The Dan Yorke Show

Roger Williams University law professor Michael Yelnosky joins the show to react.

Gubernatorial Ken Block joins the show for a full hour in-studio appearance.      

In this episode, we sit down with H. Philip West Jr.—former Executive Director of Common Cause Rhode Island and author of Secrets & Scandals—to break down the legal and ethical fallout. West shares his firsthand account of a private meeting with Shekarchi, explains why Shekarchi’s bid tramples post-RISDIC "revolving-door" ethics reforms, and discusses the troubling conflicts of interest surrounding the commission’s vote.

RWU Law Professor Michael Yelnosky joins the show.   Former Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi stepped down from his leadership post to seek a lifetime appointment on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Former Law Dean and Professor Michael Yelnosky filed a formal ethics complaint, alleging the move violates the state's "revolving door" law, which requires a one-year cooling-off period for former legislators before taking state employment. However, Superior Court Judge Richard Licht issued a ruling declaring that the state Supreme Court—as a constitutionally created entity—is exempt from the revolving door statute, clearing Shekarchi's path to continue his judicial candidacy. In this episode, Prof. Yelnosky joins the show to react to Judge Licht's 29-page decision, analyze the legal reasoning, and outline what this means for Rhode Island ethics law moving forward.

Steven King, Managing Director at Quonset Development Corporation, joins the show to discuss a new workforce housing initiative. A factsheet provided by QDC: Workforce Housing at Quonset Business Park Quonset Development Corporation and Moran Properties are partnering to develop new workforce housing at Quonset Business Park, helping expand housing options for the workers who support Rhode Island’s economy. Project at a Glance • At least 140 new apartments • One- and two-bedroom units • Located on 6.89 acres along Gate Road • 40% of the apartments designated as Quonset Workforce Housing • At least 10% reserved as low- and moderate-income housing • Construction is anticipated to begin by end of 2027. Who Will the Workforce Housing Serve? Preference for the workforce-designated apartments will be given to people working: • At Quonset Business Park • In health care or education • Within 25 miles of Quonset Business Park • With the federal, state or local government Keeping Rents Within Reach The long-term agreement establishes maximum rents for the workforce-designated apartments. Those limits will be based on average wages at Quonset Business Park, household income levels in North Kingstown and state income guidelines for workforce housing. Final rental rates will be determined as the project advances. Note: rents provided in the QDC Board packet are ceilings for rent over the course of the project’s 99-year lease and are not meant to suggest current pricing. Site Map Infrastructure Upgrades With the upcoming completion of RIDOT’s “Missing Move” project, the housing development will be situated adjacent to on- and off-ramps to Route 403, providing residents with a direct connection to the highway in both directions. The ramps will significantly reduce travel on local roads, including along Devil’s Foot Road and through the West Davisville neighborhood. A Public and Thorough Review Process The housing proposal has undergone several years of public review and planning: • December 2022: The Quonset Development Corporation Board approved a major variance allowing workforce apartments at the site. • January-May 2023: The North Kingstown Planning Commission considered the proposal during four public meetings and a public hearing. • May 16, 2023: The Planning Commission approved the major variance in a public vote. • 2023-2025: Quonset conducted public processes to seek qualified development proposals, negotiating with several housing developers, who eventually declined to move forward. • July 21, 2026: The Quonset Board considers the proposed agreement with Moran Properties. Benefits for North Kingstown The development will generate additional revenue for the Town of North Kingstown. Together with existing businesses at the Business Park, the project will help bring Quonset’s annual contribution to North Kingstown’s municipal tax base to more than $15 million in property taxes and related payments. What Happens Next? Before construction begins, the project will be required to: • Complete Quonset’s technical review process • Secure all required state permits and approvals • Establish a construction and anticipated completion schedule

Bill Batholomew filling in for Dan Yorke talks to Ken Block, author of "Disproven: My Unbiased Search for Voter Fraud for the Trump Campaign", to preview tonight's anticipated speech from President Trump on election fraud in 2020.

