Governor Dan McKee
Governor Dan McKee. Photo courtesy of Governor Dan McKee Facebook Page

Governor Dan McKee will headline the first installment of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Politics & Pancakes series on Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Pell Center at Salve Regina University.

The event runs from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tickets are $50 for chamber members and $60 for nonmembers.

McKee is expected to discuss his budget and policy agenda for the 2026 legislative session. The event includes a full buffet breakfast and networking opportunities with members of the local business community.

The quarterly series is a continued partnership between the chamber and the Pell Center, with sponsorship from Bally’s Corporation.

“The Politics & Pancakes series provides a critical opportunity for our business community to engage directly with state leadership on the elements of the state budget that will shape day-to-day operations and influence hiring decisions across our region,” said Erin Donovan-Boyle, president and CEO of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.

The series brings government officials to Newport for speaking programs and panel discussions on issues affecting local businesses. Past events have featured members of the General Assembly and Congressional delegation.

“Convening members of the community to engage with public officials, to learn, and to educate is at the heart of what the Pell Center at Salve Regina University does,” said Jim Ludes, vice president for strategic initiatives at Salve Regina University.

The Pell Center is located at 518 Bellevue Ave. Free parking is available. Advanced registration is required at NewportChamber.com.

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.