Welp – we’re short of the All-Star break and the Sox face a makeover amid what a top team exec calls an “embarrassing and unacceptable, maddening, [and] frustrating” season. Thanks for stopping by. You can follow me through the week on Bluesky, threads and X. (A quick note: my column will be off next week.) Here we go.
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1. STORY OF THE WEEK
With the end of the General Assembly session last night, the 2026 campaign season will steadily command more and more attention, particularly the high-profile tilt between Gov. Dan McKee and top challenger Helena Foulkes. For McKee, there’s no avoiding the issue of the Washington Bridge. The governor this week continued trying to make lemonade from lemons, holding a press event to highlight the start of in-water construction on the replacement project. “My top priority has been keeping people safe while building a new bridge that will last for generations, and today represents meaningful progress toward that goal,” McKee said. But the event also served as a reminder of how the new western span is not expected to be completed until late 2028, more than two years after the November election. The start of construction comes more than 30 months after the emergency closing of the bridge in December 2023. What’s more, backups remain common, particularly during rush hour, and the small variable of an accident quickly fouls traffic. Summer is the time for travelers and candidates alike to hit the road, so the bridge will remain omnipresent for many people passing through Providence. McKee is resting his re-election hopes on chipping away at Foulkes’ appeal and raising her negatives. While Foulkes has maintained a solid lead in a series of polls, the former corporate exec acknowledges that many Rhode Islanders don’t yet know her. If you go by the online probability betting site Kalshi, McKee’s attacks have yet to change the equation with just under three months until the end of the Sept. 9 primary. Get set for a bumpy summer ride in Rhode Island, where most people will spend more time thinking about barbecues and the beach, not tuning into the fight to lead the state.
2. LOCAL MOTION
The endorsement vote of McKee’s hometown Cumberland Democratic Town Committee Monday evening is seen as a toss-up. McKee and Foulkes will each have 15 minutes to address the committee at a meeting slated to start at 5 p.m. at the Amaral Building next to Town Hall. McKee beat Foulkes by 16 points in Cumberland in 2022 – a difference of 699 votes. While party politics and endorsements matter less than in the past, Foulkes has continued to roll up support from various groups, including the Rhode Island Association of Democratic City and Town Chairs.
Keep an eye out for other endorsements, including from organized labor groups with the ability to muster campaign troops on the ground:
***The Rhode Island State Democratic Committee Convention is set for next Saturday, June 20 at the General Teamsters, Local 251, Meeting Hall, 121 Brightridge Ave, East Providence.
***Patrick Crowley, president of the 80,000-strong RI AFL-CIO, tells me he expects a vote by the AFL-CIO’s executive committee in late June. An executive committee vote representing at least two-thirds of union membership is needed to win the endorsement. McKee won the group’s endorsement in 2022.
***SEIU 1199NE, and SEIU Local 580 are among the most politically active unions.
Regarding the former, Jesse Martin, executive VP of 1199NE, said “We are going through a process with our members and the SEIU State Council when it comes to our union endorsements for the upcoming elections. However, we will not comment any further on what that process involves.”
3. BIG BUCKS
Gov. McKee signed the latest budget to emerge from the General Assembly, using a ceremony at Children’s Friend in Providence on Friday morning to highlight the child tax credit and other voter-friendly aspects of the $15.2 billion spending plan. “This budget keeps our promises to Rhode Islanders: delivering affordability, protecting vulnerable residents from harmful federal cuts, and continuing to invest in the schools, housing, and infrastructure that support good-paying jobs and economic growth,” McKee said.
During recent budget votes, GOP lawmakers scorned the inclusion of a new 1% surtax on income over a million dollars, as well as the steady upward trajectory of state spending. “It’s not something that can be sustained,” House GOP Leader Michael Chippendale (R-Foster) said during closing remarks in that chamber’s debate on June 5.
Read more in Five Things to Know About Rhode Island’s Next State Budget.
4. GENERAL ASSEMBLY
On the closing night of the legislature, state Rep. Robert Quattrocchi (R-Scituate), first elected in 2016, joined seven other reps who are leaving the House of Representatives. Most are seeking other offices: Rep. David Morales (D-Providence), first elected in 2020, is running for mayor. Reps. Jason Knight (D-Barrington), first elected in 2016, and Joseph Solomon Jr. (D-Warwick), first elected in 2014, are part of the four-way primary field for attorney general. Former Speaker Joe Shekarchi (D-Warwick), first elected in 2012, hopes to land on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Also leaving: Reps. Julie Casimiro (D-North Kingstown), first elected in 2016, and Robert Craven (D-North Kingstown), first elected in 2012. The longest-serving lawmaker to sign off is Patricia Serpa (D-West Warwick), 77, chair of the House Oversight Committee, who goes all the way back to when Bill Murphy was speaker. In an interview on her final day on Smith Hill, she told me she found the last-minute logjam of bills held until after the budget vote frustrating. Serpa also choked up while discussing her exit: “I will never forget this place and everyone in it,” she said. I’ve just learned so much from everyone and you don’t leave after 20 years and not have something in your heart. And I have plenty in my heart.”
