Good morning, Providence.

Local food banks are struggling to meet rising demand as a five-year high in food insecurity strains resources amid high costs and fewer donations.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank CEO warned that a projected $15M loss in SNAP benefits will prolong wait times — a challenge that may force agencies to reduce food allocations.

Community Libraries of Providence will host several events in October - a Hispanic Heritage Month Encuentro Literario on Oct.

2 at Knight Memorial Library, an AI discussion on Oct. 7 at Rochambeau Library, a haunted house called Knightmare on Elmwood on Oct. 24, and trick-or-treating at Wanskuck and Washington Park libraries on Oct. 30. Residents can join to celebrate culture and enjoy festive library programs.

Ted Dintersmith, executive producer of the documentary Multiple Choice, said Rhode Island schools may soon try new ways to teach that focus on career and technical skills—giving students more options after high school.

He warned that sticking with old test-based methods is harming kids and slowing down the state’s progress.

Airport officials today announced a $64 million renovation of T.F.

Green that will remove longtime decorations—such as a decorative sailboat and the 'Islands' art installation—to install a new 60-foot water feature, updated seating, and modern lighting, with work scheduled to be completed by late 2027.

A forensic audit by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates found that officials should have recognized the issues that led to the westbound Washington Bridge’s emergency closure in December 2023—Attorney General Peter Neronha released the draft report on Friday.

The report did not pinpoint a single cause and urged RIDOT to review other complex structures to prevent similar problems in the future.

Nearly 150 GATRA bus workers went on strike today at 4:30 a.m.—citing stalled contract talks and management disrespect—and union officials said the work stoppage follows months of negotiations that started in June.

An audit report on the Washington Bridge found that officials may have missed warning signs when the westbound side failed, and the report will shape debates in the 2026 elections + candidates will face tough questions on accountability as the governor and Senate review future appointments.

Brown University has renamed its RNA center the Giuliani RNA Center after receiving a generous gift from Giammaria and Sabrina Giuliani to support research and add a new professor seat.

Dr. Mukesh K. Jain said the funding will let the center use better tools for RNA study — helping the school work toward improved human health.

Brown’s Giuliani RNA Center and the Rhode Island Life Science Hub co-hosted a two-day symposium at Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School from September 26—27 that featured a keynote by Nobel laureate Craig Mello and panel discussions on RNA’s role in advancing diagnostics and therapeutics—highlighting strong ties between academia and industry.

The Providence Journal is holding its fourth vote for the girls volleyball athlete of the week and fans can vote online until Friday at 11:59 p.m.—email submissions are not accepted; last week, Sarah Wilcox from Mt. Hope won with 66.85% of the votes while Lyla Auth of Westerly finished second.

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.

Jurassic Quest

12-3 p.m. — Rhode Island Convention Center — Family-friendly adventure — Experience the world’s most popular dinosaur exhibit alongside an exciting LEGO festival.