Governor Dan McKee isn't the kind of politician who arrived in office with polished talking points and little else. He grew up in Cumberland, the son of an oil businessman and a mother who raised five kids while his father spent his evenings volunteering at the local boys' club. That club — co-founded by his father and family friend John Pottington in 1956 — became the foundation for everything that followed.
"I grew up in a space where we worked every day," McKee said during a recent interview with the Rhode Island Wave. "In the neighborhood. In the community."
Now serving his sixth year as the 76th Governor of Rhode Island, McKee sat down to reflect on his administration's accomplishments, its challenges, and why he believes continuity of leadership matters more now than ever.


From the Boys' Club to the Corner Office
McKee's path to the governorship was anything but a straight line. He served on the Cumberland Town Council, became mayor, and later lieutenant governor — a role he held when the COVID-19 pandemic first struck. When then-Governor Gina Raimondo departed for Washington as Commerce Secretary, McKee stepped into the top job during perhaps the most turbulent public health crisis in a generation.
"We had 90,000 doses of vaccine sitting in the refrigerator when I showed up," he recalled. By the end of his first term, Rhode Island had become one of the most vaccinated states in the country. That achievement, he argues, allowed the state to reopen its economy significantly faster than projected.


A State Being Built Back Up
McKee's tenure has been marked by an ambitious infrastructure push. The Washington Bridge closure — a decision he made to ensure public safety — is now well into its reconstruction phase, with steel deliveries underway and concrete footings already in place. Securing over $220 million in federal funding from both the Biden and Trump administrations was no small feat.
"I had to go to the Biden administration and the Trump administration," he said. "And we got that money."
Beyond bridges, the governor points to more than 1,300 local road projects completed through the state's Road Restore program — totaling over $140 million in local improvements. For residents frustrated by potholes, McKee has a simple message: call 511.
"If it's a state road, someone will respond within 24 to 48 hours," he said. "You can actually go to a site and track the call."


Jobs, Housing, and Education
Since taking office, McKee says the state has added nearly 38,000 private sector jobs — a pace he describes as twice that of any prior administration. Economic development efforts have extended beyond traditional industries, with a new life sciences hub in the I-195 district, a soccer stadium in Pawtucket, and over 3,000 new jobs created at Quonset, where maritime defense companies like Saab and Regent Air have set up operations.
"There was no maritime defense focus when I showed up," he said. "Now we've got companies opening up. It's an expanding industry paying very well."
On housing — a crisis facing communities across the country — McKee points to the creation of a dedicated Office of Housing, a secretary of housing, and more than 7,000 units either started or completed during his tenure. A $120 million housing bond passed in 2024, with another expected on the ballot this year.
Education has also been a centerpiece of his agenda. McKee set a goal of reaching Massachusetts-level academic performance by 2030, and says the gap has already narrowed by roughly 40% in reading and 30% in math. He also championed the Hope Scholarship, which covers tuition for junior and senior year at Rhode Island state colleges for students who complete the first two years on a four-year path — a program he made permanent.
"I was at a cookout on Sunday," he said, "and a young woman came up and told me: 'I finished my degree because of the Hope Scholarship. Now I'm doing my master's.'"


Managing Washington's Pressures
McKee didn't shy away from the political tensions created by the current federal administration. Cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP have placed significant pressure on the state budget.
"The current administration used food as a political pawn," he said bluntly. "I made sure that every single person entitled to a SNAP benefit received it."
He also signed an emergency order directing $28 million to offset a projected 15% increase in electricity costs this winter, and introduced Rhode Island's first child tax credit. With potential Medicaid cuts looming in Washington, McKee has allocated funds to keep an estimated 20,000 residents insured.


