Good morning, Providence.

Beautiful Day, a nonprofit on Benefit Street, trains refugees in granola bar production and essential life skills while hosting community dinners every Tuesday; led by Saad Awad, the program has helped 80% (graduates secure jobs) and plans to expand its facility.

Clementine Cocktail Bar, owned by former Congressman David Cicilline, closed its doors downtown after serving customers for four years (the reason remains unclear).

A new report from the Economic Progress Institute released on Friday, Oct.

2 found that childcare for two children costs about $2,147 per month and showed that government assistance programs do not meet basic living needs for families in Rhode Island.

Scientists report that osprey chicks in Narragansett Bay have largely failed this spring as Atlantic menhaden arrived late, lowering breeding success below the level needed to maintain the population.

Conservation experts warn that this short-term food shortage, a reversal after years of recovery, may lead to longer-term challenges & competition.

Providence workers marked water lines with blue paint and gas lines with yellow paint on Oct.

2, 2026 as work continues to replace lead service lines in homes + residents can easily spot these markings during the project.

South County Health became the first health system in Rhode Island to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network, giving local providers access to Mayo Clinic specialists and digital tools at no extra cost (according to the release).

A Providence Journal feature reviews 10 top taco spots showcasing offerings from family-run eateries to trendy pop-ups, with prices ranging from $3 to over $5 and options from traditional carnitas to fusion tacos (a treat for every taste).

On Oct. 2 at 7:30 a.m., the Providence Journal sports team at 75 Fountain St. released its Week 4 high school football picks, with experts mostly agreeing on winners like Davies for Classical and East Greenwich for Mount Pleasant.

Big East coaches predict Providence’s men’s basketball team will finish fifth in the conference, with an exhibition game against Pittsburgh at Amica Mutual Pavilion (Oct.

17) offering an early test amid injury concerns.

Bryan Hodgson of Providence College is using NCAA waiver requests for Dink Pate, Joseph Pinion, and Derek Simpson as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Only Pate, coming from the NBA G League, is expected to play in the opener against Maine on Nov. 2.

Barrington native Dani Ceseretti, who averaged 20.8 minutes last season, looks set for a breakout year with Villanova as she prepares for a Dec.

20 contest at Alumni Hall in Providence — she plans to rally family support for the home game.

Former player Wes Enis expressed support for coach Bryan Hodgson as he takes charge of Providence men’s basketball.

Hodgson will debut on Nov. 2 in a guarantee game against Maine at Amica Mutual Pavilion.