URI Medical School Push: URI trustees approved the next phase of a public medical school development, including a national search for a founding dean and curriculum planning, backed by a $5M state investment aimed at easing Rhode Island’s physician shortage. Defense & Jobs: Gov. Dan McKee announced $8M in incentives, including $6.2M in tax credits for Raytheon’s Portsmouth expansion tied to air-and-missile defense testing and 150 new jobs. Maritime Research Contract: JAG Ketchikan won a $99.6M NOAA contract to extend the service life of the Rhode Island-based fisheries survey ship Henry B. Bigelow, with work starting June 6 and running into 2029. Public Safety Tech: Bristol’s Fourth of July concerts returned to Independence Park with new vehicle-stopping barriers funded by a $192,700 federal grant. Healthcare Access: Brown University Health is ending its Medicare Advantage contract with UnitedHealthcare, affecting about 1,900 seniors and people with disabilities, with a CMS special enrollment window offering limited options. Housing First Legal Update: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled HUD’s homelessness grant changes violated federal law by not adequately considering consequences, though the funding cuts weren’t fully blocked. Water & Health Monitoring: EPA’s draft drinking-water monitoring plan drew backlash for omitting microplastics from UCMR 6. Workforce Training: VMEC promoted an advanced manufacturing CNC boot camp open house and training track for job-ready skills. Library Policy: Jefferson-Madison Regional Library will drop most overdue fees starting July 1, unfreezing many accounts.