Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - December 13, 2019

Friday, December 13, 2019

Analysis

Every Friday, GoLocalProv takes a look at who is rising and who is falling in Rhode Island politics, business, culture, and sports.

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."

Email GoLocal by midday on Thursday about anyone you think should be tapped as "HOT" or "NOT." Email us HERE.

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Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - December 13, 2019

HOT

Rhody Rams

Got to give URI some credit for the win over the Friars.

The Rams' Cyril Langevine and Fatts Russell were both brilliant and the atmosphere was as good as it gets in college sports.

Every year it is the best sporting event in the state.

HOT

Big Opportunities

There are more than $1 billion in deals under consideration in Rhode Island.

The projects pending cover the state — from Newport to Pawtucket and have significant implications for both the construction industry and the long-term future of Rhode Island’s economy.

Some of the projects have been pending for nearly three years and others are just being rolled out. Fane Tower, Hasbro's corporate headquarters and Carpionato's Newport Northend project are in flux.

See some of the biggest projects.

HOT

Boris Johnson

A big win on Thursday for the UK Prime Minister.

The Conservative Party now has a mandate and an overwhelming majority in Parliament.

Will there now be a Brexit solution?

PHOTO: Commonwealth Office

NOT

Twin River

The casino company cut John Taylor packing.

Taylor -- a Rhode Island native -- was the man who built the company.

But the new corporate leadership wants their own team -- so much for local leadership.

NOT

Olga's Cup and Saucer

It was uniquely Providence.

Now, it is going to be a part of the fast-growing chain Seven Stars.

What, Dunkin' couldn't get the lease on the property?

NOT

Dr. James Fanale

There is no one more self-absorbed and anti-Rhode Island than Care New England's leader.

He has been part of a team that has mismanaged the state's second-largest healthcare group. He intentionally derailed the negotiations for a Rhode Island-solution -- a merger with Lifespan and Brown.

Now, Fanale is blackmailing the state's system and will join in merger discussions -- but only if Boston-based Partners HealthCare is a part of the negotiations.

Can you say golden parachute?

NOT

Bad Truckers

The head of the Rhode Island Trucking Association (RITA) is blasting a North Kingstown-based trucking company for racking up tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid tolls in Maine, which has resulted in them being barred from operating in the state.

"Unfortunately, operations like this exist in all industries, but are especially harmful to the trucking industry which spends billions on tolling and other safety-related costs in order to maintain our image, stay compliant and move our nation’s freight," said Chris Maxwell, President of the Rhode Island Trucking Association.

Maine State Police seized five tractor-trailers – all owned by the same Rhode Island company -- which owes about $75,000 in unpaid tolls to the Maine Turnpike Authority.

On Friday, the Maine State Police Commercial Vehicle Unit impounded five tractor-trailers owned and operated by Commodity Haulers Express of North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

According to Maine State Police, the truck company is facing felony theft of services charges after racking up approximately $75,000 in unpaid toll debt over the past three years.