PROVIDENCE, RI – A New York man has been ordered detained in Rhode Island on federal drug trafficking charges after Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at T.F. Green International Airport located more than thirteen kilograms of cocaine inside a carry-on bag alleged to have been in the man’s possession when he disembarked in a […]
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 inArts & Culture
Puddingstone Music Series kicks off this week with two concerts
German pianist and Newport resident, Clemens Teufel, will kick off his new music series this week with two live concerts. The concerts will combine performing and non-performing arts in an approachable 19th-century-style salon. Teufel sees a vision of Newport similar to that of Prague – a center of culture with music and art only a stone’s […]
Posted inBusiness
Nearly $700K in grants available to support local food and seafood businesses in Rhode Island
Governor Dan McKee, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), and members of the Rhode Island General Assembly today announced that close to $700,000 in Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grant funding is available for projects that help support the growth, development, and marketing of local food and seafood in Rhode Island. The LASA Grant Program provides […]
Posted inCity & Government
Portsmouth man charged with violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man has been charged by way of a federal criminal information with violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, having allegedly shot at, injured, and /or killed Red-Tailed and Cooper hawks in and around his property in an effort to protect squirrels, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. It […]
Posted inBusiness
Topgolf Rhode Island opens in Cranston on October 6
Topgolf announced today it will open its first Rhode Island venue in Cranston on Friday, October 6. Topgolf provided the following details about their company and newest location. The Basics What is Topgolf? A sports entertainment experience that features high-tech golf, food, drinks, music and a good time. Think of it as a place where anyone […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Project Safe Neighborhoods Investigation nets more than five kilos of fentanyl pills and powder, along with commercial pill presses
PROVIDENCE – Two Rhode Island men were arrested for drug trafficking and more than seven kilos of fentanyl pills and powder, and two commercial pill presses have been seized as the result of an ongoing Project Safe Neighborhoods Investigation into the trafficking of fentanyl pills, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. Jorge Pimentel, 33, […]
Posted inNews, Things To Do
What’s Up Newp: Monday, October 2
⚓ Today is Monday, October 2 – the 275th day of the year; 90 days remain in 2023. Today is International Day of Non-Violence, National Child Health Day, and National Fried Scallops Day! 👉 The Women’s Resource Center’s month-long Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign launches today at 11 am in front of Newport City Hall […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up Newp: Sunday, October 1
⚓ Today is Sunday, October 1 – the 274th day of the year; 91 days remain in 2023. Today kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Book Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, and ADHD Awareness Month. 👉 The threat of a federal government shutdown suddenly lifted late Saturday as President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Cat of the Week: Hugo
Meet your new best friend, Hugh – this week’s adoptable cat of the week! Hugo is a 10-year-old male domestic shorthair and is available for adoption from the Potter League for Animals in Middletown. “Hugo is an incredibly handsome beefy, buff boy. He can sometimes be a bit of an independent loner, he’s earned that […]
Posted inNews
What’sUpNewp’s top stories this week
The last week of September was a busy one. Van Morrison thrilled fans in the first of two shows at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Friday, September 22. The legendary artist, known for hits like “Have I Told You Lately,” “Brown-Eyed Girl,” and “Moondance,” was particularly strong Friday night, driving his band through a […]
Posted inNews
Resilient Conan is seeking a loving home
Meet your new best friend – Conan, this week’s Adoptable Dog of the Week! Conan is approximately one-year and three months old, weighs 75 pounds, and is currently available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals Animal Care and Adoption Center in Middletown. “Meet Conan, the resilient and exuberant canine with a heart as […]
Posted inSports
Pivetta throws 7 innings as Red Sox blank AL East champion Orioles 3-0
By NOAH TRISTER AP Baseball Writer BALTIMORE (AP) — Four starts into his comeback from Tommy John surgery, John Means believes he can help the Baltimore Orioles in the playoffs. “I really do,” the left-hander said. “I feel like the command’s there. … I feel like 99% of my pitches are right where I want.” […]
Posted inReal Estate
‘Meadowgrass’ on Third Beach Road in Middletown sells for $5.9 million
Lila Delman Compass today announced the sale of ‘Meadowgrass’, 664 Third Beach Road, in Middletown for $5,900,000. Alex Thursby, Sales Associate of Lila Delman Compass’ Newport Office, represented the Buyer. According to data maintained by the Rhode Island Statewide MLS, this transaction marks the second-highest sale in Middletown, and the second highest sale in Newport […]
Posted inNews
RIDOT provides an update on Aquidneck Avenue, Pell Bridge Ramps projects
