🌱 Bumper Cars On Ice + Spending American Rescue Plan Funds

Happy Friday, Providence! Let's get this day started. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening around Providence today.

First, today's weather:

Snowy in the morning, 2-4". High: 32 Low: 14.

Here are the top three stories today in Providence:

1. Bumper cars on ice are back again at the Bank Newport City Center ice rink at Kennedy Plaza. Bumper cars run from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekends, according to Brant Gawrys, the rink manager for the city of Providence. Due to popular demand, it's recommended that those interested book a time slot for the bumper cars in advance online. (WJAR)
2. A Providence man was arrested for stealing and crashing a car in Massachusetts on Wednesday morning. Suspect Domingo Ortega was tracked down after he crashed the car into a pole on Thomas Street in West Boylston and abandoned the vehicle at the scene. The 35-year-old has been charged with using a motor vehicle without authority, negligent operation, leaving the scene of an accident, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. (WPRI.com)
3. Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza has detailed his plan on how to spend the rest of the city's funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Of the nearly $124 million available, the largest share of about $28 million would be invested in affordable housing and homelessness services. In total, the city has received $166 million in ARPA funds. (WJAR)

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Today in Providence:

• Wanskuck Chess Club At Providence Community Library (3:00 PM)
• Anime Club At Providence Community Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you know a student between 11 - 14 years old who loves to create and perform, encourage them to apply to Providence Performing Arts Center's ARTS Scholarships 2022 program! Applications and guidelines will be available starting today. (Facebook)
• A winter storm warning has been issued for all of Rhode Island and parts of eastern Massachusetts for today, Jan. 7. Between five to eight inches of snowfall is expected. (Facebook)
• Due to the forecast, Providence Public Library's Vaccine Clinic scheduled for today, Jan. 7 has been canceled. Upcoming clinic dates include Jan. 21, Feb. 4, and Feb. 18. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners, and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, hiking, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.