The WPRO Morning News with Tara Granahan & Andrew Gobeil
The WPRO Morning News with Tara Granahan & Andrew Gobeil and WPRO News Director/Anchor Bill Haberman report and analyze the news as it develops, interview the state and nation's top news makers, and keep you informed of weather and traffic every 10 minutes. Three award-winning journalists providing local, objective news coverage, everyday.
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February 22, 2012
"Podcast | Full Day Kindergarten - a good idea, but too expensive?"
Studies have -for years- proven the benefits of full-day kindergarten. Implementing such a schedule, however, is somewhat prohibitive and extremely costly. Despite the costs associated with full-day kindergarten, one Rhode Island lawmaker is repeating her call for its implementation. Senator Hanna Gallo spoke with Tara and Andrew this morning to discuss the plans, and the costs associated with it
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 9:42am | link
"Podcast | Ash Wednesday - important and trendy says one local priest"
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season and with it comes packed churches, ash-covered foreheads and plans to sacrifice for the next forty days. Monsignor Anthony Mancini joined Tara and Andrew to discuss Ash Wednesday; his comments about the day (which, by the way, is not a Holy Day of Obligation) might surprise you.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 9:38am | link
February 21, 2012
"Morning News with Tara and Andrew | Gripping story of Station Fire survivor"
RI filmmaker Dave Bettencourt spoke of his latest project on the WPRO Morning News with Tara Granahan and Andrew Gobeil. It details the tragic events of the Station Nightclub fire, nine years later. Bettencourt said he plans to have the film finished by 2012, for the 10th anniversary of that fateful night where 100 people perished. The Cranston native also told one survivor's story - hear the heartbreaking details here:
posted by Keith Anderson at 10:59am | link
"Morning News with Tara and Andrew | Cicilline lays blame on past administrations"
Congressman David Cicilline joined Tara and Andrew on the WPRO Morning News, defending his leadership as mayor of Providence. He said he's not responsible for the current fiscal troubles of the city which is now, according to Mayor Angel Taveras, on the brink of bankruptcy. Cicilline told the WPRO Morning News with Tara Granahan and Andrew Gobeil that he did not put the “outrageous” cost of living increases for retirees in place and that his administration made sustainable payments into the system. When asked if he takes any responsibility? Hear his response and the complete interview here:
posted by Keith Anderson at 10:53am | link
February 20, 2012
"Morning News with Tara & Andrew | Father of youngest Station Fire victim: the tragedy is becoming a footnote"
Nicky O'Neill was just 18 years old, the youngest victim in the Station Nightclub fire which occured nine years ago. His father, Dave Kane, joined WPRO's Tara Granahan on this anniversary saying he believes the tragedy is becoming a "footnote in R.I. history". Kane also expressed his frustration over the ownership of the land and the fact that the make-shift memorial is in shambles. Hear his interview as we remember the 100 victims of that deadly fire and why Kane is saddened by the the drop in attendance at recent anniversaries.
posted by Keith Anderson at 10:47am | link
"Morning News with Tara & Andrew | RI native/Cong. candidate: Why she said about Rick Santorum: "
Warwick native and retired Col. Martha McSally joined WPRO's Tara Granahan to talk about running for the newly-vacated Congressional seat in Arizona. That seat was held by Gabby Giffords, who was shot in the head and is now continuing her recovery. McSally, the first female Air Force pilot to fly in combat, is running as a Republican. She recently made national headlines after saying in a TV interview, regarding presidential candidate Rick Santorum, that she wanted to “go and kick him in the jimmy.” Tara asked what McSally meant by that: Hear her response, plus why she sued Donald Rumsfeld years ago, and what causes her to get a "fire in the belly."
posted by Keith Anderson at 10:41am | link
February 17, 2012
"Morning News with Tara and Andrew | Rhode Island's Senior Senator Welcomes Payroll Tax Decisions"
After months of debate, federal lawmakers have finally come to an agreement on an extension of the payroll tax credit. United States Senator Jack Reed, who played an integral role in the negotiating process, joined the WPRO Morning News With Tara Granahan and Andrew Gobeil to discuss the issue. He also voiced his opinion on the Cranston prayer banner decision.
