Bartholomewtown

Bill Bartholomew
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Bartholomewtown is an independent news and interview podcast exploring Rhode Island through conversations with the people driving politics, culture, business, and public life. Hosted by journalist Bill Bartholomew, the show delivers insightful interviews, original reporting, and clear-eyed analysis from New England's smallest state—with stories that often resonate far beyond it.

  1. 7 hr ago

    RI Election Preview: Hummel Joins Bartholomew

    Send us Fan Mail Rhode Island’s primary sprint, the Providence mayor’s race, and the shakeup in statewide politics With early voting underway, Bill Bartholomew and Jim Hummel (The Hummel Report, Ocean State Media, WPRO) break down a Rhode Island primary that feels unusually compressed, low-energy, and wide open in several marquee races. They focus on the governor’s race, the Providence mayoral primary, and how turnout, apathy, and candidate organization could decide everything.We discuss why the governor’s race appears to be Helena Foulkes versus Dan McKee, why Providence mayor could be the most consequential contest on the ballot, and how the attorney general and lieutenant governor primaries are shaped by heavy uncertainty and weak candidate separation. The conversation also zooms out to the collapse of Rhode Island Republican infrastructure and the question of whether independent Ken Block can change the dynamics. Key topics The primary feels like a sprint after a long buildup, with very little time to energize voters before election day.Hummel argues that apathy is the dominant force in this cycle, especially because many races feel either predetermined or hard to differentiate.In the governor’s race, Dan McKee is framed as carrying a long list of political liabilities, including the Washington Bridge, CVS/opioids, and general voter fatigue.Helena Foulkes is seen as holding a consistent polling advantage, with multiple polls showing her ahead by a meaningful margin.The Providence mayor’s race between incumbent Brett Smiley and challenger David Morales is described as the most interesting contest, with Morales bringing national attention and youthful energy.Smiley’s strength is his political infrastructure, especially his turnout operation and support from Eddie Catucci, who is described as a master of mail ballots and ground game.The lieutenant governor and attorney general primaries are portrayed as crowded and muddy, with lots of undecided voters and very little ideological separation.The discussion notes that gun policy and constitutional concerns may be pushing some Democratic voters away from more aggressive positions in the AG race.National anti-incumbent sentiment is seen as helping challengers broadly, but not necessarily translating cleanly to every local race.Rhode Island Republicans are described as deeply weakened, lacking a coherent bench, a strong message, or an effective opposition strategy.Aaron Guckian and the Republican gubernatorial field are viewed as weakly positioned, while the congressional races are portrayed as even more chaotic.Ken Block is treated as the most plausible wild card in the governor’s race, especially if he can consolidate support or benefit from a one-on-one dynamic.Timestamps (00:00) Opening the primary sprint and why this cycle feels flat  (01:43) Why turnout and election-day energy matter more than usual  (03:23) Providence mayor becomes the race to watch  (05:36) McKee’s polling problem and the uphill climb in the governor’s race  (06:23) What could help McKee and what still works against him  (07:31) Smiley’s turnout machine versus Morales’ grassroots energy  (08:42) Why the lieutenant governor and AG races are so unsettled  (09:46) Little separation in the AG field and the gun policy divide  (11:23) Does national anti-incumbent anger spill into Rhode Island?  (13:14) What Providence schools and city management mean for Smiley  (14:15) The collapse of the Rhode Island Republican ecosystem  (15:55) Why the GOP congressional slate looks so weak  (17:14) How Trump hollowed out the state party  (19:41) Could Ken Block become the real governor’s race alternative?  (21:55) Block’s media strategy and money challenge  (22:25) Election day timing, early voting, and closing thoughts Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  2. 23 hr ago

