Pawtucket Redevelopment: The Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency has advanced three proposals to reimagine the long-shuttered Apex department store site, with plans that could bring new housing, hotels, and retail to the 20-acre “Downtown Gateway Project” near I-95. Utility Costs: Rhode Island regulators closed Rhode Island Energy’s rate case with one year of increases (not two), no profit-rate hike, and accelerated bill credits starting in October—credits tied to a 2022 tax-related dispute. Meta Settlement Impact: Rhode Island is set to receive at least $49.4 million (up to $64.5 million) from a multistate Meta teen-safety deal, with automatic Instagram/Facebook protections for ages 13–17 including daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Food Safety: USDA/FDA actions are expanding a recall of nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products after an inspection-mark issue; affected items were shipped to RI and other New England states. Local Public Safety Review: An independent review of Providence’s response to the December 2025 Brown University shooting found the response “highly effective,” but flagged communication and coordination gaps among agencies. Business Growth: Rhode Island startup REGENT Craft closed a $240 million Series B to scale production of its electric seaglider and expand defense-related work. Transit Fight: RIPTA board action to move Providence’s bus hub design work forward drew renewed criticism from opponents who argue it would push riders out of central Providence.