The following road and lane closure notices have been scheduled by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). All schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority May 28 – June 3, 2023 Newport Claiborne Pell BridgeWestbound Right Lane Closure- 5/30 to […]
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
This Week at the Rhode Island General Assembly: Legislators address the housing crisis and pass key bills
Rhode Island’s General Assembly made significant strides this week as legislators tackled pressing issues, including the housing crisis, healthcare accessibility, climate change planning, coastal development, special education, driving safety, and cultural celebrations. Here are the key highlights from the week’s legislative proceedings: Housing Bills Approved by House as Part of Speaker’s Housing Package The House […]
Posted inThings To Do
Kingscote, Hunter House to open May 30
Today, the Preservation Society of Newport County announced that two of its oldest houses – one sporting a new exterior paint job that is more historically accurate, the other offering a new interpretation of its long history – will open daily for tours starting Tuesday, May 30. Kingscote was built in 1839-1841 and expanded in […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Restaurant Group’s Bespoke Gin by Rhode Island Spirits wins Bronze Medal at 2023 American Distilling Institute’s International Spirits Competition
Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) has announced that its custom, bespoke gin has won a bronze medal in the 2023 American Distilling Institute’s (ADI) International Spirits Competition. A collaboration between the Rhode Island Spirits and Shawn Westhoven, NRG’s beverage director, the 84-proof spirit, part of the Rhodium brand, was developed in 2021 and features a corn […]
Posted inReal Estate
On the Market: 67 Wright Lane, A tranquil escape in Jamestown
Nestled at the top of a cul-de-sac in a quiet neighborhood off of East Shore Road, this 1990 contemporary post-and-beam house boasts all of the characteristics that one could desire in a home on Conanicut Island. Affectionately nicknamed “Morning Glory” by the owner’s daughter as a child, this home lives up to its moniker from […]
Posted inSports
Annual Newport Polo Rotary Match to be held on May 27
The summer season kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with the return of the annual charity polo match to support the Rotary Club of Newport’s charitable programs, hosted by the Newport Polo Club. Ready your picnic spread to join the action as top players compete in a classic 6-chukker showdown. The match starts at 5 pm […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up in Newport this Memorial Day Weekend: May 26 – 29
Discover all that’s happening, new, and to do in and around Newport this weekend. Friday, May 26 🎭 Things To Do Rogue Island Comedy Festival 8 am to 8 pm: Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial at Fort Adams State Park 9 am: Free Tree Walk: Historic Newport 10 am: Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Friday, May 26
Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox daily; it’s free! Good Morning! Today is Friday, May 26, 2023. Today’s newsletter is 1,723 words – approximately an 8-minute read. 🇺🇸 One of the worst ship disasters not involving enemy action took place off the coast of Newport on this day in 1954, when more than […]
Posted inCity & Government
House passes Chairman Abney’s bill to increase affordable housing units
The House of Representatives today passed legislation (2023-H 6058A) sponsored by Rep. Marvin L. Abney, Chairman of the House Finance Committee, which would increase the percentage set aside for affordable units in qualifying projects and, in turn, increase the number of allowable units per acre for all housing projects subject to inclusionary zoning. The bill is […]
Posted inCity & Government
House OKs bill allowing low-speed vehicles on RI roads
STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Terri Cortvriend to establish rules of the road for low-speed vehicles. Low-speed vehicles, particularly electric models, are a growing transportation option in the United States. They are typically small with a top speed of 20 to 25 miles per hour. They are […]
Posted inNews
Patriots docked two OTAs for breaking CBA practice rules, AP source says
By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer The New England Patriots have been docked two days of organized team activities for violating NFL rules about offseason practices, a person familiar with the league’s decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on Thursday on the condition of anonymity because the penalty wasn’t […]
Posted inCity & Government
Free “Hop-On Hop-Off” RIPTA service returns to Newport this summer
With summer just around the corner, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority announced today the return of the popular free “Hop-On Hop-Off” bus service promotion in Newport beginning Friday, May 26, 2023. The free service, funded by Discover Newport and the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, offers transportation around Newport to tourist destinations and beaches. […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport is launching a new seasonal Park Ranger program