    PVD COUNCIL: Ward 13 Candidate Annajane Yolken

    Send us Fan Mail Annajane Yolken on Ward 13, rent stabilization, and the future of Providence Bill Bartholomew speaks with Annajane Yolken, a Democratic primary candidate for Providence City Council Ward 13, about why she entered the race and what she hears at the doors. Yolken explains how her work in social services and overdose prevention shaped her view of Providence's affordability crisis and why she sees city council as a place to turn policy into action.They also get into the biggest issues facing the ward and the city, including rent stabilization, housing development, Providence's creative identity, and the divestment vote. Yolken argues that the election is a turning point for the city's direction. Key topics Why Yolken entered the raceShe says her work in social services and overdose prevention gave her a direct view of the city's affordability crisis.She points to her role in helping pass and implement the first in the nation authorization of an overdose prevention center as proof that local government can make meaningful change.Her background in public health and policyYolken works at Project Weber Renew, which serves people experiencing homelessness and people who use drugs.She says the organization serves about 7,000 unique individuals in Rhode Island through two drop in centers.She previously worked at the State House on criminal justice reform and overdose policy.What Ward 13 residents are most worried aboutThe biggest issue she hears is cost of living, especially rent.She says the ward is mostly renters, and many neighbors are worried about being priced out of Providence entirely.Support for rent stabilizationYolken says she supports rent stabilization and would vote yes on the ordinance as passed.She also says the policy needs to be handled thoughtfully.She adds that her opponent, Connor Blier, testified against rent stabilization publicly.Development and affordabilityShe supports streamlining bureaucratic city processes for housing development.In her view, delays add costs that eventually get passed on to tenants.Pushback on being labeled an outsiderYolken says she has lived in Providence for 19 years and in the ward for 12 years.She calls attacks on her local roots a distraction from the real issues.She says voters care more about affordability, schools, and sidewalks than where someone went to college.Providence's political directionYolken says she agrees that Providence is at a critical juncture.She recalls that when she moved to Ward 13, rents were under $300 and the area had a strong artist community.She argues the city has lost some of that creative energy because people can no longer afford to stay.The divestment vote and symbolic city actionYolken says she will vote yes on the divestment measure.As a Jewish resident, she says she feels an obligation to speak critically about Israel's actions against Palestinians.She also says symbolic acts, like raising the Palestinian flag at City Hall, matter because they can spark important public conversation.Supporting artists and the creative capital identityShe says the city should do more to platform local artists and connect arts policy to the people actually creating art on the ground.She specifically mentions the Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism and Ward 13's Valley Arts District.She wants development to preserve affordable space for artists and community use.Her closing pitchYolken says her career has been about helping people through difficult moments.She wants to bring care and compassion to City Hall.She invites residents to reach out and get involved in the race.Timestamps 00:00 - Why Annajane Yolken entered the Ward 13 race  01:26 - Her work at Project Weber Renew and overdose policy background  02:31 - Ward 13 voters' top concern: rent and cost of living  03:32 - Streamlining housing development to reduce costs  04:48 - Aligning with David Morales on Providence's direction  06:05 - Responding to claims that she's not a local  07:35 - Why she sees the "outsider" attack as a distraction  08:44 - Her support for rent stabilization and where Connor Blier stood  10:58 - Providence's loss of affordability and creative identity  13:54 - Why this election could decide the city's future direction  15:50 - Her support for the divestment measure and Palestinian flag symbolism  18:41 - How City Hall should support artists and the creative economy  20:45 - Final pitch: care, compassion, and community leadership Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  3. 2 days ago

