Bartholomewtown

Bill Bartholomew
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Bill Bartholomew brings Rhode Islanders closer to their world on "Bartholomewtown" from RIpodcast.com

  1. 1D AGO

    Rhode Island Atheists

    Send a text Episode Title: Reason & Freedom: Rhode Island’s Next Chapter Description: A conversation with Rhode Island Atheists' Brian Cardoza and John Mertus about the state’s first-ever Day of Reason, the meaning of secular advocacy in a place defined by religious freedom, and the group’s growing role in civic and political life. Topics Covered: Rhode Island’s first Day of ReasonThe state’s legacy of religious freedomAtheism and public identityAdvocacy, policy, and political engagementBuilding community outside of religionSupport the show

    20 min

  2. 6D AGO

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

    Send a text 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

    20 min

  3. MAR 10

    The Report: Neronha on Clergy Abuse in the Providence Diocese

    Send a text Rhode 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

    12 min

  4. MAR 5

    The State of Food: Inside Rhode Island’s Food Insecurity Crisis with URI's Amanda Missimer

    Send a text Food 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

    28 min

  5. MAR 3

    Xay Enters the Lt. Governor Race

    Send a text Topic: Former Newport Mayor and Current Councilor Xay Khamsyvoravong Enters the Lieutenant Governor Race — Why It Matters 1. 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 Seems The 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 Question Rhode 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 Strategy Newport base vs. broader statewide appealHow coastal politics translate to urban and suburban votersCoalition math: progressive lane? pragmatic lane? something in between?5. The Bigger Chessboard Who 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

    15 min

  6. FEB 26

    Is Snow Removal The Biggest Political Issue in Rhode Island Right Now?

    Send a text 📍 Overview: In the aftermath of the historic Blizzard of ’26, which dumped record-shattering snow across Rhode Island and left communities paralyzed, snow removal has become a hot-button issue — not just a matter of logistics but of politics, prioritization, and power. 🧊 What We’ll Cover: • What actually happened: Rhode Island received up to ~38 inches of snow during the storm, breaking decades-old records and forcing a statewide travel ban. Roads — especially secondary and residential streets — were left buried for days, with crews stretched thin and equipment in short supply.  • The political fallout: Local officials asked for help — including assistance from neighboring states and deployment of the National Guard — yet frustrating delays and inconsistent plowing have sparked public criticism and sharp political commentary.  • Public outrage and social discourse: From Reddit threads calling out failed plow jobs and blocked parking to debate over snow dumping in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods, the cleanup has taken on political overtones in ways rarely seen for snow removal.  • Broader implications: Is this just a storm response gone wrong? Or does it expose deeper issues — from resource allocation to trust in local leadership? This episode explores whether snowplowing is the issue in Rhode Island right now — or simply a symptom of bigger questions about governance and community priorities. PLUS Bill breaks down the latest polling in the governor's race Support the show

    29 min

  7. FEB 24

    Blizzard of ’26: R.J. Heim on a Record-Breaking Rhode Island Winter

    Send a text In 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

    15 min

  8. FEB 23

    Mike Raia Talks Weather Comms + More | Blizzard of 2026

    Send a text Inside Communications presented by Half Street Group In the midst of the Blizzard of 2026, we step back from the snowfall totals and power outage maps to examine a different kind of storm: public communication. Mike Raia — founder and president of Half Street Group and former spokesperson for Governor Gina Raimondo — joins us to break down how governments manage messaging during fast-moving weather emergencies. What We Cover: The Anatomy of a Storm Message How decisions get translated into public language — from executive orders to social posts.Forecast vs. Certainty Communicating probabilities without overpromising accuracy — and what happens when forecasts shift.The Politics of Snow Days School closures, travel bans, and the public backlash that follows either decision.Trust in a Whiteout Why tone matters as much as timing — and how credibility is built (or lost) in moments like these.Social Media & Misinformation Managing rumors, viral misinformation, and unofficial “expert” commentary during a crisis.Lessons from the Governor’s Office Behind-the-scenes insight from Raia’s time as spokesperson — what works, what doesn’t, and what most people never see.What Leaders Should Be Saying Right Now As the Blizzard of 2026 unfolds, what does effective communication look like in real time?Why This Conversation Matters Weather events are inevitable. Public panic isn’t. In an era of instant reaction and fractured media ecosystems, crisis communication has never been more consequential. This episode explores the thin line between preparation and alarm — and how leadership is measured not just by action, but by words. Support the show

    34 min
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4.7
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

Bill Bartholomew brings Rhode Islanders closer to their world on "Bartholomewtown" from RIpodcast.com

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Bartholomew
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    952
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bartholomewtown
  • Show Website
    Bartholomewtown

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