Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 3rd of April.
Good morning, Providence.
💼 Business
REGENT, a Rhode Island company led by Billy Tallaheimer, is testing a 12-passenger seaglider in Narragansett Bay that uses hydro foiling technology to lift off the water.
The company broke ground on a Quonset manufacturing plant that will employ 300 people and be fully operational in 2026 — it has already secured $9 billion in pre-orders and investment from notable backers.
🚨 Crime
Police searched Michele Romano's home on Hazard Avenue in Warwick after Rhode Island State Police identified remains on March 31 in a wooded area in Foster—Romano has been missing since August 2024 and no charges have been filed.
🎭 Culture
Providence archivist Becca Bender urges local leaders to build the Rhode Island Audiovisual Local News Archive to save old TV news from stations like WPRI and WJAR—this archive will keep our history safe for everyone.
The Rhode Island Foundation and van Beuren Charitable Foundation are backing a Press Forward chapter to support local news preservation—ensuring our media legacy is available for future generations.
The film Secret Mall Apartment shows how hidden mill spaces in Providence Place once gave local artists a chance to grow.
The movie uses old footage and artist interviews to explain how gentrification is shrinking these creative spaces—raising worries for the future.
Felicia's Coffee won Rhode Island's bracket challenge for favorite zeppole by receiving 58.3% of more than 100,000 votes cast against Scialo's County Bakery.
The seasonal treat is available only during St. Joseph's holiday — fans must wait until next year if they miss it.
Providence has a record four finalists in the 2025 James Beard Awards — Oberlin is a finalist for Outstanding Restaurant while chefs from Nicks on Broadway, Gift Horse and NIMKI have been nominated for Best Chef: Northeast and Emerging Chef.
The awards will be presented on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago — marking a new milestone for the city’s culinary scene.
🎓 Education
North Providence Public School District has partnered with police and BusPatrol to launch a bus safety program that uses cameras on every school bus to record drivers who pass stopped buses.
The cameras are funded by a grant and give warnings until May 1—after which violators will face fines of $250 to $500.
🏛️ Government
The Rhode Island House of Representatives voted Tuesday to extend the state-sanctioned overdose prevention center pilot until 2028.
The Providence center — opened in January — helped 135 people and intervened in 22 overdoses as lawmakers debated its impact on our community.
🏈 Sports
Bryant University will hire Jamion Christian as its new men's basketball coach to replace Phil Martelli Jr. He coached at Mount St. Mary’s, Siena, and George Washington—he will work to retain key players from the Bulldogs' recent championship season.
Providence Journal has begun a preseason vote for the best high school baseball player in Rhode Island with 10 players from schools like East Providence and Hendricken (email submissions are not accepted and voting ends April 9 at 11:59 p.m.).
🎉 Providence Events
Submit an event →
Will Dailey's Album Release Party with Mary McAvoy
8-11 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — Tickets available — Experience eight-time Boston Music Award winner Will Dailey performing songs from his new album, Boys Talking.
KPOP Night Dance Party
8 PM – 12 AM — Fete Music Hall — Entry fee varies — Enjoy a night of dancing to the latest K-pop hits spun by the hottest local DJs.
La Tempestad in Providence
6:00 PM — Trinity Repertory Company — Ticket prices vary — Experience a unique performance while supporting a cause of your choice.
Annual Rhode Island Home Show
Various times — Rhode Island Convention Center — Admission fee varies — Explore Southern New England's largest home improvement showcase featuring gardens, energy solutions, and brewing innovations.
Foolproof Friday Songwriter Series with J. Michael Graham
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Foolproof Brewing Company — Check for any applicable fees — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring J. Michael Graham and special guest performances.
Flycatcher Live Concert
6-10 p.m. — Alchemy — $18 adv. / $22 dos — Experience live music from Flycatcher, Slow Joy, and Timelines in a vibrant venue.
Violin River: Grateful Dead Tribute
1-4 p.m. — Alchemy — Free entry — Celebrate the music of The Grateful Dead and raise the good vibes with the Tribe.
Create Your City
4-5 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Smith Hill Library — Free entry — Youth engage in city planning activities including public art and designing their ideal living space.
Open Studio Makerspace Session
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Mount Pleasant Library — RSVP required — Explore creativity with independent projects using various makerspace equipment.
Meet the Artists: Community Arts Spring Exhibition
6-7:30 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Mount Pleasant Library — Free entry — Engage in conversation with local artists showcasing spring exhibition artworks.
🏠 Providence Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Providence Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Providence Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Providence.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.