Radio Beacon

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jake and Dan break down the races facing Warwick, Cranston and Johnston voters in the Sept. 8 primary.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dan and Jacob (0:33) begin with an update on the week’s headlines, including the state’s move toward the next phase of its reopening plan and the political scene in Cranston. Then, Dan speaks with Ed Garcia, director of the Cranston Public Library (18:19), about the library’s new contact-less pickup option and what lies ahead. Dan and Jacob wrap things up (30:19) with a quick chat about their entertainment picks from the past week.

Dan and Jacob (0:33) begin with an update on the week’s headlines, including graduation updates, budget uncertainty and the state’s plans for outdoor dining and summer camps. Then, Jacob speaks with Bob Houghtaling, director of the East Greenwich Drug Program (18:36), about Mental Health Awareness Month, the effects of the pandemic on mental health and what long-lasting impacts Rhode Island may see from the crisis. Dan and Jacob wrap things up (27:35) with a quick chat about their entertainment picks from the past week.

Dan and Jacob (0:33) kick off this week’s episode with an update on the state and local headlines, including the lifting of Rhode Island’s stay-at-home order. Then, Dan speaks with Joe Paolino (16:30), former Providence mayor and managing partner of Paolino Properties, about his long record in public life; the innovative new health screening and safety tools being installed at his company’s flagship building; the economic impact of the pandemic; and his political future. Dan and Jacob wrap things up (49:33) with a quick chat about their entertainment picks from the past week.

Dan and Jacob (0:33) kick off this week’s episode with an overview of the latest COVID-19 developments - including the state’s outline for a reopening plan - and a look at the political scene in Cranston and beyond. Then, Dan speaks with Cranston Mayor Allan Fung and his wife, House District 15 candidate Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung (21:28), about Barbara Ann’s COVID-19 diagnosis, life in quarantine, and how the crisis has affected the community. To finish things up (48:02) Dan and Jacob share their music and TV recommendations from the past week.

Dan and Jacob (0:33) begin this week’s episode with an overview of the week’s COVID-19 developments, including the governor’s decision to close school buildings for the rest of the year. Then, John Howell, our publisher and editor of the Warwick Beacon, speaks with Rhode Island House Majority Leader K. Joseph Shekarchi (17:15) about the effects of the current crisis. To wrap things up (30:00), Dan and Jacob talk about what they’ve been watching this week.

To start this week's episode, Beacon Communications sports editor Alex Sponseller (00:31) joins Dan and Jacob to discuss his battle with COVID-19 and how his symptoms, diagnosis and recovery have played out. Then, Dan and Jacob discuss the latest statewide and local headlines (19:18) before providing quick entertainment recommendations for another week of the stay-at-home order.

Dan and Jacob (0:00) begin this week’s episode with an overview of the week’s COVID-19 developments, including the cancellation of Gaspee Days and the ways local police departments are adapting. Then, Justin Goncarek of Warwick’s OceanSide Graphics (15:35) speaks with Jacob about the new website rismallbusiness.org, a partnership with the office of Lt. Gov. Dan McKee aimed at supporting the state’s small businesses during the crisis. To wrap things up (25:30), Dan and Jacob talk about some of the music they’ve been listening to lately.

At the top of this week's episode (0:00), Dan and Jacob talk about the latest COVID-19 updates on the state and local levels. We're then joined by Steve McAllister (18:06), who represents Ward 7 on the Warwick City Council and serves as executive director of the eastern region for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, about the federal stimulus and other assistance available to businesses during the crisis. Sports editor Alex Sponseller (34:36) calls in to discuss our All City Athletes selections for Warwick and Cranston, and to wrap things up, Dan and Jacob (45:10) talk about what they're watching as social distancing continues.

At the top of this week's episode (0:00), Dan and Jacob talk about the latest COVID-19 updates and share some news on the Cranston political scene. Then, we share an interview our publisher, John Howell, did with his son, Jack (19:30), a Warwick native who is currently living in Hong Kong, to get some international perspective on the current health crisis. Dan and Jacob wrap things up (31:11) with a discussion of what movies and TV they're catching up with during this time of social distancing.

First (0:00), Dan and Jacob give the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, then (18:51) Will Geoghegan, author of "Summer Baseball Nation", joins to talk about his new book. Lastly (34:56), we sign off with a few last words.

Carris Transue, Clinical Supervisor for Thrive Behavioral Health speaks with Dan, Jacob and Tyger about the mental health side of COVID-19. First (0:00), Dan, Jacob and Tyger discuss the latest on Cranston, Johnston and Warwick. Then (12:00) Carris Transue discusses one side of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, Alex Sponseller (22:03) gives updates on how sports in the area have been affected by the virus.

First (0:00), Dan Kittredge (Cranston Herald), Jacob Marrocco (Johnston Sun Rise) and Tyger Allen (Warwick Beacon) give a quick rundown of the bigger stories of the week. Then (9:14), Dan, Jacob, Tyger and John Howell (Warwick Beacon) sit down with John Marion and Galen Auer of Common Cause RI. Lastly (32:03), Alex Sponseller provides updates for the athletic teams in the area.

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