🌱 Communities To Launch Vaccine Clinics + Restaurant Shooting

Happy Saturday, Providence! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Much colder with a wintry mix. High: 37 Low: 33.

Here are the top three stories today in Providence:

1. The last state-run mass coronavirus vaccination clinic in Rhode Island is getting ready to close. The Sockanosset Cross Road site in Cranston is expected to end operations this weekend. Now, cities are stepping up efforts to get residents vaccinated. Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said the capital city is expecting to announce clinics next week. (WJAR)
2. Police are investigating after man was shot Friday afternoon in the parking lot of a Providence restaurant. Capt. Richard Fernandes said Providence police responded to the area of Promenade Street and Pleasant Valley Parkway around 12:30 p.m. and arrived to find the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The man was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment of the wound, which is not considered life-threatening.(WPRI.com)
3. A Providence man was arrested after defrauding businesses of more than $80,000 and assaulting federal agents. Paul Diogenes, 49, pled guilty in federal court Friday to charges of wire fraud and assault of an officer. According to United States Attorney Zachary Cunha, Diogenes admitted to creating a non-existent catering company and using false information to gain credit from food distributors. (WLNE-TV (ABC6))

Today in Providence:

• Bilingual Story Time At Providence Community Library (10:00 AM)
• Ben Nacar Recital At Music Mansion (1:00 PM)
• Festival Ballet Providence Presents The Nutcracker At The VETS (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Thanks to the elves at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island for coming to Adoption RI this week to wrap gifts for our children and teens! (Facebook)
• Please note: On Monday a mask mandate will go into effect for 30 days for most RI businesses and venues, including @farmfreshri. More info is available at Covid.RI.gov and we are strongly urging everyone to mask up at the Flea this weekend. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander. She works as a freelance copywriter for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and as an assistant producer for a live-lit storytelling show in Chicago. She holds a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies from The University of Rhode Island. In her free time, you can find her traveling, hiking, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.