Vol. CXXXII · No. CCLXXVISUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026Ocean State Edition

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276 articles · page 1 of 23
JudiciaryFree press

RI sues Kalshi and Polymarket over unlawful sports betting operations

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha sued prediction markets Kalshi Inc. and Polymarket in RI Superior Court, claiming their sports-event contracts violate state gambling laws. Kalshi preemptively filed in U.S. District Court (D.R.I.), arguing its event contracts are federally-regulated financial derivatives under CFTC oversight, not state gambling jurisdiction. The dueling lawsuits join similar battles in Massachusetts and other states over prediction-market sports wagering.

Read at goupstate.comMAY 24, 2026
CommercePaywall

Rhode Island unemployment rises to 4.5% in April, third highest in New England

Rhode Island's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed to 4.5% in April from 4.7% in March, according to the state Department of Labor and Training. The rate remains above the national 4.3% and marks the third highest in New England, with the state's jobless rate exceeding the regional average for ten consecutive quarters.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
pbn.com
MAY 24, 2026
CommerceFree press

Portsmouth shoreline reopens to shellfishing after 50 years, but industry faces decline

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management reopened a 462-acre Portsmouth shellfishing area for the first time since 1975 after water quality improvements from infrastructure investments. However, longtime quahoggers warn the state's shellfish industry is collapsing, with harvests at record lows and active boats declining from 2,000 to approximately 10, threatening Rhode Island's $315.6 million seafood industry.

turnto10.comMAY 24, 2026
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CommercePaywall

Rhode Island median home price hits $529K in April, sales volume declines 6.9%

The median sale price for single-family homes in Rhode Island reached $529,000 in April, up 10.2% year-over-year, while sales fell 6.9% to 515 transactions, according to the Rhode Island Association of Realtors. Pending contracts dropped 12.9%, signaling slower market activity despite rising prices, with affordability concerns squeezing buyers and the median age for first-time buyers now at 40.

pbn.comMAY 24, 2026
GovernancePaywall

McKee and Blazejewski debate scope of proposed inspector general's office

Gov. Dan McKee on May 22 questioned why House Speaker Blazejewski's proposed inspector general's office would oversee only the executive branch and not the Legislature. Blazejewski testified before the House Finance Committee that the 2004 separation of powers amendment prevents an executive agency from overseeing legislative and judicial branches. Republican Lt. Gov. candidate John Loughlin raised similar concerns about legislative accountability.

bostonglobe.comMAY 24, 2026
JudiciaryFree press

RI District Judge McElroy quashes DOJ subpoena for trans youth records

U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy on May 13 blocked the Trump administration's subpoena for confidential transgender patient records from Rhode Island Hospital. McElroy ruled the DOJ subpoena lacked a congressionally authorized purpose, was issued for an improper goal, and violated the 14th Amendment privacy rights of minors. She wrote DOJ had "proven unworthy of trust" by misrepresenting facts to courts. The DOJ appealed and the case is now entangled with a conflicting Texas court order.

rilawyersweekly.comMAY 23, 2026
JudiciaryFree press

JNC selects nine candidates for RI Superior Court seat interview

The Judicial Nominating Commission voted unanimously to interview nine of 22 applicants for the Superior Court vacancy created by Judge Joseph A. Montalbano's elevation to presiding justice. Candidates include Family Court Magistrate Denise Cassisi Finkelman, prosecutors Angelyne Cooper-Bailey and Joelle Rocha, and private practitioners. Interviews are scheduled, and the commission will provide finalists to Gov. McKee. Superior Court base salary is $205,567.

rilawyersweekly.comMAY 23, 2026
CommercePaywall

Brown Health operating losses deepen, won't fund Newport Hospital birthing center

Brown University Health reported deepening operating losses in Q1 2026 and stated it will not contribute toward the $4.9 million needed to keep Newport Hospital's birthing center open. CFO Peter Markell said the system seeks funding from state government or philanthropy. The announcement comes amid broader financial pressure on Rhode Island's largest healthcare employer.

pbn.comMAY 23, 2026
CommercePaywall

Rhode Island's April jobless rate 4.5%, third highest in New England

Rhode Island's unemployment rate stood at 4.5% in April, the third highest in New England and above the national rate of 4.3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unemployment rates were lower in three states, higher in two, and stable in 45 states and D.C. during the month.

pbn.comMAY 23, 2026
CommercePaywall

Boston Fed's Susan Collins hears from R.I. CEOs on labor shortages, cost pressures

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan M. Collins met with Rhode Island business leaders May 6 at Blount Fine Foods in Warren for a closed-door economic briefing focused on labor market conditions and business pressures. The session, organized by The CEO Council of Rhode Island, addressed workforce shortages and cost challenges facing the state's employers.

pbn.comMAY 23, 2026
CommerceJudiciaryPaywall

Neronha sues two prediction markets for unlawful sports gambling in RI

Attorney General Peter Neronha filed suit in Providence County Superior Court May 22 against New York-based Kalshi Inc. and Polymarket, alleging their sports-related "event contracts" constitute illegal sports betting under Rhode Island law. The lawsuit claims both companies are operating unlawfully in the state without proper licensing.

pbn.comMAY 23, 2026
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