Good morning, Warwick.

Local bands performed last weekend at the Rock the Neighborhood Music Festival at Pawtuxet Park to raise funds for a new jungle gym and playground improvements.

The event, sponsored by You Rock School of Music, drew families with lawn chairs and picnic blankets while organizers aim to reach $10,000 soon—supported by the Pawtuxet Village Association, Gaspee Days Committee, and Warwick Parks and Recreation.

An 18-year-old boy from North Smithfield was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital with second- and third-degree burns after lighting himself on fire for a TikTok challenge on Sept.

6—while a 16-year-old boy who poured gasoline on himself and jumped off a bridge was not injured.

Today, Umberto Crenca and his band rehearse at Wilbury Theater Group as they prepare for the upcoming production From Here to Where.

Local theater fans will soon see the show open and experience a new performance on stage.

Jack Landolfi, an Eagle Scout from Troop 1 Diamond Hill, installed a mini-library outside the Rhode Island Children’s Dyslexia Center near Pawtuxet Village on Sunday—he and his troop mates collected over $5,000 in books to keep the library stocked, a project that holds special meaning for him since his brother attends classes at the center.

Warwick Schools will ask the city for an extra $2.2M to cut a $4.4M shortfall for FY25 after Tuesday's committee meeting, with officials urging community support at the City Council meeting on September 22.

New high schools Pilgrim and Toll Gate will face delays, as Pilgrim is now set to finish in November and Toll Gate in December (official details).

Crews poured cement on the site of the future skating rink at City Hall Plaza on Wednesday—Mayor Frank Picozzi said the project is ahead of schedule and under budget.

He said the rink will be complete by Thanksgiving for winter skaters and will also host summer roller skating events.

Rhode Island's 988 suicide prevention hotline received 2,815 calls in July—including a 212% increase from its first month in 2022—when state officials and Gov. McKee celebrated its impact at a Sept.

8 State House event, while Sen. Reed warned that proposed federal cuts might reduce mental health care access.

Kent Hospital is bidding farewell to its president, Dr. Paari Gopalakrishnan — who turned around $3 million monthly losses and launched new programs — as he leaves to lead a Baltimore hospital network.

Rhode Islanders value his work and expect the hospital to continue its upward trend with upcoming renovations and equipment upgrades.

Rhode Island lawmakers approved more than $126 million in health care funding through the FY 2026 budget to help hospitals, primary care providers, and safety net centers recover.

They set new increases in Medicaid reimbursements and nursing home rates along with protections for the federal 340B program — steps that will strengthen the system for future care.

Ten high school running backs across Rhode Island are set to make an impact in the 2025 football season as the list features standout players from schools including North Kingstown, Bishop Hendricken, Davies, West Warwick, South Kingstown, Ponaganset, Central, Portsmouth and Cranston West—each projected to boost their teams' playoff hopes.

Live Music: Steve Anthony Performance

6-9 p.m. — Harbor Lights Dining Events Golf Marina — Free entry — Enjoy a night of unforgettable tunes from Steve Anthony at Par & Tackle.

WCFA's 50th Anniversary End of Summer Social

5-8 p.m. — Warwick Center for the Arts — Festive food, beverages, and live entertainment — Celebrate 50 years of creativity with great music and a silent auction.

West Warwick JV Volleyball Match Against Toll Gate

4:30 p.m. — 1 Webster Knight Dr, West Warwick, RI — Free entry — Cheer on the West Warwick JV volleyball team as they face off against Toll Gate in a spirited match.

Ocean State 5K Trail Race

8:00 – 10:00 a.m. — Goddard Memorial State Park — Entry fee not specified — Celebrate local sports and honor a beloved coach at this scenic 5K trail run.

Hocus Pocus: Modern Calligraphy Workshop

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Blissful Selfie Spot — Ticket required — Embrace your spooky side and learn the art of modern calligraphy in a fun, festive atmosphere.

Rhode Island Networking Night

5-8 p.m. — Apponaug Brewing Company — Attendees responsible for their own beverages — Engage in an evening of networking with peers in a relaxed atmosphere.