Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Providence. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Rhode Island native who stays anonymous started Cash Drop Providence over a year ago by leaving cash and prizes around town to spark community gatherings and support local shopping. The fun initiative has featured nearly 100 drops across the state and inspires neighbors to share in the joy. The Boston Globe
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The documentary Age of Audio by Shaun Michael Colón will have its Rhode Island premiere at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 23 at AS220 Black Box — a local venue supporting independent artists — and will be followed by a live panel featuring podcaster Audrey Mardavich. Downtown Providence
- ➤ The Real Housewives of Rhode Island premieres today at 9 p.m. on Bravo — featuring local beauty queen Kelsey Swanson, a 31-year-old makeup artist from Cranston now living in East Greenwich. Swanson will face tough personal choices as the series unfolds, with new episodes streaming on Peacock starting Friday. The Providence Journal
- ➤ Five local poets are reviving the spoken word scene for National Poetry Month by hosting workshops, open mics, and readings at various community venues (including spots in Providence, Cranston, and East Providence). They aim to boost sustainable growth and youth outreach in the arts. Downtown Providence
- ➤ Olympic Records is a locally owned record store on Wickenden Street in Fox Point offering new vinyl and rare finds in a welcoming space. The owner plans a special selection for Record Store Day (Saturday, April 18) for both new collectors and long-time fans. Downtown Providence
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Today, Winners’ Circle XR Academy brings together over 250 local students for esports and STEAM programs that boost confidence and build skills for tech careers. The nonprofit partners with schools & community organizations to provide technology and mentorship across Rhode Island. The Providence Journal
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents should prepare hummingbird feeders for the return of ruby-throated hummingbirds, the only species that breeds locally (experts recommend a sugar-to-water mix and weekly cleaning) to support the migration. An interactive map now tracks sightings as the birds are expected to arrive in late April. The Providence Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport rolled out new biometric eGates for Clear+ members yesterday using facial recognition to verify identities quickly. Eligible travelers bypassed the TSA podium before entering physical screening. 10 WJAR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Island health officials confirmed that the 'Cicada' COVID variant, first detected locally in January, is being tracked amid reports it may better evade vaccines. Experts advise testing and continued precautions — including staying home if positive — to help control its spread. The Providence Journal
- ➤ Researchers from Brown University conducted a pilot liver screening study at Clínica Esperanza and found that 21% of 14 participants showed liver stiffness (with 57% demonstrating steatosis), offering personalized counseling to help lower risks; the study, published March 31, shows early detection can prevent advanced liver damage. Brown University
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Providence Place mall is up for sale after defaulting on $259 million in debt, with a court hearing on a potential buyer expected by the end of April. While several retailers have closed, the mall’s Apple Store continues to draw shoppers, and redevelopment plans may transform the historic space. The Boston Globe
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Dan Hurley led the URI Rams from 2012 to 2018 with a 113-82 record (including NCAA Tournament trips in 2017 and 2018) before taking his role at UConn, where his Huskies will face Illinois in a Final Four showdown on Saturday, April 4. The Providence Journal
- ➤ UConn rallied from a 19-point gap last Sunday when freshman Braylon Mullins hit a 35-foot shot with 0.04 seconds left + former Rhode Island coach Dan Hurley is now set to guide his team back to the Final Four. Go Local Prov
- ➤ La Salle baseball started its season with an 8-0 win over North Kingstown at Toti Baseball Diamond on March 31. Strong pitching by Jairo Martinez and timely hitting from the Rams set a promising tone for the season ahead. The Providence Journal
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Goldpine with Jake Hunsinger & The Rock Bottom Band
9 PM – 12 AM — The Parlour Providence — $17 — Experience bold harmonies straight from Nashville with award-winning Americana music.
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Kaleb Cohen Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — Fete Music Hall — Cost TBA — Experience the unforgettable talent of Kaleb Cohen in an electrifying night of music.
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Joseph - Band Performance
7-10 p.m. — Uptown Theater — Tickets required — Experience the powerful harmonies and emotional depth of JOSEPH's latest music.
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Exhorder Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — Alchemy — $26.54 — Experience the powerful sound of Exhorder alongside Skinlab and Dead By Wednesday in an energetic live show.
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Farseek, Everyone Disagrees, The Apothecary Live
7-10 p.m. — Alchemy — $15 — Enjoy an evening with local acts featuring Farseek, Everyone Disagrees, and The Apothecary at a vibrant venue.
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Chair Yoga Classes
12:30-1:30 p.m. — Mount Pleasant Library — Registration required — Experience the benefits of traditional yoga with the support of a chair in this accessible class.
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Randy's Cheeseburger Picnic Comedy Tour
7-10 p.m. — Alchemy — Tickets starting at $30 — Enjoy a night of laughter with Randy from Trailer Park Boys filled with comedy, songs, contests, and prizes.
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Annual RI Home Show
April 10-12 — Rhode Island Convention Center — Admission varies — Discover home improvement ideas and enjoy the Specialty RI Flower Show and Garden Experience.
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Bloom Flower & Home Market
12-5 p.m. — The WaterFire Arts Center — Admission includes a drink ticket — Celebrate spring with 90+ vendors of plants, home decor, and art.
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PACE-RI Information Presentation
3-4 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Washington Park Library — Free entry — Discover the benefits of enrolling with PACE-RI during this informative session.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Reading changes your mind, applying changes your life.
~ James Clear
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