🌱 Soul Food In Providence + Pocket Knife Stabbing Near Dorrance

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

First, today's weather:

A couple of afternoon showers. High: 40 Low: 34.

Here are the top three stories in Providence today:

1. Amid the pandemic, a Providence woman seized the opportunity to bring southern hospitality to our northern city. Kin Southern Table and Bar is a Black-owned soul food restaurant, serving dishes passed down from generations. Owner and native Rhode Islander Julia Broome has also been intentional in the hiring process, creating a position for "myself and other people of color to be able to make a living." (Turn to 10)
2. Early Saturday morning, Providence police arrested a New Bedford man amid an investigation of activity at an after-hours club. Patrolman Mathew Sandorse was monitoring activities at the club when he saw a man, later identified as suspect Mark Verdejo, turned away at the door. He appeared to be carrying something heavy in his sweatshirt pocket, which prompted concern as the club had been recently associated with multiple firearms-related incidents. Verdejo was charged with three counts of possession of a firearm, as well as driving without a license. (The Providence Journal)
3. A 41-year-old man was stabbed near Dorrance Street on Saturday morning. The victim was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for minor injuries. Providence police believe the two unidentified attackers used a pocket knife. (WLNE-TV (ABC6))

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Today in Providence:

• ESL Class: Intermediate/Intermedio - Providence Community Library (10:00 AM)
• Afterschool Movie - Providence Community Library (3:30 PM)
• Arts And Crafts For Kids - Providence Community Library (4:00 PM)
• Heating Cost Assistance With LIHEAP - Providence Community Library (5:00 PM)
• Knitting Club - Providence Community Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Providence police are investigating the shooting of a 31-year-old man on Ring Street. (WPRI.com)
• Providence Flea shared a pro tip: most food trucks at the market have online ordering and payment options. Take advantage and stay warm and dry until your food is ready for pickup! (Facebook)
• Celebrate Black History Month at the Providence Children's Museum with MLK: Amazing Grace, an interactive play for kids. Showings will be held Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners, and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, hiking, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.