Every Friday, GoLocalProv takes a look at who is rising and who is falling in Rhode Island and national politics, business, culture, and sports.
This week's list includes Democracy in action, Fung's ability (or lack thereof) to answer questions, and expanding Thirsty Beaver empire.
Now, we are expanding the list, the political perspectives, and we are going to a GoLocal team approach while encouraging readers to suggest nominees for who is "HOT" and who is "NOT."
For the first time in years, there are competitive races for upwards of 60 General Assembly seats.
Democrats face primaries across the state. There are far more viable independents and Republicans running than in recent years.
There are contested Democratic primaries for nearly every statewide office as well as for the second congressional district, where it looks like whoever wins will face a formidable Republican in Allan Fung.
And, Ashley Kalus may be very competitive against the winner of the bruising Democratic gubernatorial primary.
The country saw the most dramatic testimony to date in the January 6 Select Committee during a hearing on Tuesday.
The hearing featured Cassidy Hutchinson, a trusted aide of Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, who portrayed President Donald Trump as unhinged and demonstrated unstable behavior when his Secret Service detail told him he could not go to the Capitol as his supporters were a potential safety threat..
According to Hutchinson, Tony Ornato, White House deputy chief of staff, told her Mr. Trump tried to grab the steering wheel of the vehicle and lunged at Robert Engel, head of his detail, after Mr. Engel told him he wouldn’t take him to the Capitol.
“I’m the effing president, take me up to the Capitol now,” she said Trump said. Mr. Engel said, “Sir, we have to go back to the West Wing.”
Hutchinson outlined numerous episodes of bizarre and potentially criminal behavior by Trump.
Governor Dan McKee on Monday announced the appointment of Elizabeth M. Tanner, Esq. as Rhode Island's next Secretary of Commerce.
As head of the Division of Business Regulation she slashed regulations and stream-lined how to do business with the state.
“Liz knows the ins-and-outs of small business and she has proven she will do what it takes to make Rhode Island a better place to live and work,” said McKee. “When faced with challenges, Liz has always come out on top. She advocates for policy that is efficient and outside-the-box and I know she will get the job done to continue Rhode Island’s growing momentum.”
Tanner replaces Stefan Pyror, who is running for Rhode Island General Treasurer.
It was a tough week for the Providence Police due to officer Jeann Lugo's arrest, but police continued to do their jobs -- and stopped what looked like could have been a terrible crime.
Providence police arrested three men in Providence last Friday night off Branch Avenue on firearms charges.
According to police, shortly after 10 PM they noticed individuals wearing ski masks in a parked vehicle.
Upon investigation, police said they found loaded guns, and upon running background checks, discovered one of the individuals was wanted in New York on murder charges.
From July 10 through July 23, throughout Rhode Island, 38 participating restaurants will feature special offers for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner, as well as other limited-time deals.
“Providence Restaurant Weeks is always an exciting time of year because it showcases dozens of nationally-recognized restaurants throughout the state while making their best dishes extremely accessible,” said Kristen Adamo, President and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB).
“As leisure travel continues to pick up momentum and locals continue to support small businesses, this is the perfect opportunity for everyone to get a taste of the region’s world-class dining scene," said Adamo.
A comprehensive list of all participating restaurants, along with their Restaurant Weeks menus, can be found at ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com.
Guests are encouraged to share photos of their dishes on social media with #PVDEats.
PWCVB noted that additional restaurants are likely to be added in the days leading up to the start of the event and will be listed online.
PPAC Earns Top 10 Ranking for Theatre Venues in U.S.
Pollstar Magazine has ranked the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) as one of the top 10 U.S. theatre venues.
The concert and live music industry trade publication recently issued its mid-year special edition, ranking PPAC as #7 for tickets sold and #8 for gross sales.
Other theatres in the top 10 included Radio City Music Hall in New York City, The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA, and the Chicago Theatre in Chicago.
“We are thrilled to be ranked as one of the top 10 theatres in the U.S. - what a fantastic way to wrap up our incredibly successful 2021/2022 Broadway season!” J.L. “Lynn” Singleton, President and CEO said.
The popular “hometown pub & grub” which originated in Cranston, is expanding into Westerly.
Ed Brady — along with Jeff Quinlan and Victoria Millard — made the announcement Tuesday morning.
“Our team at Dig In Dining & Entertainment is excited to announce we will be opening a new Thirsty Beaver Pub & Grub location at 265 Post Road in Westerly, RI later this summer,” said Brady.
And they are looking to staff up.
“If you are looking for an opportunity to join our growing team at any of our locations please email [email protected],” he added.
There are now Thirsty Beavers (in addition to Cranston) in Smithfield and Foxboro — and another new location in North Kingstown is coming soon.
Recently, Brady and Quinlan teamed up as the new owners of Cranston’s Park Theatre, and are working to reinvigorate the historic event space.
Trump has repeatedly hinted that he will seek the presidency again in 2024. Republican Fung is a candidate for the second congressional seat in RI.
Fung's website includes fundraising, photos, how to volunteer, and a Fung store in which you can buy anything from an adjustable hat to a golf gift set.
But, Fung's campaign website does not include his positions on any issue. There is no reference to any of the leading issues facing Congress -- inflation, Ukraine, gun rights, or reproductive rights issues.
