Good morning, Providence.

Arts and culture leaders warned Tuesday that Representative Rebecca Kislak’s last-minute bill could harm Providence’s performance industry by imposing a $2 tax on tickets sold at venues with over 800 seats — officials say the measure may also affect sports and school events.

Kislak said she is open to amending the bill as part of a broader revenue package for the city.

Lawmakers at the state house resumed their push to remove the time limit on lawsuits against former priests and those accused of negligence on May 27—victims testified on camera and Attorney General Peter Neronha is set to release his report early this summer.

The slow progress in court has led advocates to demand that victims be allowed to seek justice many years after the abuse occurred.

On May 20th, Providence unveiled a new shade array over the rink that covers 3,500 square feet to cut temperatures by 10 degrees—officials say its design will later include a $150,000 light system upgrade.

A bill that would let people choose natural organic reduction or water cremation is set for a House vote on May 29.

It passed the Corporations Committee on May 22 by a 7+4 vote but died in the Senate last session + lawmakers say it now meets health department guidelines.

A report by Spectrum Gaming Group recommends that Rhode Island break IGT’s monopoly on online sports betting by allowing four to six new vendors and cutting tax rates to attract companies like DraftKings—FanDuel.

Lottery officials plan to issue an RFI in early 2026 while lawmakers have introduced bills to open the market by mid-2026, aiming to boost competition and revenue.

Rhode Island election officials plan to upgrade their 23-year-old Electronic Reporting and Tracking System but need $140,000 in fiscal 2026 funds before the 2026 state elections, and a work order could launch the improvement in July.

Officials say the upgrade will improve security and user experience while challenges remain over making 23 years of archived data fully accessible — raising public transparency concerns.

Butler Hospital workers returned to the picket line on May 27 after a Memorial Day weekend break and have been striking for nearly two weeks to demand better pay and safer working conditions—union members say a rise in assaults on staff by patients has prompted increased safety demands, and a bargaining committee will meet a mediator today with Care New England which had offered pay raises and new benefits.

RIIL playoff games in baseball and softball showed key wins and losses as teams like Scituate, Hendricken, and Cumberland advanced while others such as North Smithfield and East Providence moved into elimination rounds—future matchups on Thursday will decide the winners in each bracket.

Demolition workers at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket found a second time capsule one week after the first was discovered.

The capsules—one from the record-setting 33‐inning game where the Pawtucket Red Sox beat the Rochester Red Wings and one from 1940 placed by Mayor Thomas McCoy—will have their contents revealed at a ceremony on June 23.

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.

Storytime Sessions

11 a.m. — Books On the Square — Free entry — Enjoy delightful stories and engage children's imaginations during twice-weekly storytime sessions.

Yo-Yo Ma Concert in Providence

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) — Ticket prices vary — Experience the artistry and energy of the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma with conductor Robert Spano.

Microwave Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Strand Ballroom — Ticket prices vary — Experience the ethereal sounds and dynamic guitar work of Atlanta’s Microwave live in concert.

Create Your City

4-5 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Smith Hill Library — Free entry — Explore city planning through art, design, and interactive activities along with snacks and prizes.

COPRI Ports '25 Conference

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The WaterFire Arts Center — Registration required — Explore sustainable coastal, oceanic, and riverside development with industry professionals.

The Avett Brothers Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energy of The Avett Brothers with a blend of new hits and classic favorites.

Live Comedy Taping with Pete Correale

7-11 p.m. — Comedy Connection — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of side-splitting humor as Pete taps into the laughter for his next special.

Daniel O'Donnell Live

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Historic Park Theatre and Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic Irish music of Daniel O'Donnell, a beloved performer of over three decades.

Back To The Future - Theatrical Production

7:00 PM — Providence Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved classic reimagined as a Broadway musical with iconic songs and a captivating story.