posted by Keith Anderson at 11:06am | link
"Morning News with Tara and Andrew | Cranston School Chief Speaks Out"
The late night Cranston school board meeting meant an early wake up call for school superintendent Peter Nero. Nero, calling from Cranston West this morning, told the WPRO Morning News With Tara Granahan and Andrew Gobeil that the prayer banner will be brought down after final consultation with an attorney. He was also critical of a few members of the public who addressed the school board Thursday night.
posted by Keith Anderson at 11:02am | link
February 16, 2012
"Podcast | Ghost Hunters investigate Providence City Hall"
On Wednesday, SyFy's "Ghost Hunters" newest epiisode features the investigation of Providence City Hall, long rumored to be haunted by ghosts. WPRO's Andrew Gobeil talked with the star of Ghost Hunters, Rhode Island native Jason Hawes.
posted by Keith Anderson at 2:08pm | link
"Podcast | Mayor Taveras discusses talks with Brown University"
Providence Mayor Angel Taveras joined WPRO's Andrew Gobeil to discuss the financial problems facing the city. Mayor Taveras talked about the meeting with Brown University and the role that Providence Retirees will have in helping the city moving forward.
posted by Keith Anderson at 1:55pm | link
February 14, 2012
"Podcast | GOP leader says Providence should go bankrupt."
Providence Mayor Angel Taveras delivered a bleak State of the City address, asking for the help of the Governor, as well as retirees and tax exempt entities to get the city back into finacial stability. Tara Pinsky, head of the Providence Republicans joined Tara to talk about what she thinks should happen in Providence. She also talked about the situation with City Councilman Zurier's letter to a constiuent.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:23am | link
"Podcast | State Senator answers stalking accusation; calls accuser a no-show"
State Senator Frank Maher is being accused of stalking by State Senator Moura, after he and other Senators voiced concerns over how many sessions she has missed. Senator Maher joined Tara to explain his side of the story.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:16am | link
February 13, 2012
"Podcast | "Cash mobs" coming to your city?"
"Cash Mobs" are catching on all over the place as a way to infuse local businesses with money from mobs of custormers. The organizer of local cash mobs joined Tara to talk abotu what they're doing.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:18am | link
"Podcast | Local soldier talks about women in combat. "
The Pentagon has annouced modifications to it's combat rules, opening up almost 15,000 combat related jobs to women. Lt. Col. Gloria Berlanga, a Rhode Island woman who joined the military after the Invasion of Kuwait in 1990. She joined Tara to discuss what the changes could mean.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:04am | link
February 10, 2012
"Podcast | Tax increases may not increase revenue"
In an effort to ease the financial burden now facing the state of Rhode Island, Governor Lincoln Chafee has proposed a serious or tax increases. Such hikes, he feels, will increase revenue for the state and cut into Rhode Island's deficit. Not so, says one conservative group, which explains the tax hikes will result in fewer people spening money in Rhode Island. Mike Stenhouse joined Tara and Andrew Friday morning.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 10:24am | link
"Podcast | Warwick native to run for congress....from Arizona?"
An upcoming Arizona special election to fill a now vacant congressional seat has a Rhode Island connection. Martha McSally, a combat pilot and Warwick native, is expressing interest in running for the seat once held by Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. In an interview with The WPRO Morning Show With Tara and Andrew, a friend of Giffords, Congressman Jim Langevin, described his past work with McSally and his disappointment that McSally is running as a Republican.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 10:21am | link
February 09, 2012
"Podcast | Warwick tax revolt leader feels "targeted" for speaking up."
A vocal critic of the state's car tax evaluation process is brining suit against a Warwick City Council member, saying her words in the debate over the issue have harmed him. Rob Cote, who has expressed displeasure over the tax process, and has moved to change the procedure told the WPRO Morning News that he is suing Ward three Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson for $300,000 in damages. Cote is representing himself in the process.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:03am | link
"Podcast | RI Catholic priest feels Obama's stand on birth control is an attack on the Church."
