WPRI Investigative Reporter Tim White to Present URI's Annual Taricani Lecture

White will discuss defending local news and a free press at the event honoring the legacy of late journalist Jim Taricani.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tim White, an award-winning investigative journalist for Providence's WPRI-TV (CBS 12), will deliver the University of Rhode Island's 2026 Taricani Lecture on First Amendment Rights. White has exposed corruption and fraud throughout his career, including investigations into the Fall River Police Department and COVID-19 relief loan fraud. The lecture is held in memory of the late Jim Taricani, a veteran Rhode Island journalist and URI community member.

Why it matters

The Taricani Lecture series brings distinguished journalists to campus to share their expertise on the critical topic of protecting First Amendment rights. White's investigative work embodies Taricani's legacy of holding leaders accountable and fostering civic engagement through local journalism.

The details

In his talk, White will discuss defending local news and a free press. The lecture is free and open to the public, with registration required. URI journalism chair Daniel Hunt will moderate the discussion, which will also be livestreamed.

  • The lecture will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
  • White recently led WPRI news series that led to a former high school basketball coach being charged with sexual assault and an investigation that resulted in a criminal conviction of a powerful Rhode Island state representative.

The players

Tim White

An award-winning investigative journalist for Providence's WPRI-TV (CBS 12) who has exposed corruption and fraud within the region throughout his career.

Jim Taricani

A veteran Rhode Island award-winning journalist and nationally respected investigative reporter with WJAR-TV (NBC 10) in Providence for nearly four decades, and a valued URI community member.

Daniel Hunt

The Harrington School of Communication and Media's journalism and public relations chair at the University of Rhode Island.

Laurie White

The president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Jim Taricani's wife, who with the Taricani family, endowed the lecture series in his memory.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to have Tim White be this year's Taricani Visiting Journalist. Tim is a widely respected, award-winning investigative journalist, and our students here at URI can learn so much from him.”

— Daniel Hunt, Journalism and public relations chair, Harrington School of Communication and Media, University of Rhode Island

“This is deeply personal for me. Jim Taricani was a great friend who, despite working at a competing newsroom, was always willing to help. Frankly, it was Jim's advice that pushed me to take this job 20 years ago and move from Boston to the Providence market. We lost him much too soon.”

— Tim White

“Tim's investigative reporting at WPRI embodies the legacy of Jim Taricani. Investigative reporting is critical for democracy as it holds our political leaders accountable and fosters civic engagement in local communities. Tim's commitment to uncovering the truth has shed light on stories that might otherwise go untold throughout the state of Rhode Island.”

— Daniel Hunt, Journalism and public relations chair, Harrington School of Communication and Media, University of Rhode Island

What’s next

The Taricani Lecture is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The event will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

The takeaway

The Taricani Lecture series honors the legacy of a respected Rhode Island journalist by bringing distinguished reporters like Tim White to share their expertise on the vital role of a free press in defending local news and holding leaders accountable.