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Radio Beacon

Radio Beacon

By Radio Beacon

Radio Beacon is a podcast from Beacon Communications run by Dan Kittredge (Cranston Herald), Jacob Marrocco (Johnston Sun Rise), John Howell (Warwick Beacon) and Alex Sponseller (Beacon Communications) to offer a new kind of way to tell stories to our communities and bring in local experts on various topics.
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Currently playing episode

Radio Beacon - Episode 42 - Election preview

Radio BeaconOct 30, 2020

00:00
54:01
Steve Stycos

Steve Stycos

After a quick intro on the Costco legal situation, Dan catches up with Steve Stycos (10:38), former Cranston City Council member and mayoral candidate, to discuss the issues facing the city, the political scene, and more.
Jun 11, 202153:02
Matt Reilly

Matt Reilly

After a quick update on plans for a June 19 boxing event at Cranston Stadium, Dan catches up with Matt Reilly (07:28), the Ward 6 member of the Cranston City Council and chairman of the Cranston Republican City Committee, about the recent budget and diversity debates, his legislative priorities, next year’s election, and more.
May 28, 202101:03:07
Ken Hopkins

Ken Hopkins

After a quick intro, Dan chats with Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins (10:56) about his relationship with the City Council and other local issues.
May 20, 202134:17
Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung

Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung

After a quick recap of the Officer Leonard trial and other headlines from this week, Dan sits down with District 15 Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung (15:40) to discuss her proposed “back to work” legislation, the latest at the General Assembly, and more.
May 07, 202144:50
John Donegan

John Donegan

John Donegan, the Ward 3 member of the Cranston City Council and leader of the Democratic caucus, joins Dan to discuss the city’s budget review, ordinances he’s working on, the panhandling case settlement, the fortunes of the Yankees and Knicks, and more.
Apr 23, 202142:36
J&J pause, RI’s rollout, and more

J&J pause, RI’s rollout, and more

Dan and Jake discuss the latest developments on the vaccination from and round up this week’s other headlines in Warwick, Cranston and Johnston.
Apr 16, 202136:21
Rep. Deb Fellela of Johnston

Rep. Deb Fellela of Johnston

After Dan and Jake discuss the latest on ATVs, the lieutenant governor search, and RI's vaccination campaign, Jake chats with Dist. 43 state Rep. Deb Fellela of Johnston (29:37) about the State House, the pandemic, small businesses, and more.

Mar 19, 202143:49
Lammis Vargas, Cranston City Council

Lammis Vargas, Cranston City Council

After a quick roundup of a busy week at the State House, Dan chats with Lammis Vargas from the Cranston City Council (06:37) about her work in the treasurer’s office, the current council term, her top priorities, and more.
Mar 11, 202153:13
McKee, the vaccine, schools and more

McKee, the vaccine, schools and more

Jake and Dan discuss the arrival of the McKee administration, Rhode Island's rapidly improving vaccine roll-out, the school reopening plan in Cranston, and more.

Mar 05, 202141:41
Cranston's library honored

Cranston's library honored

On Friday, a virtual ceremony was held to honor the Cranston Public Library for winning the 2020 Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize, which recognizes the library system as a "vital community asset" and carries a $250,000. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (09:00) spoke during the ceremony, recalling his visits to the Auburn branch as a young man and outlining a new piece of legislation he's sponsoring, the Build America's Libraries Act. 

Feb 19, 202117:03
Radio Beacon - Census update with John Marion

Radio Beacon - Census update with John Marion

To start off, Jake and Dan (00:40) offer predictions about some local news stories before making their Super Bowl picks. Then, Dan catches up with John Marion (41:50), executive director of Common Cause RI, about the latest developments related to the 2020 Census and what it means for Rhode Island.

Feb 05, 202101:02:25
Radio Beacon - All business

Radio Beacon - All business

Amazon appears to be eyeing new facilities in Warwick and Johnston. Meanwhile, Cranston's City Council and mayor have joined a growing push for the state to ease its COVID-19 business restrictions. Dan and Jake discuss these stories and more - including their NFL conference title game picks - on this week's episode of Radio Beacon.

