The News with Gene Valicenti

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. 

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. 

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. 

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!

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.

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. 

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. 

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.  

Attleboro Mayor Cathleen DeSimone joins the show to talk about changes coming to Capron Zoo

Former City Councilor and now Executive Director at the Providence Foundation, David Salvatore joins the show to talk about rent stabilization in Providence.  

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.

RIDMV Director Walter Craddock joins the show 

AG Peter Neronha joins the show with reaction to yesterdays report on abuse within the Providence Diocese 

Harry Kazianis from the National Security Journal joins the show to talk about the latest on the strikes in Iran 

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley talks about snow clean up in the aftermath of the Blizzard of 2026 and more!

Ashley Kalus joins the show to talk about her thoughts on the election for Governor in 2026 and more

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 

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!

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell joins the show to provide and update on snow clean up

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan provides and update on snow clean up 

Mayors and other city officials from across the state join the show to provide the latest on the passing storm 

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 2026

Chef Walter Potenza joins the show to talk about Italian cuisine being horned by UNESCO and cooking at the Olympics  

John Chan, owner of Chan's Fine Oriental Dining, joins the show to talk about the Chinese New Year 

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 Pawtucket

Brown U Professor Wendy Schiller joins the show to talk Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's visit to Rhode Island and more 

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti joins the show to talk about what went into his decision to retire from RIDOT

Brown Professor Wendy Schiller joins the show to talk about the snow clean up in Providence under Mayor Brett Smiley's watch, and reaction to the potential for a Millionaires Tax in Rhode Island 

RI Governor Dan McKee joins the show in studio to talk about state law enforcement cooperation with ICE Agents, the millionaires tax, and more!

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti takes your questions and complaints on road issues around the state.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha joins Gene to discuss a variety of topics including the Washington Bridge, ICE in Providence and the recent alleged murder charges against a couple of Providence teenagers. 

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joins the show to talk about clean up after this weekends storm, ICE Protests, latest on the aftermath of the Brown Shooting, and more 

Brown University Professor Wendy Schiller talks with Gene about the latest ICE shooting involving an American citizen. 

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti joins the show with an update on RIPTA moving out of Kennedy Plaza and Truck Tolls

Former RI Attorney General Jeff Pine joins the show to talk about ICE warrants and arrests 

Brown Professor Wendy Schiller joins the show to talk about President Trump wanting the US to have Greenland, and more. 

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti joins the show for "Ask the DOT"

Republican Candidate for Governor Aaron Guckian joins the show to give his reaction to Governor Dan McKee's State of the State address