The Dan Yorke Show

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.

WPRO's Kevin McNamara joins Yorke to discuss Providence College's decision to fire Men's Head Basketball Coach Kim English.

WPRO's K Mc joins the show

Congressman Gabe Amo joins the show to offer reaction to the United States' incursion into Iran

Congressman Seth Magaziner joins the show to offer reaction to the United States' incursion into Iran

Newport Councilor and former mayor "Xay" Khamsyvoravong joins the show to discuss his announcement that he is entering the Democrat primary for Lt. Governor.

Governor Dan McKee joins the show to provide the latest on clean up efforts across the state after yesterday's historic storm

Congressman Gabe Amo joins the show to give a preview ahead of tonight's State of the Union Address from President Trump

 RI Energy President Gregg Cornett joins the show to provide an update

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez provides the latest information on the Blizzard of 2026

Governor Dan McKee provides the latest information on the Blizzard of 2026

RIEMA Director Marc Papas provides the latest on the Blizzard of 2026

Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green joins the show to discuss mental health resources that are available.

Richard LeClerc, Director, RI RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals joins the show in the wake of the Pawtucket tragedy.

RIIL hockey official Eric calls into The Dan Yorke Show

State Representative and Providence mayoral candidate David Morales is arguing that his primary opponent, mayor Brett Smiley, has overseen an insufficient snow cleanup in the city following this past weekend's storm. 

WPRO's Kevin McNamara joins the show to discuss Bill Belichick not receiving first ballot induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Patrick Crowley - President, Rhode Island AFL-CIO joins the show to expand on his organization's statement decrying ICE's conduct in Minneapolis.

Former Rhode Island State Police Colonel Steve O'Donnell joins the show to offer additional reaction.

Minnesota ICE Shooting: Former RI State Police Colonel Steve O'Donnell joins the show to offer analysis.

Former Superintendent of the RI State Police Col. Steve O'Donnell joins the show to talk about the latest developments into the search for the person of interest in the shooting at Brown University 

Former State Police Col. Steve O'Donnell joins the show to talk with Dan about the latest details into the Brown University Mass Shooting 

Dr. Amy Nunn, CEO, Rhode Island Public Health Institute, joins the show to offer analysis on the recent CDC changes to vaccine recommendations. 

The Newport Buzz's Christian Winthrop joins the show to discuss the latest on arrests related to assaults on a special needs student by members of the Rogers High School football team.

Director of Rhode Island Office Veteran's Services Kasim Yarn joins Bill Bartholomew. 

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joins the show to discuss the latest developments in the government shutdown. 

Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island - who are a plaintiff in the legal challenge to the Trump administration's SNAP suspension - joins the show to offer perspective on the travel and impact of the case, 

Wendy Joering, Executive Director, The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, joins the show for an in-studio reaction. 

HealthSource RI Director Lindsay Lang offers the latest on potential premium increases and other critical updates, 

Tim McCandless, Scout Executive/CEO, Narragansett Council, joins the show to discuss "Scouting For Food", the largest food drive in the state of Rhode Island.

Wendy Joering, Executive Director, Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, joins the show to offer her latest perspective on the ongoing alleged antisemitic hazing incident at Smithfield High School 

Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island president Adam Greenman offers his latest thoughts on the ongoing saga of alleged antisemitic hazing by five Smithfield High School football players - and the ensuing reinstatement of the players following their initial season-long suspension. 

Vibco founder Karl Wadensten joins the show to discuss his Op-ed in today's Providence Business News, When the SNAP supply chain breaks, Rhode Islanders must become the human government

Caller Jen from Smithfield, who has a senior on the High School football team, calls in to give her perspective on the hazing incident 

Smithfield School Committee Chairman Richard Iannetelli joins the show to talk about the high school football hazing incident 

Town Councilor Tom Winfield joins the show to talk about the Smithfield High School Football hazing incident 

State Senator Dave Tikoian joins the show to give his thoughts on the Smithfield High School Football hazing incident 

Wendy Joering, Executive Director, Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center joins the show to react to the alleged antisemitic hazing incident within the Smithfield High School football program, and ensuing reinstatement of previously suspended student-athletes.

Adam Greenman, President and CEO of The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island joins the show to react to the reinstatement of some Smithfield High School football players who were suspended - and then recently reinstated - following the hazing of a Jewish player. 

No Kings Day Rhode Island organizer Lev Poplow joins the show.