The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that spring wild turkey hunting permits go on sale Saturday, April 1, for the youth, paraplegic, and public hunting seasons. The 2023 seven-day youth turkey hunting season (ages 12-15) is open April 17-23. Participating youth must have either a junior hunting license (ages 12-14) or a resident […]
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
Adoptable Cat of the Week: Luvy
Meet your new best friend, Luvy – this week’s Adoptable Cat of the Week. Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Luvy is an 8-month-old female domestic shorthair. “Luvy is a sweet, energetic young cat that loves to play! Her favorite activities are playing with her toys in her tunnel and […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Road Report: Schedule of lane closures and road construction projects (April 1 – 8)
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 April 2 – 8, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeEastbound Right Lane Closure- 4/3- 9 am […]
Posted inCity & Government
Roundup: Here’s what happened this week at the Rhode Island General Assembly
The General Assembly in Rhode Island had a busy week, with several bills being introduced and passed. Governor Daniel McKee signed a bill allowing restaurants to continue approved outdoor dining until February 15, 2024. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Sen. Alana DiMario, providing restaurants with certainty this year while stakeholders […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Folk adds Jaime Wyatt to 2023 lineup
The Newport Folk Festival today announced that Jaime Wyatt has been added to their 2023 lineup. Wyatt will perform at Fort Adams State Park on Saturday, July 29. Jaime Wyatt is a rising star in the country music scene, known for her distinctive voice and authentic storytelling. Born and raised in Southern California, Wyatt was […]
Posted inNews
In just 5-Hours, 401Gives tops $1 million raised for Rhode Island nonprofits
Within its first handful of hours, 401Gives has already topped the mark of raising $1 million for local nonprofits. And with Rhode Island’s largest giving initiative embarking on its first ever “Weekend Edition,” there’s no telling how high that number can go. United Way of Rhode Island, which powers 401Gives, is hoping the effort raises $4.01 million. […]
Posted inThings To Do
Aquidneck Land Trust to host a lecture on fisheries and climate change
Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) announces an Earth Week lecture with Dr. Sarah Lindley Smith; Fisheries and Climate Change: Global Issue, local consequences. This free, virtual event will be held on April 17 at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public, register at Webinar Registration – Zoom. As ocean waters warm due to the effects […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Amanda Blount to speak about the Biltmore at the Portsmouth Historical Society on April 13
Join Rhode Island author Amanda Quay Blount as she presents the intriguing research that led to her new book, Meet Me At The Biltmore: 100 Years at Providence’s Most Storied Hotel. Dive into the hotel’s fascinating beginnings as a public exercise in civic engagement; explore its scandalous early days during Prohibition; and meet the characters who […]
Posted inNews
Federal Aviation Administration gives kids the opportunity to design airports
Get ready for takeoff! The Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Design Challenge will take flight on April 1 with an extended enrollment period. The Challenge helps students design virtual airports using the Microsoft game Minecraft. Students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across the globe will meet aviation professionals and learn about the aerospace industry and STEM […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Business
The Gamm announces the departure of Managing Director Amy Gravell
The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (The Gamm), announced today that Amy Gravell will be leaving the organization after almost 4 years and three seasons, effective this June. Gravell will continue to lead the theater’s operations until that time, after which she will assume her new role as president of St. Mary Academy – Bay View in Riverside, R.I. Gravell is a […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Governor McKee signs bill extending outdoor dining
Governor Daniel McKee today signed a bill into law sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Sen. Alana DiMario that allows restaurants to continue approved outdoor dining until Feb. 15, 2024.“The take it outside campaign has proven to be very popular with residents, tourists and business owners alike,” said Representative McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, […]
Posted inSports
Salve Regina men’s, women’s hockey programs will join New England Hockey Conference in 2024-2025
The New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) today announced the addition of Salve Regina University as the league’s newest member. Both the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams at Salve will join the conference and begin league play during the 2024-2025 season. “The NEHC is excited to welcome Salve Regina University as the league’s newest member,” […]
Posted inSports
URI hosts Adjutant General’s Cup Hockey Tournament Friday night at Boss Arena
