Good morning, Providence.

Phil Loscoe retired from RDW Group after 32 years and now plans to spend more time with his family — splitting time between Cranston and Florida while enjoying his extensive book collection.

Rulla Pontarelli said that Season 2 of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island will focus on reality—uncovering more about the cast following a heated Season 1 reunion that aired on June 21 and June 28 as her Instagram post sparked local buzz.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy posted his commentary Monday, June 29 on Instagram, where he expressed sympathy for Rulla Pontarelli after Part 2 of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island reunion and criticized harsh remarks by Jo-Ellen Tiberi (via his Tea By The Sea account).

Providence Public Schools will return to local control on July 1 + the shift ends state oversight begun in 2019, while local experts note potential challenges with budget constraints and declining enrollment.

Rhode Island superintendents reported that tight budgets and staff burnout challenged their school districts this year.

They said stronger communication and community collaboration will guide future strategies to support students and educators.

A 40-foot humpback whale that attracted sharks washed ashore near the state beach on Block Island Sunday and was buried this morning ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.

Mystic Aquarium is conducting a necropsy while officials ask visitors to keep a safe distance.

With fireworks displays planned for July 4, researchers from Brown's Breathe Providence found that particulate matter nearly triples during shows in Providence.

The effect is brief compared to continuous pollution from vehicles & power plants, so those with respiratory issues might consider alternatives like drone shows.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for Rhode Island with temperatures that may feel up to 110 from Wednesday morning through Friday evening.

Residents are advised to stay cool — drink fluids, avoid the sun, and check on neighbors as heat-related illnesses are expected to rise.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced Monday that $750K upgrades were completed at four city parks.

The improvements added play areas, outdoor fitness equipment, splashpads and futsal fields at Joslin, Father Lennon, Miguel Luna and George J. West Parks, with waterparks operating Monday + Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

State data and a national study show lower suicide rates among young people after Rhode Island launched the 988 hotline in 2022; the crisis line answered nearly 41,300 calls — 98% resolved by operators in less than 2 seconds — boosting staffing to meet rising local mental health needs.

Open Studio at Makerspace for Adults

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. — Knight Memorial Library — Free entry — Explore your creative projects with access to cutting machines and other makerspace equipment.

Recycled Sewing Workshop

3-5 p.m. — Wanskuck Library — Free entry — Upcycle and repurpose fabric in this all-ages sewing session.

Arcadia - Arcade Music Festival

July 4th — 165 Pub — Cost not specified — Experience a vibrant celebration of arcade music in Providence.

Annual Cape Verdean Independence Festival

Time TBD — India Point Park — Free entry — Celebrate the rich culture of the Cape Verdean community in the oldest festival of its kind in the U.S.

Elway Concert

7-10 p.m. — Alchemy — Tickets starting at $39 — Elway is coming for an unforgettable live music experience in Providence.

Read More, Learn More!

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Washington Park Library — Free entry — Unlock the magic inside every story with Ms. Carol's engaging sessions.

MindTravel with Murray Hidary

7-9 p.m. — Temple To Music — Ticketed event — Experience a unique live-piano performance designed to foster mindfulness and connection.

Soccer Quarter Finals Watch Party

3-5 p.m. — Moniker Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy watching the action of the quarter finals in a great brewery atmosphere.

La Energia Norteña Live Performance

9:00 p.m. — La Palmera Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of La Energía Norteña in a spirited night of live music.

La Salle Academy Tennis Camp

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. — McLaughlin Athletic Center — Check website for cost — A tennis camp for middle schoolers to enhance skills and enjoy competitive play.