Looking Ahead
With a primary on September 9th — notably, Rhode Island is the only state holding its primary on a Wednesday — McKee is asking voters for four more years to see his plans through.
"It's a really good time to have a governor for 10 years," he said, "because now you can start something, get it done, and then hand it off to the next leader with a 2040 plan already in motion."
He's also asking Rhode Islanders to support a $600 million bond on the November ballot, covering housing, commerce infrastructure at Quonset, and continued university investment — including a proposed medical school at URI, for which he has already committed seed funding.
For McKee, the case for re-election is straightforward: experience matters, and the work isn't finished.
"I meet challenges head on," he said. "Whether it's COVID, the Washington Bridge, or the biggest snowstorm in state history. I know how to get the work done."


Registered Democrats can vote in the primary on Wednesday, September 9th. Early voting begins August 20th. For more information on Governor McKee's campaign, visit https://www.governordanmckee.com/
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​There are comedians, and then there is Doreen Collins—a Rhode Island legend who has spent a lifetime turning ordinary moments into laughter. Now, we're thrilled to announce that Doreen is joining the Rhode Island Wave as a monthly contributor, bringing her signature wit and satire to our pages beginning with the September issue.
We sat down with Doreen at the lovely Cowesett Inn for our Spotlight interview series, and if the conversation is any indication, readers are in for a treat.
A Career Built on Making People Laugh
Doreen holds a distinction few can claim: she was the first female comedian inducted into the Rhode Island Comedians Hall of Fame. It's an honor she doesn't take lightly.
"I take that honor to heart," she said. In fact, she channeled it directly into action, launching an all-female comedy show called The Ladies Room—performed by female comedians, sponsored by female-owned businesses, with a portion of every ticket going to a female-based charity. She ran it for ten years before taking a break, and she's now considering bringing it back.
These days, Doreen keeps busy on multiple fronts. She performs alongside fellow Hall of Famer Charlie Hall in Aging Disgracefully, a lively mix of stand-up, song, satire, and skits about the perks and pitfalls of getting older. "This show writes itself," she laughed, noting that she and Charlie have been performing together for 26 years. Tickets and show dates are available at agingdisgracefully.net.
From Cyberbullying to Crayons
Doreen also hosts a podcast where she hands guests a microphone and lets them speak their minds. A recent episode featured a public school teacher who wanted to set the record straight on misinformation spreading among parents—and to highlight just how much pressure today's educators face.
"They're doing the best they can with the tools they have," Doreen said, before offering a simple call to action: "Buy a box of crayons for your local teachers."
The conversation turned thoughtful as she and I discussed education, brain development, and whether we might learn a thing or two from countries like Finland and Norway, where children face far less academic pressure early on. "Let kids become fully grown into their bodies and then figure it out," Doreen mused.
A Star-Studded Start
Perhaps the most remarkable chapter of Doreen's story began when she was just eight years old—on stage with none other than Diana Ross and the Supremes.
The setting was the Indiana State Fair in 1968. Doreen's older brother, a devoted Diana Ross aficionado, had taught her and her sister Supremes choreography "before we could form full sentences." He knew that at a certain point in every show, the performers called children up to dance.
"He had me ready," Doreen recalled. Sure enough, Miss Ross called her and her sister up on stage, interviewed them, and let them dance the number. "My little sailor hat flew off because I was giving it my all, and she put it on her mic stand. Wonder whatever happened to that hat?"
Raised on Motown—Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Four Tops—Doreen grew up surrounded by the music and the spirit of an era. Given the civil unrest of 1968, it was a moment that meant more than a child could have known at the time.
Wisdom, Age, and the Value of a Good Laugh
Ask Doreen about getting older, and she'll give it to you straight. At 66, she says she understands more about herself than ever—even if that understanding comes with a catch. "The older you get, the stupider you know you were," she said with a laugh.
She has no interest in returning to her younger years. Instead, she's focused on what's ahead. Her goal? To keep going strong for decades to come. "I want to be the Betty White of Rhode Island," she declared. "I'm not stopping until I get a stamp with my face on it."
Why Local Talent Matters Now More Than Ever
Doreen was candid about the challenges facing performers this past summer, when shows across the state saw sparse crowds. "Everybody's having a tough time," she said, thanking everyone who came out to support live comedy despite tight budgets.
Her message to readers is simple: support local talent. Whether it's Aging Disgracefully, Poppy Champlin's Hot Mic at Joyce's Pub in Wakefield, or John Perrotta's Comedy Factory, Rhode Island's comedy scene is rich with performers who need audiences.
And beyond entertainment, Doreen believes laughter serves a deeper purpose—especially now. Reflecting on her years of political satire with Charlie Hall's Ocean State Follies, she recalled a time when public figures, including former Congressman David Cicilline, could laugh at themselves. "People aren't laughing anymore. And that's what's getting us in trouble."
Her advice, delivered with the wisdom of someone who's seen it all: do your due diligence, seek out different points of view, make your own decisions—and then get on with life. "Because that's how we win."
Welcome Aboard, Doreen
We couldn't be more excited to welcome Doreen Collins to the Rhode Island Wave family. Her monthly column—candid, funny, and just a little bit satirical—promises to be a highlight of every issue.
To learn more about Doreen, book a private show, or catch one of her performances, visit thedoreencollins.com.

