A report by economist Ed Tebaldi reveals that Quonset Business Park now supports 5.8% of jobs in Rhode Island, equivalent to one in every 17 jobs statewide, while generating $7 billion in annual economic output and $2.2 billion in household income.

University of Rhode Island professor Hongbing Tang is showcasing her art exhibit 'Spirit of the Place and People' through April 30, 2026, in Green Hall, Kingston, RI. The exhibit features watercolor paintings inspired by Chinese culture and historical places. A public reception to meet the artist is scheduled for February 17 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Rhode Island regulators are taking steps to repeal outdated rules on hemp jurisdiction, representing a deregulation effort in cannabis-related regulations as part of broader state updates on hemp products.

On January 29, 2026, the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) released a policy brief on Governor Dan McKee’s proposed FY2027 budget, noting moderated spending growth but raising concerns over a new millionaire’s tax increasing the rate on income over $1 million to 8.99%, potentially harming economic competitiveness, alongside projected deficits reaching $537 million by 2031 and a record $600 million bond package.

Aldersbridge Communities is holding a free wellness clinic on January 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM in East Providence, R.I., announced on January 2, 2026.

An art exhibit titled Color Me Green is taking place on January 28 at 36 Beach Street, North Kingstown, RI 02852, as part of South County community cultural happenings.

A federal court in Rhode Island dismissed with prejudice an indictment against Mr. Maldonado Rodriguez for illegal reentry after deportation, citing government actions that deported him before a preliminary hearing, denying his Sixth Amendment speedy trial rights and right to a preliminary hearing, and creating an unfair choice between liberty and defending charges.

The Rhode Island Ready (RI Ready) program, an extension of the Quonset Site Readiness model, continues to offer funding for preparing industrial sites in communities like East Providence, West Warwick, and Westerly. This initiative accelerates development of underutilized properties to attract new businesses, expand the tax base, and create jobs for Rhode Islanders. The RI Ready team recently promoted the program at the League of Cities and Towns’ annual convention.

Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly published summaries of the most important court opinions from 2025, including rulings on a criminal defense attorney's ethics in seeking court-appointed roles while serving as a legislator, harmless error in a Sixth Amendment violation during a police informant's tip testimony, dismissal of federal gun charges under the Second Amendment, reversal of a First Amendment claim dismissal against a community college for punishing protected speech, and other cases involving state police.

Gather with friends and fellow OLLI members for an evening of laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit at Tower Hill Brewery in South Kingstown, RI. Event starts at 7PM on Tuesday, January 27, with 6:30PM arrival.

University of Rhode Island hosts a 'Meet the Brothers' information session on January 26, 2026, from 6:00–6:40 PM via Zoom due to snow. Features an informational slideshow on the group's identity, activities, and membership details.

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation has issued emergency corporation business tax regulations reflecting the state’s decoupling from federal H.R. 1 (One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act). The emergency rules are effective Dec. 15, 2025, and are in effect for 120 days (180 if extended).

Public discussions in Bristol, Rhode Island, focus on the tension between personal safety and individual liberties regarding Flock camera surveillance, highlighting ongoing rights-based debates on privacy and civil liberties.

A youth sports tournament hosted by JVC Tournaments at the Rhode Island Convention Center on January 25, 2026, bringing together teams for competitive athletic events in the Providence area.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island has filed a countersuit challenging a landlord's defamation lawsuit against tenants and organizers, addressing civil liberties in a housing dispute reported on January 8, 2026.

A performance by The American Band I, directed by Dr. Brian Cardany, taking place on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 3:00pm EST at 105 Upper College Rd, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881. This community event is part of URI's event calendar.

A letter to the editor in East Bay RI highlights debates over Flock camera surveillance in Bristol, Rhode Island, pitting personal safety against individual liberties. It notes the lack of federal, state, or local regulations for Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs), raising risks of privacy violations, civil rights issues, data breaches, and municipal liability, citing a federal lawsuit, data sharing concerns, and recent rejections in nearby RI towns like Warren, Middletown, and Portsmouth.

Rhode Island State Police plan to install dozens of Flock license plate reading cameras on state roads across multiple communities to aid in solving crimes like stolen vehicles, but Warren is the only town to reject the proposal due to privacy fears and potential civil liberties violations. Town leaders, including Vice President Keri Cronin, cited resident concerns about data use, surveillance, and lack of regulation, with the ACLU noting Flock cameras remain virtually unregulated in the state. Other towns like Cranston are approving it.

Rhode Island increased its state minimum wage from $15 to $16 per hour effective January 1, 2026, impacting approximately 50,000 workers. The law, signed by Gov. Dan McKee last August, includes a further rise to $17 per hour in 2027. The administration aims to strengthen workforce development and attract higher-paying jobs.

The Providence Drum Troupe kicks off its nightlife tour series on Thursday, January 22, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, traveling through downtown Providence starting at Mémère’s inside the Neptune Hotel. This free public event, supported by a grant from the Providence Tourism Council, aims to foster positive energy, community connection, and a vibrant nightlife economy.

Providence Mayor Smiley signed an executive order prohibiting ICE activities on city property, reaffirming the city's sanctuary stance amid President Trump's Feb. 1 deadline to cut federal funding to non-cooperative cities. The order emphasizes public safety for all residents, including undocumented individuals, and commits to honoring judicial warrants while trusting police to de-escalate situations.

Hinckley Allen, a 120-year-old law firm, announced the relocation of its Providence, Rhode Island headquarters to a newly reimagined 23,700-square-foot office at 100 Westminster Street. The space features local Rhode Island artwork, state-of-the-art technology, flexible meeting rooms, ergonomic furniture, energy-efficient systems, and open collaboration zones, reflecting the firm's investment in clients and employees.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Warwick Post highlights ongoing threats to civil liberties, citing the recent fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Macklin Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, which allegedly violated DHS policy on deadly force. The article criticizes ICE's aggressive tactics under the Trump Administration, including harassment and detention of American citizens in public spaces, urging peaceful protests to honor King's legacy against federal overreach.

Gov. McKee and other state leaders will appear at the state’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Providence starting at 4:00 p.m. on January 19, 2026, as part of numerous community events honoring the holiday across Southern New England.

Bodycote, a heat treatment provider, has acquired Spectrum Thermal Processing, located in Cranston, Rhode Island, marking a significant business development in the state's industrial sector.