Good morning, Providence.

Award-winning actress Viola Davis and her husband donated $1.2 million to build a community hub in Central Falls.

The planned Mary Alice Davis Family Engagement Center, named for her mother, will offer a food pantry + parent resource center and workforce programs to support local families.

Thirty-one new citizens were sworn in at the US District Court on July 22 in Providence.

Judge Melissa Dubose (who shared her own humble beginnings in Mount Hope) led the oath as officials encouraged voter registration.

Connecting for Children and Families, a nonprofit in Woonsocket, offers family-centered programs including early learning & workforce development to help local children and caregivers thrive.

The group works with community partners to boost services amid rising food insecurity.

Justin Russell has been homeless since 2018 and now lives in a tent to save money for a van that will help him leave the streets.

He quit hard drugs and shares life tips online to build credit and start his own landscaping business despite his criminal record.

Tuesday's severe storms opened a large sinkhole at the busy intersection of Blackstone Boulevard and Irving Avenue — crews filled the hole and resumed water and sewer work, yet the road remains closed as repairs continue.

Local businesses benefited from the World Cup as a free trolley service and designated watch zones attracted fans, and downtown restaurants, bars, and hotels reported increased sales + higher rates.

Vendors and food halls adapted their offerings during the tournament to meet the wave of excited visitors, boosting the local economy.

Business Insider named Gray's Ice Cream in Tiverton the state's most iconic ice cream shop.

The shop has served homemade ice cream since 1923.

Organizers have announced food vendors at Fort Adams for the Newport Folk Festival from July 24 to 26 and the Newport Jazz Festival from July 31 to Aug.

2, offering choices like pizza, ice cream, ribs, and poke bowls to meet festival hunger.

The Providence police union posted an AI-altered photo on Tuesday (it does not match candidate David Morales’s real campaign picture) to cast doubt on his safety record.

His campaign said the image is not correct amid the mayoral race.

Gov. Dan McKee signed an executive order to create the 37th Governor’s Bay Day, which offers free parking at state beaches on Sunday, July 26, saltwater fishing without a license from Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26 & a RIPTA fare waiver for the South County Express Beach Bus.

Seven freshwater swimming spots offer families clear waters and fun activities this summer.

They feature Frank Moody Beach in Lincoln - Briar Point in Coventry, Ninigret Pond in Charlestown, Spring Lake in Glendale, Peck Pond in Chepachet, Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence and Watchaug Pond in Charlestown.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced a new investment from the Providence Housing Trust Fund that will create 216 affordable apartments across three developments on Blackstone, Camp, and Elmwood streets.

Developers should watch for a proposal announcement soon — a step to fast-track these housing projects.

Summer Sacred Concert

7:00 – 11:59 PM — Fete Music Hall — $15 ADV & DOS — Experience a vibrant night of music featuring Jesse Neptune and OzTheKid.

Wayne Hancock with The Soapbox Saints and King Sickabilly

5-8 p.m. — Alchemy — Tickets available — Experience a night of rockabilly and country fusion with Wayne 'The Train' Hancock and his friends.

Rhode Home Rescue Adoption Event

10 AM – 12 PM — Rumford Pet — Adoption fees apply — Meet some amazing dogs looking for their forever homes.

Ocean State Brewers Fest 2026

2-5:30 p.m. — Bristol Golf Park — Tickets available — Celebrate Rhode Island's craft beer at this unique golf-inspired festival!

Read More, Learn More!

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Washington Park Library — Free entry — Discover the magic of storytelling with Mrs. Carol every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Technology Help at the Library

1-2 p.m. — Washington Park Library — Free entry — Get assistance with tech skills and job applications in a bilingual setting.

Open Studio Makerspace for Adults

6-7:30 p.m. — Knight Memorial Library — Free access — Explore creative projects with cutting machines, sewing tools, and more in a community makerspace.

Recycled Sewing Workshop

3-5 p.m. — Wanskuck Library — Free materials provided — Enjoy a hands-on sewing experience for all ages focused on recycling and creativity.

One Big Rodeo

3-9 p.m. — Mezzo Lounge — Free entry — Experience Southern hospitality and festival vibes with bull rides, games, and food trucks.

Fish Fun(d) Gala for Woonasquatucket River's 25th Anniversary

5-8 p.m. — Farm Fresh Rhode Island — $55+ — Celebrate with music, food, and a costume contest while supporting local river conservation.