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts awards $898,650 to 149 area arts entities
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts has awarded over $898,650 in grants to 149 arts and culture organizations, individual artists, and arts educators in Rhode Island. The funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts and supports a variety of programs including arts education, individual artistic development, and arts and health. “On […]
Posted inNews
NUWC Division Newport engineer wins Society of Women Engineers Helen Martha Sternberg Award for 2024
A junior computer software engineer at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center announced her win of the Society of Women Engineers Helen Martha Sternberg Award for 2024. Molly “Meagan” Haradon, a Mansfield resident, has been working for the division since October 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Wentworth Institute of Technology and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Jane Pickens Theater to host Ocean-Themed film events featuring Water Brother and Jaws
The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) is celebrating the summer season with two ocean-themed film events: the new documentary Water Brother starring Newport legend Sid Abbruzzi, and The JPT’s annual Jaws Summer Party, a tradition that brings the thrill of the classic film Jaws back to the big screen. Jaws Summer Party (July 18 and 19): Hosted by The JPT […]
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BankNewport and Jamestown Philomenian Library celebrate project completion
BankNewport CEO Jack Murphy recently joined representatives from the Jamestown Philomenian Library to celebrate the completion of the Library’s renovation and expansion project, a significant community investment to modernize the Library and enhance its capacity to serve all residents. The Bank provided a $50,000 grant in support of the project, with a special focus on the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Secret Garden Tour cancels September Tour due to weather
According to organizers, September’s Secret Garden Tour has been canceled due to various weather factors. “The Secret Garden Committee of the Benefactors of the Arts has listened to Mother Nature, the Farmers’ Almanac, Father Time as well as the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)… “This year’s Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be extremely active, […]
Posted inNews
Recap: Middletown Town Council Meeting on July 15
The Middletown Town Council held its regular meeting on Monday, addressing various municipal matters and committee appointments. Council members discussed the continuation of an affordable housing update presentation by Penrose, originally scheduled for July 1. The presentation was postponed to allow the Affordable Housing Committee to review the information and provide an advisory opinion to […]
Posted inNews
Middletown, Newport receive $7.5 million in funding for a regional community learning center
Newport and Middletown are among 20 regions statewide that will receive millions of federal dollars to fund community learning centers that Gov. Dan McKee hopes will create “a culture of learning throughout Rhode Island,” and elevate income for hundreds of families. ” The more educated we are, the more income,” McKee said at a press […]
Posted inNews
Bacteria levels prompt closure of Hope Community Service Pond
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has recommended closing the swimming area at Hope Community Service Pond in Scituate as of Tuesday due to high bacteria counts. RIDOH officials say they will continue to monitor the water quality at the pond through Labor Day. The most up-to-date information on beach conditions is available by […]
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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse co-sponsors bill to reduce stillbirths
The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, which was signed into law by President Biden last week, is a bipartisan bill that will allocate federal funds towards research and prevention efforts. The goal of the new law is to reduce the shockingly high rate of stillbirths and maternal mortality in the United States. Stillbirths […]
Posted inNews
Former Woonsocket felon sentenced to 10 years for drug smuggling
A former Woonsocket felon was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after his drug smuggling operation shipped more than 100 kilos of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Rhode Island, federal officials announced Tuesday. Efrain Colon-Garcia, 43, was accused of leading the drug ring with his wife, Yaniris Colon-Senquiz, 47, federal prosecutors said. The two […]
Posted inThings To Do
Norman Bird Sanctuary’s Beach Bash returns with a nod to classic New England summers
It is time to celebrate summer with the Norman Bird Sanctuary’s beloved Beach Bash at Third Beach! A family-friendly night of games, live music, local food, and community fun, Beach Bash supports the Norman Bird Sanctuary’s efforts to conserve their Third Beach property for the benefit of the entire community. “This year’s Beach Bash will […]
Posted inNews
‘Ocean Mist’ on Ocean Avenue in Newport sells for $7.125 million
A home with direct views of the ocean has sold for $7.125 million, making it the highest sale in Newport County and the second highest in all of Rhode Island so far in 2024. The 4 bedroom, 5 and a half bath home, named Ocean Mist, sits on nearly a half of an acre at […]
Posted inSports
Rolex TP52 World Championship headlines race week at Newport’s 14th Edition
For just the second time in its 16-year history, the Rolex TP52 World Championship will be contested on American waters. Sailing’s premiere monohull fleet-racing championship will take place as part of the New York Yacht Club’s Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex. The 14th edition of this biennial summer classic is the first regatta […]
Posted inNews
Federal, state leaders celebrate major upgrades to rail infrastructure at the Quonset Business Park
Federal, state, and local leaders joined the Quonset Development Corporation and Seaview Railroad today for a ribbon cutting and train ride to celebrate three recent upgrades to Quonset rail infrastructure. Quonset Business Park is home to over 14,000 jobs at 239 companies, including nearly one of every five manufacturing jobs in the state. The Business Park […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
Dan Burke And The Royal Treatment to headline Newport’s NIMFest Concert Series on July 21
Dan Burke and the Royal Treatment, known for their dynamic blend of funk, R&B, and soul, will bring their electrifying sound and captivating stage presence to Newport on Sunday, July 21, for an unforgettable evening of music and community celebration. Fronted by the charismatic Dan Burke, the group’s powerful vocals and tight instrumental arrangements have […]
Posted inBusiness
Fighting Hunger: BankRI hosting Food Drive at its Middletown and Newport branches
High food and housing costs continue to drive new levels of hunger in the Ocean State. Right now, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank is serving a record number of people through its member agency food pantries – more than 80,000 per month. To help those facing hunger, Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) is hosting a […]
Posted inThings To Do
Fools Rules Regatta: Jamestown’s iconic tradition returns on August 17
For nearly half a century, the Fools Rules Regatta has stood as the crown jewel of Jamestown’s summer season, drawing adventurers, spectators, and creative minds from near and far to East Ferry Beach. This beloved island tradition celebrates originality and community spirit that has captivated audiences and garnered international recognition from publications like Yankee Magazine […]
Posted inNews
Nearly 250 swimmers crossed Narragansett Bay in Save The Bay’s annual Swim fundraiser
At 7:05 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, nearly 250 swimmers took to the waves of Narragansett Bay’s East Passage in the 48th Save The Bay Swim, raising both funds and awareness for Save The Bay’s mission to protect and improve Narragansett Bay. The Swim invites swimmers to tackle a two-mile, open water swim from the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up in Newport This Week: July 15 – 21
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week, July 15 – 21, 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? […]
Posted inNews
Attorney General Neronha, MADD RI, state leaders celebrate passage of DUI lookback legislation
The Rhode Island General Assembly passed a bill in June that will extend the period of time during which a driver convicted of a second or subsequent DUI violation can face enhanced penalties from five to 10 years. The additional time, known as a “lookback” period, is an effort to deter repeat offenders, who are […]
Posted inNews
Tiverton’s Daryl Johnson makes Dean’s List at Purchase College
Daryl Johnson, a Tiverton resident, has been named to the Dean’s List at Purchase College for the Spring 2024 semester. Johnson is currently studying Psychology. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must have a GPA of 3.5 for bachelor’s arts and science programs or 3.75 for bachelor’s fine arts and music performance programs. […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island enacts law to protect residents from unfair unclaimed property practices
A new law signed by Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee will protect state residents from unfair contracts with third-party vendors who help the government recover unclaimed property. The law limits the amount the vendor can charge the state for helping locate and recover the property. The Treasury office will recover unclaimed cash and assets from […]