Jan 22, 202151:32
Radio Beacon - Joe Shekarchi and Mike McCaffrey

Radio Beacon - Joe Shekarchi and Mike McCaffrey

After a quick intro from Dan (00:40), the Beacon editorial staff sits down with House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey (07:35) for a wide-ranging discussion of this week's events in Washington, the state's budget outlook, the legalization of marijuana, the leadership transition at the State House and more.

Jan 08, 202146:12
Radio Beacon - Welcome to 2021

Radio Beacon - Welcome to 2021

Dan and Jake discuss the past week's major developments, including the siege of the U.S. Capitol, Gov. Raimondo's coming departure for the Biden administration, the inaugural activities in Cranston and Warwick, and more.

Jan 08, 202139:09
Radio Beacon - Episode 48 - Mayor Allan Fung

Radio Beacon - Episode 48 - Mayor Allan Fung

After a quick intro and an update on the withdrawal of the contentious Cranston Crossing/Costco proposal (00:40), Dan catches up with outgoing Cranston Mayor Allan Fung (21:30) to talk about his tenure in office, his legacy and what lies ahead.

Dec 18, 202001:06:17
Radio Beacon - Episode 47 - Post-Thanksgiving round-up

Radio Beacon - Episode 47 - Post-Thanksgiving round-up

Jake and Dan discuss the state of the COVID crisis, the governor's declaration that she's out of the running for Joe Biden's HHS secretary, the early stages of the 2022 Johnston mayoral race, the Costco proposal in Cranston, and more

Dec 04, 202051:46
Radio Beacon - Episode 46 - Brandon Potter

Radio Beacon - Episode 46 - Brandon Potter

To start off, Dan and Jake discuss the COVID-19 surge, revised plans for the Costco-anchored Cranston Crossing development and the impending recount in House District  42 (00:40). Then, Dan catches up with House District 16 Rep.-elect Brandon Potter (30:10) about his victory, his vote for Joe Shekarchi as the next House speaker and his top priorities as he prepares to enter the General Assembly.

Nov 13, 202001:00:10
Radio Beacon - Episode 45 - Election reactions

Radio Beacon - Episode 45 - Election reactions

Dan and Jake analyze the local results from this week's election, including GOP wins in Cranston, a change on the way in Warwick, a likely recount in Johnston, leadership shake-ups in the General Assembly and more. 

Nov 06, 202001:08:04
Radio Beacon - Episode 44 - John Donegan

Radio Beacon - Episode 44 - John Donegan

After a quick intro (00:40), Dan sits down with Ward 3 Cranston City Councilman John Donegan (09:40) to discuss this year's campaign, the progressive tide in Rhode Island politics, the financial challenges facing the city and his priorities for the next term.

Oct 30, 202057:38
Radio Beacon - Episode 43 - Ed Brady and Chris Paplauskas

Radio Beacon - Episode 43 - Ed Brady and Chris Paplauskas

After a quick intro (00:40), Dan sits down with Cranston City Council members Ed Brady of Ward 4 and Chris Paplauskas of Ward 5 (08:30) to discuss this year's campaign, the fiscal challenges ahead, the coming council term and their own political futures.

Oct 30, 202001:03:33
Radio Beacon - Episode 42 - Election preview

Radio Beacon - Episode 42 - Election preview

Dan and Jake (00:40) round up the races facing Cranston, Johnston and Warwick voters on Nov. 3, along with the historic pace of turnout and when Rhode Islanders can expect to learn the results.

Oct 30, 202054:01
Radio Beacon - Episode 41 - Steve Frias

Radio Beacon - Episode 41 - Steve Frias

Dan sits down with Steve Frias (05:00) - former House District 15 candidate, RI's Republican National Committeeman, chairman of Cranston's Charter Review Commission and a local historian - about the charter panel's work, the local election contests and the broader political landscape as Nov. 3 approaches.

Oct 23, 202001:05:28
Radio Beacon - Episode 40 - Bob and Maryann Lancia

Radio Beacon - Episode 40 - Bob and Maryann Lancia

Dan and Jake start things off (00:40) with a round-up of the week's news, including the Cranston Police response to protests at the Providence line on Elmwood Avenue. Then, Republican congressional candidate Bob Lancia and his wife, House District 16 GOP hopeful Maryann Lancia (25:45), join Dan to talk about their respective campaigns.

