By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Brock Purdy threw a touchdown pass, Fred Warner returned an interception for a score and the San Francisco 49ers snapped a two-game skid by beating the New England Patriots 30-13 on Sunday. After losing on the road at Minnesota and against the Los […]
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 inArts & Culture
Broadway Street Fair returns for 7th year with expanded offerings
The seventh annual Broadway Street Fair is set to transform Newport’s main thoroughfare into a vibrant celebration of local culture on Saturday, October 12. More than 200 artisans, makers, and food vendors will line Broadway, welcoming visitors from 11:30 am to 8 pm. This free, family-friendly event stretches from Equality Park to Washington Square, featuring […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport startups poised for growth in Social Enterprise Greenhouse’s Initiative
Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) kicks off its 2024 fall programming with 44 entrepreneurs from Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, including two notable ventures from Newport. Aquidneck Community Table and Newport Out are among the 10 ventures selected for SEG’s Impact Accelerator program, aimed at scaling high-potential social enterprises. The program, running from Sept. 18 to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Spirits of Island Cemetery’ event returns on Oct. 5
Newport’s Island Cemetery is bringing history to life on October 5 with the Dirty Blue Shirts (DBS) return for an interactive event. Visitors can step back in time as they meet and chat with some of the cemetery’s most interesting former residents. DBS members will be dressed in authentic period clothing, ready to share fascinating […]
Posted inCity & Government
New Climate Change Impacts Commission to hold inaugural meeting Tuesday
A new House commission to study the impacts of climate change and solutions to mitigate them has been appointed and is scheduled for its first meeting on Tuesday. The Legislative Study Commission on Climate Change Impacts and Solutions will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. in Room 101 on the first floor of the State […]
Posted inElection
Ask The Candidates: A conversation with Molly Kapstein Cote, candidate for Newport School Committee
Molly Kapstein Cote, candidate for Newport School Committee, will join What’sUpNewp on Monday, September 30, at 5 pm as part of our “Ask The Candidates” series. During the discussion, Molly will answer our and your questions about his candidacy, platforms, and important issues to voters. Tell us what you’d like us to Ask The Candidates […]
Posted inElection
Ask The Candidates: A conversation with Matt Grant, candidate for Newport City Council Second Ward
Matt Grant, a Newport City Council Second Ward candidate, will join What’sUpNewp on Monday, September 30, at 12 pm as part of our “Ask The Candidates” series. During the discussion, Matt will answer our and your questions about his candidacy, platforms, and important issues to voters. Tell us what you’d like us to Ask The […]
Posted inCity & Government
Councilor Ceglie provides recap, thoughts on Sept. 25 Newport City Council meeting
The Newport City Council voted Wednesday night to rescind a controversial $81 sewer fee increase that had sparked public outcry. The decision came after officials discovered miscalculations in the original fee structure. Vice Chair Lynn Ceglie explained the situation during a conversation with What’sUpNewp on Saturday morning, saying, “There were mistakes, there were miscalculations made. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to interview candidates for historic and election roles
Newport City Council is gearing up to interview candidates for open positions on the Canvassing Authority and Historic District Commission. The interviews are set for Oct. 1 in the Ground Floor Conference Room at City Hall, 43 Broadway, starting at 5 p.m. Three hopefuls are in the running for an alternate spot on the Historic […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Greg Gizzi named Grand Marshal for 2024 Italian Heritage Parade
Newport is gearing up for its annual Italian Heritage Parade, with Greg Gizzi at the helm as the 2024 Grand Marshal. Gizzi, a former president of Forum Lodge #391, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, is set to lead the procession on October 14, 2024. The parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. from […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Daily Digest: Saturday, September 28
This story originally appeared in our free daily newsletter, Daily Digest. More than 17,000 wake up to Daily Digest in their inbox. Sign up now to join them! Good Morning. It’s Saturday, September 28 —the 272nd day of the year; 94 days remain in 2024. 🌥️ Today’s Weather: Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 70°. […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council takes steps to find a new home for the Easton’s Beach Carousel
The Newport City Council has taken a significant step toward preserving the historic Easton’s Beach Carousel, passing a resolution that directs the city manager to explore relocation options and funding mechanisms for the beloved attraction. The resolution outlines four main directives for the city manager: First, obtain cost estimates for restoring the carousel horses and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council debates short-term rental ban in business zones
