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Articles by Olivia Barone
5 Places to Celebrate National Doughnut Day in Rhode Island
Looking for a sweet treat? Grab a bite at one of these local spots and get your sugar fix. PVDonuts flavors include cereal milk, maple bacon, chocolate cake and more. Photography by Alex Gagne. Who doesn’t love those sugary halos sent from heaven? Whether you have them with coffee, as a well-deserved treat, or even as an ice cream sandwich, there is much to celebrate about doughnuts.
RIC Student Community Government President DiGregorio shares reactions to passed bill mandating the arming of campus police
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief The Council of Postsecondary Education [CPE] voted in favor of mandating the arming of campus police officers in a meeting on April 15, 2026. Student Community Government [SCG] President, Dante DiGregorio sat down with The Anchor to share his reactions to the vote and his involvement in mobilizing members of SCG parliament to attend the CPE meeting in which students shared their testimonies in opposition to the bill.
RI Council of Postsecondary Education votes in support of mandating armed campus police at RIC and CCRI; RIC students oppose
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief The Rhode Island Council of Postsecondary Education [OPC] met last week to vote on the issue of arming campus police officers at both Rhode Island College [RIC] and the Community College of Rhode Island [CCRI]. After an open forum featuring testimonies from several students, faculty, staff and officers from both campuses and heavy deliberation, the council voted to approve the arming of campus police officers.
Meet the candidate: Joshua Mihalos plans to increase productivity if elected as SCG’s next treasurer
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief In The Anchor’s final interview with students running for next year’s Student Community Government [SCG] executive board, RIC sophomore Joshua Mihalos professed his commitment to increase productivity if elected as treasurer for the 2026-2027 academic year. A major in sports management and minor in marketing, Mihalos is a former student athlete who ran track during his freshman year.
Meet the candidate: SCG presidential aspirant Briany Acosta is a ‘team player’
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief As Student Community Government [SCG] executive board elections near, candidates are preparing to run a fair race. Briany Acosta, the latest candidate interviewed by The Anchor, shared her goals for the 26-27 term and let readers know of some essential improvements she’d like to make happen in the coming year. Acosta is a RIC freshman campaigning to be the next SCG president.
Meet the candidate: Alexandra Howlett aims for student understanding in campaign to become the next vice president of SCG
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief The Anchor’s mission to meet those in the running for next year’s Student Community Government [SCG] executive board continues with Alexandra Howlett as she campaigns to become the next vice president. Photo credits: Alexandra Howlett A freshman social work major and music minor at RIC, Howlett is active on campus via her commitment as a parliamentary member of SCG and to the class of 2029 as the freshman class’s secretary.
Meet the candidate: Judy LaRose campaigning for president and vice president positions to ‘bridge the gap’ between RIC students and admin
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief RIC sophomore Judy LaRose is an Environmental Studies and Anthropology major campaigning for both the president and vice president positions of campus’s Student Community Government (SCG). In The Anchor’s third interview with SCG Executive Board candidates, LaRose shared her aspirations for next year’s term. LaRose highlighted the prevalence of activism in her life both on and off campus.
Meet the candidate: Marcus Rocha is running to “meet students where they’re at”
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief At The Anchor, we are continuing our goal of connecting RIC’s community to its potential future student leaders.
Meet the candidate: Malcolm Mann shares plans for creating student connection
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Elections for RIC’s Student Community Government [SCG] 26-27 Executive Board open to campus for the first time this April, making it more important than ever for students to know who is in the running. Since the announcement, The Anchor has put out a call to all potential student candidates, providing them the platform to introduce themselves to the student body and share their goals for the next term.
From my shelf to yours: my winter break reads
I am often the first to admit that I missed being active at RIC over winter break, but I do not miss the free time I had to read at home, warm under a blanket without worrying about waking up early to clean the snow off my car. Thanks to these subzero temperatures, I had ample time inside to tackle the unread books on my nightstand. Here are the highlights. “Normal People” by Sally Rooney I remember when Rooney’s second novel, “Normal People” popped up in bookstores in 2018.
