Newsmakers | WPRI 12 News

This week on Newsmakers, Matt Santacroce, Chief of the Rhode Island Office of Cannabis Regulation and Interim Deputy Director of the Dept. of Business Regulation, sat down with Tim White and Steph Machado to discuss the state's entry into recreational marijuana sales. On the second half, RI Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff talked about the recent uptick in food insecurity for Rhode Islanders and ways to help.

This week on Newsmakers: Katie Nee Zambrano, campaign manager for Congressman-elect Seth Magaziner, and Bob Walsh, an outside adviser to Gov. Dan McKee, go behind the scenes on their election strategies; on the second half, Joe Fleming joins Tim White and Ted Nesi for a closer look at the final results.

This week on Newsmakers: Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by Cara Cromwell and Lisa Pelosi for a political roundtable analyzing the results of the 2022 elections in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

This week on a special edition of Newsmakers – a debate between the candidates for Rhode Island general treasurer: Democrat James Diossa and Republican James Lathrop. The winner will succeed outgoing Democrat Seth Magaziner, who is term-limited.

This week on a special edition of Newsmakers – a debate between the candidates for Bristol County sheriff: Republican incumbent Thomas Hodgson and Democratic challenger Paul Heroux. The winner will serve a six-year term.

This week on Newsmakers: Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by Joe Fleming and Lisa Pelosi to break down this week’s 12 News debate for Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District between Allan Fung and Seth Magaziner. The panel also looks ahead to next week’s debate for Bristol County sheriff between incumbent Thomas Hodgson and challenger Paul Heroux.

This week on Newsmakers: Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by Joe Fleming and Lisa Pelosi to break down this week's 12 News debate for Rhode Island governor between Dan McKee and Ashley Kalus. The panel also looks ahead to next week's 2nd Congressional District debate between Allan Fung and Seth Magaziner.

This week on Newsmakers: a political roundtable breaks down the brand-new 12 News/Roger Williams University poll of Rhode Island voters. Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by Joe Fleming and Cara Cromwell.

This week on Newsmakers: Gregg Amore, Democratic nominee for secretary of state and a state representative, discusses what changes he plans to make if elected to replace Nellie Gorbea; on the second half, Common Cause Rhode Island chief John Marion talks about potential improvements to the state's elections administration.

This week on Newsmakers: meet some of the Republicans seeking statewide office in Rhode Island this year. On the first half, GOP gubernatorial nominee Ashley Kalus joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to discuss education, abortion, her critique of Gov. Dan McKee and more; on the second half, GOP lieutenant-governor nominee Aaron Guckian and secretary of state nominee Pat Cortellessa lay out their platforms.

This week on Newsmakers: Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by Target 12 Investigator Steph Machado and political strategists Cara Cromwell and Lisa Pelosi to recap this week's Rhode Island primary results and preview the general election campaign.

This week on Newsmakers: Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by political analysts Joe Fleming and Cara Cromwell to break down highlights from this week’s live televised Democratic primary debate for Rhode Island governor on WPRI 12.

This week on Newsmakers: Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by political analysts Joe Fleming and Cara Cromwell to break down highlights from this week’s live televised Democratic primary debate for Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District on WPRI 12.

This week on Newsmakers: Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by The Boston Globe's Dan McGowan to break down highlights from this week's live televised debate for Providence mayor on WPRI 12.

This week on Newsmakers: a political roundtable breaks down the latest 12 News/Roger Williams University poll of Democratic primary voters and looks ahead to the November election. Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by Joe Fleming, Cyd McKenna and Jeff Grybowski.

This week on Newsmakers: JPMorgan Chase Chairman & CEO Jamie Dimon talks with Ted Nesi about the outlook for the economy and his bank's expansion in Rhode Island; on the second half, Boston Globe political reporter Samantha J. Gross gives a preview of the key races to watch in Massachusetts' Sept. 6 primary election.

This week on a special edition of Newsmakers - a debate between the Democratic candidates for Rhode Island general treasurer: James Diossa and Stefan Pryor. Moderated by Tim White and Ted Nesi.

