Good morning, Providence.

Providence businesses have pledged to create Immigrant Defense Zones and will not admit ICE agents without a judicial warrant after local police were seen with ICE during a controversial incident on July 18—25 businesses joined the pledge near Crown Fried Chicken on Broad Street, and a community meeting will be held on July 26 at noon for further discussion.

On Friday, July 18th, Pope Leo XIV – the first US-born pope – declared the first miracle of his pontificate after a premature infant at Pawtucket's Memorial Hospital unexpectedly recovered from a near-fatal birth, a healing the Vatican attributed to the intercession of Salvador Valera Parra. The Vatican report said the child, Tyquan, has shown marked improvement in intensive care while the hospital remains closed due to long-standing financial issues.

Brown graduate Matthew Osubor began his filmmaking career when he returned an orange to director Alexandre Rockwell at a Providence market—Rockwell later offered him a role in his film and will serve as executive producer on Osubor’s feature, Big Daddy’s Flowers, which will premiere soon in Providence. Osubor said local support has helped his work and he is grateful for Rockwell’s mentorship—he now plans to explore further distribution options.

A new report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows that Rhode Island workers must work an 85 hour week to afford a basic two bedroom apartment because they need to earn $31.71 an hour while the average wage is only $18.22.

Local advocates say rising rent in areas like Providence, Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth worsens the housing gap and call for more federal help.

The Public’s Radio and Rhode Island PBS will lose about $1.1 million in funding in October when Congress approved a plan to claw back $1.1 billion from CPB funds—this cut could force the stations to reduce some operations.

Pam Johnston said key public shows will stay on air as the media reviews its next steps.

A Rhode Island nurse had her license suspended by the Department of Health after she was found drinking and too impaired to care for patients at a nursing home on June 26, 2025 + she will face a hearing on July 21.

The Providence Journal sports staff - Bill Koch, Eric Rueb and Jacob Rousseau - is reviewing archived records to select the top All-State Girls Volleyball players from the past 25 years, with the team to be revealed before the 2025-26 school year begins.

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.

Reckoners Concert with Dread Buffalo

7-10 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — $20 adv, $25 day of — Experience a night of soulful rock 'n' roll with Boston supergroup Reckoners and special guests Dread Buffalo.

Museums on Us by Bank of America

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — RISD Museum — Free entry for cardholders — Access over 225 museums nationwide with your Bank of America card.