Good Day
Providence
Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Providence. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A recent report lists eight key business developments in Rhode Island for 2026, including temporary reprieves for struggling hospitals, challenges at Brown University over campus security, and Hasbro moving to Boston. Local leaders are working to secure funding and support community stability (amid ongoing market shifts). The Boston Globe
- ➤ The Banana Republic store at Providence Place will close on Thursday, Jan. 22 as planned by Gap Inc. after nearly three years of operation. The location is one of only two in Rhode Island amid the company’s broader retail closures. The Providence Journal
- ➤ Developers of Revolution Wind filed a motion in federal court to overturn the stop-work order that paused construction on the nearly complete $4-billion wind farm off the coast; 58 of 65 turbines were already installed + Gov. McKee rallied labor leaders in support on Jan.2. The Providence Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Revolution Wind filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in DC to challenge a December 22 lease suspension that halted its offshore wind project. The company secured permits after extensive reviews and planned for turbines to generate electricity for Rhode Island and Connecticut in January 2026 (following federal consultations). ABC 6
- ➤ Governor Dan McKee met with congressional members and union leaders at the CIC Providence building at 11:00 a.m. Friday and held a rally at District Park 30 minutes later to support Revolution Wind, which state officials said was 95 percent complete before its pause due to national security concerns. ABC 6
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Island Department of Health data shows a spike in respiratory viruses (COVID-19, flu, RSV) with 44 COVID-19 and 147 flu admissions and 12 COVID-19 and 5 flu deaths as of Dec. 27. The report will be updated with more details. 10 WJAR
- ➤ Flu cases are rising in Rhode Island with emergency room visits up nearly 9% and 147 hospitalizations since October. Health experts recommend getting the flu vaccine and using old fashioned steps (covering coughs, washing hands) to slow the spread. 10 WJAR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Friday night's high school basketball games across RI saw Hendricken beat Central 60 to 45 as the team built strong defensive plays. Other local schools like Portsmouth and Lincoln posted tight wins in competitive matchups that set the tone for the season. The Providence Journal
- ➤ Special Olympics Rhode Island broke its fundraising record with the 50th anniversary Penguin Plunge on New Year's Day at Scarborough Beach. It drew 1,500 plungers and raised nearly $300,000 + a $100,000 matching pledge, exceeding its $225,000 goal. The Providence Journal
- ➤ Bob Gaudreau, a Providence native who starred at Hope High School, Brown University, and for Team USA in the 1968 Olympics, died on Dec. 26 at 81. Local hockey figures praised his calm skill and lasting impact (evidenced by his multiple hall-of-fame inductions) in Rhode Island sports. The Providence Journal
- ➤ URI football confirmed Devin Farrell + Marquis Buchanan will return for the 2026 season, as Farrell posted 3,745 yards last season and Buchanan earned All-American honors on Friday morning. Their decision ensures both stars continue to lead the team in its championship quest. The Providence Journal
- ➤ Blackstone Valley School hockey beat Burrillville/Ponaganset 4+3 in overtime on Dec. 2, with Alex Pickering scoring a crucial rebound goal; the win marked their second victory in six days and sparks talks of an outdoor rematch at Levy Rink. The Providence Journal
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Musical Mondays with Teacher T
10:30-11:30 a.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Rochambeau Library — Free — Enjoy an engaging morning of guitar, singing, and dancing in the children's library.
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Mojo Brookzz Comedy Show
9:30 PM - 12:30 AM — Comedy Connection — Tickets available — Enjoy the humor of Mojo Brookzz, a star on the We Them Ones Comedy Tour.
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Fight Life Pro Wrestling: Never Easy
3-6 p.m. — Lighthouse Skatepark — Snacks and drinks available — Enjoy an afternoon of live indy wrestling featuring top performers in a vibrant venue.
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Birdhouse Painting Workshop
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Knight Memorial Library — Reservations required — Create and paint your very own wooden birdhouse in this hands-on workshop.
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Read More, Learn More!
2:30–5:30 p.m. — Washington Park Library — Free entry — Unlock the magic of storytelling with engaging sessions led by Ms. Carol.
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Read More, Learn More!
2:30-5:30 p.m. — Washington Park Library — Free entry — A delightful reading series designed to unlock the magic of stories with Ms. Carol.
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Alex Cohen Acoustic Performance
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Basta Italian Restaurant — Reservations highly encouraged — Enjoy an eclectic acoustic mix of classics and originals from the ’50s to today.
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Providence Friars vs. Creighton Bluejays Basketball Game
6:30-8 p.m. — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Ticket prices vary — Watch an exciting NCAA basketball matchup featuring the Providence Friars taking on the Creighton Bluejays.
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Aurora Lake Painting Session
2-4:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — Complimentary beverage included — Unleash your inner artist while enjoying a drink with friends.
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Starlit Bottle Lamp Workshop
1-3:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — Complimentary beverage included — Create your own bottle lamp while enjoying a drink in a relaxed studio setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
~ Heraclitus
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