Alexandra Leslie
@alexandraleslie.bsky.social
Emmy nominated Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for WPRI 12 • Dog mom to Eddie • Living with Cystic Fibrosis • Reposts/likes = look! • aleslie@wpri.com
Pinned
Target 12 wins regional Murrow Award for ‘Housing Crisis’ series
The Target 12 Investigators’ series examining the Rhode Island housing crisis has earned 12 News a regional Edward R. Murrow Award.
www.wpri.com
Wow!! Thrilled that Target 12 has won a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for our multipart series on the Rhode Island housing crisis.
I feel so honored to be a part of this team at @wpri12.bsky.social.
www.wpri.com/about-us/tar...
I feel so honored to be a part of this team at @wpri12.bsky.social.
www.wpri.com/about-us/tar...
In an 8-5 vote, the Providence City Council advanced an ordinance supporting roughly $6.2M in infrastructure upgrades to the Benefit Street area, known as the Mile of History project.
Several councilors said the investments were inequitable.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Several councilors said the investments were inequitable.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:32 PM
In an 8-5 vote, the Providence City Council advanced an ordinance supporting roughly $6.2M in infrastructure upgrades to the Benefit Street area, known as the Mile of History project.
Several councilors said the investments were inequitable.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Several councilors said the investments were inequitable.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Reposted by Alexandra Leslie
LATE UPDATE: Secretary Charest is now firing back at the AG, insisting his conversations about the hospitals with his old colleagues at Prime were only "contingency planning" and "not negotiations"
Also lays out his own timeline for how talks evolved www.wpri.com/business-new...
Also lays out his own timeline for how talks evolved www.wpri.com/business-new...
www.wpri.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:21 AM
LATE UPDATE: Secretary Charest is now firing back at the AG, insisting his conversations about the hospitals with his old colleagues at Prime were only "contingency planning" and "not negotiations"
Also lays out his own timeline for how talks evolved www.wpri.com/business-new...
Also lays out his own timeline for how talks evolved www.wpri.com/business-new...
👀 Former U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha and associates at his firm racked up an ~$83K invoice for their work on the Washington Bridge oversight hearing last month.
Rep. Patricia Serpa told me that night that Cunha was “worth every single dime.”
www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19... @wpri12.bsky.social
Rep. Patricia Serpa told me that night that Cunha was “worth every single dime.”
www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:37 AM
👀 Former U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha and associates at his firm racked up an ~$83K invoice for their work on the Washington Bridge oversight hearing last month.
Rep. Patricia Serpa told me that night that Cunha was “worth every single dime.”
www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19... @wpri12.bsky.social
Rep. Patricia Serpa told me that night that Cunha was “worth every single dime.”
www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19... @wpri12.bsky.social
After a dramatic end to the 11/20 Providence City Council meeting that cancelled 1st vote on the Mile of History Project, councilors took to the mics tonight to explain their vote. Ultimately, it still passed 8-5.
Background: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAP5... @wpri12.bsky.social
Background: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAP5... @wpri12.bsky.social
Providence City Council to address several issues at Thursday's meeting
YouTube video by WPRI
www.youtube.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:30 AM
After a dramatic end to the 11/20 Providence City Council meeting that cancelled 1st vote on the Mile of History Project, councilors took to the mics tonight to explain their vote. Ultimately, it still passed 8-5.
Background: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAP5... @wpri12.bsky.social
Background: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAP5... @wpri12.bsky.social
After a dramatic end to the 11/20 Providence City Council meeting over the 1st vote on the Mile of History Project, councilors took to the mics tonight to explain their vote. Ultimately, it still passed 8-5.
Background: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAP5... @wpri12.bsky.social
Background: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAP5... @wpri12.bsky.social
Providence City Council to address several issues at Thursday's meeting
YouTube video by WPRI
www.youtube.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:27 AM
After a dramatic end to the 11/20 Providence City Council meeting over the 1st vote on the Mile of History Project, councilors took to the mics tonight to explain their vote. Ultimately, it still passed 8-5.
