🌱 Salvatore Launches Bid For State Senate + RI Air Quality Report

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's what's going on around Providence today.

First, today's weather:

Breezy in the morning; sunny. High: 64 Low: 38.

Here are the top five stories in Providence today:

1. Running for the District 5 seat in the Democratic Primary, Providence City Councilor David Salvatore has launched his bid for Rhode Island state senate. Salvatore has been part of the city council for 12 years and has also been a champion for small businesses throughout Rhode Island. He's written legislation making it easier for businesses of all sizes to navigate local government and said he strives to help keep Providence's neighborhoods safe. (Providence Patch)
2. According to the American Lung Association's 2022 "State of the Air" report released this week Rhode Island residents are among the more than 40 percent of Americans living in an area with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. The three counties in Rhode Island where data was available; Kent, Providence and Washington, were given an Fs for ozone levels and an As for particle pollution. (Patch)
3. State Senator Sam Bell, has written bill proposing that fines of $50 a month be implemented for eligible Rhode Islanders who haven't been vaccinated against COVID-19. Reportedly, the $50 fine would apply to all unvaccinated residents 16 and older. For those under 16, the fine would be levied against the parent or guardian. Bell's bill was referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee for consideration. (Patch)
4. Five new houses are for sale in the Providence area. Are you looking to move? (Providence Patch)
5. Want to add a new member to your family? Look no further than these Providence animal shelters for a pet available for adoption. (Providence Patch)

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Today in Providence:

• Food Truck Fridays - Roger Williams Park Conservancy (5:00 PM)
• Tom White Trio - Music Mansion (7:00 PM)
• Poetry Recital: Club Desire - Roger Williams Park Conservancy (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Providence Police Department: "Rest in Peace, Max. You made the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten by the men and women of the Providence Police Department" (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Comic Con: "Don't miss you chance! Our 10th anniversary is coming! Buy your tickets now for @ricomiccon at www.ricomiccon.com! BIGGER & BIGGER WE GO!" (Instagram)
• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: " We're Hiring: The Hunter Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Specialist (R3) role will play a key part in DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife's renewed initiative on the social science components of DEM's mission to support outdoor recreational opportunities in Rhode Island: " (Facebook)
• The Providence Flea: "We're back! Providence Flea and our hardworking lineup of local vendors will return this Sunday to @farmfreshri Market Hall from 11 am-3 pm." (Instagram)
• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: "DEM is proud to support adaptive cycling events along the Blackstone River Bikeway!" (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Paint Pottery! Register for Summer Art Camp! Baby hand and foot prints in clay! (April 22)
• National Hug A Plumber Day (April 25)
• Independent Bookstore Week at Curiosity & Co.! (April 27)
• Bring Mom! Chocolate Brunch Fundraiser to benefit Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice (May 1)
• West Bay RI Strides for Independence 1K/5K Walk (May 14)
• The Greene School Challenge with BoldrDash (May 22)
• Add your event

Loving the Providence Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
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• Send me a news tip or suggestion at karena.garrity@patch.com

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a URI graduate and I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love Providence and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.