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! • [email protected]
Section (i)(3)(b) is cut. But Rose says "the likelihood of successful prosecution from an organization against an individual officer for a violation of the CPRA would be low, considering they are highly protected by LEOBOR."(4/x) @wpri12.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Section (i)(3)(b) is cut. But Rose says "the likelihood of successful prosecution from an organization against an individual officer for a violation of the CPRA would be low, considering they are highly protected by LEOBOR."(4/x) @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.”
Statement from Providence City Council President Rachel Miller on Jill Davidson’s win tonight:
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Statement from Providence City Council President Rachel Miller on Jill Davidson’s win tonight:
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Statement from Jill Davidson, who won the Democratic primary for the Providence City Council’s Ward 2 seat, according to preliminary results.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... #Election2025 @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... #Election2025 @wpri12.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Statement from Jill Davidson, who won the Democratic primary for the Providence City Council’s Ward 2 seat, according to preliminary results.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... #Election2025 @wpri12.bsky.social
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... #Election2025 @wpri12.bsky.social
The owners of Stewart House have been feeling the impacts of tariffs from the UK and EU, plus additional brokerage fees, for months.
Another set of tariffs introduced on Thursday could have ripple effects for businesses big and small.
MORE: www.wpri.com/business-new... @wpri12.bsky.social
Another set of tariffs introduced on Thursday could have ripple effects for businesses big and small.
MORE: www.wpri.com/business-new... @wpri12.bsky.social
September 27, 2025 at 12:10 AM
The owners of Stewart House have been feeling the impacts of tariffs from the UK and EU, plus additional brokerage fees, for months.
Another set of tariffs introduced on Thursday could have ripple effects for businesses big and small.
MORE: www.wpri.com/business-new... @wpri12.bsky.social
Another set of tariffs introduced on Thursday could have ripple effects for businesses big and small.
MORE: www.wpri.com/business-new... @wpri12.bsky.social
NOW: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has signed “A Safe Providence for All” into law.
The executive order is codifying existing policy around immigration enforcement in the city. @wpri12.bsky.social
The executive order is codifying existing policy around immigration enforcement in the city. @wpri12.bsky.social
September 22, 2025 at 3:32 PM
NOW: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has signed “A Safe Providence for All” into law.
The executive order is codifying existing policy around immigration enforcement in the city. @wpri12.bsky.social
The executive order is codifying existing policy around immigration enforcement in the city. @wpri12.bsky.social
Providence police have been tapping into surveillance cameras, and even officer body-worn camera, in real-time to respond to incidents across the city.
Here's how it works 👇
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Here's how it works 👇
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
August 19, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Providence police have been tapping into surveillance cameras, and even officer body-worn camera, in real-time to respond to incidents across the city.
Here's how it works 👇
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Here's how it works 👇
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
I'm looking for teachers or parents whose child's school has already implemented a hard ban on cell phones. Has it made a difference?
If you're willing to do an on-camera interview for a back-to-school story I am working on, email me at: [email protected]
If you're willing to do an on-camera interview for a back-to-school story I am working on, email me at: [email protected]
August 4, 2025 at 2:19 PM
I'm looking for teachers or parents whose child's school has already implemented a hard ban on cell phones. Has it made a difference?
If you're willing to do an on-camera interview for a back-to-school story I am working on, email me at: [email protected]
If you're willing to do an on-camera interview for a back-to-school story I am working on, email me at: [email protected]
Significant update: Providence city spokesperson Anthony Vega says charges are being dropped against the individuals charged in an incident on West Friendship Street last month. Plus, some of officers involved will be disciplined.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
August 1, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Significant update: Providence city spokesperson Anthony Vega says charges are being dropped against the individuals charged in an incident on West Friendship Street last month. Plus, some of officers involved will be disciplined.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
NEW: Ward 2 City Councilwoman, Finance Chair Helen Anthony shares she is stepping down from her role effective Sep. 1 to “more fully focus” on her health. The councilwoman is still healing from injuries sustained in an accident in June 2023.
@wpri12.bsky.social
@wpri12.bsky.social
August 1, 2025 at 1:20 PM
NEW: Ward 2 City Councilwoman, Finance Chair Helen Anthony shares she is stepping down from her role effective Sep. 1 to “more fully focus” on her health. The councilwoman is still healing from injuries sustained in an accident in June 2023.
@wpri12.bsky.social
@wpri12.bsky.social
It’s official. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has signed the FY26 budget.
