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 […]
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 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 […]
Posted inNews
Guardsman Jack Teixeira, Pentagon leak suspect, to remain jailed as he awaits trial
By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER Associated Press WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts Air National Guard member charged with leaking highly classified military documents will remain behind bars while he awaits trial, a federal magistrate judge ruled Friday. U.S. Magistrate Judge David Hennessy said releasing 21-year-old Jack Teixeira would pose a risk that he would […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Becker’s recognizes Newport Hospital’s Crista Durand as a ‘Women Hospital President to Know’
Newport Hospital President Crista Durand is among the individuals named to Becker’s Hospital Review 2023 list of “Women hospital presidents and CEOs to know”. The 177 presidents and CEOs featured on this list are responsible for growing their hospitals, fostering positive workforce cultures, expanding services and facilities, increasing provider and patient satisfaction levels, and more. […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Kern Maass named next president of IYRS School of Technology & Trades
The IYRS School of Technology & Trades (IYRS) announced today that its Board of Trustees named Kern Maass its fifth president, effective July 15, 2023. Kern Maass. Photo via IYRS “Kern is an educator who brings first-hand knowledge of the craft and technology of making. He is an innovator, developing real-world problem-based learning models using interdisciplinary […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
$101 million in funding will support the construction of over 1,400 units of housing across Rhode Island
Governor Dan McKee and RIHousing today announced the award of more than $101 million in funding to support the construction and preservation as well as operating costs of over 1,400 units of housing across Rhode Island. Of the 1,481 units, over 1,200 will be affordable housing, according to a press release from Governor McKee’s office. […]
Posted inNews
Pentagon leak suspect was warned multiple times about mishandling of classified information
By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Superiors of the Massachusetts Air National Guard member charged with leaking highly classified military documents had raised concerns internally on multiple occasions about his handling or viewing of classified information, according to a court filing Wednesday. Justice Department lawyers made the disclosure in a court papers urging a […]
Posted inNews
PPL Foundation delivers $200,000 to support Rhode Island community initiatives
The PPL Foundation announced today it is awarding another $200,000 in funding to support 22 nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives and well-being of individuals throughout the Ocean State. PPL Foundation was established by PPL Corporation, Rhode Island Energy’s parent company, in 2012 to support programs that improve lives in areas served by PPL’s utilities. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
Vince Gill to join All-Star Band for a free concert in Boston
Country Music Hall of Famer and 22-time Grammy® winner Vince Gill has just been added and will join Indianapolis Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay and his all-star band for a free, one-night-only performance on July 15 at Boston’s TD Garden celebrating The Jim Irsay Collection, a traveling museum of iconic artifacts from rock music, American history and pop culture. Other special guest performers for Boston’s show […]
Posted inNews
Newport School Superintendent provides a weekly community update
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain shared the following update with parents, staff, and the community today.
Posted inCity & Government
What’s On The Agenda: Newport City Council’s Regular Meeting on May 24
Newport City Council will host its next regular council meeting on Wednesday, May 24 at 6:30 pm. The meeting will take place in the Council Chambers at Newport City Hall and is open to the public, here’s a look at what’s on the agenda. CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Cookie Monster
Meet your new best friend, Cookie Monster – this week’s Adoptable Dog The Week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Cookie Monster (a.k.a. Derby) is a 3-year-old male mixed breed. “Derby is a loving boy, and he loves to start off any interaction with a hug,” the Potter League shares […]
Posted inNews
Red Flag Warning issued for Southern New England: Potential Fire Hazards
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for all of southern New England, excluding Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Block Island, which will be in effect from 8 AM to 8 PM EDT today. The warning comes as a result of dangerous fire weather conditions expected in the region. The affected […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Euer, Finkelman bill to allow tax cut for Jamestown volunteer firefighters passes General Assembly
STATE HOUSE – The House and Senate today unanimously passed a bill, sponsored by Sen. Dawn Euer and Rep. Alex Finkelman, that would allow the town of Jamestown to give a tax break to volunteer firefighters. “Our neighbors on the volunteer fire department are true heroes,” said Senator Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown). “I will […]
Posted inNews
$30,000 instant ticket sold at 7-Eleven in Middletown
A man from Milford, MA won $30,000 playing the “Emerald Green 7’s” Instant Game he purchased from 7- Eleven, 726 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, according to Rhode Island Lottery. Rhode Island Lottery says the man plans to fix his car and go on a vacation.
Posted inBusiness
BankNewport elects nine new Corporators at Annual Meeting
OceanPoint Financial Partners, MHC, the mutual holding company of BankNewport, recently announced the election of nine new Corporators for the organization. “We are happy to welcome our new Corporators, who will play an essential role in promoting our mission and vision,” said Jack Murphy, President and CEO, OceanPoint Financial Partners, MHC and BankNewport. “Each offers […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council and Newport School Committee to host joint workshops on May 22 & 25
Newport City Council and Newport School Committee will host a couple of joint workshops this month. May 22 The first joint workshop will be held at Innovate Newport on Monday, May 22 at 5:30 pm. This workshop will focus on Budget Overview – School. The meeting is open to the public. CITY OF NEWPORTNOTICE OFCITY […]
Posted inThings To Do
Jamestown Arts Center to host a Kite Making Drop-In Workshop on May 28
Let your creativity soar on Sunday, May 28 from 12 – 3 pm at the Jamestown Arts Center’s Kite Making Drop-in Workshop. This event is free and open to the public; all materials will be provided. Reservations are not required; this is a ‘drop-in as you like’ workshop whereby participants are welcome to spend as […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Music & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up in Newport: May 16 – 21
Discover all that’s happening this week in and around Newport, Tuesday, May 16 – 21, 2023. Tuesday, May 16 Things To Do The Ocean Race Newport Stopover 11 am to 7 pm: Ocean Live Park open at Fort Adams State Park 5 pm: Zumba at The Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet 5 pm: The Ocean Race Q&A Plus […]