The four classes racing under the ORC rule at the 170th Annual Regatta break into two groups. Class A and Class B feature some of the country’s elite big-boat programs, four 60- and 70-footers in former and four TP52s and a speedy new Botin ORC 45-footer in the latter. Pro sailors abound in these two […]
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 General Assembly takes steps to ensure election integrity
A new law approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly would establish a clear process for reporting and investigating cases of suspected signature fraud on candidates’ nomination papers. The legislation was spurred by the discovery of numerous deceased people’s signatures on a congressional candidate’s nomination paper in Rhode Island’s 1st congressional district race last summer. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Now Hiring – What’sUpNewp: Local Government Reporter & Education Reporter
What’sUpNewp, an independent online news publisher, is looking for two new contributing reporters to join its growing team. The Local Government Reporter will cover what’s happening in government and politics across Aquidneck Island- meetings, zoning, planning, and more. This reporter will also be expected to cover breaking news in those topics, write daily stories, and […]
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Salve Regina offers new online master’s degree to help address shortage of mental health practitioners
Salve Regina University is expanding its online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program to offer a new specialization in psychiatric mental health, a comprehensive educational pathway to national certification. A post-master’s certificate for advanced practice nurses seeking to expand their services in psychiatric nursing is also now available. Courses begin this fall. The scarcity of mental health […]
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11th Hour Racing and International Tennis Hall of Fame renew year-round sustainability sponsorship
The International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) and 11th Hour Racing have announced the renewal of a year-round sponsorship, focusing on sustainability initiatives throughout the ITHF organization for the fifth consecutive year. As the Official Sustainability Sponsor of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, 11th Hour Racing supports all aspects of the ITHF’s operations, including […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport seeking poll workers
With election season getting underway, the City of Newport is looking for individuals interested in serving as Poll Workers for the upcoming primary and general elections. Newport residents 16 years of age or older who are registered, or pre-registered to vote for those under 18, are encouraged to reach out to the City’s Canvassing Office […]
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Two bills approved to boost primary care workforce
With the aim of improving healthcare access and affordability in Rhode Island, two bills have been passed in the Senate that will provide funding for the training of more primary care doctors and nurse practitioners. The first bill, which is part of the Holistic Enhancement and Access Legislation for Total Health (HEALTH) initiative, establishes a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Iris DeMent, Five For Fighting with String Quartet coming to The JPT
Two new concerts have been added to The JPT Film & Event Center’s 2024 calendar. Irish Dement Iris DeMent. Credit: Dasha Brown Spectacle Live will present Iris DeMent on Sunday, September 8 at 7:30pm at The JPT Film & Event Center in Newport, RI. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 14 at 10am at JanePickens.com or by […]
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Middletown Library to host Adult Summer Reading Kickoff
The Middletown Public Library will host an adult summer reading kick-off event on Saturday, June 22, at 2 p.m., at the library, 700 West Main Road. The event is free and open to all adults and will feature a number of activities for attendees, including a craft and games. There will also be snacks and […]
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Portsmouth Library Invites Families to Puppet Storytime
The Portsmouth Free Public Library is gearing up for a magical matinee on June 11, as the talented Leigh Baltzer brings her puppet show to the venue. “Puppet Storytime with Leigh Baltzer” is a free event for children of all ages, that promises to be a fun and educational experience. The event will feature a […]
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Senator Whitehouse urges Rhode Island student loan borrowers to consolidate
R.I. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is telling those who owe money on student loans to consolidate their loans so they can become eligible for federal student loan forgiveness. Whitehouse says those who have student loans through the Federal Family Education Loan program are eligible for the consolidation option until June 30th, 2024. He says currently, those […]
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Sandy Hook shooting survivors to graduate with mixed emotions without 20 of their classmates
By DAVE COLLINS Associated Press NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — Like graduating seniors everywhere, members of Newtown High School’s class of 2024 expect bittersweet feelings at their commencement ceremony — excitement about heading off to college or careers and sadness about leaving their friends and community. But about 60 of the 330 kids graduating Wednesday will […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIPTA’S summer service changes to take effect on June 15
