U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today announced that the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) has been awarded over $9 million in federal funding for operational upgrades and planning at Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport. These two federal U.S. Department of Transportation grants, totaling $9,015,250, will be administered through the Federal Aviation Administration’s […]
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 inCity & Government
National Endowment for the Arts announces $1.134 million in funding to the state’s Arts Agency and 5 arts organizations
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced today its recommended grant awards of more than $1.134 million to six Rhode Island-based arts and culture organizations. The allotment included $934,100 to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) to support arts programs, services and activities associated with carrying out the agency’s NEA-approved strategic […]
Posted inNews
Providence-Newport Ferry will kick off 2023 season on June 23
The Providence-Newport Ferry will kick off its 2023 season on June 23. “The Ocean State”, which is operated by Seastreak, will run through Columbus Day weekend (October 9) and will include summer weekend stops in Bristol. One-way tickets are $12 for an adult and $6 for children (age 3 -12) seniors (65+) and the disabled. […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Wednesday, May 24
Good Morning! Today is Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Today’s newsletter is 1,376 words – approximately a 7-minute read. Sign up for our free daily newsletter and have this story sent straight to your inbox every morning! 🚨 Portsmouth Police on Tuesday evening released on its Facebook Page more information on the active homicide investigation on West Main […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Ayo
Meet your new best friend, Ayo – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Ayo is a 6-year-old male mixed breed. Ayo is considered a medium-sized dog, weighing in between 20 – 59 pounds. “Ayo is an energetic dog ready to be your buddy! […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
House OKs bill sponsored by Rep. McGaw requiring no-cost EpiPen coverage
The House of Representatives today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Michelle McGaw to require health insurers in Rhode Island to cover the full cost of life-saving epinephrine injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPen. The legislation (2023-H 5176A), which now goes to the Senate, is aimed at preventing costs from being an obstacle to […]
Posted inNews
General Dynamics Electric Boat awarded $1.076 billion contract modification for Virginia-Class Submarines
General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today it has been awarded a $1.076 billion contract modification from the U.S. Navy to provide long-lead-time material and advanced construction for Virginia-class fast-attack submarines. Electric Boat is presently under contract for construction of submarines in Block V of the class. The $1,075,896,000 in advance procurement […]
Posted inReal Estate
Home on Meadow Lane in Little Compton sells for $2.195 million
Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the sale of 28 Meadow Lane in Little Compton, Rhode Island for $2,195,000. Cherry Arnold of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty represented the sellers and also facilitated the transaction for the buyers, according to a press release from Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. “Built in 1997, this […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jamestown Arts Center to screen ‘Second Wind: The SNOEK Refit with Onne van der Wal’ on June 7
Jamestown resident, longtime sailor, and acclaimed nautical photographer, Onne van der Wal is the subject of the documentary film, Second Wind: The SNOEK Refit with Onne van der Wal. The Jamestown Arts Center will screen this film on Wednesday, June 7 at 7 pm. Chronicling Onne’s career racing large sailboats and photographing some of sailing’s […]
Posted inNews
Newport Public Schools recognized by The Rhode Island Alliance For Arts Education
For the past 22 years, The Rhode Island Alliance For Arts Education has annually recognized an outstanding school district to represent excellence in Visual Arts learning through “The Gift of Art” to the State of Rhode Island. This year Newport School District K-12 Visual Arts Department was chosen as the statewide representative for the 2023 […]
Posted inNews
Endangered Red Wolf pups born at Roger Williams Park Zoo
For the second year in a row, Roger Williams Park Zoo announces the birth of two red wolf pups, the world’s most endangered canid species. The pups were born on April 29th. The dam, Brave (8 years old), and sire, Diego (7 years old), were recommended to breed as part of the Red Wolf Species Survival […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Tuesday, May 23
Good Morning! Today is Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Today’s newsletter is 1,191 words – approximately a 6-minute read. Have this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every morning, it’s free! 🇺🇸 Boots On The Ground for Heroes Memorial returns to Fort Adams State Park this weekend with its moving display. This year, the patriotic display […]
Posted inNews, Sports
Deputy Whip Ackerman welcomes ‘Player of the Year’ Tyler Kolek to State House
