The Dan Yorke Show

1. The Thompson Middle School Crisis & District Oversight The Platform of Transparency: Cullen was elected to the School Committee on a platform of bringing fresh energy, rigorous questioning, and balancing what she termed an "imbalance in decision-making" between the administration and the committee. The 5th-Grade Pivot: How does she view the committee’s recent reversal keeping the 5th grade at Thompson Middle School? This situation highlights her broader campaign push for a more integrated, proactive strategic planning process rather than reactionary shuffling of student populations. The Facility Reality: As a fourth-generation Newporter whose son attended Thompson, Cullen has a deep personal connection to the district's footprint. With the Rhode Island School Building Authority signaling that a new middle school is the ultimate long-term necessity, what is her realistic timeline for addressing TMS’s structural future? 2. The Regionalization Roadblock & Economic Realities The Cost of Going it Alone: Cullen has consistently advocated for getting the School Committee and the City Council on the exact same page financially. With regionalization dead in the water for the November 2026 cycle and the joint advisory commission (AIAC) stalled, how does Newport shoulder the independent bond burdens of the new Rogers High School while staring down a future middle school build? An Integrated Vision for Aquidneck Island: Cullen has long championed unconventional, localized approaches to education—specifically integrating STEAM initiatives with Newport’s local architecture, maritime assets, and the Blue Economy. How can the district implement these forward-thinking vocational pathways (like reviving marine tech) if it remains siloed from Middletown and constrained by duplicate administrative costs? 3. Committee vs. Administration Friction: School Access & Safety The "Fundamental Disagreement" over Security: Cullen recently brought internal administrative tension into the public eye following a sharp disagreement at an April meeting regarding security protocols at the new Rogers High School. The Core Issue: Cullen characterized a secondary entrance layout as a design flaw and argued that School Committee members face "artificial barriers" when trying to perform on-site oversight, noting she was met with a chilly reception by staff despite having an appointment. She proposed badges/technology for committee members to ease access. The Pushback: The proposal drew significant pushback from Chair James Dring and other members over liability, safety protocols, and proper channels (with assertions that all visits should clear the Superintendent's office first). Oversight vs. Boundary Lines: Cullen points directly to the independent safety report issued by former State Police Col. Steven O’Donnell, arguing that improved communication and coordination are required to fix long-ignored systemic failures. This clash underscores her broader critique that the committee's oversight of the superintendent has been lax for years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Lynne Tungett, Publisher & Editor, Newport This Week 1. The Status of Thompson Middle School (TMS) The Background: Broad community and administrative discussions have surrounded the structural and academic future of Thompson Middle School. The 5th-Grade Pivot: The Newport School Committee recently reversed a controversial January decision to move 5th graders back to Pell Elementary School. The reversal keeps the 5th grade at Thompson for the 2026–2027 academic year, highlightening deep structural, enrollment, and behavioral debates over how to utilize the district's footprints. The Long-Term Capital Question: Rhode Island School Building Authority officials have previously noted that while significant TMS renovations occurred roughly 20 years ago, a completely new middle school will eventually be needed. 2. The Tie-In to Newport-Middletown Regionalization The Failed 2022 Merger: In November 2022, Middletown voters overwhelmingly approved a unified school district proposal, but the measure failed because Newport voters rejected it by a narrow margin of roughly 400 votes. The Cost of Disunity: Had regionalization passed, the state's School Building Authority would have reimbursed up to 80% of construction costs for a new middle school. Without a unified district, Newport faces a steep financial climb for future capital improvements while bearing the independent bond burden of the new Rogers High School project. Stalled Progress in 2026: Despite the formation of a joint advisory commission (the AIAC) earlier this year to restart conversations, the committee has sat dormant and missed critical formatting deadlines. Both Newport and Middletown are currently moving forward with independent school budgets for the upcoming year, making a regionalization question on the November 2026 ballot highly unlikely. Leadership Limbo: The lack of structural clarity on regionalization continues to impact day-to-day operations, including Newport's decision to hire an interim superintendent rather than a permanent replacement ahead of Supt. Colleen Burns Jermain's retirement in June. