Friday, July 17, 2026

Debate Over Emergency Aid: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley accused the Providence City Council of using residents as political pawns after delaying the RENT Housing Subsidy Fund, which would provide up to $3,000 in aid -- read the full story.

Intergenerational art on display: At Providence's Atrium Gallery, the 2026 Circle of Light exhibit spotlights art by Smith Hill Library kids and Hattie Ide Chaffee Home residents, on view now through September 16 -- see the full exhibition.

A sharp family farce: Spanish playwright Juan José Alonso Millán’s black comedy El Cianuro… ¿solo o con leche? is onstage at Providence’s Teatro ECAS, blending farce, mystery, and family dysfunction around matriarch Doña Adela -- read the full story.

Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*

Big markdowns on makeup made for women over 40: Laura Geller formulates for mature skin specifically. There's even a collection called The Over 40 Edit. The brand is offering new email subscribers up to 65% off, with an extra 22% off layered on top. Your email is all it takes to unlock it — worth a look.*

The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Turn down the tension: Whether your back’s negotiating with your desk chair again or you overdid it on the East Bay bike path, Elements @ Rhode Island Hot Yoga serves up a private infrared sauna, red light therapy, and real-deal massage options like Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone. Make this your midweek reset, maximum exhale.

Cocktail plans, solved: Slip into Marcelino's Boutique Bar this week for inventive cocktails mixed with care and shareable plates that actually get shared. Ideal for a post-work debrief or a dressed-up date, it nails that sweet spot between polished and relaxed, with vibes that make a Tuesday feel like an occasion.

Time travel on Benefit: If your week needs a quick reset, The Stephen Hopkins House is a legit 18th-century time capsule on Benefit Street’s Mile of History, furnished with period antiques and Hopkins heirlooms. Peek the room where George Washington slept, then let the creaky floors recalibrate your modern brain.

Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. *This one's 50% off right now →

The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →

Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →

Plastic and wood are no good: Every time you use a plastic cutting board, microplastics end up in your food. You can’t see it, but it's happening and it’s gross. Wood isn't any better since it absorbs bacteria so deep into the grain you can’t get it out. More than 50,000 people have already ditched both for something better. *See what they're using instead →

Could you cover a $7,000 car repair tomorrow? For most people the honest answer is no, and that's the problem, because the big repairs don't wait for the right time. An extended warranty is what stands between you and that bill: the engine, transmission, and electrical failures that come out of nowhere. You bring it to any certified mechanic, pay a deductible, and the rest is handled. A free year of Elite Benefits and a 30-day money-back guarantee are included. *See what's covered →