Ted Nesi
@tednesi.bsky.social
NEE-see. Politics editor + investigative reporter at WPRI 12 (CBS) in RI/MA. Contributor on RI PBS Weekly. Adjunct at Wheaton. #GirlDad and lucky husband.
Reposted by Ted Nesi
Rep. David Morales is making his strong support for rent control a key theme in the Democratic primary for Providence mayor.
Incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley has publicly spoken out against the idea throughout his first term.
Story at 6 on @wpri12.bsky.social
More: www.wpri.com/news/electio...
Incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley has publicly spoken out against the idea throughout his first term.
Story at 6 on @wpri12.bsky.social
More: www.wpri.com/news/electio...
www.wpri.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Rep. David Morales is making his strong support for rent control a key theme in the Democratic primary for Providence mayor.
Incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley has publicly spoken out against the idea throughout his first term.
Story at 6 on @wpri12.bsky.social
More: www.wpri.com/news/electio...
Incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley has publicly spoken out against the idea throughout his first term.
Story at 6 on @wpri12.bsky.social
More: www.wpri.com/news/electio...
TARGET 12: Rhode Islanders just spent $70,000 on a new rug for the State House's grandest room
Only problem? The state got its own name wrong on the seal - twice (w/ @timwhiteri.bsky.social) www.wpri.com/target-12/70...
Only problem? The state got its own name wrong on the seal - twice (w/ @timwhiteri.bsky.social) www.wpri.com/target-12/70...
www.wpri.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:38 AM
TARGET 12: Rhode Islanders just spent $70,000 on a new rug for the State House's grandest room
Only problem? The state got its own name wrong on the seal - twice (w/ @timwhiteri.bsky.social) www.wpri.com/target-12/70...
Only problem? The state got its own name wrong on the seal - twice (w/ @timwhiteri.bsky.social) www.wpri.com/target-12/70...
Reposted by Ted Nesi
ICYMI: State Rep. Patricia Serpa (D-West Warwick) told my colleague @tednesi.bsky.social she is *NOT* seeking reelection for RI HD-27 this year.
Republican Lawrence Almagno Jr. is running. Possible Dem candidate I'm hearing is Providence FOP President Mike Imondi.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
Republican Lawrence Almagno Jr. is running. Possible Dem candidate I'm hearing is Providence FOP President Mike Imondi.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
www.wpri.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:52 PM
ICYMI: State Rep. Patricia Serpa (D-West Warwick) told my colleague @tednesi.bsky.social she is *NOT* seeking reelection for RI HD-27 this year.
Republican Lawrence Almagno Jr. is running. Possible Dem candidate I'm hearing is Providence FOP President Mike Imondi.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
Republican Lawrence Almagno Jr. is running. Possible Dem candidate I'm hearing is Providence FOP President Mike Imondi.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
Reposted by Ted Nesi
NEW: Providence Public School leaders emphasize no decisions have been made yet, but warn it could be an “extremely challenging” budget year that may require “difficult, student-centered decisions.”
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
www.wpri.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:22 PM
NEW: Providence Public School leaders emphasize no decisions have been made yet, but warn it could be an “extremely challenging” budget year that may require “difficult, student-centered decisions.”
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
Reposted by Ted Nesi
Last year, 29 hate crimes were recorded in Rhode Island, eight of which involved alleged antisemitism. But numbers the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI recorded were much higher.
More: www.wpri.com/target-12/ri... @wpri12.bsky.social
More: www.wpri.com/target-12/ri... @wpri12.bsky.social
February 10, 2026 at 10:21 PM
Last year, 29 hate crimes were recorded in Rhode Island, eight of which involved alleged antisemitism. But numbers the Jewish Alliance of Greater RI recorded were much higher.
More: www.wpri.com/target-12/ri... @wpri12.bsky.social
More: www.wpri.com/target-12/ri... @wpri12.bsky.social
Reposted by Ted Nesi
NEW: Cranston taxpayers should brace for a difficult budget year.
The city is on notice for “highly concerning” operating deficits across multiple departments last fiscal year.
Its reserves were deemed "insufficient" for a city of its size www.wpri.com/target-12/hi...
The city is on notice for “highly concerning” operating deficits across multiple departments last fiscal year.
Its reserves were deemed "insufficient" for a city of its size www.wpri.com/target-12/hi...
www.wpri.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:02 PM
NEW: Cranston taxpayers should brace for a difficult budget year.
