Rhode Island - 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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Rhode Island - ​When Alexia DiGiglio-Mancini received a message from a casting agent on Instagram two years ago, her first instinct was to assume it was a scam. It wasn't. The Rhode Island native and longtime contributor to the Rhode Island Wave had been handpicked—not applied, but handpicked—to compete on the Food Network's newest show, 100 Cooks, a competition featuring 100 of the best home cooks in America.
"I did some investigative work and it was true," Alexia laughs. "I've basically been on hold for the last two years because the show was in development."
The wait was worth it.
From Rhode Island to the Food Network
Alexia's journey to national television is anything but conventional. Long before she was competing under the bright lights of a Hollywood set, she was sharing her family recipes through the Echo newspaper and, later, the Rhode Island Wave. Her monthly recipe column—complete with a QR code linking to her cooking videos—quickly became a reader favorite.
Her cooking show, You Had Me at Kitchen (named after the moment she fell in love with her friend's newly renovated kitchen before even seeing the rest of the house), grew organically from a Facebook post about chicken cutlets that went viral. "People would call me up and say, 'Hey, I love that—how'd you make that?'" she recalls. "And then my friend Jenny encouraged me to start a YouTube channel."
That online presence is precisely what caught the Food Network's attention. Around 80% of the show's contestants were discovered—not recruited—a testament to the power of authentic, homegrown content.
Competing With the Best
100 Cooks brought together home cooks from every corner of the country—Hawaii, Alaska, Chicago, Florida, and everywhere in between—for a grueling competition that Alexia describes as "emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting." Filming ran 12 to 15 hours a day, with just three days off throughout the entire production.
The challenges were unpredictable by design. Contestants never knew how many cooks would be called, what they'd be asked to make, or how long they'd have to make it. "You almost black out because you're just in the moment," Alexia says. "Everything else around you fades."
Her strategy? Stick to what she knows. When faced with a 12-minute egg dish challenge for 30 people, she went straight to eggs in purgatory. "It made a beautiful presentation and I was sticking with what I knew—rustic, Italian American."
One challenge stood out above the rest. On January 26th—the anniversary of her father's passing—the show called a Cook's Choice round. Alexia woke up that morning already knowing what she was going to make: Chicken Alexia, her father's favorite dish. A crispy Italian-style chicken cutlet layered with ricotta, garlicky spinach, San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, and Pecorino Romano.
"When they said it was Cook's Choice, I was blown away," she says. The moment became even more surreal when host Alex Guarnaschelli walked over wearing a butterfly necklace. "When I see a butterfly, I think of my father. It was the anniversary of his passing, I made his favorite dish, and then Alex had on the butterfly. If that isn't a sign, I don't know what is."
Despite a broken oven that prevented her from finishing the dish exactly as planned, Alexia improvised with a blowtorch and delivered a plate that reflected everything she stands for: heart, heritage, and home cooking.
A Career Built on Passion
Alexia's path to the Food Network winds through a surprisingly eclectic career. In the 1980s and 90s, she was a teen rapper who transitioned into pop songwriting before co-founding a record label with local producers David Prout and Darrell Lopes. Their song, No Matter What I Do, It's All About You, was picked up by Strictly Rhythm, the world's leading dance label at the time. But when the label folded, Alexia found herself "shelved"—contractually unable to work with anyone else for three years.
After stepping away from music, she joined her mother's travel agency, Anyplace Travel, which has been in business since 1986. Traveling the world and experiencing different cuisines only deepened a passion for food that had been with her since childhood—specifically, since the days spent cooking alongside her grandmother.
"She's the backbone of my cooking, really," Alexia says of her grandmother. "Simple and fresh ingredients. It was a hands-on experience." She honors that legacy in her debut cookbook, Bring Back Sunday Dinner, which features a wide range of family recipes alongside new creations, covering everything from appetizers and soups to an extensive pasta section and Sunday classics.
Life Beyond the Screen
Alexia's star has been rising steadily beyond television, too. As a recurring guest on the Roadshow, she has honed her ability to think on her feet and connect with a live audience—skills that have translated directly to her work at Foxwoods Resort Casino, where she curates and hosts private Italian-themed dinners for the venue's top-tier guests.
The events are nothing short of spectacular. Think: 500 meatballs, 100 pounds of sausage, signature cocktails, and full-course Italian feasts that run from appetizer to dessert. "I treat it like a wedding," she says. "I go to every table and interact with every guest."
The dinners regularly sell out, and the demand for similar experiences is growing. "I'm getting approached more because people are seeing what I'm doing at Foxwoods," she says. Venues interested in hosting their own event are encouraged to reach out through her agent.
What's Next
With a Food Network appearance under her belt, a debut cookbook in hand, and a loyal and growing following across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, Alexia DiGiglio-Mancini shows no signs of slowing down. She's heading to New York for a round of podcast appearances and has collaborations with fellow 100 Cooks cast members in the works.
"I'm addicted to cooking competition shows now," she laughs. "I can't wait to do the next one."
You can watch Alexia's episodes of 100 Cooks on the Food Network on demand, and follow her on all social media platforms at You Had Me at Kitchen. Her cookbook, Bring Back Sunday Dinner, is available now.

