Gov. Daniel J. McKee issued a statewide drought advisory Thursday on the recommendation of the state’s Drought Steering Committee. The committee found that three scientific indices — precipitation, groundwater and stream flow levels — met the drought advisory criteria across most of Rhode Island. Its recommendation was informed by precipitation deficits dating to November 2025, […]
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
RI to distribute nearly 7,000 food benefit cards to eligible seniors starting June 1
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will distribute nearly 7,000 benefit cards to eligible seniors this summer to buy fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables and local honey, the agency announced. Through DEM’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, cards preloaded with $50 will be available beginning June 1 at more than 50 senior centers […]
Posted inCity & Government
Ceglie announces re-election bid for Newport City Council Ward 2 seat
Lynn Underwood Ceglie has announced she is running for re-election to the Newport City Council in 2026, seeking another term representing the city’s Second Ward. Ceglie, who has served on the council for 12 years, said her decision to run again is rooted in a commitment to providing experienced, common-sense leadership and continuing to address […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Jaws’ returns to the Jane Pickens Theater for summer party series starting May 29
The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center will kick off summer with its annual “Jaws” party on Friday, May 29, before bringing Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster back to the big screen for three more screenings in July. The series features a newly restored 4K print of the film, live music from local bands and beer […]
Posted inSports
Newport Gulls’ home opener set for June 5 at Cardines Field as team begins 25th season
The Newport Gulls will play their home opener against the Upper Valley Nighthawks on Friday, June 5, at Cardines Field as the team begins its 25th season. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. Opening night is sponsored by University Orthopedics, and the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free magnet schedule […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport Juneteenth celebration to mark fourth year at Fort Adams with RI 250 theme
The fourth annual Newport Juneteenth celebration will be held Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fort Adams State Park, organizers announced. The event, presented by Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, will mark Juneteenth with a Rhode Island 250th anniversary theme this year and will be expanded to celebrate the history of […]
Posted inPeople & Profiles
Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain talks budget, restructuring, and her final weeks in monthly chat
Newport Public Schools Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joined What’sUpNewp owner and publisher Ryan Belmore and editor Frank Prosnitz on Wednesday afternoon for her penultimate monthly conversation before her June 30 retirement — a wide-ranging discussion dominated by the district’s deepening budget crisis, possible facility restructuring, and personnel changes at the top of Rogers High School. […]
Posted inNews
Middletown to dedicate Liberty Tree May 31 in kickoff to America 250 events
Middletown will dedicate a historic Liberty Tree on Sunday, May 31, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Paradise Valley Park, the first major event from the town’s 250 Commission marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The event will feature a keynote speech by R.I. Secretary of State Gregg Amore, along with a historic open […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Tiverton library to host ‘Rethinking Lawns’ talk on June 10
The Tiverton Public Library will host a free talk titled “Rethinking Lawns” on Wednesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will be given by Emily Dutra of Butterfly Effect Farm and will cover the history of lawns, how to treat them organically and alternatives to traditional lawns, according to the library. The event is […]
Posted inInstagram
Newport’s Ocean Drive to close to cars for Elliot’s Ride for Everyone on June 6
Newport’s Ocean Drive will close to motor vehicles for a few hours on Saturday, June 6, for the seventh annual Elliot’s Ride for Everyone, a car-free community event produced by the nonprofit Bike Newport. Ocean Avenue and Hazard Road will be closed to traffic from 9 a.m. to noon, opening to people who want to […]
Posted inCity & Government
Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge construction shifting to night work
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority will shift construction on the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge to overnight hours beginning May 31, the agency announced. Work will take place Sunday through Thursday nights from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., according to the authority. The change follows reports of traffic delays during daytime hours. “We noted more […]
Posted inCity & Government
Ellen Pinnock announces bid for second term on Newport City Council
Newport City Councilwoman Ellen Pinnock announced she will run for a second term representing Ward 1. Pinnock said advocating for young people has been central to her work on the council. During her first term, she said she pushed for expanded recreation opportunities, stronger connections between the city and its schools, safer spaces for children […]
Posted inSports
Newport Charter Yacht Show returns to Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard in June
