Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - June 2, 2023
Analysis
Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - June 2, 2023
We have expanded the list, and we are going to a GoLocal team approach while encouraging readers to suggest nominees for who is "HOT" and who is "NOT."
Over the past 12-plus years, more than 6,000 have been tagged as HOT or NOT.
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Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - June 2, 2023
HOT
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy
The new Speaker faced a major test and delivered.
It took 15 ballots to win the Speakership and he faces near-constant attacks from within his own party.
Give McCarthy credit, he worked with President Joe Biden to reach an agreement to keep the nation solvent.
HOT
Mayor Frank Picozzi
Why do they love independent Mayor Picozzi in Warwick? He just does the little things.
This past week he hand-signed more than 260 congratulatory notes to graduating Warwick seniors.
HOT
Lock up the Cell Phone
Providence public middle schools have implemented a new approach to cell phones for students.
While the stated policy according to the district is that cell phone use by students is prohibited, an additional deterrent has been recently added — locked pouches.
According to the Providence Public School District (PPSD), “Cell phones must be turned off during the school day. Students may not use cell phones during the school day. All emergency calls must be directed to and from the school office. The use of personal music devices/electronics is never allowed during class time or passing time, project-based activities or cooperative learning experiences. Teachers retain the right to select and play music during class.”
Now, GoLocal has learned that Providence middle schools are all using “Yondr” pouches, after an initial pilot program was rolled out earlier this year.
HOT
Local Guys Winning
Knead Donuts is putting the finishing touches on its newest store in Providence.
The latest Knead is currently under construction in the Elmhurst neighborhood of the city, on Smith Street at River Avenue.
Known for its innovative creations, Knead features such flavors as blueberry lemon, chocolate chip cookie, butter brown pecan, and Neapolitan, to name a few.
Currently, Knead has locations on Elmgrove Avenue on the East Side, as well as on Cromwell Street in the West End.
It also now boasts stores in East Greenwich and Westerly.
Knead had started in downtown Providence at the historic Custom House, and in 2019, even played a part in a marriage proposal.
HOT
Olivia King
Rhode Island singer-songwriter Olivia King’s latest single features an old-school sample.
Very, very old.
King, who describes herself as a “Pop/Soul singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur” recently dropped “No Queen,” a girl-boss anthem — set to Beethoven’s 5th symphony — and it has taken off.
According to King, it was social media that launched the concept, and with close to 170,000 Instagram followers, King has been steadily growing her brand.
In 2020, the Warwick native boasted 87,000 followers when she created the walkout single played in Yankees Stadium for her brother — and pitcher — Mike King.
Now, “No Queen” is taking her career to the next level.
HOT
New Food Hall in RI - Featuring BBQ, Wings, Raw Bar, and More
There’s a new food hall in Rhode Island — with a number of culinary offerings.
“RhodeHouse” — located at 15 Frontier Road in Ashaway — just opened at the end of May, and there’s no shortage of dining options.
From Pit Stop bbq and Belly Busters Burgers and Wings, to “Woodfellas” pizza and Potter Hill sweets, there is something for nearly everyone.
“Visiting RhodeHouse is not your traditional dining experience and therefore not your traditional experience,” according to their website. “We are a venue that houses multiple culinary concepts in one comfortable & fun spot for you to enjoy.”
RhodeHouse also touts an expansive list of craft cocktails, beer, wine — and patio space “for days."
And on its website — RhodeHouse lays out exactly how it works, explaining the following:
“When you arrive at RhodeHouse, our house is your house!"
PHOTO: Jon Tyson, Unsplash
HOT
State Rep. Kennedy Brings National Meetings to RI
The South County State Representative Brian Patrick Kennedy has become a national leader in the National Council of State Legislators.
This weekend the NCLS' 2023 Spring Executive Committee and LSCC Meetings come to Providence.
Kennedy is presently Speaker Pro Tempore and is President-Elect.
HOT
President Joe Biden
Too old, doddering, and yet, keeps winning.
The deal with Speaker Kevin McCarthy was brilliant, bipartisan and in the country's best interest.
NOT
Aaron Regunberg
Just silly.
Regunberg opposed Biden's debt ceiling deal.
When you have a trust fund, a financial meltdown is less concerning.
NOT
More Storage, Less Livable City
Architecture critic Will Morgan's column on the proliferation of storage facilities raises important questions about the city of Providence's lack of coherent planning.
NOT
The Boston Celtics
The Celtics had the most talented players.
They just weren't a team.
PHOTO: Hasbro
NOT
No Truth to the Rumor
There is no truth to the rumor that the White House switchboard was overwhelmed by calls from Rhode Island right after the President slipped and fell at the Air Force Academy commencement.
Although the "Heavy Hitter" may now have carpal tunnel syndrome.