From my shelf to yours: my winter break reads
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief I am often the first to admit that I missed being active at RIC over winter break, but I do not miss the free time I had to read at home, warm under a blanket without worrying about waking up early to clean the snow off my car. Thanks to these subzero temperatures, I had ample time inside to tackle the unread books on my nightstand. Here are the highlights.
Billboard Hot 100 rapper JT to perform at RIC Revival
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Get ready, RIC. Billboard Hot 100 artist and rapper JT was announced last Thursday to headline RIC Revival, performing alongside two Providence-based openers, Plastyc Peachez and Kunle, on March 19, 2026. The cryptic @ricrevival Instagram page popped up on students’ Explore pages in November, with rumors circulating of a large-scale campus concert in the works.
Maybe film adaptations aren’t all bad: diving into the “Frankenstein” craze
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief It may come as a surprise to some that titles of literary classics are more often recognized because of their film adaptations than their original novel. The resurgence of Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic “Frankenstein” via Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 film adaptation has brought with it an often-recycled debate: are film adaptations of literary classics beneficial or harmful to their source material?
RIC student film crew faces law enforcement at Lincoln Woods Park
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Student filmmaker Alex Celico and crew were surprised to see Rhode Island State troopers arrive at Lincoln Woods Park during their filming of Celico’s newest short film. “About an hour into the shoot,” at approximately 5:00 p.m., “I hear ‘put your hands up where we can see them.’ At first I didn’t think they were talking about us… I was like, ‘there’s an active shooter? We need to get out of here,’” Celico recounted. Celico set out on the evening of Oct.
From my shelf to yours: frightening fiction
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Halloween is fast approaching and has been since scary holiday decor when on sale in August. Now, you might be gearing up to spend Halloweekend out on the town in costume and looking for a read to get you in spirit. Or, maybe you prefer to spend Halloweekend at home and you are looking for a subtler scare. Don’t fear yet: I’ve compiled a list of my favorite frightening fiction for you, regardless of how you like to spend Halloween. Read if you dare.
RIC Student Community Government President proposes system reformations
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief The leading students in Rhode Island College’s Student Community Government (SCG) were flown out this month to attend the annual American Student Government Association (ASGA) conference in Washington, D.C. Upon his return to RIC, student body President Dante DiGregorio presented at SCG’s Oct.
Providence nonprofit AMOR combats ICE amid state violence
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance, or AMOR, is one of Providence’s local organizations fighting to support its local immigration community and combat state violence. Currently working in response to the Trump administration’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, the AMOR mission to advocate for and empower Rhode Island locals who have been affected by ICE is underway.
“MARIAN or the True Tale of Robinhood” is coming to RIC’s mainstage
Olivia Barone Editor-in-Chief “A gender-bending, patriarchy-smashing, hilarious new take on a classic tale” is how critics describe “MARIAN or the True Tale of Robinhood:” the newest play to hit Rhode Island College’s Helen Forman Theater this Oct. 1 through Oct. 5. A twist on the classic tale of Robinhood, this portrayal claims to reveal the real identity of the famously benevolent thief.
Thrifting in Providence
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Thrifting has taken over Providence in recent years, especially among college campus dwellers, for its sustainability and opportunity for a good deal. For your next favorite thrift find, take a look at the following local vintage shops and businesses each with a unique twist. The Nest: Hidden in a Providence nook, The Nest might be small but houses an abundant collection of unique second-hand clothing.
RIC’s radio station does it again: WXINstock 2025 in review
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Rhode Island College’s own student-run radio station, 90.7 WXIN, returned loud and proud this fall semester with their first event of the year: WXINstock 2025. Missed it? The Anchor has prepared a play-by-play so hopefully you will not want to skip out on RIC’s next campus concert. WXINstock, similar to its namesake, Woodstock, is an annual music festival featuring four local bands.
