Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - April 7, 2023

HOT

Steve Feinberg

The 19-year veteran of the Rhode Island Film and Television Office scored another big win.

As GoLocal first reported this past weekend, “Good Burger 2” is slated to be filmed in Rhode Island, with details being finalized with Paramount Pictures. 

WIN!

Then, GoLocal reported on Tuesday that Austin Butler, who was Oscar-nominated this year for playing Elvis, has a new role — crime boss Danny Ryan in Don Winslow’s “City of Fire.”

The book is set in Providence. Winslow is a RI native. This is another project that has to be shot in RI.

HOT

A New “Kitchen” Has Opened in RI  — With Familiar Faces and Foods

A new “kitchen” opened in Rhode Island this past weekend — with some familiar faces and foods. 

Cara Jenness, who had owned Plouffe’s Diner in Pawtucket before it closed at the beginning of the year, announced the new endeavor. 

“Cara’s Kitchen” — located in Lincoln at the Fairlawn Golf Course, which is open to the public — will feature many of the same breakfast and lunch items found at Plouffe’s, according to its menus. 

Jenness made the following announcement: 

"After a much need pause from social media, I am delighted to announce that I am back. And, if greeting you with my presence was not enlightening enough, I have some amazing news to share with all of you. 

I am pleased to announce April 1st is the grand opening of my new kitchen. Located at Bogey’s at Fairlawn Golf Course in Lincoln, RI."

Read more here. 

HOT

Emerging Multi-Media Star

GoLocal's Art Columnist, Michael Rose, has a great feature on one of Rhode Island's most talented artists.

Rhode Island is home to many artists who experiment across media. For Jodie Mim Goodnough, photography is one venue for artistic expression - but she also leverages other modes to probe important topics. Her energetic and inventive output shows off one of the state’s most passionately creative minds.

Goodnough is not just a busy studio artist but is also an active educator. On staff at Salve Regina University in Newport since 2015, she currently holds the rank of Associate Professor. Primarily teaching photography, Goodnough’s various skill sets are undoubtedly of value to the emerging artists studying with her. But Goodnough finds great inspiration from her students, too.

READ MORE

HOT

Hall of Famers

The Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame has announced its 2023 inductees. 

According to Board President Albert Beauparlant, the Hall of Fame, consisting of Rhode Islanders from Roger Williams and the Chief Sachems of the Narragansett and the Wampanoag tribes to the present. was created in 1965 to honor “any individual who has brought credit to Rhode Island, brought Rhode Island into prominence, and contributed to the history and heritage of the state.” READ MORE HERE

HOT

Danny Hurley

Congrats to the irascible head coach of the UConn men's basketball team.

Why can't we get coaches like that around here? 

NOT

Tennessee's Legislature Makes You Feel Good About the RI General Assembly

The Tennessee House voted on Thursday to expel two Democrats one week after they protested in the legislature, calling for stronger gun laws. The GOP removed two young Black men from serving. 

NOT

10 Years and Counting

Despite threats and promises of enforcement actions by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office, environmental officials, and court oversight, an environmental mess has continued for more than a decade.

Environmental violations and fires have occurred and there appears to be no end in sight.

READ MORE

NOT

ATVs and Deminishing Quality of Life

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Police Chief Oscar Perez this week announced a new initiative to try and control the ATV gangs racing across Providence.

The number of resources to be dedicated seems to be a tad thin. 

Let's hope that the city is serious this time.

NOT

PC Drama

It was just a year ago when the Providence College men's basketball team went on a wonderful ride to the Sweet 16.

The last two-plus weeks have been an endless drama with coaches, NIL money, contracts, and arrests. GoLocal broke most of the stories -- and it has been exhausting.

NOT

Flip-Flop-Flip-Flop

Providence Councilor John Goncalves is a flexible elected official. 

Goncalves this week introduced a resolution at the Providence City Council in support of a liquor license carve out — for one business. 

As GoLocal reported in March, Goncalves had initially been opposed to a liquor license for a new Greek restaurant in Wayland Square. 

Then, after receiving a donation from the owner, he changed his mind and asked elected officials for special state legislation to allow for one. 

He said in March he was "unsure" he would introduce a measure supporting the General Assembly bills before the City Council; now, he is. 

Read more here. 

NOT

Whoops

First Lady Jill Biden suggesting that the losing NCAA women's basketball championship team -- Iowa (mostly white) should come to the White House and be honored with the winning team LSU (mostly Black) was clumsy as best.

LSU star Angel Reese's response was appropriate --  "We’ll go to the Obamas. We’ll see Michelle. We’ll see Barack.”