Healthcare Leadership: Brown University Health named Julie Abilheira president of its Massachusetts hospitals, overseeing Morton Hospital and Saint Anne’s, with Heidi Taylor taking on expanded COO/CFO duties. Affordable Housing Compliance: Peabody Companies recognized three Rhode Island and Massachusetts employees for earning Certified Professional of Occupancy credentials tied to HUD occupancy rules. Small Business Jobs: A Federal Reserve Bank of Boston report says small businesses drove nearly 90% of net job creation in New England from 2020-2023, outpacing the national share. Higher Ed + National Security: Federal agencies are stepping up scrutiny of universities receiving money from foreign entities on U.S. watch lists, warning it could affect future federal grant eligibility. Retail Tech Rules: Rhode Island already requires staffed checkout lanes for self-checkout; New York is considering a mandatory 10% discount for shoppers who use self-checkout. Seafood Industry Boost: The NSF Seafood Engine in New England won a $15M award to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Energy Policy: Attorneys general are preparing to challenge Trump administration payoffs tied to offshore wind cancellations, arguing the moves raise costs and undercut renewables. Local Economy Signals: URI economist Leonard Lardaro says Rhode Island’s economy improved in May, with retail sales and manufacturing hours showing gains. Community Grants: Rhode Island Energy Foundation awarded $250,000 to 15 nonprofits through its Empowering Communities program. Public Safety: Narragansett kicked off its comprehensive plan update process, with residents weighing housing, transportation and economic development priorities.