Oct 23, 202001:05:12
Radio Beacon - Episode 39 - Jeannine Nota-Masse

Radio Beacon - Episode 39 - Jeannine Nota-Masse

After a quick post-deadline wrap-up of the headlines and a plug for this week's citywide City Council forum (00:40), Dan speaks with Cranston Public Schools Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse (13:54) about the district's $147 million facilities bond and the school reopening process.

Oct 20, 202001:04:56
Radio Beacon - Episode 38 - Matthew Reilly

Radio Beacon - Episode 38 - Matthew Reilly

After a quick intro (00:40), Dan chats with Republican Ward 6 City Council candidate Matthew Reilly (06:51) about his background, his candidacy and the major issues facing Cranston.

Oct 11, 202001:13:15
Radio Beacon - Episode 37 - Zac Sailer

Radio Beacon - Episode 37 - Zac Sailer

After a quick intro (00:40), Dan chats with Republican Ward 2 City Council candidate Zac Sailer (05:15) about his background, his candidacy and the major issues facing Cranston.

Oct 11, 202037:23
Radio Beacon - Episode 36 - Aniece Germain

Radio Beacon - Episode 36 - Aniece Germain

After a quick intro (00:40), Dan chats with Democratic Ward 2 City Councilwoman Aniece Germain (05:00) about her background, her candidacy and the major issues facing Cranston.

Oct 11, 202001:35:03
Radio Beacon - Episode 35 - Paul Bucci

Radio Beacon - Episode 35 - Paul Bucci

After a quick into (00:40), Dan sits down with Paul Bucci (09:30), the Democratic candidate for the Ward 6 seat on the Cranston City Council, about his background, why he's running, the issues facing Cranston and the local political scene.

Oct 09, 202045:23
Radio Beacon - Episode 34 - Robert Ferri

Radio Beacon - Episode 34 - Robert Ferri

After a quick intro (00:40), Dan chats with Robert Ferri (11:08), a Republican candidate for a citywide seat on the Cranston City Council, about his background, why he's running, the issues facing Cranston and the local political scene.

Oct 09, 202046:00
Radio Beacon - Episode 33 - Nicole Renzulli

Radio Beacon - Episode 33 - Nicole Renzulli

Dan and Jake start things off by catching up on the latest headlines from Warwick, Cranston, Johnston and the rest of Rhode Island (00:40). Then, Dan chats with Nicole Renzulli (32:16), a Republican candidate for a citywide seat on the Cranston City Council, about her background, why she's running, the issues facing Cranston and the local political scene.

Oct 09, 202001:08:40
Radio Beacon - Episode 32 - Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung

Radio Beacon - Episode 32 - Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung

Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge speaks with Republican House District 15 candidate Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung about her challenge to the speaker, her top priorities if elected and the citywide races in Cranston.

Sep 25, 202044:48
Radio Beacon - Episode 31 - Don Roach

Radio Beacon - Episode 31 - Don Roach

Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge chats with Don Roach, one of three Republican candidates for citywide seats on the Cranston City Council, about the issues facing the city and why he's running for office this year.

Sep 25, 202046:17
Radio Beacon - Episode 30 - Primary election wrap-up

Radio Beacon - Episode 30 - Primary election wrap-up

Jake and Dan react to this week's primary election results in Cranston, Warwick and Johnston before looking ahead to what's in store for the November general election.

Sep 11, 202048:28
Radio Beacon - Episode 29 - Primary election preview

Radio Beacon - Episode 29 - Primary election preview

Jake and Dan break down the races facing Warwick, Cranston and Johnston voters in the Sept. 8 primary.
Sep 04, 202001:00:14
Radio Beacon - Episode 28 - Jessica Marino

Radio Beacon - Episode 28 - Jessica Marino

Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge has been spending time of late speaking with candidates for Cranston mayor, City Council and seats in the General Assembly. After a quick intro (00:40), Dan speaks with Jessica Marino, a Democratic candidate for a citywide seat on the City Council, (04:45) about her background, why she’s running and how she’s approaching the campaign.

Aug 21, 202033:11
Radio Beacon - Episode 27 - Larry Warner

Radio Beacon - Episode 27 - Larry Warner

Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge has been spending time of late speaking with candidates for Cranston mayor, City Council and seats in the General Assembly. After a quick intro (00:40), Dan speaks with Larry Warner, a Democratic candidate for a citywide seat on the City Council, (03:54) about his background, why he’s running and how he’s approaching the campaign.

Aug 21, 202044:30
Radio Beacon - Episode 26 - Dylan Zelazo

Radio Beacon - Episode 26 - Dylan Zelazo

Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge has been spending time of late speaking with candidates for Cranston mayor, City Council and seats in the General Assembly. After a quick intro (00:40), Dan speaks with Dylan Zelazo, a Democratic candidate for a citywide seat on the City Council, (03:18) about his background, why he’s running and how he’s approaching the campaign.

Aug 21, 202047:27
Radio Beacon - Episode 25 - Maria Bucci

Radio Beacon - Episode 25 - Maria Bucci

Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge has been spending time of late speaking with candidates for Cranston mayor, City Council and seats in the General Assembly. After a quick plug for mayoral debates the Herald has co-sponsored with the Cranston Public Library (00:40), Dan speaks with Democratic mayoral candidate Maria Bucci (08:23) about her background, her vision for the city and how she’s approaching the campaign.

Aug 21, 202032:06
Radio Beacon - Episode 24 - Brandon Potter

Radio Beacon - Episode 24 - Brandon Potter

Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge has been spending time of late speaking with candidates for Cranston mayor, City Council and seats in the General Assembly. After a quick intro and headline roundup (00:40), Dan speaks with Democratic House District 16 hopeful Brandon Potter (16:11) about his candidacy, his experiences during the pandemic and how he’s approaching the campaign.

Aug 21, 202051:43
Radio Beacon - Episode 23 - Rep. Christopher Millea

Radio Beacon - Episode 23 - Rep. Christopher Millea

To start off this week's episode, Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge and Johnston Sun Rise editor Jake Marrocco (00:40) discuss Cranston’s Costco proposal, local budget woes and the school reopening announcement. Then, state Rep. Christopher Millea of Cranston (18:01) joins Dan to discuss his reelection bid. Jake and Dan wrap things up (43:38) with some quick entertainment recommendations.

Aug 14, 202051:20
Radio Beacon - Episode 22 - Michael Farina

Radio Beacon - Episode 22 - Michael Farina

Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge has been spending time of late speaking with the candidates for Cranston mayor and City Council. After a plug for the Herald’s upcoming mayoral debates being co-sponsored by the Cranston Public Library (00:40), Dan speaks with Republican mayoral candidate and Council President Michael Farina (06:45) about his candidacy, the issues facing the city, and how he’s approaching the campaign.

Aug 14, 202001:30:41
Radio Beacon - Episode 21 - Steve Stycos

Radio Beacon - Episode 21 - Steve Stycos

Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge is flying solo this week, and he’s been spending time of late meeting and speaking with the candidates for Cranston mayor and City Council. After a plug for the Herald’s upcoming mayoral debates being cosponsored by the Cranston Public Library (00:40), Dan speaks with Democratic mayoral candidate and Citywide Councilman Steve Stycos (06:28) about his candidacy, the issues facing the city, and how he’s approaching the campaign.

Aug 07, 202052:02
Radio Beacon - Episode 20 - Ken Hopkins

Radio Beacon - Episode 20 - Ken Hopkins

Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge is flying solo this week, and he’s been spending time of late meeting and speaking with the candidates for Cranston mayor and City Council. After a brief update on Costco, COVID and more (00:40), Dan speaks with GOP mayoral candidate and Citywide Councilman Ken Hopkins (10:41) about his candidacy, the issues facing the city, and how he’s approaching the campaign.

