A new season of Arts Around the Fire, a free, monthly networking event for supporters of the arts, begins Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The events are hosted by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County (“ACA”) and the season’s first guest will be German pianist and Newport resident, Clemens Teufel. Teufel has announced 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 inNews
Rhode Island Road Report: Travel Advisories for September 23 – 30
Here are the weekly road construction reports from the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority (RITBA) and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). All schedules are weather-dependent. RHODE ISLAND TURNPIKE & BRIDGE AUTHORITY September 24 – 30, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeEastbound Right Lane Closure- 9/25 to 9/29- 9 am to 7 pmWestbound Right Lane Closure- […]
Posted inThings To Do
Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair returning with 11th Hour Racing Serving as Sustainability Sponsor
Norman Bird Sanctuary’s Harvest Fair is returning on September 30 and October 1 for its 49th year of fall festivities. A seasonal favorite on Aquidneck Island, Harvest Fair brings the community together at the Norman Bird Sanctuary for a weekend of family-friendly fun, including hayrides, children’s games, live music, Ragged Island beer, and more! During the […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Friday, September 22
Friday, September 22 | Reading Time: 6 minutes Good Morning, 👉 The City of Newport and BCM Realty Partners is inviting the community for a public discussion regarding the residential conversion of the Coggeshall Elementary School. ⚠️ RIDOH and RIDEM are advising people to avoid contact with Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth, due to blue-green algae blooms. 🆕 Georgia […]
Posted inCity & Government
Public meeting to be held on the residential conversion of The Coggeshall School
The City of Newport and BCM Realty Partners is inviting the community for a public discussion regarding the residential conversion of the Coggeshall Elementary School. The discussion, which the City of Newport says will include representatives from the City’s Department of Planning and Economic Development, is scheduled to be held on Thursday, October 5th, 2023 beginning at 6:00 […]
Posted inCity & Government
RIDOH and DEM recommend avoiding contact with Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth, due to blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) blooms. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and […]
Posted inNews
Adoptable Dog: Monty has ears for days and will greet you with happy tail wags and wet kisses
Meet your new best friend, Monty – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Monty, a 4-year-old male pup, is available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown. “Monty has ears for days and will greet you with happy tail wags and wet kisses,” the Potter League for Animals shares on its […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up this weekend in Newport: Sept. 22 – 24
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Things To Do Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival at Rosecliff 11 am to 4 pm: Games, Gamblers & Cartomancers: The New Cardsharps at Mount Vernon House 5:30 pm to 8 pm: Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County’s Growing Together 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm: Newport Wine & Food Dinner at […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Manhattan Short Film Festival to screen at Jamestown Arts Center
The global cinematic experience is back at the Jamestown Arts Center. Join film enthusiasts from around the region for the screening of the 26th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival, which runs from September 29 to October 7. Held simultaneously in more than 500 locations across six continents, the Manhattan Short Film Festival is a beloved tradition […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport City Council to host a workshop on Climate Change, Stormwater and Flooding
Newport City Council will host a workshop on Climate Change, Stormwater and Flooding on September 26, according to a notice provided by the City Clerk. The meeting will take place at 5:30 pm on September 26, 2023, in the Conference Hall at Innovate Newport. The meeting is open to the public.
