Good morning, Providence.

A retired Lincoln couple—Annette and Thomas Briand—started Share Shacks 19 years ago to provide local residents with nonperishable food donations.

The program now runs three shacks open 24 hours a day with help from volunteers and local donors, following a take what you can, leave what you can rule.

Trinity Rep will present a magical twist on A Christmas Carol in its smaller Dowling Theater that uses creative effects to show Scrooge's inner struggle while inviting local audiences to experience the story in an intimate setting—co-directors Richard and Sharon Jenkins will lead this unique production with surprising ghost entrances. The play will use special magic to highlight Dickens' themes and bring the beloved tale to life for the community.

Rhode Island’s Verdi Productions will release three films made locally—Sleepwalker, a thriller with Hayden Panettiere, opens in theaters on January 9, The Roaring Game, a romantic comedy with Rob Gronkowski, comes out mid-February to match the Winter Olympics, and Bad News on the Doorstep is expected next summer.

The 'Knowing RI' series explains 5 key things to know about each Rhode Island city—covering local history, trails, beaches, museums, venues and dining for both residents and visitors.

New stories and videos will appear twice a week throughout November.

Rhode Island’s SNAP enrollment has grown to over 138,000 people, with cities like Woonsocket showing rates as high as 26% while households see different benefit amounts.

New work rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will cost about $51 million starting in 2027 — and food bank use is at a record high.

Brown University researchers will lead a $12M study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse to examine drug use trends and health care barriers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The project will enroll 1,200 participants and launch in Fall — it will share results with community partners to help improve treatment and reduce risks of HIV, hepatitis C and overdose.

On Tuesday, the Rhode Island Department of Health confirmed a second human case of West Nile Virus in a person in their 50s from Providence County who showed symptoms in early October and has since recovered.

The department said the risk remains until the season’s first hard frost — residents are advised to take precautions.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F.

Neronha said another operator has begun due diligence on the two bankrupt hospitals owned by Prospect Medical Holdings as The Centurion Foundation struggles to secure financing on a stalled $165 million deal. Governor Dan McKee said the state is working with health officials—via the Executive Office of Health and Human Services—to plan for patient care if no buyer steps forward.

Providence officials are considering a plan to require restaurants to display their health inspection grades—an idea modeled after New York City’s system.

Brown University student Ryan Spinney said visible A–F ratings could help Rhode Islanders choose safer places to eat and lower foodborne illness risks.

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith, a 2025 World Series hero who hit a clutch home run in extra innings, played college ball for the Newport Gulls in 2014 in the New England Collegiate Baseball League where he batted .429.

His time with the Gulls helped him hone his skills—Newport Gulls President Chuck Paiva said it paved the way for his first-round MLB draft selection.

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.