Good morning, Providence.

The Women's Resource Center gives survivors of domestic violence help with shelter, food, housing, counseling, and legal guidance.

It works with community groups to offer pet-friendly services and trauma-informed care—helping more than 1,300 people every year.

On October 8th, Village Common volunteers supported local residents by providing rides, home repairs, and tech support, with volunteer Jim Maxwell helping community member Carole Finger who needs transportation.

The group—with 600 volunteers—is committed to connecting people with essential services.

Providence Community Health Center workers held an informational picket on Wednesday at four locations to demand fair wages, safe staffing, affordable healthcare, and secured paid time off following contract talks that began in August — the union SEIU 1199NE said proposals doubled health insurance costs and cut benefits. Over 100 layoffs have raised concerns about care quality and ABC6 News is awaiting a response from the center.

Wright's Dairy Farm & Bakery in North Smithfield was named one of Rhode Island's Top Workplaces by The Providence Journal and Energage, with a banquet held on Oct.

8 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston—employing about 130 workers and 110 cows that supply milk for its bakery treats, ice cream, and retail products.

Rhode Island Energy is installing smart meters in Providence and across the state as part of a $153 million program that began in March and will finish by late summer; the new meters send near-real-time electricity data and take 15 minutes to install in homes.

Customers can opt out for an extra fee—if installed indoors, a technician must come inside—and will soon use mobile apps to monitor their energy use.

Brown University anthropologist Ieva Jusionyte was awarded an $800,000 MacArthur genius grant to support her work on borders and legal cases—she leads the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies at Brown’s Watson School of International and Public Affairs with the help of three students. This funding will give her more time to study how laws and court cases affect border security and organized crime.

On October 8th, Rhode Island law enforcement leaders warned Congress that proposed bills to raise tractor trailer weight limits from 80,000 to 91,000 pounds could risk public safety and strain roads — officials refer to past crash data as evidence.

House Speaker Joe Shekarchi said he is considering a run for governor after many Rhode Islanders urged him to run.

He explained his efforts to support local businesses and address questions about the Washington Bridge failure — steps that will influence future state decisions.

Providence city officials will vote on Oct.

16 on an ordinance that stops police, schools and courts from aiding ICE without a judge's warrant—this change also bans sharing private information and using city cameras or funds for immigration tasks. The amendment, approved Monday by the council committee, may invite legal challenges and a possible veto from Mayor Brett Smiley, who worries about exposing taxpayers to lawsuits.

Mayor Brett Smiley said in an interview on Connect to Providence that the city council passed an ICE cooperation ordinance, and local police made arrests—he added that a fatal bus crash resulted in a second death at the same intersection.

Jaswell’s Farm, established in 1899 by Italian immigrant Nicholas Jaswell in Smithfield, is Rhode Island’s oldest continuously operating apple orchard—now managed by siblings Chris and Allison, it offers 14 types of pick‐your‐own apples along with pumpkins and sunflowers, and is open every day except Tuesday with pick‐your‐own hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a market and bakery from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Wednesday, many high school teams won close games in field hockey, soccer, volleyball and football + Moses Brown beat La Salle 3-2 in a hard-fought match.

Coaches need to send game results by 10 p.m. on weeknights, and teams will play many more games today.

Jurassic Quest

12-3 p.m. — Rhode Island Convention Center — Family-friendly adventure — Experience the world’s most popular dinosaur exhibit alongside an exciting LEGO festival.

Annie Dukes with Meridian, Lady Pills, Marou, & Gamma Rage

7-11 p.m. — Fete Music Hall — $12 ADV | $15 DOS — Enjoy a night of live music featuring local acts and vibrant performances.

Anthony Rodia Comedy Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Uptown Theater — Ticket information available — Enjoy an evening of sharp and relatable humor from Italian-American comedian Anthony Rodia.

White Reaper Live

7:30-10 p.m. — Fete Music Hall — ADV $25 | DOS $28 — Catch the energetic performance of White Reaper with special guests Lip Critic and Worlds Worst.

DUUNES Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — $17 — Experience the electrifying alternative rock of DUUNES, fueled by raw energy and NYC vibes.

Freddie Black Album Release Party

8-9:30 p.m. — Fete Music Hall — $15 ADV | $20 DOS — Celebrate Freddie Black's album launch with lively performances from local artists.

AMERICA 55th Anniversary Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the iconic band's 55 years of timeless music and powerful performances.

Storytelling Workshop

5-7:30 p.m. — Kismet Improv — No cost mentioned — Craft your storytelling skills in a welcoming environment for all levels.

Phoneboy Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Fete Music Hall — $20 ADV | $25 DOS — Enjoy an all-ages show from up-and-coming band Phoneboy.

Travel Destinations: Rio de Janeiro Session

2-3:30 p.m. — Rochambeau Library — Free entry — Learn top travel tips and must-see locations in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro.