Our angel on earth passed in peace the fourth of May 2022. Marie Lourdes {DaSilva} Leduc lived seventy-three beautiful years. Marie will be missed dearly by all those that she has left behind. Our hearts are so broken by this unexpected loss. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was […]
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 inEnvironment & Health
Newport County Health Care Collaborative to host Community Conversation on Human Services and the Workforce Crisis
The Newport County Health Care Collaborative will be hosting a virtual community conversation on human services and the workforce crisis. The event will take place virtually on Monday, May 16 from 11 am to 12 pm. Attendees will include leaders in the health and human services fields, Legislators, and supporters. The Newport County Health Care […]
Posted inWeather
Newport Weather Forecast for Friday, April 13
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today it will be rainy, with a high near 63 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Dense Fog AdvisoryHazardous Weather Outlook Today: Patchy drizzle with a slight chance of rain before 11am, then […]
Posted inNews
President Biden approves Rhode Island Disaster Declaration for January Blizzard
President Biden today declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Rhode Island and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by a severe winter storm and snowstorm from January 28 to January 29, 2022 according to a statement issued from The White House. During […]
Posted inNews
Two NUWC Division Newport engineers earn Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Awards
Gary Huntress, Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) subject matter expert in the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport Undersea Warfare Platforms and Payload Integration Department, and retired employee John DiMaio, project and design engineer/architect in the Corporate Operations Department, recently earned Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Awards, the third highest honorary civilian […]
Posted inWeather
Weather: Dense Fog Advisory in effect until 8 am on Friday
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for Newport County, Rhode Island, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and additional portions of Massachusetts. The Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 8 am on Friday, May 13. MAZ005>007-013>024-RIZ005-007-131200-/O.NEW.KBOX.FG.Y.0012.220513T0000Z-220513T1200Z/Central Middlesex MA-Western Essex MA-Eastern Essex MA-Western Norfolk MA-Southeast Middlesex MA-Suffolk MA-Eastern Norfolk MA-Northern Bristol MA-Western Plymouth MA-Eastern […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Marie E. Lombardo
Marie E. Lombardo, age 76, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away on May 7, 2022 at her home. She was the wife of the late Francis E. Lombardo, USN (Ret). Marie was born in Brooklyn, NY to Leon and Hilda Correia. She grew up in Brooklyn and moved to Rhode Island when her husband was […]
Posted inCity & Government
Governor McKee directs U.S. and R.I. flags lowered in memory of the 1 million American lives that have been lost to COVID-19
In accordance with a proclamation from President Joseph Biden, Governor Dan McKee has directed U.S. and Rhode Island flags to be flown at half-staff at all state facilities and buildings. The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on May 16, 2022 in memory of the 1 million American lives lost to COVID-19 and the loved ones left behind. “Today, […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport: Workshop aims to address park use & safety
The Newport Tree and Open Space Commission will be holding a special workshop in the Program Room of the Newport City Library on Thursday, May 19 from 4:30 pm to 7 p.m. to hear from residents about how to improve the use and enjoyment of the City’s open space network. The City’s park system comprises […]
Posted inCity & Government
Opinion: After COVID-19, our frontline health care workers deserve extra appreciation and support
Since COVID-19 became a household word, every aspect of our lives as Rhode Islanders has changed. We lost loved ones and friends, our businesses have suffered, we skipped family gatherings, and we’ve missed milestones like graduations and weddings. Through it all, one thing has not changed – the dedication and hard work of our frontline […]
Posted inNews
Baseball signed by Zelenskyy sells at auction for $50,000
BOSTON (AP) — A baseball signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sold at auction for more than $50,000, a portion of which will go toward providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainians displaced by the nation’s war with Russia, auctioneer RR Auction of Boston said Thursday. The winning bid for the Rawlings Major League baseball in […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Yagi Noodles is moving from Thames Street to Long Wharf Mall
Yagi Noodles is on the move. The popular Ramen shop announced on its Facebook Page on Wednesday that it will be departing 580 Thames Street for a new location at 20 Long Wharf Mall, formerly Baily T’s Resortwear. “Due to circumstances beyond our control – We will be moving from our current location at 580 Thames […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Foodlove Market launches catering services
Foodlove Market, an upscale specialty market from Newport Restaurant Group located at 1037 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown, is pleased to announce the addition of catering services, perfect for corporate and at-home gatherings, as well as provisioning spring and summer beach and boating events. For more information, please visit www.foodlovemarket.com. “Offering catering services has been part […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Massachusetts
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Vermont
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in Rhode Island
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: May 13 -15
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend, May 13 – 15, 2022. Related WUN Stories To The Weekend Newport County Open Houses: 22 listings to check out this weekend Six Picks Events: What’s Up in RI this weekend (May 13-15) Friday, May 13 Related WUN Stories To Today […]
Posted inWeather
Newport Weather Forecast for Thursday, May 12
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today it will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 69 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Today: A slight chance of showers before 7am. Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, […]
Posted inCity & Government
House OKs bill to provide tax relief to year-round Newport residents
Newport will be able to establish a residential tax structure that encourages owner-occupied housing under legislation sponsored by Rep. Lauren H. Carson and approved by the House of Representatives today. The legislation (2022-H 8182), which is specific to only Newport, allows the city to establish two residential tax rates: one for owner-occupied housing, and one […]
Posted inReal Estate
Vacant land on Carnegie Harbor Drive in Portsmouth sells for $2 million
Residential Properties Ltd. is excited to announce the sale of 0 Lot 1 Carnegie Harbor Drive in Portsmouth for $2 million. RPL Broker Associate John Repoza proudly represented the buyer as the selling agent in this transaction. Eric Kirton of Lila Delman Compass represented the seller as the listing agent. According to State-Wide MLS data, this is the highest vacant land sale of the year for […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Restaurant Group announces 18 promotions and new hires for senior-level positions
Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) today announced the hiring and promotion of 18 employees-owners. According to NRG, it is the only employee-owned hospitality company in Rhode Island and offers full-coverage benefits, food and beverage discounts, generous time off, and opportunities for career advancement. “This is the most significant round of hiring we’ve done in our history, […]
Posted inThings To Do
BankNewport 10 Miler returns on June 5, will benefit the Fort Adams Trust and Boys and Girls Club of Newport County
The 2022 BankNewport 10 Miler, scheduled for June 5th, will benefit local charitable partners the Fort Adams Trust and the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County. Since its inception, the event has donated and fundraised approximately $100,000 for charitable beneficiaries. The two charitable partners, as well as other local groups, provide volunteers on course and […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Pet of The Week: Nelson
Meet your new best friend, Nelson – this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week! The Potter League for Animals shares on their website that Nelson is a 3-year-old male Mixed Breed. Nelson is considered a medium-sized dog, weighing in at between 20 and 59 pounds. Here’s what else Potter League for Animals has to say […]
Posted inWeather
Weather Forecast for Wednesday, May 11
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, today it will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 55 degrees. 7 Day Forecast The following is the National Weather Service 7-day weather forecast, centered on Newport State Airport; Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Northeast wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts […]
Posted inNews
Aquidneck Land Trust awards ten grants totaling $12,427 to local community and neighborhood groups
Aquidneck Land Trust (“ALT”) today announced that it has awarded ten grants totaling $12,427 to local community and neighborhood groups through its annual grant program, the Merritt Neighborhood Fund. Grant awards ranged from $465 to $2,000. Established in 1999 to honor the late Peter M. Merritt, the organization’s president emeritus, the Fund supports projects that […]