Rhode Island Report

The Boston Globe

A weekly podcast from The Boston Globe on what’s bubbling in Rhode Island news. In-depth interviews with newsmakers, perspective and analysis from Globe Rhode Island reporters, and intimate conversations with community members across the state.

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Our Editor's Take

The Rhode Island Report podcast examines the smallest state's biggest news stories. Host Edward Fitzpatrick interviews expert guests about the Ocean State. Topics on the show range from political to mental health issues.

With his signature Rhode Island attitude-and accent-Fitzpatrick is an ideal host. He is a native Rhode Islander and has decades of experience covering the state. The Boston Globe writer's conversational interviewing style is informal but respectful. The show covers local news stories in each episode. It also explores global news from a local perspective.

The show features interviews with Rhode Island natives. Some are political figures like state House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. Other local guests come from all kinds of backgrounds. They include business owners, teachers, and community leaders. Fitzpatrick also brings on fellow Boston Globe reporters to discuss stories. Together, these interviews show the state's rich history and culture.

Each episode offers a deeper understanding of important local issues. Some guests share feel-good stories of triumph over adversity. Others reveal challenges the community faces. Fitzpatrick's curated stories expose what Rhode Island life is about and the state's rich history and culture.

The host connects with stories on the podcast as a Rhode Islander himself. Fitzpatrick attended Syracuse University for political science and journalism. His reporting skills should come as no surprise to listeners. Before starting this podcast, he was a columnist for The Providence Journal for 16 years. He also taught journalism and directed media at Roger Williams University.

For those living in Rhode Island or who have moved away, this podcast is a great way to stay connected. Listeners of the show enjoy Fitzpatrick's genuine approach to Rhode Island news. The interview format of the show is a refreshing and unique way to keep the community informed. The Rhode Island Report is a podcast made by locals for locals. New episodes come out weekly.

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News

Play Trailer

Introducing Rhode Island Report

Introducing Rhode Island Report

A new weekly podcast from The Boston Globe on the biggest stories in Rhode Island. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episodes

On the field with the Providence Hurling Club

On the field with the Providence Hurling Club

Today, we’re getting out of the studio and onto the field with the Providence Hurling Club. That’s hurling with an H- it’s one of the most popular sports in Ireland, but it’s also gaining steam in the United States. Here in Providence, the team has been around for 10 years. And they're pretty good- they've already won two regional championships.Host Edward Fitzpatrick visited one of their practices to learn more. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone on his new role

Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone on his new role

There’s a new team leading the Rhode Island Senate. Senator Frank Ciccone became the Democratic majority leader late last month, succeeding Senator Valarie Lawson, who is now Senate president. He joins host Edward Fitzpatrick to talk about a proposed ban on assault weapons, smoking in casinos, taxing the rich, and other hot topics. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Slashing science in Rhode Island

Slashing science in Rhode Island

Scientific researchers in Rhode Island are reeling from canceled grants and other potential cuts to federal funding for their work. Globe Rhode Island's Steph Machado just finished a story for Rhode Island PBS Weekly about the effects of these cuts. She joins host Ed Fitzpatrick to talk about what she learned. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

‘This is the key time': Congressman Seth Magaziner on Trump’s budget, tax cuts, and more

‘This is the key time': Congressman Seth Magaziner on Trump’s budget, tax cuts, and more

Last week, President Trump proposed cutting more than 150 billion dollars in federal spending for next fiscal year. The cuts would axe a range of programs related to climate, education, health, and housing.US Representative Seth Magaziner joins host Edward Fitzpatrick to talk about that proposal, potential cuts to Medicaid, and his efforts to support a local nonprofit that feeds starving children. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Behind the story: His wife died of cancer, who gets to decide whether her parents can visit his child?

Behind the story: His wife died of cancer, who gets to decide whether her parents can visit his child?

Last week, Globe RI published an article that got a lot of attention. It centers around the rights of grandparents to visit their grandchildren. Amanda Milkovits wrote the story and she joins host Ed Fitzpatrick to talk about her reporting. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rhode Island Report Live with Senator Reed and Representative Amo

Rhode Island Report Live with Senator Reed and Representative Amo

US Senator Jack Reed and US Representative Gabe Amo joined hosts Edward Fitzpatrick and Jim Hummel live at RI PBS studios this week to address questions about the impact that decisions in Washington are having here in the Ocean State.The event marks the 200th episode of the Rhode Island Report podcast, and celebrates the ongoing partnership between Globe Rhode Island and Rhode Island PBS. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pop harpist Space Cowboy Newt on music as protest

Pop harpist Space Cowboy Newt on music as protest

Local harpist Emma Newton, who performs under the name Space Cowboy Newt, has an opportunity for other Rhode Island musicians: If you have a protest song, they’ll help you record it for free. Newton, a music producer and audio engineer as well as a musician, talks about the project with guest host Christopher Gavin, and performs some of their own music. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Edesia will 'find a way' to keep feeding starving children

Edesia will 'find a way' to keep feeding starving children

A Rhode Island company that provides life-saving nutrition to children around the world is getting caught up in the Trump administration’s dismantling of the US Agency for International Development.Edesia Nutrition has been on a roller coaster of canceled contracts and late payments. Founder and CEO Navyn Salem says every hour the plant is closed means 415 children aren’t getting the food they need. "We must be the problem solvers in this equation," she says. She joins host Ed Fitzpatrick to talk about what comes next. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is it legal? An immigration lawyer answers questions about recent deportations.

Is it legal? An immigration lawyer answers questions about recent deportations.

