On today’s show we look at two significant bills signed into law this week by Gov. Dan McKee. First, a ban on the sale and manufacture of assault-style weapons. How effective are bans like this at actually tackling the problem of gun violence? A national expert breaks it down. Also: Rhode Island has joined the growing number of states banning cell phone use in schools. We’ll hear from a Providence teacher who says she hopes it will reverse some of the learning losses that have happened over the past decade. And we remember George Kent, the founding musical director of the Chorus of Westerly, who died recently at the age of 88. That and more on this week’s show.
James Baumgartner
James produces and engineers Political Roundtable, The Weekly Catch and other special programming on The Public’s Radio. He also produces Artscape, the weekly arts & culture segment heard every Thursday. His favorite part of the job is talking with artists, musicians and other creators about their process and what inspires them.
James learned the basics of audio editing while studying music at Missouri State University. He went on to get a Master of Fine Arts in Electronic Art at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he created electronic music, video art and internet-based media art. While at RPI, James went on the air for the first time, hosting an electronic music show on Rensselaer's station, WRPI, but his love of radio came from staying up late so he could hear punk rock on KKFI, the community radio station in Kansas City, Missouri.
Posted inArts And Culture, Local
Chorus of Westerly founder George Kent remembered as ‘Rhode Island’s music man’
George Kent, founder and longtime music director of the Chorus of Westerly, died June 17 at age 88. Kent also served as organist and choirmaster at Christ Church in Westerly for nearly 60 years, and was a former assistant conductor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Artscape producer James Baumgartner spoke about Kent’s legacy with […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch
‘Why Nothing Works,’ honoring the legacy of Rev. Daniel Davis, and more
It’s been a year and a half since the Washington Bridge was partially closed, and it’ll be years more before it’s fully repaired. We talk with the author behind the book “Why Nothing Works,” who says this is just another example of a national problem: government can’t accomplish big things anymore. Also, Daniel Davis escaped slavery in Maryland and found his way to Rhode Island in 1862. He became a beloved reverend at a church in Alton. We’ll hear about Davis’ life, and a ceremony at the church next week to honor his legacy. And on Artscape – a look back on our conversation with Chef Sky Kim, the 2025 James Beard award winner for “best chef Northeast.”
Posted inPolitical Roundtable, Politics
Common Cause of Rhode Island’s John Marion on good government, Trump, and more
The rise of Val Lawson as president of the Rhode Island Senate put questions of conflict of interest front and center at the Statehouse this year. That’s because Lawson also serves as president of one of the state’s largest teachers’ unions. Lawson says she’s capable of policing her own potential conflicts, and the Rhode Island Ethics Commission offered an ok for her dual roles as president. But Lawson’s number two is a longtime former labor official and labor remains an influential special interest at the Statehouse. That’s a place where corporate lobbyists significantly outnumber advocates for nonprofit groups. In related news, efforts to modernize the state’s open records law once again ran into a brick wall on Smith Hill this year. So what did this legislative session show us about the outlook for good government in Rhode Island? How can everyday citizens make their voices heard in the corridors of power? And what can be done about the broader problem of political violence in our polarized world? This week on Political Roundtable, I’m going in depth with John Marion, executive director of the nonpartisan good government group Common Cause of Rhode Island.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
Sky Kim wins ‘Best Chef Northeast’ for her locally-inspired Korean cuisine
Every year, the James Beard Foundation recognizes exceptional restaurants and chefs throughout the country, one of the highest honors in the culinary field. Earlier this week, they announced this year’s winners. Sky Hanuel Kim, the chef at Gift Horse in Providence, won “Best Chef Northeast.” The win came just a year after Kim was a semifinalist for “best emerging chef.” I visited Sky Kim at her restaurant, Gift Horse, shortly after she was named a semifinalist in 2024.
Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch
Organizers behind the local ‘No Kings’ protest this weekend, and why the Providence NAACP is practically shut down
his Saturday, the United States Army celebrates its 250th anniversary. Trump is honoring the day with a military parade – the first such event since the end of the first Gulf War in 1991. Millions across the country are expected to hold “No Kings” protests in response. We’ll talk with organizers of two local protests. Also, the Providence NAACP is practically shut down. The president and all the officers were suspended by the national NAACP. We’ll get an update. And for Artscape we meet local artist Jordan Seaberry. He has a new web comic called “WTF can artists do during a fascist takeover?” Plus, Ian Donnis takes a look back on the week in Rhode Island politics and we have a few recommendations for things to do this week.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
Providence artist Jordan Seaberry asks: ‘WTF Can Artists Do During a Fascist Takeover?’
A local artist poses the question “WTF Can Artists Do During a Fascist Takeover?” – that’s the title of a new web comic by Providence-based artist, educator and organizer Jordan Seaberry. He joined me in the studio to talk about the inspiration of the comic and his advice for artists. Plus: The latest plays on now at Trinity Rep and the Gamm Theatre.
Posted inArts And Culture, Labor, The Weekly Catch, Weather
The latest on the Butler Hospital strike, preparing for hurricane season, and more
Butler Hospital announced plans this week to replace the roughly 800 unionized workers that have been striking for the past few weeks. We’ll hear about how we got here, and why it might not be so easy to fill those roles. Also, it’s hurricane season. Although New England rarely takes a direct hit, emergency officials want residents to remember the basics needed to get through a storm. We’ll share some of those tips. And we give you a preview of the summer festival season – starting with this weekend’s Providence Porchfest. Plus, Ian Donnis takes a look back on the week in Rhode Island politics.
Posted inArts And Culture, Artscape
12 summer festivals to check out in Rhode Island and the South Coast
This week on Artscape, producer James Baumgartner and editor Mareva Lindo highlight a few of their favorite festivals coming up this summer, from Providence Porchfest to New Bedford’s Roots & Branches Festival.
Posted inArts And Culture, Politics, The Weekly Catch, Transportation
What federal budget cuts would mean for RI, an uncertain future for RIPTA, and more
One in three Rhode Islanders depend on Medicaid. That’s why there’s grave concern if the Senate passes Trump’s budget plan, which includes massive cuts to the health insurance program. We’ll talk about what’s at stake with Rhode Island representative Gabe Amo. Also, RIPTA officials are facing a $33 million deficit. Lawmakers in the General Assembly need to pass a budget with the money to fill that gap, or cut bus lines and schedules throughout the state. And we speak with Westerly documentarian Hilary Steinman, who tackles the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act in her new film “Change, Not Charity.” Plus: A look back on the week in Rhode Island politics, and a few tips on what to do this week.
