The News with Gene Valicenti

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joins Gene in studio for the first time since his primary loss in the recent Mayoral election. The Mayor also discusses schools, Joe Paolino, Kennedy Plaza, the Superman Building and your calls! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Dan McKee joins Gene Valicenti in studio for the first time since losing the Democratic Primary for Governor. Gene asks him for his post election thoughts and what is next for him in the coming months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan joined Gene today to talk about ICE operations being conducted across the city. Mayor Coogan says he's fine with ICE targeting criminals, but is concerned about migrants who have claimed asylum. The Fall River Mayor also talks about a persistent fire in a historic building downtown and the upcoming nor'easter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gene obtained a letter sent from North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi to the Police and Fire Unions in the town over a dispute including the honor guard for a recent 9/11 ceremony. Mayor Charlie Lombardi, North Providence Fire Battalion Chief and North Providence Sargent Joseph Cole, joined Gene Monday to discuss what happened and the contractual requirements of both unions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell joins Gene Thursday morning to discuss the recent ICE raids occurring across the city. Mayor Mitchell discusses if these raids are targeting criminals or the broad illegal immigrant community. The New Bedford Mayor also discusses with Gene Emily the elephant at Buttonwoods Zoo and what the future is of the feature animal at the park. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When 9/11 hit New York, Cardi's Furniture and Mattress stepped up to help the first responders who were working day and night in the wake of the attack. Pete Cardi joined Gene this morning to talk about the $500,000 worth of supplies shipped in trucks to assist in the clean up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino joined Gene Thursday morning to discuss the win by future Providence Mayor David Morales. Paolino talked with Gene about rent control, the future of busses at Kennedy Plaza, socialism infecting the Democratic party and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence has elected a new Mayor as David Morales defeated the incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley. What does that mean for law enforcement moving forward? Providence Police Union President Mike Imondi joined Gene Thursday morning to talk about the possible mass exodus of police officers in the wake of the election of Democratic Socialist, David Morales. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Bud Craddock takes your questions on all things that have to do with the Rhode Island Registry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kitchen appreciation fee. What is it? Rhode Island Hospitality Director Farouk Rajab talks to Gene about this added surcharge to your bill at certain restaurants in Rhode Island.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr joins Gene this morning to discuss his disappointment with the Zum school bus company's performance within the town. Mayor Polisena met Wednesday with Johnston Superintendent Scott Sutherland to discuss potential solutions. Although Polisena has no direct authority over the school district or its transportation contract, he said he is making his concerns clear to school officials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee joined Gene on Friday for the monthly Ask the Gov segment. Governor McKee shares his thoughts on whether or not Rep. Julie Casimiro should step down after moving to South Carolina, funding for the Superman building, the Democratic Gubernatorial primary and your calls!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Texas based attorney Mark Lanier joined Gene on Wednesday to discuss the landmark decision against social media companies that will platforms like META pay 17 billion dollars to dozens of states. Lanier also talks about his latest role in the opioids case he is prosecuting in Ohio which includes Rhode Island based pharmacist, CVS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley talks flock cameras, first day of school, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secretary of State Greg Amore joined Gene on Wednesday to discuss the latest on mail in voting following the latest Supreme Court ruling. Also, an update on voter rolls and whether there are any illegal voters in the systemSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation voted to approve specific funding awards related to Providence's Superman Building at a Monday meeting. Kenny Castelucci, formerly of Kenneth Castelucci Incorporated, joined Gene to discuss the overall health of the building structure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The countdown is own for the Providence Democratic Mayoral Primary. Gene is joined by State Rep. David Morales in studio to discuss a variety of topics including Mr. Morales' association with Democrat Socialists of America, police funding, taxes, your calls and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Bedford Jon Mitchell joins Gene to talk about the city's decision to pause flock cams, and the investigation into an officer who is alleged to abuse the flock cam decision. Mayor Mitchell also talks to Gene about why the city won't turn over voter rolls to the DOJ ahead of the upcoming election. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cranston's Mayor Ken Hopkins is pushing back against state plans to build a bike lane within the city off Oaklawn Avenue leading to Garden City. Mayor Hopkins joined Gene Thursday to talk about his opposition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhode Island Registrar Bud Craddock joins Gene to answer your questions concerning everything to do with the DMV. Director Craddock also gives Gene an update on audit reviewing the Rhode Island voter roll to identify possible illegal migrants registered vote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee joins Gene in studio to take your questions and go over pressing topics of the month. The Governor and Gene talk about the recent story involving silent investors and Rhode Island FC, driver privilege cards, undocumented migrants and voter rolls, utility rates and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, a federal judge ruled that the Town of Johnston's attempt to seize more than 30 acres of land through eminent domain was unlawful. The ruling marks a significant legal setback in Johnston's effort to stop a proposed housing development. Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr joins Gene to discuss the ruling and how the decision came to be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joins Gene Valicenti for "Ask the Mayor". The Mayor talks to Gene about safety in the city, the latest with his campaign for re-election, and tackling the ongoing homelessness issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gene is joined by The Day Reporter Joe Wojtas from New London to talk about the transfer of Nunavik the whale to Mystic aquarium in Connecticut. Wojtas was on scene as Nunavik was moved to his tank and explains what he saw the night of the transfer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gene is joined by Rhode Island GOP Senate Minority Whip Gordon Rogers who says Secretary of State Greg Amore is not doing enough to go over the discrepancies in the voter rolls. Senator Rogers explains what he wants to see the state do to ensure the voter rolls are not filled with some illegally registered voters See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that a computer glitch at the department of motor vehicles accidentally registered over 6,000 voters who were not legal citizens. This happened before Governor Sherrill took office. The computer system, IDEMIA, is not only used in New Jersey but also here in Rhode Island. Registry Director Bud Craddock joined Gene on Wednesday to assure listeners the mistakes happening in New Jersey are not happening here in Rhode Island. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joined Gene Monday to talk about the recent comments his Democratic opponent, David Morales, in the Mayoral primary made greeting his supporters as "comrades." Gene also talks about the recent spate of violence that has plagued the city this summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic candidate for Governor Helena Foulkes joins Gene to discuss the latest issues in the 2026 Rhode Island Gubernatorial race. The opioids crisis while she was at CVS, guns, housing, affordability, Trump and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Beluga whales are being moved from Marineland in Canada to different aquariums across the United States. Dr. Naomi Rose of the Animal Welfare Institute joins Gene to talk about the complications the whales face while being moved. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Jon Mitchell joined Gene on Tuesday to discuss the stabbings that occurred over the weekend at the Whaling Festival. Gene also talks to Mayor Mitchell about the recent announcement from the federal government that election monitors will be in New Bedford during this voting season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joined Gene on Tuesday to discuss several topics including the passing of Lindsey Graham, the Ukraine and Iran wars and other burning topics coming out of Washington DC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WABC owner and radio personality John Catsimatidis joined Gene this morning to talk about the ethnic enclaves left off Mayor Zorhan Mamdani's new list. Catsimatidis talks about this and the state of New York with Gene. The WABC owner also talks about the rise of socialism in New York and around the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been HOT this summer. People are looking for ways to cool off and a new app, swimply, will allow users to rent homeowners pools. Cranston City Councilman is looking to put a stop to the app in the city and joined Gene this morning to discuss his concerns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday, Quidnessett Country club in North Kingstown was the subject a lengthy Wall Street Journal article. The sea wall at the country club is facing legal challenges. North Kingstown Town Manager Ralph Mollis joins Gene to discuss the controversy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday morning, Providence police executed the arrest of a suspect linked to Monday's pop up party shooting that injured several on Acorn Street. Providence police chief Oscar Perez provides the update to Gene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York Italians put Mamdani on notice after little Italy snubbed by new map that outlines different ethnic sections of the city. Andre DiMino joins Gene to discuss how the new Mayor has continued to snub the Italians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Alan Dershowitz joined Gene on Tuesday to discuss the pending Supreme Court ruling on the 14th amendment concerning birthright citizenship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senate Minority Leader in Rhode Island Jessica De La Cruz was in Washington DC for a conference and popped by President Trump's Great American Fair. Senator De La Cruz posted a video with dismay about Rhode Island's lack of presence at the Fair. Gene is joined by the State Senator this morning to discuss what De La Cruz believes Rhode Island should've done to have a presence at the Great American State Fair. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of delays and persistent issues, the Budlong Pool is finally ready to open! Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins joins Gene to discuss the pools opening. Gene also talks with Mayor Hopkins about the 2026 Democratic Gubernatorial Primary. Finally, Mayor Hopkins shares his thoughts on Alan Fung running for State Rep. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Dan McKee joins Gene this morning to take your calls and talk about news of the day topics. Governor McKee talks, housing, charter schools, the 2026 Democratic Gubernatorial race and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday, the Supreme Cout ruled Monsanto cannot be held liable under state law for failing to warn consumers about the alleged cancer risks of its weedkiller RoundUp on its label. The 7-2 decision found that a federal law regulating the sale and labeling of pesticide products bars lawsuits in state courts alleging that Monsanto failed to include a cancer warning on RoundUp's label. Attorney Mark Brice joins Gene to discuss the meaning of the decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley back in studio with Gene for another edition of "Ask the Mayor." Mayor Smiley talks housing with Gene, the school takeover coming back to Providence, the PVD Fan Zone, your calls and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza joined Gene this morning to discuss a $1700 tax credit for education in Rhode Island. Elorza explained the program and exclaimed that Governor Dan McKee needs to join this federal program and why the local teacher's unions are against it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the real reason Rhode Island is not participating in America250 events? Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore joins Gene to discuss the real story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New York Knicks embark on the franchises first ever ticker tape parade down the canyon of heros in Manhattan today. Jack Coleman, a friend of Tom's, calls in from NYC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's in a pizza chip? Recently, a pizza chip was featured on Real Housewives of Rhode Island. The only problem? Don DePetrilo, creator of the original pizza chip, says the food shown on Real Housewives of Rhode Island wasn't an actual pizza chip. Depetrillo is the owner of the Original Italian Bakery and joined Gene this morning to discuss what a real pizza chip tastes and looks like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

35 year old Robert Maggiacomo is facing felony charges in connection with the Federal Hill motorcycle crash earlier this month. Maggiacomo faces two felony charges. According to Providence Police, "“This investigation revealed actions that allegedly placed a motorcyclist and numerous members of the public at serious risk of harm.." Should Maggiacomo be charged and is the Cumberland 35 year old vulnerable to outside lawsuits? Gene talks about this with former Rhode Island Attorney General Jeff Pine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee joins Gene in studio to talk about Providence Schools being returned to local control, state payroll issues, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday, prediction market Kalshi sued Rhode Island to prevent the state from stopping the apps operation in the Ocean State. Prediction markets are like betting but regulated differently. Following the lawsuit, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha sued both Kalshi and Polymarket for operating in the state illegally. The AG joins Gene to discuss prediction markets along with his thoughts on the proposed Office of the Inspector General See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.