Deputy Majority Whip Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) welcomed Tyler Kolek and his family to the State House Thursday to present him with a citation and introduce a resolution in his honor. Kolek, who grew up in Cumberland and starred on the Cumberland High School basketball team, led Marquette University to a championship victory in […]
Posted inThings To Do
Miantonomi Park Tower will be open to the public on Memorial Day
The City of Newport today announced that the Miantonomi Park Tower will be open to the public on Memorial Day. “All are invited to take a climb to the top of Newport as the Miantonomi Park Tower once again opens to the public on Monday, May 29th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in observance […]
Posted inNews
Celtics look to pull off the impossible, as Heat stand on brink of making NBA Finals
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer MIAMI (AP) — Blown out in Game 3, facing elimination in Game 4, tasked with engineering the sort of comeback that no team in their league has ever pulled off before. This may sound familiar to Boston fans. Yes, what the Red Sox did to the New York Yankees in 2004 was discussed […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM announces acquisition of a 61-acre parcel of forestland near Big Riber Management Area
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that it has bought a 61-acre parcel of verdant forestland linking two of the state’s largest undeveloped areas south of I-95 with funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Wildlife Restoration Grant Program. DEM’s purchase of the Beaudreau property for $610,000 connects the 8,375-acre Big River […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Q&A: Liv Ullmann, cinema royalty and major Cannes draw, looks back
By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer CANNES, France (AP) — Very few are capable of capturing people’s attention at the Cannes Film Festival like Liv Ullmann. At 84, Ullmann is unabashed cinema royalty, and directors have flocked to greet her at this year’s festival. Pedro Almodóvar sought her out at a luncheon. Todd Haynes endeavored to get […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Monday, May 22
Good Morning! Today is Monday, May 22, 2023. Today’s newsletter is 1,032 words – approximately a 5-minute read. Receive this story/newsletter in your inbox every weekday morning by signing up for our free newsletter! 👋 Thousands of international guests and visitors from many U.S. states descended upon Newport yesterday to bid “safe passage” to the […]
Posted inThings To Do
Here’s what’s on tap for adult programs in June at the Tiverton Public Library
The following is a list of library programs that adults can enjoy in June. Patrons are encouraged to visit https://tivertonlibrary.org or call 401-625-6796 to learn more and to register. All Month Long One-on-One Tech Help Tech help is available to anyone who’d like to learn more about computers, mobile devices, library services, and more! We […]
Posted inSports
With Celtics in a 3-0 hole, Joe Mazzulla’s season is now at its low point
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer MIAMI (AP) — Joe Mazzulla’s roller-coaster season is at its lowest. And with the Boston Celtics now on the brink of elimination, the first-year coach is blaming himself. The Celtics are in the sort of trouble that no team in NBA history has escaped, trailing Miami 3-0 in the […]
Posted inNews
Kenan Thompson, Mayor Xay visit Newport Police Department
Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson took some time on Saturday to join Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong at Newport Police Department. “It’s a busy time for the Newport Police, serving a huge influx of visitors (The Ocean Race, Seafood Festival, Salve Regina graduation) and our residents,” Mayor Xay shared on Instagram. “My friend @kenanthompson and […]
Posted inNews
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (May 20 – 27)
The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority May 21 – 27, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Right Lane Closure- 5/22 and 5/23- […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOT provides an update on the Pell Bridge Ramps project
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation today provided the following weekly update on the Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 project. “A new lane shift on Admiral Kalbfus Road has been installed to allow for installation of new drainage, curbing, sidewalks, roadway pavement and shared use path construction. Commuters for the Navy base can also utilize the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
7th Annual Warren Folks Festival set for August 19
The Collaborative – a nonprofit arts organization, announces the 7th Annual Warren Folks Festival on Saturday, August 19th, from 1 pm to 7 pm at 30 Cutler Street, Warren, RI. The Warren Folks Festival is a free one-day music, art and food festival that has quickly become a must-attend event each summer. “Folks Fest is […]
Posted inNews
Sen. Tim Scott makes it official: He’s a Republican candidate for president
By THOMAS BEAUMONT Associated Press COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina made it official Friday: He’s running for president. Scott, the Senate’s only Black Republican, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission declaring his intention to seek his party’s nomination in 2024. His candidacy will test whether a more optimistic vision of America’s future can […]