Good morning, Providence.

Ethan Shorey, longtime Valley Breeze editor, stepped down earlier this month after nearly 20 years of covering local news in the Blackstone Valley.

In a recent interview, he reflected on key stories that shaped communities and said he plans to return to one-on-one reporting.

Wonder will open a hybrid food hall and delivery service in Cranston on March 26 at 1000 Chapel View Boulevard — the venue lets customers mix dishes from local restaurants in one order via its app.

Readers nominated five women who helped shape Rhode Island for the March 22 edition of The Providence Sunday Journal.

The feature spotlights historic figures from early settlers to civil rights activists, including Christiana Bannister, Mother Mary Doyle, Mary Dyer, Maud Howe Elliott & founders of Johnson & Wales University.

The African American History Museum of Rhode Island will open on April 4 at 500 Broad St. in Providence, featuring its inaugural exhibit, Welcome to the Neighborhood: Mapping Black Providence, which maps mid-20th century Black community life (a fresh view of local history).

WaterFire kicks off its 2026 season with its 500th lighting on Saturday, May 30 at the Providence River as it coincides with Rhode Island School of Design commencement events.

The free public art event will feature eight full lightings and additional ceremonies that celebrate community art across the summer.

Gas prices in the state averaged ($3.56) per gallon, up from $2.86 a month ago, as oil executives warn that supply issues around the Strait of Hormuz may push prices higher.

Local consumers could see further increases if disruptions continue.

On March 15, the free Brown Brain Fair at Sayles Hall at Brown University offered families interactive science experiments and lightning talks that showed how the brain sends signals to muscles and manages memory — an engaging day for all ages.

Revolution Wind, a $4 billion wind farm with 65 turbines, is delivering power to the New England grid to supply affordable energy for Rhode Island and Connecticut customers — full operations will begin later this year.

Governor McKee nominated William Tsonos, president of Beacon Bank, to chair the Rhode Island Life Science Hub board, pending Senate confirmation (he will replace Neil Steinberg who stepped down in July).

The hub faces a funding cliff yet aims to boost local life science growth.

Researchers at Brown University found that clinicians can diagnose Alzheimer’s patients with FTLD (frontotemporal lobar degeneration) by evaluating neuropsychiatric symptoms like anxiety and personality change, which may help families prepare for a more complex disease course.

The study analyzed data from 919 patients to guide improved care.

Researchers from Brown and Mass General Brigham developed an implantable brain computer interface that uses a QWERTY keyboard — mapping finger movements to letters — to produce rapid text for patients with ALS and spinal cord injury.

The study was published on Friday, Mar. 13 in Nature Neuroscience.

Providence College Athletic Director Steve Napolillo met with media on Monday to share key insights on hiring a new men’s basketball coach.

He stressed the need for a leader experienced in the NIL era who can manage the transfer portal & meet with the team at 3:30 p.m.

The URI women basketball team will play sixth-seeded Alabama in the first round of the NCAA tournament in Louisville on Saturday.

The Rams, with a 28-4 record and a 17-game win streak after winning the Atlantic-10 Tournament, will try to extend their dream season.

Homework Help

3-8 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Smith Hill Library — No appointment needed — Get assistance with math and literacy skills for all ages and levels.

Free Tax Preparation Help

5-6:30 p.m. — Washington Park Library — Free service — Get assistance with your taxes from the VITA Program at the local library.

Haus of Codec Friday Night Market

5-9 p.m. — Farm Fresh Rhode Island — Free entry — Explore local vendors and enjoy an evening of community market fun.

The 3rd Annual GFree Fest

12-5 p.m. — The WaterFire Arts Center — General Admission: $10 — Enjoy a packed weekend of gluten-free food, drinks, and festivities in Providence.

Pure Dance Performance

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Woodman Family Community & Performance Center — Tickets required — Experience the power, precision, and poetry of Pure Dance featuring works like George Balanchine's Allegro Brillante.

Musical Mondays with Teacher T

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Rochambeau Library — Free entry — Enjoy morning music with guitar, singing, and dancing in the children's library.

Technology Time at the Library

1-3 p.m. — Washington Park Library — Free entry — Offering free tech help in Spanish and English to empower the local Hispanic community.

Jamie McLean Band Live

7-10 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — $22.66 — Experience an energetic blend of New Orleans soul and Delta blues with the Jamie McLean Band.

John Mulaney: Mister Whatever

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Emmy Award-winning comedian John Mulaney in an engaging stand-up show.

Kids That Fly - Spring Tour 2026

5-8 p.m. — Alchemy — $23.08 — Experience a lively performance by Kids That Fly with special guest SUM SUN and local support from IMMUTER.