This year when the Rhode Island Army National Guard faces off against the Rhode Island Air National Guard in the Adjutant General’s Cup Hockey Tournament, the University of Rhode Island will be well-represented. The tournament, which will be held Friday, March 31, at URI’s Boss Ice Arena, will benefit the Providence Vet Center. The vet center, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Sardella’s celebrating its 43rd Anniversary by offering original menu prices from the 1980s
In celebration of 43 years in business, Sardella’s will be offering original menu prices from the 1980’s on select dates in April! Sardella’s Italian Restaurant was founded by former mayor of Newport, Richard Sardella, in 1980. Newport’s oldest Italian Restaurant celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2015 by offering its 1980 menu and pricing to the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
Newport-based band Laden Valley to perform at the Greenwich Odeum on May 5
Laden Valley, a folk-rock band from Newport, is set to take the stage at the Greenwich Odeum on May 5, 2023. With Evan St. Martin and Dave Sarazen at the helm, the band promises to deliver a night of music that will leave the audience craving for more. The concert marks a special occasion for […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Newport Art Museum announces roster of artists-in-residence for 2023
Newport Art Museum has announced an exciting roster of artists for its Artists-in-Residence program AiR/Newport. Selected from a very competitive pool of nearly 70 applicants, three artists were chosen for the diversity of ideas, media, and engagement opportunities they will bring to Newport. In April, Connecticut-based textile artist Emma Welty will be on site. Welty’s artistic practice incorporates weaving, […]
Posted inNews
DEM: East Matunuck State Beach will close for about two weeks in April to finish construction project
East Matunuck State Beach will close for about a two-week stretch starting Monday, April 3, to allow crews to wrap up a construction project that added a third lane to the entrance and strengthened stormwater controls, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today. The temporary closure will enable the contractor to pave and stripe the […]
Posted inNews
Newport School Superintendent shares weekly community update
Colleen Burns Jermain shared the following message with parents, families, and staff on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
The Earls of Leicester added to the 2023 Newport Folk Festival lineup
The Newport Folk Festival today announced that The Earls of Leicester has been added to their 2023 lineup. The legendary bluegrass band will perform on Sunday, July 30. The Earls of Leicester is a bluegrass band that pays tribute to the music of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. The band was founded in 2013 by […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Ben & Jerry’s on Thames Street will celebrate ‘Free Cone Day’ on April 3
On Monday, April 3, between 12 pm – 8 pm, head to Ben & Jerry’s at 359 Thames Street and celebrate Free Cone Day in the tastiest way possible….with free cups and cones of your favorite ice cream to once again say “thank you”! “No fine print, no catch, just a visit a Scoop Shop for a free cup […]
Posted inNews
Governor McKee, RIAC, elected officials cut the ribbon for Breeze Airlines’ new base of operations at T.F. Green International Airport
Governor Dan McKee was joined today by Breeze Airways Chief Operations Officer Mike Wuerger, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, and state and local officials to celebrate Breeze Airways’ inaugural day as a base of operations at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD). With this launch, Breeze Airways has completed its initial […]
Posted inSports
Hurley’s rebuild complete as UConn returns to Final Four
By PAT EATON-ROBB AP Sports Writer STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Before every home game, UConn’s hype man gets on his microphone and greets the crowd with, “Welcome to the basketball capital of the Wooooorrrrld!” With four men’s NCAA championship banners hanging from the ceiling at Gampel Pavilion along with 11 women’s banners, it’s not an […]
Posted inNews
Middletown Police seeking public assistance in identifying a suspect in a hit-and-run accident
Middletown Police are seeking assistance with a hit-and-run accident that took place on Green End Avenue in Middletown on March 22, 2023. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Timothy Beck at (401) 846-1144, ext. 7017.
Posted inCity & Government, News
Special Election for Rhode Island’s First Congressional District will be held on November 7
Governor Dan McKee today announced the dates of the special election to fill a seat that will soon be vacant in Rhode Island’s first congressional district. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 and the General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. “Voting is the hallmark of our […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Lucy Kirkwood’s ‘The Children’ will close The Gamm’s 2022-23 season
The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (The Gamm) closes its 2022-23 season with The Children, British playwright Lucy Kirkwood’s award-winning and Tony-nominated play. A riveting eco-drama infused with dark humor, The Children runs from April 27 to May 14. Veteran Gamm actor Steve Kidd makes his Gamm directorial debut with Kirkwood’s slow-burning play set in England, inspired by events surrounding the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident […]