Newsmakers | WPRI 12 News

In the era of misinformation, should a seminal case that provided sweeping protections to a free press be revisited? Roger Williams University Law School Prof. David Logan’s recent law review article arguing it should be was cited multiple times in a dissent by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, and explains why New York Times v. Sullivan may doing more harm than good. Then, author Maureen Boyle takes viewers through the findings of her new book “The Ghost” that relives one of the most notorious mysteries in Southern New England.

This week on Newsmakers: Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos discusses her first 100 days on the job, and her visit to every city and town in the state. She also discusses the state takeover of Providence Public Schools, and why vaccination rates in Providence - where she was city council president - lags the rest of the state. Then Eli Sherman joins Tim White and Steph Machado to discuss the uptick in COVID cases, decline in vaccinations, and body worn camera policies.

This week on Newsmakers: Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, D-North Providence, and Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey, D-Warwick, discuss the end of the regular legislative session and the prospects for lawmakers returning in the fall to tackle marijuana.

This week on Newsmakers: Kim Kalunian talks with R.I. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi; Ted Nesi moderates a reporters' roundtable on Rhode Island politics featuring Steph Machado, Ian Donnis and Dan McGowan.

This week on Newsmakers: Evan Smith, president and CEO of Discover Newport, discusses how the City by the Sea is bouncing back from the pandemic as the summer tourism season heats up; Tim White and Ted Nesi recap the week in the news.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: after seven years at the helm of the Rhode Island School of Design, Rosanne Somerson is stepping down at the end of June. Ted Nesi interviewed Somerson on the RISD campus, exploring the future of the school, the high cost of tuition, and the treasures in RISD's famous museum. Then, Target 12 Investigator Steph Machado joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to discuss her new report revealing that 60% of Providence public school students were considered chronically absent this year.

This week on the first half: U.S. District Judge William Smith discusses the court's approach to inmate compassionate release requests during the pandemic. Then on the second half, the R.I. Department of Environmental Management's Janet Coit exit interview after 10 years with the agency, and the longest serving director in RIDEM history.

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza. The city’s plan to borrow more than $700 million by floating a bond to shore up its beleaguered pension system was met with a chilly reception by the state’s general treasurer, Elorza discusses why he thinks its a solution to the decades-long problem. Plus, he weighs in on a homeless encampment that is getting shut down by the city, the troubled Providence school system, a potential run for governor, and more.

Attorney General Peter Neronha gave the transfer of ownership for the company that runs Roger Williams Medical Center and Fatima Hospital the green light. But in doing so, he shined a light on what he said was a focus on wealth, over the health of the hospital. Plus Neronha discusses his support for police body worn cameras and recent hate crime prosecutions.

One year after the Providence riot that erupted in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, Tim White sat down with the leaders of the Providence Police Department - Commissioner Steven Paré and Col. Hugh Clements - about that night and the lessons learned.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers, with the Providence school department in turmoil, School Board President Nick Hemond discusses what he thinks should happen to Superintendent Harrison Peters, and the status of the state's take over of the beleaguered school system. Then Target 12 investigator Eli Sherman joins Tim White and Ted Nesi for an update on the coronavirus in Rhode Island as the mask mandate is lifted.

This week on Newsmakers: General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, a second-term Democrat, discusses the health of the state and Providence pension funds, whether he's running for governor and what's next for rebuilding Rhode Island's school facilities.

A 12 News exclusive television interview with the vice president during her visit to Rhode Island; plus, Common Cause's John Marion on the census and redistricting.

This week on Newsmakers: with the murder conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, the president of the Providence branch of the NAACP, Jim Vincent, discusses what the verdict meant for the country and where he thinks the police reform movement goes from here. He also calls for the repeal of a Rhode Island state law that governs how police officers are disciplined. On the second half, Tim White and Ted Nesi break down the week in local news, including the pending public corruption trial against former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia.

This week on Newsmakers: U.S. Sen. Jack Reed discusses President Biden’s decision to withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, and why he is still concerned about security in the region; then on the second half, Tim White and Ted Nesi break down the week in local news, including Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos’s first news conference.

This week on Newsmakers: Providence Performing Arts Center President and CEO J.L. “Lynn” Singleton talks about how the pandemic has affected PPAC, when he expects the curtain to rise again, and the future of Broadway; on the second half, Tim White and Ted Nesi recap the week in local news.

This week on Newsmakers: R.I. Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor discusses the state’s ongoing reopening efforts, the billions in federal stimulus dollars heading to Rhode Island, his relationship with Gov. Dan McKee and his own future. Then on the second half, Tim White and Ted Nesi look back at the week in local news, including McKee’s choice of Sabina Matos as lieutenant governor, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren in New Bedford, and a Target 12 investigation of North Providence Town Hall.