The City of Newport today announced it is set to launch a new seasonal Park Ranger program this summer to provide visitors to the City’s network of public parks a helping hand and to be on the lookout for potential hazards and quality of life issues. The program, which the City says in a press […]
Posted inNews
Connecticut House passes most wide-ranging gun bill since legislation passed after Sandy Hook
By SUSAN HAIGH Associated Press Connecticut lawmakers on Thursday advanced the most wide-ranging package of gun safety measures since the legislation passed after the 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre, with proponents noting the state is not “recklessly retreating” from regulating guns like other states. The bill, which cleared the Democratic controlled House of Representatives on […]
Posted inBusiness
BankNewport names Brian Cunningham Vice President, Branch Manager at Jamestown Branch
BankNewport today announced that Brian Cunningham has been named vice president, and branch manager of the Jamestown branch at 31 Conanicus Avenue. In his new role, he is responsible for customer service, branch operations and team development. Cunningham joined BankNewport in 2014 and has served in various positions, most recently as assistant branch manager at […]
Posted inNews
$150,000 Powerball ticket sold in Newport
For last night’s drawing, a $150,000 Powerball®Power Play®ticket was sold from Fifth Ward Liquor, 695 Thames St., Newport. The winning ticket matched four numbers and the Powerball® number to win the $50,000 standard payout. However, since the player added the Power Play feature for an additional dollar, the prize was multiplied by three, the Power […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
More artists added to the 2023 Newport Jazz Festival lineup
Newport Jazz Festival today announced the addition of the following artists to the 2023 lineup; The Soul Rebels featuring Rakim & Talib Kweli Marcus Miller Dave Holland New Quartet Durand Jones Adi Oasis Derrick Hodge Armstrong Now: Louis at Newport Angel Bat Dawid & Tha Brothahood Bobby Watson All-Star Quintet Jennifer Hartswick & Nick Cassarino […]
Posted inCity & Government
Op Ed: Pharmacists can help make birth control more accessible in Rhode Island
We have made significant strides in recent years in reducing the number of unplanned pregnancies. Since 1983, the rate of unplanned pregnancy in the United States has dropped by around 40 percent. The decline in the teen pregnancy rate over the same time period has been even more dramatic, dropping around 84 percent. The decision to become a parent is personal. […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport looking for donations for Annual Fireworks Fund
The City of Newport is gearing up for its annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration and is once again turning to the community to help light up Newport Harbor. “Every year, thousands of locals and visitors alike flock to downtown Newport to take in the City’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display,” the City of […]
Posted inNews
What’s Up Today: Thursday, May 25
Good Morning! Today is Thursday, May 25, 2023. Today’s newsletter is 1,384 words – approximately a 7-minute read. Sign up for our free daily newsletter and we’ll deliver this story straight to your inbox every weekday morning! 🚌 Newport Mayor Xay, along with Bishop W. Nicholas Knisely, will join Discover Newport and Rhode Island Public […]
Posted inCity & Government
Newport School Superintendent provides weekly community update
Newport School Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain provided the following weekly community update for parents, teachers, and the community on May 24, 2023.
Posted inSports
Ukraine Polo Team to take on Team USA in Newport Polo season opener
Newport Polo will host the Ukraine Polo Team on its only North American stop in its Global Goodwill Tour to open its 2023 season on Saturday, June 3, 2023. The match will feature USA vs. Ukraine at the Newport International Polo Series. Sanctioned by the Ukraine Polo Federation, Newport Polo says in a press release that the delegation of players is […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senators Gu and Ujifusa organize AAPI celebration at State House
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Linda Ujifusa and Sen. Victoria Gu, the first Asian Americans elected to the Rhode Island state legislature, gathered community leaders from across the state for a celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the State House. “Our strength as a country and a state is our diversity,” said Senator […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport will host a public community forum with finalists for Police Chief
As part of its search for a new Chief of Police, the City of Newport on Wednesday that a special public forum will be held so Newport residents can hear from the two finalists. The forum, which is slated to be held on Thursday, June 1st at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, is […]
Posted inNews
Here are the 98 cruise ships that are scheduled to visit Newport in 2023
Discover Newport, the official convention and visitors bureau for Newport and Bristol counties, has published the 2023 Cruise Ship Schedule. In 2023, Newport Harbor will welcome more than ninety cruise ships between April – November, including the iconic Queen Mary II on Thursday, July 6. Larger ships anchor in the harbor and tender passengers to […]