Vol. CXXXII · No. CCLXXVIMONDAY, MAY 25, 2026Ocean State Edition

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276 articles · page 10 of 23
GovernanceFree press

Attorney General Neronha proposes legislation to address healthcare crisis in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced a group of legislative proposals on May 7 aimed at addressing the state's healthcare crisis. The proposals focus on lowering prescription drug costs, ensuring hospital stability, and preventing anti-competitive practices by pharmacy benefit managers. Neronha emphasized the need for comprehensive reform to improve healthcare affordability and accessibility for Rhode Islanders.

pbn.comMAY 10, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Sen. Euer files bill to cap utility capital spending hikes, shield ratepayers from lobbying costs

Sen. Dawn Euer introduced legislation that would limit annual increases to a utility's infrastructure, safety, and reliability capital improvement plan to no more than 3% of the five-year average. The bill, 2026-S 2779, would also block utilities from recovering legal and administrative costs tied to rate cases or ISR proceedings from ratepayers. Euer argues the current framework incentivizes utilities to spend aggressively on capital projects to generate shareholder profits.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
whatsupnewp.comMAY 10, 2026
GovernanceOther

Rhode Island Senate confirms four new members to State Arts Council

The Rhode Island Senate confirmed four appointments to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) Board: Maggie Anderson of Johnston, André Herrera of Providence, Kara Kunst of Warwick, and Michael Rose of Providence. Governor McKee nominated the appointees. Long-time board members Dominique Alfandre and Jennifer Fonseca, along with Marisa Angell Brown, stepped down from the Council.

rcnamericactri.blogspot.comMAY 10, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

House Speaker Shekarchi Steps Down, Seeks RI Supreme Court Appointment

Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi resigned from the speakership (but remains in the House) to apply for a vacancy on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, created by Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg's retirement. Shekarchi's move raises legal questions about the state's "revolving door" statute barring legislators from judicial appointments while in office and for one year thereafter. House Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski has secured support to succeed Shekarchi as speaker.

bostonglobe.comMAY 9, 2026
JudiciaryGovernanceFree press

Ethics Complaint Filed Against Shekarchi Over Supreme Court Bid

Law professor Michael Yelnosky filed an ethics complaint challenging Speaker Shekarchi's application to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, alleging violation of the state's revolving door law, which requires legislators to wait one year before seeking another state position. The complaint argues Shekarchi may be using his speakership to gain unfair advantage over other judicial candidates. An adjudication is pending.

turnto10.comMAY 9, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

House Elects Blazejewski Speaker After Shekarchi Resigns to Seek High Court

The Rhode Island House of Representatives elected Christopher Blazejewski as speaker on a 65–10 party-line vote after K. Joseph Shekarchi stepped down to apply for a state Supreme Court vacancy. Katherine Kazarian was elected majority leader, becoming the first woman in that role. The transition is rare mid-session and comes as the General Assembly enters the final stretch before the June budget deadline.

bostonglobe.comMAY 9, 2026
JudiciaryFree press

RI Supreme Court Rules Against PACE-RI in $1.2M Tax Exemption Case

The Rhode Island Supreme Court ruled that PACE Organization of RI, a Medicaid-funded healthcare nonprofit, is not eligible for tax exemption on $1.2 million in property taxes paid to East Providence. PACE had argued its facility qualifies under a statute for organizations aiding the "aged poor," but the court affirmed the trial court's denial. The decision clarifies the scope of century-old property tax exemption statutes.

eastbayri.comMAY 9, 2026
JudiciaryPaywall

Mass. Man Pleads No Contest in Matos Campaign Signature Forgery Scandal

Christopher Cotham, 47, pleaded no contest in Rhode Island Superior Court to charges of falsifying nomination papers for Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos' 2023 congressional campaign. Cotham received a three-year deferred sentence; hearing continues June 9. He was the second defendant convicted in the forgery scandal that derailed Matos' campaign. Holly McClaren, who hired Cotham, pleaded no contest in 2025 and received a suspended sentence with probation.

bostonglobe.comMAY 9, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

Federal grant awards Quonset $11.25M for Port of Davisville infrastructure upgrades

Rhode Island's congressional delegation secured an $11.25 million federal grant to modernize the Port of Davisville at Quonset Business Park. The funding, from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Port Infrastructure Development Program, will upgrade facilities, enhance safety and efficiency, and promote job growth. Sen. Jack Reed said the grant comes after Trump administration delays.

jamestownpress.comMAY 9, 2026
CommerceFree press

Tidewater Landing Phase II advances with 575 housing units in Pawtucket

Pawtucket officials announced the second phase of Tidewater Landing, featuring 575 housing units split between the Seekonk River's east (325 units) and west (250 units) sides, plus commercial space. The mixed-use development near Centreville Bank Stadium will include public amenities, green spaces, a pool, and fitness center. Mayor Donald Grebien cited the project as evidence of smart public-private partnerships transforming the riverfront.

turnto10.comMAY 9, 2026
CommerceFree press

Carter's children's clothing chain closing 150 U.S. stores including Providence location

Carter's, which operates OshKosh and B'Gosh labels, is closing 150 stores nationwide as leases expire, including its Providence location. The Atlanta-based children's clothier cited elevated product costs from tariffs weighing on profitability. The closures are part of 1,400 retail stores expected to close across the U.S. in 2026.

patch.comMAY 9, 2026
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