Background: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAP5... @wpri12.bsky.social
Background: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAP5... @wpri12.bsky.social
Reposted by Alexandra Leslie
NEW: Prime says never mind (for now)
Landmark Medical's owner told the AG yesterday it is stepping back from a potential purchase of Roger Williams and Fatima
Many unresolved issues - including total amount of management fees (which Prime won't release) www.wpri.com/business-new...
Landmark Medical's owner told the AG yesterday it is stepping back from a potential purchase of Roger Williams and Fatima
Many unresolved issues - including total amount of management fees (which Prime won't release) www.wpri.com/business-new...
www.wpri.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:49 PM
NEW: Prime says never mind (for now)
Landmark Medical's owner told the AG yesterday it is stepping back from a potential purchase of Roger Williams and Fatima
Many unresolved issues - including total amount of management fees (which Prime won't release) www.wpri.com/business-new...
Landmark Medical's owner told the AG yesterday it is stepping back from a potential purchase of Roger Williams and Fatima
Many unresolved issues - including total amount of management fees (which Prime won't release) www.wpri.com/business-new...
Reposted by Alexandra Leslie
NEW: Roger Williams and Fatima hospitals are still in limbo as a key court hearing approaches
Centurion Foundation has submitted a new filing insisting it is now on track to have financing in place to fund its takeover by Jan 15
Bankruptcy judge is antsy www.wpri.com/business/cen...
Centurion Foundation has submitted a new filing insisting it is now on track to have financing in place to fund its takeover by Jan 15
Bankruptcy judge is antsy www.wpri.com/business/cen...
www.wpri.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:19 AM
NEW: Roger Williams and Fatima hospitals are still in limbo as a key court hearing approaches
Centurion Foundation has submitted a new filing insisting it is now on track to have financing in place to fund its takeover by Jan 15
Bankruptcy judge is antsy www.wpri.com/business/cen...
Centurion Foundation has submitted a new filing insisting it is now on track to have financing in place to fund its takeover by Jan 15
Bankruptcy judge is antsy www.wpri.com/business/cen...
NEW: A 48-year-old man is facing charges after stabbing a 42-year-old woman "multiple times" in Pawtucket on Sunday.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:43 PM
NEW: A 48-year-old man is facing charges after stabbing a 42-year-old woman "multiple times" in Pawtucket on Sunday.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
NEW: Target 12 has learned a Providence DPW employee accused of stealing at least $450 in coins from city parking meters has been terminated.
The investigation into how much money may be missing is still ongoing.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
The investigation into how much money may be missing is still ongoing.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:22 PM
NEW: Target 12 has learned a Providence DPW employee accused of stealing at least $450 in coins from city parking meters has been terminated.
The investigation into how much money may be missing is still ongoing.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
The investigation into how much money may be missing is still ongoing.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
TARGET 12: The city of Providence has paid out $126,000 in settlements for an officer who faced four federal lawsuits.
www.wpri.com/target-12/se... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/target-12/se... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:04 PM
TARGET 12: The city of Providence has paid out $126,000 in settlements for an officer who faced four federal lawsuits.
www.wpri.com/target-12/se... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/target-12/se... @wpri12.bsky.social
Pawtucket Schools may have a $10M budget gap in fiscal year 2027, which officials said could result in nearly **100** layoffs.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Pawtucket Schools may have a $10M budget gap in fiscal year 2027, which officials said could result in nearly **100** layoffs.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
TARGET 12: A man who allegedly pretended to be a city inspector in an effort to bilk money from at least one unsuspecting homeowner in Providence is facing criminal charges.
www.wpri.com/target-12/su... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/target-12/su... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:08 PM
TARGET 12: A man who allegedly pretended to be a city inspector in an effort to bilk money from at least one unsuspecting homeowner in Providence is facing criminal charges.
www.wpri.com/target-12/su... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/target-12/su... @wpri12.bsky.social
Reposted by Alexandra Leslie
A 16-year-old is being tried as an adult for the murder of a 17-year-old in Providence last year, @alexandraleslie.bsky.social reports. Police say the suspect was just 14 years old at the time of the alleged murder.
