Political Reporter Ian Donnis moderates a spirited discussion on local politics.
Listen every Friday during Morning Edition and All Things Considered. You can also subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or plug our RSS feed into your podcatcher of choice.
R.I. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi on the state budget, economy, and his next move
Though the 2025 General Assembly session is over in Rhode Island, all eyes remain on House Speaker Joe Shekarchi.
Common Cause of Rhode Island’s John Marion on good government, Trump, and more
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?
Ashley Kalus on her plans for 2026, President Trump and what’s holding back the GOP in Rhode Island
Is Kalus gearing up for another run for governor? What does she make of the Trump administration? And what is Kalus’ prescription for increasing GOP representation in Rhode Island?
State Rep. Jason Knight on the uncertain outlook for banning ‘assault weapons’ in Rhode Island
For people who want to ban new sales of so-called assault weapons in Rhode Island, this is the best of times and the most uncertain of times.
For years, supporters called on lawmakers to take a vote. This week, the House of Representatives put its support behind the bill.
R.I. Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos on responding to Trump, food deserts and Providence taxes
Matos is already staking out the ground to defend her job as lieutenant governor and perhaps one day climb higher in local politics. She’s speaking out about immigrant rights and small businesses, and drawing attention to the problem posed by so-called food deserts.
Providence Foundation Executive Director David Salvatore on city finances, downtown’s future, and more
“We have always embraced making sure that our downtown is safe, open space is available to all, but also embracing the arts because we know that the arts in our historic character is an economic asset to the city of Providence, not only in downtown but in our residential neighborhoods, as well.”
State Sen. Meghan Kallman on Pawtucket soccer, responding to Trump and top legislative issues
Pawtucket got a recent lift when the city’s newish soccer team, Rhode Island FC, played to a sold-out crowd during the home opener at the new stadium there. There are plans for new housing to be built near the Centerville Bank Stadium and boosters of the stadium hope it will catalyze more growth. But Pawtucket has also wrestled with challenges in recent years, including the loss of the PawSox and the closing of Memorial Hospital.
Steven Brown of the RI ACLU on civil liberties in the age of Donald Trump
Standing up for civil liberties tends to be a busy job. That’s even more true with President Trump pushing the bounds of executive power on a variety of fronts. Trump has raised the focus on deportations, cut funding for elite universities and targeted his opponents.
RI Young Republicans’ Ken Naylor + Young Democrats of RI’s Autumn Guillotte on organizing, young voters’ concerns + our aging political leaders
What role can youth groups play in influencing the direction of politics in the state? And what do activists have to say about the dissatisfaction of young people with both major parties?
RI Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard on what’s next with the new state housing plan
The median price of a home in Rhode Island is now the once unimaginable sum of almost $500,000. State leaders have tried for a few years to address the housing crisis, and tens of millions of dollars have been directed against the problem. But progress has been slow.
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