Good Day
Providence
Saturday, May 17th, 2025
Good morning, Providence. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rep. Alex Finkelman introduced a bill on May 8 to remove investment caps that limit local insurers like FM Global—one of the largest private employers—to expand operations, while Gov. Dan McKee backed the measure. A House hearing for the proposal was held on May 15, and lawmakers will act quickly to pass the bill before the session ends on or before June 30. Rhode Island PBS
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Allison Jedson and her three children will graduate from URI this weekend—Allison earns her doctorate in nursing while her children complete degrees in finance, engineering, and health science. Raised in West Greenwich, the family marks years of hard work at the university and will celebrate with a planned cruise to Alaska in June. The Boston Globe
- ➤ Schools are considering new AI-powered vape sensors from Eagle Eye Networks—devices that detect vape smoke chemicals in school bathrooms and locker rooms to alert staff while protecting privacy. The sensors cost between $500 and $1,000 and are part of efforts to reduce teen vaping. 10 WJAR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ At the State House, lawmakers spent seven and a half hours listening to testimony on bill S0359—known as the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act—proposing new limits on semiautomatic weapons. The hearing, held on May 14, saw both supporters and opponents offer divided views on the measure, and it now awaits further review by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Rhode Island PBS
- ➤ Hackers used stolen credentials to breach the state benefits system for five months and triggered hundreds of firewall alerts — Deloitte failed to act on these alerts as a forensic report later revealed missing logs and revised the affected count to 644,401 residents. State officials will send letters with free credit monitoring before Aug. 31 and consider legal steps as they plan to improve in-house IT controls. Rhode Island PBS
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A hospice nurse was fired after a Facebook video posted by a granddaughter showed her allegedly verbally abusing her terminally ill grandfather at HopeHealth Hospice on Main Street. The hospice investigated the incident promptly — removing the staff member and reassigning care after his family moved him home, where he passed away two days later. 10 WJAR
- ➤ Nurses, mental health workers and other Butler Hospital employees in Providence began striking Thursday morning in rain and mud — they demand higher wages and more staff — and the union said they will continue negotiations until their concerns are met. Rhode Island PBS
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Brown softball players earned their first NCAA bid since 1997 as seniors Alexis Guevara, Laurel Moody and outfielder Leah Carrey led the Bears to a regional spot after key wins in the Ivy League tournament—setting program records along the way. The team will play Texas Tech in Game 1 this Friday. The Providence Journal
- ➤ La Salle Academy beat Bishop Hendricken 11-7 on May 16 with strong pitching from Matt DeStefanis and a quick offensive push that built a double-digit lead for the underdog. The win improved La Salle's record to 14-4 as the team prepares for upcoming games against East Providence and Mt- Hope. The Providence Journal
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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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Storytime Sessions
11 a.m. — Books On the Square — Free entry — Enjoy delightful stories and engage children's imaginations during twice-weekly storytime sessions.
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