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Tens of millions of people have visited Providence on a WaterFire night, held regularly on Saturdays each summer, but also for special occasions.

Imagine Providence with no WaterFire. It could happen.

With corporate donations dwindling, and state leaders hemming and hawing over providing additional financial support, the world–renowned arts event is struggling.

RI POLITICS
Union request to livestream hearing highlights ‘gray area’ of R.I. Open Meetings Act
Labor Relations Board will decide dispute July 25 after weighing arguments from SEIU Local 580 and the Department of Children Youth and Families.

INFRASTRUCTURE
When will RI’s Washington Bridge reopen? State officials no longer have an estimate.
The original plan was to get the bridge open by September 2026 at the latest, but that estimate “pushed the envelope,” the DOT director acknowledged.

RHODE MAP
Amica is the next jersey sponsor for the Celtics
The multiyear deal means the Lincoln, R.I.-based insurance giant will replace Vistaprint on the front of the Celtics’ uniforms every game of the season.

GLOBE RI + RI PBS
Institutionalized in R.I.: A thousand nights stuck in a system that fails kids
The US Department of Justice has accused Rhode Island of warehousing children at Bradley Hospital, the state’s only pediatric psychiatric facility. Families hope the investigation finally means help for their children is on the way.

Colonel Oscar Perez on his first year as Providence police chiefDo we still need police officers in Rhode Island schools?Infants, toddlers face long wait for crucial Early Intervention services in R.I.The device debate: Fed up, some schools are banning cell phonesProvidence’s ‘Superman’ building could need more public funding, R.I. housing secretary saysUS Senator Reed says Netanyahu should step down

CRIME
Six charged with stealing $300,000 in card-skimming scheme across southern New England
Six people from Ireland, Great Britain, and Romania, all living illegally in the United States, are accused of running a major card-skimming scheme at banks and stores in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

RI ARTS
FringePVD returns to showcase and celebrate outside-the-box artists
The two-week Providence Fringe Festival takes place July 14–27 in indoor and outdoor venues across the city.

Brown University agrees to change discrimination policies following federal investigation
The university agreed to “review and revise as necessary” its nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy and procedures for resolving complaint.

Hot, muggy weather prompts Boston to issue heat advisory through Friday
Officials are warning residents to take "necessary precautions" amid the dangerously hot temperatures.

FOOD
What foods scream summer to you?
We asked 10 food folks what they crave this time of year, because, as Jeremy Sewell puts it, "In New England, we earn things." Here’s what they said.

Latest Sports News

Meet the Celtics’ Summer League team

Baseball’s ghost runner is not in the true spirit of the game, so it has to go

With Brayan Bello dealing on the mound, Red Sox rally vs. the A’s for 50th win of season

Ongoing coverage

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The Great Elephant Migration traveling exhibit and fundraiser is on display at Rough Point Mansion and other locations in Newport, R.I. from July 4 through Sept. 2, 2024.

THINGS TO DO

401 Fun: The best things to do in Rhode Island, July 5-12

This week: WaterFire, RiverFire, and fireworks, outdoor movies and concerts, laser light show, and more!

Pride Month events in Rhode Island

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Man identified as suspect in Hopkinton, R.I., homicide found dead after police chase

Joseph Francis, the estranged husband of the victim, 44-year-old Stephanie Francis, was pronounced dead after his vehicle rolled over.

Two kayakers, one from Allston, found dead in Rhode Island pond

Gregory Boerman, 37, of Allston, and Joseph Fritz, 52, of East Providence, were found in Omega Pond near two empty kayaks, the East Providence Police Department said in a statement Saturday.

RI ARTS

‘The Gilded Age’ actress Laura Benanti is back in Newport, headlining two musical evenings with Newport Classical

The Tony Award-winning actress talks about celebrating her daughter’s birthday in Newport, losing her tooth on the set of ‘The Gilded Age,’ and refusing to eat or drink while wearing period costumes.

RHODE MAP

US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse at the Rayburn House Office Building on June 11, 2024 in Washington, DC.

Watch: The political debate you didn’t hear about last week

US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is getting a lot of attention for his comments on President’s Biden’s debate performance, but did you know Whitehouse participated in his own spirited debate last week?

4TH OF JULY

David Gomes, of Bristol, R.I., walks around before the Fourth of July Celebration Parade in Bristol, R.I. in 2019.

Photos: From the Bristol parade to WaterFire, the most extravagant Fourth of July celebrations in Rhode Island

The oldest commemoration of the nation’s founding drew thousands of people to watch floats, listen to music, and see local celebrities. Celebrations took place around Rhode Island as well. Here’s what it all looked like.

RI ENVIRONMENT

The Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown is asking the Coastal Resources Management Council to change the water classification near the seawall it built at the golf course's 14th hole.

Public comments pour in as R.I. coastal regulator considers country club’s petition

Quidnessett Country Club wants the Coastal Resources Management Council to change a water classification, but opponents say the golf course is trying to retroactively change the rules after it built an unauthorized seawall.

CELTICS BEAT WRITER'S NOTEBOOK

Some in the organization hope minority owner Steve Pagliuca buys the controlling share of the franchise.

What we’re hearing about the Celtics’ looming sale, staff changes, and other offseason matters

Providence College fans will recognize the lineage of one of the Celtics' new assistant coaches.

4th of July

The William J. Stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence. US Secretary of State John Quincy Adams commissioned the engraving to capture the original document’s “artistry” before it deteriorated, according to the National Park Service.

Three rare copies of the Declaration of Independence will be on display July 4 at R.I. State Archives

Three rare copies of the Declaration of Independence, including one printed just days after the proclamation was adopted, will be on display at the Rhode Island State Archives on July 4, from 10 a.m. until noon.

Imagine Providence with no WaterFire. It could happen.

RI POLITICSUnion request to livestream hearing highlights ‘gray area’ of R.I. Open Meetings ActLabor Relations Board will decide dispute July 25 after weighing arguments from SEIU Local 580 and the Department of Children Youth and Families.

INFRASTRUCTUREWhen will RI’s Washington Bridge reopen? State officials no longer have an estimate.The original plan was to get the bridge open by September 2026 at the latest, but that estimate “pushed the envelope,” the DOT director acknowledged.

RHODE MAPAmica is the next jersey sponsor for the CelticsThe multiyear deal means the Lincoln, R.I.-based insurance giant will replace Vistaprint on the front of the Celtics’ uniforms every game of the season.

CRIMESix charged with stealing $300,000 in card-skimming scheme across southern New EnglandSix people from Ireland, Great Britain, and Romania, all living illegally in the United States, are accused of running a major card-skimming scheme at banks and stores in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

RI ARTSFringePVD returns to showcase and celebrate outside-the-box artistsThe two-week Providence Fringe Festival takes place July 14–27 in indoor and outdoor venues across the city.

Brown University agrees to change discrimination policies following federal investigationThe university agreed to “review and revise as necessary” its nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy and procedures for resolving complaint.

Hot, muggy weather prompts Boston to issue heat advisory through FridayOfficials are warning residents to take "necessary precautions" amid the dangerously hot temperatures.

FOODWhat foods scream summer to you?We asked 10 food folks what they crave this time of year, because, as Jeremy Sewell puts it, "In New England, we earn things." Here’s what they said.