Good Morning! Today is Monday, August 21, 2023. 🗳️ If you’ve been following the race for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District, you’ve probably heard more than enough about signatures on nomination papers. We’re hoping to help put all that you heard into context, by sharing data we collected last week on all fourteen candidates → Breakdown: […]
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 inBusiness
Starkweather & Shepley opens new office in Newport
Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc. (S&S) recently the opening of their newest office at 100 Bellevue Avenue in Newport. The company says that its presence will allow for extended business, including its private client division, and other insurance offerings to the Newport community. Starkweather & Shepley Insurance now has 14 office locations across Rhode […]
Posted inNews
Breakdown: Here’s how many signatures were collected, rejected in Rhode Island CD-1 race
For what seems like months now, Rhode Islanders and those interested in the Special Election for Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District have been talking about signatures on nomination papers. Specifically, the signatures on nomination papers submitted by Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos’s campaign in the Rhode Island 1st Congressional District race. The signatures on the nomination […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up Today: Sunday August 20
Good Morning! Today is Sunday, August 20. Here’s a look at what’s up out there today and a roundup of all of What’sUpNewp’s latest headlines. Enjoy your Sunday! What’s Up Today Weather Today: Sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Southwest wind […]
Posted inNews, Weather
Communities across New England picking up after a spate of tornadoes
BOSTON (AP) — Communities across New England were picking up Saturday a day after a spate of tornadoes swept through the region. Four tornadoes were confirmed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and the National Weather Service was investigating a possible fifth in eastern Connecticut. Friday’s strong winds knocked down trees, damaged homes, flooded roadways and […]
Posted inThings To Do
What’s Up Today: Saturday, August 19
Good Morning! Today is Saturday, August 19. The Rhode Island Department of State’s Voter Turnout Tracker data visualization tool is now available for the September 5, special primary. Early in-person voting started on Wednesday, August 16, and runs through 4 pm on September 5. So far 1,363 votes (383 mail ballots, 980 early voters) have been cast […]
Posted inSports
Yoshida, Bello lead Red Sox over skidding Yankees, who drop sixth straight and fall two under .500
By LARRY FLEISHER Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Rookie Masataka Yoshida hit a three-run homer four batters into the game and drove in four runs, and Brayan Bello pitched six innings Friday night to lead the Boston Red Sox to an 8-3 victory over the skidding New York Yankees, who dropped two games under […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Road Construction Report: August 19 – 26
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 August 20 – 26, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Right Lane Closure- 8/21 to 8/25- 6 am to 2 pm Jamestown […]
Posted inNews
Voter Turnout Tracker allows Rhode Islanders to see how many votes have been cast in Special Primary
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore today announced the Rhode Island Department of State’s Voter Turnout Tracker data visualization tool is now available for the September 5, 2023, special primary. “Transparency and accuracy are critical components of our elections systems, and the Voter Turnout Tracker tool makes data about this special primary election easily accessible to the […]
Posted inCity & Government
Want to become a Newport Police Officer? Newport Police Department is hosting an open house on Aug. 23
The Newport Police Department is currently accepting applications for entry-level police officers and certified police officers. The information on the application process can be obtained from www.cityofnewport.com/jobs. The application deadline is September 5th. “We will be holding an open house on Wednesday, August 23rd, from 6-7 p.m. in the Newport Police Department Assembly Room located […]
Posted inThings To Do
Sakonnet Coastal Bike & Stroll: A car-free community event for all ages and abilities in Portsmouth
Bike Newport invites all to attend The Sakonnet Coastal Bike & Stroll, a rare opportunity to bike, walk or run along scenic Park Ave and The Hummocks in Portsmouth without any cars on the road. Families, children, and individuals of all ages and abilities are urged to enjoy this 2-mile expanse of the coastal road transformed […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Beach Road Weekend announces daily schedules
Beach Road Weekend, presented by the Black Dog, has announced the schedule for the 2023 festival. Headlined by Grammy winners Mumford and Sons, Bon Iver, and Leon Bridges, the three-day music celebration on Martha’s Vineyard will feature nearly two dozen of the top bands touring the country today. Beach vibes return to Veteran’s Memorial Park […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up Today: Friday, August 18
Good Morning! Today is Friday, August 18. 👏 Thousands turned out last night for newportFILM’s sold-out premiere of Water Brother: The Sid Abbruzzi Story at Fort Adams State Park. Congrats to Sid and all involved! Were you there? What did you think of the film? Comment below. Leave a comment ⛵ Forty-eight sailing teams will be at […]