    PVD COUNCIL: Ward 13 Candidate Connor Blier

    Send us Fan Mail Connor Blier on Providence Ward 13, rent stabilization and local political trust Connor Blier joins Bartholomewtown to explain why he entered the open Providence Ward 13 race and how his personal history in Rhode Island shapes his campaign. The conversation centers on rent stabilization, city leadership, and his broader argument that local politics has drifted away from working-class residents. We discuss Blier’s criticism of insider politics, his belief that the recent rent stabilization effort was used as a political tool, and why he says the city needs representatives who answer the phone, show up in neighborhoods, and write policy from lived experience. Key topics Blier says he entered the Ward 13 race because he sees a repeat of what he experienced in Rhode Island’s cannabis industry, where he believes small operators were squeezed out by corruption and insider access.He argues that the original dispensary licensing process hurt local homeowners and small businesses, and says that experience made him wary of how government power can push working people out.The discussion turns to Providence rent stabilization, where Blier says he supports meaningful protection for renters and homeowners, but only if the policy is written carefully enough to avoid harming small property owners and neighborhood families.He claims the rent stabilization push was used as a political maneuver rather than a sincere effort to pass workable legislation, and says working-class people were being turned against each other for electoral purposes.Bill Bartholomew presses Blier on whether the City Council and Mayor Smiley ever had a realistic path to a deal, and Blier responds that the process lacked honesty and clear intent.Blier says his campaign is aimed at local representation first: answering calls, helping residents navigate city services, and being physically present in the ward.He describes Ward 13 as a working-class district and says the city’s biggest issue is cost of living, especially housing pressure and the risk of homelessness.He argues Providence has not built enough housing, has failed to keep pace with population growth, and needs to incentivize development while also protecting people already living there.Blier says he is running against the political machine rather than just an opponent, pointing to endorsements, out-of-state money, and establishment ties as signs of a broader insider network.He closes by saying the race is a chance to break that system and restore local, working-class voice to Ward 13.Timestamps 00:00 - Ward 13 special election and why Connor Blier jumped in 00:30 - Cannabis licensing, small business losses, and Blier’s origin story 03:03 - What Blier means by corruption in Rhode Island politics 06:26 - Rent stabilization becomes the central Providence issue 07:24 - Support for tenant protections, but only with real carve outs 09:22 - Why Blier says small homeowners could get caught in bad policy 10:35 - The recording involving Senator Sam Bell and the rent vote 12:45 - Bill challenges the claim that the process was a sham 13:45 - Blier argues the council had the votes to pass it 15:57 - Why Blier says local government should focus on residents first 18:14 - Cost of living, housing pressure, and the working class in Providence 19:37 - Record tax rates, city spending, and frustration with priorities 20:39 - Why Blier says he is running against the political machine 21:29 - Out-of-state money, endorsements, and insider influence 22:54 - The Ward 13 opening and Blier’s case for a local candidate 24:36 - Campaign response, neighborhood reception, and limited resources 27:14 - Blier on mayoral politics, local trust, and neighborhood accountability Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  4. 6 days ago

    Promoting Peace and Nonviolence at URI: Insights from Thubten Tendar

    Send us Fan Mail Discover how the University of Rhode Island's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies is fostering global peace through education, training, and community engagement. This episode explores the transformative power of nonviolence principles in conflict resolution, law enforcement, education, and societal development. Key Topics - What You'll Learn: The origins and evolution of the International Non-violence Summer Institute at URIThe three-tier certification process based on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s principlesHow nonviolence training enhances community policing and reduces violenceThe intersection of criminology, sociology, and nonviolence strategiesThe importance of introducing peace education at elementary and secondary levelsThe role of nonviolence in achieving global sustainability goalsThe cultural and geographical impact of Rhode Island on peace initiativesPractical conflict de-escalation techniques rooted in nonviolence principlesTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to URI's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies 01:01 - Thubten Tendar's journey and involvement since 2008 02:02 - The academic and practical scope of peace and nonviolence studies 02:56 - How nonviolence spans different disciplines and levels 04:06 - Overview of the three-level Kingian Non-violence certification 05:36 - The impact of nonviolence training on leadership and community peace 07:13 - Aligning nonviolence principles with global sustainability and societal goals 08:47 - The importance of peace education in schools and community organizations 10:19 - The intersection of nonviolence, law enforcement, and community safety 11:36 - Understanding violence beyond physical acts and the role of forgiveness 14:08 - Conflict levels and de-escalation techniques based on nonviolence principles 15:16 - How Rhode Island’s environment and community support peace initiatives 16:35 - Closing remarks on fostering a culture of peace Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  5. 19 Aug

    New Poll Shows Foulkes with 20-Point Lead Over McKee. Salve's Katie Sonder Breaks It Down

