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Rise and shine, Providence! Coldplay vs Imagine Dragons by candlelight, new tax deductions for tips and overtime, a family-friendly petting zoo, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Building brighter, healthier smiles: Last week, Dr. Joanne Lewis of Children’s Dentistry in East Greenwich and Coventry explained why February matters for kids’ oral health and shared simple tips Providence area parents can use — see how to protect kids’ teeth.
Northeast city in the spotlight: Travel + Leisure named Providence one of the most affordable getaways, with Jacqui Gifford praising the city and spotlighting shoulder season, the AAPI History Museum, and Track 15 Food Hall — read the full story.
New grants bolster conservation: Earlier this month, RI DEM announced $1.23 million to protect 174 acres of open space, funding four projects through 2022 Green Bond dollars to preserve farmland and boost climate resilience — read the full story.
What’s new for filers: Filing this tax season? Changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act let Rhode Islanders deduct tips, overtime, and interest on new car loans, possibly boosting refunds or cutting bills — get details on new deductions.
Gold continues to hold strong: After its best year in decades, gold remains near historic highs as investors look for stability amid inflation and debt. American Hartford has a free guide that covers everything you need to know. They’re also offering up to $25,000 of free silver on qualified accounts – check it out here.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare car insurance rates (it’s free): The average car insurance bill is roughly $175/month. I was paying more until I took a few minutes to compare quotes where I live. I ended up switching and cut my premium in half. Even if you’re not ready to switch, it’s worth checking – this comparison tool makes it easy.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Developers get new incentives: Gov. Dan McKee has unveiled a $20 million Housing 2030 Entry-Level Homeownership Program to spur entry-level homes across Rhode Island. It offers grants and loans for owner-occupied units under $400,000, affordable up to 120% of area median income. First-round funding totals $10 million. Applications close April 10 at 4 p.m. Get all the details.
Rhode Island dining updates: Providence’s Blu Violet rooftop bar has reopened after a redesign with those skyline views back. Thermia is now open on Valley Street, serving Mediterranean-inspired rotisserie plates. In Warren, the former Bywater space will welcome Kingfish this spring as a family-friendly, seafood-focused bistro. See what’s new and coming.
Low-tox locks, anyone? Flipp Salon pairs plant-based products with a chill, artsy vibe, plus independent stylists who skip tipping awkwardness. If winter hair needs a reset, their lived-in color and transformative cuts help you feel like yourself again.
Fresh-baked mood booster: From crackly sourdough and flaky morning pastries to sturdy sandwiches and coffee that hits just right, Seven Stars Bakery supplies a neighborhood lift when the week drags. Consider it edible self-care… treats that comfort, flavors that brighten, and a daily rhythm that feels reliably good.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
The weight loss game has changed: New GLP-1 medications work with your body’s natural hormones to help reduce appetite and support steady weight loss under medical supervision. Remedy Meds connects you with licensed clinicians online to see if you’re a good candidate. They’ll evaluate your health, provide transparent pricing, and ship medication straight to your door.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
♀ International Women’s Day @ TBD | Monday (2/16) at 2:15 PM – Craving a feel-good gathering that actually does some good? UAWRIA celebrates International Women’s Day with “Give To Gain,” featuring keynote Angela Bannerman Ankoma of the Rhode Island Foundation’s Equity Leadership Initiative, and admission is on the house, so bring a friend, curiosity, and applause.
🥞 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper @ Faith Chapel: A Church of the Lutheran Brethren | Tuesday (2/17) at 6:30 PM – Shrove Tuesday is serving up a free pancake supper, with stacks, sizzling breakfast meats, and other goodies for literally everyone. Think church-basement comfort, neighbors you actually like, and zero judgment for syrup decisions. Bring an appetite, leave with a happy carb halo.
🍷 Sakonnet Wine Dinner @ The Patio on Broadway | Wednesday (2/18) at 6:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to treat yourself, this five-course Sakonnet wine dinner is it, pairings included, $120. Bacon-chestnut soup to chocolate-strawberry tart, tuna crudo and short rib gnocchi in between, hanging roses, generous pours, and that smug ‘we still got it’ feeling.
⛳ LASMO Foundation Fundraiser @ Topgolf | Thursday (2/19) at 6:00 PM – Trade your winter slice for a good cause at Topgolf Cranston, with tournament play, a buffet and drinks, raffles, and family-friendly fun. Tickets are $120, team entries available, and every swing backs Lee’s legacy at LASMO, giving kids access to sports, scholarships, and real mentors.
🧶 Chunky Knit Blanket Party @ Narragansett Brewery | Thursday (2/19) at 6:00 PM – Learn to churn out a chunky throw using only your hands, no needles, no drama. It is beginner friendly, pleasantly social, and weirdly calming. You leave with a blanket you will actually use, and the right to brag all winter.
🐾 Petting Zoo @ Public Shop & Gallery | Friday (2/20) at 12:00 PM – School vacation week got you negotiating for screen time again? Drop by this petting zoo pop-up with Xen’s Critters. Say hi, touch, or hold chinchillas, birds, reptiles, and bunnies, a hands-on break for all ages, with per-family tickets on a sliding scale, $15 to $30.
🐟 PCFF 2026: The Pout-Pout Fish @ Mt. Pleasant Community Library | Friday (2/20) at 6:00 PM – PCFF is diving in with a sneak peek of The Pout-Pout Fish before the nationwide release, so you get early bragging rights. Nick Offerman voices the grumpy guppy, with a spirited sea dragon in tow, and the kids, grandkids, and your inner introvert all win.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Providence report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 38°F – Low: 24°F – Precip: 15%
A slight chance of snow before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 38. Northeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northwest wind around 2 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 41°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 10%
Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Southwest wind 1 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. West wind around 3 mph.
This house is wild
This income-generating four-unit property spans two buildings on one lot, fully leased and producing over $70,000 annually. One structure holds three apartments, while the second is a detached single-family home. The layout separates residences across distinct buildings, promoting privacy and balanced rent streams within a cohesive footprint. Both sit on the same lot for efficient land use.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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