Wednesday, the Rhode Island Department of Education announced control of the Providence schools will return to city control beginning on July 1, 2026. This announcement comes after the education commissioner joined Gene on Tuesday of this week saying that the city was not ready to regain controls of the school. Despite the uncertainty of what comes next, Commissioner Infante Green defended her decision with Gene on Thursday explaining why this transition is happening now. 

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Wednesday, the Rhode Island Department of Education announced control of the Providence schools will return to city control beginning on July 1, 2026. This announcement comes after the education commissioner joined Gene on Tuesday of this week saying that the city was not ready to regain controls of the school. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joined Gene to discuss the transition and how the deal was made to transfer control back to the city. 

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After joining the show earlier this, Rhode Island Hospitality Association President Farouk Rajab rejoined Gene to discuss the drink lid bill at bars and restaurants. Rajab said the bill passed earlier this week and explained the complexities of implementing this at state wide establishments. 

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With changes to health care on both the state and federal level, hospital leaders are voicing their concerns over funding. John Fernandez, President and CEO of Brown University Health, joins Gene to discuss the challenges the hospital system faces in these uncertain times. 

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The Rhode Island Hospitality Association is pushing back against several proposed bills at the state house. Gene goes through the proposed legislations with Farouk Rajab Rhode Island Hospitality Association.

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Gary Garabedian joins the show to talk about a pickle ball tournament e is holding in honor of his father, Aaron Garabedian. 

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Constituent service! Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joins Gene to go over topical issues surrounding the city. One of the top topics discussed is rent control. Friday, the council failed to override Mayor Brett Smiley's veto on rent stabilization ordinance, keeping the proposal from becoming law. The council needed 10 votes to override the Mayor's veto. Nine councilors only voted yes. Mayor Smiley discusses these topics and more. 

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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. Nicholas Shanos of Suburban Pharmacy joins Gene to discuss these issues.

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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 announcement of the office. 

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