Teen to be tried as an adult in 2024 Providence murder
The 16-year-old is accused of killing a 17-year-old whose body was found at Neutaconkanut Park.
www.wpri.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:46 PM
A 16-year-old is being tried as an adult for the murder of a 17-year-old in Providence last year, @alexandraleslie.bsky.social reports. Police say the suspect was just 14 years old at the time of the alleged murder.
SCOOP: A 16-year-old will be tried as an adult in the murder of a 17-year-old in Providence last year, Target 12 has learned.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:34 PM
SCOOP: A 16-year-old will be tried as an adult in the murder of a 17-year-old in Providence last year, Target 12 has learned.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
SOON: The Providence City Council will consider a resolution that would create a working group to review how ordinances related to nightlife are enforced.
The group would include members from the community, too.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
The group would include members from the community, too.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:13 PM
SOON: The Providence City Council will consider a resolution that would create a working group to review how ordinances related to nightlife are enforced.
The group would include members from the community, too.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
The group would include members from the community, too.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
STORY: The @riedcollective.bsky.social is proposing two new charter schools in Rhode Island: a dual-language K-12 school and an early-college, career and technical education high school.
www.wpri.com/news/educati... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/news/educati... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM
STORY: The @riedcollective.bsky.social is proposing two new charter schools in Rhode Island: a dual-language K-12 school and an early-college, career and technical education high school.
www.wpri.com/news/educati... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/news/educati... @wpri12.bsky.social
Reposted by Alexandra Leslie
STORY: Today's four-hour oversight hearing on the Washington Bridge crisis saw a much tougher approach by lawmakers - in the person of former US Attorney Zach Cunha
But Alviti, made to testify under oath this time, stuck to his guns (w/ @alexandraleslie.bsky.social) www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19...
But Alviti, made to testify under oath this time, stuck to his guns (w/ @alexandraleslie.bsky.social) www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19...
www.wpri.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:33 AM
STORY: Today's four-hour oversight hearing on the Washington Bridge crisis saw a much tougher approach by lawmakers - in the person of former US Attorney Zach Cunha
But Alviti, made to testify under oath this time, stuck to his guns (w/ @alexandraleslie.bsky.social) www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19...
But Alviti, made to testify under oath this time, stuck to his guns (w/ @alexandraleslie.bsky.social) www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19...
LOOKING AHEAD: Thursday will mark the third oversight hearing since the westbound Washington Bridge closure. This time, former USAO Zachary Cunha will lead the probe.
I spoke to RI lawmakers about what they expect to get out of tomorrow's hearing.
www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19... @wpri12.bsky.social
I spoke to RI lawmakers about what they expect to get out of tomorrow's hearing.
www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:52 PM
LOOKING AHEAD: Thursday will mark the third oversight hearing since the westbound Washington Bridge closure. This time, former USAO Zachary Cunha will lead the probe.
I spoke to RI lawmakers about what they expect to get out of tomorrow's hearing.
www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19... @wpri12.bsky.social
I spoke to RI lawmakers about what they expect to get out of tomorrow's hearing.
www.wpri.com/traffic/i-19... @wpri12.bsky.social
The former Eastside Marketplace in Providence will be the new home of grocery chain Whole Foods, city records show.
No word yet on what that means for the nearby location on Waterman Street.
www.wpri.com/business-new...
No word yet on what that means for the nearby location on Waterman Street.
www.wpri.com/business-new...
Whole Foods to lease former Eastside Marketplace in Providence
Eastside Marketplace closed down on Halloween last year, and speculation has been brewing over which business would take its place.
www.wpri.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The former Eastside Marketplace in Providence will be the new home of grocery chain Whole Foods, city records show.
No word yet on what that means for the nearby location on Waterman Street.
www.wpri.com/business-new...
No word yet on what that means for the nearby location on Waterman Street.
www.wpri.com/business-new...
Reposted by Alexandra Leslie
When Newport police determined that handheld decibel readers weren't enough to combat noise complaints, they turned to a new form of technology: sound cameras.
Now Providence hopes to do the same, reports @alexandraleslie.bsky.social.
Now Providence hopes to do the same, reports @alexandraleslie.bsky.social.
