Newsmakers | WPRI 12 News

his week on Newsmakers: an exit interview with two departing college presidents. First, in an interview with WPRI 12 anchor Mike Montecalvo, Father Brian Shanley - the longest serving president of Providence College - reflects on his 15 years at the helm of P.C., and what he plans to do next. Then on the second half, reporter Kait Walsh sits down with retiring Bryant University president Ron Machtley on the biggest achievements and challenges he faces in 24 years at the Smithfield campus.

R.I. Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green discusses her new plan to turn around the Providence school system and weighs in on what K-12 public schools could look like when they reconvene in the fall. She addresses the challenges of reopening during a pandemic, from class sizes to transportation.

This week on Newsmakers: state Sen. Harold Metts, D-Providence. Metts weighs in on the chances of his push to remove “and Providence Plantations” from the state’s name, an idea that was rejected by voters 10 years ago. He also discusses his bill that would examine overhauling the controversial Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights, and his perspective on the protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.

Incumbent U.S. Senator Ed Markey faced off against his challenger Congressman Joe Kennedy Monday night in the WPRI 12 studios. This week on Newsmakers, highlights from the hourlong debate, moderated by Tim White and Ted Nesi.

Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by UMass Dartmouth professor Shannon Jenkins and Politico Massachusetts editor Stephanie Murray to preview Monday’s WPRI 12 U.S. Senate primary debate between Ed Markey and Joe Kennedy; then, Tim and Ted recap the week’s news in Rhode Island.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers, R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha. The judiciary has quietly been coming back up to speed as the rest of the state slowly reopens. Neronha discusses the grand jury process in the pandemic and the types of cases his office is seeing. Then Ted Nesi joins Tim White to discuss the week in news, including the upcoming Phase 2 of reopening.

This week on Newsmakers: U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, discusses his primary race against challenger Congressman Joe Kennedy III, the coronavirus crisis, and prospects for another stimulus bill in Washington. On the second half, WPRI 12 politics editor Ted Nesi joins Tim White live from the State House for a breakdown of the week's headlines in Rhode Island.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: R.I. Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey, D-Warwick. Leader McCaffrey talks about the steep budget challenges ahead for the general assembly and what is on the table to make up for a projected $800 budget shortfall. Then Ted Nesi joins Tim White live from the state house to break down the week in news including a new setup for reporters covering the governor's daily press briefing.

Congressman David Cicilline joins Tim White via Zoom to discuss plans for another federal aid package. Cicilline is calling for hazard pay for frontline workers and money for struggling municipalities to help balance their budgets. Then Ted Nesi joins Tim White live from the State House to talk about a rocky week in COVID-19 data from state health officials.

With the crushing effect of COVID-19 on the nursing home population, Tim White interviews the head of the R.I. Health Care Association, Scott Fraser. His group represents 64 of the 81 nursing homes in Rhode Island. Fraser discusses the need for a "strike team" to help staff nursing homes. Then Ted Nesi joins Tim White to discuss a new Bryant University poll that looks at voter's opinion of the governor's job performance during the crisis.

R.I. Dept. of Administration Director Brett Smiley discusses running state government during a pandemic, if furloughs are a possibility for state workers, and how federal emergency aid is being spent. Then Ted Nesi joins Tim White live from the State House to break down the week in news including the governor releasing Coronavirus projections.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers R.I. Gen. Treasurer Seth Magaziner discusses the options for small businesses who have been hit hard during the pandemic, and how much borrowing state government has done to stay afloat. Then Ted Nesi joins Tim White live from the State House to discuss the week in news and the pandemic's impact on politics.

his week on the first half of Newsmakers, R.I. Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea talks to Tim White live from the State House about what the pandemic means for the elections calendar, and how open meetings are getting impacted. Then Eyewitness News Politics Editor Ted Nesi breaks down a chaotic week of news, including answers to common questions from those on unemployment.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: the CEO's of the state's largest hospital groups; Dr. Tim Babineau of Lifespan and Dr. James Fanale of Care New England, discuss their preparedness for dealing with COVID-19. Then Ted Nesi live from the State House about the politics of a pandemic.

Congressman David Cicilline. With federal lawmakers proposing various stimulus packages, Cicilline discusses what he thinks is the best plan for the country and Rhode Island.

In this Newsmakers podcast extra, Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy III talks with Ted Nesi about the response to COVID-19 in Washington and what needs to happen next, as well as how it's affecting his Senate bid.

WPRI reporters Tim White, Ted Nesi, Steph Machado and Eli Sherman break down the evolving development throughout the week on the coronavirus.

This week on Newsmakers: a breakdown of the Super Tuesday presidential primary. Joining Tim White and Ted Nesi are Mike Raia, communications strategist for Nail[PR], political analyst Lisa Pelosi, and Joe Fleming, political analyst for Eyewitness News. The panel discusses Joe Biden's surge and why Sen. Elizabeth Warren failed to gain traction. They also look ahead to Michigan, and whether Sen. Bernie Sanders can again take the state like he did in 2016.

