This story was originally published on April 6th, it has been updated. PORTSMOUTH, RI — Local marketing company Gray Matter Marketing will celebrate its five-year anniversary on April 12th, 2017. Originally based in Newport, RI before expanding into a larger office space in Portsmouth, Gray Matter Marketing specializes in event management and creative marketing. […]
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.
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‘Seaside’ Residence in Jamestown Hits The Market for $5.995 Million
A spectacular waterfront residence sited on more than 3 pristine acres with 256 feet of beach frontage on the East Passage of Narragansett Bay in Jamestown has hit the market for $5,995 million, according to Melanie Delman, President of Lila Delman Real Estate International. “Seaside offers an incredible combination of New England stone and shingle design […]
Posted inArts & Culture, History, News, Things To Do
Newport History Tours Announces 2017 Schedule
Newport History Tours, a partnership between the Newport Restoration Foundation and Newport Historical Society, announces the opening of the 2017 season with a new tour schedule. Visitors interested in the “City by the Sea,” can explore its history on foot with Newport History Tours’ personable guides. The 2017 schedule launches in April, with tours offered […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Fort Adams Trust Receives Allstate Foundation ‘Helping Hands in the Community’ Grant
An Allstate Foundation Helping Hands in the Community grant for $1,000 has been approved for the Fort Adams Trust. The Allstate Foundation is proud to honor the community service of Fort Adams Trust board member and Middletown Allstate agency owner Michael Kehew. For more than 60 years, The Allstate Foundation has been bringing out the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Local Artists, Businesses and Organizations Invited to Participate in 2017 Newport Bridgefest
Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.invites local artists, clubs, restaurants, theaters, museums and other organizations to participate in Bridgefest® 2017, the annual celebration of Jazz, Folk and Newport’s rich musical community. Bridging the gap between the iconic Newport Folk Festival® and Newport Jazz Festival®, the series of events – including concerts, films, educational programs and music-related activities […]
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Your Health: The Facts On Fever
What’s the most common cause of fever, in both adults and children? Viruses, such as the cold or flu; airway infections like croup or bronchitis, and stomach bugs are the usual culprits. While these illnesses make you feel miserable, the good thing is they’re usually not serious and resolve on their own. How hot is […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News
Chow Fun Food Group is Bringing Harry’s Bar & Burger to Newport, Will Replace Tallulah on Thames
Harry’s Bar & Burger, a Chow Fun Food Group restaurant, is coming soon to downtown Newport. An application has been filed at Newport City Hall by Tallulah, LLC to transfer its Class BL alcoholic beverage license to Harry’s Newport Burger Bar, LLC for use at the same premise, 464 Thames Street. Harry’s Newport Burger LLC is […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News
La Forge Restaurant to Change Ownership
Changes are coming for one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Newport. An application has been filed at Newport City Hall by La Forge Casino Restaurant to transfer ownership of its Class BV alcoholic beverage license to 1899, LLC. 1899, LLC is made up of Thames Capital Ventures, LLC (51% Nicholas Schorsch) and Aquidneck Holding, LLC […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Mary St. Parking Lot Will Become Self-Pay Parking Lot, 24/7 Operation
Beginning this season, the Mary St. Lot will be a self-pay parking lot, similar to the Touro St. Lot, Long Wharf Lot and Narragansett Ave. at Forty Steps. Paid parking will be in effect 24 hours per day from May 1 through October 31. Pay stations located in the Mary St. Lot will enable parkers […]
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Newport Shipyard Dock Expansion Approved, Will Add 560 Feet of Dock Space
Newport Shipyard received final approval from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) on Tuesday, March 28, to expand its dock space by 560 additional feet. This added dock space, which will allow Newport Shipyard to handle more large yachts simultaneously, will add on to its current 2,833 feet of dock space, which will […]
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The Shadows are lluminated at Save The Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium in April
This month at Save The Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium in Newport, the vast, hidden world of the deep sea becomes a backyard of discovery. Visitors will learn about the types of fish that light the way with bioluminescence, as well as other adaptations these animals have to living in darkness. The aquarium, open from […]
Posted inCity & Government
Aquidneck Island State Rep. Wants to Cap Minimum Hourly Wage For Workers Under 20 Years Old
Representative Kenneth J. Mendonça (R-District 72 Middletown, Portsmouth) will testify before the House Committee on Labor Thursday on legislation, which would set the minimum hourly wage at $9.65 an hour for employees under the age of twenty, according to a press release from the State of Rhode Island General Assembly. House bill 5594, “An Act […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Things To Do
Arts & Cultural Alliance Will Host “Arts Behind the Scenes” at Green Animals Topiary Garden
