Good morning, Providence.

On April 23, nonprofit leaders gathered at Hall Library in Providence for panels and a Q&A on the state of local nonprofits as panelists discussed federal funding cuts.

United Way + Providence Journal co-hosted the event.

Track 15 opened in March after four years of planning and a $25 million renovation of the former Union Station (now a food hall hosting seven fast-casual restaurants).

Guests order using credit cards or Apple Pay (no cash is accepted) and pick up their food while dining at communal tables with discounted parking available nearby.

Jorge Pimentel from Cranston was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after police seized over 16 kilograms of fentanyl-laced pills and powder from his Pawtucket lab, one of the state’s largest fentanyl seizures (he will also serve 5 years of supervised release).

Davies Career and Technical High School culinary students will travel to Baltimore from May 2 to 4 to represent Rhode Island at the National ProStart Invitational after winning the state competition.

Gov. Dan McKee celebrated the team and encouraged them to take pride in their achievement — a milestone for local workforce development.

Roger Williams Park Zoo will open a new penguin exhibit with twelve Humboldt penguins on Memorial Day weekend—these sun-loving birds come from the warm coasts of Chile and Peru.

The zoo is joining a species survival plan to protect the vulnerable penguins—ensuring they receive careful monitoring and care.

Rhode Island released a housing plan that aims to add 15,000 new units in the next five years by offering local incentives — rewards for easing zoning and modifying building codes.

Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard said on April 23 that local governments will get rewards or face funding cuts — a move meant to support affordable homes priced at $400,000 or less.

Rhode Island will build 15,000 new homes over five years to ease the housing shortage, setting targets for homeownership, ADUs, and affordable rentals in towns like Providence and Pawtucket.

The plan does not spell out how towns will meet these goals and faces challenges from high costs and local zoning rules — some towns have pushed back on the changes.

On April 22 at Old Mountain Field, South Kingstown scored eight runs in the fourth inning to break a tie and secure an 11—7 win over North Kingstown in a Division I baseball game, with Jack Noonan’s solo home run giving the Rebels the edge.

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

6-7:30 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience a musical adventure with Blippi and friends as they explore the fun of music for the whole family.

Mary-Elaine Jenkins Concert

4-10 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — Check event page for ticket cost — Enjoy a night of soulful tunes from talented singer-songwriter Mary-Elaine Jenkins.

MARCA MP Concert

8 PM — The Strand Ballroom — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of MARCA MP in the heart of Providence.

Tapestry Weaving Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Mount Pleasant Library — Materials provided — Explore the art of weaving with no prior experience needed.

Zumba with Kiki

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Roger Williams Park Gateway Center — Registration required — Get your groove on with a high-intensity Zumba class led by Kiki.

Family Paint Night at McGuire Elementary School

6:00-7:30 p.m. — McGuire Elementary School — $22 per painter — Paint a classic 'Sea Turtles' masterpiece with your child while enjoying a fun-filled family night.

Art and Relaxation for Teens

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Wanskuck Library — Free snacks and supplies — Unwind and create in a cozy afterschool space just for teens.

Comedy Night with John Turco

8-9:30 p.m. — THE COMEDY SCENE — Get ready for laughter with one of New England's busiest comedians known for his expressive style and sharp satire.

Ballet RI: Swan Lake

1:30-3:00 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting performance of Swan Lake by Ballet Rhode Island.

Samara Joy Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of rising jazz star Samara Joy in an intimate setting.