The Latest Flashpoint: The federal Department of Justice has officially filed a motion to expedite their appeal in U.S. v. Amore (following their formal appeal to the First Circuit on June 3rd). This escalates a high-stakes legal battle over who controls Rhode Island's voter data. The Origin: This stems from a September 2025 DOJ demand letter seeking Rhode Island's complete, unredacted statewide voter registration list. When Secretary of State Gregg Amore refused to hand over private data without a court order, the DOJ sued. The Core Conflict: Privacy vs. "Verification" What the DOJ is demanding: Full, unredacted voter files, including sensitive, non-public data: full names, residential addresses, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, and partial Social Security numbers. The DOJ’s Stance: They claim authority under the Civil Rights Act of 1960 and the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) to enforce "list maintenance" and verify that RI is properly cleaning its voter rolls. They call it a "trust but verify" approach. Amore’s Defense: Amore immediately pushed back, stating the feds are welcome to public voter data, but he will not violate state privacy statutes or hand over sensitive, personal identifiers without a direct mandate. He argues the federal government is attempting to build an unauthorized national voter database. The Political & Local Stakes The Big Picture: Rhode Island isn't alone. This is part of a coordinated, national push by the Trump Administration's DOJ, which filed similar lawsuits against a tranche of states with Democratic administrations. Local Backing & Coalition: Local and national groups—including Common Cause RI, the ACLU of RI, and SEIU District 1199NE—successfully intervened in the case to protect voter privacy. The Fear of "Purges": Voting rights advocates warn that centralizing this data into a federal "master file" shared with agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could lead to targeted voter purges and have a chilling effect on voter registration in immigrant communities. Where It Stands Now A Big Win for RI (April 2026): U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy handed Amore a major victory, granting the motion to dismiss the DOJ's lawsuit and blocking the attempt to access Rhode Islanders' private data. The Appeal (Summer 2026): The federal government isn't backing down. They are aggressively pushing the First Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the dismissal, setting up a major constitutional showdown over the Elections Clause.

In this segment, we break down the latest friction points in the upcoming Rhode Island Democratic primary. Governor Dan McKee addresses the recent political waves caused by Cumberland Mayor Jeff Mutter and the Cumberland Democratic Town Committee's decision to back primary challenger Helena Folks. We unpack McKee’s response, his defense of his record as Cumberland’s former 12-year mayor, and what this local endorsement shift means for his statewide re-election momentum leading into the September primary.

Cumberland Mayor Jeff Mutter joins the show to break down his high-stakes decision to endorse Helena Buonanno Foulkes for Governor. In a candid conversation, Mutter explains why he bypassed current Governor—and former Cumberland Mayor—Dan McKee, pulling back the curtain on the shifting political dynamics in Rhode Island and what this means for the future of the state.

Todd Ziebarth, Chief of State Policy and Advocacy for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, joins The Dan Yorke Show. Ziebarth responds to calls demanding that Governor Dan McKee's 2009 charter school champion award be rescinded, and provides national context on the ongoing political and policy debates surrounding Rhode Island's public charter systems.

Randy Bottella, President of the Auto Body Association of Rhode Island (ABARI), joins The Dan Yorke Show to discuss the major auto insurance legislation currently sitting on Governor Dan McKee’s desk. Bottella explains the consumer and industry impacts of the bill—including changes to the state's vehicle total loss threshold—and shares why his organization is pushing for the Governor to sign it into law.

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien joins The Dan Yorke Show to detail his endorsement of Governor Dan McKee. Mayor Grebien discusses the strategic relationship between the state and the city of Pawtucket, highlighting how the McKee administration's support drives local economic development, transit initiatives, and Blackstone Valley growth.

North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi joins The Dan Yorke Show to discuss his official endorsement of Governor Dan McKee. Mayor Lombardi breaks down the local impact of the McKee administration’s policies on North Providence infrastructure, small businesses, and municipal funding, and shares his perspective on the state's political landscape.

The high-stakes legal battle over Rhode Island’s open Supreme Court seat has reached a fever pitch. Following a grueling three-hour hearing, the Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted 6–1 to reject former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s motion to dismiss the ethics complaint against him. The complaint, filed by Roger Williams University Law Professor and former Dean Michael Yelnosky, alleges that Shekarchi’s rapid jump from the Speaker’s rostrum to a lifetime appointment on the state’s highest court is a flagrant violation of Rhode Island’s "revolving door" law. With the Commission pushing forward with its formal investigation, Shekarchi’s legal team is now signaling a move to the court system to halt the process. In this episode, we sit down with the man who launched the complaint, Michael Yelnosky, to unpack the Commission's landmark vote, the executive director's blistering 27-page objection, and what happens next now that Shekarchi is taking the battle to court.