Posted inSports
Second day of joint practice sessions lead to plenty of scuffling between Patriots and Packers
By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots apparently have seen a little too much of one another over the past couple of days. About five minutes into their second joint practice session Thursday, three skirmishes already had broken out between Green Bay’s offense […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport to receive $738,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant
The City of Newport today announced that it has been awarded a $738,881.31 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. According to the city, the grant will help pay for training a minimum of 15 Firefighters to the Paramedic Level of Prehospital Emergency Medical Care Licensing. The grant, which was secured through […]
Posted inCity & Government
DEM: Scarborough South State Beach closed on weekdays for the remainder of the summer beach season
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is reminding beachgoers that “as has been the case for several years”, Scarborough South State Beach in Narragansett is now closed on weekdays since Tuesday, Aug. 15, and open weekends only for the remainder of the summer beach season. All beach facilities will close for the season the day […]
Posted inNews
RIDOH recommends reopening Third Beach
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Third Beach in Middletown because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. Original Story The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing several beaches because of high bacteria levels: Third Beach, Middletown Sandy Point Beach, Portsmouth Burlingame State Park Picnic Area, Charlestown Burlingame State Park […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Foxwoods announces the opening of Pequot Woodlands Casino, a new 50,000 sq. ft addition
Foxwoods Resort Casino this week announced the grand opening of the brand-new Pequot Woodlands Casino. Set to open to the public on Tuesday, August 29, the expansive 50,000+ sq ft casino will be located in the Grand Pequot Concourse. Notable features of the new casino include over 430 new slot machines, a 40-seat slot bar […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up this weekend: August 17 – 20
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this week and weekend, Thursday, August 17 through Sunday, August 20. Cruise Ships Here’s what’s coming up on the cruise ship schedule; Thursday, August 17: American Star Friday, August 18: American Eagle Saturday, August 19: American Constitution Thursday, August 17 Things To Do 8 […]
Posted inCity & Government
What’s On The Agenda: Newport City Council Meeting on August 23
Newport City Council will host their next Regular City Council Meeting on Wednesday, August 23 at 6:30 pm. Due to an ongoing issue with the elevator at Newport City Hall, the meeting will occur in the Conference Hall at Innovate Newport. The meeting is open to the public. CITY OF NEWPORT DOCKET FOR THE REGULAR […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment, Things To Do
What’s Up Today: Thursday, August 17
Good Morning! Today is Thursday, August 17. Newport City Council will host a workshop today at 5:30 pm to discuss the city’s Strategic Plan with the consultant they chose to craft it. newportFILM will host the premiere of Water Brother: The Sid Abbruzzi Story this evening at Fort Adams State Park. RSVPs were required for this event, and it […]
Posted inNews
Massachusetts trying to jump-start effort to replace Cape Cod bridges
By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is hoping to jump-start the replacement of the two bridges connecting Cape Cod to the rest of the state by focusing first on federal dollars to replace the Sagamore Bridge before turning to the Bourne Bridge. The renewed effort comes as earlier attempts […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Speaker of the House Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy to lead the National Conference of State Legislatures
STATE HOUSE — House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly) was elected to become the president of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) at the annual Legislative Summit in Indianapolis. He is the first Rhode Island General Assembly member to serve as president of the organization. Kennedy previously served as […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals endorses Senator Sandra Cano for Congress
The Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP) today announced the endorsement of Senator Sandra Cano in her effort to be elected to Congress from Rhode Island Congressional District One. The RIFTHP Executive Council, after a comprehensive vetting of many qualified candidates, voted to support Senator Cano in the primary election on Tuesday, September 5th. “For […]
Posted inCity & Government
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Rhode Island Police Departments mobilize against impaired driving
The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association (RIPCA) today announced that between August 16th and September 4th, police departments across Rhode Island are increasing patrols to identify and arrest impaired drivers. The additional patrols are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign. “Across the […]