Good morning, Providence.

Providence Community Libraries are hosting free November events for kids and adults at nine branches across the city.

The programs feature monthly Climate Ready Community Cohorts in six branches from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Middle Makerz Art Studio at Mount Pleasant Library on Wednesdays from 4 to 6, a death doulas talk at Rochambeau Library on November 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.—and a local author fair on November 20 along with a December 5 book club meeting at Mount Pleasant Library.

Veterans Day events in Rhode Island will honor military service with one of the nation’s oldest Armistice Day ceremonies hosted by the Infantry Lodge Association at the Squantum Club in East Providence starting at 10:45 a.m. on November 11 (tickets $33).

Other planned activities include care package drives in Cranston over November 15–16 (donor drop-off available on November 15), veteran recognition soccer games at Rhode Island College on November 8, free dental work in North Kingstown on November 9, free haircuts, and a car giveaway contest with winners announced on November 17.

Durk’s Bar-B-Q, a downtown staple known for its barbecue, will close at the end of this month after eight years due to reduced pedestrian traffic and key staff losses following the pandemic.

The restaurant previously relocated from Thayer Street to Aborn Street and faced new competition as its longtime chef left for a nearby eatery.

The White House must respond by noon on Monday to a Rhode Island federal judge’s order to use a $6 billion fund for SNAP benefits after thousands in Southern New England missed their payments over the weekend—Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera say urgent action is needed as local food drives work to help those affected.

Two major healthcare facilities—Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady Fatima Hospital—face potential closure if a sale deal is not finalized by December 31.

Local healthcare advocates warn that losing these hospitals will worsen shortages and may cause job losses and strained emergency rooms.

Doctors at the Rhode Island Public Health Institute say GLP-1 drugs help with weight loss but insurers now limit coverage to diabetes—forcing many patients to pay high costs out-of-pocket.

They call for bulk purchasing and cost controls to improve access and address Rhode Island’s obesity crisis.

Rhode Island-based Pax Therapeutics is developing an injection that uses gene therapy—designed to heal tendon and ligament injuries faster and stronger.

The company raised about $1.7 million and received a grant to support its Investigational New Drug submission before moving to clinical trials.

HealthSource RI said federal tax credits will end December 31, causing average monthly premiums to jump 101 percent—about $111 more per person—and an estimated 13,100 enrollees to drop coverage by 2027.

Officials warned that without Congressional action, many Rhode Islanders will face added financial strain for health care.

Classical field hockey won a Division III title match with a 1-0 overtime victory over Cranston on Sunday — Emma Gertrudes scored the winning goal as goalie Corrina Enright made key saves to help the team turn last season's loss into a trophy win at Roger Williams University.

Providence won its game against Holy Cross 89-79 at the AMP on Monday night with freshman Stefan Vaaks (19 points) and Jamier Jones (16 points) leading the team.

They overcame a 20-point gap and showed a strong bench effort to boost their season hopes.

Kismet Improv's Thursday Night Vibes

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Kismet Improv — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an evening of improv, sketch, and standup comedy featuring local talent.

The Mallett Brothers Band Live

8-11 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — $28.33 — Enjoy a night of Americana and rock with the dedicated Mallett Brothers Band from Maine.

LØLØ YOU TOUR ME ON

7-9:30 p.m. — Fete Music Hall — $20-$95 — Experience a night of music with LØLØ and special guest Alex Porat, including VIP packages for an exclusive experience.

Customer Service Live Music Event

8-11 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — $15 — Dance the night away at a nostalgic slow dance event with Corvus.

Relax with RICBA

4-5 p.m. — Community Libraries of Providence: Rochambeau Library — Free entry — Enjoy cozy reading sessions of the Rhode Island Children's Book Awards nominees on bean bags.

Penn Quakers vs. Providence College Friars Men's Basketball

1-4 p.m. — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting NCAA Division I basketball clash between the Quakers and Friars.

Hartford Wolf Pack at Providence Bruins

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Tickets available — Experience an exciting AHL matchup with the Hartford Wolf Pack facing off against the Providence Bruins.

Mamma Mia!

7-10 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the joyful energy of ABBA's music in this beloved musical classic.

James Montgomery Live Performance

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of James Montgomery, a legendary figure in the music scene.

17th Annual Providence Fall Home Show

November 15-16 — Rhode Island Convention Center — Admission fee varies — Explore the latest in home design, renovations, and décor at Rhode Island’s premier home expo.