The Newport City Council rejected a proposal Wednesday night to ban new short-term rentals in business zones. The decision followed a contentious debate over the city’s housing crisis and Airbnb’s impact on the local community. The ordinance, sponsored by Councilor Mark Aramli, aimed to prevent the conversion of existing housing units into short-term rentals in […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council awards contract for King Park sea wall reconstruction
Newport’s Department of Public Services has awarded a $133,200 contract to GZA Geoenvironmental Inc. for the design and construction administration of the King Park Sea Wall reconstruction project. The contract, approved by the City Council on Wednesday, aims to address flooding issues resulting from sea level rise and the impacts of climate change, particularly severe […]
Posted inNews
Daily Digest: Friday, September 27
This story originally appeared in our free daily newsletter, Daily Digest. More than 17,000 wake up to Daily Digest in their inbox. Sign up now to join them! Good Morning. It’s Friday, September 27 —the 271st day of the year; 95 days remain in 2024. 🌥️ Today’s Weather: There is a chance of showers, mainly before 8 am. Patchy […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Auditor General issues informational report providing 5-year financial trend data for Rhode Island’s 39 municipalities
In conjunction with its responsibilities under Rhode Island General Laws to monitor certain aspects of municipal finances, the Office of the Auditor General has issued a report highlighting municipal fiscal trends over a five-year period. The report issued by Auditor General David A. Bergantino and released today by the Joint Committee on Legislative Services includes […]
Posted inElection
Letter To The Editor: Endorsement for Beth Cullen, Newport School Committee
Dear Newport Voters, I am pleased to endorse Elizabeth (Beth) Cullen for the school committee. I first met Beth ten years ago when her son was a student at Cranston Calvert Elementary School and Thompson Middle School. Since then, I’ve admired her unwavering deep commitment to enhancing education. Her passion for linking the arts with […]
Posted inNews
Newport Democratic City Committee seeks volunteers
As the General Election draws near, the Newport Democratic City Committee is seeking volunteers to help key swing states. More on the event from Susan Taylor, Chair of the Newport Democratic City Committee; OCTOBER 1ST IS FIVE WEEKS TO THE ELECTION! DO YOU WANT TO HELP IN NATIONAL RACES IN SWING STATES? If you feel […]
Posted inBusiness
West Place Animal Sanctuary is a National Finalist in Service Awards Competition
For the third time in four years, West Place Animal Sanctuary is a finalist for a national service award. The Defender Service Awards presented by CHASE recognize outstanding nonprofit organizations that go above and beyond to impact their communities. As a former finalist in the Animal Welfare category, West Place has been given another opportunity […]
Posted inNews
CCRI to host Democracy Fair in Warwick
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will host its first Democracy Fair on October 2, 2024, in Warwick. The event, which is free and open to all, will feature representatives from local and national political parties, public advocacy groups, voting rights organizations, and election officials. The Democracy Fair is being organized by CCRI’s Interim […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island aims to reduce senior falls with $600K federal grant
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) will use a $600,000 federal grant to expand fall-prevention programs for older adults, with a focus on older adults living in underserved areas. The funding comes from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), and will be used for training, equipment, and workforce development for fall-prevention programs. Falls are […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island secures $11.36 million federal grant to combat opioid crisis
A federal grant of $11.36 million is coming to Rhode Island to help combat opioid addiction. The funds are part of a grant effort to help reduce overdoses and provide more support for those struggling with addiction. The funding is coming from the State Opioid Response Grant program and will be used for a variety […]
Posted inNews
Newport woman arrested for disorderly conduct and assault
The Newport Police Department has provided the following arrest and dispatch logs from 7 a. on Wednesday, September 25, through 7 am on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Arrest Log Wednesday, September 25 At 2:30 pm, a 28-year-old female from Newport, Rhode Island, was arrested on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Simple Assault or Battery. Thursday, […]
Posted inBusiness
Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Newport, discusses industry trends, taxes, challenges, and future plans
Newport’s tourism industry is finding its footing after experiencing dramatic swings during and immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic, Evan Smith, president and CEO of Discover Newport, told What’sUpNewp during a one-on-one conversation on Thursday. “We just went through a deep valley and then a high peak,” Smith said. “The deep valley was Covid, probably the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Daily Digest: Thursday, Sept. 26
This story originally appeared in our free daily newsletter, Daily Digest. More than 17,000 wake up to Daily Digest in their inbox. Sign up now to join them! Good Morning. It’s Thursday, September 26 —the 270th day of the year; 96 days remain in 2024. 🌥️ Today’s Weather: There is a chance of showers, mainly after 3 pm. Cloudy, […]