Podcasts about wpro

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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 textIn this episode:Incident Overview — A mass shooting occurred Monday at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Authorities say it left three people dead — including the suspected gunman — and three others critically injured. Police have described the event as a targeted incident connected to a family dispute. Community Impact — We explore the human toll: how the shooting unfolded, reactions from local leaders, families in shock, and the emotional aftermath for a community traumatized at what was supposed to be senior night. Political Commentary with Jim Hummel — Joined by Jim Hummel, Founder of The Hummel Report and host of Lively on Ocean State Media, we pivot to politics: • What this moment means for Rhode Island's gubernatorial race. • How the two major candidates can address community safety, mental health, and public trust. • The narratives and lanes each campaign should stake right now to connect with voters in a season marked by violence and political anxiety.Key Questions for Leadership — What should a governor prioritize in a crisis like this — beyond condolences? — How do candidates balance policy proposals on safety, gun violence prevention, and mental health support with broader campaign strategy?Support the show

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 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

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

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.

Send us a textIn the aftermath of the killing of two American citizens in Minneapolis and amid heightened resistance to federal immigration enforcement actions, many organizations are facing pressure to respond — publicly, internally, or both.Mike Raia, founder and president of Half Street Group, joins the show to offer guidance on how organizations can navigate moments of crisis and political sensitivity, including:When speaking out helps — and when it backfiresThe risks of silence versus poorly timed statementsHow values, stakeholders, and long-term credibility should shape response strategiesSupport the show

Send us a textonight at Providence City Hall, members of the City Council will formally introduce a rent stabilization ordinance aimed at limiting annual rent increases in the city.Supporters argue the proposal is a necessary response to rapidly rising rents, housing insecurity, and displacement in one of the tightest rental markets in the country. Critics warn rent stabilization could discourage new housing construction, reduce investment, and create unintended long-term consequences.In this episode, we're joined by Providence City Councilor Sue AnderBois, a leading proponent of the plan, to walk through what's being proposed, why she believes the policy is needed now, and how the ordinance is designed to balance tenant protections with concerns from landlords and developers.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

Send us a textBill Bartholomew offers additional analysis of Governor McKee's State of the State address and is joined by veteran reporter Steve Klamkin to put the speech — and reaction from other political figures — into perspective.Support the show

Send us a textBill Bartholomew provides on-location analysis from the Rhode Island State House following Governor McKee's delivery of the 2026 State of the State address. Support the show

Send us a textBoston Globe columnist and author of RhodeMap Dan McGowan joins Bill Bartholomew to discuss the biggest Rhode Island stories of 2025. Support the show

Send us a textMike Raia, Fonder and President, Half Street Group, joins Bill Bartholomew to discuss the best books, shows to binge and the best and worst Rhode Island stories of 2025. Support the show

Send us a textIan Donnis (Ocean State Media (NPR/PBS)) and Ted Nesi (WPRI TV) join Bill Bartholomew for a look ahead to 2026, a year that is anticipated to be a very interesting political season in Rhode Island. Support the show

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Send us a textRetired WPRO reporter Steve Klamkin joins Bill Bartholomew to reflect on his legendary career in radio and photography, the state of the journalism industry and the biggest stories of 2025. Support the show

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

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 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 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