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 […]
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
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 […]
Posted inThings To Do
West Place Animal Sanctuary to host Fall Visitors Weekend
West Place Animal Sanctuary in Tiverton is once again opening its gates to the public. Fall in love with the farm animal rescues and meet the newest arrivals during the Fall Visitors Weekend on September 23 and 24. Note – This event has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 7 through Sunday, October 8, due to the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up in Newport: Saturday, September 2
Good Morning! Today is Saturday, September 2, 2023. 👉 Jimmy Buffett died on Friday. Just 43 days ago the popular singer popped up at Sunset Cove in Portsmouth for a surprise performance. Over the years Jimmy performed in the area several other times, including at the Newport Folk Festival and IYRS Summer Gala. Jimmy Buffett […]
Posted inSports
Jordan Lyles dominant as Royals crush Red Sox 13-2
By DAVID SMALE Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jordan Lyles had one of his best outings of the season for the Royals, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out seven in eight innings as Kansas City beat the Boston Red Sox 13-2 on Friday night. Lyles (4-15), who leads the major […]
Posted inNews
Escobar Farm Corn Maze opens for the season with a maze that celebrates Field of Dreams
Escobar Farm’s Corn Maze opened for the 2023 season on Friday, September 1.The maze this year celebrates Field of Dreams and covers 8 Acres. According to Escobar Farms’ website, the maze was designed by Brett Herbst of The Maize. The maze will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 am until 6 pm. The […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
The Collaborative will host ‘Folk at the Farm’ concert in Warren on Oct. 1
The Collaborative, a non-profit arts organization in Warren, today announced that it will present Folk at the Farm, a music concert featuring four Rhode Island-based bands and performers. The event will occur on Sunday, October 1st, from 2-6 pm at Frerichs Farm, 43 Kinnicutt Ave, in Warren. The Collaborative 02885 Folk at the Farm Folk […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island road construction report for Sept. 2 – 9
Here is the weekly road construction reports from the Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Department of Transporation (RIDOT). All projects are weather-dependent. Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority September 3 – 9, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Right Lane Closure- 9/5 to 9/8- 7 am to 3 pm Jamestown Verrazzano […]
Posted inArts & Culture
FABRIC Arts Festival expands from Fall River to New Bedford and Providence
The annual FABRIC Arts Festival brings an international spotlight on acclaimed musicians and visual artists, showcasing Fall River as it has always been: a place of creation and production, a city of makers in the expanded fields of art and design. On October 5-14, 2023, FABRIC Arts Festival will feature a series of music concerts, art […]
Posted inCity & Government
R.I. Board of Elections releases overview of Congressional District 1 Special Primary Election tabulation process and timeline
CRANSTON, R.I. – To better help Rhode Islanders understand the vote tallying and public results reporting process, the Rhode Island Board of Elections has released the following timeline: September 5th Polling Place These are ballots cast in-person at polling places on September 5th, encrypted, and securely transmitted from the polling place to the Board of […]
Posted inReal Estate
Home on Orient Avenue in Jamestown sells for $2.8 million
Lila Delman Compass today announced the sale of 27 Orient Avenue in Jamestown for $2,800,000. Alex Thursby, Sales Associate of Lila Delman Compass’ Newport Office, represented the Buyer in this transaction. Lila Delman Compass identified neither the seller nor the buyer. Sited on 1.28 acres, this contemporary, 3,700+ square foot home features 4 bedrooms, 4 full […]