In an effort to ensure health care coverage for all, the Obama administration may be running into a challenge that could land it right in the middle of a fight over religious rights and governmental demands. Catholic leaders are upset that Obama's health care requirements would force them to offer birth control options for employees of Catholic institutions like hospitals and schools. A local Catholic priest addressed the issue this morning on the WPRO Morning News With Tara and Andrew.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:01am | link
February 08, 2012
"Podcast | Good Time Credit Law Changes"
It was a story that grabbed the headlines and prompted many to speak out about Rhode Island's Good Time Credit process in the state's correctional facility. With good time earned during his more than two decade incarceration, Michael Woodmansee -jailed after he pleaded guilty to charges of second degree murder of a young neighbor- was able to cut nearly twelve years off his forty year sentence. Outraged residents promised to change the law allowing such options; Tuesday, a proposed change in the law passed the Rhode Island Senate. Eric Wallin, who represented the family of the child Woodmansee killed, joined Andrew to discuss the bill. Thrilled at the prospect of the bill's passage, Wallin expressed concern that Governor Lincoln Chafee might not sigh the measure.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:20am | link
"Podcast | More than a mere phone?"
A Rhode Island attorney, angered that her BlackBerry was taken by the state's Attorney General's office, reached out to the media recently in an effort to publicize the situation and obtain her phone. Donna Uhlmann, after discussing a case with a judge, returned to her workspace in court to find her phone had been taken by investigators. She says a warrant demanding the phone was all that she received from investigators. Concerened that prosecutors might attempt to obtain information from the phone, Uhlmann spoke with the WPRO Morning News Wednesday morning.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:17am | link
February 07, 2012
"Podcast | Tax The Rich?"
Increase my taxes, says multimbillionaire Warren Buffet who, for years, has criticized a tax structure that forces his secretary to pay more in taxes than he does. President Barack Obama used his State of the Union last month to bring attention to the apparent disparity, inviting Buffet's secretary to join the gallery watching the address. Last week, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse submitted legislation calling for a fix to the issue. Tuesday, he defended the so-called "Buffet Bill" on the WPRO Morning News. Andrew asked the Senator just how much revenue would be obtained should the legislation pass; he also queried the Senator on the possible harm to job creation should those billionaires be required to hand over more money.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 10:33am | link
"Podcast | Vindication?"
The criticism was -seemingly- endless. Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation backed a $75 million loan guarantee to a video gaming company with no real record of success. The one thing that company (38 Studios) did have going for it? A self-promoting sports icon (former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling) and a promise to relocate from Massachusetts to Rhode Island.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 10:27am | link
February 06, 2012
"Podcast | More Redistricting Complaints"
With apologies to Captain Renault in Casablanca (who was "...shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on..."), we were shocked to find their might be deception in the policital world. Well -if not deception- than allegations of deception. That's the case with House Minority Leader Brian Newberry who is just as shocked to find that the ongoing redistircing process in Rhode Island might be subject to political expediency. The Republican leader joined Andrew Monday to talk about the process and its likely outcome.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 10:47am | link
"Podcast | Superbowl ads not as super as expected?"
Bob Thompson, proffessor of Television and Pop Culture at Syracuse University joined Andrew to discuss the commercials during the Superbowl.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 10:39am | link
February 03, 2012
"Podcast | CF Teacher Update: Drink and having sex with student"
A 22 year-old former Central Falls teacher is without a job today, after she was accused of providing alcohol to her students. Emma Wise, a first year chemistry teacher at Central Falls High School, pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of procurement of alcohol beverages for underage persons and contributing to the delinquency of a person under 16-years-old. Rhode Island State Police Captain Michael Winquist joined Tara and Andrew to discuss the case.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 10:32am | link
"Podcast | Friday Morning Feedback: Pats or Giants? Your Predictions"
The New England Patriots are set to face off with the New York Giants at Super Bowl XLVI, and Tara and Andrew wanted to know, who do you think will win. Here's what the callers had to say.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 10:22am | link
February 02, 2012
"Podcast | Think Positive: Commissioner Gist Says Education in RI Is On A Roll"
Two days after Governor Lincoln Chafee urged Rhode Islanders to remain civil in their discourse with each other, and one day after the state’s chief executive called for a more positive outlook on the state’s fortunes, Education Commissioner Deborah Gist did just that. She joined Tara and Andrew to discuss the positive aspects of the state’s education system.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:26am | link
"Podcast | Seagull Shootin' at thje Landfill! To the Tune of $75k"
They’ve long been the bane of oceanfront residents – seagulls. Visitors to our coastline love them; the seabirds’ graceful flight, distinctive calls and very presence manifest a pleasant coastal scene. In reality, however, the birds are scavengers: pests who carry germs and filth from one location to another. They’re hazardous to air traffic and they can harm pristine environments. One such location (admittedly, not so pristine) is now trying to do away with thousands of seagulls. The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, which runs the Johnston landfill, signed a seventy-five thousand dollar contract to remove –and in some cases kill- the seagulls now congregating at the landfill.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:18am | link
February 01, 2012
"Podcast | SPECIAL COVERAGE: Gov. Lincoln Chafee explains his proposal for new taxes"
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:25am | link
"Podcast | SPECIAL EDITION: Will lawmakers support the Governor's plan to raise taxes?"
