AGP Executive Report

Local Business: Blank Street Coffee is opening its first Rhode Island shop at 218 Thayer St, taking the spot near Brown’s campus after a Starbucks closed there in 2025. Local Food & Culture: Beacon Hill’s Scrappie’s Pizza is trading its pop-up status for a permanent storefront at 42 Charles St, built from a “bread-scrap” concept that’s been selling out since 2025. Housing & Finance: Rhode Island Treasurer James Diossa announced Phase 3 for the RI AnchorHome program, aimed at helping first-time homebuyers. State Education: Rhode Island kept a “B” grade for high school personal finance, with a national report saying the state still doesn’t require a standalone personal-finance course. Public Health: A new report highlights Rhode Island’s strong vaccination rates for children, even as measles cases rise nationally. Community & Economy: Providence City Council whip Miguel Sanchez says he has enough support to become council president, pitching rent stabilization and housing affordability as priorities. Manufacturing: Providence Business News named igus CEO Felix Brockmeyer a 2026 Manufacturing Awards Strategic Leadership winner.

Financial Literacy: Rhode Island kept a “B” grade for high school personal finance, with a national report saying the state doesn’t require a standalone personal-finance course before graduation. Community Giving: Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation raised more than $95,000 at its inaugural Driving Home Hope charity golf tournament to support Rhode Island programs in social services, public health, safety, education and financial literacy. City Politics: Providence Council whip Miguel Sanchez says he has the votes to become the next City Council president, pitching a rent stabilization ordinance and new focus on housing, schools and neighborhood investment. Nightlife Debate: A college freshman was killed outside a Providence 18+ nightclub, renewing calls to tighten or end the city’s 18+ nightlife rules. Energy & Transportation: New England states are challenging weaker federal fuel-efficiency standards in court, while local and state government groups also weigh in on the impact. Tech & Connectivity: OpenCape welcomed Gateway Fiber to Cape Cod, using OpenCape’s fiber backbone to expand 100% fiber service. Education & Censorship: A University of Rhode Island education dean says book banning is escalating, citing national data for Banned Books Week. Cybersecurity & AI: Providence Business News announced its Cybersecurity & AI Tech Summit for Oct. 8.

Vaccine fight in court: New York Attorney General Letitia James sued U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restore a science-based childhood vaccine schedule, arguing recent CDC changes cut out seven vaccines and that CDC experts were fired and replaced without proper qualifications. Kratom crackdown debate: A new look at kratom policy shows states diverging as potent 7-OH and synthetic kratom products spread, pushing lawmakers to regulate high-potency derivatives without treating traditional leaf the same. Rhode Island health gap: A study found R.I. clinicians are among the least likely to regularly check cholesterol for patients on statins, with monitoring missed in 29% of visits. Local hospice outreach: HopeHealth launched a Community Engagement Program and named Helena L. Moronta, formerly a BayCoast Bank vice president, as inaugural director. Coastal economy update: CRMC cleared Cedar Island Oyster Co. to “gear change” in Point Judith Pond, adding hundreds of floating baskets to improve oyster survival. AI in Rhode Island news: A Rhode Island outlet is accused of publishing stories written by non-human “computing agents,” raising questions about accountability and newsroom standards. Ballot-season reminder: A Rhode Island-focused explainer highlights key midterm voting deadlines and what’s at stake for voting rights and health policy.

Hospice & Health Care: HopeHealth launched a Community Engagement Program and named Helena L. Moronta, a former BayCoast Bank vice president, as its inaugural director to expand outreach on end-of-life hospice, palliative care, and grief support. Medical Monitoring: A new national study found Rhode Island clinicians are among the least likely to regularly check cholesterol for patients on statins, with 29% of visits missing monitoring. Energy Policy: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the EPA acted illegally when it canceled “Solar for All,” a $7 billion program aimed at cheaper solar for lower-income households, with the agency now weighing next steps. Public Health Access: A landmark Medicaid analysis says pediatric sleep testing access varies wildly across the country, with testing rates differing up to fourfold depending on where families live. Cyber Scams: A new ranking puts Rhode Island among the states with higher counts of cyber crimes targeting seniors, even as other states show lower per-incident losses. Local Environment: Rhode Island is recycling fiberglass boat hulls from about 200,000 boats by sending material to cement kilns, cutting waste.

