Good morning, Providence.

Joseph A. Joel—a decorated World War II veteran and longtime Providence Civic Center box office director—died on July 17 at age 100 and is survived by his children, grandchildren and a brother.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Sinai beginning at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

On Monday, July 21, Rhode Island Energy held a press conference at its Elmwood headquarters to announce proposed winter rates of 14.77 cents per kilowatt-hour—a 9% drop from last winter—and a fast-tracked bill credit program to cut energy costs.

President Greg Cornett said the changes follow recent power outages, billing errors, and a state audit that prompted reviews of the company’s capital spending and pricing practices.

Rhode Island launched Ocean State 2026, a new nonprofit led by former Commerce secretary Liz Tanner that will work with state tourism leaders to boost visits ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Officials expect the tournament, which will see matches at Gillette Stadium, to add over $50 million in economic activity — a key goal for the group’s efforts.

The Providence External Review Authority said the police department blocked its investigations and ignored recommendations as it planned to reinstate Sergeant Joseph Hanley, who had been on probation for assaulting a suspect.

The board said delays in sharing evidence hurt its review work and urged the department to address its internal failures—raising concerns about accountability within the force.

After nearly a year since St. Mary's Home for Children closed amid abuse allegations, Rhode Island is considering buying the 8-acre campus to resume serving high-risk youths in North Providence.

The board is reviewing three purchase offers (one possibly involving a $5 million deal) while state officials and Family Court judges (four in total) push to ensure the property is used for similar services.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley is advancing a plan to use noise cameras to ticket vehicles that exceed the 75-decibel limit—money to set up the cameras is set in the city's 2026 budget.

City officials are preparing a request for proposal to choose a vendor and have yet to set dates, locations or costs, though they hope to deploy the system by the end of the year.

Bacaro restaurant in Providence now serves wood-grilled corn pizza made with fresh corn from Confreda Farms, available from the week of the Fourth of July until early October, and chef Brian Kingsford shares his recipe with tips on preparing the dough, sauce and cheese blend — adding a local twist to summer dining. Its sister restaurant Otra will host a wood-grilled paella event on July 24 at 6:30 p.m. that offers seafood, tapas and a wine pairing.

David C. Sweetser, owner of the empty Superman building in downtown Providence, died over the weekend at 70—he had planned to turn the tower into 300 apartments with space for local businesses.

The building project received a $41 million pledge from city and state leaders, but rising costs and delays have already begun to slow progress.

David C. Sweetser, owner of the Superman Building in downtown Providence, died at 70—he was a key figure in real estate development.

His Massachusetts firm will soon discuss next steps for the building as plans to revitalize it have stalled since a 2022 redevelopment effort.

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.

Providence Flea

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — 195 District Park — Free entry — Explore local vintage finds and handmade goods in a vibrant community market setting.

Elegant Peacock Glass Art Class

1-3:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — Includes complimentary beverage — Create your own unique glass art masterpiece in a fun atmosphere.

Providence Flea Market

11 AM – 3 PM — 195 District Park — Free entry — Explore local vintage goods, artisan crafts, and delicious food amidst a vibrant community atmosphere.