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cranston Police Chief Winquist on Department Intercepting Potential Would-be Violent ActorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Philip Chan joins the show to discuss the recent, major shifting of gears regarding Kratom in Rhode Island. Following years of a strict ban, the state has officially transitioned from prohibition to strict regulation under the Rhode Island Kratom Act. Dr. Chan breaks down what this means for public health, safety, and local business enforcement. Key Takeaways & Discussion Points The Shift from Ban to Regulation: After being classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in RI, Kratom is now legal to sell and manufacture under strict regulatory guardrails to target the deadly opioid crisis and harm reduction. Age Restrictions & Retail Safeguards: Under the new law, you must be 21 or older to purchase Kratom products. Furthermore, products cannot be left on open shelves; they must be kept securely behind the sales counter. Public Health Concerns: Dr. Chan and health experts emphasize that while some use Kratom for pain management or opioid withdrawal, it is not FDA-approved. Potential risks discussed include dependency, addiction, liver damage, and seizures. Targeting Adulteration & Synthetics: A major pillar of the new enforcement is product safety. The law strictly bans highly potent synthetic forms of the drug and requires precise labeling, packaging standards, and heavy lab-testing to ensure products aren't laced with dangerous non-kratom contaminants. Licensing & Taxation: Oversight is a joint effort. RIDOH is actively managing the $1,000 retail/distribution licensing and retailer training, while the RI Division of Taxation enforces a new 15% wholesale excise tax. Resources Mentioned For businesses looking to apply for retail or distribution permits, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health Kratom Licensing Portal. To learn more about the tax structures and rules, review the RI Division of Taxation Kratom Advisory. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Core Crisis & The 4% Tax Cap The Deficit: Cranston is facing a structural deficit of approximately $10 million. The City General Fund reserve recently fell from 8.2% to 5.3%, drawing sharp warnings from Rhode Island Auditor General David Bergantino. The First Rejection: On April 29, 2026, the City Council unanimously rejected Mayor Ken Hopkins’ original $352 million budget plan, which called for a 7.4% tax levy increase to cover the gap. Going above the state-mandated 4% cap would require the council to petition the RI General Assembly. The Revised Budget: Mayor Hopkins subsequently submitted a revised plan strictly adhering to the 4% tax levy cap. However, this has triggered heavy pushback due to steep cuts: Complete suspension of operations at the Cranston Senior Center. Level-funding for Cranston Public Schools. Elimination of police transcriptionist and parks positions, and zero administrative raises. Councilor Frank Ritz's Position Councilman Ritz (Ward 4) has positioned himself as an advocate for exhausted local corrective actions before taking drastic structural measures or looking outside city hall for help. 1. Opposing a State Budget Commission When residents and local commentary floated the idea of bringing in a state-appointed budget commission to intervene in Cranston’s messy finances, Ritz joined fellow councilors in firmly rejecting it: "I believe Cranston should carefully consider every option available to address the City's growing financial challenges, including the possibility of requesting state oversight if conditions continue to deteriorate. However, a state-appointed budget commission is a significant step that would reduce local control over financial decisions, and I do not believe the City has exhausted all local corrective measures at this point." 2. Focus on "In-House" Solutions & Compromise Ritz has backed the council’s push for collaborative, line-by-line reallocations rather than accepting the Mayor's slash-and-burn approach to senior services. The council recently maneuvered to pull together roughly $2 million in reallocated funds to split between restoring portions of the Senior Center budget and assisting the School Department. What the Council is Looking at Next (Show Talking Points) As the final June 1 deadline approaches, the council is pivoting from pure cuts to generating alternative local revenue: Fee Increases: Several municipal fee hikes have already been approved to drive immediate cash flow. Speed Cameras: Council leadership is floating the introduction of speed enforcement cameras in high-speed school zones (such as Garden City), which could yield an estimated $1 million to $2 million annually. Tiered Commercial Taxes: A proposal is being weighed to create a multi-tiered commercial property tax structure, allowing the city to protect small local businesses while leaning slightly more on larger commercial entities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

hristian Winthrop of Newport Buzz joins us to break down the RITBA construction mess, the infamous "speedbumps" on the Pell Bridge, and why local commuters have finally reached a breaking point.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Picque The League of RI BusinessesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Levesque: Co-founder of The League of RI Businesses (LORIB) and owner of the Brewed Awakenings coffee chain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Xay Khamsyvoravong joins the show to react to John Loughlin’s Inspector General proposal. We discuss the necessity of independent oversight in Rhode Island and whether this plan offers a real solution for government accountability. Key Discussion Points Xay’s Reaction: The candidate’s direct response to Loughlin’s proposal. Oversight Mechanics: Breaking down how an independent IG would function within the state's current structure. The Policy Gap: Where Xay agrees with the need for transparency and where his vision for the office differs. Campaign Impact: How the push for an IG is shaping the race for Lt. Governor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Revision: Hopkins breaks down his revised budget which adheres to the 4% state tax cap following the Council's pushback. Senior Center Impact: Explains the "painful" decision to suspend operations at the Cranston Senior Center to meet the lower tax levy. Blame & Accountability: Addresses the $10M shortfall, citing mismanagement by the former finance director and the need for "shared responsibility" between the city and schools. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rejection: Wall discusses the City Council's unanimous rejection of the Mayor's initial 7.4% tax hike, calling it a violation of the city charter. Alternative Strategy: Argues that the city must prioritize spending cuts and internal belt-tightening over significant tax increases. Senior Center Advocacy: Expresses concern over using essential services like the Senior Center as leverage in budget negotiations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As former House Speaker Joe Shekarchi officially steps down to apply for a seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, a major legal hurdle has emerged. Michael Yelnosky, professor and former dean at Roger Williams University School of Law, joins the program to discuss the formal ethics complaint he filed this week. We dive into the "revolving door" provision of the state’s Code of Ethics, which generally bars elected officials from seeking state employment for one year after leaving office. Is the Supreme Court exempt as a constitutional office, or is this a violation of public trust? Key Discussion Points The Complaint: Why Yelnosky filed the challenge the moment Shekarchi delivered his farewell speech. The "Revolving Door": Understanding the one-year waiting period for state legislators. Precedent vs. Policy: Analyzing the 2020 Erin Lynch Prata case and how it shapes the current debate. Next Steps: What to expect from the Rhode Island Ethics Commission during their preliminary review in June. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Proposal: Mayor Ken Hopkins proposed a 7.44% tax levy increase for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The "Why": * Budget Deficit: The city is facing a looming $10 million deficit. Financial Recovery: Hopkins argues the hike is essential to stabilize city operations and address long-standing financial "missteps." The Political Clash: * The Cranston City Council unanimously rejected the proposal in late April 2026, calling the 7.4% hike "insulting." Like North Providence, this increase would require a 4/5ths vote from the council or state legislative intervention to bypass the 4% cap. Local Impact: For the average single-family homeowner, the proposal would mean a roughly $500 to $700 increase in annual property taxes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Proposal: Mayor Charles Lombardi has proposed a 7% tax increase, significantly exceeding Rhode Island’s state-mandated 4% municipal tax cap. The "Why": * New Schools: The primary driver is an $8.5 million debt service payment following a voter-approved $125 million bond for all-new elementary schools. Hospital Revenue Loss: A $3.3 million shortfall caused by the sale and status change of Fatima Hospital. The "Cap" Hurdle: Because the increase is 7%, the Town Council must seek special authorization from the Rhode Island General Assembly to override the 4% limit. Mayor’s Defense: Lombardi highlights that the town had no tax increases for 10 of the last 12 years and frames this as a necessary cost for infrastructure the public voted for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Joe Paolino Jr., Former Providence Mayor & Managing Partner of Paolino PropertiesTopic: The Future of Providence Place Mall and Rhode Island’s Political Landscape Executive SummaryDan Yorke welcomes former Mayor Joe Paolino Jr. to the WPRO studios for a deep dive into the blockbuster $133 million acquisition of the Providence Place Mall. Paolino discusses his vision for transforming the struggling landmark, his thoughts on the current housing crisis, and how the "political ecosystem" in Rhode Island is shifting ahead of the next election cycle. Key Discussion Points1. The Providence Place Mall Acquisition The Full Circle Moment: Paolino reflects on his role in the mall’s original development in the 90s and why he felt compelled to step in now. The Bid Process: Insight into why his group’s $133 million bid was selected by the court-appointed receiver over higher cash offers from out-of-state firms. A New Vision: * The "long shot" goal of bringing a supermarket (possibly Costco or Wegmans) to downtown. Focusing on safety and security to restore consumer confidence. Addressing the departure of major anchors like Macy's and the strategy for new mixed-use elements. 2. Housing Policy & Development Rent Stabilization: Paolino shares his perspective on recent Providence rent control debates and why he believes production, not regulation, is the answer. Urban Revitalization: How the mall’s "repositioning" fits into the broader need for downtown housing and infrastructure. 3. The Changing Political Ecosystem Local Leadership: Assessing Mayor Brett Smiley’s administration and the city's current trajectory. The Business Climate: Why Paolino believes "local skin in the game" is necessary to combat the influence of national investment firms that don't understand the Rhode Island market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4) shares insights into the legislative process behind the Providence Rent Stabilization Act. As a key voice in the council discussions, Roais touches on the months of public testimony and the amendments intended to balance tenant protection with landlord sustainability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Representative and mayoral challenger David Morales joins the program to react to the Mayor’s veto. Morales argues that the veto prioritizes corporate landlords over the working families of Providence and calls for a council override.