Rhode Island Politics & Housing: Incumbent Rep. Megan Cotter and challenger Jasmin Roy are squaring off in House District 39, with both campaigns pointing to affordability pressures like property taxes, healthcare access, and land-use decisions affecting drinking water. Health Care Costs: A new report says Rhode Island health insurance premiums are rising again—especially for individuals on HealthSource RI—adding to already heavy medical cost burdens. Energy & Utilities: Gov. Maura Healey is urging the Trump administration to expedite federal review of an Enbridge gas pipeline capacity expansion tied to lower costs for Eversource customers. Local Community & Care: The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Westerly, highlighting the scale of cases and caregiving needs in Rhode Island. Environment & Waste: Rhode Island’s WAVES/boat recycling effort is expanding, using fiberglass hulls as fuel in cement kilns to cut waste. Consumer/Health Access: A Rhode Island sleep-testing study finds pediatric Medicaid access varies sharply by location, leaving some children far less likely to get needed sleep evaluations.

Medicaid & Kids’ Health: A new national study finds pediatric sleep testing access is wildly uneven, with where a child lives—and even the racial makeup of their neighborhood—shaping whether they get the overnight sleep study needed to diagnose issues like obstructive sleep apnea. Energy Permits: A bipartisan Senate energy bill would bar any administration from blocking permits for an entire category of projects (like solar or wind), with faster court challenges and potential fines. Rhode Island Health Care Costs: ACA marketplace plan selections fell 4.9% as premiums rose 19.7%, adding pressure on families shopping for coverage. Local Health & Community: South County Health becomes the first Rhode Island health system to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Housing & Politics: Rhode Island voters will weigh housing affordability approaches on the November ballot, while a separate report highlights how education policy battles are driving deep partisan divides. Cyber Safety: A study ranks Alaska among the safest states for limiting senior cyber-scam losses, underscoring the broader need for stronger protections.

Rhode Island Politics & Housing: Incumbent Rep. Megan Cotter and challenger Jasmin Roy are set for a November fight in House District 39, with Cotter emphasizing tax relief, school funding, health care access and land-use rules to protect drinking water. State Government & Energy Costs: Gov. Maura Healey urged the Trump administration to speed federal review of a $300 million Enbridge gas pipeline expansion in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, arguing delays could jeopardize consumer savings. Regional Environment & Climate: A coalition of states and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA’s repeal of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, saying the rollback will worsen the climate crisis. Health & Community: The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Westerly, highlighting the scale of local caregiving needs. Local Business: Clementine Cocktail Bar in Providence abruptly closed after four years, while Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium in Westerly announced new owners as it heads toward its 75th anniversary. Innovation in RI: Regent Craft opened its Seaglider manufacturing facility in North Kingstown, touting a new electric aircraft production push backed by a Marine Corps contract.

Mayo Clinic partnership: South County Health in Wakefield became the first Rhode Island health system—and only the second in New England—to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network, keeping local ownership while giving clinicians access to Mayo specialists, research, and clinical tools. Housing & costs: Mortgage rates jumped to a three-year high, with the 30-year fixed average hitting 7.28%, squeezing budgets as home prices and affordability remain tight. Transit planning: RIPTA is studying fast, frequent service options in the Providence metro, including a possible rapid bus line or light rail, with a decision expected to move forward in 2027. Local politics: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s post-primary behavior is drawing eyebrows as the city prepares for the transition after David Morales’ win. Community spotlight: Blount Boats in Warren received a Small Business Association-Rhode Island award for family-owned small business of the year. Education & student success: URI is using NSSE results through a “Sandbox” initiative to help faculty act on student success data. Child care uncertainty: Block Island’s Early Learning Center faces an eviction notice tied to the building’s owner, threatening the 25-year program. Transportation infrastructure: A RIPEC report says Rhode Island’s bridge-heavy spending left high debt and underfunded road maintenance, with roads ranking among the worst in the nation.

