Good morning, Providence.

Local food lovers can explore a new guide featuring 10 hidden restaurant gems that offer Italian, Korean and American dishes across Providence and nearby towns.

The guide notes some spots need reservations — ensuring you savor a unique taste of local cuisine.

ABC6 anchor John DeLuca (a longtime Rhode Island native) announced his departure after nearly 27 years on Jan.

9; his exit follows Sinclair’s acquisition of non-licensed assets that triggered several staffing changes, and he thanked viewers and colleagues for their support during his tenure (spanning decades).

The Rhode Island Lottery released its new RI 250 Instant Game featuring five scratch-off designs that showcase state history.

Tickets cost $5, and players can win prizes up to $17,760 (a matching '250' earns $250).

Sleepwalker, a thriller produced in Rhode Island starring Hayden Panettiere, premiered Jan.8 at the Greenwich Odeum with praise from an invite-only audience even though the lead actress and director missed the event due to illness — it opened to the public Jan.9 at Warwick’s Apple Cinemas.

The Providence Journal is collecting Revolutionary War-era stories from locals to honor Rhode Island’s role in the nation’s 250th birthday celebration — residents with family accounts, relic finds, or reenactor experiences can submit their stories online.

Dr. Gherardi advises those with mild flu symptoms to choose urgent care or telehealth over emergency room visits as wait times have reached 11 hours, stressing that crowded emergency departments hinder treatment for true emergencies (report).

Flu hospitalizations are 3% higher than last year in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Today, a list (provided by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation to The Providence Journal) shows Orlando as the top travel destination from T.F.

Green, with cities like Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Philadelphia, Tampa, Atlanta, Washington, Charlotte, and Baltimore drawing local interest.

Friday's high school basketball games offered tight finishes as Ponaganset edged North Kingstown 55 to 51 on last-minute free throws.

Today, check the updated schedule for boys and girls contests plus boys hockey and indoor track events across Providence (times vary by sport).

The Los Angeles Chargers arrived in Providence on Friday night before their Wild Card game against the Patriots scheduled for Sunday, after the Patriots held a final practice and released an injury report that ruled Khyiris Tonga out and listed three players as questionable.

Providence beat St. John's at Madison Square Garden on Jan.

3, 2026, and coaches Kim English and Rick Pitino spoke after the game about the team's performance.

Providence sports bars offer a unique game day experience as football fans gather to watch matches at venues like Providence GPub + Murphy’s.

Several bars feature multiple screens, relaxed dining, and extra amenities for an enjoyable football night.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vibrant Visions

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — Complimentary beverage included — Unleash your creativity in a fun paint and sip experience.