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 […]
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 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 […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Celtic violinist Mairead Nesbitt is coming to The JPT
Spectacle Live will present Mairead Nesbitt on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 7 pm at The JPT Film & Event Center in Newport, RI. Tickets are on sale Friday, July 12 at 10 am at JanePickens.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774. A Grammy® and Emmy® nominated artist and composer, Máiréad Nesbitt has enchanted millions around the world as […]
Posted inNews
RI Hospitality Association names new President and CEO
Farouk Rajab, a veteran of the hospitality industry, has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA). Rajab, who has served in leadership positions at several properties including the Four-Diamond Westin Minneapolis and the Four-Diamond Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, is expected to officially assume the role on July […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Life Science Hub appoints Lilia Holt as Vice President
The Rhode Island Life Science Hub (RILSH) has appointed Lilia Holt as vice president. Holt, who has led business development for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation for three years, will oversee all operational aspects of the new hub. “I’m honored to step into the role of vice president and continue to build upon the progress […]
Posted inNews
Six charged in ATM, retail skimming scheme
Four foreign nationals charged with operating a skimming device that captured hundreds of thousands of dollars have appeared before a judge in Rhode Island. The four are part of a six-person crime spree that took place in at least six states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, prosecutors say. “The scale, scope, and brazen nature of […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Energy customers to get new website, phone number
Rhode Island Energy customers are being urged to prepare for several new changes coming to their service on August 19, including a new website and phone number. The changes, outlined in a release from the utility company, include a new billing processing system which will require some one-time actions from customers, such as resetting account […]
Posted inNews
City of Newport software update causes temporary online payment disruption
The City of Newport is sharing on its website that new software aimed at streamlining operations for city staff will temporarily disrupt online payments from July 1. “Customers will still be able to conduct normal business inside City Hall; residents are advised that certain functions, including online payments, are expected to be impacted through July […]
Posted inNews
Newport Vineyards offers ‘Cheese & Chocolate Tasting’ experience
Calling all wine lovers! Newport Vineyards is offering a special tasting menu for a limited time, featuring four of their favorite wines paired with two chef-selected cheeses and two house-made chocolates. The tasting package is included for $36, and includes a tasting flight of four featured wines, two fudgey confections from the Vineyard Bakeshop and […]
Posted inNews
Rep. Carson’s commission studying services for older Rhode Islanders to hold meeting in Newport
STATE HOUSE – The House commission studying services and programs for older adults in Rhode Island, led by Rep. Lauren H. Carson, will meet in Newport July 23 to give Aquidneck Islanders an update on its efforts and an opportunity to weigh in. The meeting, which is open to all members of the public, will […]
Posted inBusiness
Fitch raises RITBA toll revenue bonds to ‘A+’
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) today announced that Fitch Ratings has raised its rating for RITBA toll revenue bonds to ‘A+.’ The bonds had been rated ‘A.’ RITBA Executive Director Lori Caron Silveira said in a statement, “This upgrade from Fitch reflects solid financial management of the Authority, the strong guidance provided […]
Posted inNews
Sail Newport partners with Gill for Youth Sailing Essay Contest
A new essay contest is encouraging young sailors to explore the possibility of sailing and learn new skills. The Youth Sailing Essay Contest, sponsored by Gill, Sail Newport’s official gear supplier, is open to students under 18 from across Rhode Island. The essay contest aims to encourage young sailors and allow them to improve their […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The 2024 National Muster of Fifes & Drums will take place at Fort Adams in August
The Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers, Rhode Island Historic Revolutionary War units, today announced they are co-hosting the 2024 National Muster of Fifes & Drums at Fort Adams State Park in Newport. The Fife & Drum Muster, which will take place on August 9 and August 10, is a gathering of musicians from across the […]
Posted inNews
Nearly 300 registered swimmers to cross Narragansett Bay on July 13
Nearly 300 registered swimmers participating in Save The Bay’s 47th annual Swim will embark across Narragansett Bay this Saturday, July 13, in support of the nonprofit organization’s mission to mission to protect and improve Narragansett Bay and its watershed. Two waves of swimmers will overcome cold water temperatures, currents, and more during this two-mile, open water swim from […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport to receive $393,688.47 Learn365RI Grant to support learning beyond the traditional school day
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today announced the recipients of $3.8 million in Learn365RI grants, marking the program’s second round of funding to support learning beyond the traditional school day. In total, 29 municipalities received grants between $40,000 and $400,000 to create or expand extended learning programs, with many focusing on […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport this week: July 8 – 14
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this week. 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? Email ryan@whatsupnewp.com. Cruise Ship Schedule […]
Posted inNews
Clarkson University Graduate: Tiverton’s Robert Whalen earns Environmental Engineering Degree
Robert Philip Whalen, a Tiverton resident, received a bachelor’s science degree in environmental engineering from Clarkson University on May 11, 2024, according to an announcement from the university. Whalen’s degree was awarded with “great distinction,” according to the announcement. “Clarkson University is a proven leader in technological education, research, innovation and sustainable economic development,” said […]