​Smithfield cartoonist Tim Jones has spent decades crafting his comic strip, Sour Grapes, one panel at a time. After years of self-syndication, rejection, and relentless perseverance, his work has finally landed on one of the biggest platforms in the comic world—GoComics.com.
Jones, a regular feature in the Rhode Island Wave, sat down recently to talk about the milestone, his creative journey, and what's next for the beloved strip and its main character, Aesop.
A Long Time Coming
For Jones, the GoComics deal was anything but overnight. Andrews McMeel—the parent company behind GoComics and the largest syndicate in the world—had turned him down twice before.
"You get discouraged and you start second-guessing yourself," Jones admitted. But he kept going. This time, something clicked. Jones signed a contract in March, and Sour Grapes officially launched on GoComics on June 1st. The strip now posts three times a week: classic strips on Mondays and Wednesdays, and a brand-new strip every Friday.
The platform puts Sour Grapes alongside household names like Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, and Garfield—a fact that isn't lost on Jones. "Andrews McMeel is the biggest syndicate in the world," he said. "So that in and of itself is great."
For readers who want to follow along, GoComics offers a free account that allows users to follow up to three strips. A paid subscription unlocks the full catalog, ad-free.
From Dunkin' Donuts to 64 Papers
Jones traces his love of comics back to Sunday mornings as a kid—pulling out the comics page from the newspaper after church, sitting down with a box of Dunkin' Donuts, and drawing Garfield right alongside the printed strip.
That passion eventually evolved into a career, though not without a few detours. He ran an earlier strip called Every Blue Moon from 1997 to around 2001, followed by Job Shop, a strip about manufacturing that appeared in six local papers. He also spent time doing music and stand-up comedy—an experience he credits with teaching him how to write a joke.
Then, in 2013, Jones was laid off from his job. Rather than seeing it as a setback, he used the opportunity to bring his characters back to life. "I had a friend of mine really kick my butt and say, 'Hey, listen, I'm a big fan. You really got to do something with this,'" Jones recalled. He's been going strong ever since, now appearing in 64 papers nationally.
Building a Career One Connection at a Time
Jones credits much of his success to networking—particularly his membership in the National Cartoonist Society, which he joined in 2018. The organization connected him with professionals across the industry, all of whom he describes as supportive and generous.
That community paid off in a memorable way earlier this year when Jones attended the Reuben Awards—the cartooning world's equivalent of the Oscars—in Columbus, Ohio, for its 80th anniversary. The reason he made the trip? Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, was going to be there.
"He actually knew who I was and knew Sour Grapes," Jones said. "I just completely melted. It was like I was some little girl meeting Taylor Swift, for God's sake." He paused, then added: "I shook his hand and said, 'I've been wanting to meet you since 1978.'"
His advice to aspiring cartoonists is straightforward: don't miss opportunities, no matter how small, and keep going even when the rejections pile up. "They all pile up," he said of the small wins. "Just keep with it, be smart about it."
On the Road and On the Shelves
Jones stays busy beyond the drawing table. He's a fixture at comic conventions across the Northeast, including the Rhode Island Comic Con each November, where he'll be at the National Cartoonist Society booth.
He's also recently landed his first licensing deal—a collaboration with Yacht Club Soda, a local Rhode Island company, that resulted in a brand-new sour grape flavor featuring Aesop on the label. Two years in, it's still going strong.
Readers can find Sour Grapes in the Rhode Island Wave each month, follow the strip on GoComics at gocomics.com/sour-grapes, or explore Jones' full archive of books and comics at sourgrapescomic.com.

