POPULARITY
Former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza joined Gene this morning to discuss a $1700 tax credit for education in Rhode Island. Elorza explained the program and exclaimed that Governor Dan McKee needs to join this federal program and why the local teacher's unions are against it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Survivors of child sexual abuse in Rhode Island can now sue institutions that enabled or covered it up, even if previous time limits have expired. That's thanks to a law just signed by Governor Dan McKee.Jim Scanlan has been advocating for this bill at the State House for years. He was sexually abused in the late 1970s by a Boston College High School priest. His real-life story was the basis for a character known as “Kevin from Providence” in the acclaimed movie, “Spotlight,” about The Boston Globe's investigation revealing the Catholic Church knew about sexual abuse of children in its ranks. Scanlan joins host Edward Fitzpatrick to tell his story and explain why this new law is important. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Lauren Matlach Deputy Director, RI League of Charter Public Schools joins the show to react to Governor Dan McKee's decision to sign a charter school pause.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mayor Bob DaSilva breaks down his decision to back Governor Dan McKee, highlighting how critical it is to have a former mayor in the state’s highest office who understands local municipal needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Woonsocket mayor Chris Beauchamp joins the show to discuss why he is endorsing Governor Dan McKee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The state Ethics Commission has voted to formally investigate whether former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi's bid for the Rhode Island Supreme Court violates the state's "revolving door" law. The complaint, filed by Roger Williams University Law Professor and former Dean Michael Yelnosky, sets up a high-stakes legal showdown over legislative power and judicial independence. Key Talking Points & Fact Sheet The Vote: In a closed-door session on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the RI Ethics Commission voted 6–1 to accept the complaint and greenlight a formal investigation. Notable Recusal: Commission Chairman Lauren Jones recused himself due to his past legal representation of the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Legislative Services. The Core Conflict ("The Revolving Door"): Written into state law in 1992 following the supreme court scandals of the 1980s/90s, the rule explicitly prohibits sitting legislators from seeking or accepting employment with any state government agency for one year after leaving office. Yelnosky's Argument: Professor Michael Yelnosky filed the complaint the exact afternoon Shekarchi stepped down from the speaker's rostrum (May 7). Yelnosky argues the rule is crystal clear and designed precisely to stop powerful lawmakers from transitioning seamlessly into high-court judicial appointments. Shekarchi’s Defense: Former Speaker Shekarchi and his attorney, Thomas Dickinson, contend that the Supreme Court is a "constitutional office/court" rather than a standard state agency, making it exempt from the one-year cooling-off period. Shekarchi opted not to seek an advance advisory opinion, stating, "the law is very clear to me." The Precedent (The 2020 Loophole): This isn't unchartered territory. In 2020, the commission voted 5–2 to allow then-Senate Judiciary Chairwoman Erin Lynch Prata to jump straight to the Supreme Court—defying their own staff's recommendation. Crucially, the commission never issued a formal, written opinion back then, leaving the legal question legally unsettled. Yelnosky argues that 2020 did not establish a binding precedent. What Makes This Investigation Different: Ethics Commission Executive Director Jason Gramitt noted that unlike typical cases, there are virtually no facts in dispute. Shekarchi applied for the seat, and he was just in office. The entire case hinges strictly on legal interpretation of the statute. The Timeline & Stakes The Vacancy: The seat opened up following the March 27 retirement of Associate Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg. Clock is Ticking: The Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) has until August 4, 2026, to submit a list of 3 to 5 vetted candidates to Governor Dan McKee. The Playbook: McKee then has 21 days to choose a nominee, who must be confirmed by both chambers of the General Assembly. If the Ethics Commission doesn't rule "fairly quickly" (as Gramitt expects), it could completely cloud the JNC selection process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The biggest race in Rhode Island this election season is the Democratic primary for governor. Incumbent Daniel McKee is facing a rematch with former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, whom he narrowly defeated in the 2022 primary.So, we brought both candidates into the studio separately to explain where they stand on major issues, including the high cost of energy and housing, the proposed millionaires tax, the Washington Bridge crisis, the opioid crisis, and "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island." Then we put their responses together so voters could easily compare and contrast. