Good morning, Providence.

Higher Ground International, a nonprofit that supports West African immigrants and refugees, will open its new headquarters—the RUKIYA CENTER at 7 Ninigret Ave.—on Monday at 10 a.m. with Governor Dan McKee and Mayor Brett Smiley attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

On July 24, parents marched in Newport with baby carriages and handmade signs to protest potential cuts to the hospital's birthing center amid financial concerns from Brown University Health.

State representatives and the local group Moms Over Margins called for a public hearing in August and scheduled a rally at Great Friends Meeting House on July 29 — supporters say the trusted service must remain open for the community.

Several firefighters and emergency personnel from Providence rescued a man stuck in the North Burial Ground fence — using a saw to cut the barrier and a harness to lift him — and carried him away on a stretcher.

On July 23, 2025, police searching for firearm-related activity in the Hartford Park housing area encountered a crowd that put a mason jar of marijuana on a police car—one suspect bit an officer who was treated and released before three men were arrested.

Mack Blackie, a R.I. man who was wrongly arrested twice for a home break-in in 2022, settled a lawsuit with Woonsocket for $550,000 after spending 31 days in jail (a result of police errors that led to his mistaken arrest).

Providence City Council rejected Excel Academy’s proposal for a 35-year lease on the vacant Carl G.

Lauro Elementary School on July 24—citing long-term lease commitments, equity issues, and potential financial risks to public schools. The decision surprised Mayor Brett Smiley, who had planned to repurpose the building for expanded educational use.

RIPTA has proposed cuts to 58 bus routes—eliminating 17 routes entirely—to address a $17.6M budget shortfall.

Public hearings will be held over the next two weeks and a board vote will occur, with changes set to take effect on Sept. 13 if approved.

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.

Outdoor Bubble Play

2:00 – 2:30 PM — Wanskuck Library — Free — Enjoy bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and fun outdoor activities for toddlers in a safe environment.

Arts and Crafts at Capitol Ridge

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Capitol Ridge at Providence — Free entry — Monthly arts and crafts session with residents for a creative community experience.