Good morning, Providence.

Local nonprofit leaders have shared meaningful Rhode Island gift ideas for the holiday season that emphasize paying local businesses in cash, offering community supported agriculture subscriptions, and volunteering to support those in need.

They mentioned events such as a Christmas Eve share market (capped at 600 families) and a toy distribution on Dec. 13 in Providence.

The Roger Williams Park Zoo reported that Romo, a nearly 14-year-old giant otter, was euthanized on Dec.

6 after his cancer spread, following the recent passing of his brother Fernando. His keepers provided devoted care & support throughout his life.

Wreaths Across America held its annual ceremony Monday, Dec.

8 at the State House Garden of Heroes where volunteers placed wreaths on military graves to honor veterans in a nationwide tribute.

Rhode Island's own Viola Davis—Central Falls native—revealed the cover of her upcoming courtroom drama Judge Stone on Dec.

8. The novel, a collaboration with James Patterson, will be released on March 9 from Little, Brown and Company.

On Monday, Dec. 8, Brown University researchers and the international LZ team released new dark matter results from 417 live days of data at an underground lab in South Dakota — the study set the strongest constraints on low-mass WIMPs while also detecting clear solar neutrino signals.

Experts noted that glass recycling is low statewide and Rhode Island recycles no glass, adding that recycled glass lowers energy use & emissions, but challenges with transport and quality hinder its market; they recommend local processing and policy incentives like bottle bills to boost recycling rates.

Rhode Island recycles little glass because local buyers are absent and transport costs are high + experts say a local facility to repurpose glass into insulation or roadbed could boost recycling while cutting energy use and emissions.

On Dec. 5, Elizabeth Greenhalgh filed suit in Burrillville to block a $1.3 million sale of The Conjuring House, claiming owner Jacqueline Nunez lacked capacity to sign over power-of-attorney paperwork that would allow Ghost Hunters star Jason Hawes and Julia Demay to complete the transaction.

Soccer fans from England, France, Haiti and Scotland will head to Gillette Stadium, rebranded as Boston Stadium, for World Cup 2026 matches held 25 miles from Providence; Haiti and Scotland will play their first match on Saturday, June 13 + Bryant University is being considered as a team basecamp.

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'.

Boston Pops Holiday Concert

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Providence Performing Arts Center — On Sale Now — Experience the holiday magic with classic tunes and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Handel's Messiah

3-6 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Auditorium — Cost info unavailable — Experience the timeless beauty of Handel's Messiah performed live in Providence.

Frosty Night – Wooden Sign

7-9:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — Complimentary beverage included — Create your own wooden sign while sipping on a drink of your choice.

BalletRI Presents The Nutcracker

7:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Clara's journey to the Land of Sweets this holiday season.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Providence Performing Arts Center — Ticket required — Experience a magical holiday adventure with captivating circus acts and festive music.

The Nutcracker Ballet

1:00-2:30 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Auditorium — Cost not specified — Celebrate the holiday season with Clara's enchanting journey in this classic ballet.

The Nutcracker - Ballet Rhode Island

1-2:30 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS) — Ticket prices vary — A magical holiday ballet experience where Clara journeys through an enchanting world of sweets and dreams.

Alex Cohen Acoustic Performance

7-11 p.m. — Black Oak Kitchen & Drinks — Free entry — Enjoy acoustic renditions that create a lively atmosphere for all ages.