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Providence leaders celebrated the opening of a new Providence Business Center on the first floor of 444 Westminster Street. The center is designed to be a one-stop shop for small-business needs. Mayor Brett Smiley's office said the dedicated space will streamline services available to small businesses in the city.
House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi has resigned from his leadership position to seek appointment to the Rhode Island Supreme Court. The vacancy arose after Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg's February retirement announcement. House Majority Leader Christopher R. Blazejewski is the likely successor, calling members Wednesday afternoon to request support. Shekarchi completed his application for the Supreme Court position this past week.
A bipartisan group of Rhode Island lawmakers and business leaders held a press conference opposing Gov. McKee's proposed 3% surtax on income over $1 million and other tax policies they say undermine economic growth. The coalition argues these tax increases could drive high earners and businesses out of Rhode Island, harming the state's competitiveness.
Rhode Island finalized a settlement with Deloitte Consulting LLP related to the December 2024 ransomware attack that shut down the RIBridges benefits system. Deloitte will pay the state a total of $12 million ($5 million paid in February 2025, plus $7 million now) and has provided $6 million in system enhancements and operational support. The attack exposed private information of more than 650,000 people.
The Valley Breeze newspaper announced it acquired the northern Rhode Island news site NRI Now and will bring aboard its founder/publisher Sandy Hall. Financial terms were not disclosed. Hall created NRI Now in 2018 to fill a local news gap and will now focus solely on reporting rather than business operations. The NRI Now website will cease updating.
Rhode Island lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow up to four non-violent felonies to be expunged from criminal records after a 15-year waiting period following completion of sentences. The bill, already passed by the Senate and sponsored by Sen. Jake Bissaillon, would also permit expungement of multiple misdemeanors. Crimes such as child endangerment, elder abuse, and DUI would remain ineligible. The House Judiciary Committee approved the measure 10-5, with a floor vote scheduled for May 12.
The Rhode Island Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Sam Zurier and Rep. Edith Ajello that would regulate the largely unregulated direct-to-consumer genetic testing market. The Genetic Information Privacy Act would require explicit consent before companies collect, use, or disclose customers' genetic data, ban deceptive website design patterns, and impose civil penalties up to $1,000 for negligent violations. The bill has now passed both chambers of the General Assembly.
The Rhode Island House of Representatives approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Joseph McNamara that would move the state's presidential preference primary from the fourth Tuesday in April to the first Tuesday in March, aligning it with Super Tuesday when roughly one-third of all convention delegates are selected. Supporters argue the change would give Rhode Island voters greater access to presidential candidates and increase civic participation.
The Rhode Island House of Representatives approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Samuel Azzinaro creating three new state awards for Rhode Island military and National Guard members. The bill establishes the Rhode Island Legion of Merit for outstanding leadership, the Rhode Island State Partnership Program Ribbon for service in partnership program countries, and the Rhode Island Funeral Honors Ribbon for military funeral honors team members. The measure also expands Rhode Island Star eligibility. The bill now moves to the Senate.
Governor McKee nominated and the Rhode Island Senate confirmed four new appointments to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Board: Maggie Anderson of Johnston, André Herrera of Providence, Kara Kunst of Warwick, and Michael Rose of Providence. The confirmations follow the departure of three long-time board members. RISCA Chair Lawrence Purtill stated the new members bring expertise and resources to continue the council's momentum.
Proclamation Ale Company, one of Rhode Island's most iconic craft breweries, served its final drinks on May 3, 2026. The Warwick brewery, founded by the late Dave Witham and later run by his wife Lori, was credited with having a major influence on Rhode Island's craft beer industry and local community.
