A Lively Experiment - Presented by Rhode Island PBS

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 contributor Joe Paolino and attorney and former Governor Almond's Chief of Staff, Joe Larisa.

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, former state representative Nick Gorham and Step Machado of the Boston Globe and RI PBS Weekly. 

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 political contributor Scott MacKay, GOP strategist Lisa Pelosi and political contributor Don Roach.

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 Libertarian Party of Rhode Island and Boston Globe Reporter/RI PBS Weekly Contributor Steph Machado.

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 General Arlene Violet, Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe, and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT's Paige Parks.

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 Guckian, URI Political Science Professor Emily Lynch and Democratic strategist, Rob Horowitz.

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 Allan Fung & Mary Barden, the Executive Director of the National Education Association Rhode Island.

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, another federal judge from RI takes on the Trump administration, demanding the release of frozen funds.

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 attorney & former prosecutor Eva Mancuso & Bill Lynch, former Chairman of the Rhode Island Democratic party.

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, RI GOP Chairman Joe Powers, and Brown University Political Science Professor Wendy Schiller.

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 College Political Science Professor Adam Myers, and Republican Strategist Jesus Solorio.

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 RI Ken Block, Republican Strategist Lisa Pelosi and Harrison Tuttle of Black Lives Matter RI PAC.

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 Institute, former State Representative Nick Gorham and WPRI-TV Digital Content Producer, Raymond Baccari.

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 Committeeman Steve Frias, reporter Nancy Lavin of Rhode Island Current and political contributor Robert Walsh.

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, Steph Machado plus political contributor Don Roach and Billy Hunt of the Libertarian Party of RI.

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 Cienki, Bill Bartholomew of the Bartholomewtown Podcast, and Democratic strategist Rob Horowitz.