As Rhode Island drivers already face some of the highest car insurance and repair costs in the nation, a contentious piece of legislation sits on Governor Dan McKee’s desk. In this episode, we sit down with insurance industry expert Christopher S. Stark to break down House Bill 7866 and Senate Bill 3115. This legislation proposes raising the state’s vehicle total-loss threshold from 80% to 85%. While proponents frame it as a win for consumer choice and local auto body shops, Stark warns it could backfire drastically—leading to skyrocketing premiums, longer repair delays, and potential safety risks on the road. We dive deep into the mechanics of the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act, why Rhode Island is a unique battleground for auto repair laws, and what Governor McKee's final decision will mean for your wallet.

Lauren Matlach Deputy Director, RI League of Charter Public Schools joins the show to react to Governor Dan McKee's decision to sign a charter school pause.

Woonsocket mayor Chris Beauchamp joins the show to discuss why he is endorsing Governor Dan McKee.

Providence City Councilor Juan Pichardo discusses joining the municipal coalition supporting Governor McKee, emphasizing the focus on defending health care, food assistance, and critical social services for Rhode Island’s capital city.

Mayor Bob DaSilva breaks down his decision to back Governor Dan McKee, highlighting how critical it is to have a former mayor in the state’s highest office who understands local municipal needs.

Former Rhode Island State Police Colonel and WPRO contributor Steve O'Donnell joins The Dan Yorke Show to offer analysis and advise about the "beach takeover" trend that has led to late-spring disturbances on Rhode Island beaches. 

Federal Hill Commerce Association president Rick Simone responds to comments made about him by Opa owner Francois Karam earlier on today on The Dan Yorke Show.

The Incident: On Saturday night, a reckless motorcyclist bypassed barriers into a pedestrian festival zone. A bystander attempted to stop the driver by throwing a trash can, causing the bike to crash violently into a pop-up dining tent, sending chairs flying and patrons scrambling. The Fallout: The driver suffered minor injuries and faces multiple police summonses. While disaster was narrowly avoided, the video went viral and sparked safety alarms across the city. The Insider Perspective: We speak with Francois Karam, owner/manager of Opa Restaurant on Atwells Avenue. Karam has been a vocal opponent of the current "al fresco" street closure format, warning city officials for months that the setups pose major safety and economic risks to local businesses.

The state Ethics Commission has voted to formally investigate whether former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi's bid for the Rhode Island Supreme Court violates the state's "revolving door" law. The complaint, filed by Roger Williams University Law Professor and former Dean Michael Yelnosky, sets up a high-stakes legal showdown over legislative power and judicial independence. Key Talking Points & Fact Sheet The Vote: In a closed-door session on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the RI Ethics Commission voted 6–1 to accept the complaint and greenlight a formal investigation. Notable Recusal: Commission Chairman Lauren Jones recused himself due to his past legal representation of the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Legislative Services. The Core Conflict ("The Revolving Door"): Written into state law in 1992 following the supreme court scandals of the 1980s/90s, the rule explicitly prohibits sitting legislators from seeking or accepting employment with any state government agency for one year after leaving office. Yelnosky's Argument: Professor Michael Yelnosky filed the complaint the exact afternoon Shekarchi stepped down from the speaker's rostrum (May 7). Yelnosky argues the rule is crystal clear and designed precisely to stop powerful lawmakers from transitioning seamlessly into high-court judicial appointments. Shekarchi’s Defense: Former Speaker Shekarchi and his attorney, Thomas Dickinson, contend that the Supreme Court is a "constitutional office/court" rather than a standard state agency, making it exempt from the one-year cooling-off period. Shekarchi opted not to seek an advance advisory opinion, stating, "the law is very clear to me." The Precedent (The 2020 Loophole): This isn't unchartered territory. In 2020, the commission voted 5–2 to allow then-Senate Judiciary Chairwoman Erin Lynch Prata to jump straight to the Supreme Court—defying their own staff's recommendation. Crucially, the commission never issued a formal, written opinion back then, leaving the legal question legally unsettled. Yelnosky argues that 2020 did not establish a binding precedent. What Makes This Investigation Different: Ethics Commission Executive Director Jason Gramitt noted that unlike typical cases, there are virtually no facts in dispute. Shekarchi applied for the seat, and he was just in office. The entire case hinges strictly on legal interpretation of the statute. The Timeline & Stakes The Vacancy: The seat opened up following the March 27 retirement of Associate Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg. Clock is Ticking: The Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) has until August 4, 2026, to submit a list of 3 to 5 vetted candidates to Governor Dan McKee. The Playbook: McKee then has 21 days to choose a nominee, who must be confirmed by both chambers of the General Assembly. If the Ethics Commission doesn't rule "fairly quickly" (as Gramitt expects), it could completely cloud the JNC selection process.

