Good morning, Providence.

On Friday, November 28, the annual Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange provided winter gear to Rhode Islanders in need at the State House lawn near Providence Place mall.

Officials said each person or family may pick one coat with families with children served first.

Roger Williams Park Zoo will host the Holiday Lights Spectacular on Friday night with more than 3.5 million lights on display.

The event runs nightly from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 4.

Richard Stang, a Rhode Island attorney from Westport, switched from oil heat to an electric heat pump that cut his home’s bills and air pollution.

He explained that state and federal incentives — including a $10,000 rebate and interest-free loan — helped offset costs and lower his home’s carbon emissions by more than 6 tons each year.

The CodeRED emergency alert system is down after a cyber breach stole personal data from users — Rhode Island Emergency Management said backup alert systems keep messages coming in emergencies.

A Family Court judge in Kent County will decide if Dr. Siavash Ghoreishi and Dr. Jila Khorsand may visit 4-year-old Laila — following strong objections from her father, Detective Scott Naso, who raised concerns over past medical practices.

The hearing started in October and will resume Dec. 1-3 as state authorities review potential violations in family care standards.

The Rhode Island Semiquincentennial 250th Commission released a limited-edition holiday ornament that features six uniformed soldiers carrying the state flag—available on the RI250 website and in the State House Gift Shop after Secretary of State Gregg M.

Amore announced it on November 28th.

Revive Therapeutic Services co-owner Abby Antwi said seasonal depression worsens when days grow shorter and isolation increases—clients are urged to try light therapy, exercise, and community support to help counter financial and social pressures.

She explained that less sunlight affects brain chemicals, making a change in routine essential during fall and winter.

The Rhode Island Department of Health warned residents not to eat Ambriola Company cheese made from November 3 to November 20 because it could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes & recommended that consumers throw it out or get a refund.

The No. 9 URI Rams, finishing 10-2 and back-to-back Coastal Athletic Association champions, will open their playoffs today at 12 p.m. against Central Conn. — the winner will advance to face UC Davis next while marking the final game at Meade Stadium before major renovations.

A review of the 2025 high school football season shows that Providence schools faced serious challenges with low player numbers and budget cuts while experts push for team mergers—efforts aimed at creating safer and stronger programs.

The season also featured highlights such as Woonsocket’s new Dionne facility and Scituate’s turnaround that brought unexpected success.

Curtis Briggs waited patiently for his chance and played a key role for Classical in the Division III Super Bowl against Mt. Hope; he scored two touchdowns + turning a 28 to 6 deficit into a 40 to 28 comeback win after overcoming a knee injury + and showed leadership that spurred his team to success.

The Providence Ice Rink at Kennedy Plaza opened for skating Friday and will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Adults pay $9 for three hours while children and seniors pay $6—bumper cars will be available starting Monday.

Farleigh Dickinson Knights at Providence Friars Basketball

7-10 p.m. — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Cost info not provided — Watch the Providence Friars take on the Farleigh Dickinson Knights in an exciting NCAA basketball matchup.

The Planet Smashers Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — $22.66 — Catch this very special intimate show with none other than The Planet Smashers!!

PVD Downcity Holiday Market (December 4-7)

This holiday season, from Thursday, December 4th, through Sunday, December 7th, Grant's Block Park and adjacent Westminster Street will transform into an enchanting outdoor marketplace for visitors and residents alike to meet, shop, drink, eat, and support local businesses. The Market will showcase a unique rotation of high-quality local and regional makers, artists, farmers, food vendors, entertainers, and more.

Jason Ringenberg Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Parlour Providence — $17 — Experience the solo career of Americana legend Jason Ringenberg, frontman of Jason And The Scorchers.

Providence College vs. URI Men's Basketball

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Check the official site for ticket pricing — Watch the exciting rivalry as the Providence Friars take on URI in NCAA Division I basketball.

Providence Bruins vs. Springfield Thunderbirds

3:05 – 4:35 PM — Amica Mutual Pavilion — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting matchup as the Bruins take on the Thunderbirds in a thrilling hockey game.

Meghan Patrick Live

6-10 p.m. — Moonshine Alley — Limited menu available — Enjoy an intimate night of country music with CMT's Next Women of Country 2025 singing her hits.

Earth Wind and Fire Live Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless hits of music legends Earth, Wind & Fire and groove to their unforgettable sound.

Dizgo with Nite Zero Band

7-8:30 p.m. — Fete Music Hall — $25 — Experience an exciting night of music featuring Dizgo and Nite Zero Band.

Kate Voegele with Tyler Hilton

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Greenwich Odeum — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of music with talented artists from 'One Tree Hill'.