The News with Gene Valicenti

Wednesday, the Rhode Island Department of Education announced control of the Providence schools will return to city control beginning on July 1, 2026. This announcement comes after the education commissioner joined Gene on Tuesday of this week saying that the city was not ready to regain controls of the school. Despite the uncertainty of what comes next, Commissioner Infante Green defended her decision with Gene on Thursday explaining why this transition is happening now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday, the Rhode Island Department of Education announced control of the Providence schools will return to city control beginning on July 1, 2026. This announcement comes after the education commissioner joined Gene on Tuesday of this week saying that the city was not ready to regain controls of the school. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joined Gene to discuss the transition and how the deal was made to transfer control back to the city. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After joining the show earlier this, Rhode Island Hospitality Association President Farouk Rajab rejoined Gene to discuss the drink lid bill at bars and restaurants. Rajab said the bill passed earlier this week and explained the complexities of implementing this at state wide establishments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With changes to health care on both the state and federal level, hospital leaders are voicing their concerns over funding. John Fernandez, President and CEO of Brown University Health, joins Gene to discuss the challenges the hospital system faces in these uncertain times. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Rhode Island Hospitality Association is pushing back against several proposed bills at the state house. Gene goes through the proposed legislations with Farouk Rajab Rhode Island Hospitality Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary Garabedian joins the show to talk about a pickle ball tournament e is holding in honor of his father, Aaron Garabedian. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Constituent service! Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joins Gene to go over topical issues surrounding the city. One of the top topics discussed is rent control. Friday, the council failed to override Mayor Brett Smiley's veto on rent stabilization ordinance, keeping the proposal from becoming law. The council needed 10 votes to override the Mayor's veto. Nine councilors only voted yes. Mayor Smiley discusses these topics and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent pharmacies in Rhode Island are making a call for pharmacy benefit manager reform, pointing to "predatory practices" such as price gouging and limiting access to medications. Local pharmacy owner have now launched a campaign seeking immediate relief from the Rhode Island General Assembly to protect independent pharmacies and customers from what they describe as harmful conduct by PBMs. Nicholas Shanos of Suburban Pharmacy joins Gene to discuss these issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday, new Rhode Island House Speaker Chris Blazejewski announced the creation of an Inspector General's office. Speaker Blazejewski said the independent inspector general would be able to initiate investigations into state and quasi-state agencies, as well as municipal governments that use state funds. Republican House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale joined Gene Friday to react to the announcement of the office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millionaires tax, illegal immigration, rent control, just some of the variety issues that both New York state and Rhode Island share. Gene talks about these topics with WABC radio station owner John Catsamatidis about the derelict effects these issues have on local municipalities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins joined Gene on Tuesday to discuss the city's next step to address budget and tax issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RIDMV Director Bud Craddock joins the show for Ask the Registry See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez joins the show to talk about an overnight police chase in the city, a separate incident involving a shooting on Swift Street, and what can be done about safety at the Providence Place MallSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Providence Place Mall has a new ownership group. Thursday, a judge approved the sale of the mall out of receivership to Pyramid Management Group, located in Syracuse, NY, and former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino's real estate group, Paolino Properties. Paolino joined Gene on Thursday to discuss his vision for the mall. Gene also catches up with the former Providence Mayor about other city and state issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joins Gene win studio to talk about the latest on the Providence place Mall receivership, rent control in the city, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the future of the Providence Place Mall? A judge is set to decide on a new owner of the Providence Place mall on Wednesday. The mall was put into receivership in November of 2024. The company that previously managed the mall owed over $250 million to private lenders. Will a new owner bring back shoppers? Or do people feel to unsafe to visit the mall? Gene discusses with Providence Foundation leader David Salvatore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse was at the White House Correspondents Dinner when shots at the event rang out. Senator Whitehouse recounts the chaos from Saturday with Gene. Gene also asks the Senator about his thoughts on using tax payer dollars to expedite the construction of the ballroom. As for the tone of the country at this point? Senator Whitehouse addresses the temperature of the country and the rhetoric surrounding hate speech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed joined Gene on Tuesday to discuss a variety of issues and topics around Washington DC. Firstly, King Charles will speak to Congress today and Senator Reed will be in attendance. Reed adds that he believes the King will talk about the cooperation through the years between the United Kingdom and United States. The Senator also talks about the latest on the UK's involvement, or lack thereof, in the Iran war. Finally, Senator Reed talks about the state of civility in Washington, and across the country, following the third assassination attempt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saturday night, a gunman attempted to commit a violent shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner before being taken down by law enforcement officials. Former Rhode Island State Police Lieutenant Kevin Hopkins previously worked on Presidential details when former leaders visited Rhode Island. Lieutenant Hopkins talks to Gene about security protocols when a Presidential visit occurs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee joins Gene in studio to talk about the latest on truck tolls, recent polls on the Governors race, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, businesses who had paid more for imported goods under the Trump Administration's tariffs can apply to get refunded. The US Supreme Court struck down most of the tariffs imposed last year - and it will take about 60 to 90 days for the refunds to get processed, after applications are approved. Ocean State Job Lot CEO Marc Pearlman tells Gene he applied for the tariff refund. Pearlman also goes on to explain how the tariffs have affected consumers who shop at his store. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday night, both Presidents of CCRI and RIC voted to arm campus police officers. During the public hearing, some students pushed back against the proposal. Council Chair on PostSecondary Education, David Caprio, joins Gene to discuss this recent move. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 10 plus years of laughs, screaming and brawls, Political Science Professor at Brown University Wendy Schiller gave her swan song today. Schiller was announced in March as the new Deputy Provost at Brown University. Gene discusses the new position with Wendy and how the former chair of the political science department will be transitioning to her new role. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State Senator Lou Raptakis joined Gene Thursday to discuss his push to enhance penalties for drunk driving offenses. Among the bills being pushed would be harsher penalties for drunk driving resulting in death. Senator Raptakis also lays out his plan to crack down on panhandling across the state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rhode Island Registrar Bud Craddock joins Gene for the monthly Ask the Registry segment. Director answers all your questions concerning registration, titles, transfers and more. The next Ask the Registry will be May 4th, 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday, Ken Block announced he will be running as an Independent in the 2026 Rhode Island Gubernatorial race. Block previously ran as Republican candidate in a past Gubernatorial election and lost. Allyn Myers is the new Chairman of the GOP in Rhode Island and reacts to the recent news with Gene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Dan McKee joins Gene to discuss the launch of Real Housewives of Rhode Island and the perception it leaves of the Ocean State. The sitting Governor also talks to Gene about Ken Block's insertion into the Gubernatorial race and other top issues ahead of election season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GOP Gubernatorial candidate in Rhode Island Aaron Guckian joins Gene to discuss the recent addition of Independent candidate Ken Block to the 2026 Governors Race. Guckian also discusses challengers in the Republican primary. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political Science Professor Wendy Schiller, Brown University, joins Gene to discuss local and national politics. Professor Schiller talks to Gene about Congressman Seth Magaziner ending up on TMZ for hosting a Real Housewives of Rhode Island watch party during the on going Government Shutdown. Wendy and Gene also talk about the recent Providence controversy surrounding the mural of Iryna Zarutska being taken down outside of the Dark Lady following criticism from Brett Smiley and other leaders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Dan McKee joins Gene Valicenti in studio to talk about the millionaires tax and other timely issues. Governor McKee also takes your calls on this Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, CBS corporate leaders announced the ending of the company's radio division, CBS Radio Network. Michael Harrison of Talkers Magaziner discusses the implications behind this decision and what it means for the radio industry as a whole. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley takes your calls and questions during the monthly Ask The Mayor segment. Mayor Smiley also responds to recent criticism about his handling of snow and other city issues from his Democratic Mayoral opponent, State Rep. David Morales. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residents exiting Massachusetts took a net of $4.2 billion in adjusted gross income with them in 2023, one of the largest totals in the country, after a tax on millionaires took effect. A similar millionaires tax proposal is working its way through the legislature in Rhode Island. Former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino joined Gene to discuss his objection to the tax and how it can hurt the Ocean State. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attleboro Mayor Cathleen DeSimone joins the show to talk about changes coming to Capron ZooSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former City Councilor and now Executive Director at the Providence Foundation, David Salvatore joins the show to talk about rent stabilization in Providence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a new report, OnlyFans spending in Massachusetts is over 55 million dollars. Creators can be found all over New England, even here in Rhode Island. Ivy Carmella talks to Gene about how she got into OnlyFans and how muc she makes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RIDMV Director Walter Craddock joins the show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AG Peter Neronha joins the show with reaction to yesterdays report on abuse within the Providence Diocese See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harry Kazianis from the National Security Journal joins the show to talk about the latest on the strikes in Iran See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley talks about snow clean up in the aftermath of the Blizzard of 2026 and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashley Kalus joins the show to talk about her thoughts on the election for Governor in 2026 and moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brown University Professor Wendy Schiller joins the show to talk about the latest on the strikes in Iran and Hilary Clinton's testimony regarding the Epstein files See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Dan McKee joins the show to talk about clean up efforts in the aftermath of the Blizzard of 2026, Energy bills, polling heading into the 2026 election, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell joins the show to provide and update on snow clean upSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan provides and update on snow clean up See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayors and other city officials from across the state join the show to provide the latest on the passing storm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnston Mayor Joe Polisena Jr joins the show to talk about snow plows that were stolen from the town of Johnston and his endorsement for Governor in 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Walter Potenza joins the show to talk about Italian cuisine being horned by UNESCO and cooking at the Olympics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Chan, owner of Chan's Fine Oriental Dining, joins the show to talk about the Chinese New Year See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi joins the show to provide what he knows on the family involved in the shooting at Lynch Ice Arena in PawtucketSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.