Episodes
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Could election day shake up Rhode Island politics?
Election Day is nearly here, raising critical questions for RI: Can Ken Block pull off an upset, or will Helena Foulkes cruise to a comfortable victory? Will John Loughlin become the first Republican to win statewide office in two decades? "Lively" host Jim Hummel gets expert insights from Bill...
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Did the final TV debate shift the RI governor’s race?
Part policy, part political circus: Did the final Rhode Island gubernatorial debate actually change voter minds? Following some tense clashes and final pitches from the three candidates, "Lively" moderator Jim Hummel breaks down the debate's defining highs and lows. Joining him to analyze the...
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Can John Loughlin secure a GOP victory in deep-blue Rhode Island?
According to a new poll, independent gubernatorial hopeful Ken Block is narrowing the gap against Democrat Helena Foulkes, and the Lieutenant Governor race is a dead heat. "Lively" host Jim Hummel explores whether Republican Lt. Gov. candidate John Loughlin can finally snap the GOP's long losing...
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A Rhode Island town launches a new battle over affordable housing
A battle is shaping up as the Town of Portsmouth sues the state, arguing that recent legislation unconstitutionally overrides local control and hands too much power to developers. Will this spark a wave of similar lawsuits from other towns? On this episode of "Lively," host Jim Hummel dives into...
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It may be time to retire the theory that baby boomers decide an election.
Generation X, millenial and Gen Z voters firmly took the wheel in the Rhode Island primary, resulting in historic upsets. On this episode of Lively, host Jim Hummel examines what happened and what's ahead for the winners with political contributor Bob Walsh and reporter Nancy Lavin of the Rhode...
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In the voting booths, Rhode Islanders send the message that it's time for change
Voters signal it is time for change during a rough night for RI incumbents. Helena Foulkes unseats Dan McKee in the Democratic primary for governor, but it is the Providence mayor’s race making national headlines. Jim Hummel breaks down election results with Bill Bartholomew of the…
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Will Rhode Island’s primary results match the polls, or are surprises coming?
We are in the final stretch: Primary Day is just around the bend for RI voters. Will election results mirror the polls or are we in for surprises? Lively moderator Jim Hummel breaks down the races to watch - and why - with Ocean State Media political reporter Ian Donnis and Ed Fitzpatrick of The...
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On Lively: Primary elections approach, plus a debate over AI-generated campaign materials
New polls shed light on the governor’s race ahead of Primary Day. RI political campaigns use AI-generated video and images. Plus, a new subsidy for Providence’s Superman Building. Host Jim Hummel discusses the latest with Providence Journal Reporter Antonia Noori Farzan and WPRI Politics &…
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How Rhode Island candidates are using social media to reshape campaigns.
What does a candidate need to do to win a race in 2026? Some Rhode Island candidates are increasingly turning to social media to reach voters and build momentum. Yet many campaigns still target voters with a barrage of television ads. This week on Lively, moderator Jim Hummel discusses the…
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On Lively: McKee’s RI Supreme Court pick, plus Flock camera backlash
Gov. Dan McKee chooses Luis Matos for RI Supreme Court, snubbing former House Speaker Joe Shekarchi. RI communities increasingly oppose Flock cameras. Host Jim Hummel discusses the latest with Bill Lynch, former chair of the RI Democratic Party, and Arlene Violet, former RI Attorney General.
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McKee and Foulkes clash in RI governor debate
This week, Governor Dan McKee and Helena Foulkes squared off in a gubernatorial debate. How did the candidates do? And will it be enough to move the needle? Lively host Jim Hummel discusses the latest with Boston Globe columnist Dan McGowan and RI GOP National Committeewoman Sue Cienki.
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Shekarchi gets a step closer to RI Supreme court
Former RI House Speaker Joe Shekarchi got the green light to be considered for state Supreme Court after a committee weighed whether the nomination would violate revolving door rules. Shekarchi denies that he traded dropping out of the governor’s race for a court seat. Lively host Jim Hummel...
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How Secure are Rhode Island Elections?
While President Trump casts new doubt on election integrity, Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore says in the Ocean State, voting has never been safer. Lively moderator Jim Hummel examines election security with attorney & former Gov. Almond’s Chief of Staff Joe Larisa and Weayonnoh...
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Providence Crime & the Mayoral Race
After a fatal stabbing on the popular pedestrian bridge - the second homicide in two weeks - crime is top of mind for Providence residents weighing the leadership of the capital City. The mayoral primary is around the corner, and it's heating up with an attack ad some call surprising. Host Jim...
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Trump Administration Denies Federal Aid After Disastrous Winter
The Blizzard of '26 cost Rhode Island millions in damages, yet the Trump administration has denied federal aid. State officials are crying foul, calling the rejection petty partisanship. The governor is vowing to appeal. On Lively, Jim Hummel looks at next steps with political contributor Pablo...
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Will Pawtucket’s Soccer Bet Pay Off?
Pawtucket moves to the next phase of its waterfront development plan, securing $30 million in funding for Tidewater Landing. The vision for the project that started with the soccer stadium includes housing and retail. When will it happen and will the stadium ultimately be profitable? Lively's Jim...