The Anchor welcomes you to campus: a guide to getting involved
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief The Anchor newspaper has remained Rhode Island College’s independent, student-run publication for close to 100 years. Yes, you read that right. The Anchor and its many generations of dedicated staff have been in operation since 1928. Despite being close to a century old, our mission has remained the same: to serve and represent RIC’s student body as a trustworthy news source. And now you have the opportunity to play a part in our long-running goal.
The power of student voices: student concerns on recent “P&E” report
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief The following statements were collected from students affected by the release of the recent Progress and Efficiency report by the Office of the Provost. All students are named only by their first names in an effort to maintain anonymity as they speak their concerns about decisions made by RIC’s current administration.
RIC to suspend enrollment of 20 programs, outlined in “P&E” report
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief A 32 page document released by Rhode Island College’s Office of Provost consists of plans to suspend twenty majors in the fall semester, ranging across multiple departments. Every program listed was given a rationale as to why they should be suspended by their respected department. Each department head has until Oct. 15 2025, to submit their proposed changes, the effects of which will take place immediately.
Open Books Open Minds present fourteenth annual conference
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Rhode Island College’s Common Book program, Open Books Open Minds (OBOM), provided this year’s readers with a fantastical twist on science fiction. This chosen book, “Light From Uncommon Stars” by Ryka Aoki, will be celebrated on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, at OBOM’s annual conference on campus. The OBOM committee has made an effort to break down boundaries using an annual chosen book each year since 2006.
RIC film class to premiere newest student project: “Past Present Future”
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief “Past Present Future” showcases “a guy who just can’t seem to get it right,” says lead actor Joe Hall, a Rhode Island college film student and one of the many talented faces working on campus’s newest short film. Currently in the post-production stage, “Past Present Future” will be the pinnacle project of class Film 372, taught by RIC professor Dr. Rosalind Sibielski.
Donovan Assistant Director Dean Faoila arrested
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Rhode Island College’s Assistant Director of Dining Procurement and Resources, Dean Faoila, was arrested in his home on Tuesday after a swift investigation by the Providence Police Department (PPD) regarding a hidden camera found in a RIC public restroom. The arrest followed a report by an anonymous student to Rhode Island College Campus Police (RICPD) this past Thursday of a camera hidden in a Donovan Dining Hall bathroom.
Dracula is out for blood in Jonathan Pineda’s “They Only Come at Night”
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Dracula and his second-in-command Regina Renfield return in the anticipated sequel to Jonathan Pineda’s “He Only Comes at Night.” Preying on unsuspecting sisters Lucy, Mina and their friends one Christmas is but a game to these cold-blooded killers as they wreak havoc in “They Only Come at Night,” Pineda’s newest short film.
From my shelf to yours: science-fiction
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Science-fiction is a simply weird genre that has captured readers’ imaginations since pulp magazines became mainstream in the 1890s: containing only fiction and worth about a penny, allowing writers ultimate creativity. Despite originating over 100 years ago, literary scholars have struggled to come up with any certain criteria that makes up science-fiction, leading to a genre that is just as vast as it is strange.
Four Places to Celebrate National Doughnut Day in Rhode Island
Looking for a sweet treat? Grab a bite at one of these local spots and get your sugar fix. Allie’s Donuts Opened in 1968, the local hot-spot has been a Rhode Island favorite ever since. Behind its iconic purple door and pink trim is a selection of sprinkled doughnuts and cinnamon rolls ready to be paired with a cup of hot coffee. November is here, meaning a new specialty doughnut has been added to the Allie’s menu for you to try: the cinnamon sugar cruller.
Ryka Aoki, “Light from Uncommon Stars” author enters orbit at RIC
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief This year’s Open Books Open Minds (OBOM) book of choice, “Light from Uncommon Stars” features a woven tale of demons, aliens, donuts and music. Meet Ryka Aoki, the creative mind behind the novel as she reveals what inspired her story before her visit to RIC on Nov. 7. “Light from Uncommon Stars” follows Katrina Nguyen, a transgender teen girl as she leaves home hoping to find her sanction.