Providence to become 2nd RI city with sound cameras, preparing for pilot program in 2026
Only a handful of cities have sound camera technology to enforce the noise ordinances, and Providence plans to be the next.
www.wpri.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:22 AM
When Newport police determined that handheld decibel readers weren't enough to combat noise complaints, they turned to a new form of technology: sound cameras.
Now Providence hopes to do the same, reports @alexandraleslie.bsky.social.
Now Providence hopes to do the same, reports @alexandraleslie.bsky.social.
In Providence, three companies are competing for the winning bid to install sound camera technology in an effort to nab noisy drivers. Fines for violators are still TBD.
Newport has been using similar technology, and police have seen results.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
Newport has been using similar technology, and police have seen results.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:06 PM
In Providence, three companies are competing for the winning bid to install sound camera technology in an effort to nab noisy drivers. Fines for violators are still TBD.
Newport has been using similar technology, and police have seen results.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
Newport has been using similar technology, and police have seen results.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
👀 A new true-crime doc “The Carman Family Deaths,” tells the story of Nathan Carman and the 2016 death of his mother after they were lost at sea off the coast of RI. It also covers his grandfather’s 2013 death.
Netflix 11/19. Lots of @wpri12.bsky.social featured.
www.netflix.com/tudum/videos...
Netflix 11/19. Lots of @wpri12.bsky.social featured.
www.netflix.com/tudum/videos...
Watch the Carman Family Deaths Trailer
The new documentary examines the 2016 disappearance of Linda Carman and the rescue of her son Nathan at sea, which led to a far-reaching investigation that fractured a fragile New England dynasty.
www.netflix.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:21 AM
👀 A new true-crime doc “The Carman Family Deaths,” tells the story of Nathan Carman and the 2016 death of his mother after they were lost at sea off the coast of RI. It also covers his grandfather’s 2013 death.
Netflix 11/19. Lots of @wpri12.bsky.social featured.
www.netflix.com/tudum/videos...
Netflix 11/19. Lots of @wpri12.bsky.social featured.
www.netflix.com/tudum/videos...
A Massport spox didn't immediately know if Logan Airport was impacted by air traffic reductions & told me "Massport will provide the public with more information if we start to see staffing shortages or other issues causing impacts to flight operations."
www.wpri.com/news/us-and-...
www.wpri.com/news/us-and-...
www.wpri.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:54 PM
A Massport spox didn't immediately know if Logan Airport was impacted by air traffic reductions & told me "Massport will provide the public with more information if we start to see staffing shortages or other issues causing impacts to flight operations."
www.wpri.com/news/us-and-...
www.wpri.com/news/us-and-...
Follow-up to this -- just got some quick clarification from the mayor's office that he intends to sign due to additional changes that have been made to the ordinance. Working on getting more info. @wpri12.bsky.social
NEW: Mayor Brett Smiley spox says he “has committed to signing” the amended Community Police Relations Act. (City Council is holding a final vote Thursday.)
Previously, Smiley said some of the changes were “deeply problematic” and could open up the city to “frivolous lawsuits.”
Previously, Smiley said some of the changes were “deeply problematic” and could open up the city to “frivolous lawsuits.”
November 5, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Follow-up to this -- just got some quick clarification from the mayor's office that he intends to sign due to additional changes that have been made to the ordinance. Working on getting more info. @wpri12.bsky.social
NEW: Mayor Brett Smiley spox says he “has committed to signing” the amended Community Police Relations Act. (City Council is holding a final vote Thursday.)
Previously, Smiley said some of the changes were “deeply problematic” and could open up the city to “frivolous lawsuits.”
Previously, Smiley said some of the changes were “deeply problematic” and could open up the city to “frivolous lawsuits.”
November 5, 2025 at 1:45 PM
NEW: Mayor Brett Smiley spox says he “has committed to signing” the amended Community Police Relations Act. (City Council is holding a final vote Thursday.)
Previously, Smiley said some of the changes were “deeply problematic” and could open up the city to “frivolous lawsuits.”
Previously, Smiley said some of the changes were “deeply problematic” and could open up the city to “frivolous lawsuits.”