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

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276 articles · page 7 of 23
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
CommerceFree press

15 Lawyers Join Hinckley Allen in Major Rhode Island Legal Move

Hinckley Allen announced plans to add 15 Trusts & Estates professionals from Cameron & Mittleman LLP, including three partners and 23 total staff, to its Providence office effective July 1. The move represents one of the largest legal team transfers in Rhode Island in recent years and will create one of New England's largest Trusts & Estates departments.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
golocalprov.com
MAY 14, 2026
GovernancePaywall

McKee proposes spending $233M tax windfall on child credits, electricity tax elimination

Governor Dan McKee proposed using Rhode Island's $233 million tax revenue surplus to expand his 'affordability agenda,' including doubling the proposed child tax credit to $650 per child, eliminating the state tax on electricity bills, and accelerating the elimination of taxes on Social Security income. The proposal would cost $97 million next year. The surplus comes after state fiscal analysts revised revenue estimates upward in May 2026.

providencejournal.comMAY 14, 2026
GovernanceJudiciaryFree press

Rhode Island Senate passes bill reducing misdemeanor sentences by one day

The Rhode Island Senate approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Acosta to reduce the maximum misdemeanor sentence from 365 to 364 days, aimed at protecting immigrants from federal detention or removal. The bill passed 33-5, with all four Senate Republicans and Sen. Leonidas Raptakis voting against. The judicial branch raised concerns about the bill's immediate effect date. This marks the sixth consecutive year the Senate has passed similar legislation.

rhodeislandcurrent.comMAY 14, 2026
GovernancePaywall

Rhode Island debate intensifies over proposed millionaires tax amid revenue surplus

Rhode Island lawmakers are debating a proposed 'millionaires tax' despite the state's unexpected $233 million revenue surplus. The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council released a May 12 report arguing higher income tax rates cause wealthy residents to leave for lower-tax states, citing Massachusetts as a cautionary example. The Economic Progress Institute advocates for the tax to fund critical programs and address future revenue shortfalls. Both Democratic gubernatorial candidates support the tax increase.

providencejournal.comMAY 14, 2026
GovernanceFree press

McKee identifies $50M in additional costs offsetting revenue windfall

Governor Dan McKee warned in a May 13 memo that over $50 million in unanticipated costs will reduce the recently identified $233 million revenue surplus. Major cost drivers include $230 million in additional K-12 education funding due to updated March enrollment figures showing more students in poverty, and unknown continuing deficits at the Department of Children, Youth and Families and Department of Behavioral Healthcare. McKee proposed increasing education funding to $31.3 million and using $18 million to replenish the supplemental rainy-day fund.

yahoo.comMAY 14, 2026
GovernancePaywall

Rhode Island House passes bill exempting vehicles without front plate brackets

The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed bill H7989 exempting vehicles manufactured without a front license plate bracket from displaying a front plate, though drivers must keep the second plate inside the vehicle. The May 5 vote saw all nine House Republicans oppose the measure, questioning its logic and potential impact on law enforcement. The bill addresses the growing number of high-end electric vehicles made without front plate mounting options.

providencejournal.comMAY 14, 2026
JudiciaryPaywall

Federal Judge Blasts DOJ for Misrepresenting Facts in Trans Youth Medical Records Case

U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy accused the Department of Justice of making "false representations" and "dirty pool" after DOJ lawyers "shopped" a case to a Texas judge to enforce a Rhode Island subpoena for transgender youth medical records. McElroy said DOJ falsely claimed Rhode Island Hospital hadn't communicated with them in months, when emails show contact two days before the Texas filing. The case is the latest clash between the District Court of Rhode Island and DOJ over transparency.

bostonglobe.comMAY 13, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

R.I. Attorney General Sues Quidnessett Country Club to Remove Unauthorized Seawall

Attorney General Peter Neronha filed a lawsuit in Superior Court seeking removal of a 600-foot unauthorized seawall built by the Quidnessett Country Club in 2023 and restoration of the coastline. Since 2023, the Coastal Resources Management Council has unsuccessfully tried to force the club to remove the wall. The club argues it has been trying for decades to protect its 14th hole from erosion and has challenged the removal order in court. Environmental groups say the slow enforcement sets a bad precedent.

bostonglobe.comMAY 13, 2026
JudiciaryGovernancePaywall

Rhode Island Only State with Lifetime Supreme Court Tenure, No Mandatory Retirement Age

Rhode Island is the only state with lifetime appointments and no mandatory retirement age for its Supreme Court justices, according to a 2024 Brennan Center analysis. All 47 other states have fixed terms for state supreme court justices. Senator Dawn Euer supports imposing a mandatory retirement age, citing concerns about accountability and the example of federal courts overturning precedents with "zero accountability." The issue has returned to focus with former Speaker Shekarchi's application for a Supreme Court seat.

bostonglobe.comMAY 13, 2026
JudiciaryPaywall

Portsmouth Man Sentenced to Life for 2023 Hatchet Murder of Landlord

Newport County Superior Court Justice William E. Carnes sentenced Jacob Morrill, 27, of Portsmouth, to life in prison for the first-degree murder of his landlord, Xuefeng Wu, 50, whom Morrill killed with a hatchet in May 2023. Morrill was also convicted of fraudulent use of a credit card after using Wu's debit card to pay his utility bill the day of the killing. Morrill intends to appeal his conviction, arguing the court made evidentiary rulings he objected to and that there was insufficient evidence for a first-degree murder finding.

bostonglobe.comMAY 13, 2026
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