PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The liberal-leaning, union-backed blog RIFuture.org has a new owner.

Patrick Crowley, a top-level official at the National Education Association of Rhode Island, confirmed in an e-mail that he has sold the "progressive news blog'' to Brian Hull, a Rhode Island resident since 1996, graduate of Rhode Island College's political science program, and co-owner of a photography studio based in Providence.

According to the announcement, Hull is also state deputy coordinator of the Rhode Island Progressive Democrats of America, "an activist group strongly advocating for progressive change on the national and state level.''

"Brian has been an invaluable asset to the group, working tirelessly for economic justice and quality health care for all," says Robert Malin, the group's state coordinator. "His drive and ambition is unparalleled and he will do an amazing job at the helm of the RI Future blog."

Said Crowley: "Brian's plans for RIFuture are very exciting. He has the energy and the enthusiasm to take the blog to the next level and to take the issues addressed on the blog from discussion to action."

Hull is quoted as saying he bought the blog because he sees it as "a great opportunity to better coordinate the activist community in the state. I see an unmet need to facilitate communication between groups and to use new media to better advocate for progressive causes.''