Michael DiBiase, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council think tank, discusses what Rhode Island leaders and taxpayers should know about the billions of dollars set to flow to the state under President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act; then on the second half, Tim White and Ted Nesi recap the week in local news.

Gov. Dan McKee. On his 17th day in office, Rhode Island’s new governor talks about the state of the vaccination rollout, his top policy priorities and what’s surprised him most about his new job. The Democrat also discusses the search for a new lieutenant governor, charter schools and marijuana legalization.

An exclusive interview about the proposal for a new Rhode Island hospital system with Lifespan CEO Dr. Timothy Babineau, Care New England CEO Dr. James Fanale, Brown University President Christina Paxson and Brown University Medical School Dean Jack Elias.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: Kristen Adamo, President and CEO of the Providence/Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau and Dale Venturini, President and CEO of the RI Hospitality Association, discuss the impact of the pandemic on hotels, restaurants and tourism in the state and where things go from here. Then Tim White and Ted Nesi break down the week in news, including Gina Raimondo's first week as US Commerce Secretary, Gov. Dan McKee taking over at the State House, and Steph Machado's Pulse of Providence interview with Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: with the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Rhode Island on Monday, 12 News anchor Kim Kalunian sat down with R.I. Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott to reflect on the turbulent year, what she's learned and what brought her to this moment. Then Tim White and Ted Nesi dissect the latest development in the hospital merger announcement between Lifespan and Care New England, along with a partnership from Brown University.

This week on Newsmakers: Congressman David Cicilline. The six-term Rhode Island Democrat talks about his role as a House impeachment manager in the Senate trial of former President Trump, and why his side fell short in the effort to win a two-thirds vote for conviction. Cicilline also discusses Rhode Island’s troubled vaccine rollout, the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill, the Equality Act, regulating social media, and his own political future.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea on what voters need to know about the upcoming bond referendum election on March 2. The second-term Democrat also answers questions about her political future. On the second half, Tim White and Ted Nesi break down Gov. Gina Raimondo's first interview since Dec. 22 when 12 News caught up with her outside the State House on Monday.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers, Tim White and Ted Nesi breakdown a signature element of Gov. Gina Raimondo's tenure: RhodeWorks. Ted Nesi talks to RIDOT Director Peter Alviti about the program. Then a closer look at what was likely Gov. Raimondo's final State of the State speech and what is the timeline for her transition to Washington.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha discusses the inquiry his office launched on the vaccine rollout, what aspects of the distribution he's examining and when he'll release results. Neronha also discusses his political future, police misconduct cases, and a recent campaign finance case that ended in an acquittal.

Target 12 investigator Eli Sherman joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to discuss where things stand with the vaccine rollout in Rhode Island, including what public health officials say is the timeline for people to receive the inoculation. Then U.S. Senator Jack Reed on his front-row seat at the presidential inauguration and what he expects to come from the Senate in the coming weeks.

This week on Newsmakers: Tim White and Ted Nesi analyze the transition in the Rhode Island governor’s office and the impeachment of President Trump; R.I. National Guard Adjutant General Christopher Callahan discusses local security precautions after the Capitol riot.

Tim White and Ted Nesi break down a chaotic week, including pro-Trump protestors breaking into the U.S. Capitol, the Senate's change in political power, and Gov. Gina Raimondo being chosen by President-elect Biden to be the next U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Then Ted Nesi spoke with Senator Jack Reed via Zoom - hours before the chaos at the Capitol - on the prospect of him becoming chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

This week on Newsmakers: Lt. Gov. Dan McKee discusses the possibility he could replace Gov. Gina Raimondo should she land a job in President-elect Biden's cabinet, and weighs in on the key issues facing Rhode Island in 2021. The second-term Democrat also talks about his potential run for governor in 2022.

This week, Gov. Gina Raimondo reflects on a turbulent 2020.

This week on Newsmakers: Congressman Joe Kennedy, D-Mass., discusses his eight years representing the 4th Congressional District, his unsuccessful challenge against U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, and his future.

This week on Newsmakers: Citizens Financial Group Chairman and CEO Bruce Van Saun discusses the economic outlook for 2021 and how the bank is faring amid the pandemic; then on the second half, Tim White and Ted Nesi break down the biggest headlines in Rhode Island this week.

This week on Newsmakers: Rhode Island Community Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff discusses how the pandemic has affected the most vulnerable; 12 News reporter Steph Machado gets the latest on coronavirus with Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University's School of Public Health.