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Can Rhode Island Afford Another Health Insurance Premium Spike?
Call the doctor: many Rhode Islanders are about to face sticker shock - again. Health insurers are looking for double-digit premium hikes, just one year after a steep increase. Is there any relief in sight? Lively host Jim Hummel discusses the balancing act between insurers and skyrocketing…
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Can Rhode Island cash in on World Cup fever?
As a designated FIFA fan zone, Providence is a major hub for the World Cup tournament. Rhode Island is spending a total of $750,000 to support operations, hoping to lure fans to stay, eat, party, and watch games here.Will the investment pay off? It's all things soccer on Lively this week, as host...
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Is Rhode Island Overspending?
The House Finance Committee adds $300 million to Governor McKee's budget for a $15.2 billion spending plan that includes a compromise on the millionaire tax. But a bigger question looms: will this growth in the budget be sustainable? Lively host Jim Hummel is joined this week by attorney and…
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Can McKee Turn Around a 20 Point Gap With Helena Foulkes?
With three months until early voting begins, a new poll shows Governor McKee has a lot of ground to gain if he hopes to win the Democratic primary. This week on Lively, can voters look beyond the Washington Bridge fallout for Dan McKee - or get past Helena Foulkes' likability factor? Moderator…
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This week on Lively, the governor airs his concerns about the $14.3 billion dollar budget.
This week on A Lively Experiment, the governor stops short of a veto but airs his criticism of the $14.3 billion budget. Plus, pushback over RITBA's decision not to release a full inspection report on the Mt. Hope Bridge. Moderator Jim Hummel has the analysis from Patrick Anderson of the…
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On Lively, the gavel is almost down on the General Assembly session: what's in, what's out?
This week on A Lively Experiment: keeping up with the flurry of decisions at the State House as the gavel lowers on this year's General Assembly session. What's in, what's out - and what does it all mean? Moderator Jim Hummel breaks it down with former RI Attorney General Arlene Violet, political...
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On Lively, winners and losers as the long-awaited state budge emerges from the House.
This week on A Lively Experiment, the state budget finally emerges from the House; we'll tell you about likely winners and losers. Plus, a date and a new price tag for the Washington Bridge. Moderator Jim Hummel hears outrages and kudos from Rhode Island GOP National Committeewoman Sue Cienki,...
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On Lively: The AG steps up with suggestions for the healthcare crisis on our doorstep.
This week on A Lively Experiment: the AG says the healthcare crisis is on Rhode Island's doorstep and has suggestions. Plus, who's in the running for governor on the Democratic side? And it's the homestretch for the General Assembly. Moderator Jim Hummel gets analysis from veteran reporter and...
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On Lively, Senate response to the House's attempt to block proposed Cabinet pay raises.
This week on A Lively Experiment, the Senate says not so fast to a House move to block Cabinet pay raises. Plus, we hear from those hit hardest by Trump cuts to local medical research. Moderator Jim Hummel gets analysis from former State Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, Billy Hunt of the...
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On Lively, the first American chosen a Pope and pro soccer finally comes to Pawtucket.
This week on A Lively Experiment, what we can expect from the first American picked as Pope. Plus, cheers as pro soccer finally arrives in Pawtucket, but what are the odds of financial success? And is Rhode Island ready for the Real Housewives? Moderator Jim Hummel talks with former RI Attorney...
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This week on Lively, new leadership at the RI State Senate. Plus, Gina for President?
This week on a Lively Experiment, with a new leadership team at the state Senate, what we can expect. Plus, Gina for President? Raimondo says she's considering it but there is much work to be done at the party level. Moderator Jim Hummel talks with former candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Aaron...
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On Lively, who will succeed Senate President Ruggerio & a plan to boost housing stock.
This week on A Lively Experiment, the legacy of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and questions left in the wake of his passing. Plus, an ambitious plan to hike Rhode Island's housing stock. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Bill Bartholomew of the Bartholomewtown Podcast, former Cranston Mayor...
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On Lively, breaking down key issues facing RI lawmakers as they get back to work
This week on A Lively Experiment: key issues facing state lawmakers as they return to work next week. Three reporters in the thick of it join moderator Jim Hummel: the Providence Journal's Patrick Anderson, Nancy Lavin of the Rhode Island Current, and the Boston Globe's Ed Fitzpatrick. Plus,...
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On Lively: left without a PCP in a provider shortage, as Anchor Medical prepares to close
This week on A Lively Experiment: thousands of Rhode Islanders face the daunting task of finding a PCP during a doctor shortage as Anchor Medical prepares to shut down. Can patients push back? Joining moderator Jim Hummel are Joe Larisa , attorney & former Gov. Almond’s Chief of Staff plus…
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On Lively, big pushback on proposed raises for the governor's cabinet heads.
This week on A Lively Experiment, the outcry over proposed raises for the governor's department heads. Plus, what's next for the Washington Bridge after the Trump administration's release of $221 million for the rebuild. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former State Representative Mike Marcello,...
