Climate & Weather: A new poll finds 61% of likely U.S. voters link extreme weather to the climate crisis, including 46% of Republicans—fueling renewed pressure on lawmakers as Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse calls out “climate hushers.” Small Business Jobs: A Boston Fed report says small businesses drove nearly 90% of net job creation in New England from 2020-2023, employing 3.2M workers in 2023. Endangered Species Act: The Trump administration’s new rule deletes a key definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, a change critics say could let development and industrial projects damage habitat. Energy & Permitting: Massachusetts is moving toward a statewide digital solar permitting platform to cut months-long delays and reduce home solar costs. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Attorneys general including Rhode Island are preparing to challenge Trump-era offshore wind “payoffs” that buy back leases and shift investment toward fossil fuels. Water Infrastructure: The Senate EPW Committee unanimously advanced WRDA 2026, setting up more funding for flood control, drinking water, wastewater, and ecosystem restoration that could reach Rhode Island. Local Economy: URI economist Leonard Lardaro reports Rhode Island’s economy is improving in May, with retail sales and manufacturing hours up. Data Security: EY confirmed a breach of a third-party IT platform used in its tax practice, exposing client tax documents. Rhode Island Community Grants: The Rhode Island Energy Foundation awarded $250,000 to 15 nonprofits through its Empowering Communities program.