North Providence, RI - ​Lance Mantia is no stranger to North Providence. After 30 years of service with the North Providence School Department, the local event promoter and community figure is now running for an at-large seat on the North Providence School Committee—and he's bringing the same drive that built his Rewind Party brand to the political arena.
"I just miss a lot of people there and I want to give back to the community," said Mantia in a recent interview with the Rhode Island Wave. "I think it's something I'm built for, made for, and I think I can make a positive impact."
Mantia, who retired from the school department last November, chose to run at-large rather than in his local district to maximize his reach across the town. "I want taxpayers, teachers, custodians, parents—everybody—to have access to me," he said. "I'm a big believer in open lines of communication."
That accessibility is central to his campaign. Mantia has made his personal phone number a prominent feature of his campaign ads, and says the response has been overwhelming. "You'd be surprised how many people are calling me—a lot of parents," he said. "If elected, I want that to stay the same."
A Focus on School Funding
Among the issues Mantia is most passionate about is the state's school funding formula, which he argues is failing cities and towns like North Providence. He points to the burden of unfunded state mandates—requirements that school districts must follow without receiving state funding to cover the costs.
"Kids lose programs, taxes go up, everyone's looking for extra money," he said. "That's something that needs to be addressed."
If elected, Mantia has pledged to be a regular presence at the statehouse, advocating for changes to how schools are funded at the state level. "I can't promise results, but I can promise my efforts," he said. "I will be there advocating for the North Providence School Department."
His interest in state-level politics isn't new. Mantia previously ran for state representative in 2010 and 2012, and says those experiences gave him a valuable understanding of how state laws affect local school districts.
Family First, Community Always
Like many residents of North Providence, Mantia is navigating personal challenges alongside his campaign. His father is scheduled for triple bypass surgery in the coming weeks, prompting him to cancel a planned event in Boca Raton to be close to home.
"I got priorities I got to take care of," he said. "Family first."
Still, Mantia sees his current circumstances as an opportunity. "Since I'm going to be here, I might as well do something great," he said.
He also draws on his experience as a father to reinforce his commitment to education. His daughter, a graduate of Merrimack College with first honors and a former captain of the dance team, is currently pursuing her master's degree. "I do know the importance of education," he said proudly.
An Upcoming Community Event
Ahead of the September 9th primary, Mantia is planning a free community event in August designed to bring North Providence residents together. The event will feature complimentary food, DJs, and giveaways from local businesses—and he's clear that it is not a fundraiser.
"Everybody's going through tough times. Everyone's stressed out," he said. "I just want to give back to the community."
A Candidate Who Relates
Mantia believes his background makes him uniquely relatable to the everyday residents of North Providence. "A lot of people can't relate to the candidate," he said. "That's where I come in. I'm just a regular guy, struggling to make ends meet—trying to take care of my daughter."
He describes himself not as a politician, but as a public servant—one who plans to bring the same relentless work ethic that built his Rewind Party brand to his role on the school committee.
"The work ethic I put into my brand, I'm going to put into being a school committee member," he said. "I find ways to make things happen. I just don't quit."


The primary election is scheduled for September 9th. Because there are no Republican or independent candidates in the race, the winner of the primary will secure the seat. North Providence residents who wish to vote must ensure they are registered before the August deadline and are reminded that Rhode Island is an ID state.
North Providence residents can reach Lance Mantia directly through his Facebook page or by calling the number listed on his campaign materials.

