Beth Cullen, Member, Newport School Committee

1. The Thompson Middle School Crisis & District Oversight The Platform of Transparency: Cullen was elected to the School Committee on a platform of bringing fresh energy, rigorous questioning, and balancing what she termed an "imbalance in decision-making" between the administration and the commi…

The Future of Newport Schools & Regionalization

Guest: Lynne Tungett, Publisher & Editor, Newport This Week 1. The Status of Thompson Middle School (TMS) The Background: Broad community and administrative discussions have surrounded the structural and academic future of Thompson Middle School. The 5th-Grade Pivot: The Newport School Committ…

Cranston Police Chief Winquist on Department Intercepting Potential Would-be Violent Actor

Cranston Police Chief Winquist on Department Intercepting Potential Would-be Violent Actor

Kratom Is Now Legal in Rhode Island

Dr. Philip Chan joins the show to discuss the recent, major shifting of gears regarding Kratom in Rhode Island. Following years of a strict ban, the state has officially transitioned from prohibition to strict regulation under the Rhode Island Kratom Act. Dr. Chan breaks down what this means for pu…

Cranston Budget: Councilor Frank Ritz

The Core Crisis & The 4% Tax Cap The Deficit: Cranston is facing a structural deficit of approximately $10 million. The City General Fund reserve recently fell from 8.2% to 5.3%, drawing sharp warnings from Rhode Island Auditor General David Bergantino. The First Rejection: On April 29, 2026, t…

Newport Buzz's Christian Winthrop Talks Jamestown Bridge "Speedbumps"

hristian Winthrop of Newport Buzz joins us to break down the RITBA construction mess, the infamous "speedbumps" on the Pell Bridge, and why local commuters have finally reached a breaking point.

Shane Picque The League of RI Businesses

Shane Picque The League of RI Businesses

David Levesque: Co-founder of The League of RI Businesses (LORIB)

David Levesque: Co-founder of The League of RI Businesses (LORIB) and owner of the Brewed Awakenings coffee chain.

The LG-IG Oversight Debate: Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Xay Khamsyvoravong

Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Xay Khamsyvoravong joins the show to react to John Loughlin’s Inspector General proposal. We discuss the necessity of independent oversight in Rhode Island and whether this plan offers a real solution for government accountability. Key Discussion Points Xay’s Reacti…

Mayor Ken Hopkins: The Revised 4% Plan

The Revision: Hopkins breaks down his revised budget which adheres to the 4% state tax cap following the Council's pushback. Senior Center Impact: Explains the "painful" decision to suspend operations at the Cranston Senior Center to meet the lower tax levy. Blame & Accountability: Addresses th…