Good morning, Providence.

Roger Williams Park Zoo said that Samantha—the 24-year-old Plains zebra who had been at the zoo since 2003—died on July 3 when she accidentally collided with a fence during a storm and passed instantly as a necropsy confirmed.

Providence police arrested three people Saturday night on Smart Street after officers responded to a disturbance with a large crowd, loud music, and cars blocking the road — Cone Haziz and Lana Wilcox were charged with obstructing officers and disorderly conduct while Dante Wilcox faces disorderly conduct.

On July 3, Officer Kathleen Kelley disarmed a gun-wielding suspect in a quiet Burrillville neighborhood on Tarkiln Road—she quickly pushed his arm away to remove his firearm as 40-year-old Nicholas Smith now faces charges for assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

Earlier this week, Cape Verdeans in Providence and Massachusetts marked 50 years of independence—Providence native Sara Monteiro will perform at a national celebration in Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, law enforcement said a man was caught on camera with a knife while vandalizing a Cape Verdean flag outside East Providence City Hall using a Nazi flag.

Rhode Island State Police released their 4th of July weekend statistics showing 16 DUI arrests—30 motor vehicle crashes and 471 traffic stops were reported over the holiday.

Lt. Colonel Robert Creamer said the figures reflect efforts to enforce traffic laws during that period.

Providence’s mayor said he will appeal the panel’s ruling to reinstate Sergeant Joseph Hanley—who beat a handcuffed man in a 2020 incident—after city officials raised concerns about trust in local law enforcement.

City lawyers dispute nearly $465,000 in back pay, and Hanley is set to return on Sept. 3.

Governor Dan McKee vetoed two pairs of bills on July 2 that would have given drivers credits for unused registration fees—citing DMV concerns over losing up to $1.6 million and tracking issues with leased vehicles.

The bills return to the General Assembly, and lawmakers may override the veto if three-fifths vote in favor before the new session begins.

The Rhode Island State Health Laboratories is moving to a new 80,000-square-foot facility in Providence’s Jewelry District—designed to speed up test results, improve digital data management, and expand pathogen genomic sequencing.

The updated lab will also support new biotech partnerships with local universities and startups, helping the health department respond faster to emerging threats.

Providence Art Club New Exhibitions

2-4 p.m. — Providence Art Club — Free entry — Explore vibrant new art exhibitions featuring local artists showcasing their creative journeys.

Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park

5:00-8:30 p.m. — Carousel Village — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening filled with local food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Live Music Night: Edict, Tarcil, Edjinn, Rose Lane, Voluntary Victim

5:30-11:30 p.m. — Alchemy — $15 tickets — Enjoy a night of energetic performances from local bands in a vibrant venue.

Holy Roller at The Parlour

8 PM – 12 AM — The Parlour Providence — $19.27 — Experience the energetic southern rock sound of Holy Roller as they take the stage.

Evening Sky Jazz Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Red Door — Admission varies — Experience the soulful sounds of a Jazz/Roots Quartet featuring talented musicians.

Weekly Woonasquatucket River Greenway Walk

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Riverside Park — Free entry — Enjoy a community-friendly walk along the scenic river greenway while learning about local flora, fauna, and history.

Storytime Sessions

11 a.m. — Books On the Square — Free entry — Enjoy delightful tales during storytime for children at a cozy local bookstore.

Jessie's Girl Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Ticket purchase supports a cause — Experience live music while contributing to A Just Harvest.

Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park

5:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Carousel Village — Free entry — Savor a variety of local food trucks while enjoying live music and family-friendly activities.

Lumanyano Mzi Trio Live Concert

6-8 p.m. — Roger Williams Park Boat House Lawn — Free entry — Celebrate the sounds of Africa with the award-winning Lumanyano Mzi Trio and opener Chris Monti.