🌱R.I. Higher Education Gets More Expensive + Unemployment Is Down

Good morning, Providence! Here's everything you need to know to get this Friday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 67 Low: 46.

Here are the top five stories today in Providence:

1. The Peregrine falcons that nest on the 'Superman' building, in downtown Providence are local celebrities and as such, they will most definitely be protected during the grand renovation project that is taking place at their home. The celebrity feathered couple are live streaming at all times, thanks to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, and, thanks to High Rock Development, which owns the building, the falcon's safety and well-being has been promised. Their nest box will not be disrupted by construction crews, and the camera will still be accessible. (Patch)
2. Following the trend of many other colleges and universities throughout the nation, all three Rhode Island state schools will be raising their tuition next school year. In addition, the schools are looking to the state for extra funds, requesting that the Rhode Island General Assembly increase state appropriations. (Turn to 10)
3. The New England Institute of Technology has officially announced that "The Fonz" a.k.a. Henry Winkler will be delivering the school's commencement address, which will take place at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence on May 1. This will be a second act, so to speak, to Winkler's uber successful commencement speech at the school's commencement in 2006 that oozed with messages of hope and determination. (What'sUpNewp)
4. According to a City of Providence press release, earlier this week, Mayor Jorge O. Elorza was joined by Providence City Council President John Igliozzi, Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci (Ward 4), Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green, Providence Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez and community members to begin renovations of the Narducci Learning Center. The school is scheduled to open in 2023. (Press Release Desk)
5. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training reportedly said, "Rhode Island has recovered 85.1% of the 108,100 jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown." This is good news for the Ocean State which as of March, had an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which was .2 percent lower than the national average. (Turn to 10)

Today in Providence:

• Open Paint + Amateur Photography Day at RWPBC (10:00 AM)
• Afterschool Movie - Community Libraries of Providence (3:30 PM)
• Virtual Model Building - Community Libraries of Providence (4:00 PM)
• WALKING CLUB - Community Libraries of Providence (4:30 PM)
• Food Truck Fridays - Roger Williams Park Conservancy (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: "It’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators week, and #TeamDEM would like to celebrate our dispatchers from DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement (DLE)." (Facebook)
• Providence Animal Rescue League: "Many thanks to Ami and Lili for their fundraising efforts at JWU's Harborside Village. They raised $250 for Providence Animal Rescue League and the animals are so grateful for their support!" (Facebook)
• AARP Rhode Island: "Featuring RI Attorney General Peter Neronha and Amy Nofziger, Director of Victim Support, AARP Fraud Watch." (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: "DEM's Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment and the Center for Mediation & Collaboration Rhode Island are partnering on a mental health and wellness program for farmers, commercial fishers, and workers in the forestry-related industry." (Facebook)
• RISD Museum: "Stop in to see our newest exhibition- Trading Earth: Ceramics, Commodities, and Commerce. Drawing on centuries of works from across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa, Trading Earth focuses on global trade and ceramic objects. (Facebook)
• Rhode Island Hospital: "Donating blood is about the most selfless act you can perform. When you donate blood, you save lives. It is quick and easy, and right now, it’s critical because there is a blood supply shortage that we need to address." (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! 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.