Wednesday, April 1st
Today is April 1st, 401 gives day! Consider a contribution to a local nonprofit at www.401gives.org!
Headlines
Trump says no deal needed; U.S. may stop attacking Iran within 3 weeks.
Though it is impossible to predict the behavior of the U.S. presidential administration, Trump said that the U.S. intends to wind down the war effort “very soon”. This comes as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio says the U.S. must reassess its relationship in N.A.T.O..
The two seem to present a unified message: both U.S. targets and uninvolved allies may suffer. Trump said more explicitly, “[Europe,] you will have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
If the war ends now, however, there is no reason to believe Iran will cease building regional power or taxing boats that pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts say, despite the domestic objection to higher gas prices, this has the potential to be lucrative for U.S. petroleum producers. Because oil is sold in a global market, U.S. producers can impose a similar price hike to match the tax imposed by Iran.
The war remains unpopular. On news that the war may end, stocks globally soared. U.S. voters overwhelmingly (over ⅔) want the conflict brought to an end as soon as possible. Trump’s approval ratings fall below 40% on aggregate, but some polls have him even lower.
Still, about 6,000 service members have been activated with the U.S.S. George H.W. Bush. Said one analyst, “I don’t see them moving this many troops, this late in the game, if they don’t intend to use them.” In response to the idea that U.S. troops could storm Iran, another analyst said more plainly, “it would be a crime.” (Guardian, Al Jazeera)
Quick Hits
- Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday that attempts to restrict mail-in voting and compile a national voter list. (Guardian)
- Global protests have erupted following the enactment of an Israeli law that mandates the death penalty for certain Palestinian prisoners. The U.N. has called the law, “deeply discriminating.” (Al Jazeera)
- Syria has said it will not enter the war in Iran unless attacked directly.
- A federal judge has stopped work on the White House Ballroom project, but Trump has said that work can go on because “safety and security” matters give him a way to continue. (Al Jazeera)
- A D.C. district court has found Trump civilly liable for the events at the capitol on January 6th, 2021. Though an appeal is expected, the judge ruled that Trump’s behavior speaking in a personal capacity was not protected under the Supreme Court-established presidential immunity. (Politico)
- A federal judge has agreed to permanently block the Trump administration from implementing a presidential directive to end federal funding for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. (AP)
- The Trump administration has won an exemption from the Endangered Species Act for drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, threatening Gulf ecosystems and particularly the 51 remaining Rice whales. (AP, NPR)
- NASA’s manned mission to the moon may launch as soon as this evening. The Artemis II is in place for launch. (NASA)
R.I. Stories
A proposed wastewater treatment and recycling facility is being debated publicly after the Quonset Development Corporation approved its development. The Town of North Kingstown (where Quonset is located) requested on Monday that Quonset review that approval. EcoRI reports that the proposed recycling plant will use a heat-pressure system to convert wastewater into biofuels and gasses that can be used as fertilizer. Critics say it will also release CO2 and other noxious gasses. A similar facility in Woonsocket is closing, leaving just the Cranston treatment plant to manage the state’s wastewater. (WPRI, EcoRI)
Work on a proposed mural in downtown Providence honoring the famously slain Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, has been stopped following public outcry. Since Zarutska’s killing in 2025, conservative commentators have used the incident as a flashpoint. This mural was the latest iteration of that argument, with the mural receiving funding from Elon Musk. (WPRI)
CVS to open 20 pharmacy-only stores in the U.S. this year. (WPRI)
Two Providence establishments are James Beard finalists: LOMA on Spruce Street, and Nicks on Broadway.
American Trucking Associations (ATA), the group that sued Rhode Island over its truck toll policy, will pay the state $200,000 in legal fees after the state requested $9m and ATA requested $21m, which was denied. (Current)
The City of Cranston is cutting jobs, offering buyouts, and freezing hiring due to budget constraints. (WPRI)
Former Providence lawyer and Central Falls judge, Molina Flynn, has voluntarily been disbarred. Flynn is accused of defrauding individuals seeking representation on immigration-related matters. He allegedly took legal fees from at least a dozen clients while performing little to no services. (WPRI)
Parents at the Croft School in Providence raise funds to stay open through April.
Centerville Bank foundation to help fund soccer courts in Pawtucket and Woonsocket. (PBN)
R.I. Legislature
Thursday, the Senate subcommittee on finance will be considering amendments to the appropriations bill (H.7127), including additional funding for RIPTA through increased minimum funding and cruise ship feeds, and a reduction in the gas tax.
That same subcommittee is considering several measures to increase revenue to RIPTA, including diverting 20% of the state highways fund to RIPTA, a rideshare tax to RIPTA, sets portions of the gas tax for RIPTA, reduces designated costs for RIPTA.
H.7843 would allow blockchain decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) to operate as limited liability corporations (LLCs).
H.7893 bars legacy admission in higher education both at both public and private institutions.
H.7280 establishes a task force to study no-cash bond.
H.8275 sets rules and establishes oversight for solitary confinement.
S.2906 establishes a task force to study condominium law.
S.2969 outlaws panhandling at intersections or crosswalks.
Sports
The Celtics lost to the Hawks on Monday 112-102. Next game against Miami tonight at 7:30.
Bruins won dramatically over the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, 6-3. They will play again against the Florida Panthers tomorrow night at 7:00.
The Red Sox are 1-4 to start the season following Tuesday’s 9-2 loss to the Astros. The final game in that series is today at 2:30 p.m.
