Vol. CXXXII · No. CDLXXXIXSUNDAY, JULY 12, 2026Ocean State Edition

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489 articles · page 32 of 41
JudiciaryGovernanceFree press

Trump administration keeps Calenda as RI federal prosecutor despite expired interim term

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appointed Charles 'Chas' Calenda as 'Special Attorney and First Assistant United States Attorney' for Rhode Island after his 120-day interim US Attorney term expired April 28. Chief Judge John McConnell declined to appoint a replacement to avoid clashing with the administration. Democratic senators had opposed Calenda's original appointment, calling him unqualified, and the move appears to circumvent normal Senate confirmation protocols.

turnto10.comMAY 2, 2026
CommercePaywall

Quonset secures $11.25M federal grant for port infrastructure improvements

Rhode Island has re-secured a previously revoked $11.25 million federal grant for infrastructure improvements at Quonset Business Park's Port of Davisville. The Port Infrastructure Development Program funding will support port operations, capacity, and safety. The Biden administration initially earmarked the grant in 2024 before it was temporarily withdrawn.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
pbn.comMAY 2, 2026
CommerceFree press

Joe Paolino floats possibility of Costco at Providence Place Mall

Developer Joe Paolino, newly named co-owner of Providence Place Mall, raised the prospect of bringing a Costco wholesale store to the mall, though he acknowledged it as a "long shot" and said no serious conversations with Costco have occurred. Former RI Gov. Gina Raimondo and gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes both sit on Costco's board.

turnto10.comMAY 2, 2026
GovernancePaywall

McKee revises solar energy plan, maintains $1B ratepayer savings goal

Governor Dan McKee withdrew an across-the-board payment cut to large solar farms and introduced a voluntary fixed-price program instead. The governor also proposes lowering the virtual net metering cap from 275 megawatts to 125. A budget amendment would also push the state's 100% renewable energy goal from current targets to 2050. McKee's office says the revised plan still saves ratepayers $1 billion over five years.

providencejournal.comMAY 2, 2026
GovernanceFree press

House passes telecommunications infrastructure protection bill to Senate

The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy that would add telecommunications infrastructure to existing law protecting electric and communications lines from tampering. The bill addresses theft of copper and equipment from wireless towers and small cell sites. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.

thewesterlysun.comMAY 2, 2026
GovernanceCommunity

Save Rhode Island School Libraries Act would mandate certified librarians

House Bill H7417 and Senate Bill S2078, together titled the Save Rhode Island School Libraries Act, would require all Rhode Island public schools to have a dedicated library space with daily access. Schools with more than 250 students must employ at least one full-time certified school librarian, while smaller schools must have at least one part-time certified librarian. The University of Rhode Island is the only in-state institution offering the required Master of Library Information Studies degree.

rhodycigar.comMAY 2, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

Federal Court Won't Replace Calenda; Trump Admin Keeps Him in Charge

US District Court for Rhode Island declined to appoint a new interim US attorney after Charles Calenda's 120-day term expired April 28. The Trump administration responded by naming Calenda 'Special Attorney and First Assistant US Attorney,' allowing him to remain atop the office without Senate confirmation. Chief Judge John McConnell cited preserving 'non-political professional operation' in his order, though critics see the move as circumventing Senate consultation.

bostonglobe.comMAY 1, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

North Kingstown Residents Sue State Agencies Over Quonset Sludge Plant

North Kingstown Residents for Clean Air and Water sued the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, RI Commerce, and Quonset Development Corporation in Providence County Superior Court over a proposed $150 million sewage-sludge processing plant at Quonset Business Park. The 23-page complaint alleges state agencies failed to assess health and environmental impacts and denied adequate public notice. Plaintiffs seek to void the air permit and lease, plus compensatory damages.

bostonglobe.comMAY 1, 2026
JudiciaryPaywall

Providence Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Blocking 'Conjuring House' Sale

Providence County Superior Court Associate Justice Shannon Signore dismissed a lawsuit alleging the house owner lacked mental capacity to sell the Burrillville farmhouse made famous by 'The Conjuring.' The judge found plaintiff Elizabeth Greenhalgh lacked standing to sue on her sister's behalf without legal guardianship. Jason Hawes, holder of a signed deed, remains in position to close the deal, though guardianship petitions in Massachusetts probate court continue.

bostonglobe.comMAY 1, 2026
CommercePaywall

Textron reports 6% Q1 profit increase, plans to separate industrial segment

Providence-based Textron Inc. reported first-quarter profit of $220 million, a 6% increase from $207 million in the prior year, with earnings per diluted share rising to $1.25 from $1.13. The company also announced plans to separate its industrial segment—composed of Kautex and Textron Specialized Vehicles—from its core aerospace and defense businesses through either a sale or tax-free spin-off, positioning itself as a pure-play aerospace and defense company.

pbn.comMAY 1, 2026
CommerceFree press

Paolino Properties, Pyramid win $133M Providence Place Mall bid from receiver

Court-appointed receiver Mark Russo recommended a partnership including Paolino Properties, Pyramid Management Group, and DW Partners to acquire Providence Place Mall for approximately $133 million. The group will have exclusive rights to negotiate a final purchase agreement, pending Superior Court Judge approval. The deal marks a significant turning point for the mall, which has been under receivership after previous owner Brookfield defaulted on over $250 million in debt.

golocalprov.comMAY 1, 2026
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