Residents can come to the tax collector’s office to pay in person today if they want, but bills will be online this week and in the mail soon. Grace period to pay your Q1 bill runs to Aug. 20. @wpri12.bsky.social
Residents can come to the tax collector’s office to pay in person today if they want, but bills will be online this week and in the mail soon. Grace period to pay your Q1 bill runs to Aug. 20. @wpri12.bsky.social
July 15, 2025 at 4:06 PM
It’s official. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has signed the FY26 budget.
Residents can come to the tax collector’s office to pay in person today if they want, but bills will be online this week and in the mail soon. Grace period to pay your Q1 bill runs to Aug. 20. @wpri12.bsky.social
Residents can come to the tax collector’s office to pay in person today if they want, but bills will be online this week and in the mail soon. Grace period to pay your Q1 bill runs to Aug. 20. @wpri12.bsky.social
BREAKING: Providence is appealing a LEOBOR panel decision to reinstate a PPD officer previously accused of assault.
The city's attorney said Sgt. Joseph Hanley's "shocking betrayal of the public trust" showed "he is not worthy"
the position.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
The city's attorney said Sgt. Joseph Hanley's "shocking betrayal of the public trust" showed "he is not worthy"
the position.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
July 10, 2025 at 3:01 PM
BREAKING: Providence is appealing a LEOBOR panel decision to reinstate a PPD officer previously accused of assault.
The city's attorney said Sgt. Joseph Hanley's "shocking betrayal of the public trust" showed "he is not worthy"
the position.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
The city's attorney said Sgt. Joseph Hanley's "shocking betrayal of the public trust" showed "he is not worthy"
the position.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
VIDEO: Police are conducting an internal affairs review of an incident where several arrests at a Providence house party were captured on camera.
Police are seen pulling two people out of a home and holding a man down, punching him several times.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
Police are seen pulling two people out of a home and holding a man down, punching him several times.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
July 7, 2025 at 9:56 PM
VIDEO: Police are conducting an internal affairs review of an incident where several arrests at a Providence house party were captured on camera.
Police are seen pulling two people out of a home and holding a man down, punching him several times.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
Police are seen pulling two people out of a home and holding a man down, punching him several times.
www.wpri.com/target-12/pr... @wpri12.bsky.social
Rare noon anchor appearance on @wpri12.bsky.social ! Lots of breaking news… see you soon!
July 2, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Rare noon anchor appearance on @wpri12.bsky.social ! Lots of breaking news… see you soon!
SOON: Tonight’s final public hearing on the FY26 budget gets underway at 5:30 p.m. at Providence City Hall.
So far more than a dozen people in attendance.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
So far more than a dozen people in attendance.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
June 30, 2025 at 9:25 PM
SOON: Tonight’s final public hearing on the FY26 budget gets underway at 5:30 p.m. at Providence City Hall.
So far more than a dozen people in attendance.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
So far more than a dozen people in attendance.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
My colleague, @leahbcrowley.bsky.social spoke w/Mayor Brett Smiley, at USCM in FL.
Smiley sent a letter to @govdanmckee.bsky.social to formally request he sign a bill that grants an exemption to Prov to exceed the RI tax levy as soon as its transmitted.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
Smiley sent a letter to @govdanmckee.bsky.social to formally request he sign a bill that grants an exemption to Prov to exceed the RI tax levy as soon as its transmitted.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
June 20, 2025 at 8:36 PM
My colleague, @leahbcrowley.bsky.social spoke w/Mayor Brett Smiley, at USCM in FL.
Smiley sent a letter to @govdanmckee.bsky.social to formally request he sign a bill that grants an exemption to Prov to exceed the RI tax levy as soon as its transmitted.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
Smiley sent a letter to @govdanmckee.bsky.social to formally request he sign a bill that grants an exemption to Prov to exceed the RI tax levy as soon as its transmitted.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
We had a great time volunteering at RISPCA in Warwick, thanks to @wpri12.bsky.social's @sarahbawden31.bsky.social!
My group spent time prepping materials for snuffle mats... but we also had some major playtime with animals up for adoption!
#NexstarNation #NexstarFDOC2025
My group spent time prepping materials for snuffle mats... but we also had some major playtime with animals up for adoption!
#NexstarNation #NexstarFDOC2025
June 20, 2025 at 6:54 PM
We had a great time volunteering at RISPCA in Warwick, thanks to @wpri12.bsky.social's @sarahbawden31.bsky.social!
My group spent time prepping materials for snuffle mats... but we also had some major playtime with animals up for adoption!
#NexstarNation #NexstarFDOC2025
My group spent time prepping materials for snuffle mats... but we also had some major playtime with animals up for adoption!
#NexstarNation #NexstarFDOC2025
Mayor Brett Smiley spox, Josh Estrella, says the city is “disappointed” after the 8-Law reform bill was held for further study tonight.