    Send us Fan Mail Bill Bartholomew talks with Katie Sonder, Associate Director and Fellow at the Salve Regina University Pell Center, about the center’s August 2026 Voices of Value poll and what it says about Rhode Island’s Democratic and Republican primary races. The conversation focuses on the headline McKee-Folkes result, the unusually high number of undecided voters, and how academic polling can fill a gap left by shrinking local media polling. Bill Bartholomew frames the poll, questions the methodology, and argues that academic polling is becoming more important as traditional outlets poll less often. Katie Sonder explains the survey design, the likely-voter screen, the two-step question process for undecided respondents, and why the Pell Center launched the project in the first place. Key topics In this episode, the main headline is the Democratic gubernatorial primary poll showing Helena Folkes ahead of incumbent Governor Dan McKee, 48% to 28%.Katie Sonder says the most surprising finding is the size of the undecided bloc, especially in down-ballot races like Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General, where nearly half of likely voters are unsure.Sonder explains the poll’s two-question method for undecideds: respondents first pick among candidates, then are asked again if they have to choose.The Pell Center’s Voices of Value project is designed to track Rhode Island views on state issues and national issues, including democracy, polarization, media habits, legislation, and bridge reconstruction.Bill and Katie discuss the broader role of academia in polling and journalism as local media budgets shrink and fewer outlets produce their own statewide polls.Sonder says the Pell Center sees the poll as a public good and a bridge between the university and the community.On the Democratic side, Sonder points to crowded fields and lower name recognition as reasons for uncertainty in races like Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General.Bill notes that in the Lieutenant Governor race, Sabina Matos and Zay Collin are near the top, but the undecided share remains very high.In the Attorney General race, Kim Ahern leads the pack, but 46% of voters are still unsure.The Senate discussion turns to the three-way race involving Jack Reed, Connor Burbridge, and Dr. Luis Daniel Munoz, with Bill arguing that Burbridge’s 12% reflects real campaign momentum.On the Republican side, Sonder explains that the smaller sample size means a larger margin of error, but Elaine Poirino still holds a notable lead over Aaron and Jukian.Bill emphasizes the transparency of the Pell Center’s materials, including the report, crosstabs, methodology, and survey questions.Timestamps 00:00 - New Pell Center poll and the McKee-Folkes Democratic primary headline 00:44 - Katie Sonder on the biggest surprise: the undecided vote 02:30 - How the poll’s two-step undecided question works 04:49 - Why the Pell Center launched Voices of Value 06:03 - Academia, journalism, and the shrinking local polling ecosystem 07:14 - Why the Pell Center sees polling as a public service 10:48 - How Katie thinks about reliability and academic rigor 11:30 - Why down-ballot races have so many undecided voters 12:40 - Using the poll to inform voters and candidate research 13:10 - Jack Reed race, Connor Burbridge, and campaign momentum 14:10 - Lieutenant governor race read: Matos, Zay Collin, and weak showings 14:40 - Republican primary polling challenges and Elaine Poirino’s lead 15:28 - Sample size, margin of error, and confidence on the GOP side 16:44 - Why the Republican race remains too fluid to call 18:39 - Where to find the report, crosstabs, methodology, and survey questions 19:24 - Transparency, expertise, and why the poll matters in the civic landscape Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  6. 18 Aug

