With summer in full swing, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is preparing for an influx of lifeguards to assist at state beaches. To help accommodate this, the DEM has announced it will be offering additional lifeguard certification tests. All lifeguards attending these tests must receive state certification and hold valid cards for […]
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
Rhode Island secures $3.8 million HUD Grant for Affordable Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded Rhode Island a $3.8 million competitive grant to address the state’s housing crisis and help the state build more affordable units. The funding will primarily go toward expanding the state’s Health Equity Zone (HEZ) housing program in Bristol and Washington counties, which is focused […]
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Middletown to host a meeting on affordable housing on July 15
The Middletown Town Council will be holding a meeting on July 15 to discuss the town’s efforts to address the need for affordable housing. The meeting was postponed two weeks from its original July 1 session in order to provide an opportunity for all interested parties to attend and provide input, said Town Administrator Shawn […]
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$25 million in Federal Funding Awarded for Henderson Bridge Phase 2: Multimodal Connections
A significant milestone in the construction of the Henderson Bridge and Expressway has been achieved with the announcement of $25 million in federal funding to support the expansion project. The funding will be used to convert the existing freeway into a low-speed facility incorporating non-motorized transportation, bike lanes, and pedestrian paths. This will allow for […]
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Rhode Island invests in clean energy future with brownfield solar program
Solar farms will have priority for cleaning up brownfield sites, under a new law aimed at making Rhode Island’s transition to cleaner forms of energy more affordable. The Renewable Ready program will use federal money to help offset the costs of preparing certain sites for renewable energy development, including on brownfield sites. Brownfields are former […]
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Michelle McGaw announces re-election campaign
Today, Representative Michelle McGaw announced that she will see re-elections for House District 71. “Representative Michelle McGaw is pleased to announce her campaign for reelection to represent District 71 in the Rhode Island State House of Representatives. Michelle McGaw was elected in 2020 to Represent District 71, which encompasses Northern Portsmouth, Southern Tiverton, and all […]
Posted inCity & Government
Watch: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Newport Public Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain faces challenges as the district grapples with funding issues and staffing changes ahead of the upcoming school year. A resolution before the Newport City Council proposes awarding the school building committee approximately $4 million for the Rogers High School construction project, with contingencies. The school district had initially […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport teachers support proposed resolution to fund the completion of Rogers High School and support educators
The Teachers Association of Newport (TAN) today announced their support for a resolution regarding funding for the Rogers High School construction project. The resolution is proposed by Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong and Councilor Charles Holder and will be considered by the Newport City Council during their Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, June 25.”This resolution provides a […]
Posted inBusiness
Hampton Inn & Suites Newport-Middletown celebrates multi-million dollar renovation with ribbon cutting
The newly-updated Hampton Inn & Suites Newport-Middletown, located at 317 West Main Road, Middletown, celebrated its multi-million-dollar renovation with a ceremonial ribbon cutting today. James Karam of First Bristol Corporation and partner Rocky Kempenaar of Kempenaar Real Estates, Inc., owners and managers of the property were on hand, along with Senator Lou DiPalma and members […]
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Bike Newport among 3 organizations to receive grant funding from RIDOH to improve public access to active transportation
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has announced that three organizations have been awarded a total of $4.950 in grant funding to support projects that aim to improve public access to active transportation and promote physical activity. The 2024 Rhode Island Streets Transformation Project grant recipients are Bike Newport, the Providence Preservation Society, and […]
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Totally Cool, Inc. has recalled multiple brands of ice cream products due to potential Listeria contamination
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has announced that Totally Cool, Inc. has recalled multiple brands of ice cream products due to potential Listeria contamination. “The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Totally Cool, Inc., is recalling multiple brands of ice cream products because they have the potential to be […]
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USS Marinette to drop anchor in Rhode Island for Independence Day Celebrations
U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is bringing a special guest to the Ocean State to celebrate America’s independence, salute the men and women of the U.S. Navy, and give Rhode Islanders a close up view of naval operations. Today, Reed announced that the Navy plans to send the 388-foot Freedom-variant […]