On the first half, Care New England President and CEO Dr. James Fanale on what he is seeing in his hospitals, then Dr. Otis Warren, the R.I. head of the American College of Emergency Physicians, on the lack of testing for frontline healthcare workers. Then Ted Nesi and Eli Sherman join Tim White for an in-depth look at COVID-19 data they have been tracking since the beginning of the pandemic.

After R.I. House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello lost reelection, the Democratic caucus threw their support behind Warwick State Rep. Joseph Shekarchi as their new leader, and State Rep. Christopher Blazejewski, D-Providence, as the new majority leader. Shekarchi and Blazejewski talk about their vision of the House and when the state will tackle the daunting state budget.

After an intense week of vote counting in the national election, a political roundtable breaks down key elements from the race. Joining Tim White and Ted Nesi are Stephanie Murray of Politico Massachusetts and 12 News Political Analyst Joe Fleming. Then Tim White and Ted Nesi break down the results from the race where Barbara Ann Fenton Fung defeated House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello.

This week on Newsmakers: a debate for the Massachusetts 4th Congressional District between Democrat Jake Auchincloss and Republican Julie Hall. The seat is opening up after incumbent Democrat Joe Kennedy moved on to run for U.S. Senate.

This week on Newsmakers: a debate between the two candidates running for R.I. House District 15 in Cranston, Democratic Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and Republican challenger Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung. Mattiello has held the seat since 2006 and been speaker since 2014; Fenton-Fung is a first-time candidate and the first lady of Cranston.

This week on Newsmakers: a debate between the two candidates running for Cranston mayor, Democrat Maria Bucci and Republican Ken Hopkins. (Incumbent Allan Fung is leaving office after 12 years due to term limits.)

his week on Newsmakers: a debate between the two candidates running for Warwick mayor, incumbent Democrat Joseph Solomon and independent challenger Frank Picozzi. Solomon has been mayor since 2018 and was formerly president of the Warwick City Council; Picozzi was previously chairman of the Warwick School Committee.

On the first half of Newsmakers, a political roundtable breaks down a raucous debate between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger former Vice President Joe Biden. Tim White is joined by 12 News Politics Editor Ted Nesi, Stephanie Murray, author of Politico Massachusetts, and 12 News political analyst Joe Fleming. Then Anita Baffoni sits down with Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea on executing an election during a pandemic.

This week on Newsmakers: U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, who is now a senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, discusses the looming Supreme Court confirmation fight to replace the late Justice Ginsburg. Then Tim White and Ted Nesi discuss the week in politics, including an upcoming trial that could include some key General Assembly figures.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers, Democratic state senate candidates Tiara Mack and Cynthia Mendes on their progressive policy goals, and why they want to see a leadership change in the general assembly. Then House Minority Leader Blake Filippi on the GOP's hopes to expand their footprint in the legislature.

Attorney General Peter Neronha discusses his office's role in police use of force investigations and where he stands on officer worn body camera. Then John Marion of Common Cause R.I. on what Primary Day means for the November elections and how things might be improved.

With Massachusetts voters set to go to the polls on Tuesday - and thousands of mail ballots already cast - Newsmakers takes a look at two hotly contested races in the Commonwealth: The matchup between incumbent Senator Ed Markey and Challenger Congressman Joe Kennedy, as well as the race to replace Kennedy in the 4th District of Massachusetts. The first half is a potion of a debate moderated by Ted Nesi and hosted by Stonehill College among the 4th Congressional candidates. On the second half Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by Prod. Shannon Jenkins of UMass Dartmouth, and Stephanie Murray, Author of Politico Massachusetts' Playbook.

Gov. Gina Raimondo looks back at thee state’s response to the pandemic over the last six months, weighs in on what schools may look like opening up, unemployment, nursing homes, politics and more. The interview with Tim White was conducted in the state room of the R.I. State House.

Common Cause R.I. Executive Director John Marion tells Tim White why his organization is suing the state of Rhode Island over mail ballots. Then Steph Machado interviews Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza as part of her new program "The Pulse of Providence."

Tim White discusses what school reopening may look like with teacher's union leader Robert Walsh of the National Education Association of R.I.'s Executive Director Robert Walsh. Then Ted Nesi talks to Ihssane Leckey about why she wants to replace U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy in congress.

This week on Newsmakers: Dr. Ashish Jha of the Harvard Global Health Institute, who is taking over as dean of Brown University's School of Public Health this fall, breaks down the latest on coronavirus; Michael DiBiase, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure council, gives his take on the state budget outlook.