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 10 – 16, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Right Lane Closure- 9/11 to 9/15- 7 am to 3 pm Jamestown Verrazzano BridgeThere […]
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 inCity & Government
New commission studying services for older Rhode Islanders to hold first meeting
A House commission will meet for the first time on Tuesday to begin its work studying the services and programs for older adults in Rhode Island and making recommendations for ways to improve and coordinate them. The Special Legislative Commission to Study and Provide Recommendations Pertaining to Services and Coordination of State Programs Relating to […]
Posted inNews
Bling is here to add some sparkle to your palace
Meet your new best friend, Bling – this week’s adoptable cat of the week! Available for adoption at Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Bling is a 12-year-old female cat. “Bling is here to add some sparkle to your palace! This little bijou will embellish your life with her brilliant shine,” Potter League for Animals […]
Posted inNews
RIDOT provides project updates on Pell Bridge Ramps and Aquidneck Avenue
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation today provided the following updates on two ongoing projects they have on Aquidneck Island. Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2, Newport We will begin paving operations on Admiral Kalbfus Road southbound, followed by curbing, sidewalk, and electrical work. As a reminder, commuters for the Navy base can utilize the JT […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
What’s Up in Newport: Friday, Sept. 8
Friday, September 8, 2023 Good Morning! 🎨 A solo exhibition of new work of Afrofuturism and beyond by Algernon Miller opens today at the Jamestown Arts Center. Coming and Going: New Work by Algernon Miller, which runs through October 28, is curated by Bob Dilworth and Karen Conway and features 14 paintings by the artist from 2022 and […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up This Weekend: Sept. 7 – 10
Discover all that’s happening this week for events, live music, and entertainment this weekend in and around Newport, Rhode Island. Organizing an event? Submit events to What’sUpNewp! CRUISE SHIPS Here’s what’s coming up on the cruise ship schedule; Thursday, Sept. 7: Seaborn Quest II & American Star Friday, Sept. 8: American Constitution Sunday, Sept. 10: Emerald Princess THURSDAY, […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Thursday, Sept. 7
Good Morning! Today is Thursday, September 7, 2023. Game Amo, the Democratic nominee for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District, joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual one-on-one conversation yesterday. During the conversation we discuss the primary election, what it’s going to take to win in the General Election on November 7, what he hopes to accomplish […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Bruce Springsteen postpones September shows, citing doctor’s advice regarding peptic ulcers
NEW YORK (AP) — The Boss is taking an unexpected breather and postponing his September shows, citing doctors’ orders. Bruce Springsteen announced on his website Wednesday that he was postponing shows for the remainder of the month while he is treated for symptoms of “peptic ulcer disease.” The disease causes ulcers to form in the stomach or small intestine […]
Posted inNews
Fall in love with Morgan, the sweetest dog you’ll ever meet
Meet your new best friend, Morgan – this week’s adoptable dog of the week! Available for adoption at the Potter League for Animals in Middletown, Morgan is an 8-year-old female mixed breed. Morgan. Photo Credit: Potter League for Animals Morgan. Photo Credit: Potter League for Animals “Morgan is a beautiful senior lady who will gaze […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport asking the community to help update the City Council’s Strategic Plan
The City of Newport is asking community members and stakeholders to help update the City Council’s Strategic Plan. As one of the City’s visioning documents, the City Council’s Strategic Plan aims to ensure that the City’s priorities align with those expressed by the community by identifying an overarching vision for the City and guide where […]
Posted inArts & Culture
New work by Algernon Miller opens at Jamestown Arts Center on September 8
A solo exhibition of new work of Afrofuturism and beyond by Algernon Miller opens September 8 through October 28, 2023, at the Jamestown Arts Center. Coming and Going: New Work by Algernon Miller is curated by Bob Dilworth and Karen Conway and features 14 paintings by the artist from 2022 and 2023. Al Miller states: “This new […]
Posted inCity & Government
What’s On The Agenda: Newport City Council Regular City Council Meeting on Sept. 13
Newport City Council will host their next Regular City Council Meeting on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. The meeting will take place in the Conference Hall at Innovate Newport. Here’s a look at what’s on the agenda; CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 The following items of business, filed […]
Posted inCity & Government
Watch: A conversation with Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain joined What’sUpNewp for a live virtual video conversation on Wednesday, September 6 at 1:30 pm. During the conversation, we discuss the new school year, and the latest on the Rogers High School construction project, and more.
