Fitzpatrick, who also hosts “The Rhode Island Report,” is a Rhode Island-based reporter for the Globe, covering statewide government and politics.
Recently, he’s covered a developing controversy in his hometown of Smithfield, where there have been allegations of antisemitic hazing involving the high school football team.
An attorney representing the accused players has disputed the allegations, which were filed as a complaint with the R.I. Attorney General’s Office.
Fitzpatrick said the controversy has been scrutinized by many in the town, along with broader Rhode Island and multiple Jewish advocacy groups.
“This has been a big deal in the community,” Fitzpatrick said.
“It has divided the community,” he added. “You had people out there really concerned about what this says about Smithfield.”
In another segment of the show, Fitzpatrick talked about how there have been many decisions coming out of Rhode Island U.S. District Court challenging the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Many of those decisions were made by U.S. District Chief Judge John McConnell, which has made him the focus of nationwide scrutiny.
Fitzpatrick has covered McConnell during his time on the federal bench, including recent criticism that has ramped up after his most recent decision requiring the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits in November, despite the government shutdown.
“People have threatened him even before this case came into focus,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s an issue that divides people and it has politics involved.”
Later in the show, Dan and Eli discussed the “Stories We Wish We Wrote.” They included:
Watch “Behind the Story” Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app.
It airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com.
“Behind the Story” is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe.
