Vol. CXXXII · No. CDLXXXIXSATURDAY, JULY 11, 2026Ocean State Edition

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489 articles · page 18 of 41
GovernanceFree press

Providence City Council veto override fails on rent stabilization ordinance

The Providence City Council failed to override Mayor Brett Smiley's veto of a rent stabilization ordinance that would have capped annual rent increases at 4% for select apartments. The override attempt received 9 votes, falling short of the 10-vote supermajority needed. Council President Rachel Miller indicated the effort would continue despite the May 15 defeat, with all City Council seats and the mayor's office up for election in the fall.

rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 27, 2026
GovernanceCommerceFree press

Rhode Island Lottery awards Bally's tentative license for second online sportsbook

The Rhode Island Lottery on May 8 tentatively awarded Bally's Corp. a five-year license to operate the state's second online sportsbook, ending the single-operator market in place since 2019. Bally's, which already operates Rhode Island's in-person sportsbook, was selected over competitor Rush Street Interactive. The digital platform could launch as soon as late November pending final approval.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 27, 2026
JudiciaryFree press

Federal judge blocks Trump DOJ subpoena for RI Hospital transgender patient records

U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy on May 13 quashed a Justice Department subpoena demanding confidential transgender patient information from Rhode Island Hospital, ruling that the subpoena "was issued for an improper purpose" and violates constitutional privacy rights of Rhode Island children. McElroy's decision is the latest in a series of at least seven federal courts blocking or limiting expansive DOJ civil subpoenas sent to more than 20 providers last summer. The Justice Department, which claims it is investigating possible off-label drug promotion, said it would appeal. The ruling conflicts with a subsequent order from a Texas federal judge directing the hospital to comply.

watermarkoutnews.comMAY 26, 2026
JudiciaryFree press

RI Supreme Court disbarred attorney who pleaded guilty to $415,000 trust misappropriation

The Rhode Island Supreme Court ordered attorney Kevin Brill disbarred effective May 1 after he pleaded guilty to multiple felony counts related to misappropriating $415,000 from a trust. Brill admitted to misconduct in a sworn affidavit and has also been disbarred in Massachusetts. Under the order, he cannot petition for reinstatement for at least five years and must demonstrate full restitution.

turnto10.comMAY 26, 2026
JudiciaryCommerceFree press

Federal judge halts Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission license lottery amid lawsuit

A federal judge ordered Rhode Island's Cannabis Control Commission to pause its retail license lottery and application process following a legal challenge. Lawmakers are now considering legislation to "course correct" the state's recreational cannabis rollout, which legalized marijuana in 2022. The proposed changes would amend parts of the state's cannabis law to restart the stalled licensing process.

wpri.comMAY 26, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

Monsanto to pay Rhode Island minimum $25M, up to $62.5M for PCB pollution

Monsanto Company and its affiliates will pay Rhode Island at least $25 million under a settlement resolving state claims of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in waterways and natural resources. The total payout could reach $62.5 million depending on indemnity litigation outcomes, with funds directed to cleanup and resource preservation.

ecori.orgMAY 26, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Rhode Island to return Providence schools to local control July 1, ending state takeover

Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green announced plans to recommend ending nearly seven years of state control over Providence Public Schools, with local authority returning July 1, 2026. The surprise decision, revealed in a draft order for the K-12 council's May 26 meeting, comes a year earlier than the previously planned 2027 gradual transition. Infante-Green said protracted disagreements with municipal officials over superintendent oversight made continuing state control untenable.

rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 26, 2026
GovernanceFree press

McKee outlines $50M+ in added costs for FY2027 state budget

Gov. Dan McKee issued a memo detailing over $50 million in new costs for Rhode Island's upcoming state budget. The memo, submitted to lawmakers, outlines additional spending pressures facing the fiscal 2027 budget as legislators work to finalize the spending plan. The document highlights new cost obligations that will need to be addressed in the state's financial planning.

wpri.comMAY 25, 2026
GovernanceCommunity

Rhode Island Senate and House pass bills requiring drink lids at bars

The Rhode Island Senate and House each passed legislation requiring bars and similar establishments to have lids available to protect patrons from having their drinks spiked. The bills, sponsored by Sen. Pamela Lauria and Rep. June Speakman, aim to prevent drugging incidents by offering a simple safety measure. Supporters say the requirement is as good for businesses as it is for patron safety.

patch.comMAY 25, 2026
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.

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.

pbn.comMAY 24, 2026
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