🌱Early Morning Brawl Involves 150 + Farmers Helping Others

Hello, neighbors! It's me again, Karena Garrity, your host of the Providence Daily.

First, today's weather:

Winds subsiding and colder. High: 38 Low: 26.

Here are the top five stories today in Providence:

1. In an effort to pause the pain at the pump that Rhode Islanders are experiencing, Secretary of State, Nellie Gorbea, a candidate for governor, has called for a temporary pause to the state's gas tax. Gorbea said the move would "keep our economy rolling and keep families from having to choose between gas and food or gas and rent." (Patch)
2. One hundred and fifty people got into a fight early Friday morning next to a hot dog stand in a Walmart parking lot. Ultimately, three men were apprehended and charged with Disorderly Conduct. Reportedly, the fight broke out after the large group left Mezzo Lounge on Charles Street. (GoLocalProv)
3. Addressing the homeless situation in Rhode Island the governor's plan includes more than $20 million in help for the homeless, $50 million in down payment assistance, $50 million to buy and redevelop properties for affordable housing, and $90 million to create and preserve affordable housing. Homeless advocates say it's not enough. (Turn to 10)
4. Rhode Island farmers helping Rhode Island residents who are low-income and over 60, enjoy fresh, locally grown food. Boxes of goods will be distributed to about 12,800 eligible residents, including recipes and storage tips for what's in them. Sign up by April 15. Those eligible must be Rhode Island residents, at least 60 years old or receiving SSDI benefits, who have not already received two boxes this year and have incomes of $23,828 or less for a single person or $32,227 combined for two people.(The Providence Journal)
5. Attorney General Peter Neronha said his office filed four lawsuits against Providence landlords for failing to address several instances of lead poisoning in their units. According to the complaint, landlords Davian Sanchez, Francis Rolden, Palma Property Manager Corp. owners Persio Quiñonez and Consuelo Nunez and Investment Inc. owner Carlos Tellez have failed to remediate lead violations identified by the Rhode Island Department of Health. (Providence Patch)

Today in Providence:

• Providence Flea Every Sunday! (11:00 AM)
• Chopin Club Musicale - Music Mansion (2:00 PM)
• Planetarium Show - Providence City Hall (2:00 PM)
• Apply to Rhode Island Nurses Institute Charter High School (3:00 PM)
• Girls Night Out - Celebration of Women in Story and Song (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• WPRI.com: How to talk to children about what is happening in Ukraine. Bradley Hospital’s Dr. Tanuja Gandhi has some advice. (WPRI.com)
• Rhode Island School of Design: RISD Senior Shows at Woods-Gerry Gallery (Providence Daily Dose)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Wayland Square North: "Do your kids like to sing? - Join the KIDS CHOIR at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church! Our Kids Choir aims to give kids (approx. ages 6-12) the experience of making music and having fun." (Nextdoor)

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That's it for today! See you all tomorrow for 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.