Podcasts about b town

Send a textRhode Island's proposed Rhode Island Green Bond includes funding for climate resilience, parks, and water infrastructure — but no money for land conservation.Two leading environmental organizations say that omission could halt decades of progress protecting farmland, forests, and community open space.In a recent op-ed, Jeffrey Hall of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and Kate Sayles of the Rhode Island Land Trust Council warned that without a $10 million addition to the Green Bond, Rhode Island risks stalling conservation projects across the state.They argue the funding gap could jeopardize efforts to preserve working farms, protect forests, and expand local open space at a time when development pressure continues to grow.On this episode, Hall and Sayles explain:Why conservation funding was left out of the Green Bond proposalWhat projects could be lost without new fundingHow Rhode Island's long-running land protection programs workWhy they're asking lawmakers to add $10 million during the current budget sessionWhat the debate says about the state's environmental prioritiesThe decision ultimately rests with the Rhode Island General Assembly, which must finalize the bond proposal before it goes to voters.If conservation funding isn't restored, they say, Rhode Island could see farmland, forests, and community open spaces slip out of reach.Support the show

Send a textRhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha joins Bartholomewtown to discuss his office's newly released report detailing decades of child sexual abuse allegations within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence.The investigation identified more than 130 alleged abusers and hundreds of victims, with cases spanning generations.Neronha explains how investigators assembled the report, what it reveals about institutional failures inside the Church, and what accountability and reforms may come next.Support the show

Send a textFood insecurity affects thousands of Rhode Islanders—but the issue is often misunderstood.This week on the show, Amanda Missimer, a nutrition professor at the University of Rhode Island, joins the conversation to discuss the scope of food insecurity in Rhode Island and the systems behind how food is produced, distributed, and accessed across the state.We explore:Who is most affected by food insecurity in Rhode IslandHow food systems shape access to healthy foodThe role of universities, nonprofits, and policymakers in addressing the issueURI's upcoming food summit and what it aims to accomplishPolicy and community solutions that could make a real differenceIt's a deeper look at the structural issues behind hunger in Rhode Island—and the work underway to build a more resilient and equitable food system.Support the show

Send a textTopic: Former Newport Mayor and Current Councilor Xay Khamsyvoravong Enters the Lieutenant Governor Race — Why It Matters1. Who Is Xay Khamsyvoravong?Former Mayor of NewportCurrent Newport City CouncilorPart of a younger generation of Democratic leadershipKnown for coalition-building and pragmatic governance2. Why the Lt. Governor's Race Matters More Than It SeemsThe Lt. Governor role in Rhode Island has often been politically ambiguousIt can function as a policy platform, a visibility boost, or a stepping stoneHistorically a launching pad for higher office or broader statewide influence3. The Generational Shift QuestionRhode Island Democrats are in transitionA new bench is emerging beyond the long-dominant political namesDoes this signal the start of a wider reshuffling in 2026?4. Geographic and Demographic StrategyNewport base vs. broader statewide appealHow coastal politics translate to urban and suburban votersCoalition math: progressive lane? pragmatic lane? something in between?5. The Bigger ChessboardWho else gets in now?Does this clear or crowd lanes for other statewide candidates?How does this affect down-ballot and congressional ambitions?Support the show

Send a text

Send a textIn the wake of the Blizzard of 2026, we sit down with legendary Rhode Island weatherman R. J. Heim to break down what just happened — and where this storm ranks in the Ocean State's long and dramatic weather history.We assess:Final snow totals across Providence County, Kent County, Washington County, and Newport CountyWind gusts, coastal impacts, and power outagesWhy this system intensified the way it didHow it compares to benchmark storms like the Blizzard of '78 and other historic nor'eastersWhat made the Blizzard of 2026 unique in terms of track, snowfall rates, and cold air lock-inWhat the next 7–10 days look like as Rhode Island digs outWith deep institutional memory and decades of forecasting experience, Heim places this storm in context — separating hype from history and helping us understand whether this was a once-in-a-generation event or part of a larger climate pattern.Support the show

Send a textBroadcast from Providence City Hall, this episode features an extended one-on-one interview with Brett Smiley on the defining issues facing Providence right now.❄️ Snow Removal & AccountabilityThe mayor responds to criticism over the recent snow removal challenges, including questions about leadership, communication breakdowns, and the role of the David Morales operational plan. What went wrong? Who is accountable? And what changes are being implemented to prevent a repeat?

