The News with Gene Valicenti

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. 

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.