State Representative Jason Knight (D-Barrington/Warren) joins Dan Yorke to discuss his campaign for Rhode Island Attorney General. A former prosecutor, Navy veteran, and current defense attorney, Knight breaks down his platform, his legislative record on criminal justice reform and gun safety, and why he wants to be the state's next top cop.

Providence School Board President Ty'relle Stephens joins Dan Yorke to discuss the highly anticipated return of Providence Public Schools to local control.

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 committee. The 5th-Grade Pivot: How does she view the committee’s recent reversal keeping the 5th grade at Thompson Middle School? This situation highlights her broader campaign push for a more integrated, proactive strategic planning process rather than reactionary shuffling of student populations. The Facility Reality: As a fourth-generation Newporter whose son attended Thompson, Cullen has a deep personal connection to the district's footprint. With the Rhode Island School Building Authority signaling that a new middle school is the ultimate long-term necessity, what is her realistic timeline for addressing TMS’s structural future? 2. The Regionalization Roadblock & Economic Realities The Cost of Going it Alone: Cullen has consistently advocated for getting the School Committee and the City Council on the exact same page financially. With regionalization dead in the water for the November 2026 cycle and the joint advisory commission (AIAC) stalled, how does Newport shoulder the independent bond burdens of the new Rogers High School while staring down a future middle school build? An Integrated Vision for Aquidneck Island: Cullen has long championed unconventional, localized approaches to education—specifically integrating STEAM initiatives with Newport’s local architecture, maritime assets, and the Blue Economy. How can the district implement these forward-thinking vocational pathways (like reviving marine tech) if it remains siloed from Middletown and constrained by duplicate administrative costs? 3. Committee vs. Administration Friction: School Access & Safety The "Fundamental Disagreement" over Security: Cullen recently brought internal administrative tension into the public eye following a sharp disagreement at an April meeting regarding security protocols at the new Rogers High School. The Core Issue: Cullen characterized a secondary entrance layout as a design flaw and argued that School Committee members face "artificial barriers" when trying to perform on-site oversight, noting she was met with a chilly reception by staff despite having an appointment. She proposed badges/technology for committee members to ease access. The Pushback: The proposal drew significant pushback from Chair James Dring and other members over liability, safety protocols, and proper channels (with assertions that all visits should clear the Superintendent's office first). Oversight vs. Boundary Lines: Cullen points directly to the independent safety report issued by former State Police Col. Steven O’Donnell, arguing that improved communication and coordination are required to fix long-ignored systemic failures. This clash underscores her broader critique that the committee's oversight of the superintendent has been lax for years.

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 Committee recently reversed a controversial January decision to move 5th graders back to Pell Elementary School. The reversal keeps the 5th grade at Thompson for the 2026–2027 academic year, highlightening deep structural, enrollment, and behavioral debates over how to utilize the district's footprints. The Long-Term Capital Question: Rhode Island School Building Authority officials have previously noted that while significant TMS renovations occurred roughly 20 years ago, a completely new middle school will eventually be needed. 2. The Tie-In to Newport-Middletown Regionalization The Failed 2022 Merger: In November 2022, Middletown voters overwhelmingly approved a unified school district proposal, but the measure failed because Newport voters rejected it by a narrow margin of roughly 400 votes. The Cost of Disunity: Had regionalization passed, the state's School Building Authority would have reimbursed up to 80% of construction costs for a new middle school. Without a unified district, Newport faces a steep financial climb for future capital improvements while bearing the independent bond burden of the new Rogers High School project. Stalled Progress in 2026: Despite the formation of a joint advisory commission (the AIAC) earlier this year to restart conversations, the committee has sat dormant and missed critical formatting deadlines. Both Newport and Middletown are currently moving forward with independent school budgets for the upcoming year, making a regionalization question on the November 2026 ballot highly unlikely. Leadership Limbo: The lack of structural clarity on regionalization continues to impact day-to-day operations, including Newport's decision to hire an interim superintendent rather than a permanent replacement ahead of Supt. Colleen Burns Jermain's retirement in June.

