Governor McKee has announced round two of Rhode Island’s Community Learning Centers Municipal Grant program, awarding a total of $26.9 million planned for Central Falls, Charlestown, Coventry, Exeter, Lincoln, North Providence, and Woonsocket. “The community learning centers create centralized, convenient spaces for all ages to participate in education, employment, and wellness programs,” said Governor Dan […]
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 businesswoman arraigned in Federal Court in alleged $10 million fraud schemes targeting seniors and others
A Warwick woman was arraigned in federal court after allegedly bilking $10 million from her victims through a series of fake lottery and investment schemes. Meagan Shine, 47, is facing four counts of mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. She allegedly duped the elderly and other vulnerable people into sending […]
Posted inCity & Government
Middletown Town Council tackles coyote problem, affordable housing, and sidewalk project
The Middletown Town Council held a regular meeting on July 1, addressing several key issues affecting the community, including a growing coyote problem, affordable housing updates, and a contentious sidewalk project. Residents voiced concerns about an increasing coyote population in town, citing safety fears for pets and children. Karen Harrington said, “We’ve reached a point […]
Posted inNews
Senator Reed Reed reacts to Supreme Court decision in Trump Immunity Case
Following the Supreme Court’s decision to limit the powers of the former president, Senator Jack Reed issued a statement saying the ruling jeopardizes democracy. “The Court’s ruling puts the presidency above the law in a way that jeopardizes our democracy,” Reed said. “It makes it easier for a President to abuse the powers of the […]
Posted inNews
Ocean Discovery League awarded $1.2M grant
The Rhode Island-based Ocean Discovery League has received a $1.2 million federal grant for the development of a low-cost, deep-ocean exploration technology. The funding, which was awarded through the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s Integrated Ocean Observing System Ocean Technology Transition award, will help lower the financial and technical barriers to deep-sea exploration, according to […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island Police Chiefs warn against impaired driving this Fourth of July weekend
The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association is urging people to designate a driver or use ride-hailing services over the Fourth of July weekend, amid concerns about impaired driving. Police departments across the state will be offering extra patrols over the holiday weekend, the association said. “The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Reed joins DEM’s Monthly Coastal Survey Trawl of Narragansett Bay
In an effort to help monitor the health of Narragansett Bay and local fisheries, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today embarked on a trawl survey with experts from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) where he helped sort and count fish and other aquatic species before releasing the catch back into the ocean. For […]
Posted inNews
Bob’s Stores announces going-out-of-business sale across all locations
Struggling apparel and accessories retailer Bob’s Stores has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and liquidation sales began on Friday, June 28 across all of its locations. The company, which operates more than 10 stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island, said in a news release that it was […]
Posted inNews
Providence Children’s Museum offering summer STEM sessions
This summer, the Providence Children’s Museum will be offering a series of exciting STEM sessions for children. These sessions will take place on select dates in July and August, allowing kids the opportunity to explore different aspects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities. The Summer STEM Sessions program is designed to be […]
Posted inNews
NWC Hosts Fourth Trans-Atlantic Maritime Command and Control Wargame
The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) has conducted its fourth Trans-Atlantic Maritime Command and Control Wargame (TAMC2 24), aimed at enhancing the interoperability of U.S. and NATO maritime forces in the trans-Atlantic region. More than 150 participants from U.S. and NATO commands, including 52 allied nations took part in the multi-sided, seminar-style war game, which […]
Posted inCity & Government
Legislation enables Newport to raise cruise ship passenger fees; put infrastructure bond question on November ballot
STATE HOUSE – Two new laws sponsored by Rep. Lauren H. Carson and Sen. Dawn Euer will enable Newport to raise its landing and boarding fees for cruise ships and to seek city voters’ approval in November for $98.5 million bond for infrastructure improvements. Both bills were backed by the City Council, approved by the […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: A look at 15 home sales across Newport County (June 24 – 28)
In Newport County, the real estate market is bustling with activity, yet a prevailing trend of limited inventory has made the search for the perfect home increasingly challenging. As we enter the busy spring and summer seasons, buyers are encountering a competitive landscape where finding the ideal property is becoming more difficult. The local market […]
