🌱Masks Optional In Providence Schools + Fire Sent Man To Hospital

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

First, today's weather:

Occasional rain and drizzle. High: 54 Low: 46.

Here are the top stories in Providence today:

1. According to Providence school officials, starting Monday, masks will be optional for students and staff in schools. The impetus for the change, officials said, was consultation with the Rhode Island Department of Health, the close monitoring of cases and feedback from students, parents, teachers and staff. (Patch)
2. A fire at the Charlesgate Nursing Center on Randall Street, broke out Wednesday morning around 10:30 a.m. One person, a man, was hospitalized due to smoke inhalation. Officials are working to determine the cause of the fire. (Patch)
3. Taking a unique look at the Earth, a multi-faceted exhibition on view through May 1, at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence, highlights an exploration of ideas related to the environment. The title of the exhibition is “Planet Earth, the Environment, and Our Future.” (GoLocalProv)
4. The former Rhode Island governor, Gina Raimondo, who is now the Commerce Secretary, has tested positive for COVID-19. She has credited her coronavirus vaccine and booster for preventing serious symptoms. (Patch)
5. Rhode Island native Daniel Robert Sullivan will be visiting Providence as part of the touring company of “Dear Evan Hansen.” The show will be at the Providence Performing Arts Center through April 10. (Valley Breeze)

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Today in Providence:

• Drawing Wild: From The Collection - Roger Williams Park Conservancy (10:00 AM)
• Drawing Wild-From the Collection - Providence City Hall (10:00 AM)
• Arts & Crafts - Community Libraries of Providence (3:00 PM)
• Late Afternoon Strolls In The Park - Roger Williams Park Conservancy (4:00 PM)
• Late Afternoon Strolls in the Park - Providence City Hall (4:00 PM)
• Why Poetry? Writing Workshop Series - Community Libraries of Providence (6:00 PM)
• Tea & Community - Community Libraries of Providence (6:30 PM)
• Chess Club - Community Libraries of Providence (6:30 PM)
• Queer Umbrella - Community Libraries of Providence (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Brown University: Faculty, students reflect on STEM faculty gender gap. (The Brown Daily Herald)
• Brown University: Paxson gives tentative response to ACURM recommendations to amend Brown's gift, grant acceptance policies. (The Brown Daily Herald)
• Brown University: Faculty vote in favor of establishing new Institute for Biology, Engineering and Medicine. (The Brown Daily Herald)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, West Side / Armory: "I'm currently enrolled in a pet chaplaincy course. - I've completed the readings/lessons and am now doing my practicum." (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you soon.

— 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.