Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What really went wrong in Smithfield’s high school hazing investigation?

Happening soon: Cultural Survival Bazaar on the Smithfield Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Smithfield! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What really went wrong in Smithfield’s high school hazing investigation?
  • When Sacred Heart’s 2026 baseball road swing hits Smithfield
  • Why were Smithfield police suddenly everywhere near Bryant University?

Also on today's calendar: Cultural Survival Bazaar and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Smithfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Smithfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Intervals of clouds and sun, with a high of 45 and low of 40 degrees.
  • Friday: Windy with rain, temps: high: 58, low: 24.
  • Saturday: Much colder, with a high of 37 and low of 31 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• 'Two sides to the story': Smithfield superintendent botched hazing probe (providencejournal.com) — Smithfield parents and students are learning that an internal legal review found the high school hazing case was mishandled and led to Superintendent Dawn Bartz’s immediate resignation. Investigators say they couldn’t substantiate reports of antisemitic remarks, and a separate complaint alleges student privacy was violated when details were shared with outside advocacy groups. Officials now stress both zero tolerance for bullying and strict protection of student confidentiality.
   

• Baseball Releases 2026 Schedule (sacredheartpioneers.com) — Smithfield will host Sacred Heart University’s baseball team when they visit Bryant for MAAC games on March 20–21, 2026, giving local fans a chance to see Division I action close to home. The full 2026 schedule features 51 games, mixing tough non-conference opponents with key league matchups that shape the Pioneers’ push for the MAAC playoffs.
   

• Thayer Street employees share their feelings amid Brown University manhunt (nbcconnecticut.com) — A regional manhunt for a suspected Brown University gunman has Providence businesses on edge, and Bryant University students report seeing Smithfield police heavily deployed around campus. While officials say there’s no new direct threat, many local students describe feeling unsettled and are sticking closer to familiar Thayer Street spots as they process the tragedy and ongoing search.
   

📸 Around Smithfield

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Smithfield

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • So today I found out that it’s going to be about 30k for the type of surgery that I want so that I can remove all the leftover fat from losing weight.
    That crazy. I see my body and I don’t see a fit person. I see a bunch of fat that I want gone and I’m going to have to stay with it until I get… (Nextdoor Esmond)
  • Bryant University posted a job opening for Adjunct Faculty Opportunities – Science and Technolo in Smithfield. Apply here.
  • Old Navy, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate - Crossing Smithfield in Smithfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Smithfield here.

🗞 Nearby News

Lincoln

  • Amica chief operations officer Ted Murphy to retire after 45 years (pbn.com)

North Providence

  • Which teams will win boys hoops titles this winter? Here's our picks (providencejournal.com)
  • DCYF secures state approval to buy former St. Mary's Home for Children (newsfromthestates.com)
  • Rhode Islanders Have New Hotline To Report Beached Sharks (patch.com)

Providence

Ok Smithfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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