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us Fan MailHalf Street Group's Mike Raia joins the show to break down how independent gubernatorial candidate Ken Block entering the race could disrupt the strategies of Governor Dan McKee and challenger Helena Foulkes.We dig into whether Block plays the role of a “spoiler,” how similar candidates have performed historically in Rhode Island politics, and what this unique election cycle could signal about voter sentiment and fragmentation heading into November.Then, a cultural pivot: a recent The New York Times Magazine piece explores whether meme culture has pushed us into a kind of “brain rot”—and how that might be shaping not just how we consume information, but how we interact with and even train AI systems.Is the internet rewiring our attention spans—and could that feedback loop be influencing the future of intelligence itself?Inside Communications is presented by Half Street Group Support the showFollow Bill on Instagram and YouTube
Governor Dan McKee joins Gene to discuss the launch of Real Housewives of Rhode Island and the perception it leaves of the Ocean State. The sitting Governor also talks to Gene about Ken Block's insertion into the Gubernatorial race and other top issues ahead of election season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Governor Dan McKee joins Gene Valicenti in studio to talk about the millionaires tax and other timely issues. Governor McKee also takes your calls on this Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do Rhode Islanders feel about Governor Dan McKee and his Democratic opponent, Helena Foulkes? What about a tax on millionaires? The Rhode Island AFL-CIO recently commissioned a poll to find out. Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO joins host Edward Fitzpatrick to discuss the results: "There is a path to victory for the governor in the numbers from the AFL-CIO poll, it's a narrow path." Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Governor Dan McKee joins the show to talk about clean up efforts in the aftermath of the Blizzard of 2026, Energy bills, polling heading into the 2026 election, and more!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.
Governor Dan McKee provides the latest information on the Blizzard of 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textRhode Island's political landscape shifted this week when House Speaker Joe Shekarchi announced he will not run for governor — clearing the way for a likely head-to-head Democratic primary between Governor Dan McKee and Helena Foulkes.In the opening segment, Bill reacts to what Shekarchi's decision means for the governor's race, the balance of power inside the Democratic Party, and how the 2026 election is already coming into focus.Then, Bill sits down with Kim Ahern, Democratic candidate for Rhode Island Attorney General. With more prosecutorial experience than any other candidate in the primary, Ahern discusses how she views the role of the Attorney General, how power should be exercised in the office, and what accountability, public safety, and justice look like in this moment.With four legitimate candidates in the Democratic primary, the Attorney General's race is shaping up to be one of the most important — and substantive — contests on the ballot.Topics Include:Joe Shekarchi's decision not to run for governorThe emerging McKee vs. Foulkes Democratic primaryWhat this moment signals about power inside Rhode Island politicsWhy the Attorney General's race deserves attentionKim Ahern's prosecutorial background and governing philosophyPublic safety, reform, and the future of the AG's officeGuest: Kim Ahern — Democratic candidate for Rhode Island Attorney GeneralSupport the show
RI Governor Dan McKee joins the show in studio to talk about state law enforcement cooperation with ICE Agents, the millionaires tax, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textHelena Buonanno Foulkes, Democratic candidate for governor of Rhode Island, joins the podcast for an in-person conversation about her renewed run for the state's top job. Foulkes previously mounted a competitive primary challenge against Governor Dan McKee in 2022, reshaping the Democratic field and signaling voter appetite for change.In this interview, Foulkes reflects on the lessons of her first campaign, how her approach has evolved, and what she believes Rhode Island residents are demanding from their next governor. We discuss housing affordability, economic competitiveness, trust in government, and whether executive leadership from outside traditional politics can translate into effective governance at the State House.Support the show
Send us a textRhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on the state's political moment. Shekarchi reacts to Governor Dan McKee's proposed budget, outlining where the House is aligned, where concerns remain, and what he sees as the legislature's priorities in the months ahead. The Speaker also speaks candidly about his own political future, addressing speculation about a potential run for governor in 2026 and how he's thinking about leadership, timing, and responsibility as one of the state's most powerful elected officials.Support the show