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today provided updates on two ongoing construction projects on Aquidneck Island. Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2, Newport “On Thursday night, October 5, we are scheduled to move to the final traffic configuration on Admiral Kalbfus Road, removing the current lanes shifts and opening lanes that had been closed […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Craft Beer with a Cause: Rejects Beer Co. and Potter League for Animals unite for ‘Whiskers Rebellion’
Rejects Beer Co. and the Potter League for Animals have announced the release of their creation, “Whiskers Rebellion,” a brew that’s as bold as it is compassionate. This extraordinary beer brings together the artistry of brewing with the spirit of rebellion, all in the name of furry companions and philanthropy. Potter League for Animals provided […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rhode Island Road Report: Travel Advisories for Sept. 30 – Oct. 7
Here are the weekly road construction reports from the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority (RITBA) and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). All schedules are weather-dependent. RHODE ISLAND TURNPIKE & BRIDGE AUTHORITY October 1 – 7, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Right Lane Closure- 10/2 to 10/6- 7 am to 3 pmEastbound Right Lane Closure- […]
Posted inNews
DEM: Mosquito sample from trap set in Central Falls tests positive for West Nile Virus
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are announcing that one mosquito sample collected Sept. 19 from a trap set in Central Falls has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). RIDOH State Health Laboratories confirmed the finding after testing 167 mosquito samples collected from 40 traps set statewide by DEM […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Mystic Folkways Music Festival returns to Mystic Seaport Museum October 7 – 8
Mystic Seaport Museum will present Mystic Folkways, a music festival, curated in collaboration with Sean W. Spellman of Westerly Sound. The festival will take place on October 7 and 8 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (music beginning at 12 p.m., see schedule below) and will feature over 25 performances from musicians all over the […]
Posted inCity & Government
804,000 long-term borrowers are having their student loans forgiven before payments resume this fall
By CORA LEWIS Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Karin Engstrom thought she’d be paying off her federal student loans for the rest of her life. The 82-year-old was shocked when she logged on to check her balance ahead of payments resuming in October and found that more than $175,000 in debt had been erased. She’s one […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIPTA R-Line free fare pilot program ends on October 1
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is reminding passengers that the R-Line fare-free pilot program will end on Sunday, October 1, 2023. The Rhode Island General Assembly allocated $2.5 million of one-time federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward a year-long free fare pilot program on the R-Line, a rapid bus route that […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Newp: Friday, September 29
⚓ Today is Friday, September 29 – the 272nd day of the year; 93 days remain in 2023. Today is National Coffee Day and Sukkot! 🥁 Although the weather has had difficulty cooperating this summer, Sunday looks great for several outdoor concerts scheduled around the state. Read all about them and more in our weekly column Six Picks Music. […]
Posted inBusiness
EcoForm named winner of ‘PitchRI’ in Shark Tank-style competition
PitchRI, a public Shark Tank-style event in collaboration with East Greenwich News and the New England Institute of Technology, is pleased to announce that EcoForm, a biocomposite material supplier to automotive manufacturers, won first place in the competition that took place on Wednesday, September 20th. EcoForm was one of four local businesses to pitch ideas […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up this weekend: Sept. 28 – Oct. 1
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport, Rhode Island this weekend, Thursday, September 28 through Sunday, October 1. Organizing an event? Submit events to What’sUpNewp! THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Things To Do Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week 5:30 pm: Oyster Class at The Reef 5:30 pm: Adult Intermediate Ballet at The Academy […]
Posted inCity & Government
AARP: R.I. ranks 12th in U.S. for long-term care services and support for older Americans, including family caregivers
AARP’s new Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Scorecard finds that more than three years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, care provided in the United States for older adults and people with disabilities is painfully inadequate. The report finds that major gaps persist in every state, including Rhode Island, especially related to Housing for Older Adults, Home Care Costs and Home […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM stocking 25 waterways with Brook and Rainbow Trout for the Columbus Day Holiday Weekend
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is conducting fall trout stocking, in advance of the Columbus Day holiday weekend, in selected areas in Rhode Island beginning Thursday, Sept. 28, and continuing through Friday, Oct. 6. Cyanobacteria alerts may also prevent stocking in some ponds and lakes. The following areas will be stocked from Thursday, Sept. 28 […]