Bartholomewtown

Bill Bartholomew

Journalist Bill Bartholomew brings Rhode Islanders closer to their world through analysis, interviews and reporting.  

  1. 24 MAR

    The Impact of Iran War on Rhode Island

    Send us Fan Mail Nikolas Gvosdev, a national security fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and professor at the U.S. Naval War College, and speaking on his own behalf, joins Bill Bartholomew to examine how The Iran War could impact Rhode Island—both in the immediate term and over the long haul. The conversation explores the economic ripple effects of global conflict, including energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and federal spending priorities that could directly influence local economies. Gvosdev highlights how national security decisions made in Washington can cascade down to states like Rhode Island, shaping everything from job markets to infrastructure investment. A key focus is the potential downstream impact on major projects such as the Washington Bridge, where shifts in federal funding and attention could delay or reshape critical repairs and development. The discussion also delves into the psychological dimension—how prolonged geopolitical instability can affect public sentiment, civic life, and the broader sense of security within local communities. In this episode:  How global conflict with Iran could affect Rhode Island’s economy  The connection between war, federal spending, and infrastructure projects  Why local projects like the Washington Bridge could feel global pressure  The psychological toll of geopolitical instability at the community level Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    33 min
  2. 12 MAR

    A Warning From Conservation Leaders: Rhode Island Could Lose Land Protection Funding

    Send us Fan Mail Rhode 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 Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    20 min

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Journalist Bill Bartholomew brings Rhode Islanders closer to their world through analysis, interviews and reporting.  

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