Good morning, Warwick.

Rhode Island’s quahogs—known as hard-shell clams elsewhere—are a key part of local culture and economy, and native tribes once gathered them for food and trade; scientists and lawmakers are studying a steep decline in harvests from recent decades to guide future efforts.

Warwick Superintendent Lynn Dambruch submitted her retirement after announcing it in a letter on Monday—she served for 39 years and was named superintendent in May.

The School Committee discussed her retirement in closed session, and assistant superintendent William McCaffrey will serve as acting superintendent.

Jim Corwin and Warren Heyman of the RI School Recycling Project were honored with the Reuse and Recycling Award at Clean Water Action's Breakfast of Champions on May 9 at Edgewood Yacht Club.

Their food waste program now covers 52 schools and has lowered daily trash at Hoxsie Elementary — cutting waste from 12 to 2 bags — while teaching students to share uneaten food.

Yesterday, the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban the sale, purchase and possession of assault weapons, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison or fines of up to $10,000, and required residents with existing assault weapons to register them with local police. Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz held a press conference with gun owners at 1 p.m.—and the committee also discussed other gun-related bills at 2 p.m.

The state senate passed a bill that will require each school to set its own rules for cell phone use in class and on field trips—with exemptions for assistive technology—and also passed a Freedom to Read Act to protect libraries and students from censorship.

Both bills now head to the House and will take effect on August 1 if signed.

Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi announced that Police Chief Bradford Connor will retire on June 29.

He has led the department for four-and-a-half years and built respect throughout the law enforcement community.

Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament will expand its area to include spots south of the Newport and Jamestown Bridges and along ocean beaches for contests in nine fish species.

The event starts at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, July 26 and ends Sunday at noon—an after party will follow at Capt. Nick's Rock and Roll Bar from 2 to 4 p.m.

Johnston High School's unified basketball team finished its spring season by taking second place in its division at the Rhode Island Interscholastic League State Championships (held at Bishop Hendricken in Warwick) (May 14th).

The Warwick Beacon named tennis player Cornelius Zmed as Athlete of the Week after his breakout season as a freshman for the Warwick co-op.

He won three top singles matches including a pivotal three-set win over Cranston East and qualified for the individual state tournament as playoffs approach.

6th Annual Backyard Art Show

1-7 p.m. — 450 Pequot Ave, Warwick, RI — Free entry — Explore local artists showcasing unique artwork and healing jewelry in a charming backyard setting.

Understanding AI for Vision Impairments

10-11 a.m. — North Providence Mancini Center — Registration required — Explore how AI is enhancing independence for people with vision impairments.

Gaspee Days Arts & Crafts Festival

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Pawtuxet Park — Free entry — Experience a vibrant arts and crafts festival with local artisans, music, and delicious eats.

AMC Narragansett Spring Fling

1-4 p.m. — Goddard Memorial State Park — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful picnic with games, prizes, and outdoor camaraderie at this annual spring event.

Rhode Island's 14th Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run

9 AM – 12 PM — Warwick City Park — Registration required online — Walk or run to support esophageal cancer awareness and research.