Good morning, Providence.

Providence labor leader Arthur A.

Coia died last week at age 82. He was a pioneering union figure who built training centers and led management seminars to improve worker safety — his legacy includes a scholarship fund that supported union families.

Elizabeth Catucci, who served as president and CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, has been named the new executive director of the Partnership for Rhode Island with her term set to begin in September—she will lead the group as it shifts from backing state policy initiatives to focusing on business recruitment amid declining federal funds.

Rhode Island environmental officials have fought the spread of the sacred lotus in Meshanticut Lake ever since a woman released lotus seeds as a memorial in 2014 and the plant began crowding out native vegetation.

DEM treated the invasive plant five times and last week an aquatic specialist sprayed herbicide on a remaining patch — warning that its seedpods can lie dormant for more than six years and could regrow if not removed.

The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management lifted the advisory for Wilson Reservoir because the blue-green algae bloom cleared but expanded it to every pond at Roger Williams Park due to potential health risks—any person or pet coming in contact with the water should wash off immediately.

On July 16, the U.S. Department of Justice requested a meeting with Rhode Island officials to review voter list maintenance processes plus the handling of illegal voter incidents.

Secretary of State Greg Amore confirmed the inquiry and said no data or equipment was requested, noting the move appears unusual given states manage their own elections.

Providence city officials are seeking input from residents tonight at the Doorley Municipal Building on Westminster Street at 5 p.m.—they will use the feedback to shape the Consolidated Plan for 2025 thru 2029 and guide spending on federal block grant funds for affordable housing, homelessness, infrastructure, childcare and education.

A Warwick homeowner said she was shocked when her property tax bill jumped 58% to $3,728.21 after her condo was revalued from $192,000 to $326,300; she is contesting the appraisal because her unit has not been updated since 1970—she said she will stay in her home despite the steep increase.

The Providence Journal unveiled its Quarter Century All-State Softball team—honoring top players from Rhode Island since 2000.

Sports staff Bill Koch, Eric Rueb and Jacob Rousseau reviewed state archives to recognize athletes for state title wins, Gatorade awards and notable college careers.

Wide receiver Marquis Buchanan, outside linebacker AJ Peña, and offensive tackle Brock Bethea were named preseason All-Americans by Stats Perform, with Buchanan and Peña earning first-team honors and Bethea receiving second-team honors.

The Rams finished an 11-3 season that included a CAA title and will open the season with a home game against Campbell on Aug. 29 at Meade Stadium.

Middletown native Caleb Leys was selected in the fourth round by the Detroit Tigers and URI senior Anthony DePino was picked in the seventh round by the Chicago White Sox during MLB Draft weekend—URI outfielder Eric Genther also signed an undrafted free-agent deal with the New York Yankees.

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.

Keith JG McCurdy, Matt Charette, June Star Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — $13.60 — Enjoy three awesome local acts showcasing their talents in a vibrant setting.

Herreshoff Sailing Session 6

8:45 AM - 3:30 PM — Herreshoff Marine Museum — Full day program for ages 7-15 — Experience sailing and marine education at a renowned local museum.

Historic Boat Tours of Providence

11 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Providence River Boat Company — Ticketed event — Explore the Providence River while uncovering the city's rich history and stunning architecture.

Tomaquag Museum's 22nd Annual Honoring and Cultural Celebration

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick (Airport) — $150 — Celebrate Indigenous excellence with awards honoring community leaders and artists.

Oddities & Curiosities Expo

10:00–11:30 a.m. — Rhode Island Convention Center — Admission prices vary — Explore the bizarre at the world's largest traveling oddities event featuring unique vendors and artists.

Providence Architecture Boat Tours

4:00 – 5:15 PM — Providence River Boat Company — Ticketed event — Explore 300 years of architectural history while cruising the scenic waterways of Providence.

Aurora’s Reflection Painting Session

7-9:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — Complimentary beverage included — Unwind with a creative in-studio painting experience while enjoying drinks.

Community Paddle Days

5-7 p.m. — Riverside Park — Free entry — Enjoy a brief paddle ride on the Woonasquatucket River with friendly guidance.