Rhode Island - ​The Gloria Gemma Foundation has long been a pillar of support for Rhode Islanders affected by cancer. Now, with the opening of the Gloria Gemma Center for Cancer Survivorship and Well-being, the organization is broadening its reach—welcoming patients of all cancer types, both men and women, into its growing community.
Carol Donnelly, the foundation's Development and Communications Manager and a two-time cancer survivor herself, sat down with the Rhode Island Wave to share what the expansion means for the local community and beyond.
A New Center, A Broader Mission
"We have expanded to incorporate all cancer types, both men and women," Donnelly explained. "So if someone you know, or you, has cancer—regardless of the type—you can come to us and participate in our free programs and support services."
The center, which opened last year and is still receiving its finishing touches, is already running a full slate of programs at no cost to participants. These include exercise classes, yoga, strength training, multiple support groups—including a metastatic support group and a grief support group—nutrition classes, and healing arts programs such as knitting and crochet. Outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and walking groups are also available during warmer months.
Addressing a Critical Need: Nutrition During Treatment
One of the foundation's standout initiatives is Gloria’s Angels program, which delivers healthy, nutrient-dense meals once a month to individuals currently undergoing cancer treatment—and to their entire families.
"It's imperative that you eat healthfully, especially during cancer treatments, to keep your blood levels up so you stay on scheduled treatments," Donnelly said. The National Cancer Institute echoes this guidance, emphasizing the importance of nutrient-dense foods for those in treatment. For patients with restrictive dietary needs, the foundation also offers grocery gift cards, with a food pantry of non-perishable healthy foods currently in the pipeline.
"Cancer affects you financially," Donnelly noted. "Everybody knows groceries are super expensive. This is just one more way to help people."
Finding Community in the Most Unexpected Places
For Donnelly, the foundation's work is deeply personal. As a two-time cancer survivor, she understands firsthand the isolation that can accompany a diagnosis—and the profound relief that comes from finding others who understand.
"I didn't know I needed support until I got there," she said. "Discovering that you're not the only one with these feelings, and that it's quite normal—it's really validating. It lifts that burden."
She also wants men to know that the foundation's services are for them too. "It's okay, guys, to ask for help. You need to do this for yourself."
Getting Connected
Anyone seeking support can reach the foundation's patient navigator, Mandy, who will assess individual needs and connect them with the right programs and services. "If we don't provide the service, we'll connect you with another organization that does," Donnelly said.
To get in touch:

• Website: GloriaGemma.org
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 401-861-4376

Flames of Hope: A Weekend to Remember
For those looking to support the foundation's work, the Flames of Hope Celebration of Life Weekend—held October 3rd and 4th—is the organization's signature annual fundraiser. The weekend kicks off with the Passport to Survivorship Expo at the Rhode Island Convention Center, a free, interactive event that brings together the latest in medical cancer care and holistic wellness. Attendees can expect 50+ vendors, health screenings, 30-minute learning sessions, a sound healing garden, and free flu and COVID vaccines, among other offerings. The first 500 arrivals will receive a complimentary swag bag.
Saturday evening transitions into the Celebration of Life Festival, featuring the Illuminations of Life ceremony, in which 150 torchbearers process to the Providence River Basin for one of the largest WaterFire events of the season. The weekend closes on Sunday with the Gloria Gemma 5K, which draws approximately 4,000 participants each year and offers prizes for top individual and team fundraisers, as well as fastest finishers.
Volunteers are also needed and can sign up through the foundation's website once opportunities are listed early next month.
A National Reach
While the foundation's roots are in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, its reach has grown considerably. During the pandemic, the organization moved its programs online—and connected with cancer patients across Texas, Kentucky, Ohio, New Jersey, and California, among others. Virtual classes are still available today, and many out-of-state participants now travel to Rhode Island specifically for the Flames of Hope Weekend.
"It's a destination for them," Donnelly said. "They want to be a part of that."
With 90 cents of every donated dollar going directly to programs and services, the foundation relies heavily on the generosity of individuals and community fundraisers—which account for 60% of its total revenue. Even a small contribution, Donnelly emphasized, makes a difference.
"Every little bit helps."