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

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 public health, safety, and local business enforcement. Key Takeaways & Discussion Points The Shift from Ban to Regulation: After being classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in RI, Kratom is now legal to sell and manufacture under strict regulatory guardrails to target the deadly opioid crisis and harm reduction. Age Restrictions & Retail Safeguards: Under the new law, you must be 21 or older to purchase Kratom products. Furthermore, products cannot be left on open shelves; they must be kept securely behind the sales counter. Public Health Concerns: Dr. Chan and health experts emphasize that while some use Kratom for pain management or opioid withdrawal, it is not FDA-approved. Potential risks discussed include dependency, addiction, liver damage, and seizures. Targeting Adulteration & Synthetics: A major pillar of the new enforcement is product safety. The law strictly bans highly potent synthetic forms of the drug and requires precise labeling, packaging standards, and heavy lab-testing to ensure products aren't laced with dangerous non-kratom contaminants. Licensing & Taxation: Oversight is a joint effort. RIDOH is actively managing the $1,000 retail/distribution licensing and retailer training, while the RI Division of Taxation enforces a new 15% wholesale excise tax. Resources Mentioned For businesses looking to apply for retail or distribution permits, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health Kratom Licensing Portal. To learn more about the tax structures and rules, review the RI Division of Taxation Kratom Advisory.

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, the City Council unanimously rejected Mayor Ken Hopkins’ original $352 million budget plan, which called for a 7.4% tax levy increase to cover the gap. Going above the state-mandated 4% cap would require the council to petition the RI General Assembly. The Revised Budget: Mayor Hopkins subsequently submitted a revised plan strictly adhering to the 4% tax levy cap. However, this has triggered heavy pushback due to steep cuts: Complete suspension of operations at the Cranston Senior Center. Level-funding for Cranston Public Schools. Elimination of police transcriptionist and parks positions, and zero administrative raises. Councilor Frank Ritz's Position Councilman Ritz (Ward 4) has positioned himself as an advocate for exhausted local corrective actions before taking drastic structural measures or looking outside city hall for help. 1. Opposing a State Budget Commission When residents and local commentary floated the idea of bringing in a state-appointed budget commission to intervene in Cranston’s messy finances, Ritz joined fellow councilors in firmly rejecting it: "I believe Cranston should carefully consider every option available to address the City's growing financial challenges, including the possibility of requesting state oversight if conditions continue to deteriorate. However, a state-appointed budget commission is a significant step that would reduce local control over financial decisions, and I do not believe the City has exhausted all local corrective measures at this point." 2. Focus on "In-House" Solutions & Compromise Ritz has backed the council’s push for collaborative, line-by-line reallocations rather than accepting the Mayor's slash-and-burn approach to senior services. The council recently maneuvered to pull together roughly $2 million in reallocated funds to split between restoring portions of the Senior Center budget and assisting the School Department. What the Council is Looking at Next (Show Talking Points) As the final June 1 deadline approaches, the council is pivoting from pure cuts to generating alternative local revenue: Fee Increases: Several municipal fee hikes have already been approved to drive immediate cash flow. Speed Cameras: Council leadership is floating the introduction of speed enforcement cameras in high-speed school zones (such as Garden City), which could yield an estimated $1 million to $2 million annually. Tiered Commercial Taxes: A proposal is being weighed to create a multi-tiered commercial property tax structure, allowing the city to protect small local businesses while leaning slightly more on larger commercial entities.

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

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

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 Reaction: The candidate’s direct response to Loughlin’s proposal. Oversight Mechanics: Breaking down how an independent IG would function within the state's current structure. The Policy Gap: Where Xay agrees with the need for transparency and where his vision for the office differs. Campaign Impact: How the push for an IG is shaping the race for Lt. Governor.

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 the $10M shortfall, citing mismanagement by the former finance director and the need for "shared responsibility" between the city and schools.

The Rejection: Wall discusses the City Council's unanimous rejection of the Mayor's initial 7.4% tax hike, calling it a violation of the city charter. Alternative Strategy: Argues that the city must prioritize spending cuts and internal belt-tightening over significant tax increases. Senior Center Advocacy: Expresses concern over using essential services like the Senior Center as leverage in budget negotiations.

As former House Speaker Joe Shekarchi officially steps down to apply for a seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, a major legal hurdle has emerged. Michael Yelnosky, professor and former dean at Roger Williams University School of Law, joins the program to discuss the formal ethics complaint he filed this week. We dive into the "revolving door" provision of the state’s Code of Ethics, which generally bars elected officials from seeking state employment for one year after leaving office. Is the Supreme Court exempt as a constitutional office, or is this a violation of public trust? Key Discussion Points The Complaint: Why Yelnosky filed the challenge the moment Shekarchi delivered his farewell speech. The "Revolving Door": Understanding the one-year waiting period for state legislators. Precedent vs. Policy: Analyzing the 2020 Erin Lynch Prata case and how it shapes the current debate. Next Steps: What to expect from the Rhode Island Ethics Commission during their preliminary review in June.

