Good Day
Providence
Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Providence. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Providence police officers handed new Nike sneakers to all 167 students at Charette Charter High School through a partnership with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. The move lifted spirits during a challenging winter season. 10 WJAR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ TF Green International Airport will add nonstop flights as Breeze Airways launches service to Cancun in February and resumes service to Columbus in May, complementing last year's routes such as Daytona Beach and Nashville. The Providence Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ This weekend, enjoy half-price admission at Roger Williams Park Zoo’s winter exhibit, catch the P-Bruins Retro show at 7:30 p.m. today, watch the Wild Coast documentary on Channel 36 at 8 p.m., or reserve tickets for the Marian Anderson String Quartet’s MLK tribute on Jan. 14 at RISD Auditorium. Rhode Island PBS
- ➤ Providence will see fresh local offerings this week: Small Point Cafe will add French-inspired crepes to its menu on Sunday, Jan. 11 at its Westminster Street location, Gracie's will offer a $98 5-course tasting menu all January, and Queen of Hearts Boutique is hosting its semi-annual clothing sale downtown. Downtown Providence
- ➤ The documentary You Got Gold, celebrating John Prine's legacy with archival footage and interviews featuring artists like Bonnie Raitt, is showing at Avon Cinema in Providence today and tomorrow. Additional screenings will be held at venues in South Kingstown, Mystic and Newport through February. Rhode Island PBS
- ➤ Local restauranteurs are moving away from Instagram-focused designs as diners prioritize authentic flavor and personal service this year. Regional chefs, including a Providence design expert, say dining space details (like innovative bathrooms) still invite selfies despite a shift to cost-conscious, genuine culinary experiences. The Boston Globe
- ➤ Ocean State: Rhode Island’s Wild Coast docuseries premieres today at 8 p.m. on Ocean State Media TV & streaming on PBS Passport, as filmmaker Tomas Koeck explores local coastal ecosystems including eelgrass meadows and abundant marine life. Rhode Island PBS
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mayor Brett Smiley has proposed to return local control of schools and create a quasi-public bridge authority for the Crook Point Bascule Bridge to save the landmark from demolition; the state is set to step back in (Oct. 2027) amid debate over whether Providence is ready to resume control. The Boston Globe
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Island’s Department of Health urged residents to get their flu shots after reporting 486 hospitalizations and seven flu-related deaths amid high COVID-19 and RSV levels. The advisory issued Jan. 8 recommended staying home if sick and practicing good hygiene (such as covering coughs). The Providence Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Providence lost 103-98 in overtime against UConn as the Huskies rallied with nine straight points on Jan. 8 at Amica Mutual Pavilion. The Friars, despite an early lead, suffered their third OT loss this season and must improve their closing play. The Providence Journal
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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.
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Technology Time at the Library
1-3 p.m. — Washington Park Library — Free entry — Offering free tech help in Spanish to empower the Hispanic community with digital skills.
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Vibrant Visions
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — Complimentary beverage included — Unleash your creativity in a fun paint and sip experience.
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.
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Welcome to the Good Day Providence, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Providence, Rhode Island community. If you like the Good Day Providence, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Providence.
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