This week on Newsmakers: a closer look at how the coronavirus could affect Southern New England with R.I. Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott; plus, Tim White and Ted Nesi pose your questions about the outbreak to Brown University's Dr. Adam Levine and Rhode Island Hospital's Dr. Selim Sooner.

This week on Newsmakers: Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien discusses the new report about the closure of Memorial Hospital, the Tidewater Landing project and his own political future; Stephanie Murray of Politico Massachusetts and Michael Goodman of UMass Dartmouth break down a busy week in Massachusetts politics.

This week on Newsmakers: Rhode Island Foundation President and CEO Neil Steinberg discusses its new long-term strategy documents about education and health care; a political roundtable breaks down the New Hampshire primary results.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: Democratic presidential hopeful Mike Bloomberg and Gov. Gina Raimondo talk with WPRI 12 politics editor Ted Nesi about her decision to endorse him. Then political analysts Joe Fleming and Lisa Pelosi join the panel to break down the latest news in the presidential race.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: R.I. Convention Center Authority Ex. Director Jim McCarvill. In the wake of a controversial audit ordered by House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, McCarvill weighs in on why he thinks the audit was ordered and the ensuing state police probe. On the second half: State Sen. Ryan Pearson. A new report from a special Senate task force focused on how the state spends $1 billion in education funding each year. Pearson discusses the list of recommendations which will likely lead to series of bills in the coming months.

This week on Newsmakers: Democrat Becky Grossman, a candidate for Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District and Newton city councilor, discusses her campaign to succeed Joe Kennedy III. She is one of seven Democrats who are currently in the race, along with Jake Auchincloss, Dave Cavell, Alan Khazei, Ihssane Leckey, Jesse Mermell and Ben Sigel. On the second half, a reporter roundtable featuring Steph Machado, Eli Sherman and Dan McGowan breaks down the week’s headlines at the Rhode Island State House and Providence City Hall.

This week on Newsmakers: R.I. House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello. The state's top lawmaker is already bristling over Gov. Gina Raimondo's budget proposal. Mattiello, D-Cranston, discusses how he opposes adult marijuana legalization this year, but may be open to it down the road. And he responds to questions about why he ordered an audit of the R.I. Convention Center at the same time one of his friends is in the middle of a personnel investigation.

This week on Newsmakers: House Minority Leader Blake Filippi, R-New Shoreham, discusses the Republican policy agenda for 2020 at the State House and whether he'll run for governor; Warwick Beacon publisher John Howell reflects on his 50 years running the biweekly newspaper.

This week on Newsmakers: a political roundtable examines 2020. Joining Tim White and Ted Nesi are Eyewitness News Political Analyst Joe Fleming along with political analysts Lisa Pelosi and Joy Fox. The panel looks at the upcoming election year from a national and local perspective, and what policies the governor and General Assembly may tackle in the new legislative session.

This week on Newsmakers: Eyewitness News anchor Kim Kalunian conducts a year-end interview with Gov. Gina Raimondo, who reflects on the ups and downs of 2019 and reveals what she will be pushing in 2020.

This week on Newsmakers: Roman Catholic Bishop of Providence Thomas Tobin discusses his recent meeting with Pope Francis in Rome, the ongoing Catholic sex abuse crisis, declining Mass attendance and more.

This week on Newsmakers: Brett Johnson, founder and principal of Fortuitous Partners, discusses his $400 million proposed soccer complex for Pawtucket; Care New England President and CEO Dr. James Fanale discusses the possibility of renewed hospital merger talks with Lifespan.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: Jesse Mermell, a Democratic candidate for Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District, discusses her campaign to succeed Congressman Joe Kennedy. She is one of six Democrats who are currently in the race, along with Jake Auchincloss, Dave Cavell, Becky Grossman, Alan Khazei and Ihssane Leckey. Then on the second half, a reporter roundtable discusses the $400 million proposed Pawtucket soccer development.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff, and the executive director of Meals on Wheels Rhode Island Meghan Grady. Despite the good economy, Rhode Island is still seeing thousands of families who need food assistance. Schiff and Grady discuss the demand they’re seeing. On the second half of Newsmakers: Ted Nesi interviews Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza on the 20th anniversary of the Providence Place Mall.

The leader of Rhode Island's Ivy League institution since 2012, Paxson discusses the state of higher education in America, the Varsity Blues scandal, the ongoing drama in Rhode Island's hospital sector, and the Providence schools takeover.

