Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of December.
Good morning, Providence.
🏘️ Community
Goodnight Lights celebrated its 10th anniversary Wednesday night when residents + businesses lit up Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence to honor a decade of support for young patients.
Santa visited Hasbro Children's Hospital on Wednesday, Dec.
10, landing by helicopter (a change from his usual sleigh) and delivering presents while greeting patients, parents and staff.
🚧 Accidents
At about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, a fire at a Mary Street multi-family home in Central Falls displaced 18 people as firefighters controlled the blaze & the American Red Cross offered aid.
🎭 Culture
The film 'Ella McCay' will officially open nationwide in theaters Friday, Dec.
12 after a special preview for local cast and crew at Avon Cinema last night; several area theaters are showing it today at 2 p.m.
🎓 Education
Brown University now offers a Chemistry and Art course taught by Li-Qiong Wang that blends hands-on pigment-making + scientific art conservation, engaging students this semester with innovative projects and guest lectures.
The class builds bridges between the sciences and the humanities.
Brown University economist Peter Howitt accepted the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences on Wednesday, Dec.
10 at Stockholm Concert Hall, where King Carl XVI Gustaf awarded him a medal + diploma as he outlined his research on creative destruction during Nobel Week.
A Cranston high school teacher was named Rhode Island’s 2026 Computer Science Teacher of the Year on Wednesday and was honored in her classroom at Cranston High School West after nearly 30 years of dedicated teaching (she has helped students gain computer science skills).
🌲 Environment
Today, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island is featured by United Way and Providence Journal for protecting nearly 10,000 acres and offering nature education across communities.
The group recently secured 75 acres for conservation and plans more projects to restore wildlife habitats.
🏛️ Government
Providence secured a long-term lease with WaterFire to use the WaterFire Arts Center, ensuring local control over this cultural venue.
The city said the deal, announced Wednesday, Dec. 10, will help maintain creativity & boost local economic impact during future events.
Youth advocates urge the state to buy St. Mary's campus (North Providence) for a psychiatric treatment facility for 16 girls.
A purchase agreement capped at $1.5 million and $10 million slated for renovations may pave way for a facility opening in two years if approved by year-end.
🏈 Sports
Former URI athletic director Ron Petro passed away at 84 on Dec.
10. He led the athletics department from 1992-2004, during which the Rams earned 21 conference championships and saw major upgrades like the Ryan Center and Boss Arena.
🎉 Providence Events
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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.
Day Trill
5-8 p.m. — Fete Music Hall — $35 — Enjoy a vibrant music experience featuring an exciting lineup with Where’s Nasty and Slick Vick.
🏠 Providence Real Estate
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