The News with Gene Valicenti

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. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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.

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! 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee joins Gene in studio to talk about Providence Schools being returned to local control, state payroll issues, and more!

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 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Gary Garabedian joins the show to talk about a pickle ball tournament e is holding in honor of his father, Aaron Garabedian. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins joined Gene on Tuesday to discuss the city's next step to address budget and tax issues. 

RIDMV Director Bud Craddock joins the show for Ask the Registry 

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 Mall

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.

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!

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. 

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.