Republican Candidate for Governor Aaron Guckian joins the show to give his reaction to Governor Dan McKee's State of the State addressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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
Governor Dan McKee and RIDE Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green join the show to talk about improvement with the new RICAS scores See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
RI Governor Dan McKee joins the show to talk about energy services for the state, the latest on the Washington Bridge, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Attorney General Peter Neronha has been busy these days, between filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's decision to halt the Revolution Wind project to criticizing the latest health insurance rates. He also placed 2nd in a recent poll for the ic primary for governor. And he hasn't even decided to run…. yet. He joins host Ed Fitzpatrick in the studio for an update. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Governor Dan McKee joins Gene with reaction to Hasbro moving out of RI to BostonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gene reflects on the life and legacy of Judge Frank Caprio, who passed away yesterday at the age of 88. Gene remembers "The Nicest Judge in the World" by revisiting past interviews with the Judge, and is joined by Governor Dan McKee, Mayor's Charlie Lombardi and Brett Smiley, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Governor Dan McKee in studio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode, Olivia Ebertz travels to Jamestown, where residents are facing a shortage of drinking water. Then, the latest in the astounding story of Betty Anne Waters, who exonerated her brother from a false murder conviction. Plus, a new installment of Weekly Insight explores why Governor Dan McKee refused to sign the state budget.
Governor Dan McKee joins the show to talk about his decision to neither sign or veto the Rhode Island state budget See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textBill Bartholomew was in the room for a roundtable discussion with Governor Dan McKee on why he is not signing the budget that was just passed by General Assembly. Support the show
RI Governor Dan McKee joins the show for Ask the Governor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode, political reporter Ian Donnis interviews Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on climate, dark money, the tax code, Rhode Island's loss of federal funding and what they may mean to the future of scientific research in our state and beyond. Whitehouse also takes on Democrats and why they lost the election….and, yes he talks about that vote on tariffs that he missed. Then, Michelle San Miguel profiles Ana Flores, a Cuban-born painter and sculptor, who has spent decades turning materials from nature into works of art. Finally, Michelle San Miguel and our contributor, WPRI 12's Politics Editor Ted Nesi explain what lawmakers are prioritizing in the final weeks of the General Assembly's annual session. And why members of the Rhode Island House were united in their effort to reject Governor Dan McKee's resolution to offer raises to 11 of his department heads.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Governor Dan McKee joins Gene to discuss the passing of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ri governor Dan McKee joins the show to talk about the funding that has been secured for the rebuild of the Washington Bridge See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Attorney General Peter Neronha railed at Governor McKee at a House Finance hearing last week for not funding new positions for his office as it battles President Trump's agenda. Neronha says if “you are not standing with us, then you are standing with Trump.” The attorney general joins host Ed Fitzpatrick to explain what he means. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Governor Dan McKee joins the show to talk about his Re-election bid, reaction to last nights joint congress speech by President Trump, and moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Governor Dan McKee joins the show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rhode Island's largest hospital group, Lifespan, changed its name last June to Brown University Health. The name change and related agreements were billed as a way to improve patient care, medical education and biomedical research in the state. But making headway against Rhode Island's healthcare challenges is more difficult than changing a name. The state suffers from a lack of primary care doctors. Reimbursement rates for Medicaid and Medicare are lower than in neighboring states, putting Rhode Island at a competitive disadvantage. And the Hospital Association of Rhode Island advocacy group warns that Governor Dan McKee's recent budget proposal would hurt hospitals and the patients who rely on them. As president/CEO of Brown University Health, John Fernandez is on the frontline of facing these issues. So can Rhode Island improve healthcare while reducing costs? What is the answer for the state's medical reimbursement problem? And how is the financial outlook for the state's top two hospital groups? This week on Political Roundtable, I'm going in-depth with president/CEO of Brown University Health John Fernandez.
