Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not - September 11, 2015

HOT

Anthony Roberson

Roberson, a Providence detective, noticed other welcome back to school events taking place throughout the country, and decided to organize something similar at D'Abate Elementary School in Providence on Tuesday morning. He put together a group of successful men of color, to welcome the students on Tuesday. Roberson plans to put an all female event together later this year.

HOT

Seth Magaziner

The Rhode Island State Treasurer has taken steps to replace First Southwest as the state's financial adviser. The state is suing the company for fraud, among other things, over its role in the ill-fated 38 studios fiasco. Meanwhile, First Southwest has petitioned a judge to block a settlement with several other parties. Magaziner's actions move are long overdue, but in this case, later is better than never.

HOT

Rhode Island YWCA

The YWCA of RI will hold it's 11th annual Women of Achievement Awards on September 29 at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. The YWCA will honor 13 Rhode Island women at the luncheon for their accomplishments in improving our state. The YWCA selected the honorees based on the organization's values, which are "empowering women, eliminating racism and promoting peace, justice and dignity for everyone".

HOT

Michael Silverstein

The judge in the 38 studios case has ordered the release of sealed documents from the case. The lack of accountability from the 38 studios fiasco has all but paralyzed the state. With the document release, the public will have more information about the ill-fated deal. And that's a good thing.

HOT

Droners

The Rhode Island based startup that takes photos from drone technology is on the rise. Forbes Magazine as well as Wired have written articles about this up and coming company. This is the type of company Rhode Island needs to spark the innovation economy. The challenge is to keep them here and find many other like Droners.

HOT

Joe Kelly

The Boston Red Sox season has been abysmal. But starting pitcher Joe Kelly gives the Red Sox and their fans something to look forward to next April. Kelly became the first pitcher since Pedro Martinez (in 1999) to win 8 starts in a row on Wednesday night. That's impressive.

Photo courtesy of kenjancef/Flickr

NOT

Gina Raimondo

The Governor announced another initiative that might make for a good headline that improves her poll numbers, but won't do much more. The Ocean State Grad Grant, which will be issued through RI Housing, will offer recent college grads down payment help on a home purchase worth 3.5 percent of the cost up to $7,000. But today's Millenials starting their careers, in this job market, need flexibility. They don't want to be tied down to a house.

NOT

Scott Avedisian

The Warwick Mayor wants the owners of the Pawtucket Red Sox to change their plans and move to his city instead of Providence. But suggesting a different location doesn't change the fact that most Rhode Islanders don't want to subsidize the wealthy Pawtucket Red Sox owners Field of Dreams. Besides, does Avedisian think that anyone wants to take in a baseball game while listening to the roar of jet engines landing at T.F. Green?

NOT

Torey Malatia

The new boss over at Rhode Island Public Radio enters his new job with a much-needed fresh start. Malatia, who will serve as Rhode Island Public Radio's President, CEO, and General Manager, resigned as head of WBEZ/Chicago Public Media amidst scrutiny over lackluster ratings two years ago. Malatia however is credited with launching "This American Life" for WBEZ back in the early nineties. 

NOT

Providence College and Brown University

The students who live off campus near Providence College and Brown University are up to their old tricks again. They're drinking in public, littering, and making lots of noise. Let's face it: The schools need to create stricter penalties for students who cause a nuisance to their host community. And the students need to show a little more respect for their neighbors.

NOT

ESPN

The sports programming leader, fresh off its inaccurate reports over the "Deflategate" controversy last year, which it apologized for a few weeks ago, has doubled down with yet another baseless report about the New England Patriots and the "Spygate" fiasco. The new reporting contains nothing but old news and unsubstantiated allegations without any hard evidence or proof.

NOT

September 11

Today marks the 14th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. A day that will live on in infamy and Americans will never forget. Let's remember the victims and remain vigilant to prevent future attacks.