Good morning, Providence.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley cut the ribbon on a new pavilion at India Point Park on May 5—The park now features an updated playground with fresh landscaping, benches, and new equipment.

Chancellor Runey said the school will lay off 91 staff—part of a plan to fix a $34 million deficit—and will notify the affected employees later this week.

The move comes after years of falling enrollment and lower revenue at Johnson & Wales.

On May 07, DCYF disclosed that a 2-year-old nearly died from maltreatment on November 10 when the child and family were not using its services—this is the third such case reported in recent months following an infant's death and a near fatality involving a 10-year-old.

Ellie’s, a French restaurant serving breakfast and lunch in Providence, was named Yelp’s best brunch restaurant in Rhode Island for 2025 — a title chosen by Yelp Elite Squad members based on ratings and reviews.

The restaurant, now located at 250 Westminster St. — having moved in September, offers a menu of pastries, sandwiches, and seasonal salads and operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday.

Rhode Island high school baseball midseason rankings show Bishop Hendricken remains undefeated in Division I after close games, while North Providence leads Division II and Woonsocket tops Division III.

The report highlights key players and tight finishes—such as Jack DePalma’s and Zach Miner’s standout efforts—and notes that team fortunes may shift as the season continues.

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.

Zumba with Kiki

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Roger Williams Park Gateway Center — Registration required — Get moving with Kiki in a high-intensity Zumba class set in a beautiful park environment.

Chair Yoga Classes

1:30-2:30 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Mount Pleasant Library — Registration required — Enjoy the benefits of yoga with supportive chair postures and a certified instructor.

Youth Makerspace Exploration

3:30-5:30 p.m. — Washington Park Library — Free entry — Explore innovative makerspace technology like sewing machines and 3D printers in a creative environment.

Espresso Martini Painting Night

7-9:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — RSVP required — Enjoy a creative night with a complimentary drink and craft your own masterpiece.

Writing on Westminster

2-4 p.m. — Symposium Books — Free entry — Enjoy an outdoor write-in with fellow creatives at a local bookstore with coffee and pastries on offer.

Puzzical Chairs & Pie with Live Music by Skyjelly

1-3 p.m. — 195 District Park — Free entry — Engage in a fun, intergenerational puzzle challenge accompanied by live music and enjoy a festive atmosphere.