Good morning, Providence.

A Providence man pleaded guilty to two counts of cockfighting charges after admitting he owned roosters for a fight on April 27th and sponsored a fight on March 6th under the Animal Welfare Act—sentencing will be set later.

Economist Emily Mandel warned at a state revenue conference that high tariffs are raising prices and may push Rhode Island toward a recession-adjacent slowdown this summer, with slower job growth and a housing shortage adding budget challenges.

Lawmakers will update fiscal forecasts by May 9 and must prepare for possible federal funding cuts that could affect Medicaid spending—despite record job gains in March.

In late March, a bus drivers’ union warned that RIPTA’s $32.6m budget gap risked 300 jobs and would force cuts in bus and paratransit services—state lawmakers are urged to fill the gap to ease traffic and support Rhode Island’s growth.

Rhode Island lawmakers are discussing a bill to ban the sale and display of fur from farmed animals—this measure stalled in the Senate in 2022 as the House Judiciary Committee meets today at 5 p.m. to also review related law changes involving I-gaming and child assault statutes.

State House insider Luis Colon earned $129,000 as Director of Constituent Services while also working as a bail bondsman and prison interpreter during off hours.

Superior Court approved his extra work on March 18, but his financial disclosures do not show his bail bondsman or interpreting business since 2019—records show hundreds of bail filings under his name.

The iconic Superman building in downtown Providence remains stalled after a 2022 plan to convert the empty office tower into 300 apartments and commercial space ran into rising costs and financing delays—officials now await a federal loan review and a sales tax relief bill to restart the project. Local leaders say the building’s long vacancy is affecting nearby businesses as they work to secure the necessary funding.

RIPTA will run free shuttle service Route R-1636 on game days to help Rhode Island FC fans travel between Centreville Bank Stadium and several Pawtucket parking areas including Ivan Perez Memorial Park at 319 Pleasant Street; the bus will run every 8-10 minutes from three hours before kickoff until one hour after postgame events.

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.

Brian Regan Stand-Up Comedy

7:30-9 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience one of the funniest comedians in America live on stage.

Brit Floyd Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) — Ticket prices vary — Experience an extraordinary tribute to Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here' at this spectacular show.

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen

8:30-9:30 p.m. — Bishop McVinney Auditorium — Tickets required — Experience a magical live tribute to the music of Queen in a stunning candlelit setting.

Shen Yun Performing Arts - Providence

1:30-3 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the magical beauty of ancient Chinese culture through stunning dance and music.

Food House Concert in Providence

7:00-11:55 PM — Fete Music Hall — ADV $20 • DOS $25 18+ — Experience vibrant performances from Food House and Folie in a lively atmosphere.

Lake Street Dive Concert

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Starting at $70 — Experience a high-energy night filled with outstanding tunes from Lake Street Dive.