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Kingston Chamber Music Festival returns for 36th Season
The Kingston Chamber Music Festival will return to the University of Rhode Island for its 36th season this August, featuring a lineup of international musicians and a roundtable discussion on the relationship between Native American music and classical music. “We challenge musicians,” says Artistic Director Natalie Zhu. “Many of them are playing together for the […]
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CCRI to host Pasta & FAFSA event at Newport Campus
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCI) will be hosting an Pasta & FAFSA night on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the CCRI Newport Campus. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. All attendees will be able to enjoy a free pasta dinner with their family while also having the opportunity to […]
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Magaziner, Crenshaw introduce contingency plan for Critical Infrastructure Act
A bipartisan pair of lawmakers introduced legislation to require federal agencies to conduct assessments of critical infrastructure operations to better prepare for and respond to cyberattacks. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, and Seth Magaziner, D-R.I., introduced the Contingency Plan for Critical Infrastructure Act to mandate the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Emergency Management […]
Posted inCity & Government
Congressman Amo files for re-election
Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) filed his Declaration of Candidacy for Rhode Island’s First Congressional District in 2024’s election. “While it seems like it was just yesterday, it’s been over 200 days since I was sworn into Congress to serve as a voice for Rhode Islanders in Washington,” said Congressman Amo. “Each one of those […]
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Middletown Police lauded in community survey
The Middletown Police Department has received high marks from the community for its service, according to a recent survey. The survey was conducted by Salve Regina University’s Criminal Justice and Criminology program. The 314 respondents said the overall performance of the department was excellent, with officers receiving professional, courteous, helpful, and knowledgeable treatment. The survey […]
Posted inCity & Government
Here’s who’s running for office in Newport County
Candidates for local and legislative offices across the state began filing their declarations of candidacies on Monday, the first step in an election process that culminates with a Statewide Primary on September 10 and the general election on November 5. Some candidates have already announced, although nothing becomes official until they actually file the declaration […]
Posted inCity & Government
Seth Magaziner launches campaign for reelection to U.S. House
Today, Representative Seth Magaziner announced that he has filed for reelection in the 2024 race to represent Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional district. “As the Representative for Rhode Island’s Second Congressional District, I have been laser focused on fighting for the middle class and those working hard to join it. I have stood up to the […]
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Portsmouth Library to host Circus Dynamics
The Portsmouth Free Public Library is gearing up for a big event with a new production from Circus Dynamics. The company is known for its jaw-dropping tricks, amazing stunts, and interactive performances that delight audiences of all ages. The production, titled ” Circus Dynamics,” is set to take place on July 12, 2024, at 10:30 […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up in Newport this week: June 24 – 30
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 inCity & Government
Construction and Operations Plan for Sunrise Wind Project approved
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced on Friday, June 21 its approval of Sunrise Wind’s plan for construction and operations. This is the project’s final approval from BOEM, following the Department of the Interior’s March 2024 Record of Decision. “BOEM’s approval of the Sunrise Wind project represents another step in building a thriving […]
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Senate in Massachusetts passes bill curtailing use of plastics including bags, straws
BOSTON (AP) — The state Senate in Massachusetts has passed a wide-ranging bill curtailing the use of plastics, including barring the purchase of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies. The bill, approved Thursday, also bans carry-out plastic bags at retailers statewide and require stores to charge 10 cents for recycled paper bags. It also requires […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senator Reed, officials celebrate the transfer of Beavertail Lighthouse to DEM
Standing in front of the historic 64-foot granite Beavertail Lighthouse – the third oldest lighthouse location in America — overlooking Rhode Island Sound and the southern end of Narragansett Bay, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today celebrated the official transfer of the historic beacon to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), which manages Beavertail State Park […]
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Drivers should expect lane closures on Pell Bridge during the week of June 23-29
Drivers traveling on the Newport Claiborne Pell Bridge are urged to adjust travel time as several lane closures are expected during the week of June 23 – 29, 2024. Currently, no lane closures are planned for the Route 138 Connector and Sakonnet River Bridge. Weekly Lane Closure Updates 6/23/2024 – 6/29/2024 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound […]