Rhode Island Wave Spotlight: Joanne Giannini | June 16, 2026

Joanne Giannini sits down with host Deana for the latest edition of the Rhode Island Wave's Spotlight interview series, covering everything from the newly signed state budget to the World Cup buzz in Providence.





State Budget Signed Into LawThe governor signed the state budget last week, wrapping up the General Assembly's session earlier than usual—likely timed ahead of the June 22–24 candidate filing dates. Anyone planning to run for state or city office should make note of those dates and visit their local board of canvassers to get on the ballot.
Here are the key highlights from the new budget:

• Millionaires Tax: A 1% annual income tax surcharge on earnings over $1 million (the governor originally proposed 3%). Joanne expressed reservations, noting that similar measures in other states have led high earners to relocate—and that Rhode Island could face the same risk.
• Child Tax Credit: A new $330 refundable tax credit per child.
• Social Security Relief: Expected to benefit approximately 9,200 early retirees.
• Education Aid: Increased funding to meet growing demands across the school system.
• Inspector General: A new office empowered to investigate any branch of government—except the General Assembly itself, which drew some criticism.
• Higher Ed Bond: $275 million in new funding.
• Medicaid Relief: Much-needed support for doctors and hospitals struggling under current Medicaid reimbursement rates.

The budget takes effect July 1. Vice Chair of the Finance Committee Scott Slady will join the show in a few weeks to break it all down in detail.





World Cup Comes to ProvidenceGhana's national team, the Black Stars, has touched down at TF Green Airport and is staying at the Graduate Hotel (formerly the Biltmore). A fan zone—dubbed the "Hub"—has been set up at Station Park, just behind Providence Place Mall, where locals typically gather for WaterFire events.
The Hub features a large viewing screen, food trucks, and a beer garden, broadcasting every World Cup match. A few notable details:

• The Hub reportedly cost $6 million to build—up from an initial estimate of $4 million.
• Bar hours in Providence have been extended until 4 a.m. for the duration of the tournament.
• Drone flights have been banned in the area for the safety of fans and visitors.
• State officials project a $330 million economic impact on the local hospitality industry, though Joanne believes that figure may be optimistic.

One concern raised: scheduling a major downtown attraction during peak summer season puts Providence in direct competition with coastal businesses—restaurants, shops, and venues in South County, Narragansett, and East Greenwich—for whom summer is their most critical time of year. That said, for soccer fans, the Hub offers a compelling reason to head downtown.





4th of July: America's 250thWith Independence Day just weeks away, there's plenty happening across the state—though Rhode Island will not be participating in the national 250th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C., a decision Joanne described as "in poor taste."
Local events to look forward to include:

• Bristol 4th of July Parade: The oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in America. Free concerts in the park begin June 21st, running nightly through July 3rd, with a carnival, parade, and fireworks on the 4th. (A full event listing ran in the June issue of The Wave.)
• State House Festivities: A WaterFire at Water Place Park and the State House steps, featuring the Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Newport Harbor Island Resort: A 4th of July cookout and fireworks event on Goat Island.
• Rogue Island (Weybosset Street): A special holiday lunch, BBQ, and WaterFire starting at 10 p.m.
• Watch Hill: Independence Day dining at Veranda Roth.
• Providence Artisan Market: Over 300 local artists and food trucks at Lippitt Memorial Park on Hope Street, starting at 9 a.m. Free admission.
• Narragansett Beach: A July 3rd outdoor concert featuring an orchestra and a state beach party (admission applies; weather permitting).

Note: The July issue of The Wave won't hit newsstands until the 5th, so be sure to check the June issue for a full listing of events.
One side note: road construction has made summer travel particularly frustrating this year, with barrels and lane closures slowing traffic on key routes to the beach. A hot June has only added to the demand.





Avian Flu Outbreak at Antonelli's PoultryA concerning health story close to home: Providence's Antonelli's Poultry market reported an avian flu outbreak this week. Over 445 birds had to be culled, the market has been temporarily closed, and all staff are being monitored for 10 days as a precautionary measure. The chickens in question reportedly came from out of state—possibly out of the country.
While this is not a reflection on the business itself, it serves as an important reminder to be mindful of where you purchase and consume food. As Joanne noted, avian flu becomes particularly dangerous when it jumps from animals to humans—making outbreak containment critical.





A Tragic DrowningA heartbreaking story this week: a child, believed to be under 10 years old, drowned at a local beach. Bystanders and the boy's parents performed CPR for approximately 30 minutes before he was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The incident occurred in an area without a lifeguard, away from the sandbar.
Joanne called on the mayor to take stronger action to prevent these tragedies from recurring every summer—whether that means stationing someone at unguarded swimming spots on hot days, roping off dangerous areas, or other measures. This is not an isolated incident.





Negative Political Ads: A Call for Better CampaigningWith candidate filing dates approaching, political ads are already ramping up—and so is the negativity. Joanne, a former state representative and the first woman elected in District 7, offered a straightforward challenge to candidates: tell voters what you stand for, not what your opponents have done wrong.
"I don't want to hear you say you'll stand up to someone. I want to hear what you're going to do," she said. Running mud-slinging campaigns, she argued, shows a lack of respect for the office and for the voters—something those who have actually held elected positions understand firsthand.
Both Joanne and host Deana agreed: two wrongs don't make a right, and the focus should be on policy, community, and solutions.





Federal Hill Motorcycle IncidentA story that generated significant public debate: during the St. Joseph's Day Festival on Federal Hill, a 19-year-old from Johnston drove his motorcycle without a license or insurance through the crowd at high speed. A bystander responded by throwing a garbage can at the rider, knocking him off the bike. The motorcycle then crashed into a dining tent, injuring multiple people, several of whom required stitches.
The rider appeared in court this week and faces multiple charges.
Joanne and Deana offered slightly different takes:

• Deana emphasized that two wrongs don't make a right. The bystander took the law into his own hands, and the throw—not the motorcycle itself—ultimately caused the crash into the tent.
• Joanne acknowledged the bystander likely acted on impulse, but pointed to the real issue: there was no police detail at the event. A licensed public event of that size should have required one. With officers present, the situation likely never escalates to that point.

Both agreed that the motorcycle rider's intent—whatever it was—was reckless and dangerous, and that the case raises important questions about how public events are policed.





Real Housewives of Rhode Island: Season FinaleThe season finale of Real Housewives of Rhode Island aired this week. Joanne's verdict? Rhode Island looks beautiful on screen—the scenery, the fashion, the glamour—but it doesn't quite feel like the Rhode Island she knows and loves.
"That's not growing up in Rhode Island," she laughed, recalling summers spent at Scarborough and Narragansett Beach—cutoff jeans, swimsuits, hibachis in the parking lot, and 10 cars lined up with trunks open. As Deana put it: "It's not real life. They know the cameras are there."
One thing they do agree on? It's beach season. Put your hair up, jump in the water—and maybe pour yourself a glass of red wine.





Joanne Giannini and Deana will be back in a few weeks with more Spotlight coverage. Until then, enjoy the summer, Rhode Island.