Good morning, Providence.

RIPTA will provide fare-free rides on six buses for Rhode Island FC home games at Centreville Bank Stadium through Dec.

31, 2027—part of a deal that also delivers $150,000 in courtesy advertising. The partnership is designed to attract new riders and give fans an easier way to reach the stadium.

State Representative David Morales and State Senator Lammis Vargas have proposed a bill to create a scholarship fund that supports aspiring bilingual teachers so schools can better serve our growing multilingual learners—this investment act aims to build a steady pipeline of certified educators and reduce reliance on temporary substitutes.

Rhode Island College will not allow new majors in 20 degree programs such as Portuguese and art history starting this fall due to low enrollment found in a recent review.

Some students and faculty questioned the fairness of the process — they held a protest at the State House on April 24 while current students may finish their studies.

Rhode Island lawmakers are nearing the end of the legislative session as new revenue estimates show nearly $61 million extra before the fiscal year ends and debates over an assault-style firearms ban and a health care provider shortage continue.

House Speaker Joe Shekarchi is holding a fundraiser today and has not ruled out a run for governor while Senate leaders work to move the ban through a tied Judiciary Committee.

Attorney General Peter Neronha announced today that he and the attorneys general of California, Illinois and New Jersey will hold a virtual press conference at 1 p.m. to reveal forthcoming legal action on conditional federal funding+ the case will be filed in Federal District Court in Rhode Island.

Rachel Miller has served as Providence’s City Council president since 2023 and works to make housing more affordable and protect equal rights, as seen in her support for a new Comprehensive Plan & an ordinance limiting bulk property title purchases.

The longtime activist, with roots in labor organizing, plans to seek reelection next year while focusing on local policies.

A state report found that spending on GLP-1 drugs nearly tripled in Rhode Island from 2021 to 2023 as increased use of Ozempic and Wegovy raised retail pharmacy costs to $63 million in 2023—pushing overall health care spending past state targets.

The report said the pricey drugs are not cost-effective at current prices—making them largely unavailable for lower-income residents.

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.

Create Your City

4-5 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Smith Hill Library — Free — Explore urban planning through activities like public art, tree planting, and city design.

Leland Baker Quartet Performance

6-7:30 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Mount Pleasant Library — RSVP required — Enjoy an evening of energetic jazz infused with the spirit of blues from the Leland Baker Quartet.

No Need to Read Book Club

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Wanskuck Library — Free entry — Engage in conversation and activities focused on empowerment with local author Kate Schapira.

Providence Light The Night Water Lantern Festival

6-10 p.m. — Lincoln Woods State Park — Tickets on sale now — Experience a magical evening of hope and dreams illuminated by floating lanterns.

Blooming Boots Painting Session

1-3:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — Complimentary beverage included — Unleash your creativity during a delightful art session with friends.

Barry Manilow's Final Concert in Providence

7-8:30 p.m. — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Ticket prices vary — Catch the iconic Barry Manilow in what he claims is his last performance in Providence.