This week on a special edition of Newsmakers - a debate between the Democratic candidates for Rhode Island lieutenant governor: Sabina Matos, Cynthia Mendes and Deb Ruggiero. Moderated by Tim White and Ted Nesi.

This week on Newsmakers: R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha. It was a busy week for the state's top prosecutor that included filing charges against a former North Kingstown basketball coach, and issuing decisions on a case against the governor's former chief of staff, gun laws and more. Neronha also discusses recent Supreme Court decisions and how they affect Rhode Island.

This week on Newsmakers: state Sen. Tiara Mack, D-Providence, discusses her TikTok video that went viral and why she has no regrets about it; then, Steph Machado and Joe Fleming join Tim White and Ted Nesi for a political roundtable.

This week on Newsmakers: Republican congressional candidate Allan Fung. Recent polling shows Fung is a formidable candidate in the race to replace Congressman Jim Langevin. Fung discusses his stances on abortion, gun laws, inflation, energy costs and more.

It was an unusual legislative session for the R.I. General Assembly as lawmakers were dealing with a surplus rather than a deficit while carving the budget. House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, D-Warwick, breaks down the decisions behind why certain bills survived and others failed in the final weeks of the session. He also discusses the upcoming elections, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on abortion, and much more.

This week on Newsmakers: Democratic candidate for general treasurer Stefan Pryor discusses his recent departure as state commerce secretary, his policy ideas and criticism from his opponent; then, Boston Globe reporter Ed Fitzpatrick joins Ted Nesi and Steph Machado for a review of the week in the news.

This week on Newsmakers: Rhode Island U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha discusses the North Kingstown coach scandal, marijuana and gun prosecutions, the ILO Group contract, and more; Target 12 investigator Eli Sherman joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to break down the week in the news.

This week on Newsmakers: Joy Fox, a Democratic candidate for Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District, discusses why she’s running to succeed Jim Langevin, gun control measures, inflation, the Supreme Court, and more; on the second half, Eli Sherman joins Tim White and Steph Machado to discuss the state's $13.6 billion budget proposal, the Providence pension vote and the soccer stadium development in Pawtucket.

On Tuesday, Providence voters will be deciding if the city should borrow $515 million to go toward the city's beleaguered pension system. On the first half of Newsmakers, two sides debate the pros and cons of the pension obligation bond. Then, Michael DiBiase of the R.I. Public Expenditure Council discusses how Rhode Island policymakers should approach a recent influx of federal relief aid and tax revenue as lawmakers carve out a state budget.

This week on Newsmakers: Sarah Morgenthau, a Democratic candidate for Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District, discusses why she's running to succeed Jim Langevin, the Supreme Court, Biden's record and more; on the second half, Tim White and Ted Nesi break down the results of the new 12 News/Roger Williams University poll.

This week on Newsmakers: Matt Brown, a Democratic candidate for governor, discusses his campaign platform, his leadership of the Rhode Island Political Cooperative, rising inflation and more.

This week on Newsmakers: Massachusetts Congressman Jake Auchincloss, a first-term Democrat, discusses the leaked U.S. Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, the war in Ukraine, economic concerns, Title 42, and the upcoming midterm elections.

This week on Newsmakers: Gonzalo Cuervo, a Democratic candidate for Providence mayor, discusses his pitch to voters, crime, the Superman building deal, housing and more; on the second half, Target 12 investigator Steph Machado joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to discuss Mayor Jorge Elorza's final budget address and Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District race.

This week on Newsmakers: Republican candidate for governor Ashley Kalus talks about why she’s running, where she stands on the issues, and how she managed a $7.9 million state COVID contract.

This week on Newsmakers: Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos talks about kicking off her campaign for a full term, the role she plays in the McKee administration and more; Target 12 investigator Eli Sherman joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to break down the newly announced $220 million "Superman" building deal.

This week on Newsmakers: state Rep. Deb Ruggiero, a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, discussed why she jumped into the race, how she differs from incumbent Sabina Matos, and more; then, 12 News political analyst Joe Fleming joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to break down the latest fundraising numbers in the 2nd Congressional District race.

