Last week the Democrats running in the Democrat primary for Senate District 13 seat, vacated by Senate President Paiva-Weed, held their forum. The two-hour session offered nothing new from the four candidates. They continue to advocate for the same old tired tax and spend agenda that has led our state to the bottom of most […]
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
Obituary for Lillian Wernquest
Lillian Margaret (Barlow) Wernquest 94, formerly of Congdon Avenue, Newport RI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at St. Clare Nursing Home. Lillian was born in Newport, RI to Willard and Mary (Hannon) Barlow on November 6, 1922. She attended Rogers High School and graduated in 1940. She attended RI College of Education […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Charles P. Fortier
Charles P. Fortier, age 94, of Charlestown died Wednesday, June 21, 2015 at his home. Mr. Fortier was born July 23, 1922 in Brockton, MA. He is the son of the late Peter and the late Ethel (Stearns) Fortier. He married the late Ruth (Wohlen) Fortier. Charles managed retail stores for his career, beginning with […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Constance L. Simmons
Constance L. Simmons, 84, of Portsmouth, RI died Thursday, June 22, 2017. Constance was born March 31, 1933 in Newport, RI, the daughter of the late Anthony and Irma (Occaso) DeCotis. Constance was a devoted wife and mother. She cherished her time spent with her family. Constance is predeceased by her husband, Christopher Simmons. She […]
Posted inHistory
Portsmouth Author Publishes History Book, ‘The Ships from Field’s Point’
The Ships from Field’s Point, a new book by C. Roger Wallin, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. The Ships from Field’s Point commemorates an episode of local and regional history that occurred during World War II. At that time, an emergency shipyard was established in a waterfront neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
VIDEO: What’s Up at Harry’s Bar & Burger in Newport?
Tallulah on Thames is gone and Harry’s Bar & Burger has arrived on Lower Thames Street. If you haven’t had a chance to pop in over the last two weeks since the restaurant has opened at 464 Thames Street, I stopped by the restaurant and caught up with Nico, one of the managers of Harry’s […]
Posted inNews
Now Hiring: Landings Real Estate Group – Maintenance Technician, Hotel Sales & Reservation Specialist, Innkeeper & Leasing Specialist
Landings Real Estate Group is now looking to fill four positions in Newport, RI. Landings Real Estate Group is a privately capitalized real estate development company focused on the acquisition of multi-family, condominium, corporate park, office, retail, and land properties located throughout the Eastern United States. For more info, visit http://www.landingsgroup.com/. To apply for any of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Events Featuring Philip Glass at Rogers High School in July Have Been Cancelled
The inaugural Newport Contemporary Music Series must go on without Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Ensemble. The legendary group was scheduled to perform on July21st and 22nd at Rogers High School. The event on July 21st was scheduled to include an evening piece composed by Maestro Glass, featuring Philip Glass and the ensemble music […]
Posted inCity & Government, People & Profiles
Video: A Conversation with John Florez, Candidate for Senate District 13
Who to vote for in the upcoming primary and special election? That’s a question many of you may have, especially if you are a Democrat. I met up with John Florez, one of the four Democratic candidates, on Friday at his office on Bellevue Avenue to discuss his campaign, his priorities if elected, his thoughts on […]
Posted inOpinion
Letter To the Editor: Dawn Euer – I Am Committed to Working on Behalf of Senior Citizens
Many of my friends are technically “senior citizens,” although almost every one of them would balk at the term. In fact, one friend remarked to me a few weeks ago, that she finds it funny that she’s reached the only time in a person’s life where it’s not a good thing to be a “senior”. […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Brian O’Keefe, 76
Brian W. O’Keefe, 76, of Newport, RI, husband of 51 years to Kathryn (Mooney) O’Keefe, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 21, at Rhode Island Hospital of complications related to a stroke. He will be dearly missed. Brian was born in Salem, MA to Margaret and William O’Keefe, and spent his childhood in Salem and in […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Helen Sullivan, 80, Newport
Helen Teresa (Conheeney) Sullivan, 80 years old passed into eternal life on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 12:00a.m. at the Village House Nursing Home in Newport, RI. Helen was a lifelong resident of Newport and a loving mother of five children. Born on September 2, 1936 in Newport, Helen (Terry) was the daughter of late […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Rita Doris Appleby, 80, Portsmouth
Portsmouth, RI – Rita Doris (Lafleur) Appleby, 80, of Portsmouth, RI, died on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at the Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. She was the wife of Jack F. Appleby. Born in Fall River, MA on September 14, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Laura (Cournoyer) Lafleur. Besides her […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for John L. McCauley
John L. McCauley Jr. passed away the the morning of June 20th, 2017, after a brief illness surrounded with his loving family. He lived a beautiful life full of family, friendship, and love. John was born in Providence, RI on June 4th 1931, the son of John and Helen McCauley at 66 Miller Avenue in […]
Posted inNews
Now Hiring: Classic Cruises of Newport – Front Desk Ticket Sales Representative
Classic Cruises of Newport is looking for a Front Desk Ticket Sales Representative for the 2017 sailing season. This is a full time seasonal position ending in early November. We are looking for a fun, energetic people person that also has an eye for detail and is a team player. If you enjoy talking to […]
Posted inThings To Do
Oliver Hazard Perry, Replicas of The Niña and Pinta Open For Tours at Fort Adams This Weekend
In 2017, Fort Adams State Park is where The Niña, the Pinta and the Tall Ship Oliver Hazard Perry can be seen. At least for this one weekend, the Tall Ship and replicas of Columbus’ ships can all be found docked at Fort Adams State Park. If you still have the time and energy after […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Rep. Carson’s Statewide Municipal Solar Permit Bill Signed into Law
Sen. Erin Lynch Prata (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) and Rep. Lauren H. Carson’s legislation (2017-S 0562 / 2017-H 5575) to create a statewide solar permit application has been signed into law by Governor Gina M. Raimondo, according to the Legislative Press and Public Information Bureau at the Rhode Island General Assembly. The bill would require the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport Storm Crew Heading out on a Road Trip to Launch ‘Rhode Trip’ on Friday
There’s road trip and then there’s Rhode Trip, the small crew at Newport Storm are participating in both “trips” on Friday, June 23rd and they are hoping that you, their fans, customers and friends, will join them in Rhode Island for a Rhode Trip during their road trip. Rhode Trip, the latest brew from the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
What’s Happening, New and To Do This Weekend (June 23 – 25)
Discover what’s happening, new and to do this weekend in and around Newport, RI! You Might Also Want To Read – Where to Find Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment This Weekend (June 23 – 25) Ongoing Throughout Weekend C. Thomas Clagett, Jr. Memorial Clinic and Regatta The Newport Flower Show – Fete des Fleurs: Paintings and […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Where to Find Live Music, Comedy and Entertainment This Weekend (June 23 – 25)
Here’s where to find your most complete listings for live music, comedy, karaoke and dancing this weekend in and around Newport, RI. You Might also like – What’s Happening, New and To Do This Weekend (June 23 – 25) Editor’s Note – Those with links (underlined) are our partners. Please consider supporting them and their live […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Video: Mudville Cafe Replaces Mudville Pub, Hosts Grand Opening
Although the name is (close to) the same, everything from the ownership, management, staff, chef and look is new at Mudville Cafe. I stopped by the grand opening of Mudville Cafe on Monday evening and caught up with co-owners James Black and Bobby Dyer. Although the restaurant has opened for a few random days over […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Patricia A. Oldham, 83, Middletown
Patricia A. Oldham, 83, of Middletown passed away Monday, June 19, 2017 at Royal Middletown Nursing Center in Middletown. She was the wife of the late Walter J. Oldham Jr. Born in Binghamton, NY, she was the daughter of the late Alexander D. and Marguerite D. (Shanley) Bradley. Patricia was a longtime resident of Cranston […]
Posted inNews
Obituary for Colette Kehew, 83, Portsmouth
Colette (Gendreau) Kehew, 83, of Portsmouth, RI, passed away peacefully on June 19th surrounded by her husband Peter, children, and grandchildren. She was the daughter of the late Armand and Marion Gendreau of Portsmouth, RI. Colette was born in Fall River, MA at her aunt’s house during a blizzard, but grew up in the “Weyerhaeuser” […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
All 7 Candidates for Senate District 13 Qualify for Special Election
It’s official, seven candidates from Newport will run to replace Teresa Paiva Week in the Senate District 13 (Newport, Jamestown) Senate seat. All seven candidates successfully submitted nomination papers to Newport’s board of canvassers by the deadline of 4 pm on Thursday, June 20th. The board of canvassers will now vet the 100 voter signatures […]
Posted inNews
Woman from New York Wins $50,000 on Powerball Ticket Purchased in Newport
Though the $447.8 million Powerball jackpot was won in California, a convenience store in Newport sold a $50,000 winning Powerball ticket from Saturday’s night’s draw, according to the Rhode Island Lottery. The winning ticket matched four numbers and the PowerBall number to win $50,000. The winner did not purchase the PowerPlay feature, which would have multiplied […]