​A new kind of community event is coming to Providence this fall—one without ticket prices, corporate sponsors, or a formal venue. The Possibility Festival, a free two-day social experiment designed to combat loneliness and forge meaningful human connections, is set to take place on October 3 and 4, 2026.
The event is being organized by Kadria Kutlukaeva, a University of Rhode Island graduate and data analyst who lives in Providence, along with five of her friends. But this is no ordinary group of event planners. Every one of them first met through the Possibility Festival itself.
"We are just a group of friends who met through the festival, organizing it for the sake of uniting people of Rhode Island," Kadria explained during a recent interview with the Rhode Island Wave.
What Is the Possibility Festival?
At its core, the Possibility Festival is a structured, intentional experience built around human connection. Around 100 attendees gather over a full weekend—Saturday and Sunday—and take part in facilitated activities, meaningful conversations, and group interactions designed to help people genuinely bond with one another.
"It is an intentional space that we create for about 100 attendees where we give them the opportunity to connect with each other, to make friends, and to really recharge and understand the power of social connection," Kadria said.
Attendance is free. Organizers are not charging admission, selling products, or accepting corporate sponsorships. The event takes place in public spaces, and attendees are responsible only for their own meals and personal expenses during the weekend.
Spots are limited to 100 participants—a deliberate choice. "100 people is a perfect number for making a difference," Kadria noted. "When they split into groups during various activities, everyone gets to know each other and meet each other."
A Mission Bigger Than Networking
The Possibility Festival is not a networking event. It is not a conference. It is something harder to define—and, according to its organizers, something much more necessary.
Kadria is candid about the problem the festival seeks to address: social isolation. Despite living in an era of unprecedented digital connectivity, many people—especially younger generations—are experiencing profound loneliness. Studies back this up. Research from Harvard University found that strong social relationships reduce mortality risk by roughly 50 percent, while a widely cited Brigham Young University study concluded that chronic loneliness is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
"We are more connected than ever before through social media and technology, but we are also more isolated than ever before," Kadria said. "If you have a thousand friends on Facebook, at the end of the day, do you really have any deep connections?"
Who Started It?
The Possibility Festival was founded by Alex Banayan, a New York Times bestselling author known for his book The Third Door. As Banayan developed his ideas around human connection, courage, and community, he launched the festival as a way to put those values into practice. The concept has since spread organically, with volunteers who attended past festivals taking the initiative to bring it to their own cities.
Kadria attended her first Possibility Festival in New York City, then a second in North Carolina, before deciding to bring the experience to Providence. "We get so energized and driven by the mission that we go into our own cities and create festivals for local people," she said.
All Are Welcome
The Providence festival is open to people of all ages—families, teenagers, seniors, and anyone in between. No prior social confidence is required. Most attendees arrive not knowing a single person.
The exact location will be revealed only to registered attendees, helping organizers manage capacity and maintain the intimate atmosphere the event depends on.
To sign up, visit possibilityfestival.com. Registration is required, and once accepted, attendees will be added to a group chat where the location and full schedule will be shared ahead of the weekend.
"Please sign up, please come, please make new friends," Kadria said simply. "Experience the beauty of human connection."