🌱Waterfire Back In Providence + School E-Mail Upsets Parents

Welcome back, Providence! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and windy. High: 53 Low: 34.

Here are the top five stories today in Providence:

1. Providence gets back is fire! The famed Waterfire will once again set the Capital City Aglow for the 2022 summer season with seven full lightings and four partial lightings, which will happen now through September. A partial lighting will be held on May 14 and the first full lighting will take place on June 4. (Rhode Island Monthly)
2. Some parents of Providence school students are upset by a recent e-mail that went out about summer school. Reportedly one parent called the e-mail offensive and another called it racist. The gist of the e-mail in question was to recruit students for summer school who were relatively high-performing to boost school ratings. According to an article in the Providence Journal, Providence school spokesman Nick Domings said, “The email in question was not reviewed or approved by the superintendent. He is personally following up with the author(s) of this email to discuss this issue.” (The Providence Journal)
3. Long-term substitute teacher at Central High School, Enrique Sanchez, who is also running for state representative from Providence is being investigated by the school district over a tweet of his about Elon Musk. He reportedly posted on social media that he told his students that Elon Musk buying Twitter is bad. His tweet has gotten a lot of push back. (Turn to 10)
4. Just in time for the busy travel summer season, JetBlue has been forced to cut flights due to staffing shortages. One of those flights was set to arrive in Providence. Reportedly JetBlue said it hopes cutting or suspending more flights will help prevent further disruptions.(WLNE-TV (ABC6))
5. Three students were arrested and one ended up at the hospital after a fight at Esek Hopkins Middle School broke out Tuesday morning. The school was put on lockdown. Police are currently investigating the incident. (GoLocalProv)

Today in Providence:

• Fairy Garden Days - Roger Williams Park Conservancy (10:00 AM)
• Arts & Crafts - Community Libraries of Providence (3:00 PM)
• Chess Club - Community Libraries of Providence (6:30 PM)
• Queer Umbrella - Community Libraries of Providence (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Providence Flea: "Set your intentions! Though we're still three weeks out from our May 13 "Flower Moon" market, our fabulous local vendors from the Flea and @witchesnomne are already hard at work prepping for this special Friday Night Event!" (Instagram)
• Crossroads Rhode Island: "We were thrilled to have Gilbane Building Company in to volunteer this month as our first in-person group of the year! Thank you for your time!" (Facebook)
• Providence Public Library: "We are so grateful to this year's Savor the Story 2022 Tribute Sponsors! Their support has been critical to ensuring that PPL's programs, resources, and services are accessible to you no matter where you are! Please join us in giving a h..." (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Which Witch Is Which? (April 30)
• Hire A Pro To Tackle Mom's To-Do List (May 8)
• West Bay RI Strides for Independence 1K/5K Walk (May 14)
• The Greene School Challenge with BoldrDash (May 22)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Providence Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com