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Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter that’s as fun as New Year’s Eve cheers 🥂 

What to expect in today’s Current:

• RI’s top 2024 baby names 👶

• Providence’s recap 🏙️

• PPSD improvements 🏫 

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Reply to this email with how many guesses it took you!

Currents & Waves

🏙️ Providence's Year of Progress

Mayor Brett Smiley marked his second year with big achievements for Providence. The city improved roads, built more affordable housing, and invested in parks and schools. Efforts like a $55M housing plan added over 1,600 affordable units, while new zoning rules made housing development easier. Climate action included a carbon-neutral ordinance, flood prevention, and a resiliency hub in Olneyville. Public safety grew with new police officers, illegal firearm removal, and expanded EMS programs. Notably, Providence signed a historic payment agreement with Brown University, boosting community funding. Recognized nationally for walkability and inclusivity, the city’s future looks brighter than ever.

👶 Rhode Island's Top Baby Names

The Rhode Island Department of Health shared the most popular baby names of 2024! For girls, Charlotte holds the top spot again, followed by Mia and Amelia. For boys, Liam leads the list, with Lucas and Noah close behind. Compared to 2023, Charlotte stayed #1 for girls, while Liam moved up from second place for boys.

📚 Providence Schools Show Improvement

Providence schools are making strides, with seven schools increasing their star ratings in the Rhode Island Department of Education's 2024 accountability report. Over 3,000 students now attend higher-performing schools. Schools like Asa Messer Elementary credit tutoring, Saturday classes, and break academies for their success. Harry Kizirian Elementary, Nathanael Greene Middle School, and others exited the lowest-performing category, reflecting strong progress. Leaders are celebrating the gains while focusing on continued improvement.

💸 RI Minimum Wage Hits $15 in 2025

Rhode Island’s minimum wage will rise to $15 an hour in 2025, marking the final step in a series of increases that began in 2021 when the wage was $11.50. Meanwhile, domestic workers, such as nannies and housekeepers, now enjoy employee status, granting them rights like overtime pay and sick leave.

Weekend Events

_{It’s a shorter event list this weekend!}

• 😂 Live Comedy | 8PM Jan 3 (Learn more)

  • Location: Hide Speakeasy @ The George on Washington St.

  • Description: Every weekend enjoy live comedy with the best comics in the North East.

• ✨ Holiday Lights Spectacular | Nightly through Jan 4 (Learn more)

  • Location: Roger Williams Park Zoo

  • Description: Stroll through a dazzling 3.5 million light winter wonderland, roast s’mores, and enjoy festive displays perfect for all ages!

• 😂 DeRay Davis | Jan 3-5 (Learn more)

  • Location: Comedy Connection

  • Description: DeRay Davis, a comedian-turned-actor, is known for his roles in 21 Jump Street and Black Dynamite, blending humor with personal stories of race and poverty.

• 🧩 Discovery Tykes | Jan 3 (Learn more)

  • Location: Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

  • Description: Children, ages 2-4 with a parent or caregiver, will investigate the world around them as they sing, dance, and discover in this monthly series.

• 🐐 Bingo Night Fundraiser | Jan 5 (Learn more)

  • Location: VFW Post 449

  • Description: Play bingo and support the Sanctuary of Hope in their mission to take care of and be a sanctuary for goats, cows, and other animals!

• 😂 The Comedy Bus | Jan 4 (Learn more)

  • Location: Comedy Bus

  • Description: The Comedy Bus is a 90-minute hilarity-filled standup comedy experience.

If you got this far please check us out on Instagram and give us a follow @PVDCurrent

Seaside Skies

FRIDAY

39°🌡 24° | 🌤️ | 💧 1% | 💨 W 18 mph

SATURDAY

34°🌡 24° | 🌤️💨 | 💧 1% | 💨 WNW 20 mph

SUNDAY

35°🌡 20° | 🌥️ | 💧 1% | 💨 WNW 15 mph

(The forecast as of the night before this newsletter was published.)

Sound Waves

FRIDAY

Ladder 133 | Local Music | 6:30pm

Moonshine Alley | Eli Cash Band | 9pm

SATURDAY

Moonshine Alley | Nico Rivers | 5-8pm

Moonshine Alley | Chris Shelby | 9:30pm

That’s all for today…

Thank you for reading all the way through! Feel free to email us with any questions or suggestions. You’ll hear from us again on Monday.

Thanks,

Oscar Punchak | Publisher, PVD Current