Good morning, Providence.

Rare photos capture Frank Sinatra’s iconic shows at the Providence Civic Center (1979, 1982 and during the 350th anniversary celebration) and reveal his memorable visits that left a lasting mark on local music history.

A briefing from Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council and Bryant University said Rhode Island’s unemployment rate in the first quarter climbed to 4.6 percent from 4.4 percent as 3,700 fewer residents were employed (the highest rate since 2021), signaling ongoing labor market weakness.

Pawtucket elementary schools face a calendar error that shortens each school day by five minutes (missing nearly three days of instruction per year and costing over $1 million) as school officials, the teachers union and RIDE work to plan a fix.

Researchers at the University of Rhode Island’s Bee Lab are recording over 280 bee species (including a rare trout-lily mining bee last noted in the mid-20th century) to build a detailed biodiversity checklist that supports future conservation on sites like the Moshassuck River Preserve.

Monsanto and its affiliates agreed Monday, May 18 to pay at least $25 million to the state to restore contaminated waterways, with potential settlements up to $62.5 million pending further litigation.

PCBs were found in local rivers, ponds, and Narragansett Bay.

Gov. McKee said Providence Public Schools will return to local control after meeting key milestones — a plan under review for a possible shift as early as June 2027.

The board will discuss the changes Wednesday night amid continued progress.

Brown University researchers reported that Medicare Advantage brokers received nearly $10B in annual commissions (up from $3.9B in 2014).

The study, published May 13, shows that renewals drive most payments and raises questions on whether broker assistance benefits seniors.

Today, the Rhode Island Foundation awarded nearly $650,000 for 26 medical research projects, including studies on weight-loss drugs + postpartum mental health and AI for breast cancer diagnosis, with the University of Rhode Island receiving about $350,000 for 14 projects; the seed funding helps early-career researchers compete for national grants.

On Friday, Providence repealed rent control when Mayor Brett Smiley led the charge, and on Monday a Zillow report named the city the hottest rental market in America (rents are up 5% with averages at $2,154 per month).

On Monday, May 18, Johnston beat Lincoln 3-1 at Sullivan Field as strong pitching by Haley Boudreau and timely hits spoiled Lincoln’s Senior Night, handing the Lions their first loss ahead of the playoffs.

On May 17, Slater Park hosted the RIIL Boys Tennis Championships when Lincoln’s Braden Lynch won the singles title — East Greenwich’s Levy brothers claimed the doubles crown.

Their victories marked the first state tennis titles of the spring season.

The Lion King

7 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of the Serengeti and the Tony Award-winning storytelling of Disney’s The Lion King.

Woods Concert Live

7-10 p.m. — Alchemy — $23.08 — Experience the vibrant sounds and colors of Woods, a Brooklyn indie band, as they take the stage in Providence.

Curren$y Concert

8 p.m. — The Strand Ballroom — Ticket prices vary — Curren$y headlines The Winners Circle Tour with special guests Fendi P and The 747 Band.

Kerosene Heights Concert

5-9:30 p.m. — Alchemy — $18 adv. / $22 dos — Enjoy a night of live music featuring Kerosene Heights and more at one of Providence's favorite venues.

Gozu Concert

8-11 p.m. — Alchemy — $23.08 — Experience the heavy groove and undeniable melody of Gozu at the forefront of the stoner metal movement.

RISD Apparel Design Collection 2026

4-5 p.m. — The WaterFire Arts Center — Free entry — Experience the unique fashion creations of RISD seniors on the runway at Collection 2026.

Open Makerspace Studio for Adults

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Wanskuck Library — Free — Get hands-on with creative projects using various makerspace equipment and tools.

Tommy Brennan Stand-Up Comedy

7-11 p.m. — Comedy Connection — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with rising comedy star Tommy Brennan.

Shordie Shordie in Providence

8-11 p.m. — Crib (Providence) — Tickets from $70 — Experience an unforgettable night with Shordie Shordie at The Crib in Providence.

Live Music at Myrtle

7:30-10 p.m. — Myrtle — Most shows are free — Experience a variety of live genres from jazz to indie rock in a local neighborhood bar setting.