This week on Newsmakers: Gov. Gina Raimondo. The governor recently sued the General Assembly over marijuana regulations; she discusses why, and what would lead her to drop the suit. The governor also admits her team got it wrong when putting together the budget for the state's child welfare agency, and weighs in on the 2020 presidential race.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: Fall River Mayor-elect Paul Coogan. The turbulent Jasiel Correia era in Fall River is over: Coogan won Tuesday’s election handily and is tasked with raising morale in a city that has been battered by allegations of corruption. Coogan outlines his priorities and discusses his conversation with Mayor Correia after the results came in. Then on the second half, Target 12 Consumer Investigator Susan Campbell sits down with R.I. Airport Corporation President and CEO Iftikhar Ahmad to discuss why revenue is falling at T.F. Green and what the outlook is there.

This week on Newsmakers: Jake Auchincloss, Democratic candidate for Massachusetts' 4th Congressional District; then, Politico Massachusetts' Stephanie Murray joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to preview next week's mayoral elections in New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton and Attleboro.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: Roger Williams University President Ioannis Miaoulis. After running the Boston Museum of Science for 15 years, Miaoulis came to Bristol to take the helm at RWU. He discusses the state of the university and higher education overall. On the second half, state Sens. Lou DiPalma, D-Middletown, and Ryan Pearson, D-Cumberland, break down the legislative hearings examining a proposed bill that would give gaming giant IGT a 20-year extension on its state contract for lottery technology.

IGT Global Solutions Chairman Robert Vincent and Twin River Rhode Island President Mark Crisafulli discuss the State House debate over the state Lottery technology contract.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: R.I. Republican Party Chair Sue Cienki. With the ongoing spat between gaming companies IGT and Twin River making headlines, Cienki outlines why the state GOP opposes the governor’s push to extend IGT’s contract, arguing the opposition is not driven by politics. Then, Eyewitness News Political Analyst Joe Fleming joins Tim White, Ted Nesi and Cienki for a political roundtable, analyzing the potential political fallout of the impeachment inquiry into President Trump.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré. After a summer of nightclub-related violence, the longtime public safety official weighs in on a proposal to create a special district for nightclubs. Plus, why it’s getting harder to recruit police officers. One the second half, Target 12 Investigators Walt Buteau and Steph Machado join Tim White to discuss their in-depth investigation into immigration “An American Debate”, a look at the often divisive topic through the prism of southern New England.

More than a month since a truck pushed its way into a crowd of protesters outside the Wyatt Detention Center, Neronha provides an update on his investigation. The first-term Democrat also discusses why he rejected an initial settlement with Purdue Pharma in a nationwide opioid lawsuit.

With another round of charges against Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia, Keating – whose district covers a large chunk of Fall River – calls on the embattled city leader to resign. He also discusses why he is now supporting an impeachment investigation against the president and where things stand on the stalled Vineyard Wind project.

Lt. Gov. Dan McKee, a second-term Democrat, discusses his approach to education policy, the Providence schools takeover, whether he'll run for governor in 2022 and more.

U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin, D-Rhode Island. Recently, Langevin announced he now supports an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. He explains why he had a change of heart and admits it could be bad for Democrats politically. Plus, Langevin weighs in on the likelihood of Rhode Island losing a congressional seat.

This week on Newsmakers: former New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang discusses why he's considering a Democratic primary challenge against U.S. Sen. Ed Markey; UMass Dartmouth's Shannon Jenkins and the Liberty Square Group's Scott Ferson analyze Congressman Joe Kennedy's potential Senate campaign.

Warwick Mayor Joseph Solomon, a Democrat, discusses his first year as mayor, the city's uncertain financial picture, restoring school sports, declining passenger traffic at T.F. Green and more.

This week on the first half of Newsmakers: Gov. Gina Raimondo. Gaming giants IGT and Twin River have been embroiled in a public battle over a contract to manage the state's gambling technology and lottery systems. Raimondo discusses why she supports extending IGT's contract over the objections of the casino. She also reacts to the mass shootings in Texas and Ohio. On the second half, WPRI.com reporter Eli Sherman and Eyewitness News Political Analyst Joe Fleming join Tim White and Ted Nesi for a political roundtable.

The President of the Providence Performing Arts Center, Lynn Singleton. With the smash hit "Hamilton" in Providence, Singleton talks about the impact the show has had on subscriptions to PPAC now and moving forward. Singleton also talks about the history of PPAC and how they have evolved over the years to host major shows, like "Hamilton."

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza. Newly minted education commissioner Angélica Infante-Green took a major step earlier this week in taking over the beleaguered Providence schools. Mayor Elorza discusses what he'd like to see from the change and says there should be an end date on the state intervention. He also discusses city taxes, the closing of a Federal Hill nightclub and more.s

This week on Newsmakers: U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode Island. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Congressman Cicilline will be questioning Robert Mueller next week on the special counsel's investigation into his Russia probe. Cicilline previews that hearing, weighs in on talk of a division among House Democrats, and reacts to a devastating report about the Providence public schools.