Good morning, Providence.

Food pantries in South County are stepping up to help neighbors as a government shutdown cut SNAP benefits and worsened food insecurity.

Local centers like RICAN in Charlestown saw over 550 new sign-ups in the past month—rising living costs and job challenges are leaving many residents struggling to put food on the table.

Hadestown, an award-winning musical, is playing today at Providence Performing Arts Center and will run through Sunday.

The production blends Greek mythology with various music styles — adding jazz, blues and folk — and will have five performances.

Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos said the SNAP funding freeze—starting last Saturday—is hurting more than 900 local stores, including nearly 200 small grocery shops that depend on SNAP for much of their sales.

She is meeting with store owners to find support measures as these closures may push food prices higher for families.

Smithfield Public Schools Superintendent Dawn Bartz is on paid leave pending a legal review of her handling of an incident where five senior football players were reinstated after a Jewish freshman was allegedly hazed with antisemitic slurs—officials say the review will determine next steps. The district is working with an outside legal team as details remain limited.

On Sept. 30, five seniors allegedly hazed a Jewish freshman in the football locker room and were later reinstated after suspension, so the School Committee hired a law firm to review the district’s handling of the incident — community leaders and state officials have expressed concern over the response.

Providence City Council revisited a proposed ordinance on banning gas-powered leaf blowers yesterday—if approved, city departments will stop using the equipment by 2028 and the public ban will take effect in 2033.

Councilors and local landscapers said the measure aims to address environmental and public health concerns while waiting for better electric alternatives.

Today the Rhode Island Pilots Association is raising funds to buy $20 gift cards for 39 local air traffic controllers working without pay amid the government shutdown.

The pilots will present the cards on November 11th & donations must be made in $20 increments.

State leaders have been slow to act as Our Lady of Fatima Hospital and Roger Williams Medical Center risk closing by year's end—putting thousands of patients and workers in danger.

Attorney General Peter Neronha warned in Texas that Rhode Island's health system could collapse without urgent action.

Thundermist Health Center, which serves one in 17 Rhode Islanders, has faced funding shortfalls that may worsen if changes to Medicaid limit access—adding pressure to the nonprofit that recently collaborated with Community Care Alliance to open a winter shelter in Woonsocket and supported higher Medicaid reimbursements. This effort aims to keep essential care available for vulnerable local patients.

Downtown Providence will host several events next week, including a rooftop wine tasting at Peerless Rooftop on Nov.

13 (6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) by Eno Fine Wines, a Paint and Sip Night at Suya Joint on Nov. 19, a bridal showcase at Lovely Bride Providence on Nov. 19, and a four-course winemaker dinner at Gracie’s on Nov. 20 (with wine expert Mark Gamache). Tickets for these events are limited so locals are urged to grab their spots soon.

Barrington advanced to the Division I boys soccer final with a 1—0 win as Merritt Birbiglia scored a late goal against Moses Brown on November 5.

North Kingstown earned a similar upset with Tyler Cross’s winner against East Providence and will face Barrington on Sunday at Alumni Stadium for the title match.

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.

Laval Rocket vs Providence Bruins

3:00-4:35 p.m. — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Streaming options available — Catch the Laval Rocket take on the Providence Bruins with live broadcasts and replays.

Arts and Crafts at Capitol Ridge

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Capitol Ridge at Providence — Free entry — Create monthly crafts alongside the residents of Capitol Ridge.