Bartholomewtown

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

  1. 4D AGO

    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

  2. 6D AGO

    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

  3. 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

  4. FEB 19

    Mayor Brett Smiley From Providence City Hall

    Send a text Broadcast 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 & Accountability The 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? 🏛️ Immigration & ICE With heightened federal immigration enforcement actions making headlines, we ask about the city’s posture toward U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. How is Providence balancing public safety, immigrant protections, and state-federal dynamics? 📉 Economic Development After Plant City The closure of Plant City raised broader concerns about downtown recovery and small business sustainability. The mayor outlines his administration’s economic development strategy and how Providence plans to adapt in a shifting post-pandemic economy. 🗳️ Democratic Primary Realities With a potential primary challenge from David Morales, we discuss the political landscape. How does Mayor Smiley define his lane within the Democratic Party? What contrasts does he draw? And how is he preparing for what could become a competitive race? A substantive conversation on governance, political accountability, and the future direction of Rhode Island’s capital city. Support the show

    33 min

  5. FEB 17

    Pawtucket Ice Rink Shooting + Jim Hummel on Governor’s Race

    Send a text In 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

    24 min

  6. FEB 12

    Trump, Voter Rolls, and the Battle Over Election Control. Sec of State Amore Joins The Pod

    Send a text Episode Topic: Trump, Voter Rolls, and Federal Pressure on States Guest: Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore The 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

    18 min

  7. FEB 10

    Primary From the Left: David Morales vs. Mayor Brett Smiley

    Send a text Providence 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

    26 min

  8. FEB 5

    Shekarchi Steps Aside, McKee vs. Foulkes Takes Shape — Plus Kim Ahern on the Attorney General’s Race

    Send a text Rhode 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 General Support the show

    27 min
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4.7
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Bartholomew
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    947
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bartholomewtown
  • Show Website
    Bartholomewtown

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