ETF Boom (National): BlackRock took a decade to launch its first 300 ETFs, but Corgi Investments says it can replicate that pace in under a year—highlighting how fast the ETF market is expanding, with record 2026 inflows and huge one-day launches. Housing & Codes (National): States are loosening building code rules to cut construction costs, including allowing some low-rise apartments to use just one stairway—sparking safety concerns from critics. RI Elections Training (Local): Rhode Island’s elections agencies launched a new certification program to standardize how municipal canvassing boards verify signatures, aiming to reduce inconsistencies seen in past cases. Healthcare AI Transparency (RI): Rhode Island lawmakers approved a mandate requiring providers to disclose when AI “scribes” are used during patient visits and giving patients an opt-out. Health Innovation (RI): NEMIC opened enrollment for the next Health Innovator Pathways Program cohort, a free Rhode Island-focused track (with a small processing fee) for turning healthcare ideas into market-ready solutions. Immigration Processing Update (RI): Penn’s international office shared guidance after a federal court decision in Rhode Island vacated certain USCIS immigration benefit delays, with some applications expected to move forward. Plastics & Health (National): New research links microplastics in artery plaque to higher stroke and heart risk, adding to growing concern about plastics’ long-term health effects. Geopolitics & Tech Sanctions (Global): China announced retaliatory sanctions against U.S. defense-related firms after U.S. actions targeting Chinese tech companies tied to defense contracts.