The annual Newport Charter Yacht Show will return June 22–25 at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, drawing a fleet of charter yachts, brokers and industry professionals to Newport’s waterfront, organizers announced. The show serves as a marketplace for charter yachts preparing to cruise New England waters, giving crews a chance to present their programs and amenities […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Journalist Amy Goodman to appear at The JPT for documentary screenings
Journalist and “Democracy Now!” host Amy Goodman will appear in person at the Jane Pickens Theater in Newport for special screenings of the documentary “Steal This Story, Please!” from June 27 to 30, the theater announced. Goodman will join director Tia Lessin for post-screening question-and-answer sessions following the showings on Friday, June 27, at 7:30 […]
Posted inNews
Amo, Reed, Whitehouse announce $30,000 NEA grant for Newport Contemporary Ballet
Newport Contemporary Ballet has been awarded $30,000 in funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo announced Tuesday. The funding will support the ballet’s annual Newport Dance Festival, which this year will explore the theme of freedom in honor of the nation’s 250th […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rep. Lauren Carson announces bid for re-election in 2026
Rhode Island Rep. Lauren Carson, a Democrat, has announced she will run for re-election in 2026 to represent Newport in House District 75. Carson was first elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 2014 and serves as a deputy majority leader. She said her work at the State House has focused on local […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Patricia Kirby
Patricia (Patsy) Kirby, formerly of Newport, Rhode Island, in her 94th year, peacefully at home in Churchtown, Dublin, Ireland, surrounded by her husband of 66 years, Patrick, and loving family. Born in Cork and raised in Drumcondra, Dublin, Patsy was employed in the Central Bank of Ireland and active in the Dublin Grand Opera Society […]
Posted inNews
St. George’s School honors Class of 2026 at Prize Day, with several students earning top awards
St. George’s School celebrated its 98 graduating seniors at its annual Prize Day ceremony, recognizing the Class of 2026 for achievement in academics, the arts, athletics and character, with several Rhode Island students among the top honorees. Julienne Patterson received the St. George’s Medal, awarded to the member of the sixth form who, in the […]
Posted inNews
IYRS offers support to students affected by The Landing School closure
IYRS School of Technology & Trades is extending support to students, applicants and families affected by the recent closure of The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design in Arundel, Maine, offering guidance and a pathway for those looking to continue their marine trades education. “We are saddened to learn of The Landing School’s closing and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Charter Books to host bestselling author Annabel Monaghan at OceanCliff on June 8
Charter Books will host New York Times bestselling author Annabel Monaghan for a summer cocktail event at OceanCliff on Monday, June 8, to celebrate her latest novel, “Dolly All the Time.” The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m., with Monaghan, author of “Nora Goes Off Script,” in conversation with Kylie McCollough, founder of the […]
Posted inNonprofit
High school senior’s charity car rally to benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital rolls out from Newport today
A youth-led charity car rally benefiting Hasbro Children’s Hospital sets off from Newport today, the inaugural edition of an event organized by a local high school senior. Jack Masse, a senior at Providence Country Day School in East Providence and a longtime volunteer at the Audrain Automobile Museum, created The Rhode Rally as his senior […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Firehouse Theater announces summer 2026 lineup of improv, comedy and storytelling
The Firehouse Theater has unveiled its summer 2026 schedule, featuring programming for audiences of all ages from the Newport comedy venue. Every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., The Bit Players, billed as Rhode Island’s most award-winning comedy group, will take the stage for their fast-paced short-form improv show. In addition to the weekend shows, […]
Posted inSports
Tiedemann Classics Regatta expands fleet for 2026, adding Herreshoff H-class sloops and vintage fiberglass yachts
The Robert H. Tiedemann Classics Regatta will expand its fleet for its 2026 edition, adding two new cohorts to the longtime celebration of classic yachting set for June 27 and 28 at the New York Yacht Club Harbour Court. This year, Newport’s rapidly growing class of Herreshoff H-class sloops and vintage PHRF-rated fiberglass boats will […]
Posted inNews
Castle Hill Inn officially reopens Agassiz Mansion following February fire
NEWPORT, R.I. — Castle Hill Inn officially reopened the Agassiz Mansion on Thursday, welcoming guests back to the historic property just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, more than three months after a fire damaged the landmark retreat on Ocean Drive. The reopening encompasses the main level of the Mansion, including the lobby, The Lawn […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Pulitzer-winning author Liaquat Ahamed to speak at Rosecliff on June 15
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Liaquat Ahamed will explore the causes and consequences of the Panic of 1873 in a talk at Rosecliff on Monday, June 15, at 6 p.m. Ahamed will discuss his new book, “1873: The Rothschilds, the First Great Depression, and the Making of the Modern World.” The Panic of 1873 hit the United […]