Posted inCity & Government
Watch: A conversation with Gabe Amo, Democratic Candidate for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District
Former White House aide Gabe Amo could become the first person of color to represent Rhode Island in Congress after his win Tuesday in the crowded Democratic primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District. Amo, a Pawtucket resident, will square off against Jamestown resident Gerry Leonard, a U.S. Marine veteran and political newcomer who defeated […]
Posted inNews
Live Results: 2023 Special Election – Representative in Congress District 1
Rhode Island voters are casting their ballots Tuesday in a Special Primary Election contest to narrow down a field of candidates vying for the U.S. House seat vacated by former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline. The winner of the Republican and Democratic Primary will face off in a Special General Election on Tuesday, November 7. Results […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Wednesday, September 6
Good Morning! Today is Wednesday, September 6. 👉 Former White House aide Gabe Amo could become the first person of color to represent Rhode Island in Congress after his win Tuesday in the crowded Democratic primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District special election sent him on to the general election in the heavily Democratic […]
Posted inBusiness
Bart Dunbar to retire as CEO of Bowen’s Wharf Company, Joe Nicholson named successor
Bowen’s Wharf Company today announced that Bartlett S. Dunbar will be retiring this fall, after 54 years of unwavering dedication and visionary leadership. The company also announces current city manager Joseph Nicholson as the new CEO, stepping into the position effective October 15, 2023. In May, Nicholson announced that after 37 years with the city […]
Posted inNews
Coast Guard medevacs cruise ship passenger 180 miles from Cape Cod
The United States Coast Guard medevaced a passenger from the cruise ship Carnival Legend 180 nautical miles from Cape Cod on Monday. According to a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard; First Coast Guard District command center watchstanders received a report from the Carnival Legend at 6:35 pm that a woman on board the […]
Posted inBusiness
Gardiner House, Newport’s newest boutique hotel, opens this week
Gardiner House, Newport’s newest boutique hotel, opens on Friday, September 8 at 24 Lees Wharf. “A labor of love over five years in the making, the much-anticipated Gardiner House provides a distinctly Newport vantage point of the beloved spaces, experiences, and colorful characters intimate to generational locals – led by co-owners and local Newporters, Howard Cushing and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Event to mark the end of the first annual Rose Island artist residency
Seven Rhode Island-based artists are staying on Rose Island from Monday, September 4 to Saturday, September 9 as part of a new artist residency program launched by the non-profit that manages Rose Island. The public is encouraged to visit the island on Saturday, September 9 between 12 and 3 PM to see what the artists […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Tuesday, September 5
Good Morning! Today is Tuesday, September 5. 🗳️ Rhode Island voters are casting their ballots Tuesday in a primary contest to winnow down a field of candidates vying for the U.S. House seat vacated by former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, including a handful who could make history by being the first person of color to […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport: Monday, September 4
Good Morning! Today is Monday, September 4, 2023 – Labor Day. Here’s a look at what’s up out there; enjoy! What’s Up Today Weather Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Tonight: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 68. […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH recommends reopening Goddard Park Beach and Peabody’s Beach
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Goddard Park Beach in Warwick and Peabody’s Beach in Middletown because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. RIDOH had recommended the closures on August 31. RIDOH will monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day. The status of a beach may change as new […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up in Newport: Sunday, September 3
Good Morning! Today is Sunday, September 3, 2023, and here’s a look at what’s up out there; enjoy! What’s Up Today Weather Hazardous Weather Outlook Today: Sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. 7-Day Weather forecast […]
Posted inSports
Triston Casas’ homer, Alex Verdugo’s 3 hits lead the Red Sox to a 9-5 win over the Royals
By AVERY OSEN Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Triston Casas hit a two-run homer and Alex Verdugo finished a homer short of hitting for the cycle as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Saturday night. Six Boston batters drove in a run and all but one Red Sox […]