Good Day
Providence
Friday, May 16th, 2025
Good morning, Providence. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Wally’s Providence will open a new location on Federal Hill at 120 Atwells Avenue on May 23 in the former Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen building. The restaurant, owned by Heritage Hospitality Group, will serve hot dogs and cocktails and display the iconic neon sign—honoring the building’s legacy. The Providence Journal
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ An outside investigation found that a cyberattacker first accessed Rhode Island’s benefits system on July 2, 2024 (using VPN credentials) and kept browsing files until November before officials discovered the hack in December, potentially exposing the personal data of 657,000 people. The Boston Globe
- ➤ Federal agents raided the home of alleged Ponzi schemer Christopher Aubin at 8 a.m. on May 15th in Walpole & arrived in six black vehicles with a flatbed tow truck as the investigation into his scheme, which affected dozens across New England and beyond, continued. Go Local Prov
- ➤ Surveillance video shows that two men attempted to break into Premiere Perfumes on Federal Hill early May 15th by breaking windows with a large rock—after the alarm sounded, the suspects fled on foot while owner Manny Maciel urged more police patrols. 10 WJAR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Rhode Island Senate approved the Freedom to Read Act, which creates a uniform process for challenging books by requiring a vested community interest and shielding librarians from legal charges— a companion bill has been introduced in the House amid ongoing debate over its provisions. The Boston Globe
- ➤ On Thursday, May 15, Governor Dan McKee held a press conference to release a report on the cyberattack that affected more than 600,000 Rhode Islanders and Deloitte’s role—federal court actions and consolidated lawsuits are expected to drive further resolutions. The report included CrowdStrike’s independent analysis and set the stage for how the state will address the breach. Go Local Prov
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, hundreds of nurses and mental health workers at Butler Hospital went on strike over low wages, unsafe staffing, and rising patient violence—while hospital officials said their proposal would soon boost nearly all workers’ wages above $20 an hour. Union and hospital leaders dispute key facts as Governor McKee calls for a return to negotiations. The Boston Globe
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Storytime at Books On the Square
11 a.m. — Books On the Square — Free entry — Enjoy whimsical stories in a cozy bookstore atmosphere every Wednesday and Friday.
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Mystery Clown Theater 3000 presents: The Princess Bride
7-11:30 p.m. — AS220's Empire Street Complex — Tickets available — Enjoy a playful twist on the classic film with an entertaining live performance.
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