Inspector General Selection: Rhode Island is set to interview finalists for its first inspector general, with the governor expected to pick a nominee from a short list after the commission’s interviews. Telecom & Consumer Impact: Verizon’s FCC review of its plan to retire copper landlines in Rhode Island and other states is no longer on autopilot, after officials raised concerns about coverage and emergency reliability. Gubernatorial Race: Independent Ken Block is making a third bid for governor, pitching a “third way” focused on facts, financial reform, and moving beyond the two-party system. Ballot & Local Politics: Providence voters will decide in November on a first-of-its-kind divestment initiative targeting companies tied to genocide, war crimes, occupation, or apartheid. Courts & AI: A judge’s AI-assisted order filled with errors is prompting new scrutiny of how Rhode Island and Massachusetts courts handle generative AI in legal work. Energy & Jobs: A Rhode Island federal judge ordered the revival of the $7 billion Solar for All program after the EPA canceled it, a potential boost for low- and moderate-income solar access. Education & Attendance: A Rhode Island study links sustained arts education—especially music—to lower chronic absenteeism. Storm Aftermath: A nor’easter battered the Northeast with flooding, outages, and travel disruption, including power cuts affecting Rhode Island and nearby states. Health Care Leadership: Rhode Island Medical Imaging is seeking its first CEO as it prepares for leadership transition.