Full statement in the pic below.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Full statement in the pic below.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
June 18, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Mayor Brett Smiley spox, Josh Estrella, says the city is “disappointed” after the 8-Law reform bill was held for further study tonight.
Full statement in the pic below.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Full statement in the pic below.
Background: www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
VIDEO NOW: I caught up with Mayor Brett Smiley ahead of the RI Senate's vote tonight on a bill that would allow Providence to apply Rhode Island’s 7% sales tax to apply to the city’s commercial parking lots.
Background: www.wpri.com/money/provid... @wpri12.bsky.social
Background: www.wpri.com/money/provid... @wpri12.bsky.social
June 3, 2025 at 5:40 PM
VIDEO NOW: I caught up with Mayor Brett Smiley ahead of the RI Senate's vote tonight on a bill that would allow Providence to apply Rhode Island’s 7% sales tax to apply to the city’s commercial parking lots.
Background: www.wpri.com/money/provid... @wpri12.bsky.social
Background: www.wpri.com/money/provid... @wpri12.bsky.social
NOW: Mayor Brett Smiley and other city leaders are announcing “early highlights” of this year’s PVDFest.
• Fri. 9/5 - Sat. 9/6 (rain date 9/7)
• Squonk’s Brouhaha
• New large-scale mural
• Pneuhaus to unveil a new illuminated installation
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
• Fri. 9/5 - Sat. 9/6 (rain date 9/7)
• Squonk’s Brouhaha
• New large-scale mural
• Pneuhaus to unveil a new illuminated installation
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
June 3, 2025 at 2:06 PM
NOW: Mayor Brett Smiley and other city leaders are announcing “early highlights” of this year’s PVDFest.
• Fri. 9/5 - Sat. 9/6 (rain date 9/7)
• Squonk’s Brouhaha
• New large-scale mural
• Pneuhaus to unveil a new illuminated installation
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
• Fri. 9/5 - Sat. 9/6 (rain date 9/7)
• Squonk’s Brouhaha
• New large-scale mural
• Pneuhaus to unveil a new illuminated installation
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
NOW: A @wpri12.bsky.social crew is at a scene on Douglas Avenue where it appears federal agents have detained several people. Evidence has also been seized.
May 29, 2025 at 6:02 PM
NOW: A @wpri12.bsky.social crew is at a scene on Douglas Avenue where it appears federal agents have detained several people. Evidence has also been seized.
NEW: @wpri12.bsky.social quickly caught up with Mayor Brett Smiley ahead of tomorrow's Palestinian flag raising in Providence.
wpri.com/news/local-n...
Here's some of what he had to say👇
wpri.com/news/local-n...
Here's some of what he had to say👇
May 15, 2025 at 9:44 PM
NEW: @wpri12.bsky.social quickly caught up with Mayor Brett Smiley ahead of tomorrow's Palestinian flag raising in Providence.
wpri.com/news/local-n...
Here's some of what he had to say👇
wpri.com/news/local-n...
Here's some of what he had to say👇
NEW: @wpri12.bsky.social talked to members of the Jewish Voice for Peace – Rhode Island, who gathered outside of Mayor Brett Smiley's home early Thursday morning to protest his weeklong trip to Israel. (The mayor returned yesterday afternoon.)
MORE: www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
MORE: www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
May 15, 2025 at 6:23 PM
NEW: @wpri12.bsky.social talked to members of the Jewish Voice for Peace – Rhode Island, who gathered outside of Mayor Brett Smiley's home early Thursday morning to protest his weeklong trip to Israel. (The mayor returned yesterday afternoon.)
MORE: www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
MORE: www.wpri.com/news/local-n...
Some Providence city councilors are clashing with Mayor Brett Smiley over a pair of bills that would make reforms to the so-called "8-Law."
Smiley has said the reforms could to spur developers to convert vacant commercial space to residential use.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Smiley has said the reforms could to spur developers to convert vacant commercial space to residential use.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
May 2, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Some Providence city councilors are clashing with Mayor Brett Smiley over a pair of bills that would make reforms to the so-called "8-Law."
Smiley has said the reforms could to spur developers to convert vacant commercial space to residential use.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
Smiley has said the reforms could to spur developers to convert vacant commercial space to residential use.
www.wpri.com/news/local-n... @wpri12.bsky.social
I’m celebrating 7 years with WPRI 12 today! Here’s to what else is to come at 1️⃣2️⃣
@wpri12.bsky.social
@wpri12.bsky.social
April 30, 2025 at 5:22 PM
I’m celebrating 7 years with WPRI 12 today! Here’s to what else is to come at 1️⃣2️⃣
@wpri12.bsky.social
@wpri12.bsky.social