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

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276 articles · page 6 of 23
JudiciaryPaywall

RI Judge Quashes DOJ Subpoena for Transgender Youth Medical Records

U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy blocked the Department of Justice from obtaining medical records of transgender minors treated at Rhode Island Hospital, ruling the subpoena was issued in "bad faith" and constituted a "fishing expedition." McElroy criticized DOJ attorneys for misleading a Texas judge who had ordered compliance, calling their conduct a "reckless disregard for the duty of candor." Seven other federal courts have previously blocked similar DOJ subpoena attempts nationwide.

bostonglobe.comMAY 15, 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.

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

Speaker Blazejewski proposes independent inspector general to investigate state waste and fraud

In his first major move as House speaker, Chris Blazejewski is introducing legislation to establish an independent Rhode Island inspector general with subpoena power. The office would investigate state departments, quasi-public agencies, and municipal governments using state funds. The proposal would create an advisory commission of three general officers to select the inspector general. Top Assembly Democrats have historically blocked such oversight measures. The legislation will be formally introduced next week.

wpri.comMAY 15, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Gov. McKee proposes $228M surplus spending plan targeting healthcare, childcare, energy costs

Governor Dan McKee unveiled an eight-point plan to spend Rhode Island's $228 million budget surplus, focusing half on reducing healthcare, childcare, and energy costs. The proposal includes eliminating the state's 4% electricity tax, accelerating the phaseout of income tax on Social Security benefits, and doubling an annual tax credit for income-eligible families. McKee also proposes increasing mandated state health and social services spending by $5 million. The plan builds on his $1 billion long-term energy savings initiative.

rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 15, 2026
GovernanceFree press

RI lawmakers receive extra $233M in revenue for FY2027 budget deliberations

The biannual Revenue and Caseload Estimating Conference on May 11 found an additional $233 million in revenue for Rhode Island's fiscal 2027 budget—$155 million for the current year and more for next. Lawmakers now must decide how to allocate the windfall amid competing pressures. Federal cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs complicate an otherwise positive revenue picture. The unexpected surplus stems from robust personal income growth reflected in higher-than-expected withholding revenues.

oceanstatemedia.orgMAY 15, 2026
GovernanceJudiciaryPaywall

RI Senate considers asking Supreme Court for opinion on clergy abuse bill constitutionality

Rather than vote on legislation allowing previously expired civil claims against institutions that enabled clergy sexual abuse, the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee will consider asking the state Supreme Court for a constitutional opinion. The House voted 68-5 on April 7 to pass a bill opening a revival window for such claims. Attorney General Peter Neronha recommended passage in his March report on Diocese of Providence clergy sexual abuse. The Senate balked at similar legislation last year.

bostonglobe.comMAY 15, 2026
JudiciaryPaywall

Man Remains at Large Week After Judge Orders ICE Re-Detain Him

Bryan Rafael Gómez, an undocumented immigrant wanted on a homicide warrant in the Dominican Republic, remains missing more than a week after US District Judge Melissa R. DuBose ordered ICE to re-detain him. Gómez was initially released after the federal government failed to disclose the foreign warrant to the court. DuBose ordered his re-detention on May 5, but ICE has not located him; his attorney reports no one has been able to reach him. The case has sparked a disciplinary investigation into DOJ conduct.

bostonglobe.comMAY 14, 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
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