Tuesday, March 18th, 2025
Good morning, Providence. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Track 15—a new food hall in the former Union Station with seven restaurants—opens today after four years of planning and $25 million in renovations. Guests can order using credit card or Apple Pay and dine at communal tables, with 500 parking spots available nearby. The Providence Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The United Theatre in Westerly has partnered with the Bluebird Cafe in Tennessee to bring singer-songwriters—a plan sparked by Taylor Swift’s father—to Rhode Island and offer a free arts program where middle school students learn songwriting. The project will drive tourism and boost local business by strengthening the region’s cultural scene. The Boston Globe
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Brown University advised students, staff, and faculty with visas or green cards to postpone international travel after reports of federal deportation actions raised concerns. The email stated that changes in visa procedures and travel restrictions may cause delays in reentry—residence halls will remain open for students staying in Providence over spring recess. The Public's Radio
- ➤ Providence school board President Ty’Relle Stephens and Vice President Anjel Newmann are pushing for local control of the district after state oversight began in 2019. The board plans to release a new plan in April that guides changes such as hiring educators with community experience—aiming to clear up governance issues—while improving school success. Rhode Island PBS
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Providence released a guide with new road closures, parking restrictions and detours for March Madness beginning March 19 and running through the event. The city will deploy Spin parking corrals and increase police presence to keep fans and residents safe. The Providence Journal
- ➤ Dorcas International lost nearly $1 million in federal funds — a key support for new refugees — which forced the nonprofit to cut staff from 105 to 92 and left 65 new arrivals, including families from Central America and Afghanistan, without promised aid. The organization may make more cuts if its other federal funding stays frozen, risking services for about 6,000 immigrants each year. The Boston Globe
- ➤ Brown Medicine physician Dr. Rasha Alawieh was deported from Boston’s Logan Airport last Friday after returning from a two-week visit to Lebanon despite holding a valid H-1B visa that allowed her to work until mid-2027—U.S. officials have set a hearing for Monday following a court order requiring notice before she left Massachusetts. The Providence Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ponaganset Girls Basketball won their ninth state championship when they defeated fifth-seeded Moses Brown, 57-54 in overtime on March 16th at the Ryan Center—rallying from a tied regulation. Freshman Javiana Stec scored 12 points—earning Most Outstanding Player honors. The Providence Journal
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Storytime Sessions at Books On the Square
Storytime will be conducted every Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 a.m. for children and families.
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Dirty Dancing in Concert
Experience the classic film 'Dirty Dancing' like never before with a live performance of its iconic soundtrack alongside a digitally remastered screening.
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Melo Green Concert at Myrtle
Melo Green will perform live at Myrtle in East Providence, offering an evening of music starting at 7 PM.
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Enchanted Flight Art Session
Participate in an in-studio painting session where you will create a colorful hummingbird masterpiece while enjoying a complimentary beverage.
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GFree Fest: A Gluten Free Food Festival
GFree Fest is an annual festival in Providence dedicated to gluten-free products and restaurants, offering attendees a day of tasting and shopping.
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Zumba Fitness with Kiki
6:30-7:30 p.m. | Roger Williams Park Gateway Center | Registration required | Get moving with a high-intensity Zumba class led by Kiki in a lively setting.
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Wee Wednesdays at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
Weekly program for preschoolers aged 2-4 featuring nature-themed activities, crafts, and exploration at the Botanical Center.
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JLC Live: New England Residential Construction Trade Event
JLC Live is a premier trade event for residential construction in New England, featuring hands-on clinics, product demonstrations, and networking opportunities for industry professionals.
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The Wizard of Oz - Musical
7:30-9 p.m. — Stadium Theatre — Tickets from $29 — Experience the beloved classic with enchanting songs and unforgettable characters along the Yellow Brick Road.
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Aziz Ansari Live Comedy Show
Award-winning comedian Aziz Ansari will perform live at the Providence Performing Arts Center, showcasing his acclaimed comedic talent and recent works.
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