Good morning, Warwick.

A Warwick man, Mark Perkins (64), accused of murdering Charlotte Lester, pleaded not guilty to a grand jury indictment on Thursday morning and remains held without bail with his next court session scheduled on June 10.

Brain Cipher breached Rhode Island's benefits system on July 2, 2024 by stealing a Deloitte employee's credentials and worked undetected until December—transferring data for 644,000 residents, which later led Attorney General Peter Neronha to consider suing Deloitte while the state seeks new vendors.

Governor McKee’s administration confirmed that about 640,000 residents’ personal data is at risk from the RIBridges cyber attack, where hacker Brain Cipher accessed the Deloitte-run system in July and transferred files until November—information that is now on the dark web.

Officials said residents should check their Social Security details—and look for letters offering free credit monitoring available until August 31.

Warwick School officials reviewed the FY26 budget at a Wednesday City Council meeting and asked for $144,994,755 in city funds to fix deficit spending.

They said full funding is needed to cover rising costs and state mandates—Council budget hearings will begin on Monday, May 18 at City Hall.

On May 9, advocates gathered outside Advance America on Bald Hill Road in Warwick to protest payday loan practices and urge lawmakers to close a loophole that lets lenders charge rates up to 260%—about 15 people held handmade signs during the event.

Lawmakers may revisit the issue in upcoming sessions as bills to reform payday lending practices continue to be debated.

Butler Hospital workers are holding an informational picket today as their planned strike begins, after 91% of more than 800 staff voted for action (represented by SEIU 1199) amid concerns over workplace safety and wages, while Care New England said talks continue.

Rhode Island has a long love for frozen lemonade that began in Italy in the 1800s when Del's Lemonade started in a cave and grew to serve local stands in Cranston.

The guide names favorites including Palagi Brothers Ice Cream, Mr. Lemon and New England Frozen Lemonade (found at local spots) as warmer weather brings back the classic treat.

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.