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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.
Gov. Dan McKee submitted budget amendments rolling back some proposed changes to renewable energy programs. New proposals would expand the Renewable Energy Standard to include nuclear and hydropower in a 'clean energy standard,' and cap virtual net metering at 125 megawatts rather than eliminate it entirely. Changes aim to reduce costs while aligning with neighboring states.
Rhode Island's median single-family home price reached $529,000 in April, nearing last year's record high, while inventory remains at 1,333 listings statewide—far below the pre-pandemic 3,398 listings. The median age for first-time buyers has risen to 40, as affordability pressures intensify. Multi-family home prices also remain elevated at $616,000.
Rhode Island's four major commercial insurers exceeded the state's voluntary 5.1% cost growth target in 2024, with actual growth hitting 9.1%—nearly double the goal. Total healthcare spending reached $10.25 billion ($10,901 per resident). State Insurance Commissioner Cory King now proposes enforceable sanctions after two years of voluntary targets failing to control costs.
Procaccianti Companies and TPG Hotels & Resorts announced site work begins June 1 on The Bellevue, a 90-room luxury boutique hotel at 181 Bellevue Ave. in Newport. The phased construction will install water lines and stormwater systems first, while the retail plaza and parking lot remain open. The project represents significant commercial real estate development on Newport's premier shopping corridor.
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management reopened a 462-acre shellfishing area along the Portsmouth shoreline south of the Mount Hope Bridge for the first time since 1975. Improved water quality from wastewater infrastructure investments enabled the upgrade. The announcement coincides with Rhode Island's 10th annual Quahog Week celebrating the state's fishing and marine trades.
In his first major legislative initiative as House Speaker, Christopher Blazejewski on May 14 introduced a bill to create a state Office of Inspector General to detect fraud, waste, and abuse after infrastructure failures like the Washington Bridge collapse and payroll blunders. The office, estimated to cost $2 million annually, enjoys bipartisan support and aims to restore public trust. With six weeks left in the session, Blazejewski merged pragmatism with impact in championing the long-debated proposal.
The Rhode Island Senate on May 19 unanimously passed S 2334, which allows officeholders and candidates to use up to $10,000 per election cycle from campaign accounts for home and office security systems. The legislation responds to a nationwide rise in threats against public officials, including the fatal 2025 shooting of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. The bill specifically excludes firearms, ammunition, payments to family members, and unrelated home improvements.
Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green on May 19 criticized Providence School Board President Ty'Relle Stephens for publicly sharing a confidential five-page RIDE memo outlining a tentative plan to return control of Providence schools to the city by June 30, 2027. The plan includes a one-year transition during which the school board regains budget and policy authority but RIDE retains the power to appoint, oversee, and terminate the superintendent. Infante-Green said the details remain under negotiation and should not have been released.
Gov. Dan McKee on May 19 submitted six nominees to the Coastal Resources Management Council, the first slate since a 2025 law shrank the council from 10 to 7 members and added expertise requirements. Nominees include wetlands permitting specialist Scott Rabideau, former DEM director W. Michael Sullivan, engineer Richard Bernardo, and entrepreneur Carder Starr. All face Senate Committee on Environmental and Agriculture review May 20.
