The News with Gene Valicenti

Registry Director Bud Craddock joins Gene for the monthly Ask the Registry segment taking your calls on everything you need from the DMV

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee joins Gene to talk about next Tuesday's general election in the state, Costco coming to RI, and the potential for a new sports team as well!

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joins Gene for this months edition of Ask the Mayor, taking phone calls from Providence Residents, thoughts on the upcoming General Election, and more!

South County Health CEO Aaron Robinson joined Gene Valicenti Thursday to discuss the hospitals new partnership with the Mayo Clinic 

Costco is coming to Rhode Island! Smithfield Town Council President John Tassoni joined Gene Thursday to discuss details behind the announcement. 

Cranston will host a council meeting tonight on how to address flooding issues at Oaklawn Avenue. Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins joined Gene to discuss the persistent issue and how the city plans to address it. Gene also asks Mayor Hopkins if there's any hopes for a Costco in Cranston after a ProJo story saying the super store will be heading to Smithfield.

Providence Police Union President, and former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino, recently met with likely incoming Mayor David Morales recently. Imondi tells Gene Valicenti he's cautiously optimistic about how Morales will handle Police issues in the city. Former Mayor Paolino also talked to Gene about the pleasant he had with the likely Mayor elect. 

Another weekend, another incident of violence inside a Providence nightclub. This time, a security guard was stabbed inside of Club Kulture. How does the nightlife community quell the violence? Owner of the Colosseum nightclub, Anthony Santurri, joined Gene to talk about steps he's taken to avoid trouble.  

Award winning accordionist, Corey Pesaturo, joined Gene Monday to talk about his cameo appearance on 60 minutes. Pesaturo plays in a traveling jazz band with award winning musician John Baptiste. Corey talks about how he met Baptiste and what it's like to be part of this band. 

It's National Dyslexia Awareness Month. Thursday also marked World Dyslexia Day. Tom and Gene's daughter, Natalie Valicenti, both struggle with and have overcome dyslexia. The two talked about how getting diagnosed changed their outlook on education and life. Suzanne Arena, Founder of Decoding Dyslexia Rhode Island, calls into the program to discuss the foundations efforts to help tackle the issue in our area.

Rhode Island DMV Director Bud Craddock takes your calls and questions! 

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! 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

Director Bud Craddock takes your questions on all things that have to do with the Rhode Island Registry. 

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.

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.

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!

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.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley talks flock cameras, first day of school, and more!

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 system

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.

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!

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Professor Alan Dershowitz joined Gene on Tuesday to discuss the pending Supreme Court ruling on the 14th amendment concerning birthright citizenship.