Vol. CXXXII · No. CIIISUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026Ocean State Edition

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103 articles · page 3 of 9
CommercePaywall

Urban Planet by Charlotte Russe Opening at Warwick Mall in Late June

Canadian fashion retailer Urban Planet, operating as Urban Planet by Charlotte Russe in U.S. markets, will open a store at Warwick Mall in late June 2026, filling the former Forever 21 space between Torrid and Foot Locker. The store targets ages 16–24 with trendy apparel. The opening represents new retail activity at Rhode Island's largest mall following last year's Forever 21 closure, though details on employment numbers were not disclosed.

providencejournal.comMAY 19, 2026
CommerceFree press

Havoc autonomous systems startup raises $100 million Series A funding

Providence-based autonomous systems startup Havoc closed a $100 million Series A funding round, bringing total capital raised to approximately $200 million since its 2024 founding. The company develops software allowing single operators to coordinate large numbers of autonomous vehicles across sea, air, and land, and has built and deployed over 100 autonomous surface vessels globally.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
workboat.com
MAY 18, 2026
CommercePaywall

Providence Schools Face $16.5 Million Deficit, 109 Jobs at Risk Including 67 Teachers

Providence Public Schools is cutting 109 full-time positions, including 67 teachers, to close a $16.5 million budget gap for fiscal year 2027 caused by declining enrollment. The Rhode Island Department of Education cited higher-than-expected service costs and a 9% increase in employee benefits as key factors. Layoff decisions are expected within a week, with June 1 the legal deadline for teacher notifications.

bostonglobe.comMAY 17, 2026
CommerceFree press

HopeHealth partners with URI College of Nursing on hospice training program

The University of Rhode Island College of Nursing and HopeHealth hospice and palliative care provider announced a new academic-practice partnership providing students with clinical rotations, advanced practice experiences, and professional development opportunities in hospice and palliative care. The formal program, announced May 7, will host URI nursing students at HopeHealth facilities and support workforce development in specialized end-of-life care within Rhode Island's healthcare sector.

pbn.comMAY 16, 2026
CommerceFree press

365 Retail Markets Acquires Cantaloupe, Expands Unattended Retail Platform

Providence Equity Partners portfolio company 365 Retail Markets has completed its acquisition of Cantaloupe Inc., a self-service commerce technology firm. The deal combines Cantaloupe's payments network and telemetry systems with 365's self-checkout platforms, creating a larger presence in unattended retail. The move aims to expand market reach beyond vending into hospitality, entertainment, and transit sectors.

pbn.comMAY 15, 2026
CommerceFree press

Bally's Selected to Operate Rhode Island's Second Online Sports Betting Site

The Rhode Island Lottery has selected Bally's to operate the state's second online sports betting platform, beating out only one other applicant, Rush Street Interactive. Bally's, which already operates Rhode Island's two casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton, is expected to launch the new site in November when IGT's exclusive deal expires. The state keeps 51% of online sports betting revenue.

turnto10.comMAY 15, 2026
CommerceFree press

Ocean State Labs Opens in Providence to Support Biotech Startups

Rhode Island leaders celebrated the opening of Ocean State Labs, a life sciences incubator in Providence's 195 District. The facility provides early-stage biotech companies with specialized lab space, infrastructure, and operational support. Governor Dan McKee and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley attended the ribbon cutting, marking what Smiley called an 'inflection point' for the state's life sciences industry after years of investment.

turnto10.comMAY 14, 2026
CommerceFree press

Providence Schools Eye 100+ Job Cuts Including 67 Teachers Amid $16.5M Gap

Providence Public Schools faces cutting 109 full-time positions including 67 teachers due to a $16.5 million budget shortfall and declining enrollment for fiscal year 2027. Layoff decisions are expected within a week, with teachers notified by the June 1 legal deadline. Officials cite projected enrollment drops partly due to immigration enforcement. The district also eliminated nine administrative positions last week.

turnto10.comMAY 14, 2026
CommercePrimary

Arvinas and Pfizer Sell VEPPANU Rights to Rigel for $85M Upfront

Rhode Island-based Arvinas and Pfizer entered a license agreement with Rigel Pharmaceuticals for exclusive global rights to VEPPANU (vepdegestrant), the first FDA-approved PROTAC protein degrader. The deal includes $85 million in upfront and transition payments split evenly between Arvinas and Pfizer, plus up to $320 million in milestones and tiered royalties on net sales in the mid-teens to mid-20s percentage range.

globenewswire.comMAY 14, 2026
CommercePaywall

Mass Deportations Could Cost Rhode Island $95M in Tax Revenue, Report Warns

A new report by the Latino Policy Institute warns mass deportations risk harming Rhode Island's economy, potentially eliminating up to $95 million in state and local taxes paid by undocumented immigrants. With immigrants accounting for 16% of the state's population, GDP, and business ownership (1 in 5 RI business owners), the report argues deportation would devastate industries reliant on immigrant labor and families.

bostonglobe.comMAY 14, 2026
CommerceGovernanceFree press

Foulkes Proposes $100M Bond for Career-Tech Education Facilities

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes announced a $100 million bond proposal to fund construction and modernization of career and technical education facilities statewide. Part of her 'Believe in Rhode Island' economic plan, the initiative aims to train workers for high-demand industries and expand alternatives to four-year college degrees. Foulkes framed it as one of the largest CTE investments in state history.

pbn.comMAY 14, 2026
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