    Checking in with U.S. Senate Candidate Connor Burbridge

    Send us Fan Mail Connor Burbridge discusses his campaign for U.S. Senate against incumbent Jack Reed, focusing on issues, grassroots strategy, and vision for Rhode Island's future** This episode dives into Connor Burbridge’s grassroots campaign, emphasizing bold ideas to challenge the status quo and invigorate Rhode Island politics. If you're interested in innovative policies, campaign strategies, and how a small state can punch above its weight, this is a must-listen. Key Topics: The current state of Burbridge’s campaign, including poll numbers, fundraising, and ground game strategiesThe importance of debates and candidate transparency, and Burbridge’s efforts to challenge Reed for an open discussionPolicy contrasts: healthcare, elder care, energy crisis, public education, and economic developmentCritique of Reed’s fundraising reliance on corporate and defense sector money vs. Burbridge's grassroots approachThe future of Rhode Island’s defense sector: defense contracts, offshore wind, and transitioning to green manufacturingThe shift in public sentiment toward government and private sector, and how to rebuild trust through effective public investmentThe importance of early groundwork and relationship-building with industry while in oppositionTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Connor Burbridge’s campaign against Jack Reed 00:25 - Campaign momentum and voter support in Rhode Island 00:51 - Fundraising challenges and grassroots strategy 01:36 - Ground game significance and voter engagement 03:07 - Reactions from Reed’s campaign and debate attempts 04:20 - Why debate transparency matters for voters 05:01 - Polling insights: internal vs. validated polls 06:37 - Campaign growth and policy focus areas 07:32 - Key policies: elder care, energy affordability, and education 09:00 - The role of big money vs. grassroots in campaigns 10:12 - Voter responses to national issues like energy nationalization 11:14 - The public’s desire for ambitious, big-picture proposals 12:20 - Shift in public trust from private to public sectors 13:00 - Challenges of government efficiency and rebuilding trust 14:07 - The importance of vision in rebuilding government capacity 16:00 - What the primary shape of the Democratic Party looks like 16:48 - Defense sector economic impact and future growth opportunities 20:09 - Transitioning from defense dependence to green energy and offshore wind 21:26 - The influence of political change on policy priorities 22:11 - Building relationships with industry during opposition 23:15 - Supporting grassroots candidates and re-engaging voters Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  7. 13 Aug

    A Big Blue Economy Win for RI

    Send us Fan Mail Bill Bartholomew welcomes URI professor Marta Gomez-Chiarri and Lisa Carnevale from RI Commerce for a discussion on a recently awarded grant that bolsters Rhode Island's position in the blue economy Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  8. 12 Aug

    The RI Small Business Village

    Send us Fan Mail Unlocking Local Economies: Rhode Island's Small Business Village at Providence Place In this episode, we explore a pioneering initiative designed to elevate small businesses through a temporary retail village inside Providence Place Mall. Hear how this innovative approach offers real-world lessons on adaptability, community partnership, and the potential for scalable models supporting local economies, especially amid challenging economic environments. Key Topics: The concept behind the Rhode Island Small Business Village and its strategic timing during summer eventsHow community partnerships and mall collaborations made this pop-up possibleThe role of local investors like Centerville Bank and the importance of private-public collaborationDesign and curatorial approach: creating a curated, store-like experience under one roofThe potential to scale similar models across other locations or turn them into more permanent fixturesThe importance of agility and reimagining existing infrastructure for economic revitalizationStrategies to sustain small businesses in a competitive and uncertain economic climateThe community impact of local entrepreneurship and micro-business support initiativesHow local control and community engagement can redefine commercial spacesTimestamps: 00:00 - Intro to economic development strategies for small businesses 00:29 - Unveiling the Rhode Island Small Business Village concept 01:09 - The impact of summer tourism and international events on local business visibility 02:03 - How the idea originated and the role of Skills for Rhode Island's Future 02:46 - Supporting micro-businesses and creating experiential retail opportunities 03:57 - The evolution from temporary pop-up to potential permanent spaces 04:42 - Partnerships with Providence Place Mall and other stakeholders 05:56 - Curating a cohesive shopping experience under a single roof 07:04 - Scaling and evolving the model to other markets and formats 07:46 - The influence of community banks and local sponsors 08:47 - Repurposing existing infrastructure to support small businesses 10:00 - Navigating economic challenges with innovative thinking 13:38 - Maintaining motivation amid economic setbacks 15:56 - The importance of community impact and long-term vision 18:04 - Final thoughts on expanding and sustaining small business initiatives Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

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About

Bartholomewtown is an independent news and interview podcast exploring Rhode Island through conversations with the people driving politics, culture, business, and public life. Hosted by journalist Bill Bartholomew, the show delivers insightful interviews, original reporting, and clear-eyed analysis from New England's smallest state—with stories that often resonate far beyond it.

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Bartholomew
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1k
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bartholomewtown
  • Show Website
    Bartholomewtown

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