🌱Hazardous Lead Remediation + COVID-19 Update For Ocean State

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

First, today's weather:

Breezy; a bit of morning rain. High: 53 Low: 20.

Here are the top five stories in Providence today:

1. COVID update for the Ocean State: The Rhode Island Department of Health reported that as of Wednesday, February 16th there were 266 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death. (WLNE-TV (ABC6))
2. In pockets throughout Rhode Island, including areas of Providence, some first-generation homebuyers can get $25,000 towards a down payment on a home, under a new pilot program. (The Providence Journal)
3. Following an enforcement action from the Office of the Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and the Rhode Island Department of Health, a Superior Court judge has ordered the owners of a Providence residential property, with long-standing lead violations, to begin lead hazard remediation. (WLNE-TV (ABC6))
4. Lifting the mask mandate that has been in Place at Providence College since August, wearing a mask inside campus buildings has become optional at the prestigious school. (WJAR)
5. A big congratulations goes out to member of the Providence Fire Fighters, Steven Rossi, on his promotion to Rescue Lieutenant. (Providence Fire Righters)

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Today in Providence:

• Divorce Boot Camp – Vesta's N.Attleboro, MA / Providence, RI Hub (12:00 PM)
• Play a Game Family Day! - Providence Community Library (1:00 PM)
• Collaborative Community Art - Paper Quilt (1:00 PM)
• Afterschool Movie - Providence Community Library (3:30 PM)
• First Friday Concert - Music Mansion (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Providence Performing Arts Center: "Rhode Island high school sophomores are invited to Experience PPAC for FREE at @theprommusical on Wed, March 9 at 7 p.m." (Instagram)
• Providence Animal Rescue League: "Find the Providence Animal Rescue League Pet Food Pantry booth at Farm Fresh Rhode Island Farmer's Market this Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m." (Facebook)
• Farm Fresh Rhode Island: "Apply to sell at the summer farmers markets! The application is now open through March 11." (Instagram)
• Adoption Rhode Island: "Have you secured your spot for our upcoming virtual workshop designed to help parents and teachers learn to work together more effectively to address the needs of adopted children in school.(Facebook)
• Rhode Island Foundation: "The Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund offers scholarships for Black students pursuing or advancing a career in health care in college or a technical school. Show your support for this important fund here: " (Facebook)
• Providence Children's Museum: "February Vacation is right around the corner and your plans have just gotten more fun! PCM is closed this week in preparation for vacation!" (Facebook)
• Public Information Joint Information Center, State of Rhode Island: "New Hours at State-Run COVID-19 Test Sites - State-run COVID-19 test sites have new hours of operation. Effective today, sites are open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on weekends." (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Feast & Fettle — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Divorce Boot Camp – Vesta's N.Attleboro, MA / Providence, RI Hub (February 18)
• Youth and High School Rugby Camp! (February 22)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (February 22)
• How to Make Decisions in Divorce? – Vesta's N. Attleboro/ Providence Hub (February 23)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 24)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 25)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• 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
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at karena.garrity@patch.com

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— Karena Garrity

About me: 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.