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

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489 articles · page 28 of 41
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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.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
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
GovernanceFree press

Rhode Island tax revenue forecast exceeds projections by $233 million over two years

Rhode Island's Revenue Estimating Conference on May 9, 2026, projected state tax revenue will exceed forecasts by $155 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and by $79 million in 2026-27, giving budget-writers $233 million more to work with. The revised forecast shows state revenue rising 6% in the current fiscal year, from $5.6 billion in 2024-25. The announcement sets the stage for final budget negotiations as the General Assembly's session nears its close.

wpri.comMAY 9, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Speaker Blazejewski appoints new chief of staff, Ray Simone exits State House

Newly elected Speaker Christopher Blazejewski will not retain former Speaker Joe Shekarchi's chief of staff Ray Simone, according to sources. Danica Dayian Iacoi, chief legal counsel to the majority leader and a veteran House staffer since 2004, will serve as Blazejewski's chief of staff. Simone, who ran Senator Jack Reed's Rhode Island office for decades and earned $234,000 as Shekarchi's chief of staff, is leaving the State House.

golocalprov.comMAY 9, 2026
CommerceFree press

Brightstar Lottery signs nine-year lease extension, anchors downtown Providence headquarters

Brightstar Lottery has signed a long-term lease extension to remain at 10 Memorial Blvd. in Providence through at least July 2036, with an option for seven additional years. The agreement, announced by Brightstar and property owner FM, keeps the company's global headquarters in downtown Providence and stabilizes a major downtown employer.

pbn.comMAY 8, 2026
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