The city is on notice for “highly concerning” operating deficits across multiple departments last fiscal year.
Its reserves were deemed "insufficient" for a city of its size www.wpri.com/target-12/hi...
The city is on notice for “highly concerning” operating deficits across multiple departments last fiscal year.
Its reserves were deemed "insufficient" for a city of its size www.wpri.com/target-12/hi...
Reposted by Ted Nesi
NEW: While many were surprised by Plant City closing in Providence, the restaurant’s troubles were foreshadowed in legal disputes over the past year.
Court records show slumping revenue predated the Washington Bridge closure.
w/ @alexandraleslie.bsky.social www.wpri.com/target-12/le...
Court records show slumping revenue predated the Washington Bridge closure.
w/ @alexandraleslie.bsky.social www.wpri.com/target-12/le...
Legal fight foreshadowed Plant City’s closure
Plant City’s owner blamed the Washington Bridge. But her money woes predated the bridge closure.
www.wpri.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:27 PM
NEW: While many were surprised by Plant City closing in Providence, the restaurant’s troubles were foreshadowed in legal disputes over the past year.
Court records show slumping revenue predated the Washington Bridge closure.
w/ @alexandraleslie.bsky.social www.wpri.com/target-12/le...
Court records show slumping revenue predated the Washington Bridge closure.
w/ @alexandraleslie.bsky.social www.wpri.com/target-12/le...
Reposted by Ted Nesi
Mayor Brett Smiley said the police body-worn camera video released from the deadly Brown shooting will be the only video that Providence disseminates, meaning video showing the crime scene will not be released.
FULL STORY + VIDEOS: www.wpri.com/target-12/bo... @wpri12.bsky.social
FULL STORY + VIDEOS: www.wpri.com/target-12/bo... @wpri12.bsky.social
February 9, 2026 at 11:12 PM
Mayor Brett Smiley said the police body-worn camera video released from the deadly Brown shooting will be the only video that Providence disseminates, meaning video showing the crime scene will not be released.
FULL STORY + VIDEOS: www.wpri.com/target-12/bo... @wpri12.bsky.social
FULL STORY + VIDEOS: www.wpri.com/target-12/bo... @wpri12.bsky.social
Reposted by Ted Nesi
The perpetual debate - is RI’s economy half-full or half-empty (#6)
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
www.wpri.com
February 7, 2026 at 3:01 PM
The perpetual debate - is RI’s economy half-full or half-empty (#6)
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
My Saturday column 👇 www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
www.wpri.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:25 PM
My Saturday column 👇 www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
"even though major categories of violent crime have fallen in Providence and other American cities ... the number of statewide arrests for domestic violence each year continues to top 5,000 – the same number during the late 1990s" www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/tgi...
TGIF: Ian Donnis’ Rhode Island politics roundup for Feb. 6, 2026
From the governor’s race to domestic violence realities, a week that sharpened the focus
www.oceanstatemedia.org
February 7, 2026 at 3:12 AM
"even though major categories of violent crime have fallen in Providence and other American cities ... the number of statewide arrests for domestic violence each year continues to top 5,000 – the same number during the late 1990s" www.oceanstatemedia.org/politics/tgi...
Reposted by Ted Nesi
Gov. Dan McKee addressed a public letter sent out by outgoing RIDOT Director Peter Alviti on this week's Newsmakers. Watch the full episode on WPRI 12, FOX Providence, and WPRI 12+, or stream it now: https://www.wpri.com/news/newsmakers/
February 6, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Gov. Dan McKee addressed a public letter sent out by outgoing RIDOT Director Peter Alviti on this week's Newsmakers. Watch the full episode on WPRI 12, FOX Providence, and WPRI 12+, or stream it now: https://www.wpri.com/news/newsmakers/
Reposted by Ted Nesi
NEW: Gov. Dan McKee said he disagreed with the tone of a letter written by outgoing RIDOT Director Peter Alviti.
In the letter, Alviti warned that if anyone “lies or misrepresents” facts about his resignation, “they will hear from me — forcefully.” www.wpri.com/news/politic...
In the letter, Alviti warned that if anyone “lies or misrepresents” facts about his resignation, “they will hear from me — forcefully.” www.wpri.com/news/politic...
www.wpri.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:33 PM
NEW: Gov. Dan McKee said he disagreed with the tone of a letter written by outgoing RIDOT Director Peter Alviti.