This week on Newsmakers: Michelle Wilcox of Crossroads Rhode Island and David Salvatore of the R.I. Association of Realtors discuss the cost crisis in Rhode Island's housing market; on the second half, Target 12's Steph Machado and Eli Sherman join Tim White and Ted Nesi to discuss the week in the news.

This week on Newsmakers: Democratic congressional candidate Seth Magaziner, Rhode Island's general treasurer, discusses why he switched out of the governor's race and what he'd do in Washington; outgoing R.I. State Police Col. James Manni reflects on his years leading the agency.

This week on Newsmakers: Marc Parlange, the new president of the University of Rhode Island, discusses his vision for the flagship university, the "blue economy" and COVID-19 protocols; on the second half, Target 12's Eli Sherman joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to discuss the North Kingstown schools scandal and the 2nd Congressional District campaign.

This week on Newsmakers: Sue Cienki, chair of the R.I. Republican Party, and Jesus Solorio, the party's new executive director, discuss the GOP's hopes for the 2022 election cycle locally; Lifespan President and CEO Dr. Timothy Babineau lays out the future of Rhode Island's biggest hospital group after a failed merger effort.

This week on Newsmakers: Care New England President and CEO James Fanale on what's next for the No. 2 Rhode Island hospital group after its failed merger with Lifespan; then, Steph Machado and Joe Fleming join Tim White and Ted Nesi for a roundtable on the week's headlines.

One of the first Democrats to announce a run to replace Congressman Jim Langevin, former state Rep. Ed Pacheco discusses why he is seeking a congressional seat and where he stands on the pressing issues. Then, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This week on Newsmakers: Attorney General Peter Neronha explains why he denied a merger proposal by top hospital groups Lifespan and Care New England, how he views the future of Rhode Island health care, and other issues his office is tackling.

This week on Newsmakers: R.I. Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green discusses the coming end of the statewide school mask mandate, what the state-controlled Providence schools will do, and the long-term effects of the pandemic; on the second half, Target 12 investigator Steph Machado joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to review the week in the news.

Congressman Jim Langevin's retirement announcement took many by surprise, including many members of his own party. What the landscape looks like right now to replace him in the 2nd Congressional District, and how it impacts the Democratic primary for governor -- joining Tim White and Ted Nesi for a political roundtable are Target 12 Investigator Steph Machado and 12 News Political Analyst Joe Fleming.

This week on Newsmakers: Democratic Congressman Jim Langevin discusses his surprise decision to retire from Congress after 11 terms, the crowded field of potential candidates to replace him, and the latest happenings on Capitol Hill.

This week on Newsmakers: Brown University President Christina Paxson discusses how her school is handling the latest COVID surge, the Lifespan-Care New England hospital merger, Brown's growing endowment and more.

One year ago this week, a mob of rioters broke into the U.S. Capitol in Washington, assaulting Capitol Police officers. U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse was at the Capitol that day and recalls his experience, then reflects on the state of the country and how divided the nation is one year later.

This week on Newsmakers: Dale Venturini, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, discusses how restaurants are handling the latest coronavirus surge; Dr. Megan Ranney, a Rhode Island emergency doctor and Brown University professor, breaks down the latest CDC guidance and the situation in local hospitals.

With the omicron variant sweeping across the globe, Dr. Philip Chan, the consulting medical director for the RI Department of Health, discusses the state of COVID in the Ocean State and the outlook for 2022. Then - ending the year on an uplifting note - 12 News anchor Danielle North brings us her 12 on 12 Digital Original: Holiday Rhode.

This week on Newsmakers: Roman Catholic Bishop of Providence Thomas Tobin. Ahead of Christmas Week, the bishop discusses how the Diocese of Providence has been affected by the pandemic, internal church debates, and the outlook for 2022.

This week on Newsmakers: two top physicians at the Lifespan hospital group – Dr. Mitchell Levy, director of critical care medicine, and Dr. Stephen Traub, an emergency medicine physician – discuss Rhode Island’s coronavirus surge and the health care staffing shortage; then, a recap of the latest data on the pandemic locally and Gov. Dan McKee’s response.

This week on Newsmakers: Democratic candidate for governor Helena Foulkes talks about why she’s running, where she stands on the issues, and what she did as a top CVS executive in her first television interview since launching her campaign.