HOT

Gianfranco Marrocco

The Federal Hill restaurateur has stepped up to the plate and offered jobs to all of the staff at Fire + Ice--one of the Providence Place Mall’s original restaurants, which closed with virtually no notice this week. Marrocco owns Caffe Dolce Vita, Blend, Biergarten, and Hotel Dolce Villa — all on Federal Hill. “We are glad to try and help the staff of Fire and Ice land on their feet,” said Marrocco. That’s a nice gesture.

HOT

Melissa A. Long

Long, the state’s current Deputy Secretary of State, has been appointed a state Superior Court Justice by Governor Gina Raimondo. Long has a long, distinguished career in law, particularly in the public sector, and her experience should make her a good Rhode Island judge.

HOT

Marvin Abney

The House Finance Chairman from Newport oversaw a smooth process of getting the state budget passed. There were no setbacks or mishaps, and the House of Representatives adjourned at a reasonable hour in the evening. That’s something that has happened rarely during budget debates over the last two decades.

HOT

Sean Spicer

The controversial press secretary to President Donald Trump, who is well-known for his highly combative responses at press conferences is being honored by the Rhode Island GOP at a fundraiser on July 2. If you’ve ever wanted to meet the man behind the podium, it will only cost you $1,000 for a private reception or $250 per person for more of a  general reception.

HOT

Noel Acciari

The Rhode Island native and former Providence College Hockey star has signed a two-year deal with the Boston Bruins that will see him earn an average of $725,000 annually. This signing comes after Acciari appeared in 29 games for the Bruins last year, scoring two goals and later scoring a goal during one of the four playoff games he played in.

HOT

Happy Fourth of July

Here’s hoping everyone has a safe, happy, and relaxing Fourth of July weekend alongside the company of friends and family.

NOT

Gina Raimondo

The Governor has indicated that she supports the most recent plan to have taxpayers subsidize a new Pawtucket Red Sox stadium, but in almost the same breath, she told GoLocal that she “has concerns about everything” when asked if she was worried about whether Pawtucket would be able to backstop its portion of the subsidy. If the Governor truly “has concerns about everything”, should she really be supporting this newest proposal to help the wealthy Pawsox owners get what they want? I think not.

NOT

Jorge Elorza

There’s a piece of bad legislation currently making its way through the state legislature that would keep municipal union contracts in place indefinitely, until a new contract is reached.

The legislation would give the unions leverage in the negotiations against the city and town councils, mayors, and managers throughout Rhode Island, who represent the taxpayers. That’s why the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, as well as mayors throughout the state are opposing this bill. Elorza, however, has refused to take a position on the bill.

NOT

Dr. Tadeusz Sztykowski

Dr. “Tad” as he is referred to, has a radio show on 630 WPRO as makes frequent television appearances on The Rhode Show on WPRI, but the Rhode ISland Department of Health recently forced him to surrender his medical license because he doesn’t have the proper credentials or certifications under Rhode Island law. Dr. Tad apparently never went to a medical school that was recognized by the United States and therefore has to stop marketing himself as a medical doctor.

NOT

Joe Almeida

A bill proposed by Representative Almeida would expand the criteria for public safety workers (firefighters and police officers) to receive disability pensions from Rhode Island municipalities--amending the language from simply injuries on duty being enough to qualify for a disability pension and changing it to injury and illness. This is a change that municipalities cannot afford.

Governor Raimondo should veto this bill.

NOT

RI Department of Motor Vehicles

The DMV has outdone itself.

With the supposed “upgrade” of its computer system, which, if early indications are a harbinger of what’s to come, will make UHIP look like a minor mishap, the DMV is requiring Rhode Islanders to make reservations online before visiting the DMV. Brace yourself, Little Rhody. A big storm is brewing at the DMV!

NOT

Trumpcare

The U.S. Senate version of legislation that would repeal and replace Obamacare has apparently hit the skids, as leadership was forced to delay a procedural vote that would have allowed consideration of the bill to take place. The debate in Congress highlights what former President Ronald Reagan once said, “Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life” on earth.