Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not - February 20, 2026

HOT

Heroes Among Us 

In the aftermath of the Pawtucket shooting, police acknowledged "the courageous citizens who intervened during the attack [at Lynch Arena]."

"Their actions undoubtedly prevented further injury and increased the chances of survival for the injured. They exemplified model citizen behavior and true bravery in the face of danger," said police. 

"These individuals include Michael Black, Robert Rattenni, and Ryan Cordeiro, who bravely subdued the suspect. Chris Librizzi and Glenn Narodowy, both retired Warwick firefighters and EMTs, and nurse Maryann Rattenni rendered critical first aid in the immediate aftermath," said police.

HOT

Making the Leap

Adam Stabile has set his sights on opening his own restaurant - for over a decade. 

The Federal Hill industry veteran said he had a vision for what he wanted in an Italian eatery - a neighborhood gathering spot, where patrons could dine, drink, and linger. 

So when Stabile saw an opportunity on Hope Street, he jumped at the chance.

This week, GoLocal was first to report that Stabile’s new restaurant Ciao Ciao is opening this spring, and News Editor Kate Nagle spoke with Stabile about his vision for his next chapter. 

“Traveling through Italy, I really loved the culture of the ‘aperitivo’ vibe where people get together to be so social,” said Stabile. “[I wanted] a relaxed spot where after work, you kind of kick back, you meet your friends, you have a drink here, you go over to the next place, you have a little glass of wine, you have a little snack.”

And Stabile knows restaurants.  READ MORE

HOT

Upset Special

It was the biggest win in a good long time.

The University of Rhode Island men’s basketball team upset #18-ranked St. Louis at the Ryan Center on Tuesday night.

Jonah Hinton led the Rams with 29 points on 10 of 17 shooting. He was 9-15 from behind the 3-point line.

HOT

Team USA Shocks Canada - Women's Hockey Bringing Home Gold 

Despite trailing with 2 minutes remaining in regulation on Thursday, the Americans tied the game to stay alive.

Then Megan Keller stunned the Canadians and sealed a 2-1 win in overtime.

USA...USA...USA

NOT

Stereotypes

There have been two mass shootings in Rhode Island in the past two-plus months.

One was committed by a white Portuguese national who was a physicist by training.

There was little "anti-scientist" or "anti-Portuguese" hatred expressed in the aftermath.

This week's shooting was committed by a father who had transitioned to being a woman.

The amount of anti-transgender hatred that has been expressed is hideously repulsive.

Yes, other transgender individuals have committed mass shootings, and so have other failed academics.

We don't know the motivation for either of their actions. If there are any hints, they were dysfunctional, mentally ill, and what appears to be narcissistic.

Both were on crusades of injustice in their twisted minds.

NOT

Friar Chaos

Providence College is loaded with talent.

The Friars are void of discipline.

Coaches Rick Pitino and Dan Hurley have raved about how talented the Friars are.

GoLocal columnist Kevin Stacom, a former NBA player and 30-year scout, has repeatedly said the Friars have three players with NBA-level potential — Jamier Jones, Stefan Vaaks, and Jaylen Sellers.

He doesn’t assert they will all make the NBA, but that they have the physical gifts to potentially make “the show.’

Despite the talent, the Friars arguably are one of the most underachieving teams in college basketball.

Kim English’s squad is turning into a train wreck — you simply can’t look away from the carnage, due in part to a colossal lack of discipline that has seen the Friars cough up lead after lead.

There are the late fouls on three-point shooters in the final seconds, leading to losses.

Turnovers and more turnovers. This week, the Friars had 18 turnovers, and Seton Hall had 5. On Saturday, PC had 15 and St. John's just 5. 

And no game screamed of a program out of control more than the Friars’ meltdown on Saturday against St. John’s.

It was a chance to sweep St. John’s, which only has one loss in the Big East, just to the Friars.

Providence was leading 40-39 when, on a breakaway by St. John’s Bryce Hopkins, PC’s Duncan Powell's right arm hammered Hopkins in the face on a layup.

The brawl was on, and the Friars were again the team out of control. The Friar fans were hitting new lows. Multiple fans were removed from the building.

NOT

How Bad Was Providence's Snow Clean-up?

A person riding a motorized wheelchair on the 6/10 connector was escorted off the highway in Providence by Rhode Island State Police (RISP) on Tuesday afternoon.

GoLocal obtained the video footage of the incident from Janetsy M, who told GoLocal it “backed up traffic” going into the city.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

On Wednesday, GoLocal spoke with RISP Col. John Allen about what took place. 

“We received calls [about a wheelchair rider] on the highway. We basically gave them an escort off the highway and spoke with them about the dangers of being on the highway,” said Allen. 

Police also spoke with the rider.

“They said they were concerned about being on the city streets with no place to go,” said Allen. “But again, we shared our concerns about them being on the highway, and that they should not do it again.”

Allen said the police made the decision to escort the rider off the highway out of safety. 

NOT

Epstein Cronies Donated Tens of Thousands to RI Politicians — Raimondo & Foulkes Largest Recipients

A number of Jeffrey Epstein’s cronies — some of America’s most powerful leaders in business and politics — have donated more than $20,000 to six different Rhode Island politicians.

The donations were all given since Epstein was convicted sex abuser and freed from prison in 2009.

GoLocal cross-referenced more than 100 prominent men and women who are tied to Epstein with the Rhode Island campaign finance reports. GoLocal looked specifically at those individuals who had an ongoing relationship with Epstein after he was convicted of being a sex abuser.

To date, GoLocal has tracked $25,000 in donations from five prominent men who were solicited and gave donations to Rhode Island politicians' campaign accounts.

No one received more donations from Epstein cronies than former Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. She took in $10,000 from four different men with direct ties to Epstein. Today, Raimondo’s Rhode Island campaign account reports a balance of $575,572.51. READ MORE

Former RI Governor Gina Raimondo and Democratic Candidate Helena Foulkes. PHOTOS: GoLocal and Pablo Corradi, CC: 2.0