Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - July 21, 2023

HOT

Job, Jobs, Jobs

June marked the 19th consecutive month that the state’s unemployment rate was below the U.S. rate.

Rhode Island’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.9% -- and is also well below the national rate of 3.6%.“We’re pleased that over the past three months, we’ve seen continued growth in Rhode Island’s labor force. In the last three months, thousands more Rhode Islanders are working or actively seeking full-time employment – helping Rhode Island employers meet their hiring needs,” said Governor McKee.

This week, URI Economist Len Lardaro warned however that Rhode Island is on the brink of a recession. The job numbers throw a kink in that prediction.

HOT

"Pawn Star" Takes Providence

There is a downtown Providence restaurant that is fast getting a reputation among Hollywood players as the place to eat while in the city. 

NicoBella’s, just a block from City Hall, has recently hosted everyone from a former “People’s Sexiest Man Alive” to a star of one of the biggest box office hits of the 1980s. 

And on Monday, it had a visit from its latest celebrity customer -- Austin “Chumlee” Russell -- who is in Rhode Island to film “Pawn Stars Do America.”

"For the first time, the 'Pawn Stars' are hitting the road to visit some of America’s most exciting places in search of historical finds and impressive collectible objects in the new 8-part series 'Pawn Stars Do America," writes The History Channel. 

"Each two-hour episode follows Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Austin 'Chumlee' Russell as they step out of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas to connect with fans in eight different cities and acquire some of the most remarkable items imaginable," the channel continues. 

Pawn Stars in Providence

Chumlee, born Austin Lee Russell, is an American businessman and reality television personality who is best known for his appearances on the popular cable show. 

And for NicoBella owner Daniel Crenca, running into Chumlee on Monday was a fun surprise.

“I wasn’t supposed to be at the restaurant today, but I came in and went to help clear some tables, and there he was,” said Crenca.

According to Crenca, the "Pawn Star" couldn’t have been more gracious. 

“He has to be one of the nicest celebrities I’ve met,” said Crenca. “He just had a very gentle spirit, and he said he was going to come back.”

HOT

Swimmers for a Cause

Saturday at 7:05 a.m., following a minor delay due to thunderstorms, more than 200 swimmers took to the waves of Narragansett Bay's East Passage in the 47th Save The Bay Swim, raising both funds and awareness for Save The Bay's mission to protect and improve Narragansett Bay.

The Swim invites swimmers to tackle a two-mile, open water swim from the shore of the Naval War College in Newport to Potter Cove in Jamestown in the nonprofit organization's flagship fundraiser, supporting ongoing advocacy, habitat restoration, and education efforts.  

HOT

You’ll Never Guess My Favorite Neighborhood Vendor

Dr. Ed Iannuccilli's column this week has a brilliant remembrance of street vendors in Providence. 

"Of the many vendors who came to our neighborhood...fish man, rag man, grocery man, ice man, clothes man, and a bakery man, guess which one was my favorite.  No, not the ice cream man even though the ring of his truck meant that he cared, believing that we deserved an after-supper treat. "

It is a lovely read.

HOT

RI International Wins Again

Rhode Island International Airport (PVD) was selected as one of the Top Ten Domestic Airports in the Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Awards.”

The awards are based on readers’ survey results. There are more than 500 commercial airports in the U.S., and PVD was ranked #6 among these airports.

This is the latest award of excellence for PVD within the travel industry.  The airport has been recognized by national reviewers ten times in the last seven years, including one of the “Best Small Airports” in the nation in USA Today’s “Ten Best” Readers’ Choice Awards and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

The airport has significant reach into Massachusetts and Connecticut. PVD was singled out by one Travel + Leisure voter as, “The quick and easy airport to get your leisure travel off to a stress-free start."

The airport is benefiting from traffic problems impacting Boston's Logan Airport.

PVD has been consistently named one of the top airports in the country and is known for being a convenient and low-cost gateway to and from New England, having earned a reputation for ease of traveler access, affordable parking and short lines, attracting passengers from Rhode Island as well as nearby Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut.

NOT

Sabina Matos

Lt. Governor Sabina Matos had a direct path to win a seat in Congress, but a mounting number of self-inflicted errors are making her a punchline instead. 

First, her campaign announced endorsements -- of people who did not actually endorse her.

Oops. 

Not lethal, but now, there is growing evidence that her campaign may have improperly or fraudulently submitted signatures -- which is criminal.

Ouch. 

NOT

Smiley's Insecure Micromanagement 

Mayor Brett Smiley has put the proverbial muzzle on his police chief.

When calling Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez now, he texts back, "Pease call the Mayor’s office."

Media calls must be routed through the mayor’s office or the public information officer for the public safety department  — who takes direction from the Mayor’s office.

“In the past decade, GoLocal reporters and editors probably spoke with Chiefs Esserman and Clements, now Smiley is trying to block the media from getting information directly from the police,” said GoLocal CEO and co-founder Josh Fenton.

“This is micromanaging and improper interference by the Mayor’s office,” Fenton added. "It is dangerous, police chiefs need to provide critical information."

No other city or town in Rhode Island has such a policy.

NOT

“Flee Rhode Island As Soon As Possible”

24/7 Wall Street, the online national business publication, has written a blistering analysis of Rhode Island’s economy.

Rhode Island has taken black eyes from national media in the past, but it was punched in both eyes in the analysis written by Douglas A. McIntyre, the co-founder, chief executive officer, and editor-in-chief of 24/7 Wall St.

“Rhode Island seems like a friendly enough place to live and do business. According to CNBC, that isn’t true. Ranking poorly in the economy category in the cable channel's annual 'America’s Top States for Business,' alongside West Virginia and Alaska, it’s advisable for businesses and residents to consider relocating for better opportunities and quality of life,” writes McIntyre. 

“The CNBC study considers every state’s economy, which includes the factors of growth, the job market, the stability of state finances, and the housing market. The higher score a state can post is 360. The 10 weakest states do not top 145. Rhode Island’s score is 99, which means it gets an 'F' grade when all the factors in the methodology are taken together,” he continues. 

READ MORE

NOT

Resurrecting the Historic Cranston Street Armory

What a mess.

Somehow the rehab of the immense and elegant structure in Providence has turned into a political disaster for the McKee administration.

NOT

June Was the Hottest Month in History

July is looking hotter.

This is not a good trend.