Good morning, Providence.

A Utah trial began Monday for 38-year-old Rhode Island man Nicholas Rossi—accused of faking his death to avoid rape charges from 2008 after an alleged victim identified him in court—with prosecutors claiming he used multiple aliases to evade capture.

A 16 year old boy from Providence was found shot in the parking lot at Pocasset Village Apartments in Cranston early Monday and police have seized a vehicle of interest plus they continue to search for suspects.

Families getting ready for back to school heard that Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green warned students missing 18 days or struggling with literacy or math may get a letter saying they risk being held back—exemptions exist for chronic illness or disabilities—as schools work to boost academic progress.

An ecoRI investigation showed that many plastics from blue bins at the Materials Recycling Facility in Johnston end up in landfills instead of being recycled, with tagged bottles reaching sites in Quebec, Dallas, and Summersville.

Reporter Rob Smith used air tags to trace the bottles — evidence that Rhode Island has a low recycling rate and is part of a national plastic economy — while urging improvements in local recycling practices.

The Rhode Island Office of the Auditor General reported on Tuesday, August 12th that all 50 childcare facilities inspected had significant noncompliance in safety, health, and background checks—recording 232 issues in facilities and 920 in documentation, with missing background checks in several cases. The audit recommended immediate measures to improve standards and require providers to fix these deficiencies.

Board Games Afterschool Activities

3-5 p.m. — Rochambeau Library — Free entry — Stop by to play a variety of board games and make new friends.

Live Music with Ron Giorgio

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Luigi's Restaurant & Gourmet Express — Cost varies — Experience Ron's powerhouse voice while enjoying a summer menu under the stars.

Garden Volunteer Day at Mt. Pleasant Library

10:00-11:30 a.m. — Mt. Pleasant Library — Free entry — Help maintain the beautiful library garden and enjoy the outdoors while giving back to the community.

Anthony Robustiano Live Comedy Show

7 PM – 1 AM — Comedy Connection — Check venue for pricing — Enjoy a night of high-energy stand-up comedy with Anthony Robustiano's relatable and vibrant storytelling.

Providence Art Club New Exhibitions Opening

2-4 p.m. — Providence Art Club — Free entry — Explore vibrant new art exhibitions featuring various talented artists and their unique perspectives.

Fungi Exploration Walk

6-7:30 p.m. — Washington Park Library — Free entry — Discover the wonders of fungi while exploring nature on a walk to Roger Williams Park.

Apes of the State Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Met — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the energetic performance of Apes of the State live in Pawtucket.

Acoustic Performance by Milton J

12-6 p.m. — Doomed Records — Free entry — Experience thunderous beats and soul-stirring melodies from singer-songwriter Milton J.

Bonsai Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Rhodium Room Distillery Bar — Price TBD — Enjoy crafting tiny trees with friends while sipping drinks at the distillery.

Farmer’s Market at Dexter Park

3-7 p.m. — Dexter Training Ground — Free entry — Enjoy fresh produce and local goods while soaking in the community atmosphere.