Monday, April 13th

Westminster Street in Providence when it was still a pedestrian mall. The street was opened to vehicle traffic in the late 80's.

Headlines

Peace talks end; Strait closure leaves U.S. on an island.

Following a 21-hour negotiation on Saturday, Vice President J.D. Vance and President Donald Trump announced that the Iranian terms for ending the war are unacceptable for the U.S.. In response to the failed talks, the U.S. will enforce a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil flows.

Iran says the move amounts to piracy, claiming the move is illegal under international maritime law (Al Jazeera). The I.M.F. and the World Bank have raised concerns over a dual-mandate imposed by the U.S., where the Trump administration wants developing states to not adapt renewable energy infrastructure, but also is driving a fuel crisis with this move. (Politico) The U.K. and N.A.T.O. allies will not assist with the blockade. U.K.’s Starmer said his country will “not get dragged into” U.S.-Israel war. (Al Jazeera) China has also condemned the move.

Hungary elects a new government, Peter Magyar ousts Viktor Orban.

In a major blow to Russia and the U.S. leadership, Hungary has ousted the Fidesz party after sixteen years in power. Vice President J.D. Vance campaigned for Orban as recently as last week, even going as far as to call Donald Trump and put him on speakerphone at an Orban rally. Orban had also shown his willingness to do Putin’s bidding, even telling the Russian president that he serves him in a phone call in late 2025. (Guardian)

Magyar’s leadership marks a departure, but not a revolution. Magyar is a center-right figure, a former loyalist of Orban’s, and someone who served in the Fidesz government. Yet, he is also in favor of warming relations with the E.U., ostensibly anti-corruption, and focused on reviving Hungary’s long-stagnant economy. (Al Jazeera)

Quick Hits

Pope Leo and Trump sparred over the Iran conflict. Leo said on Sunday he would “not shy away… from all people building bridges,” while Trump called the Pope “WEAK on Crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy”. (Politico, AP)
Representative Amo became the first Democrat calling for the removal of Eric Swalwell (WPRI), Representative of California, who suspended his campaign for Governor of California after a series of allegations of misconduct with his staff broke over the weekend. It is possible Swalwell will be ousted from Congress, with Republican Rep. Luna signaling she will attempt to force a vote on his ousting, and some Democrats signaling their support for such a measure.Amid the controversy, allegations made by a conservative filmmaker that Swalwell had hired a Brazilian national without work authorization inspired the U.S. D.H.S. to open an investigation into Swalwell. (Guardian)
Mary Peltola, the former Democratic Representative and tribal judge from deep-red Alaska now running for Senate, raised $9 million in Q3 FY26, four times as much as her GOP opponent. A recent survey showed her leading the general election field by a respectable four points. (Politico)
An Israeli strike killed a one-and-half-year-old girl during her father’s funeral in Southern Lebanon on Sunday. (Democracy Now)

R.I. Stories

There was a shooting in Providence on Sunday in the early morning hours. The victim is expected to recover. The incident occurred on Whelan road off Hartford Ave. (WPRI)

A report of a gun at Mount Pleasant High School in Providence prompted a lockdown on Friday. Mount Pleasant has had several high profile incidents of firearm possession in recent years, including during a visit by the Governor. (WPRI)

The State Assembly is considering options to add additional sports gambling providers and boost revenue. Currently, sports betters may drive to Massachusetts to access their additional market with lower state revenue capture. (WPRI)

R.I. Legislature

Non-routine bills scheduled for consideration:

H8000: establishes the Homeless Bill of Rights, with some significant and interpretable exceptions, guarantees 15 days notice before removal of an encampment.

H8006: provides cities and towns with the authority to tax properties considered qualifying affordable housing at a rate higher than otherwise permitted.

H7358: requires the digital publication of all mail-in ballots to the B.O.E. website.

H8282: (Amore supported) allows voters to digitally sign nomination petitions.

H8004/H8007: proposed changes to Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act including an automatic approval of subdivisions and the removal of an option to defer to a review board.

H8005: limits the minimum parking requirement of a house within ¼ of a mile of transit service to one spot per unit.

H7644: increases district court fees.

H8008: Creates a 16-member commission to study condominium law.

H7562: Allows animal control officers to seize animals that they find to be abused or neglected.

H8001: Allows municipalities to construct SAFE (Supportive and Functional Emergency units in this case, as opposed to Supportive Affordable Functional Environments in other uses) units under limited circumstances. These units cannot be occupied for more than 180 days and require a precipitating disaster.

H7030: Requires platforms offering healthcare shifts (to workers) to register with the Rhode Island Department of Health.

H7094: Creates an “Orange Heart” medal, similar to a Purple Heart, for soldiers who were injured by exposure to toxic material during service.

H8251: Urges congress to award service in Honduras in 1981-92 during the Nicaraguan Revolution.

S2391: Prevents public auctions from taking place online.

Sports

Bruins clinched a playoff spot despite losing to Tampa Bay 2-1 on Sunday. They went on to win 3-2 over Columbus on Sunday, effectively killing the Blue Jackets chances of making the playoffs. The last game of the regular season will be tomorrow night at 7:00 against the N.J. Devils.

Celtics finished out the regular season with a win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday, 113-108. Three of the Celtics’ bench players had over 27 points. The Celtics will face either the 76ers or the Magic in the first round, depending on which team wins the play-in game.

Red Sox cleared the St. Louis Cardinals over the weekend, winning the three-game series 2-1. They are now tied with the Blue Jays for last place in the A.L. East. Next up, the Red Sox will play three games against the Minnesota Twins, starting tonight at 7:40.