Good Day
Providence
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Providence. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of October.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Sally's Apizza will open its first Rhode Island location at Garden City Center in Cranston—occupying the former space of Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza. The chain, which already serves customers in Connecticut and Massachusetts, is expanding its reach in the region. 10 WJAR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus will return to Providence next year at Amica Mutual Pavilion from May 29 to 31 — officials say the production will feature acrobatic acts such as acro-salsa, contortion, hoop diving, and a performance from Bailey the robo pup with pre-sale tickets available now. 10 WJAR
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Rhode Island Department of Agriculture says residents should squish spotted lanternflies when they see them because these invasive bugs with red, black and white wings have spread across the state since 2021 and hurt crops and vineyards. Officials ask that people outside Providence and Kent counties report sightings online—pesticides should be used only by experts. Rhode Island PBS
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On October 21, state officials led by Treasurer James Diossa launched RISavers, a retirement savings plan for over 170,000 private-sector workers without a retirement plan at work. Businesses with five or more employees must register, and employees are automatically enrolled at a 5% contribution rate and may opt out at any time. The Providence Journal
- ➤ On Oct. 15, the State, Providence City Council, and district leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony for the partial demolition and reconstruction of Mt. Pleasant High School amid years of neglect — the plan still required final approval after a public hearing on Oct. 21. Go Local Prov
- ➤ In Rhode Island, cannabis regulators voted to adopt a timeline that could let new retail licenses be issued in May 2026 after the Dec. 29 application deadline—business owners will have 60 days to get local approvals and the Cannabis Office 90 days to review each application. Some industry members say companies that met local rules should not have to wait extra time. Rhode Island PBS
- ➤ If the federal shutdown continues, 140,000 Rhode Islanders may not receive SNAP benefits on November 1—governor McKee said the state is working with local officials and food banks to plan weekly strategies while monitoring the shortfall in federal support. Local leaders are analyzing options to help cover about $30 million in monthly expenses until the issue is resolved. 10 WJAR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A five-year, $3.6 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse will fund a study led by Brown University researchers who will examine police-assisted diversion programs in Philadelphia and Baltimore to connect people who use drugs with treatment instead of arrest. The project launches in October and will assess cost, health outcomes, and implementation factors to help reduce overdose deaths—supporting a national strategy. Brown University
- ➤ Doctors from the Rhode Island Public Health Institute urged CVS to add lenacapavir to its no-cost formulary for injectable PrEP—an option that can help patients who struggle with daily pills lower expensive copayments and reduce HIV risk. They said expanding access to this twice-yearly injection is key to preventing new HIV infections in our community. The Boston Globe
- ➤ Karen Peloquin was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer 20 years ago — a discovery made during an annual exam — and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy at Landmark Cancer Center near Woonsocket. Her cancer later returned in her bones, but new targeted treatments mean she is doing well and her doctor says advanced cancer no longer is a death sentence. 10 WJAR
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Rhode Island home sales jumped at least 19% in September as sales of single-family homes, condominiums and multi-family units rose and median prices climbed; sellers rushed to complete deals before a conveyance tax hike took effect on Oct. 1. Data later showed a 31% drop in sales in the two weeks after the tax change—highlighting the housing market impact. The Boston Globe
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bryce Hopkins—recovering from left knee injuries over the past two years—transferred from Providence to join St. John’s; coach Rick Pitino said he played well in a recent exhibition game and will start against Michigan. This move comes as the standout forward earns a preseason all-conference spot for the new season. The Providence Journal
- ➤ Providence native Ed Cooley spoke at Big East Media Day as he began his third season as head coach of the Hoyas—he outlined his plans following his move from Providence. The Providence Journal
- ➤ Teneisia Brown returned to Providence as a Friar after two seasons at Fairleigh Dickinson and attended Big East media day at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 21, reconnecting with her roots from St. Andrew’s School in Barrington. She aims to fill a key role left by a departing starter — marking a full-circle moment in her basketball journey. The Providence Journal
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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.
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DJ Joe Concert
7-11 p.m. — Mangos Restaurant — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of Latin beats with DJ Joe spinning Sonido Único.
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Providence Skelly Run
8:00 PM – 11:59 PM — Providence, Rhode Island — Tickets on sale now — Experience a spooky fun run featuring Halloween-themed festivities and an exciting after-party.
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Love In Bloom Art Session
1:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — Complimentary beverage included — Unleash your creativity in a vibrant, relaxing art class with friends.
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Ghastly Owl Painting Night
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — Complimentary beverage included — Unleash your creativity in a fun, relaxed painting session with friends.
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Comedian Bob Marley
Date range: Oct 29 - Nov 2 — Comedy Connection — Check local listings for ticket prices — Enjoy a series of performances from this Maine-born comic known for his engaging storytelling and humor.
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Sean Tobin Live Performance
7-9:30 p.m. — Fete Music Hall — Admission details not specified — Experience the captivating blend of folk and rock from New Jersey's own Sean Tobin.
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Halloween Havoc Costume Contest
7-11:59 p.m. — Fete Music Hall — $20 — Enjoy a spooky night with costume contests, games, and raffles at this Halloween bash.
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CJ Clementine Live Music Night
9 PM - 1 AM — Platinum City Gaming — Check local listings — Enjoy an exciting blend of live music and gaming entertainment.
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Charlotte Checkers vs. Providence Bruins
3:05 – 4:35 p.m. — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Watch the action live on FloHockey as the Checkers face off against the Bruins.
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Welcome to the Good Day Providence, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Providence, Rhode Island community. If you like the Good Day Providence, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Providence.
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