Second-Home Tax: Rhode Island’s new annual property tax on second homes kicks in Wednesday, charging $5 per $1,000 of assessed value over $1 million—an estimated extra $136,000 for Taylor Swift’s Watch Hill mansion, while many long-time coastal families brace for higher bills. Local Housing & Jobs: Gov. Dan McKee announced $7.5 million for entry-level homeownership and an additional $8 million in incentives, including $6.2 million in tax credits for Raytheon’s Portsmouth expansion. Health Care Access: URI trustees approved the next phase of a public medical school, aiming to address physician shortages and expand care statewide. Energy Help for Residents: United Way extended its Good Neighbor Energy Fund utility-assistance deadline to July 30 after a sharp jump in 211 calls for help. Extreme Heat Shelter: Crossroads Rhode Island will open a temporary cooling center for people experiencing homelessness when heat index hits 89+. Historic Preservation: Preserve Rhode Island awarded about $105,000 in matching grants to 13 nonprofits for repairs to historic sites. Roads & Safety: Warren DPW faced renewed scrutiny over potholes and paving timelines after residents raised concerns. Truck Tolls: Rhode Island’s first truck toll gantries began operating on I-95, drawing opposition from a major political challenger. Lottery: Rhode Island Lottery sales rose to $26.7 million in May. Sports: Cumberland’s Max Jackson is off to a strong start at the Rhode Island Open ahead of next week’s R.I. Amateur. Public History: A Rhode Island reenactor highlighted how Black and Indigenous soldiers in the First Rhode Island Regiment fought for freedom—often at great personal cost.