A Tufts University PhD candidate was arrested by six immigration officers near her apartment. A Columbia University student is facing deportation for his role in pro-Palestinian campus protests. And a Brown Medicine kidney doctor was deported to Lebanon. Is this legal? And what kind of rights do green card and visa holders have here in the United States? Deborah Gonzalez, Director of the Immigration Clinic at Roger Williams University School of Law, joins host Ed Fitzpatrick to explain. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rhode Map Live with House Speaker Joe Shekarchi

Rhode Map Live with House Speaker Joe Shekarchi

We’ve got a special bonus episode for you today. Earlier this month, in front of a live audience, Globe columnist Dan McGowan interviewed House Speaker Joe Shekarchi. From the Washington Bridge funding to an assault weapons ban, education to the governor's race, Shekarchi had a lot to say. This is a lightly edited recording of their conversation. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

R.I. attorney general blasts Governor McKee over funding to fight Trump agenda

R.I. attorney general blasts Governor McKee over funding to fight Trump agenda

Attorney General Peter Neronha railed at Governor McKee at a House Finance hearing last week for not funding new positions for his office as it battles President Trump’s agenda. Neronha says if “you are not standing with us, then you are standing with Trump.” The attorney general joins host Ed Fitzpatrick to explain what he means. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The artists from the secret mall apartment

The artists from the secret mall apartment

It's been nearly 18 years since security officers discovered a one-room apartment within the walls of the Providence Place Mall. It was built by a group of local artists, led by Michael Townsend and Adriana Valdez Young. Now there's a full-length documentary about their "Secret Mall Apartment." Its first theatrical screening is March 21, at - where else - the Providence Place Mall. Michael and Adriana join host Ed Fitzpatrick to tell their version of the story. And we take you inside the apartment. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rhode Island's largest immigration nonprofit is still waiting for federal funds

Rhode Island's largest immigration nonprofit is still waiting for federal funds

Dorcas International, which serves thousands of refugees and immigrants annually, is facing funding cuts and layoffs amid changing policies in Washington. For the latest episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, guest host Steph Machado sat down with Kathy Cloutier, the executive director of Dorcas International, to learn more about what’s happening on the ground under the Trump administration. This podcast is an extended version of their conversation. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legislators of color aim to protect Rhode Islanders

Legislators of color aim to protect Rhode Islanders

As the Trump administration threatens to remove federal funding for a range of initiatives, from scientific research to health insurance, local lawmakers are pushing back. Providence Democrats Senator Tiara Mack and Representative David Morales are the co-chairs of the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian- American, and Pacific Islander Caucus – or RIBLIA. They say the group’s legislative priorities aim to give Rhode Islanders the tools to protect against “the worst effects of the administration.” They talk with host Ed Fitzpatrick about their plans. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

'I’m very troubled': Former Congressman Jim Langevin on federal cuts to cybersecurity

'I’m very troubled': Former Congressman Jim Langevin on federal cuts to cybersecurity

Former US Representative Jim Langevin has a long track record of leading cybersecurity efforts in Congress. The Trump administration's cuts to positions at the federal Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency “make no sense,” he says. He joins host Ed Fitzpatrick to talk about these developments and the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

'We did not come to create problems… We came for protection,’ refugees say

'We did not come to create problems… We came for protection,’ refugees say

Refugees come to the United States to escape dictatorships, oppression, and violence. But the Trump administration’s freeze of the refugee resettlement program and its ramped-up deportation efforts are making many refugees wonder if they’re safe here. Host Ed Fitzpatrick talks to two people who fled to the United States - a man who escaped slavery in Mauritania and a woman avoiding female genital mutilation in Senegal. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Providence’s Refugee Dream Center isn’t going anywhere

Providence’s Refugee Dream Center isn’t going anywhere

Students are afraid to come to English classes. Young immigrants are skipping weekly soccer games. The Trump administration has stopped funding resettlement of refugees, who are here in the United States legally. But Teddi Jallow, executive director of the Refugee Dream Center in Providence, who came to the United States as a refugee herself, is determined to continue her work helping newcomers to America, despite the obstacles. "I also have the belief that we will survive because we do have good people around, and people are reaching out." Our host, Ed Fitzpatrick sat down with Jallow at the Refugee Dream Center to learn more. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Uncovering Green Book locations in New England

Uncovering Green Book locations in New England

You might have heard of the Green Book, a guidebook that was widely circulated from the 1930s through the 1960s to help Black travelers find welcoming places across the country to stay, eat, and fill up their cars. But did you know that many of those locations were in New England? Emily Sweeney, a Boston Globe reporter, has documented and mapped more than 350 spots in this part of the country. Sweeney says, "It wasn't that long ago... One generation ago, things were completely different," She joins host Ed Fitzpatrick to talk about the Globe's Green Book project. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can coding classes help keep R.I. inmates from returning to prison?

Can coding classes help keep R.I. inmates from returning to prison?

Since April, a small group of inmates in Rhode Island's medium security prison have been learning how to code. It's part of a program called The Last Mile. The classes are designed to help inmates find jobs and stay out of prison. Globe RI’s Steph Machado just finished a story for Rhode Island PBS about The Last Mile. She joins host Ed Fitzpatrick to talk more about the program. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rhode Island’s Lainey Dionne on making it in the music industry

Rhode Island’s Lainey Dionne on making it in the music industry

Indie pop singer-songwriter Lainey Dionne has gone from performing for classmates at Smithfield High School to becoming a voting member of the Grammy’s Recording Academy. She talks to our guest host, Boston Globe reporter Chris Gavin, about her journey and life as a working musician in Rhode Island. Dewey Raposo, RI PBS producer of Ocean State Sessions which showcases local musicians, also joins the podcast to discuss the series' fifth season. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.