Federal Courts / Immigration: A Rhode Island federal judge, John McConnell Jr., struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused or blocked asylum, work permits, green cards and citizenship decisions for people from 39 countries, calling the moves “illegal, arbitrary, and capricious” and saying applicants were left in “indeterminate legal limbo” based on “anti-immigrant” pretext. Rhode Island Legal Spotlight: The ruling stems from a lawsuit by immigrant groups and labor unions and could force USCIS to restart adjudications; immigration attorneys say affected people may begin seeking mandamus and acceleration steps. Public Health / World Cup: As World Cup travel ramps up in the region, public health officials warn that U.S. retreat from global health capacity and federal staffing cuts leave the country more exposed to outbreaks, even as officials say the immediate Ebola risk is low. Statehouse / Budget: The Rhode Island House approved a $15.2 billion FY27 budget that phases in a millionaire’s tax, with Republicans voting no and Democrats defending it as needed for core services. Local Governance / Oversight: Providence City Council advanced measures expanding civilian police oversight access and authority, continuing a push for stronger accountability. Elections / Voting Data: DOJ appealed losses in voter registration data cases, keeping its fight alive in federal appeals courts after repeated setbacks nationwide. Healthcare / Courts: A federal judge referred DOJ lawyers for possible discipline in a Rhode Island Hospital transgender care subpoena dispute, after finding prosecutors misled the court.