Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not - July 10, 2026

HOT

Fan Zones Across Rhode Island

One thing that brought Rhode Island together in the past few weeks has been the World Cup fan zones in Central Falls, Providence, Pawtucket, and East Providence. Tens of thousands have attended, and the excitement has been electric.  

HOT

RAMP Receives $20,000

Cox Communications employees surprised Rhode Island-based nonprofit Real Access Motivates Progress (RAMP) with a $20,000 Employee’s Choice Grant.

The Cox Charities grant will allow RAMP (Real Access Motivates Progress) to help businesses become more accessible, visible, and inclusive through accessibility certifications, public awareness, and a mobile phone app, while empowering people with disabilities to confidently shop, work, and participate in the local economy.  

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude,” said Tina Guenette, CEO/Founder of RAMP. She went on to say, “The employees of Cox Communications didn’t just choose a nonprofit — they chose families, memories, and ‘no one left out.’ This $20,000 Cox Charities grant means no one misses another wedding, birthday, or holiday because a place wasn’t accessible. To have Cox employees and the Rhode Island Senate recognize RAMP’s work is an honor we don’t take lightly. Less ‘you can’t go there.’ More, ‘we saved you a seat.’ Real access motivates progress, and because of you, RAMP is just getting started.”

HOT

RI International Airport #1 in the U.S. — Second Year in a Row

Rhode Island International Airport (PVD) has been named the No. 1 Domestic Airport in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026 readers’ survey for the second year in a row, following two consecutive years as the nation’s fastest-growing airport. This honor will appear in the August 2026 issue of Travel + Leisure.

“This recognition is an incredible honor for our airport and the State of Rhode Island,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, president and CEO of Rhode Island Airport Corporation. “To be named the No. 1 Domestic Airport in back-to-back years is a testament to the dedicated work of all employees at PVD, the countless vendors we rely upon, and our airline partners.”

HOT

Shark Research

The Atlantic Shark Institute (ASI) released video on Monday of a great white shark off Block Island - and said that the footage is significant.

“We are happy to share this wonderful and perhaps first-of-its-kind rare video of a great white shark in Rhode Island waters, and the search of the humpback whale that led to its discovery,” said ASI Executive Director Jon Dodd.

ASI's research is great work for understanding Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay and the ocean.

NOT

Gotta Answer Basic Questions

Providence mayoral candidate David Morales has a fundraiser in New York.

The headliner is Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier i

A feature in the Wall Street Journal entitled “The Democratic Socialist and Anti-Israel Activist Giving Democrats Heartburn” focuses on her positions.

“Her victory is making some Democrats queasy, in part, because Avila Chevalier leaned in to political views that in past elections would have been viewed as politically toxic. She has called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement while suggesting illegal immigration shouldn’t be prevented. During a primary debate, she stood by her decision to attend a pro-Palestinian rally the day after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. And in a recent interview, she wouldn’t say whether someone convicted of murder should be incarcerated,” reported the Wall Street Journal.

Morales and his campaign refuse to answer questions about whether he shares her views on these issues.

Not a good look.
 

Creepy Platner and Failed Democratic Party

The Nazi Tattoo Was Not Enough

The Maine Democrats, national Dems, and the media did a poor job vetting the candidate - Graham Platner - in one of the biggest races in the country.

Now, a creepy man accused of sexual assault is out of the race for the United States Senate.

Maine reporters should rethink their profession.

NOT

What Happened to the President Who Promised No More Forever Wars

President Trump has bungled and miscalculated nearly every aspect of his war with Iran.

Each week, the Iranians appear to be more emboldened and more aggressive.

Americans are paying the price economically for the political chaos.

NOT

Brown’s Athletic Director’s Compensation Jumps to $1.5 Million, While Program Flounders

The idea that an athletic director at a low-level college sports program is being paid $1.5 million is simply outrageous. To add insult to injury, the teams are in many cases not competitive.

The latest Form 990 filing by Brown University shows that the athletic director's compensation has skyrocketed.

This, while the Brown’s athletic program continues to flounder under Grace Calhoun's leadership

According to the most recent IRS [2025] filing, her compensation has jumped to $1,557,104.

The level of compensation is unprecedented for the University and for similar positions.

It is a 46% one-year increase, as Calhoun was paid $1,064,933 the previous year, according to Brown’s 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. 

Remarkably, Calhoun is the fourth-highest-compensated executive at Brown University.

Only Jane Dietze, Brown's VP and Chief Investment Officer, who received $4,043,871; President Christina Paxson, who was paid $1,953,784; and Joshua Kennedy, Managing Director, who received $1,657,221, were paid more at Brown.

Calhoun's compensation is more than that of the athletic director at Providence College, Steven Napollillo, who receives $724,044, and the University of Rhode Island athletic director Patrick Lyons, who earns $350,000 combined. Both Providence College and URI play in higher-level conferences.

NOT

Rhode Island is ranked 48th for business.

At least we are consistent. 

RI has averaged 48th over the past 20 years, CNBC has ranked the state.

SEE MORE