Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 11th of April.
Good morning, Providence.
🎭 Culture
Roger Williams Park Zoo announced this week that its Return of the Dinosaurs exhibit will feature about 60 life-size animatronic creatures—25 of which are new—open until Aug.
10; the exhibit is not included with zoo admission, which costs $9 or $7 for members.
Today, the Rhode Island Black Film Festival marks its eighth year as it runs for five days with feature, short and documentary films shown across Providence.
Founder Ann Clanton said local filmmakers and industry experts will engage audiences at venues (like Schneider Auditorium hosted by Johnson and Wales University) (highlighting diverse storytelling) during the event.
🏛️ Government
Providence Mayor Brett P.
Smiley said local partners received $1.5 million from the Providence Equity Fund last year to close equity gaps. The Providence Revolving Fund used the grant to preserve historic buildings and support affordable housing — helping underinvested neighborhoods grow stronger.
Rep. George Nardone introduced a bipartisan bill (with 23 co-sponsors) that would merge the auditor general’s office into a state inspector general’s office with two five-year terms and greater oversight, and the measure is headed for review by the House Committee on Finance.
Massachusetts inspector general Jeffrey Shapiro visited Rhode Island to share his office’s work (resolving criminal cases and uncovering waste) as lawmakers consider the proposal further.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said he plans to end state control of the schools and boost funding to help students learn better.
He released a blueprint yesterday and will announce a property tax hike next week to close a budget gap from a court settlement — a move that may face local criticism — as he works to improve the school system.
🎉 Providence Events
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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.
ProvSlam Grand Slam Finals
7-10 p.m. — AS220's Empire Street Complex — $5-10 suggested donation — Witness the best poets compete for a spot on the 2025 Providence Poetry Slam Team.
Get The Led Out Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Historic Park Theatre and Event Center — Prices from $39 to $69 — Experience Led Zeppelin's legacy live with the tribute band Get The Led Out, delivering an unforgettable performance.
Bill Callahan Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket prices vary — Experience the poetic sounds of Bill Callahan in an intimate setting.
Xtreme Hip Hop Step Aerobics
10-11 a.m. — Roger Williams Park Gateway Center — Free entry — Get your groove on with a fun and energetic workout suitable for all ages.
Earth Day Clean-Up at Roger Williams Park
1-3 p.m. — Roger Williams Park — Free entry — Help 'Spruce Up' the park and enjoy a community-focused Earth Day event.
🏠 Providence Real Estate
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💼 Providence Job Board
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📣 Providence Announcements
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