Rhode Island ghost stories
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Take a tour of Rhode Island’s spookiest locations with The Anchor as we delve deep into local hauntings, thrillers and mysteries. Nestled into humble Burrillville, RI, is the inspiration for the popular 2013 horror film “The Conjuring” and paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren’s claim to fame. The estate was built in 1736 on top of what many suspect to be a Native American burial ground and home to the spirits who dwell there.
90.7 WXIN for Palestine: radiothon and showcase
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Rhode Island College’s radio station, 90.7 WXIN, returns this October with a 24-hour radiothon and showcase for charity in collaboration with campus’s Rhode Island College Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). In recognition of the now year-long genocide in Palestine, all proceeds from Radiothon and the Oct. 11 Showcase will be donated to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF).
Anchor staff favorites: horror movies
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief October is almost here meaning the countdown to Halloween has begun. No matter if you’re looking for the perfect bingeable series of horror film staples to keep you in suspense or a way to unwind post-Halloweekend, The Anchor has you covered.
RIC Choral Ensemble welcomes you
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief Rhode Island College’s own Choral Ensembles are hosting a series of open choir events throughout the semester wherein RIC students outside of the music department can sing alongside campus’s very own choir led by conductor and assistant professor Donald St. Jean. The Anchor had the pleasure of sitting in on a session this month to witness the choir in action.
Gustavo Rocque scopes out talent at RICelodeon 2024
Olivia Barone Editor in Chief RICelodeon welcomed Rhode Island College students back to campus this semester with six unforgettable events and a grand finale: a talent show judged by none other than Stephen Glickman, best known for his role as Gustavo Rocque on “Big Time Rush.” Taking inspiration from early 2000s Nickelodeon programs including the seaworthy “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Good Burger,” students unwound after each day of classes watching cartoons, eating Krabby Patties and...
Getting to know the cast of RIC student short film: “The Castles”
Olivia Barone Managing Editor RIC film student and producer Jonathan Pineda returns with his upcoming short film: “The Castles.” In a sudden twist, he turns from his niche in the horror genre to produce a heartwarming drama set to invoke much-needed conversations surrounding mental health.
Anchor staff favorites: series to binge
Olivia Barone Managing Editor As the semester comes to an end, The Anchor staff members are looking forward to cranking up the AC on summer days and wasting away with a bingeable series. From drama to sci-fi, The Anchor has compiled a list of our favorite streamable TV series to get lost in. The Anchor’s Art Director and Secretary, Sierra Tanzi, applauds BBC’s “Sherlock.” The 2010 release has four seasons and features Benedict Cumberbatch as Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic character.
Pride Week 2024 prepares kickoff at RIC
Olivia Barone Managing Editor Rhode Island College’s Pride Alliance is back with their annual Pride Week: a four day long series of events centered around supporting the LGBTQ+ community on and off campus. Set to take place April 15–19, Pride Alliance has scheduled two events designed to celebrate queer pride. Campus’s popular Sex Toy Bingo will be returning April 16, courtesy of Pride Alliance.
RIC welcomes the State Ballet of Rhode Island to perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Olivia Barone Managing Editor The State Ballet of Rhode Island (SBRI) dazzled RIC guests last Saturday with a twist on Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The iconic comedy, rewritten into a ballet in 1962, was performed on the Sapinsley stage by a troupe of talented Rhode Island dancers, including some RIC students. The audience was invited to join King Oberon, Queen Titania and Puck amidst their mischief, and encouraged to sink into a world of magic and music.
Historical women artists: a timeline
Olivia Barone Arts & Entertainment Editor March is Women’s History Month, giving creatives a chance to reflect on inspirational women artists who have made waves in their crafts. Celebrate women’s history by traveling back in time with The Anchor to meet the historical icons of women-made art. Our timeline begins in c. 610. Sappho is alive on the isle of Lesbos in Greece, writing poetry.