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley discusses his decision to veto the City Council’s proposed rent stabilization ordinance. Following a narrow 9-6 council vote, the Mayor outlines his concerns regarding the long-term financial impact on the city’s tax base and the potential for administrative overreach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRIAN WYNNE, PRESIDENT, OPINION DIAGNOSTICS, JOINS THE SHOW TO DISCUSS THE METHODOLOGY BEHIND HIS RECENT RI GUBERNATORIAL POLL THAT SHOWS THE RACE TO BE COMPETATIVE BETWEEN GOVERNOR MCKEE, HELENA FOULKES AND KEN BLOCK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael J. Yelnosky became a member of the founding faculty at Roger Williams University School of Law in 1993. He served as associate dean for academic affairs from 2004 to 2008, and as the fifth dean of RWU Law from 2014 to 2020. He has spent thirty years working to help establish and grow Rhode Island’s only law school. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joins Dan Yorke to discuss the latest on the War in Iran.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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WPRO's Kevin McNamara joins Yorke to discuss Providence College's decision to fire Men's Head Basketball Coach Kim English.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WPRO's K Mc joins the showSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman Gabe Amo joins the show to offer reaction to the United States' incursion into IranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman Seth Magaziner joins the show to offer reaction to the United States' incursion into IranSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newport Councilor and former mayor "Xay" Khamsyvoravong joins the show to discuss his announcement that he is entering the Democrat primary for Lt. Governor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Dan McKee joins the show to provide the latest on clean up efforts across the state after yesterday's historic stormSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congressman Gabe Amo joins the show to give a preview ahead of tonight's State of the Union Address from President TrumpSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RI Energy President Gregg Cornett joins the show to provide an updateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez provides the latest information on the Blizzard of 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Dan McKee provides the latest information on the Blizzard of 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RIEMA Director Marc Papas provides the latest on the Blizzard of 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green joins the show to discuss mental health resources that are available.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard LeClerc, Director, RI RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals joins the show in the wake of the Pawtucket tragedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RIIL hockey official Eric calls into The Dan Yorke ShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Representative and Providence mayoral candidate David Morales is arguing that his primary opponent, mayor Brett Smiley, has overseen an insufficient snow cleanup in the city following this past weekend's storm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WPRO's Kevin McNamara joins the show to discuss Bill Belichick not receiving first ballot induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Crowley - President, Rhode Island AFL-CIO joins the show to expand on his organization's statement decrying ICE's conduct in Minneapolis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Rhode Island State Police Colonel Steve O'Donnell joins the show to offer additional reaction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minnesota ICE Shooting: Former RI State Police Colonel Steve O'Donnell joins the show to offer analysis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Superintendent of the RI State Police Col. Steve O'Donnell joins the show to talk about the latest developments into the search for the person of interest in the shooting at Brown University See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former State Police Col. Steve O'Donnell joins the show to talk with Dan about the latest details into the Brown University Mass Shooting See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Amy Nunn, CEO, Rhode Island Public Health Institute, joins the show to offer analysis on the recent CDC changes to vaccine recommendations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Newport Buzz's Christian Winthrop joins the show to discuss the latest on arrests related to assaults on a special needs student by members of the Rogers High School football team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director of Rhode Island Office Veteran's Services Kasim Yarn joins Bill Bartholomew. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joins the show to discuss the latest developments in the government shutdown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island - who are a plaintiff in the legal challenge to the Trump administration's SNAP suspension - joins the show to offer perspective on the travel and impact of the case, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wendy Joering, Executive Director, The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, joins the show for an in-studio reaction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HealthSource RI Director Lindsay Lang offers the latest on potential premium increases and other critical updates, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.