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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rhode Island's Slater Technology Fund has invested in 140 startups and generated positive returns, according to a PBN cover story. The state-backed venture fund was created in the mid-1990s to support tech entrepreneurship and commercialize university research. Director Bob Chatman and Managing Director Thorne Sparkman discussed the portfolio at CIC Providence, home to several Slater-backed companies.
Newport's historic Castle Hill Inn will reopen May 23, three months after a Feb. 5 fire caused major roof and water damage to the 1875 landmark. Managing Director Brian Young described a "whirlwind" repair effort. Fire investigators ruled the blaze accidental, originating in a third-floor attic near a wood-burning chimney. Two guest rooms were destroyed; others sustained water damage.
Gov. Dan McKee asked lawmakers to use the $233 million revenue windfall to repeal a health insurance fee funding primary care, double the child tax credit to $650, eliminate the state energy tax on electric bills, and accelerate elimination of Social Security benefit taxes. The proposals would cost $97 million in FY2027.