Non-binary teenager Nex Benedict dies after attack by fellow students
Olivia Barone Arts & Entertainment Editor Nex Benedict arrived at Owasso High School on Feb. 7 expecting to fall into their normal routine. Attend class, eat lunch with their friends and return home to play their favorite video games: “Minecraft” and “Ark.” They ,as all students should, believed the halls of their school to be a safe space for them to learn and socialize.
The Anchor’s guide to the 2024 Grammy Awards
Olivia Barone Arts & Entertainment Editor The 66th annual Grammy Awards presented some of the most iconic figures in media and pop culture with awards for their most outstanding achievements. Wondering what all of the buzz is about? Here is The Anchor’s guide to the most influential Grammy winners and nominees of 2024. It’s no surprise that Taylor Swift has continued to soar above and beyond stardom.
From my shelf to yours: fantasy
Olivia Barone Arts & Entertainment Editor For readers, magic is running rampant. From dragons who spit fire over hoards of gold to otherworldly warlocks with plenty of tricks up their sleeves, there has been no shortage of fantasy books as of late. Perhaps it is escapism that readers love, transporting themselves to other worlds that are the most different from our own by turning a page. Or maybe fantasy’s boundless creativity is simply enticing.
Battle of the Orgs
Olivia Barone Arts & Entertainment Editor Calling all student orgs: the Office of Student Activities is debuting a new series wherein you and your clubmates have a chance to prove who is RIC’s best student org. The first Battle of the Orgs event will take place Dec. 6, so ready your winning team for a night of fun and friendly competition. Battle of the Orgs is a new series of events to be presented by the Office of Student Activities.
KAIROS Dance Theater graces the RIC stage
Olivia Barone Arts & Entertainment Editor In collaboration with choreographer Paula Josa-Jones, KAIROS Dance Theater graced the RIC stage last week with three unique performances. The dancers utilized their talents to guide the audience through stories of hardship, companionship and self identity. KAIROS Dance Theater aims to use their narratives to start conversations surrounding social issues.
Live in Your Barbie World With These Themed Drinks and Desserts
Think pink and order these Barbie-themed treats from local bars and shops. Barbie has taken the Ocean State by storm and inspired an onslaught of sweet treats from Malibu-inspired cocktails to milkshakes galore. Celebrate this summer’s biggest blockbuster with Rhode Island’s pinkest delicacies yet. Desserts The Barbie Milkshake at Mimi & Pop’s Ice Cream Shop A strawberry milkshake topped in a mountain of whipped cream, strawberry drizzle and hot pink sprinkles that would satisfy any sweet tooth.
The Giving Pump Charity Gives Back to Local Children’s Hospitals
With the help of Seasons Corner Market, it’s now easier than ever to go the extra mile and help those who need it most. This summer until September 30, you can become a driving force for positivity simply by topping off your gas tank to benefit children around New England. Seasons Corner Market is teaming up with Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital in support of Shell USA’s the Giving Pump, a fundraiser made to benefit patients of both hospitals.
Jonnycake Center of Westerly Supplies School Necessities to Underserved Families
Everyone deserves to be excited and prepared for back-to-school. It’s back to school season and every child deserves to be prepared. This summer, Washington County area nonprofits are partnering to provide Rhode Island students with school essentials and prepare them for academic success. The second annual School Supply Giveaway Party will be held at the Jonnycake Center of Westerly on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon.
A Walk Around Pawtuxet Village
Take a stroll through this historic waterside village home to everything you need: delicious dining, local shops, health and wellness. Pawtuxet Village is a quaint riverside hot-spot nestled into one of Rhode Island’s many nooks. On warm days, boats bob along the Pawtuxet River and visitors can be found strolling past shops, dining on the sunlit patio and enjoying the riverside breeze.
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