In the letter, Alviti warned that if anyone “lies or misrepresents” facts about his resignation, “they will hear from me — forcefully.” www.wpri.com/news/politic...
In the letter, Alviti warned that if anyone “lies or misrepresents” facts about his resignation, “they will hear from me — forcefully.” www.wpri.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Ted Nesi
#Breaking: A fire broke out at the Castle Hill Inn in Newport.
Here's what we know so far: https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/east-bay/fire-breaks-out-at-newports-castle-hill-inn/
Here's what we know so far: https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/east-bay/fire-breaks-out-at-newports-castle-hill-inn/
Fire breaks out at Newport’s Castle Hill Inn
A fire broke out at the Castle Hill Inn in Newport Thursday night.
www.wpri.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:22 AM
#Breaking: A fire broke out at the Castle Hill Inn in Newport.
Here's what we know so far: https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/east-bay/fire-breaks-out-at-newports-castle-hill-inn/
Here's what we know so far: https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/east-bay/fire-breaks-out-at-newports-castle-hill-inn/
Reposted by Ted Nesi
RIDOT has removed more than 700 bridges from its progress reports to state lawmakers, allowing the agency to claim 90% of its bridges are now in good condition, @tednesi.bsky.social reports: https://www.wpri.com/target-12/ridot-removed-over-700-bridges-from-its-count-then-said-it-met-repair-goal/
February 4, 2026 at 11:44 PM
RIDOT has removed more than 700 bridges from its progress reports to state lawmakers, allowing the agency to claim 90% of its bridges are now in good condition, @tednesi.bsky.social reports: https://www.wpri.com/target-12/ridot-removed-over-700-bridges-from-its-count-then-said-it-met-repair-goal/
Reposted by Ted Nesi
In an open letter to Rhode Islanders, outgoing RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said that he is leaving on his "own terms" and that he has worked too hard to allow himself "to become a political pawn."
www.wpri.com/target-12/al... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/target-12/al... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:46 PM
In an open letter to Rhode Islanders, outgoing RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said that he is leaving on his "own terms" and that he has worked too hard to allow himself "to become a political pawn."
www.wpri.com/target-12/al... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/target-12/al... @wpri12.bsky.social
TARGET 12: Just before Alviti's resignation, over 700 bridges were taken out of RIDOT's quarterly progress report to lawmakers - a change that let RIDOT claim it hit the 90% bridge sufficiency goal set 10 years ago
Goalposts moved in budget docs, too www.wpri.com/target-12/ri...
Goalposts moved in budget docs, too www.wpri.com/target-12/ri...
www.wpri.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:13 PM
TARGET 12: Just before Alviti's resignation, over 700 bridges were taken out of RIDOT's quarterly progress report to lawmakers - a change that let RIDOT claim it hit the 90% bridge sufficiency goal set 10 years ago
Goalposts moved in budget docs, too www.wpri.com/target-12/ri...
Goalposts moved in budget docs, too www.wpri.com/target-12/ri...
Reposted by Ted Nesi
NEW: As of Feb. 3, Providence has spent approximately $562,660 on snow cleanup from the Jan. 25-26 storm.
That figure will only grow.
The city still has outstanding expenses for the vendors continuing to work on snow removal overnight.
www.wpri.com/target-12/in... @wpri12.bsky.social
That figure will only grow.
The city still has outstanding expenses for the vendors continuing to work on snow removal overnight.
www.wpri.com/target-12/in... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:16 PM
NEW: As of Feb. 3, Providence has spent approximately $562,660 on snow cleanup from the Jan. 25-26 storm.
That figure will only grow.
The city still has outstanding expenses for the vendors continuing to work on snow removal overnight.
www.wpri.com/target-12/in... @wpri12.bsky.social
That figure will only grow.
