Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - January 31, 2025

HOT

Good for Downtown

As GoLocal first reported, Brown University Health - formerly Lifespan - announced last Friday that it will consolidate its administrative offices to downtown Providence’s 15 LaSalle Square effective June 1, 2025. The Brown Health Administrative Office at 15 LaSalle Square, which is the former Hasbro headquarters, will support as many as 600 employees.

Hasbro left the building in 2024.

The building is assessed at $25 million and is recorded as being owned by a corporation in San Diego, CA, according to Providence tax records. The building was built in the 1980s for a regional office for AT&T.

“Brown Health is proud to continue to invest in the city of Providence and contribute to the success of an economically vibrant downtown,” said John Fernandez, President and CEO, Brown University Health.  “By consolidating our existing scattered administrative functions into one central space, Brown Health will achieve savings while instilling a more integrated workforce for our health system.” 

PHOTO: City of Providence Tax Assessor

HOT

Providence Internal Auditor Gina Costa

The City of Providence now has a new app where “waste, fraud, and abuse” can be reported - anonymously.

The Office of the Internal Auditor has launched “Speak Up PVD” for city employees, vendors, and constituents.

"This is something that needs to be done. It was recommended in a recent forensic audit," said City of Providence Internal Auditor Gina Costa. "People who need to report things anonymously now have a resource."

According to Costa, it is a "tool for the taxpayers."

READ MORE HERE

HOT

Rhode Island Creative Star Ceramist David Allyn

Michael Rose, GoLocal's art columnist, highlights the creative talent of David Allyn.

Rose writes:

David Allyn is a maker who creates works inspired by Rhode Island. In his silkscreened ceramics, images of iconic spots like the Superman Building are celebrated. Allyn’s artworks show off his mastery of interdisciplinary craftsmanship and highlight the places that inspire him. An individual who is deeply invested in the Providence cultural scene, Allyn is an artist to know.

Raised in the Midwest, Allyn completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. He went on to obtain his MFA in Ceramics from RISD in 2003 and made a home for himself in Providence. He has remained active with his alma mater and has recently been teaching introductory ceramics courses to undergraduates.

READ MORE HERE

HOT

Yum-a-licious

Providence Restaurant Weeks is back January 26 - February 8, featuring over 60 dining options from Providence, Warwick, South Kingstown, and beyond.

The weeks of delicious indulgences are brought to you by the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB). This year’s Providence Restaurant Weeks features new restaurants and includes prix fixe menus and special offers for lunch and dinner - plus drink specials and more.

“There’s a reason Providence made the list of Eater’s Where to Eat in 2025 - our food scene is among the best in the world, and Providence Restaurant Weeks showcases that,” said Kristen Adamo, president and CEO of the PWCVB. “Twice a year, some of the top restaurants in Rhode Island participate in this special event, offering limited-time specials and menus that are sure to please any palate. Pay a visit to your favorite neighborhood spot or get a seat at one of our area’s brand new restaurants, like CRU PVD or Dolce & Salato. From vegan cuisine to fine dining to family-friendly restaurants, there is truly something for everyone during Providence Restaurant Weeks.”

READ MORE HERE

HOT

RI Criminal Justice Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees

The following individuals were recognized at a ceremony on Thursday: 

Dana Smith, Director of Security Operations and Confidential Investigator for the Superior Court

AAG Patrick Youngs, III, Office of the RIAG

Toby Ayers, former Executive Director of Rhode Island for Community & Justice

In Memory of Ralph W. Ezovski, former State Director of the NAGE/IBPO

Col. Michael Winquist, Chief of Police, Cranston PD

Major David Lapatin, Providence PD

Col. Stephen J. Lynch, Chief of Police, Burrillville PD

Michelle Alves, Assistant Public Defender, Chief of the Trial Division

NOT

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Regardless of your politics, Kennedy's performance at his confirmation hearing was an embarrassment.

If you can't distinguish between Medicaid and Medicare, you simply are not a credible candidate to run Health and Human Services.

NOT

Helena Foulkes

A series of investigative reports by GoLocal unveil claims the Democratic gubernatorial Helena Foulkes made in 2022 about her role and the timeline of her and CVS in the opioid epidemic do not add up.

Now, as she is running again for governor, she refuses to answer important questions about her and the company's decisions while she was president and hundreds of thousands were dying.

NOT

Providence Housing Prices Have Skyrocketed, Smiley and City Council Are About to Make It Worse

This past week, Rent.com reported that Providence's rents had increased more than any other large city in America -- 12.6% in the past year. Due to financial mismanagement, the city is facing a financial crisis not due to external forces but as a result of failed leadership.

Now, Smiley and the Council are gearing up to ask the RI General Assembly to remove the 4% cap on how much the city can raise taxes in a single year.

This one is not Biden or Trump's fault; it is simply poor management.