Good morning, Providence.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $26 million to charities this week ahead of their wedding at Madison Square Garden, including a $1 million gift to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank — the donation will help local pantries purchase food amid slower summer donations.

Rhode Island grocery stores will operate different hours on Saturday, July 4; Dave’s Fresh will close at 6 p.m., ALDI at 4 p.m., and Trader Joe’s until 5 p.m. while many others run regular schedules.

Shoppers should check local hours (details vary by chain).

Rhode Island celebrates Independence Day with family-friendly fireworks, parades, and festive events over the next few days.

Residents can catch celebrations today in East Providence and North Providence, join parades on July 4, and view the fireworks at India Point Park on Sunday.

Rhode Island honors its Revolutionary heritage by detailing five key military leaders + the locations where they are buried.

Visitors can explore landmarks like the Nathanael Greene Homestead, North Burial Ground, and Prescott Farm to connect with local history.

Olivia Mathis (former opera performer and tech support worker) has been a Brown Pre-College adviser since 2022, guiding high school students and their families through course selection and campus life.

She uses her diverse background to connect people with new academic opportunities.

Scientists warn that a cold patch in the Atlantic (known as the cold blob) shows a faster slowdown of the ocean current that could soon raise sea levels and change weather for coastal areas like ours.

Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association launched the Check Twice and Save a Life campaign using police dogs to remind parents to check backseats amid a forecast of 98-100°F temperatures and an extreme heat warning through 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4.

The Warwick Police Department said a raccoon found on June 28 near Oakhurst Avenue tested positive for rabies and may have exposed two dogs and one person + RIDOH now advises anyone who came in contact with wild animals to call the Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology.

Providence rents jumped 9.3% for one-bedroom and 7.3% for two-bedroom apartments, making the city one of the steepest in the nation.

Mayor Brett Smiley vetoed a recent rent control ordinance amid ongoing debates on how to curb rising costs.

Rhode Island FC will return to USL Championship play tomorrow at Centreville Bank Stadium against Orange County SC with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The team, coming off a three-week break and a win at Loudoun United FC, aims to build momentum while facing high temperatures and a competitive league.

Providence's Fan Zone at Station Park is set to draw tens of thousands of fans for World Cup matches until July 19.

City officials say the event offers a cost-effective alternative to Boston's festival + creates a family-friendly gathering in our downtown area.

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.

Moniker Brewery Watch Party

3-5 p.m. — Moniker Brewery — Free entry — Catch all the action of the semi-finals in a lively atmosphere with fellow soccer fans.

Moniker Brewery Soccer Watch Party

3-5 p.m. — Moniker Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy the semi-finals match while sipping craft brews with fellow soccer fans.