Vol. CXXXII · No. CXLVIIMONDAY, MAY 25, 2026Ocean State Edition

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Governance

147 articles · page 8 of 13
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.

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© 2026 RI Capitol · All rights reserved.Aggregated summaries linking out to original sources. XPoLL.
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
CommerceGovernanceFree press

RI finalizes $12M Deloitte settlement over 2024 RIBridges data breach

Rhode Island finalized a settlement with Deloitte requiring the firm to pay the state $7 million plus an additional $5 million for unexpected 2025 expenses following the December 2024 RIBridges cybersecurity incident. Deloitte also provided $6 million worth of system enhancements and operational support services. The agreement covers Deloitte's role as the vendor managing the social benefits system that was shut down due to a cyberattack.

turnto10.comMAY 1, 2026
GovernanceJudiciaryPaywall

Governor McKee nominates two women to Rhode Island Superior Court

Governor Dan McKee nominated Joanna M. Achille and Maria Ferro Deaton to fill vacant seats on the Rhode Island Superior Court on April 29. If confirmed by the state Senate, Achille would replace retired Judge Stephen Nugent and Deaton would replace retired Judge Melanie Wilk Thunberg. The nominations come amid scrutiny of McKee's judicial picks and questions about whether he will nominate House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi for a Supreme Court vacancy.

bostonglobe.comMAY 1, 2026
GovernancePaywall

Rhode Island lawmakers advance four key health care bills covering epinephrine, primary care, and inhalers

The Rhode Island General Assembly is considering over 100 health care bills this session, with four major bills advancing. H7743 would require police to carry epinephrine for emergency allergic reactions. Two Senate bills aim to address the primary care provider shortage through scholarship and loan repayment programs, funded at $500,000+ annually. Another bill caps prescription inhaler costs at $25 per month for insured patients.

providencejournal.comMAY 1, 2026
GovernanceFree press

Rhode Island House approves expanded pharmacy collaboration agreements beyond physicians

The Rhode Island House of Representatives approved legislation on April 16 expanding collaborative pharmacy agreements to include nurse practitioners and physician associates, in addition to physicians. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Solomon Jr. and awaiting Senate action, allows pharmacists with advanced training to perform drug therapy management, order labs, and educate patients under agreements with non-physician providers.

warwickpost.comMAY 1, 2026
GovernanceOther

Rhode Island finalizes $12 million settlement with Deloitte over RIBridges cybersecurity incident

Rhode Island finalized a $12 million settlement with Deloitte Consulting LLP on April 24, resolving issues from the December 2024 RIBridges cybersecurity breach. The agreement includes $12 million in direct financial recovery plus $6 million for system enhancements and ongoing support services to secure critical state benefits systems. Governor McKee stated the settlement protects taxpayer interests while ensuring continuity of essential IT infrastructure.

app.govly.comMAY 1, 2026
GovernancePaywall

Rhode Island senators introduce bill creating dedicated RIPTA funding through vehicle inspection fees

Rhode Island legislators introduced Senate Bill 3013 and House Bill 8369 to establish dedicated funding for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority by dedicating $10 from each vehicle inspection to RIPTA starting in 2027. The legislation responds to RIPTA's largest service cuts in history last year, which eliminated over 113,000 annual service hours and caused monthly ridership to drop by 125,000 trips.

bostonglobe.comMAY 1, 2026
GovernancePrimary

Governor McKee submits $1 billion energy relief budget amendment, revises solar program

Governor Dan McKee has submitted a budget amendment finalizing his $1 billion energy relief plan, which includes a revised Virtual Net Metering program for large-scale solar projects. The new proposal will save ratepayers up to $258 million over five years while offering developers a voluntary compensation structure at $0.19/kWh with a 2.75% annual escalator. The amendment also clarifies the state's approach to incorporating lower-cost nuclear and larger-scale hydropower to reduce Renewable Energy Standard costs.

governor.ri.govAPR 30, 2026
GovernanceFree press

James Lombardi named chief of staff at RI Department of Administration

James Lombardi, who previously held senior roles in the City of Providence including chief of staff for the City Council and treasurer, has been appointed chief of staff for the Rhode Island Department of Administration. The appointment provides stability following the March resignation of former director Jonathan Womer after ongoing failures in the State's Enterprise Resource Planning system rollout. Former Providence police officer Tom Verdi is serving as interim director.

golocalprov.comAPR 30, 2026
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