Aug 07, 202001:08:04
Radio Beacon - Episode 19 - House Speaker Nick Mattiello

Radio Beacon - Episode 19 - House Speaker Nick Mattiello

To start off this week's episode, Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge and Johnston Sun Rise editor Jake Marrocco (00:40) talk school reopening plans, politics, COVID-19 and more. Then, House Speaker Nick Mattiello (22:40) joins Dan and Warwick Beacon publisher John Howell for a discussion about his reelection bid, the state’s response to the pandemic, and much more. As always, Jake and Dan wrap things up (76:43) with some quick entertainment recommendations.

Jul 17, 202001:23:42
Radio Beacon - Episode 18 - Adam Carbone, Cranston mayoral candidate

Radio Beacon - Episode 18 - Adam Carbone, Cranston mayoral candidate

To start off this week's episode, Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge and Johnston Sun Rise editor Jake Marrocco (00:40) talk politics, COVID-19 and more. Then, Cranston mayoral hopeful Adam Carbone (16:51) joins Dan to discuss his unorthodox campaign and his plan for a new “Bagel & Cream Cheese Party.” Jake and Dan wrap things up (45:42) wrap things up with some quick entertainment recommendations.

Jul 10, 202052:31
Radio Beacon - Episode 17 - State Rep. Stephen Ucci of Johnston

Radio Beacon - Episode 17 - State Rep. Stephen Ucci of Johnston

To start off this week's episode, Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge and Johnston Sun Rise editor Jake Marrocco (00:40) discuss the field of declared candidates for local offices and the latest COVID-19 headlines. Then, state Rep. Stephen Ucci of Johnston (20:37), joins Jacob to discuss his decision not to seek reelection this year. Jake and Dan wrap things up (31:42) wrap things up with some quick entertainment recommendations.

Jun 26, 202040:35
Radio Beacon - Episode 16 - Rev. Brian Shanley, president of Providence College

Radio Beacon - Episode 16 - Rev. Brian Shanley, president of Providence College

To start off this week's episode, Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge and Johnston Sun Rise editor Jake Marrocco (00:40) talk politics, graduation and Rhode Island’s move toward phase four of reopening. Then, John Howell and Laura Weick from the Warwick Beacon speak with the Rev. Brian Shanley, president of Providence College (15:21), about his tenure, his athletic pursuits and his views on the future as he prepares to retire from his current post after 15 years. Jake and Dan wrap things up (56:17) with some quick thoughts on Zoom meetings and entertainment.

Jun 19, 202001:05:29
Radio Beacon - Episode 15 - Cranston Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse

Radio Beacon - Episode 15 - Cranston Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse

To start off this week's episode, Cranston Herald editor Dan Kittredge and Johnston Sun Rise editor Jake Marrocco (00:33) discuss COVID-19, political news and graduation season. Then, Dan speaks with Cranston Public Schools Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse (12:20) about distancing learning, the state's school reopening plan and the budget uncertainty facing the district. Dan and Jake wrap things up (49:18) with some quick thoughts on sports and entertainment.

Jun 12, 202056:50
Radio Beacon - Episode 14 - Stephen McCartney, former Warwick police chief

Radio Beacon - Episode 14 - Stephen McCartney, former Warwick police chief

To start things off (00:33), Jake and Dan discuss the week’s protests, unrest and curfews, as well as the latest on the COVID-19 crisis and the political scene. Then, retired Warwick Police Chief Col. Stephen McCartney (18:41) joins Dan and Warwick Beacon publisher John Howell to discuss his career in law enforcement and his views of the issues and challenges facing local departments. Finally, Jake and Dan wrap up the episode (1:02:54) with some listening recommendations.

Jun 06, 202001:09:03
Radio Beacon - Episode 13 - Joseph Polisena Jr., Johnston Town Council

Radio Beacon - Episode 13 - Joseph Polisena Jr., Johnston Town Council

Dan and Jacob (0:33) begin with an update on the week’s headlines, including the state’s move to phase two of its reopening plan and how local budgets are shaping up. Then, Jake speaks with Joseph Polisena Jr., vice president of the Johnston Town Council (15:47), about how the crisis continues to play out at the town and state levels, his political future, and being a sports fan during the pandemic. Dan and Jacob wrap things up (27:33) with a quick chat about their entertainment picks from the past week.

May 29, 202036:19