The News with Gene Valicenti

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....

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 announc...

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 Mall See 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 s...

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 Foundati...

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...

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...

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.&nb...

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...

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 fo...

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...

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.