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On LIvely, the real cost of pallet shelters and the bigger picture of affordable housing
This week on A Lively Experiment, the frustrating search for transparency about the cost of the Providence pallet shelters. Plus, can a familiar sea of asphalt be transformed into affordable housing? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Providence Journal reporter Antonia Noori Farzan, Providence...
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On Lively Governor McKee is in for the reelection campaign plus the Washington whirlwind.
This week on A Lively Experiment, Governor McKee makes it official: he's in for the re-election campaign despite a mixed report card. Plus, from tariffs to DOGE: keeping up with the latest out of Washington and the impacts in Rhode Island. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by the founder of Watchdog...
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This week on Lively, what can be done about Rhode Island's skyrocketing electric bills?
This week on A Lively Experiment, the ripple effect of federal cuts in Rhode Island. Plus, what can be done to reduce your skyrocketing electric bill? One legislator proposes cuts to clean energy initiatives. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies of The Economic Progress...
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On Lively: cheers & jeers for a federal judge in RI in a legal brawl over funding cuts.
This week on A Lively Experiment, at what point do government cuts spark public opposition? A federal judge in Rhode Island is at the center of the fight. Plus, find out how the Ocean State would be affected by federal education cuts. Host Ian Donnis is joined by former RI GOP National…
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This week on Lively, protests over presidential actions in Rhode Island and nationwide.
This week on a Lively Experiment: breaking down this week's head-spinning directives from President Trump. Plus, a video raises the question: was it planned demolition or collapse at the Washington Bridge? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Boston Globe reporter and RI PBS Weekly contributor…
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This week on Lively, funds for the bridge up in the air as part of a larger federal pause.
This week on A Lively Experiment, confusion reigns during Trump's first week in office. Are funds to fix the Washington Bridge in jeopardy as a result of a larger federal pause? Plus, news on Johnston's affordable housing fight. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by RI GOP National Committeewoman Sue...
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This week on Lively, the end is in sight for completion of the Providence pallet shelters.
This week on A Lively Experiment: at long last, the Providence pallet shelters are slated to open. Can a new bill speed up the temporary housing process? Plus, the local take on President Trump's busy and controversial first week. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Cranston Mayor Allan…
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This week on Lively, examining Governor McKee's State of the State plus budget details.
This week on Lively, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by attorney and former prosecutor Eva-Marie Mancuso, political contributor Pablo Rodriguez and Joe Larisa, an attorney & former governor Almond's Chief of Staff. They break down the governor's State of the State and next year's budget. The big...
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This week on Lively, what will be the key issues facing the General Assembly in 2025?
This week on A Lively Experiment, House and Senate leaders break down the key issues Rhode Island faces in 2025. Moderator JIm Hummel is joined by House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale, Senate Majority Leader Val Lawson, Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz and House Majority Leader Chris...
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This week on Lively: the state response to the cyber hack plus a 2025 legislative preview.
This week on a Lively Experiment, how state officials will mitigate the fallout of the cyberattack that may impact 650,000 Rhode Islanders, as information from the hack makes its way to The Dark Web. Plus: new year, new session, new challenges for the General Assembly. Moderator Jim Hummel is...
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This week on Lively, the highs and lows of 2024 plus our predictions for the year ahead.
This week on a Lively Experiment, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Ian Donnis of The Public's Radio, Boston Globe Reporter and RI PBS Weekly Contributor Steph Machado, and Brown University Political Science professor Wendy Schiller. It's nearly a wrap on 2024! Join us for a look back on the…
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This week on Lively: the response to a breach of RI's public benefits computer system.
This week on a Lively Experiment: scrutiny of state response to the cyberattack worrying thousands of Rhode Islanders. There were warnings ahead of the breach of the public benefits computer system. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Ian Donnis of The Public's Radio, Boston Globe Reporter and RI…
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This week on Lively, tolling trucks gets a green light but a federal court says slow down.
This week on a Lively Experiment, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by political contributor Scott MacKay, URI Political Science professor Emily Lynch and former Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. Up for discussion: should Rhode Island resume tolling trucks? Plus, examining the logic behind the latest...
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This week on Lively: one year after the Washington Bridge closure, what's the outlook?
This week on a Lively Experiment, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by David Salvatore of The Providence Foundation, The Providence Journal's Antonia Noori Farzan, and former state representative Nick Gorham. It's an anniversary nobody's celebrating: 1 year after the Washington Bridge failure…
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This week on Lively, how much will Providence have to cough up to fund its schools?
This week on A Lively Experiment, Providence residents are in for some financial pain as the city tries to find additional money to fund its schools. Plus, how the governor's race is shaping up. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Rhode Island GOP National Committeeman Steve Frias, The…
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This week Lively, who's to blame for the huge Providence schools budget deficit?
This week on A Lively Experiment, Providence schools face a financial crisis with no easy answers. Plus, President-elect Trump moves quickly to fill cabinet positions and raises eyebrows along the way. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by National Committeewoman of the RI GOP Sue Cienki, Harrison...