The Arts and Cultural Alliance (ACA) of Newport County will host “Arts Behind the Scenes” in cooperation with The Preservation Society of Newport County at Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth on Thursday, May 25, 2017, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Guests will hear from the historic garden’s Chief Horticulturist and other staff about the […]
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Obituary for Catherine Violet
Catherine Violet, 91, of Keeher Ave, Newport died on Friday, April 7, 2017 at Grand Islander Health Care Center in Middletown, RI. Catherine was born December 1, 1925 in Boston, MA. She is the daughter of the late George and Dorothea (Maniates) Gianakellis. She was the wife of the late James M. Violet, Sr. Catherine […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News
Newport’s Seasonal Restaurants Prepare to Reopen for Season
As we make our way quickly towards the beginning of the “busy season”, many restaurants (particularly among the waterfront) are preparing to wake up from their long winter nap. Here’s a look at when some of your favorite bars and restaurants are planning on opening (if they haven’t already); 22 Portside – Reopened for the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News, Things To Do
What’s Happening, New & To Do This Week: April 10 – 14
Discover what’s happening for events, entertainment, meetings, movies and more this week in and around Newport! Monday, April 10 11:30 am – Free Knitting Classes at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center 4:15 pm & 7 pm – The Zookeeper’s Wife at Jane Pickens Theater 6 pm – Energy and Environment Commission Meeting at Newport Public Library […]
Posted inThings To Do
‘Men Who Make A Difference’ Gala Will Take Place at Gurney’s on April 21, Live Auction Now Open
NEWPORT, R.I. and WARREN, R.I. (April 10, 2017): The Women’s Resource Center (WRC), a non-profit domestic violence intervention and prevention services agency serving Newport and Bristol Counties, announces that its Men Who Make a Difference online auction is up and running now through April 19, 2017, at www.BiddingForGood.com. The silent auction is part of the […]
Posted inArts & Culture, News
Live Music & Entertainment Listings: April 10 – 14
Discover where to find live music, entertainment, comedy, karaoke and trivia this week in and around Newport. You Might Also Like – What’s Happening, New & To Do This Week: April 10 – 14 Monday, April 10 Diego’s: Trivia at 9:30 p.m.Fastnet: Live music with The Ubiquitones from 10 pm to 1 am.Fifth Element: Live music […]
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Newport County YMCA Will Host Annual ‘Reach Out For Youth Breakfast’ on April 25
The Newport County YMCA invites members of the community to attend the 3rd annual Reach Out For Youth Breakfast on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 7:30AM. The event kicks off the 2017 Community Support Campaign and is a chance to come together to support children and families in Newport County. The breakfast features keynote speaker […]
Posted inJobs, News
Now Hiring In Newport: 125+ Local Businesses
Looking for a spring or summer gig? Or perhaps a new part-time job or new career? There are more than 130 companies in Newport hiring for all different positions, and in all sorts of industries right now! Upcoming Job Fair in Newport, RI Jobs in Newport, RI All posted within the last 7 days and […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Behan Bros. Selected to Construct $5.4 Million Welcome Center at The Breakers
The Preservation Society of Newport County has selected Behan Bros. of Newport as the prime contractor for the construction of The Breakers Welcome Center. They were selected from among three finalists who bid on the $5.4 million project. “This is a major milestone toward the creation of the kind of world class hospitality that we […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, News
Roger Williams University Men’s Polo Team Wins National Championship
The Roger Williams University Men’s Polo team captured the 2017 United States Polo Association Intercollegiate National Championship Saturday afternoon with a 14-13 victory over Southern Methodist University. The championship is the is the first national title in the young program’s history, as the 2016-17 academic year marks only the team’s second season as a varsity […]
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Tiverton Marina Sells For $475,000
A 14-slip marina located at 211 Riverside Drive in Tiverton has sold for $475,000 at full asking price with limited time on market, according to Lila Delman Real Estate International. Located 800 feet from the Sakonnet River Expressway with prime visibility, the commercial waterfront property has 1,182 square feet of retail space and 15 on-site parking […]
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Obituary for Andrew M. Christensen
Andrew M. Christensen, 69, of Newport passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at Newport Hospital. Andrew was born in Newport, son of the late Arnold B. and Gwendolyn (Kent) Christensen. He was the husband of Mary (Sullivan) Christensen. Besides his wife of 44 years he leaves his daughter Amy Logan and her husband Christopher, his […]
Posted inCity & Government, News
Newport Police Officer Captured on Camera Urinating in Public, Officer Suspended (Updated)
A local resident captured a photo of a Newport Police Officer urinating outside his residence in Newport on Wednesday. What’sUpNewp was provided with four photos of the incident on Friday morning, the source asked for anonymity in fear that Newport Police Department “would try and screw” him over for reporting or photographing the incident. What’sUpNewp has […]