The Dan Yorke Show

The Latest Flashpoint: The federal Department of Justice has officially filed a motion to expedite their appeal in U.S. v. Amore (following their formal appeal to the First Circuit on June 3rd). This escalates a high-stakes legal battle over who controls Rhode Island's voter data. The Origin: This stems from a September 2025 DOJ demand letter seeking Rhode Island's complete, unredacted statewide v...

In this segment, we break down the latest friction points in the upcoming Rhode Island Democratic primary. Governor Dan McKee addresses the recent political waves caused by Cumberland Mayor Jeff Mutter and the Cumberland Democratic Town Committee's decision to back primary challenger Helena Folks. We unpack McKee’s response, his defense of his record as Cumberland’s former 12-year mayo...

Cumberland Mayor Jeff Mutter joins the show to break down his high-stakes decision to endorse Helena Buonanno Foulkes for Governor. In a candid conversation, Mutter explains why he bypassed current Governor—and former Cumberland Mayor—Dan McKee, pulling back the curtain on the shifting political dynamics in Rhode Island and what this means for the future of the state. See omnystudio.co...

Todd Ziebarth, Chief of State Policy and Advocacy for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, joins The Dan Yorke Show . Ziebarth responds to calls demanding that Governor Dan McKee's 2009 charter school champion award be rescinded, and provides national context on the ongoing political and policy debates surrounding Rhode Island's public charter systems. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Randy Bottella, President of the Auto Body Association of Rhode Island (ABARI), joins The Dan Yorke Show to discuss the major auto insurance legislation currently sitting on Governor Dan McKee’s desk. Bottella explains the consumer and industry impacts of the bill—including changes to the state's vehicle total loss threshold—and shares why his organization is pushing for the Gove...

Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien joins The Dan Yorke Show to detail his endorsement of Governor Dan McKee. Mayor Grebien discusses the strategic relationship between the state and the city of Pawtucket, highlighting how the McKee administration's support drives local economic development, transit initiatives, and Blackstone Valley growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi joins The Dan Yorke Show to discuss his official endorsement of Governor Dan McKee. Mayor Lombardi breaks down the local impact of the McKee administration’s policies on North Providence infrastructure, small businesses, and municipal funding, and shares his perspective on the state's political landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

The high-stakes legal battle over Rhode Island’s open Supreme Court seat has reached a fever pitch. Following a grueling three-hour hearing, the Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted 6–1 to reject former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s motion to dismiss the ethics complaint against him. The complaint, filed by Roger Williams University Law Professor and former Dean Michael Yel...

As Rhode Island drivers already face some of the highest car insurance and repair costs in the nation, a contentious piece of legislation sits on Governor Dan McKee’s desk. In this episode, we sit down with insurance industry expert Christopher S. Stark to break down House Bill 7866 and Senate Bill 3115 . This legislation proposes raising the state’s vehicle total-loss threshold from 8...

Lauren Matlach Deputy Director, RI League of Charter Public Schools joins the show to react to Governor Dan McKee's decision to sign a charter school pause. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Woonsocket mayor Chris Beauchamp joins the show to discuss why he is endorsing Governor Dan McKee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence City Councilor Juan Pichardo discusses joining the municipal coalition supporting Governor McKee, emphasizing the focus on defending health care, food assistance, and critical social services for Rhode Island’s capital city. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Bob DaSilva breaks down his decision to back Governor Dan McKee, highlighting how critical it is to have a former mayor in the state’s highest office who understands local municipal needs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Rhode Island State Police Colonel and WPRO contributor Steve O'Donnell joins  The Dan Yorke Show to offer analysis and advise about the "beach takeover" trend that has led to late-spring disturbances on Rhode Island beaches.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal Hill Commerce Association president Rick Simone responds to comments made about him by Opa owner Francois Karam earlier on today on  The Dan Yorke Show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Incident: On Saturday night, a reckless motorcyclist bypassed barriers into a pedestrian festival zone. A bystander attempted to stop the driver by throwing a trash can, causing the bike to crash violently into a pop-up dining tent, sending chairs flying and patrons scrambling. The Fallout: The driver suffered minor injuries and faces multiple police summonses. While disaster was narrowly avoi...

The state Ethics Commission has voted to formally investigate whether former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi's bid for the Rhode Island Supreme Court violates the state's "revolving door" law. The complaint, filed by Roger Williams University Law Professor and former Dean Michael Yelnosky, sets up a high-stakes legal showdown over legislative power and judicial independence. Key Talking Points &...

State Representative Jason Knight (D-Barrington/Warren) joins Dan Yorke to discuss his campaign for Rhode Island Attorney General. A former prosecutor, Navy veteran, and current defense attorney, Knight breaks down his platform, his legislative record on criminal justice reform and gun safety, and why he wants to be the state's next top cop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence School Board President Ty'relle Stephens joins Dan Yorke to discuss the highly anticipated return of Providence Public Schools to local control. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. The Thompson Middle School Crisis & District Oversight The Platform of Transparency: Cullen was elected to the School Committee on a platform of bringing fresh energy, rigorous questioning, and balancing what she termed an "imbalance in decision-making" between the administration and the committee. The 5th-Grade Pivot: How does she view the committee’s recent reversal keeping the 5th...

Guest: Lynne Tungett, Publisher & Editor, Newport This Week 1. The Status of Thompson Middle School (TMS) The Background: Broad community and administrative discussions have surrounded the structural and academic future of Thompson Middle School. The 5th-Grade Pivot: The Newport School Committee recently reversed a controversial January decision to move 5th graders back to Pell Elementary Scho...

Cranston Police Chief Winquist on Department Intercepting Potential Would-be Violent Actor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Philip Chan joins the show to discuss the recent, major shifting of gears regarding Kratom in Rhode Island. Following years of a strict ban, the state has officially transitioned from prohibition to strict regulation under the Rhode Island Kratom Act . Dr. Chan breaks down what this means for public health, safety, and local business enforcement. Key Takeaways & Discussion Points The Shift...

The Core Crisis & The 4% Tax Cap The Deficit: Cranston is facing a structural deficit of approximately $10 million . The City General Fund reserve recently fell from 8.2% to 5.3% , drawing sharp warnings from Rhode Island Auditor General David Bergantino. The First Rejection: On April 29, 2026, the City Council unanimously rejected Mayor Ken Hopkins’ original $352 million budget plan, wh...

hristian Winthrop of Newport Buzz joins us to break down the RITBA construction mess, the infamous "speedbumps" on the Pell Bridge, and why local commuters have finally reached a breaking point. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.