A few hours after Governor Chafee gave his State of the State Address and Proclaimed 2012 "the Year of the Cities and Towns, Tara and Andrew spoke with some state officials to get their reaction to the Governor's plans.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:19am | link
January 31, 2012
"Podcast | Lawmakers Take a Page Out of the Occupy Movement's Book"
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:38am | link
"Podcast | How Will Bank of America Leaving Downtown Affect Providence?"
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:35am | link
January 30, 2012
"Podcast | Providence Facing Tough Decisions on Pension CoLAs"
Facing a substantial budget shortfall, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras says his constituents will soon face difficult choices: likley cuts in services and increases in taxes to make ends meet. The Mayor joined Tara and Andrew Monday morning to discuss the budget process and the possibility of a suspension of Cost Of Living Adjustments for Providence retirees.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:15am | link
"Podcast | Economic Analyst on the Governor's Planned Budget Address"
Promising a candid, painful look at Rhode Island's budget, Governor Lincoln Chafee is -most likely- finalizing his State of the Sate Address. Rhode Island's chief executive will offer his budget to a joint session of the State House and Senate Tuesday evening. Economics professor and former URI dean Ed Mazze joined Tara and Andrew to offer his suggestions for the speech.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:05am | link
January 27, 2012
"Podcast | See the AFC Championship Trophy At Patriot Place"
The New England Patriots are Indianapolis bound, heading for Super Bowl XLVI, and Bryan Morry, Executive Director for Patriot Place joined Tara and Andrew to talk about the send off celebration on Sunday.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 3:29pm | link
"Podcast | Friday Morning Feedback: Should She Stay or Should She Go?"
The controversy over the cranston school banner continues, after Jessica Ahlquist, posted on twitter and facebook that she intended to stay at Cranston West. Tara and Andrew took calls to see were everyone lies.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 3:10pm | link
January 26, 2012
"Podcast | Local Officials React to the passing of Former Governor Joseph Garrahy"
Tara and Andrew spoke with some local officials on the passing of Former Governor Joe Garrahy. Congressman Jim Langevin called in, as well as former Colonel Brendan Doherty and former Governor Ed Diprete.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:56am | link
January 25, 2012
"Podcast | RI Congressional Delegation pleased with State of the Union speech"
Just hours after President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address, members of Rhode Island's congressional delegation weighed in with their opinions of the speech. All Democrats, the group roundly praised the address, saying it provided a strong outline for the steps needed to improve the nation's economy.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:30am | link
"Podcast | RI GOP on Rep. Watson's 2nd arrest: "we are not his parents""
Minority Leader Brian Newberry joined Tara and Andrew to talk about Represenative Watson's arrest for possesion.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:27am | link
January 24, 2012
"Podcast | Clergy leaders gather to support teen atheist"
The Rhode Island State Council of Churches is holding a meeting today to ask for tolerance for Jessica Ahlquist. The executive director of the council, Revernand Donald Anderson joined Tara and Andrew to discuss.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:07am | link
"Podcast | Bruins' Tim Thomas a no-show at White House"
The Boston Bruins met with President Obama yesterday after winning the Stanley Cup last June. One member of the Bruins however was notably missing. Backstop Tim Thomas decline the invitation to the White House because he feels government has gotten too big. Mike Stenhouse, a former pro athlete and current political activist joined Tara and Andrew to talk about it.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 11:00am | link
"Podcast | Cabinent member tours Rhode Island to help small biz"
Just days after distressing news about the state of Rhode Island's economy was released, an Obama cabinet member traveled to Rhode Island in an attempt to grow small businesses. Karan Mills was sworn in as the Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration in 2009; the position has recently been elevated to cabinet status. Monday, she'll travel to Central Falls to hear from -and speak with- small business owners working to succeed.
posted by Tyler O'Neill at 10:51am | link
