Update – July 13 The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Kingston Camp and Camp Hoffman in South Kingstown for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new data become […]
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
Newport Restoration Foundation announces 18th Annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Award honorees
The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) is announcing the recipients of its annual Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards for exemplary projects of historic preservation in Newport County and the annual President’s Award for lifetime achievement in historic preservation advocacy. This year’s President Awardees are Mrs. Hope “Happy” H. van Beuren and Mr. Charles A. Dana, who […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Philharmonic to Play at Roger Williams Park
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at Roger Williams Park on July 31st, 2024, for its annual Summer Pops concert. The free concert will take place at the Temple to Music in Roger Williams Park. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. and last 90 minutes. The 66-piece orchestra will be conducted by Troy Quinn […]
Posted inBusiness
Salve Regina receives $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation
Salve Regina University announced today that it has been awarded a $1M grant from the National Science Foundation for student development. The “Supporting STEM Scholars to Engage in the Blue Economy” project contributes to the national need for a diverse and capable workforce of scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technicians by increasing STEM degree completion of […]
Posted inNews
Free ‘Skin Check’ screenings to be available at Rhode Island Beaches
Between Friday, July 12 and August 17, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Brown Dermatology, and partners statewide will be making free skin cancer screenings available at select Rhode Island parks and beaches on five dates. “Along with seeking shade and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, getting a […]
Posted inNews
Indian Lake Hydrilla Coalition awarded $5,000
Representatives from the Indian Lake Hydrilla Response Coalition have received $5,000 in legislative grants to help combat the invasive species that is spreading in the lake. A total of seven neighborhoods around the lake that are home to over 700 homes have been working together to form a non-profit organization eligible for federal and state […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
11th Hour Racing returns as Environmental Awareness Sponsor of Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals
Newport Festivals Foundation, producer of the Newport Folk and Newport Jazz Festivals, today announced that Newport-based 11th Hour Racing is returning as the Environmental Awareness Sponsor of the festivals for the third consecutive year, continuing its longstanding support for sustainability initiatives at these landmark events in Newport. According to Newport Festivals Foundation, the following initiatives will be supported […]
Posted inNews
Blue-Green Algae Blooms in Mishnock Lake: Health officials warn of contact
A toxic blue-green algae bloom has been found in Mishnock Lake in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, officials said Thursday. The state Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management advised people to avoid all contact with the lake. The blue-green algae can cause rashes, stomachache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headache, and fever. In pets, the […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport: New statewide Tangible Tax exemption to benefit local businesses
According to the City of Newport, nearly 1,600 Newport business owners will not receive a Tangible Tax bill this year as a new statewide exemption goes into effect this month. The program, which was passed last year by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. McKee, provides a $50,000 exemption per business owner […]
Posted inArts & Culture
2024 Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week to host Emory ‘Outlaw Reunion’ and seminar
The Audrain Newport Concours Motor Week today announced that they will host the ‘Outlaw Reunion’ and seminar “with renowned car builders Rod Emory and Gary Emory and famous entertainer and proud Emory ‘Outlaw’ owner John Oates (of Hall & Oates fame)”. The Seminar will take place on Friday, October 4th, at 12:20 pm in the Casino Theater at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. According to […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Rhode Island overdose deaths decreased 7.3% in 2023
Governor Dan McKee and the leadership of the Governor’s Overdose Task Force announced today a 7.3% decrease in overdose deaths in Rhode Island in 2023, the first decrease seen in the state in four years. In 2023, 404 people lost their lives to accidental overdoses in Rhode Island, compared to 436 people who lost their […]
Posted inJobs
Newport Police Department hiring Entry-Level Police Officers
The City of Newport is looking for new recruits to join its Police force. Applications to join the Newport Police Department as an Entry-Level Police Officer are being accepted through Tuesday, September 3. “With the oldest Community Policing program in the state, Newport Police Officers have a chance to make a difference on a daily […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island enacts law to protect seniors from paper bill fees
Governor Dan McKee has signed legislation introduced by Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) and Rep. Brandon T. Voas (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls) that makes it illegal to charge fees to senior citizens for paper invoices. The Senior Savings Protection Act (2024-S 2278A, 2024-H 7940A) prohibits the charging of any fees to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
newportFILM’s Summer Benefit raises more than $300,000
Hundreds gathered at newportFILM’s annual Summer Benefit celebration on Saturday, July 6th, at IYRS’s Restoration Hall in Newport. The Presenting Sponsor was the Stratus Foundation/FlyAdvanced. The Summer Benefit, raising over $300,000, is NewportFILM’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It supports Outdoor screenings, year-round programming, and the educational initiatives Edu, Documentary Unbound, and the Cinematography Lab. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
French in Newport Weekend returns this weekend to Washington Square
The Newport Historical Society’s French in Newport–a living history weekend featuring reenactments, exhibits, and free family fun–will return to Washington Square on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14. Visitors can explore the role of French soldiers and sailors who fought for America’s independence and enjoy exciting learning opportunities like fife and drum corps performances, […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport ranked 2nd best in U.S.
Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is the second best airport in the country, according to a new survey by the Travel + Leisure company. The domestic airport ranked 2nd out of 500 airports in the U.S., just 1/100th of a percent behind Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the top airport in the country. “We are […]
Posted inBusiness
Club Calais announces store closing
Club Calais, a popular women’s clothing store located at 198 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, for the last 19 years, will close its doors for good later this summer. Formerly known as Laura Jean Denim, the store originally opened in 2005 on William St, and specialized in women’s designer denim and boots. In later years, it […]
Posted inNews
Pawtucket man faces gun charge for lying about restraining order
A Pawtucket man is facing a charge of providing false information to obtain a firearm after investigators say he lied about having a restraining order against him. Attorney General Peter Neronha announced on Wednesday that Richard Osoria, 23, was charged with one count of providing false information while attempting to secure a firearm. Neronha said […]
Posted inNews
Arizona man charged with shipping meth to Rhode Island
An Arizona man is facing federal charges after authorities say he shipped more than four kilograms of meth to Rhode Island and bought gambling tickets with the money. Carl Sharp, 49, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. He was arrested by Providence police on July 6. Court documents say the investigation […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island hiring more Forest Rangers
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is getting additional forest rangers this year. The hire is the result of a push from Exeter Representative Megan Cotter, according to a press release sent from the Rhode Island General Assembly on Cotter’s behalf. Representative Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton), who led a House study commission […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport’s longtime Finance Director, Interim City Manager set to retire
After over two decades of service, Laura L. Sitrin, the City of Newport’s longtime Finance Director and Interim City Manager, has announced her retirement. According to a press release from the City of Newport, Sitrin informed the City Council of her intentions on Tuesday, July 9th, writing, “I am deeply honored to have had the […]
Posted inBusiness
Wayfinder Newport officially reopens after a comprehensive rebuild and renovation
Wayfinder Newport, the first hotel in Dovetail + Co’s expanding Wayfinder collection, has officially reopened after a comprehensive rebuild and renovation. Hotel owner and developer Dovetail + Co oversaw the creation of Wayfinder Newport in 2020, building a loyal following of guests who enjoyed Wayfinder’s fresh take on Newport life. A fire in May 2022 […]
Posted inPolice & Fire
Connecticut man arrested by Portsmouth Police for DUI; had two children in the car
Portsmouth Police Department today announced in a press release that they have charged an individual with DUI with Minors in the Vehicle. In the press release, Portsmouth Police says that Jhonny Cespedes-Gil, 32, of Hartford, Connecticut was arrested by the Portsmouth Police Department Patrol Division and charged with DUI of Liquor/Drugs with a Child Passengers […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns’ Almonte set to retire in 2024
Ernest Almonte, Executive Director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns (RILCT), will retire on December 31, 2024, the organization announced today. “It has been a true pleasure working with the leaders of all 39 cities and towns across Rhode Island,” said Ernest Almonte, Executive Director of the League. “Municipalities are on the […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Peter Kehew
Peter Kehew, 90, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 7, 2024 . He was the husband for 60 years of the late Colette (Gendreau) Kehew. Born in 1934, He was the son of the late Arthur Kehew, a Newport Firefighter and his mother, Paula (Leonard) Kehew Gidius and his stepfather […]