The Proposal: Mayor Ken Hopkins proposed a 7.44% tax levy increase for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The "Why": * Budget Deficit: The city is facing a looming $10 million deficit. Financial Recovery: Hopkins argues the hike is essential to stabilize city operations and address long-standing financial "missteps." The Political Clash: * The Cranston City Council unanimously rejected the proposal in late April 2026, calling the 7.4% hike "insulting." Like North Providence, this increase would require a 4/5ths vote from the council or state legislative intervention to bypass the 4% cap. Local Impact: For the average single-family homeowner, the proposal would mean a roughly $500 to $700 increase in annual property taxes.

The Proposal: Mayor Charles Lombardi has proposed a 7% tax increase, significantly exceeding Rhode Island’s state-mandated 4% municipal tax cap. The "Why": * New Schools: The primary driver is an $8.5 million debt service payment following a voter-approved $125 million bond for all-new elementary schools. Hospital Revenue Loss: A $3.3 million shortfall caused by the sale and status change of Fatima Hospital. The "Cap" Hurdle: Because the increase is 7%, the Town Council must seek special authorization from the Rhode Island General Assembly to override the 4% limit. Mayor’s Defense: Lombardi highlights that the town had no tax increases for 10 of the last 12 years and frames this as a necessary cost for infrastructure the public voted for.

Guest: Joe Paolino Jr., Former Providence Mayor & Managing Partner of Paolino PropertiesTopic: The Future of Providence Place Mall and Rhode Island’s Political Landscape Executive SummaryDan Yorke welcomes former Mayor Joe Paolino Jr. to the WPRO studios for a deep dive into the blockbuster $133 million acquisition of the Providence Place Mall. Paolino discusses his vision for transforming the struggling landmark, his thoughts on the current housing crisis, and how the "political ecosystem" in Rhode Island is shifting ahead of the next election cycle. Key Discussion Points1. The Providence Place Mall Acquisition The Full Circle Moment: Paolino reflects on his role in the mall’s original development in the 90s and why he felt compelled to step in now. The Bid Process: Insight into why his group’s $133 million bid was selected by the court-appointed receiver over higher cash offers from out-of-state firms. A New Vision: * The "long shot" goal of bringing a supermarket (possibly Costco or Wegmans) to downtown. Focusing on safety and security to restore consumer confidence. Addressing the departure of major anchors like Macy's and the strategy for new mixed-use elements. 2. Housing Policy & Development Rent Stabilization: Paolino shares his perspective on recent Providence rent control debates and why he believes production, not regulation, is the answer. Urban Revitalization: How the mall’s "repositioning" fits into the broader need for downtown housing and infrastructure. 3. The Changing Political Ecosystem Local Leadership: Assessing Mayor Brett Smiley’s administration and the city's current trajectory. The Business Climate: Why Paolino believes "local skin in the game" is necessary to combat the influence of national investment firms that don't understand the Rhode Island market.

Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4) shares insights into the legislative process behind the Providence Rent Stabilization Act. As a key voice in the council discussions, Roais touches on the months of public testimony and the amendments intended to balance tenant protection with landlord sustainability.

State Representative and mayoral challenger David Morales joins the program to react to the Mayor’s veto. Morales argues that the veto prioritizes corporate landlords over the working families of Providence and calls for a council override.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley discusses his decision to veto the City Council’s proposed rent stabilization ordinance. Following a narrow 9-6 council vote, the Mayor outlines his concerns regarding the long-term financial impact on the city’s tax base and the potential for administrative overreach.

BRIAN WYNNE, PRESIDENT, OPINION DIAGNOSTICS, JOINS THE SHOW TO DISCUSS THE METHODOLOGY BEHIND HIS RECENT RI GUBERNATORIAL POLL THAT SHOWS THE RACE TO BE COMPETATIVE BETWEEN GOVERNOR MCKEE, HELENA FOULKES AND KEN BLOCK.

Michael J. Yelnosky became a member of the founding faculty at Roger Williams University School of Law in 1993. He served as associate dean for academic affairs from 2004 to 2008, and as the fifth dean of RWU Law from 2014 to 2020.  He has spent thirty years working to help establish and grow Rhode Island’s only law school.  

United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joins Dan Yorke to discuss the latest on the War in Iran.