Will any other incumbent reps and senators sign off, possibly delaying the announcement to offer an advantage to a would-be successor? We’ll keep an eye out ahead of the 4 p.m. June 24 filing deadline for this election year.
5. REMEMBERING GORDON WOOD
When news broke that a 92-year-old man was killed last weekend after being struck by a car in a Shaw’s parking lot, it was terrible. The story went international with the revelation that the victim was famed Brown University historian Gordon Wood. He was known for his many books, including The Radicalism of the American Revolution, and for getting name-checked in Good Will Hunting. For those who feel glum about the state of American democracy, author and Watson Institute Fellow Marc J. Dunkelman, in an elegant appreciation, points out a lesson from Wood: “our nation remains full of heterodox thinkers who are perpetually challenging orthodoxy and proposing new approaches to seemingly intractable problems. Speaking before the denizens of America’s conservative movement at a time when a Republican administration had embraced out-and-out xenophobia, Gordon took the opportunity to extoll the virtues of immigration. However one parses the various streams of the conservative movement, there were more than a handful of Trump supporters in that room, and Gordon nevertheless received a standing ovation. That took what many of us might label ‘chutzpah.’ And it may well have changed some very influential minds.”
6. WORLD CUP
Who better than Matt Jerzyk, the political blogfather and editor of RI Soccer News (on Instagram and X) to offer these Top 5 Things Rhode Islanders Need to Know About The World Cup.
Matt, take it away:
Where to Watch
Providence is the only non-host city in North America with an officially designated FIFA World Cup FanZone. The official FanZone in Providence – on the grassy park between Providence Place and the train station – is open through July 19. The free venue features a giant Jumbotron broadcasting every match, live music, food trucks, and beer gardens. My favorite day will be when hundreds of Scottish supporters – the Tartan Army – visit the FanZone on June 24. The Tartan Army has been a great visitor, donating thousands to Hasbro Children’s Hospital and (the nonprofit) Project GOAL.
The City of Central Falls has an exciting summer of soccer for all 39 days, United Through Soccer. CF (disclosure: where I am city solicitor) will also host must-see watch parties, in cooperation with La Casona restaurant, for selected games on a municipal parking lot with food trucks and beverages. This majority Colombian-American city will have thousands of Colombia supporters in attendance at 53 Hunt St. for the June 17 match and the best game of the group stages – Portugal v. Colombia – on June 27. Wear your yellow jersey and cheer on Los Cafeteros.
Pawtucket, which recently hosted the Cape Verde team playing in its first World Cup at Centreville Bank Stadium, is hosting many events and matches. It will be the place to be for the Cape Verde match against Spain on June 15 at the Pawtucket municipal lot at 137 Roosevelt Ave.
The United States Soccer supporter group, the American Outlaws, has called the Brass Monkey (on the Providence-Cranston line) home for a long time and it is a great soccer bar. I will be there for the USA opening match on Friday night. The Rhode Island FC support group, Definance 1636, will watch games at the Guild Pawtucket and Trinity Brewhouse. Track 15 in Providence is hosting many team Ghana-related events. Other great soccer bars include Moniker Brewery, Murphy’s, the Hot Club, the G Pub and any local Portuguese social club.
Boston Stadium
There are seven exciting matches at Boston Stadium (FIFA does not allow branding for Gillette). Attendees can take the train from Boston to the stadium or, even better, take buses from the Rhode Island Convention Center. During the group stage, try to catch some tickets (as prices continue to drop). On June 19, Morocco will play Scotland, with star right-back Hakimi and star players Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay. On June 23, one of the World Cup favorites – England and star players Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane – will play Ghana at 4 p.m. One of the best group matches in the entire Cup will feature France and its star striker, Kylian Mbappe, playing Norway and its star striker, Erling Haaland. Norway is my choice to make a surprise run in the tournament. Then, on June 29, “Boston” will host a Round of 32 match that will feature Germany, if they win their group. “Boston” will host a Quarterfinal match on July 9.
The World in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s vibrant immigrant history provides a compelling backdrop to the World Cup. Thousands of Cape Verdeans welcomed team Cape Verde to Centreville Bank Stadium last weekend. The House of Portugal, at WaterPlace Park, features Portuguese merchandise and a former star player every Sunday thanks to Puma and Unisport. Colombia soccer legend Carlos Valderrama came to Pawtucket and Central Falls and met with hundreds of Colombian supporters. Team Ghana, featuring Manchester City star Antoine Semenyo, will be staying at the Graduate Hotel and training at Bryant University. U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, whose father hails from Ghana, will welcome the team to the state. Kudos to Summer of Soccer chairman, General Treasurer James Diossa (who used to keep a soccer ball in his office at City Hall in Central Falls), for his efforts in helping the World Cup to come alive in Rhode Island.