The city still has outstanding expenses for the vendors continuing to work on snow removal overnight.
www.wpri.com/target-12/in... @wpri12.bsky.social
RIDOT's budget has grown enormously during Alviti's tenure, from $490M to over $1 billion today - even without recent revenue from truck tolls (which remain paused) www.wpri.com/news/politic...
www.wpri.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:04 PM
RIDOT's budget has grown enormously during Alviti's tenure, from $490M to over $1 billion today - even without recent revenue from truck tolls (which remain paused) www.wpri.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Ted Nesi
#WATCH: @tednesi.bsky.social caught up with RI House Speaker Joe Shekarchi after he announced he doesn't plan to run for governor in 2026. Full story: https://www.wpri.com/news/elections/shekarchi-wont-run-for-governor-leaving-mckee-to-face-foulkes-in-primary/
February 3, 2026 at 11:51 PM
#WATCH: @tednesi.bsky.social caught up with RI House Speaker Joe Shekarchi after he announced he doesn't plan to run for governor in 2026. Full story: https://www.wpri.com/news/elections/shekarchi-wont-run-for-governor-leaving-mckee-to-face-foulkes-in-primary/
BREAKING: Peter Alviti is leaving as RIDOT director, the governor just announced www.wpri.com/news/politic...
www.wpri.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:20 PM
BREAKING: Peter Alviti is leaving as RIDOT director, the governor just announced www.wpri.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Ted Nesi
NEW: Some Providence city councilors are demanding answers from Department of Public Works leadership to explain how it prepared for the storm.
Plus, other councilors want the DPW to provide at least one ton of free salt for residents.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Plus, other councilors want the DPW to provide at least one ton of free salt for residents.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:21 PM
NEW: Some Providence city councilors are demanding answers from Department of Public Works leadership to explain how it prepared for the storm.
Plus, other councilors want the DPW to provide at least one ton of free salt for residents.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Plus, other councilors want the DPW to provide at least one ton of free salt for residents.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
BREAKING: Joe Shekarchi will NOT run for governor
House speaker just announced his decision, saying it came "after deep personal reflection"
A head-to-head Dem primary clash between McKee and Foulkes looks increasingly likely www.wpri.com/news/electio...
House speaker just announced his decision, saying it came "after deep personal reflection"
A head-to-head Dem primary clash between McKee and Foulkes looks increasingly likely www.wpri.com/news/electio...
Shekarchi won’t run for governor, leaving McKee to face Foulkes in primary
The House speaker said he made the decision “after deep personal reflection.”
www.wpri.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:01 PM
BREAKING: Joe Shekarchi will NOT run for governor
House speaker just announced his decision, saying it came "after deep personal reflection"
A head-to-head Dem primary clash between McKee and Foulkes looks increasingly likely www.wpri.com/news/electio...
House speaker just announced his decision, saying it came "after deep personal reflection"
A head-to-head Dem primary clash between McKee and Foulkes looks increasingly likely www.wpri.com/news/electio...
NEW: A political comeback for McKee?
New MC poll has his job approval up to 49%
McKee spox: "Rhode Islanders are responding to Gov McKee’s steady leadership"
Foulkes spox: "He is an incumbent governor bragging about having a sub-50% approval rating" www.wpri.com/news/electio...
New MC poll has his job approval up to 49%
McKee spox: "Rhode Islanders are responding to Gov McKee’s steady leadership"
Foulkes spox: "He is an incumbent governor bragging about having a sub-50% approval rating" www.wpri.com/news/electio...
www.wpri.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:40 PM
NEW: A political comeback for McKee?
New MC poll has his job approval up to 49%
McKee spox: "Rhode Islanders are responding to Gov McKee’s steady leadership"
Foulkes spox: "He is an incumbent governor bragging about having a sub-50% approval rating" www.wpri.com/news/electio...
New MC poll has his job approval up to 49%
McKee spox: "Rhode Islanders are responding to Gov McKee’s steady leadership"
Foulkes spox: "He is an incumbent governor bragging about having a sub-50% approval rating" www.wpri.com/news/electio...
NEW: A rematch for Rep. Auchincloss
Ihssane Leckey - who spent $1M of her own money in the 2020 Dem primary for #MA04 - announced today she will seek the seat again this fall www.wpri.com/news/electio...
Ihssane Leckey - who spent $1M of her own money in the 2020 Dem primary for #MA04 - announced today she will seek the seat again this fall www.wpri.com/news/electio...
www.wpri.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:29 PM
NEW: A rematch for Rep. Auchincloss
Ihssane Leckey - who spent $1M of her own money in the 2020 Dem primary for #MA04 - announced today she will seek the seat again this fall www.wpri.com/news/electio...
Ihssane Leckey - who spent $1M of her own money in the 2020 Dem primary for #MA04 - announced today she will seek the seat again this fall www.wpri.com/news/electio...