World Cup in Rhode Island: Providence kicked off its official PVD FanZone at Station Park with free match broadcasts, live music, cultural programming, food trucks, and a beer/wine garden running through July 19, with RI putting $500,000 toward the festivities. Ghana Spotlight: The Black Stars touched down in Providence and will train at Bryant University in Smithfield before heading to Toronto for their opener. Local Sports Tech: Rhode Island lawmakers are weighing a push to require Guardian Caps for high school football, though it faces a legislative hurdle. Movies & Entertainment Business: Kinepolis is buying Showcase Cinemas (13 locations, including one in Rhode Island) from Harbor Lights Entertainment in a $30 million deal, adding 164 screens. Community Feel-Good: Burrillville’s “Rock Father” keeps spreading kindness on Misquamicut Beach with his annual “Kindness Rocks” project. Arts & Culture: Mattel’s toy history is getting a spotlight with Toy Story 5 landing in theaters this week. Health & Recovery: Rhode Island overdose deaths are down 50%, the lowest since 2012, according to the state’s overdose task force. Remembering a Scholar: Brown historian Gordon S. Wood died at 92 after being struck by a car in East Providence.