Less than Ideal
The World Cup is supposed to unite the world through soccer. At its best, it is a celebration of culture, country, identity, and the beautiful game. But this World Cup comes with real concerns. FIFA’s long history of corruption, sky-high ticket prices (some Final tickets are listed for $40,000) and the chilling impact of Trump-era immigration policies have created fear, exclusion, and uncertainty for many fans. Players, staff, and supporters have reportedly faced harassment or heightened scrutiny at airports. Others cannot travel. Some are choosing not to come at all because they are afraid of what may happen. A World Cup referee from Somalia was denied entry. President Trump even attempted to inject politics into the tournament by calling for Iran to be removed. Let’s hope that the rumors of the federal government targeting New York City’s immigrant communities during the World Cup prove to be unfounded.
Lasting Impact
I fell in love with the game when the World Cup came to the U.S. in 1994. Undoubtedly, thousands of kids across Rhode Island will have that same experience. Many will be inspired by the players, the flags, the songs, the crowds, and the feeling that soccer connects them to something much bigger than themselves, even if sky-high ticket prices keep them from attending a match in person. One of the only FIFA recognized soccer and education nonprofit organizations in North America is Project GOAL. It successfully partnered with the US Soccer Federation to build a futsal mini-pitch in Central Falls during COVID. Now, to celebrate the World Cup, they have built a new futsal mini-pitch in Pawtucket and are planning additional ones in Woonsocket and East Providence. That is the kind of World Cup legacy Rhode Island deserves: free places for kids to play, in their own neighborhoods, without structure, without cost, and without barriers. Because long after the Final is over, the real impact of this World Cup should be measured by how many more young people get the chance to fall in love with the beautiful game.
7. MOVING ON
After serving as executive director of Grow Smart Rhode Island for almost 30 years, Scott Wolf plans to step down at year’s end. He plans to remain focused on issues of economic mobility, housing, transportation and neighborhoods. Grow Smart has been an influential player in fighting sprawl and promoting sound development. “I’m proud of the impact Grow Smart RI has made during my tenure,” Wolf said in a statement. “We’ve helped Rhode Island capitalize on our outstanding physical and natural assets. Our efforts have substantially improved the quality of daily life in our state.” In related news, Grow Smart’s latest Power of Place Summit is coming up on June 26.
8. GASPEE > BOSTON TEA PARTY
The burning of the British ship the Gaspee took place in 1772, a year before the Boston Tea Party, so why do our neighbors to the north get all the glory? Historian John McNiff points in part to how the annual Gaspee Days celebration did not start until the late 1960s, and the influence of Massachusetts in how the Revolutionary War era is taught. “Boston is a huge market for textbooks,” McNiff told Luis Hernandez in an interview. “If the Boston Massacre and the shot heard around the world happened near Boston, that’s going to be in the textbooks.”
U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has made a speech on the Senate floor since 2011 to raise awareness of the Burning of the Gaspee. He’s also reciting the speech at the Rhode Island Yacht Club during Gaspee Days, joined by Col. Ron Barnes of the Pawtuxet Rangers.
9. OVERDOSES
Via Gov. McKee’s office: “According to new data from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), 219 people lost their lives to accidental overdoses in 2025, down from 329 in 2024 and 436 in 2022. This is the lowest number of overdose deaths the state has seen since before 2013, when overdose deaths began to precipitously rise, and overdose was recognized as a major public health crisis.” In a statement, McKee said the announcement “shows what is possible when the state works hand-in-hand with the community, with a shared commitment to getting people into recovery and saving and improving lives.”
10. SHORT TAKES
Gina Raimondo used an interview with the Globe’s Ed Fitzpatrick to tell the world that she is not running for president in 2028 …. Providence City Council President Rachel Miller is not running for re-election. On FB, she cited a need to “be more present for other parts of my life.” At least two candidates are off and running for the Ward 13 seat: Connor Blier and Annajane Yolken …. Nick-a-Nee’s, the great dive bar in the Jewelry District, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a three-day music festival this weekend. Big congrats to proprietor Stephanie Finizia …. Smithfield Town Council President John Tassoni, a former state senator, is not seeking re-election …. Rollers, the new sports bar from the Pizza Marvin team, opens today in the former Satin Doll in downtown PVD.
11. KICKER
The summer solstice is June 21. This week’s burst of heat already makes it feel like summer. So get thee to a beach to enjoy part of the Biggest Little’s 420 miles of beautiful coastline. Here are 10 recommended beaches from your friends at Ocean State Media.