Send a textEpisode Topic: Trump, Voter Rolls, and Federal Pressure on States Guest: Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg AmoreThe Trump campaign and conservative legal groups are escalating efforts to gain access to state voter rolls and election data, framing the push as “election integrity” while critics warn it could open the door to voter suppression, intimidation, and misuse of personal information.In this episode, Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore joins the show to explain:What the Trump-aligned effort is demanding from statesWhy Rhode Island is refusing to complyHow voter data can be misused — even when requests are technically legalThe line between transparency and voter protectionWhy this fight matters even if you trust your local election officialsWhat voters should know heading into the 2026 and 2028 election cyclesThis conversation pulls back the curtain on how elections are administered, how political pressure is applied behind the scenes, and why state-level officials are now on the front lines of defending democratic norms.Support the show

Send a textProvidence State Representative David Morales joins Bartholomewtown to discuss his primary challenge against Mayor Brett Smiley. Morales is positioning his campaign as a grassroots, progressive alternative to the current administration — and recently released a detailed snow removal plan following widespread frustration with the city's response to the last major winter storm.We talk about what went wrong during the storm, what Morales says City Hall needs to change, and whether a movement-driven campaign can overcome the advantages of an incumbent mayor. Plus, how Morales is thinking about coalition-building, voter turnout, and whether Providence is ready for a Mamdani-style political upset.Support the show

Send us a textLast week, a man died in the cold on the streets of Providence — a tragic reminder of the stakes in Rhode Island's ongoing unhoused crisis.On this episode, we're joined by Harrison Tuttle, a Rhode Island–based organizer and housing justice advocate, to talk about what's driving homelessness in the state, why existing systems continue to fail people in crisis, and what his organization is doing right now to get people housed.We discuss the realities of street homelessness, the shortage of shelter and permanent housing, the role of government at the state and municipal level, and why advocates argue that homelessness is not inevitable — but the result of policy choices.This conversation also examines how the public talks about homelessness, the human cost of inaction, and what meaningful solutions could look like if Rhode Island treated housing as a public good rather than a market commodity.Support the show

In episode 100 of the Summits Podcast, co-hosts Vince Todd, Jr. and Daniel Abdallah are joined by Heroes Foundation Co-Founder Cindy Todd. Tune in as Cindy, Vince, and Daniel share hot takes on the evolution of the Heroes Foundation, reaching 100 episodes of The Summits Podcast, and what they hope to see for the future of cancer in Indiana. Thank you BuffaLouie's for the delicious snack shared in this episode!

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes GOP RI gubernatorial candidate Aaron Guckian.Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew reflects on recent hazing incidents in Rhode Island high school sports. Support the show

Send us a textCitizen's Keith Kelly and Garden City Center's Joe Koechel join Bill Bartholomew to discuss 2026 holiday programming including the Citizens Holiday Village – An artistic installation designed by world-renowned card stacker and Guinness World Record-holder Bryan Berg, featuring a nostalgic miniature town made entirely of Citizens credit cards!  Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Richard Culatta, a global education innovator and leader who notably served as the first Chief Innovation Officer for the State of Rhode Island from 2016 to 2017. He is a Rhode Island native and currently serves as the CEO of ISTE+ASCD Support the show

Send us a textProvidence Council President Rachel Miller joins Bill Bartholomew to discuss the impact of Providence's noise ordinance on venues that host live and ambient music. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew podcasts live from an outdoor igloo at acclaimed Narragansett restaurant The Coast Guard House with Bob Leonard (Co-Owner, Manager) and Elisa Wybraniec (Wine Director)Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Tim Draper, Senior Vice President, Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to discuss their Season of Giving initiative.Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore for a conversation on election integrity, Rhode Island's "250" celebrations, his political future, youth sports and much more. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes acclaimed director Ivy Meeropol for a conversation about her film "Ask E. Jean", which screens at Avon Providence Thursday 11.13, presented by newportFILM.ASK E. JEAN is the thrilling story of E. Jean Carroll's life, from her early days as Miss Cheerleader USA to her rise as a trailblazing journalist, author, and beloved advice columnist. Carroll broke barriers as the first female editor at Esquire, Playboy, and Outside, helping to redefine women's roles in media with her sharp wit and fearless voice. In recent years, she reignited public discourse by standing up to power, becoming the only woman to beat Donald Trump twice in court, and sparking a national conversation about truth, accountability, and resilience. This film is a portrait of an indomitable woman who proved it's never too late to reclaim your voice, rewrite your story, and change the world. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew reacts to a big week for Democrats and how those wins may inform Rhode Island's upcoming elections. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Dr. John Kiang for a discussion on Rhode Island Mission of Mercy. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes URI's Dr. Brennan Phillips. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Half Street Group founder and president Mike Raia for their monthly series Inside Communications.  Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Navigant Credit Union's Damian CostantinoVice President, Cybersecurity, for a discussion on digital hygiene best practices and how Navigant is a leader in the cybersecurity space.  Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew breaks down the latest poor polling numbers for Governor Dan McKee and offers thoughts on how this impacts both the McKee political operation and real-time state governance.   Support the show

