Good Day
Providence
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Providence. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Providence residents are showing support for Brown University students returning to campus tomorrow by posting signs that say 'PVD <3 BROWN' on lawns and local businesses (especially on the East Side). City Councilor Jill Davidson said the gesture is meant to lift spirits amid recent campus hardships. 10 WJAR
- ➤ Roger Desjardins, a World War II veteran, celebrated his 101st birthday on Tuesday at the North Providence Mancini Center as family, friends and local leaders, including U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, joined the event to honor his long service. 10 WJAR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Today, a bankruptcy hearing before Chief Judge Stacey Jernigan will decide the fate of Roger Williams and Fatima hospitals after years of financial mismanagement. The Centurion Foundation is seeking $18M in state funds + aims to support operations while addressing a historic pension shortfall. Go Local Prov
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Brown University president Christina H. Paxson reflected on December's tragic event and the ongoing healing efforts as spring semester begins, announcing a memorial service scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7 (4 p.m.) to honor the victims and invite community support. Brown University
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Former Rep. Anthony De Luca, a longtime educator and Cranston City Council member (who fought for marriage equality), died at 88. He served in the state House and local schools, and is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. The Boston Globe
- ➤ R.I. gubernatorial candidate Aaron Guckian, 49, plans to boost mental health and addiction services after 10 years of sobriety by converting unused sites (including downtown’s Superman building) into care hubs. He will seek to fund these changes with opioid settlement and pediatric dental care dollars to strengthen local services. The Boston Globe
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Overdose Prevention Center in Providence prevented 93 fatal overdoses and conducted 176 interventions in its first year, leading to a 33% drop in overdose deaths statewide. The facility offers additional services such as a food pantry (three times weekly) and is now being evaluated by Brown University. Rhode Island PBS
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Island’s housing reforms are starting to boost new home construction as laws passed since 2021 have spurred a surge in accessory dwelling permits—from 11 in 2021 to 163 in 2024—and now allow oversized-lot subdivision (adding affordable townhomes) across communities statewide. The Boston Globe
- ➤ City Center Apartments in East Providence are being built by One Neighborhood Builders — they are converting a former nursing home and dorm into modern apartments. Construction is ongoing with more project details expected as work continues. The Providence Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Providence dropped a 105-104 overtime game on Monday, Jan. 19 in Milwaukee after fouling Marquette’s Ben Gold with four seconds left + Nigel James Jr. scored a career-high 38 points to lead Marquette to victory. The Providence Journal
- ➤ Local high school basketball games on Tuesday featured dramatic comebacks as North Smithfield rallied from a 20-point first half deficit to win 63-59 and a Classical school game was postponed after a fire alert; teams like La Salle and West Warwick are gearing up for upcoming contests. The Providence Journal
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Suffs Theater Performance
7:30-9 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Last-minute tickets available — Experience a thrilling theater production at one of Providence's favorite venues.
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A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Strand Ballroom — Ticket pricing available — Experience an electrifying performance from A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie in Providence.
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AS220 Presents: DD Island, Winkler, and Spirit Ghost
7-8 p.m. — AS220's Empire Street Complex — No cover charge — Enjoy an evening of eclectic performances by local artists in a vibrant community venue.
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Providence Restaurant Weeks
Lunch and dinner daily — Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau — Prices vary — Indulge in two weeks of delectable dining offers from local restaurants.
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Story Time for Young Children
10:15-11:00 a.m. — Wanskuck Library — Free — Enjoy stories, activities, and meet new families in a fun and engaging environment.
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Music and More! Toddler Group
10:15-11:00 a.m. — Wanskuck Library — Free entry — Enjoy interactive music, dancing, and crafts for toddlers and their caregivers.
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Native Seed Sowing Workshop
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Fox Point Library — Free entry — Get hands-on experience in sowing native seeds to support local pollinators and create a beautiful garden.
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Sporting Concert
6-10 p.m. — Alchemy — Tickets available — Experience the melodies of Sporting with energetic music and engaging performances.
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Rhode Island Brew Fest - Session 1
1-4 p.m. — The WaterFire Arts Center — Ticketed event — Celebrate craft beer with samples from over 50 breweries and 200 styles.
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Anthony Rodia Live Comedy Show
7-10 p.m. — Comedy Connection — Tickets start at $69 — Experience the hilarious skits and relatable humor of the 'King of Off the Boat Comedy'.
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