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will implement summer service changes effective Saturday, June 15, 2024. RIPTA makes regular service adjustments three times a year in response to seasonal changes and/or passenger use. 2024 Summer Service Changes These annual season changes are minor and include some trip time adjustments and the start of select […]
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Middletown allocates $42K for beach erosion study
The Middletown Town Council recently approved a $42,000 contract to study beach erosion and develop solutions to preserve the town’s beaches. The study will be conducted by Coastal Systems Research & Planning and Crossman Engineering, and will focus on the areas most susceptible to erosion, including Second and Third beaches and Sachuest Bay area. The […]
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Rhode Island to receive $6.9 million from Johnson & Johnson settlement
Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay $700 million to settle with 42 states over allegations that it deceived consumers about the safety of its baby powder products. The settlement, announced Tuesday, is the result of a multi-state investigation into the company’s marketing of talc-based baby powder and body powder products in the United States. […]
Posted inReal Estate
What Sold: A look at the 22 homes that sold across Newport County last week (June 3 – 7)
In Newport County, the real estate market is busy with activity, but a prevailing trend of limited inventory has made the search for the perfect home a challenging endeavor. As we move into the busy spring and summer seasons, buyers face a competitive landscape where finding the ideal property is increasingly difficult. The local market […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island General Assembly approves Senator Euer’s bill to improve notification about business taxes and filings
The General Assembly voted on Monday to approve legislation from Senate Judiciary Chairwoman Dawn Euer and Rep. Brandon T. Voas to allow the Division of Taxation to send business owners’ tax compliance information to the Department of State in order to keep them apprised of their tax liability. The legislation (2024-S 3056, 2024-H 8055) now heads to […]
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Alliance Française de Newport recognizes French excellence
Marius Bonard, a student at Barrington High School, and Francesco Savoretti from Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, both won the Grand Prix de l’Alliance Française de Newport. The award is given annually to two top high school students who demonstrate a strong affinity for the French language and culture. Students from across Rhode Island […]
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Southern End of Cliff Walk reopens after sinkhole repairs
The City of Newport announced the reopening of the southern portion of the Cliff Walk on Monday, June 10, after repairs were made to a sink hole that had closed the section of walkway since April. The sink hole behind Miramar was discovered by a volunteer who notified the City of the potential hazard in […]
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Ex-Wyatt Detention Officer admits smuggling suboxone
A former correctional officer at the Wyatt Detention Center admitted on Monday that he smuggled about 200 Suboxone strips into the facility through a scheme involving a inmate and another person outside the building. Kaii Almeida-Falcones, 30, of Smithfield, pleaded guilty to a charge of providing contraband to an inmate during a federal court hearing […]
Posted inCity & Government
RI Head Start Programs & RI Pre-K Lottery accepting applications for upcoming school year
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) reminds pregnant women and families with children ages birth to five, and Head Start programs are accepting applications for the 2024-25 school year. “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and Head Start puts them on that path to success,” said Governor Dan McKee. […]
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Rhode Island Blood Center encourages blood donations during the 20th Anniversary of World Blood Donor Day
Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) is highlighting the 20th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day on Friday, June 14th. This annual celebration is an opportunity for blood centers across the world to thank donors for their lifesaving donations and honor their profound impact on patients. Blood donations cannot be manufactured, which means our nation’s blood supply […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s Up in Newport This Week: June 10 – 16
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. WUN Stories Related […]
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Newport man arrested in Providence on gun possession charges
A Newport man was stopped by police on Deborah Street in Providence on Sunday, June 9 and found to be in possession of a pistol, the Rhode Island State Police said in a release. Soilandro Disla, 32, of Girard Avenue, was arrested on charges of license or permit required to carry pistol, possession of a […]
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Southwest adds direct flights to Denver and Dallas from PVD
This week, Southwest Airlines began seasonal service at the T.F. Green International Airport to Denver and Dallas Love Field. Flights from the T.F. Green Airport to Denver are available on Saturday and Sunday each week, beginning at 6:25 a.m. on Saturdays and 1:40 p.m. on Sundays. Return flights to T.F. Green Airport arrive at 11:30 […]