Posted inArts & Culture
Preservation Society to host Mid-Autumn Festival at Marble House on Sept. 29
The Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu Jie), also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a time-honored celebration from China dating back more than 3,000 years. Traditions include family gatherings, the lighting of lanterns, moon gazing and the sharing “mooncakes,” typically round pastries often cut into pieces equal to the number of family members, reinforcing […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Thursday, September 21
Thursday, September 21 | Reading Time: 6 minutes Good Morning, 🌽 A couple of weeks ago, we shared some of the best apple-picking spots in the region … this week, it’s all about escaping the corn maze. Here are six of our favorites in the area – be sure to stop at the farm stand on your way out… […]
Posted inCity & Government
What’s On The Agenda: Newport City Council Meeting on Sept. 27
Newport City Council will host their next Regular City Council Meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Due to ongoing elevator issues at Newport City Hall, the meeting will take place in the Conference Hall at Innovate Newport. CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 The following items of business, […]
Posted inObituaries
Obituary: Michele Patton White
Michele Patton White Michele Patton White, 73, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, died on September 19, 2023, with her family by her side. She was the wife of Joseph White. Born in Los Angeles, CA on March 23, 1950, She was the daughter of Robert and Evelyn (Ballentyne) Patton. Michele loved to garden and owned a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Jamestown Arts Center will host its annual Autumn Arts Open House on Oct. 15
The Jamestown Arts Center will hold its annual Autumn Arts Open House on Sunday, October 15 from 1-4 pm. All ages are welcome for a free, fun-filled afternoon with drop-in workshops, a gallery hunt, and cider and donuts from Hard Pressed Cider Company. Education Director Melinda Frederick describes, “Our studio spaces–Ceramics, Digital Arts, and Printmaking – as […]
Posted inBusiness
West Place Animal Sanctuary named a finalist in 2023 ‘Defender Service Awards’
A Newport County farm animal rescue organization is a finalist for the second time in the third annual “Defender Service Awards”. Land Rover USA established the awards to recognize and support the work of U.S. and Canadian registered non-profits in six categories. West Place Animal Sanctuary in Rhode Island is the only New England non-profit finalist […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Contemporary Ballet announces details of 2023 – 2024 season
Newport Contemporary Ballet (NCB) announced details of its 42nd season today, after learning only weeks ago that the venue reserved for its fall performance series has been restricted from holding any public events until further notice by the City of Newport. For its 2023/2024 season, Newport Contemporary Ballet will present five original productions in Newport, […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Wednesday, September 20
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 | Reading Time: 4 minutes Good Morning, 👉 Newport Mayor Xay is encouraging residents to help shape the City’s Strategic Plan. Read His Letter 🎶 Another in a line of great shows is coming to the JPT this weekend, showcasing a band you’re likely to know for their memorable choruses and jingle-jangle […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Tuesday, September 19
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 | Reading Time: 5 minutes Good Morning, 🚧 Two weeks of lane closures are planned for the Pell Bridge beginning on Thursday. Details 🏘️ WUN’s Tyler Bernadyn has a look at all of the real estate transactions that took place across Newport County last week. Read More 💰 The State Board of Elections […]
Posted inNews
Child & Family to host 40th Annual Taste of Newport on October 29
Child & Family’s 40th Annual Taste of Newport will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown. You can learn more about Taste, including a preview of auction items and participating Tasting Station partners, at childandfamilyri.org/tasteofnewport/ Established in 1866, Child & Family is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization working every day to help […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
The Beach Boys to appear at PPAC on November 16
As The Beach Boys mark more than a half-century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequaled in America’s musical history. The Beach Boys – who have become synonymous with the California lifestyle and an American icon to fans around the world – will bring their “America’s Band” tour to the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Preservation boosts economies in RI and around the world, expert Donovan Rypkema will show during Salve Regina keynote
Renowned preservation economist Donovan Rypkema will shed light on the many underestimated benefits of historic preservation when he presents The Noreen Stonor Drexel Historic Preservation keynote at Salve Regina University. Free and open to the public, Rypkema’s talk, “The Impacts of Historic Preservation: Beyond Gargoyles,” will be presented on Salve’s campus on Friday, Oct. 13 […]
Posted inCity & Government
RITBA: Lane closures scheduled on Newport Pell Bridge
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority today released details about scheduled lane closures on the Newport Pell Bridge. On Thursday, September 21, 2023, traffic traveling westbound will be limited to one lane beginning at 7 am and eastbound travel will be limited to one lane beginning at 9 am. The work will last for […]
Posted inNews
WUN-ON-ONE: A conversation with Deanna Lopes, Director of Paradigm Escape Rooms
Paradigm Escape Rooms on William Street is bringing interactive entertainment to Aquidneck Island with two newly designed, second-generation escape room experiences, fit for everyone, rain or shine. Deanna Lopes, Director of Paradigm Escape Rooms, joined What’sUpNewp at 2 pm on Monday, September 18 for a live virtual video conversation to tell us more about Paradigm […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Monday, September 18
Monday, September 18, 2023 | Reading Time: 7 minutes Salve Regina University’s overall ranking among the best institutions of higher education in the United States climbed to 27th in the Regional Universities (North) category, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges survey made public today. Read More Tua Tagovailoa has heard a lot […]