Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of September.
Good morning, Warwick.
Coastal1 Credit Union announced that it promoted Warwick’s Scott Handren to assistant vice president/business analyst and named Rich Hall as senior vice president/information technology plus added Brenda Cunningham as vice president/internal audit and Bethany Bishop as assistant vice president/loan servicing—each appointment is set to strengthen its operations.
On Saturday evening, a band dressed in red played 'When The Saints Come Marching In' in front of City Hall at the Warwick Center for the Arts to celebrate its 50th anniversary—guests enjoyed food, drinks, and dancing while community leaders recalled the center’s rich history and future plans. The event brought a lively Bourbon Street vibe to Apponaug and honored long-standing local traditions.
The Community College of Rhode Island opened its renovated One Stop Student Services Center at the Warwick Knight Campus on Sept.
22—celebrated by CCRI President Costigan and state leaders—and the new hub consolidates essential services such as admissions, advising, financial aid and counseling, funded by a $12-million bond with full completion expected in December.
Rhode Island College is honoring Mary L.
Palombo of Warwick for her 40 years in special education at a ceremony and dinner today at 6:30 p.m. at the Providence Marriott Downtown—she has made a lasting impact on students and the community.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation conducted a two-hour emergency response exercise at T.F.
Green last Friday — Operation Autumn Breeze 2025 simulated a commercial aircraft crisis near the original terminal on Airport Road to test coordinated efforts among local, state, and federal agencies. More than 20 agencies, including American Airlines and Breeze Airways, participated in the drill.
Helena Foulkes, a CVS executive and gubernatorial candidate who declared her bid on Sept.
9, said during her Sept. 11 speech at the Warwick Rotary Club that she would work with K. Joseph Shekarchi if he ran for governor, noting that their partnership could help fix issues like delayed bridge repairs and local business challenges. She also criticized the slow response compared to Baltimore’s pace — stressing the need to improve education, transportation and healthcare for Rhode Island.
On Tuesday, Jerome H.
Powell spoke at a Warwick luncheon to over 500 business leaders, saying the labor market is slow and inflation is high. He defended the recent rate cut — a move meant to steady the economy — and expressed hope that the Fed will fix these issues soon.
A federal judge in Washington, D.C. ruled Monday that work on the Revolution Wind offshore wind project can resume after federal regulators halted construction citing national security concerns—work on the 65-turbine project, which is 80% complete, is expected to restart as soon as possible. Local officials and union leaders said the decision protects jobs and Rhode Island's energy plans while the investigation continues.
Rhode Island Army National Guard veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War will hold a reunion on Jan 17 at the Tri-City Elks Lodge on West Shore Road in Warwick + current and retired service members from all branches are invited as the event marks the 35th anniversary of the Gulf War's start; several officials including the governor will attend.
Starting next Monday, school zone speed cameras will issue $50 fines to drivers who exceed speed limits by more than 10 mph during school hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.—the cameras were installed in August after a one-month warning period in 11 zones with 20 mph limits on city roads and 25 mph limits on state roads.
A new travel pattern on Route 2 near the Route 37 overpass will reduce lanes from two to one in each direction through November for bridge replacement, and alternating lane closures are set on I-295 north and south from 8 p.m.—5 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday to support electrical work, road construction, and milling between Cranston, Johnston and Warwick.
Ernest Almonte explained to the City Council that poor financial controls—rather than low revenue—caused the school budget crisis and that he and vice chair Sherry Kuntze donated their stipends to help local schools.
Mayor Frank Picozzi said he did not add extra funds this year and that Finance Director Craig Enos would soon deliver a five-year plan to reduce the $2.3-million shortfall.
The Toll Gate Titans have an 8-0 record in 2025 high school volleyball and coach Ryan Garno said the team built a strong junior class after losing key player Mary McNulty and is set to play the Knights and other tough teams in upcoming matches — the team is quickly turning into a top contender.
Local boys soccer teams are showing strength this fall as schools in Division I, II, and III build winning records with standout players—raising hopes for a strong playoff run.
In Warwick, Pilgrim and Toll Gate have improved their rankings through consistent play and key defensive efforts.
The Warwick Firefighters Soccer Club kicked off its fall recreation season yesterday at Winslow Park and remains the state’s largest youth soccer program, drawing community attention with an exciting opening day action.
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.
Encounter God Weekend
6-9 p.m. — The Haven — Registration required — Experience a transformational weekend retreat aimed at renewing your relationship with God.
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