Good morning, Providence.

On August 8, a Nissan Altima hit a stopped trash truck at the Mink Road and Wampanoag Trail intersection in East Providence—the driver, Ziondre Ogiba, 21, and his 20-year-old passenger suffered critical injuries and were taken to Rhode Island Hospital while the truck crew got minor injuries.

Today, Governor Dan McKee and Mayor Brett Smiley joined leaders on Federal Hill to celebrate five new restaurants that will open on Atwells Avenue before summer ends — the event also kicked off the first lighting upgrade in nearly 50 years to boost safety and charm in the neighborhood.

Hudson Fur & Leather Center in Providence still displays the massive vault door from the notorious Bonded Vault heist where thieves stole millions from the Rhode Island mob in 1975—though it has since ended its side business of holding valuables.

Community MusicWorks opened a new music center (24,000 square foot) in Providence’s West End and seeks support to expand free music programs for children and families amid federal funding cuts for the arts.

The organization offers volunteer opportunities in ushering, administrative support and community dinners to build a stronger local arts hub.

LinkedIn released its first-ever Top Colleges ranking Tuesday using career outcomes of alumni, and three Rhode Island schools made the list—Brown University ranked 14, Bryant University ranked 38 and Providence College ranked 49.

Dilania Inoa, a Providence native who grew up in the West End and now serves as the senior manager of community partnerships at Brown’s Swearer Center, has built lasting links between the university and local schools by expanding educational programs for kids.

She began her career in service in 1999 and continues to strengthen connections at D’Abate Elementary School—ensuring ongoing support for community students.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals filed a lawsuit in federal District Court on August 13th to block a new Rhode Island law that will regulate the 340B Drug Pricing Program— the company argues the law violates the Commerce Clause and federal authority.

It is seeking an injunction to stop enforcement before the law goes into effect on October 1.

The Veterans Association completed a new mental health facility on Wednesday on its Providence campus — a $15 million center with outpatient treatment rooms and group therapy space for 11,000 veterans.

Rhode Island home prices have nearly doubled in five years as the median price for a single-family home rose from $309,500 to $512,750 in May.

Many out-of-state buyers now look for deals here because houses cost even more in Massachusetts—new building remains slow.

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.

Adjust The Sails Concert

5-8 p.m. — Alchemy — $15 adv. / $20 dos — Enjoy a night of live music with Nervous Surface at this all-ages event.