Send us a textKeith Hoffmann is a former Chief of Policy to Rhode Island Attorney General Pete Neronha and is running for Attorney General of Rhode Island.  He joins Bill Bartholomew to discuss his candidacy.   Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes engineer Casey Jones for a discussion on the Washington Bridge debacle, a major piece of infrastructure that was abruptly closed in 2023 after a critical failure in the bridge's superstructure was detected. Support the show

Send us a text* Free screening Weds Oct 8th at RISD, 6:30pm*Bill Bartholomew welcomes Ruth Leitman, Director "No One Asked You"Comedian Lizz Winstead and her team of activists crisscross the U.S. to break stigma and support abortion clinic staff. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew reports from Bryant University's Global Trade Summit and sits down with former 7/11 and Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes. Support the show

Send us a textDr. Amy Nunn (Rhode Island Public Health Institute / Open Door Health) joins Bill Bartholomew to react to the Trump administration's claims that Tylenol use during pregnancy can be linked to autism in children. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Rhode Island League of Charter Public Schools Executive Director Chiara Deltito-Sharrot and Stop The Wait founder Janie Segui Rodriguez a wide-ranging conversation. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes state representative David Morales, who last week announced his campaign to primary incumbent Democrat mayor Brett Smiley. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes musician and former Providence director of Arts Culture and Tourism for a discussion on "From Here to Where", premiering at Wilbury Theater Group September 18th. Support the show

#9 Illinois heads across the border to face #19 Indiana in a Saturday night showdown. Mike Carpenter discusses the huge opportunity for Bret Bielema's Illini, reasons to be optimistic and concerned against the Hoosiers, and what a win could mean for either team.

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Rhode Islander Ted Dintersmith to discuss his efforts on reimagining education:"Through his books, films, and nonprofit What School Could Be, Ted highlights innovative education models while calling out the shortcomings of the status quo. Multiple Choice spotlights a school offering dual-curriculum of traditional academia and career and tech to prepare students for an AI-driven world to give them the confidence that no matter the future of technology." Support the show

Send us a textBoston Globe columnist Dan McGowan joins Bill Bartholomew to discuss the Providence mayoral race.  Earlier this week, state representative David Morales, a leftist Democrat, announced his campaign to primary moderate Democrat incumbent Brett Smiley. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew breaks down the latest RI gubernatorial race polling data. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Connor Burbridge who is challenging Senator Jack Reed in a Democrat primary. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew reacts to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Mike Raia, founder and President of Half Street Group, for a conversation on why leaders need to remember that PR is an extension of their brand. Support the show

Send us a textCranston Police Chief Michael J. Winquist joins Bill Bartholomew to offer his position on the saga involving the police department's firing range, which is proximate to two schools and has drawn concern from community members. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Dan Kelly and Lazaro Camacho, Jr, coordinators of the URI Honors Colloquium "Education Behind the Curtains". Support the show

Send us a textCranston residents Patricia Schoeninger and Martha DiMeo join Bill Bartholomew to discuss a controversial police gun range that is proximate to schools and residents.  DiMeo describes it as living in a "war zone". Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew offers analysis of the Trump administration's "stop work order" for the Revolution Wind offshore wind farm, a project adjacent to Rhode Island waters that is some 80% complete and is propelled by a Rhode Island workforce.He welcomes Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and, separately, Congressman Gabe Amo for their takes. Support the show

Send us a textCoventry town solicitor Stephen Angell joins Bill Bartholomew to offer the town's perspective on the ongoing legal battle surrounding Johnson's Pond, a body of water that has been a source of frustration, litigious action and a case study in the privatization of waterways. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Jason Kelly, executive director, John H. Chafee Center for International at Business at Bryant University for a discussion on the upcoming Global Trade Summit, set to take place September 25-26. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Robert Stone, director of Starman, which screens at newportFILM this Thursday Aug 21.ABOUT THE FILM: Are we alone in the universe? For over half a century, legendary NASA engineer and best-selling science fiction author, Gentry Lee, has explored every aspect of this question in the realms of space science, robotic exploration and the human imagination. At age 82, he has come to a revelatory conclusion. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Dr. Jason Iannuccilli, Founder &CEO of PowerLeaf. Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Navigant Credit Union President and CEO Kathleen Orovitz for a discussion on the institution's new partnership with Bryant University. Support the show