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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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Episodes

  1. 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.

  2. 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,...

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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...

  11. 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.

  12. 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...

  13. 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...

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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

  17. 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...

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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...

  23. 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…

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  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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…

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  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  35. 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)…

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  36. 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...

  37. 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...

  38. 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...

  39. 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...

  40. 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...

  41. 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...

  42. 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...

  43. 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…

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  44. 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...

  45. 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...

  46. 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...

  47. 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,...

  48. 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...

  49. 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…

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  50. 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...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Radio Beacon have?

Radio Beacon currently has 63 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Radio Beacon about?

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...

How often does Radio Beacon release new episodes?

Radio Beacon has 63 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Radio Beacon?

You can listen to Radio Beacon on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Radio Beacon?

Radio Beacon is created and hosted by Radio Beacon.
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