Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of May.
Good morning, Providence.
A former Rhode Island College staffer accused of hiding a camera in a restroom will appear in court Wednesday—police say the hidden device was found in a dining hall bathroom's sprinkler head after he was fired from dining services.
Rhode Island will celebrate Pride Month with festivals and parades across the state.
Providence will host its largest PrideFest on June 21 with events planned in other communities, plus Queer Block Island will hold a weekend celebration in September.
Providence Performing Arts Center and WLNE-TV are partnering to run a ticket giveaway for the Back to the Future musical from June 2 at 5:00 a.m. to June 6 at 4:00 p.m. EST, with viewers entering during Good Morning Providence from 5:00 to 7:00 a.m.—winners may receive two tickets valued at about $75 each.
Roger Williams Park Zoo opened in 1872 with a small collection of animals and has evolved over the years through major renovations and expansions.
The zoo now features modern exhibits — including a rainforest display, zip ride, and updated animal pavilions — and became the first New England zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Brown University extended President Christina Paxson's term until June 30, 2028—so she will keep leading the school through major campus plans and national education challenges.
The university board approved the extension in a unanimous vote—confirming steady leadership since she took office in 2012.
RIDOT will open extra travel lanes on I-95 North and the northbound Providence Viaduct service road at Exit 38 in Providence as work starts at 9 p.m. May 30 and the lanes open May 31—these changes add lanes at key exits to ease traffic flow.
Attorney General Peter Neronha announced actions aimed at improving Rhode Island’s health care system by proposing to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates to match Medicare, filing a lawsuit against major pharmacy benefit managers — CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum — and advancing legislation that would let his office intervene when hospitals face financial distress. He is also working with lawmakers and Brown University on plans to create a state-run health care agency with a fuller proposal expected later this year.
Rhode Island will see 13 new restaurants and bars opening soon, with Claudine debuting in downtown Providence this spring and Little Clam starting in Newport early June.
Several new spots in Block Island, Cranston and Bristol will also offer local dishes and creative menus—showcasing fresh ingredients and innovative plans for the dining scene.
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.
Blues For An Alabama Sky
7:30-9:40 p.m. — Trinity Repertory Company — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a captivating theatrical performance that also supports a charitable cause.
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