States Fight Federal Plan to Tie Disaster Grants to Election Rules
A coalition representing 25 states and D.C. is asking a federal court to block election conditions tied to homeland-security grants before the 2026 midterms.
Rhode Island
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Providence schools are back under local control. Procurement is the first accountability test
Providence schools returned to local control on July 1, 2026. A tiered procurement framework is intended to speed routine purchases while keeping stronger city review for major, multi-year and sole-source contracts.
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Rhode Island’s new non-owner-occupied property tax: Who owes it and when to pay
Rhode Island has begun mailing notices for a new tax on qualifying non-owner-occupied residential property assessed above $1 million. The first payment is due Sept. 15, 2026.
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East Greenwich zoning board weighs two housing-related variance requests
The East Greenwich Zoning Board heard a use-variance request for 1540 Frenchtown Road and continued a garage-and-ADU dimensional-variance case for 112 Mawney Street to August 25.
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Federal judge keeps USCIS asylum-processing policies vacated in Rhode Island case
A federal judge denied the government’s July 15 stay request, leaving four USCIS processing policies vacated while an appeal proceeds. The ruling does not automatically approve individual cases or guarantee immediate decisions.
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Providence Council Recesses Without Acting on $1 Million RENT Fund
Providence’s proposed $1 million emergency housing fund remains pending after the council recessed without approving its contract. A City Council meeting is listed for August 4, but the available calendar entry does not show whether the RENT Fund will be considered.
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Cranston voters face August 10 deadline to register ahead of 2026 primary
Cranston residents must register, update voter information or change party affiliation by August 10 to participate in Rhode Island’s September 9, 2026, statewide primary.
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McKee declares Rhode Island energy-affordability emergency ahead of anticipated winter electricity increase
Executive Order 26-05 declares a statewide energy-affordability emergency and directs the use of available state resources and emergency authority to mitigate an anticipated double-digit increase in winter residential electricity supply rates.
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ICE detention of Providence resident Chansareth Hong prompts protest, local opposition
ICE detained Providence resident Chansareth Hong on July 22, 2026, according to a local report. The detention prompted opposition from local officials and community groups, including a reported protest of more than 100 people.
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Rhode Island’s 147th municipal police academy session begins with Warwick among recruiting departments
Rhode Island’s 147th Municipal Police Training Academy session began Aug. 3, with Warwick Police listed among departments recruiting for the August class.
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Rhode Island schedules Aug. 18 groundbreaking for Wickford Junction Train Station
Rhode Island’s government newsroom lists an Aug. 18, 2026, groundbreaking ceremony for the Wickford Junction Train Station in North Kingstown.
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RIDOT lane shifts and sidewalk work continue on Warwick Corridor project
RIDOT said crews will continue curb, sidewalk and driveway replacement on Main Avenue, with weekday lane shifts between Greenwich Avenue and West Shore Road.
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ProvPort reviews public feedback on draft 30-year infrastructure plan
ProvPort is reviewing comments on its draft 2026–2056 master plan for the Port of Providence, with revisions and responses still to come.
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Rhode Island awards $8 million in incentives tied to 239 projected jobs
The Rhode Island Commerce Board approved $7.7 million in Qualified Jobs Tax Credits tied to 239 projected jobs over 10 years, plus $299,650 in Innovation Vouchers for research and development projects.
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Warwick posts 2026 City Council schedule as municipal decisions continue into August
Warwick has published its 2026 City Council legislative calendar, setting the public timetable for regular council and committee proceedings, generally held at City Council Chambers on Post Road.
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Providence mayor presses City Council to authorize $1 million emergency rent fund
Mayor Brett Smiley is urging Providence City Council to approve the contract needed to start a proposed $1 million RENT Fund for residents facing sudden financial hardship.
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Rhode Island law opens state courts to constitutional claims against federal officials
Rhode Island has enacted a law allowing residents to bring certain constitutional-rights lawsuits against federal officials in state court, with limits on immunity defenses.
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Warwick agenda lists procurement of one police first-responder drone
A March 9 City Council agenda listed the purchase of one Flock Safety Drone as a First Responder for Warwick police. The available record does not establish a launch date, cost or operating rules.
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Providence police report four illegal firearms seized during July 19 enforcement; Roger Williams Park safety initiative advances
Providence police said officers made multiple arrests and seized four illegal firearms during deployments tied to large community events on July 19. City leaders also announced targeted enforcement against illegal ATVs and dirt bikes around Roger Williams Park, including an overnight road-closure pilot.
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RIDOT schedules temporary three-lane road-diet trial on Warwick’s Main Avenue
RIDOT scheduled a temporary trial on Main Avenue beginning July 10, 2026, reducing a Route 113 segment from four lanes to one travel lane in each direction with a center turn lane.
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Warwick schedules National Night Out at Rocky Point State Park for Aug. 4
Warwick’s annual National Night Out is scheduled for Aug. 4 at Rocky Point State Park, with free family activities, public-safety demonstrations and vendor proceeds supporting Police Athletic League youth programs.
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Smith Hill Block Party set for Aug. 12 with performances, services and free food
Smith Hill Library’s annual block party is scheduled for Aug. 12 on Candace Street, with live performances, children’s activities, free food and more than 40 listed community organizations.