Reporter Steve Ahlquist joins Dan Yorke to expand on comments he made on The Bartholomewtown Podcast that Governor Dan McKee is not a good person.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, during R.I. Governor Dan McKee's State of the State address, a group of Rhode Islanders planned to protest in the State House rotunda. But the area was roped off and guarded by state and Capitol police, who said the space had been reserved by the governor's administration. But no one used it during and after the address. Now, the ACLU is considering a First Amendment lawsuit, saying that night was "a double whammy for the First Amendment." Harrison Tuttle, president of the Black Lives Matter Rhode Island PAC, and Steve Brown, executive director of the ACLU of Rhode Island join host Ed Fitzpatrick to talk more about what happened. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Elected officials in Rhode Island have been trying to reinvent the state's economy practically since the Great Depression -- and it remains a work in progress. During his State of the State speech on Tuesday, Governor Dan McKee cited an upbeat message. He says Rhode Island is flipping the script on outdated narratives about being an economic laggard. But polling shows Rhode Islanders do not share McKee's optimism about the state being headed in the right direction. The state still lacks the kind of more diversified economy found in Massachusetts. And the possible move out of state by Hasbro shows how unexpected changes can quickly emerge. As president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce since 2005, Laurie White has a front row seat on these issues. So what are the top obstacles to building a better economy -- and does the chamber have any bright ideas for making things better? This week on Political Roundtable, I'm going in-depth with president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Laurie White.
RI State Senator David Tikoian joins the show to talk about legislators call for Governor Dan McKee to call for a state of emergency regarding the homeless crisis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Black Lives Matter Political Action Committee Executive Director Harrison Tuttle joins the show to discuss "The People's State of the State", and event that he has organized that will take place at the Rhode Island statehouse ahead of this evening's State of the State address from Governor Dan McKee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi starts 2025 in an enviable position. He has overwhelming support from the members who make up the House of Representatives -- and won re-election as speaker this week with 62 of 75 votes. Shekarchi has more than $3 million in his campaign account -- and that gives the Warwick Democrat a lot of flexibility if Governor Dan McKee decides against seeking re-election next year. But Rhode Island faces a tougher fiscal climate due to the end of federal COVID aid. Shekarchi has spearheaded efforts to create more housing, but progress has been incremental and the cost of a home or apartment remains unaffordable for many people. The state faces other challenges with healthcare and the economy, including the potential loss of the storied toymaker Hasbro. So what would it take to make up more ground on these difficult issues, and do state leaders have the right plan for moving forward?
RI Governor Dan McKee joins the show to give the latest news on the Cyber Attack on RIBridges See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Americans will finish voting Tuesday, although it remains unclear when a winner will be declared in the presidential race. It's a more low-key election in Rhode Island, where the race for mayor of Cranston is among the top races. But a close vote is expected on ballot Question 1, which could set the stage for Rhode Island to hold its first constitutional convention since 1986. And next week's election is a prelude to 2026, when Rhode Islanders will vote for governor and other statewide offices. So what do the current political headwinds mean for Governor Dan McKee? How would a Trump administration affect Rhode Island? And even if the state does stage a constitutional convention, would it make a real difference? This week on Political Roundtable, we have an in-depth election preview with two fellow political reporters, senior reporter with the Rhode Island Current Nancy Lavin and politics editor for WPRI-TV, Channel 12, Ted Nesi.
Common Cause Rhode Island Executive Director John Marion expands on his organization's statement that is critical of Governor Dan McKee and his administration's role in awarding a school reopening contract to ILO, a then-newly created firm. This follows a report by RI Attorney General Peter Neronha, who found no criminality on the part of the Governor, but did indicate that McKee did, in fact, steer the lucrative contract towards ILO. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textBill Bartholomew sits down with Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee at the State House.Support the show
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.