A look at what 2023 had in store for Rhode Island, and predictions for 2024.

Bartholomewtown Podcast Host Bill Bartholomew, The Rhode Island Current’s Nancy Lavin, and Political Contributor Raymond Baccari join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss the lack of affordable housing across the state, the future of RIPTA, the fate of the Washington Bridge, plus voter enthusiasm among Millennials and Gen Z.  

The Providence Journal’s Antonia Noori Farzan, Author Ken Block, and BLM RI’s Harrison Tuttle join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Tidewater Landing to cost taxpayers more than $100M, the RI tourism board released a new slogan and series of promotional videos, RI DOT announces a plan to squeeze six lanes onto the open side of the bridge, plus RIPTA proposes numerous route cuts. 

The Boston Globe’s Amanda Milkovits, Retired Professor Pablo Rodriguez, and the Economic Progress Institute Executive Director Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss how Gov. McKee and the DOT has handled the bridge debacle, shocking maternal mortality statistics in RI, a scathing report on St. Mary’s Home for Children, and legislative priorities for this session. 

The Public’s Radio Ian Donnis, National Committeewoman for the RI GOP Sue Cienki, and Legal Analyst Lou Pulner join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss the Federal Highway Administration visits the Washington Bridge, retirees in RI feeling squeezed by pension cuts, magistrates could hear more cases, and a report card released about the public’s ability to make comments in meetings. 

The Boston Globe’s Steph Machado, Providence College’s Adam Myers, and Political Contributor Don Roach join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss internal emails released about the Washington Bridge closure, Fenton-Fung enters the race for Cranston mayor, an interview with Providence Police Chief Perez, and the future of public transportation in Rhode Island. 

RI Republican National Committeeman Steve Frias, Former RI State Rep. (D) Mike Marcello, and Republican Strategist Lisa Pelosi join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss the fate of the Washington Bridge, McKee ethics investigation dismissed, what’s in (and out) of the budget this year, and will police reform finally pass this year?

URI Political Science Professor Emily Lynch, Libertarian Party of RI Chairman Billy Hunt, and Political Contributor Jim Vincent join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Gov. McKee’s State of the State Address, affordable housing, the Minority Leader’s response and plan for an Inspector General, police reform, and same day voter registration.

Leaders in both the RI House and Senate join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss their goals for the 2024 legislative session, including the state budget, affordable housing, tax cuts, and under-the-radar bills.

The Rhode Island Current’s Nancy Lavin, The Providence Journal’s Patrick Anderson, and The Boston Globe’s Ed Fitzpatrick join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss what to expect from the upcoming legislative session, the state’s plan to build more housing, visiting the Independent Man, public records in RI, and the Washington Bridge debacle.

Our special end-of-year program: Brown University Professor Wendy Schiller, The Public’s Radio Ian Donnis, and Former URI Professor Maureen Moakley join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss the top local and national stories of 2023, the biggest winners and losers of 2023, moments that could only happen in Rhode Island, and the panel makes their predictions for what 2024 has in store for Rhode Island and the U.S.