College Sports & Philanthropy: Providence College’s NIL-era basketball roster is getting a major boost from private donors, including TJX executive Ken Canestrari, as alumni funding ramps up to match new NCAA compensation rules. Labor & Airport Operations: At T.F. Green, 72 food-and-beverage workers voted to authorize a strike over an expired contract with Grove Bay Hospitality, citing stagnant pay and rising costs ahead of World Cup travel. Local Real Estate: Residential Properties Ltd. reports its top Bonnet Shores deal of the year: a $3.0975M sale at 74 Bayberry Road, highlighting continued strength in Narragansett’s luxury market. Housing Costs & Taxes: RIPEC says more communities are pushing property taxes beyond the 4% levy cap, shifting the burden toward landlords, renters, and businesses as assessed values surge. Public Safety Procurement: Providence filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against fire truck makers over alleged price-fixing and delivery delays, claiming costs have doubled or tripled. Stormwater Funding: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank awarded $1.1M in EPA-backed grants for stormwater design and engineering across 10 communities. Food Safety: FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to highest risk after potential Salmonella contamination, affecting distribution across 41 states. Health & Agriculture: Rhode Island euthanized 445 birds after H5N1 avian flu was detected at Antonelli Poultry in Providence. Gaming Industry: Delaware North launched Ember Casino in New Jersey, signaling continued expansion of iGaming brands in competitive regulated markets. State Fair Politics: Rhode Island’s RI250 Commission says the state won’t participate in the Great American State Fair due to staffing and financial limits.