Posted inNews
New law to require AEDs at all healthcare facilities in Rhode Island
A new law will require all healthcare facilities in Rhode Island to have an automated external defibrillator and someone trained to use it, according to a news release from the state legislature. The law, which was approved by the General Assembly last week and signed by Gov. Daniel McKee, goes into effect Sept. 1. The […]
Posted inNews
General Assembly to look for potential improvements to statewide school transportation system
A new legislative study commission will look for ways to improve the statewide school transportation system under a resolution sponsored by Sen. Linda Ujifusa and Rep. Terri Cortvriend and now signed by Gov. Daniel McKee. The joint resolution (2024-S 2523B, 2024-H 7915A), which passed the General Assembly June 13 and was signed by the governor last […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rhode Island State Archives to display the Declaration of Independence during special holiday hours
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the Rhode Island State Archives today announced that the State Archives will be open for special Independence Day hours on July 4 so that the public can view Rhode Island’s three copies of the Declaration of Independence. “As we look forward to parades and gatherings with family and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up in Newport this week: July 1 – 7
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 inObituaries
Obituary: Helena L. Chaves
Helena L. Chaves, 89, of Portsmouth, RI, formerly of Hudson, MA, passed away on June 29, 2024, in Newport Hospital. She was the wife of Herculano M. Chaves for 66 years. Born in Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal, she was the daughter of the late Joao de Chaves Loura and Maria Moreira de Sousa. Throughout her […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Chelley Knight and The Dope Things headline NIMFest at King Park on July 7
The New England Music Organization and North End Entertainment are thrilled to announce acclaimed local artists Chelley Knight and The Dope Things as the headliners for this year’s first NIMFest concert at the King Park Gazebo on Sunday, July 7th, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Known for her soulful voice and captivating stage presence, Knight […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the Revolution to host Independence activities in Newport
Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the Revolution will host its annual Independence Day celebration on Thursday, July 4, throughout Newport. Schedule Of Events 9:00 am: Colony House on Washington Sq. will be open for inspection. The Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the Revolution will join the Daughters of the American Revolution […]
Posted inCity & Government
Shoulder closures scheduled for Pell Bridge Ramps project July 1 – 5
Work on the Pell Bridge Ramps project will involve temporary shoulder closures next week. Today, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) provided an update on the Pell Bridge Ramps project; “Our sitewide weekday operations next week involving shoulder closures, Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., will focus on continuing to spread loam and seed, […]
Posted inNews
Playful pup Trapper seeks forever home
Meet your new best friend, Trapper – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Trapper, a two-year-old male Australian Shepherd, is available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown. Trapper is described by the Potter League as a “smart and playful” dog, and he’s always eager to show off his intelligence. “Meet […]
Posted inNews
Fort Adams Trust’s 4th of July Celebration offers fun for all ages
The Fort Adams Trust is preparing to host its annual 4th of July celebrations. This year’s event will be extra special as the trust celebrates its own 200th anniversary. The fireworks show will be held on July 4th, 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm, with a rain date of July 5th. The event will take place […]
Posted inNews
Visiting Nurses Home & Hospice named beneficiary of the 2024 Newport Polo Gala
Newport Polo announced Visiting Nurses Home & Hospice as the beneficiary of its 23rd annual charity gala, Argentango Fandango, Presented by BD on Friday, August 2, 2024, to fete the Argentine Polo Team at Rosecliff. “As a small community, Newport has a highly diverse population that has always enriched the fabric of life here. Our efforts this year are to ensure sound […]
Posted inReal Estate
On the Market: A look at 33 homes hosting Open Houses this weekend across Newport County (June 29 – 30)
Welcome to this week’s edition of On the Market, where we spotlight the best opportunities for homebuyers in Newport County. Open houses are invaluable for those looking to explore the market and see what’s available firsthand. In today’s competitive real estate climate, where options can often be limited, open houses offer a unique chance to […]
Posted inNews
Kabuki: A cat who’s ready for a new home
Meet your new best friend, Kabuki – this week’s adoptable cat of the week. Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Kabuki is a 2-year-old female domestic medium hair cat. “Kabuki is a delightful and resilient tabby looking for a new home. She loves lounging around and watching the world from […]