Every Friday, GoLocalProv takes a look at who is rising and who is falling in Rhode Island and national politics, business, culture, and sports.
We have expanded the list, and we are going to a GoLocal team approach while encouraging readers to suggest nominees for who is "HOT" and who is "NOT."
Ernie DiGregorio — Ernie D. — is one of those legendary athletes who transformed a college, a state, and even the game he played.
Imagine the NIL money Ernie D. would make if he was a Friar today.
His half-court behind-the-back passes have tens of thousands of views on YouTube. They are 50 years old — today they would be viral on TikTok within seconds.
Ernie D. was a basketball wizard and a showman.
He was that undersized high school star from North Providence who went from playing in sleepy Rhode Island high school gyms to being the rookie of the year in the NBA.
Along the way, he and another Rhode Island basketball phenom, Marvin Barnes, led Providence College to the Final Four.
But those are the legendary headlines — Ernie D’s new book “Star with a Broken Heart” goes deeper, he says.
The book explores the relationship between him, Barnes, and their legendary Providence College coach, Dave Gavitt. Maybe no one has had as big an impact on college basketball as Gavitt who helped to create the Big East and establish the mega-TV contracts with cable TV.
RIC's guard Sophia Guerrier was named the Most Outstanding Player and to the All-Tournament Team as No. 5 Rhode Island College defeated Williams, 66-65, in the finals of the Williams Tournament played in Chandler Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon.
GoLocal's Michael Rose has a feature on one of Rhode Island's emerging artists:
Many younger artists are leveraging the possibilities of realism in painting and drawing. Providence-based artist Sydney Darrow is at the forefront of this exploration locally, creating thoughtful realist images with a high level of technical skill and refinement. An active studio artist, Darrow is an important emerging talent who is cultivating an impressive creative career for herself in the region and beyond.
Bezos Family Gives Up to $137M to RI-Based Non-Profit
The Bezos Family is making a massive gift of up to $137 million to North Kingston-based Edesia.
The gift is from the family of billionaire Jeff Bezos.
According to Edesia, this gift will double its production and ensure a nutrient-packed food, Plumpy’Nut, can do for malnutrition what penicillin did for infections.
“Every 11 seconds a child dies from malnutrition despite it being a preventable condition. The increase in climate catastrophes, conflicts and economic disruptions has exacerbated malnutrition around the world. The good news is that we have a solution: Plumpy’Nut, a nutrient-packed food that has a 92% success rate for curing severe acute malnutrition in as little as eight weeks. Edesia Nutrition, a nonprofit social enterprise that produces Plumpy’Nut for millions of children in more than 60 countries, is now poised to double its production and champion a focus on prevention. Thanks to a transformational gift from the Bezos family, Edesia will help save millions of lives — making malnutrition history,” said the company.
“Ending malnutrition isn’t just a slogan. It’s our plan,” said Navyn Salem, Edesia founder and CEO. “There are many problems in the world that we don’t know how to solve. Malnutrition is not one of them. We know what we need to do: Get life-saving food to children who are acutely malnourished or are at risk of becoming so. Thanks to this gift, Edesia is positioned to do just that. We can take these resources and mount a global malnutrition effort so that children don’t die from this preventable condition.”
The Friends of Newport Skatepark (FONS), a community-driven organization, announced it has raised $750,000 towards a goal of $1 million.
“At the heart of this endeavor was the recent Broadway Street Fair in Newport, a vibrant event that not only celebrated the spirit of the community but also highlighted the inclusiveness of skateboarding. The fair featured an impressive skateboarding demonstration, where professionals, novices, and enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds participated, exemplifying the sport's ability to unite and inspire,” announced FONS.
“The construction of the skatepark, entrusted to Spohn Ranch, an award-winning skatepark design-build firm with over 30 years of experience, ensures that the project is in capable hands. Spohn Ranch, known for its innovative and high-quality designs, has a legacy that began in Aaron Spohn’s backyard and has since evolved into a globally recognized firm. Their expertise in creating world-class skate facilities is a testament to their dedication to the sport and community building,” said FONS.
Washington Trust Named “Best Bank to Work For” by American Banker
The Washington Trust Company was named one of the nation’s Best Banks to Work For by American Banker magazine.
Washington Trust is the largest bank in New England to receive this recognition.
“Washington Trust is honored to be selected for the fifth consecutive year as one of the country’s ‘Best Banks to Work For,” said Edward O. “Ned” Handy III, Washington Trust’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This award recognizes our success at providing a workplace where employees feel welcomed, valued, engaged, empowered, and rewarded. We value our employees and their efforts to make a difference in the lives of our customers and community and remain committed to doing what’s best for all.”
Now, two lawsuits have been filed against Paul Mihailides, the CEO of The Preserve Sporting Club as well as against some of his associated companies.
Between the lawsuits, three women have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment or discrimination. It appears they are not taking it anymore.
