Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - February 21, 2025

HOT

7 Goals in First NCAA Division I Game in URI History

There is HOT, and then there is HISTORIC HOT.

URI women's lacrosse played their first Division I game on Monday.

They played in horrific bitter cold weather conditions and overcame a four-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat Merrimack 11-10. Calli Dunn's goal with less than a minute left proved to be the difference.

Caralie Basuel scored the first goal in program history and 6 more in the game (PHOTO: URI)

HOT

Republican Senate Chair of the Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker

When CNN asked if Putin could be trusted in the negotiations over the Ukraine war, Republican Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker said: "No. Putin is a war criminal who should be in jail for the rest of his life, if not executed." He also said that the Russians will try to do 'anything to their advantage."

Asked if Putin can be trusted in the negotiations over the Ukraine war, Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker said: "No. Putin is a war criminal who should be in jail for the rest of his life, if not executed." He also said that the Russians will try to do 'anything to… pic.twitter.com/6LgiyMrSJz

— Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 18, 2025

HOT

SNL and RI

Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary this past weekend. 

At GoLocal, we tracked down 22 Rhode Island connections.

Dozens of Rhode Islanders have appeared as guest hosts or musical guests.

Take a look at the ultimate list of Rhode Island-SNL connections CLICK HERE.

HOT

Billy "The Kid" Donovan

Kevin Stacom, GoLocal's Sports Analyst, has a tremendous take on Billy Donovan.

READ HERE

HOT

Ryan G. Represents Rhode Island

Cox Mobile, Cox Communications’ mobile phone service, announced 22 finalists of its nationwide phone case design competition.

The contest, in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, encouraged teen Club members in Cox markets to submit a phone case design for the chance to win a $25,000 scholarship.

“Congratulations to all of our incredible Cox Mobile Boys & Girls Club finalists,” said Colleen Langner, Chief Residential Officer of Cox Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Southeast Trustee. “Partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in this way reflects our ongoing commitment to utilizing technology to create meaningful opportunities, support community growth and inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Rhode Island's Representative 

Ryan G. has been recognized as one of the 22 finalists in the competition, representing the Boys and Girls Club in Pawtucket.

When describing the artwork, Ryan says “My artwork that I created means that there is a world that people can reach for. Anyone is capable of reaching for anything that they desire.”

All finalists will receive an exclusive tech package valued at over $500. The grand prize winner, to be announced this spring, will receive the $25,000 scholarship. In addition, the grand prize winner’s Boys & Girls Club will receive a $25,000 Cox Innovation Lab grant to provide local members with the tools and technology they need to succeed.

"Partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to inspire students' creativity through phone case designs has been an ideal collaboration for Cox Mobile and expands our ability to help the Boys and Girls Club in Pawtucket make an even greater impact here in Rhode Island,” said Rob Brill, market vice president for Cox New England.  “The art and stories produced by all participants are truly inspiring, and we are so excited to cheer on Ryan as he advances in this competition."

HOT

Hit Parade

It’s not often you see baseball games with a final score of 36-22. 

When the University of Rhode Island (URI) Rams beat William & Mary this weekend, that was indeed the case. 

According to URI athletics, “Rhode Island Baseball out-slugged William & Mary for a 36-22 victory on Sunday evening at Plumeri Park. The Rams cranked out 24 hits in the seven-inning game, scoring at least one run in all but the sixth.”

URI, who split a doubleheader with the Tribe on Friday, took the series 2-1. 

“The game was out of control from the start, with William & Mary (1-2) on top 14-6 after two innings,” according to URI. “Over the next three frames, Rhode Island scored 26 runs with an astounding 17-spot in the fifth. Freshman Adonis Medina, who entered as a pinch-hitter, homered twice in just that inning to put the Rams ahead, 32-14.”

Game in Focus

The Rams were not the only team to put up 36 runs on Sunday afternoon. Indiana State defeated Wagner 36-6 in a neutral site game, said URI. 

The 58 combined runs are tied for the fourth-most scored in a single game in NCAA Division I history. The record is 62 from a 33-29 Denver win over Air Force on May 13, 1968. 

HOT

Angelo’s Jamie Antignano Celebrates Her Restaurant Anniversary - By Going Behind the Bar

Angelo's Jamie Antignano is celebrating her role in the family business by doing what she always does best — rolling up her sleeves and working. 

The newest owner of the Federal Hill institution (read GoLocal's piece on her ascension here), Antignano took to social media on Wednesday to invite people to come join her and the Angelo's team on Atwells Avenue in Providence. 

During her tenure, Antignano oversaw some major renovations - and recognition of the 100-year-old anniversary of the Italian eatery. 

Antignano's Message

To celebrate my Angelo's Anniversary...

I will be bartending from open to close today - to talk to guests, get feedback on new dishes, and celebrate everything we have all accomplished over the last 7 years! We have delicious new specials this week - try the blistered tomato and whipped ricotta dip with grilled Italian bread - along with all your favorites! We have also made extra roasted half chickens today, so you have no reason to not come in and say hello!

A special note to all our guests -

Thank you for supporting me over the past 7 years, the time went by so fast. I know change isn't easy, and to those who welcomed me with open arms thank you, and to those who weren't as thrilled, I hope I have shown you over the past years my commitment to tradition by honoring the past, but also my excitement for the future! 

In this day in age, if you are not growing, you're dying, and we try every day to better ourselves whether that be the service, the quality of our local ingredients, or keeping prices lower despite costs rising! Please come in and say hello today and thank you again for all your support, I can't say it enough!

- Jamie Antignano

HOT

Your Own Lighthouse

It's the coolest house around.

Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty announced the listing of the Borden Flats Light, Somerset, MA for $1,100,000. 

The seller is represented by Cheryl Andreozzi, Sales Associate of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty.

Beautifully located on Mount Hope Bay at the mouth of the Taunton River, the historic Borden Flats Light has been completely restored and revived as a bed and breakfast, hosting guests from around the world.

Following a grant of $25,000 in 1880, the construction of the brick and cast-iron tower, which doubled as living quarters for its keeper, commenced and the lighthouse went into service on October 1, 1881. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The lighthouse remains an active Coast Guard Aid to Navigation within the bay. The Light Home can continue as a turn-key world-renowned overnight destination or become a unique private summer residence. With just under 1,000 square feet, the five-level interior is connected by the iconic spiral staircase and preserved open-faced brick walls. The light itself receives its power from solar panels, and a Generac backup generator supplies additional functionality to the rest of the dwelling.

Each level offers a unique experience and conveys fully furnished with period antiques and maritime collectibles. The lighthouse proudly sits about half of a mile south of the Braga Bridge in Fall River and is a beacon and monument to the cultural and historical aspects of the area.