Good morning, Providence.

Melissa Cherney became the new CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank about a month ago and relied on her own experience with hunger to shape her plans.

She toured food pantries last week—finding reduced supplies and rising need as families struggled to cover basic expenses.

Rhode Island libraries now let residents borrow items like tools, toys, and sewing machines for free—this service helps people try new projects without spending money and meets community needs.

On Saturday, World War II veteran William McClintick, 106-year-old from East Greenwich, laid a wreath at Arlington Cemetery to honor the Unknown Soldier alongside veterans John McDonough and Charles Vieira in a ceremony organized by the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub.

The event marked the 33rd Honor Flight and celebrated a legacy of service.

The Union Fire District of South Kingstown held a memorial parade on Sunday to honor firefighters Willian Gray, Byron Love, and Allan LePage (died 1967, 1968, 2009) (paying tribute to their sacrifice in the line of duty).

Authorities said a shooting at a Mormon church in Michigan left at least two dead and over eight injured after the gunman set the building on fire before being killed in crossfire.

Local church members in Warwick were shocked to learn of the tragedy—occurring less than 24 hours after the church mourned the loss of President Russell Nelson—and they expressed deep sympathy for those affected.

Paul Dama, a Nigerian restaurant manager from Providence detained by ICE in Brockton, was granted asylum and will soon return home, officials said — his visa expired in 2019 and his case had been pending for years.

A 64-page audit by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.—released by Attorney General Peter Neronha on Friday—said officials should have spotted problems with the westbound Washington Bridge sooner when tests did not catch early issues in the post-tensioning system before the bridge closed in December. The audit urges RIDOT to review its inspection practices while the state sues companies tied to the bridge’s work.

RIPTA bus routes were changed Saturday—45 routes were cut or altered to address a $10 million budget shortfall that left weekend riders with longer wait times.

One local rider said the new schedule forces commuters to adjust work hours as service ends earlier than before.

Rhode Island International Film Festival

8-10 p.m. — 195 District Park — Cost not specified — Experience diverse global storytelling with Oscar-qualifying films from over 60 countries.

Music at the Blissful

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Taft Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy lots of dancing and engaging music for all ages with Evan at this family-friendly event.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child

7-8:30 p.m. — Providence Performing Arts Center — $5 for ages 11 and up, free for children under 10 — Experience the wonder of the wizarding world in a captivating theatrical journey.

Live Music with J. Michael Graham

5-9 p.m. — The Guild PVD Beer Garden — Free admission — Celebrate the weekend with live music from Rhode Island's own J. Michael Graham.

Howl-o-ween Hike N Treat

2:30-5:00 p.m. — Warwick City Park — Fundraising entry — Bring your furry friends for a fun-filled hike benefiting the Warwick Animal Shelter.

Improv 101 Class

Oct 5 – Nov 2 — Kismet Improv — Cost info not provided — Discover the fun of improv in this beginner-friendly four-week class.

Rhode Island International Film Festival

8-10 p.m. — 195 District Park — Tickets available — Celebrate diverse global storytelling with Oscar-qualifying films from over 60 countries.

Golden Reflection Painting Night

7-9:30 p.m. — Paint and Vino — Complimentary beverage included — Unleash your creativity while sipping and painting at this relaxing studio session.

Collecting Modern Furniture: A Panel Conversation

5-6:30 p.m. — Providence Preservation Society — $15 Students / $30 PPS Members / $35 General — Explore insights on collecting modern design from experts in a guided discussion.

Rhode Island International Film Festival

8-10 p.m. — 195 District Park — Entry Fee to be Confirmed — Experience global cinema with films from over 60 countries at this prestigious festival.