Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - September 12, 2025
Analysis
Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - September 12, 2025
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."
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Over the past 14-plus years, more than 7,000 have been tagged as HOT or NOT.
Email GoLocal by midday on Thursday about anyone you think should be tapped as "HOT" or "NOT." Email us HERE
Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - September 12, 2025
HOT
A Little Bipartisan Decency
In the wake of the tragic death of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk, the Rhode Island Young Republicans and Rhode Island Young Democrats have come together in a moment of unity to express their shared grief and call for a renewed commitment to civility, compassion, and respect.
In a joint statement, the two organizations said:
"The tragic death of Charlie Kirk is a painful reminder that political violence has no place in our society. I stand next to the RI Young Democrats to send a clear message: we may disagree on policy, but we are united in our belief in the value of life, civil discourse, and mutual respect. Let us honor Charlie’s memory by working together to create a safer and more compassionate political culture," said Ken Naylor, Chairman of the RI Young Republicans.
“We condemn all political violence as young leaders, democratic, republican, and independent we must take the mantle and make political nonviolence our pledgeWe have to understand that when our dialogue becomes toxic it has unimaginable consequences as we have seen today. We are friends and neighbors first, and we need to treat each other as such. We send our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family and friends. ” said Anthony Cherry, Vice President, RI Young Democrats of RI.
The Rhode Island Young Republicans and Young Democrats jointly condemn all forms of political violence.
IMAGE: Kelly Sikkema, Unsplash
HOT
AI and the Hardwood
Jim Malachowski has a great look at how URI basketball is using AI:
University of Rhode Island men's basketball coach Archie Miller is at the forefront of utilizing AI-powered technology to support the basketball program, and a URI alum is helping to make it happen.
AI technology is everywhere, and marketers love the term, with even routine, static computer programs being referred to as “AI.” The application URI is using claims to be robust, deeply technical, data-rich, with independent program learning, and is a highly advanced artificial intelligence application.
A URI Alum is behind this
Roby Luna graduated from URI in 2000 with a BS in MIS (Management Information Systems). He is the President and one of the founders of Aretec, Inc., which is a technology company that provides data science, cloud services, and AI-powered solutions to government agencies and commercial clients. It specializes in using data to improve decision-making.
That is what Luna does for a living. Here is what he does for fun. Luna is also a co-founder of Slam Sports AI. He and others have applied their expertise in mining, analyzing, and presenting data to support decision-making to the field of college basketball.
HOT
More Fun for Kids
Sail Newport, Rhode Island's public sailing center, announced at the Newport International Boat Show on Thursday that the organization purchased a new fleet of fourteen J/7 sailboats for its public access sailing programs.
The J/7 is a newly designed 23' daysailer with an extra-large and comfortable cockpit, an optimized deck layout for simplicity and efficiency, a roller-furling jib, and a bulb keel with lead ballast to ensure stability. The boat can comfortably accommodate six adults, making it perfect for family and group sailing experiences.
"This is a significant upgrade to our keelboat fleet. We loved the J/22, and it served as a wonderful teaching and club racing platform. The J/7 allows for more room for instructors and students as well as a five or even six-person group to sail in our rental or “Try Sailing” program,” says Brad Read, Sail Newport executive director.
Sail Newport will use the new boats in its wide variety of public access programs for sailors of all ages. The nonprofit organization provides youth keelboat programs, adult instructional programs, youth and adult racing programs, team building, sailboat rentals, regattas, and sailing programs for schools, community groups, and civic organizations.
Also, the new boats will be available for rent for residents and visitors who know how to sail. The Sail Newport rental program runs from early spring to the end of October each year.
The first to use the new boats in April of 2026 will be Newport Public School fourth-graders in the Sail Newport Pell Elementary School Science & Sailing Program. The unique program is in its ninth year and takes place during the school day. In collaboration with teachers, the program integrates shoreside standards-based science curriculum and STEM topics with the learn-to-sail activities on the water.
HOT
Billy the Kid
Kevin Stacom, GoLocal's sports analyst, has a great take on Bill Donovan's trek from PC to the Hall of Fame.
HOT
URI Football
The University of Rhode Island football team continued to climb in the national polls, moving up to #5 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll and #6 in the Stats Perform FCS Poll.
The Rams - who improved to 2-0 after a 31-17 win at Stony Brook Saturday - jumped three spots in both polls.
PHOTO: URI Coach Jim Fleming
NOT
Tobacco Story Breakdown
This week, Helena Foulkes kicked off her second run for governor. One of the central pieces of her story is that she removed cigarettes from CVS stores when she was a top executive.
That seems laudable.
But inconsistent.
A GoLocal investigation unveils how she repeatedly solicits campaign donations from tobacco executives.
NOT
Assassination
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who rose to national prominence as the founder of the youth-oriented political group Turning Point USA, died Wednesday at the age of 31.
Kirk was shot and killed while giving a presentation at Utah Valley University.
This is just not right.
NOT
Hey, Mayor Smiley, Look Out Your Window
For the past few years, GoLocal has chronicled the near-endless violent crime at Kennedy Plaza.
All of this violence is literally outside the office window of Providence Mayor Brett Smiley. This week's crime was especially disturbing:
An axe-wielding individual was arrested after attacking a man in Kennedy Plaza on Tuesday afternoon.
About Incident
Providence Police say that shortly after noon on Tuesday, they responded to a report of a large disturbance in Kennedy Plaza.
Police say witnesses pointed out the suspect, later identified as Jehvine Quaweay, age 28, as having been verbally accosting people in the area.
The victim - a 60-year-old male - said when he had tried to diffuse the situation, that Quaweay pulled an axe from his waistband and swung and struck him in his torso, causing a laceration.
The victim was treated at the scene, and Quaweay was arrested and taken into custody.
Police say the axe was retrieved and placed in the property room.
NOT
Oh, Pawtucket
The slow death of Pawtucket continues.
The loss of Hasbro, Memorial Hospital, PawSox, Gamm Theatre, and more and more.
All in less than a decade.