Offshore Wind Fight: Rhode Island joined a multi-state lawsuit seeking to block federal payments tied to canceling offshore wind leases, arguing the deal would steer taxpayer money to fossil fuel plants. Energy Costs & Pipelines: Gov. Maura Healey urged the Trump administration to speed up review of a proposed natural gas pipeline expansion that she says could lower bills for hundreds of thousands in New England. Climate Rule Challenge: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown joined a coalition suing to restore EPA greenhouse gas limits for power plants after the agency rolled back protections. Nursing Workforce Boost: CCRI and URI announced a new fully online RN-to-BS program aimed at strengthening Rhode Island’s nursing pipeline. Transit & Budgets: URI students and staff start riding RIPTA buses for free under a new U-Pass partnership, while rising diesel prices are pushing the bus system into the red. PFAS Accountability: AG Brown also joined a bipartisan suit aiming to stop DuPont from shifting assets to avoid cleanup costs tied to “forever chemicals.” Drug Pricing Crackdown: Rhode Island-linked legal action continues as states pursue settlements over alleged generic drug price-fixing schemes.

Climate & Energy Policy: New York AG Letitia James led a coalition of 25 states, counties and cities suing the Trump administration over EPA rollback of greenhouse gas pollution limits for major power plants, arguing it will worsen extreme heat, storms and wildfires. Regional Power Outlook: A New England energy forum highlighted a “nuclear transition,” with small modular reactors, microreactors and fusion discussed as ISO New England forecasts rising electricity demand and winter peak pressure. Federal Politics: U.S. senators left Washington for a campaign break with major bills still unresolved, including $1.8T funding, the National Defense Authorization Act and the long-delayed farm bill. Rhode Island Health Costs: Rhode Island approved 2027 individual health insurance rates averaging a 12.4% increase, affecting about 50,700 people, with changes tied to shifting state and federal assistance. Housing Ballot Focus: Voters in Rhode Island and other states will weigh housing affordability measures in November, choosing among very different approaches to zoning, bonds and development timelines. Local Business & Community: Citizens opened a new Warwick flagship branch at Centerville Place, and Hope & Main formally unveiled West End Kitchens to expand food entrepreneurship in Providence. Education & Attendance: A Rhode Island study says sustained arts education is linked to lower chronic absenteeism, offering a potential tool to keep students in class.

Local Banking & Business: Citizens Bank opened a new Rhode Island flagship branch in Warwick at Centerville Place, adding a ground-up location with teller rooms, drive-up service, and a community donation. Real Estate & Growth: Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty opened a new Providence office on Wayland Avenue after relocating from Waterplace Condominiums. Food Entrepreneurship: Hope & Main formally unveiled West End Kitchens in Providence, expanding from 30 to 35 food and beverage businesses since opening earlier this year. Energy & Climate: The Audubon Society of Rhode Island broke ground on a solar carport at its Bristol nature center, targeting net-zero goals ahead of schedule. State Watch: Rhode Island’s road and bridge repairs still fall short, with a RIPEC report saying maintenance gaps remain large. Courts & Ethics: A Rhode Island judiciary interpreter sought guidance on whether she can register her private interpreting business as a vendor for state agencies. Immigration Policy: Brown joined other attorneys general opposing a federal asylum rule that would skip interviews. Permitting: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is part of a bipartisan permitting deal aimed at speeding federal approvals. Public Safety: Plainfield police charged three in a larceny at a gas station and searched for a fourth suspect. Higher Ed: URI secured a $1.1M NSF CAREER grant to improve “variable literacy” for students. Health: New research finds only 60% of liver transplant recipients are vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Education & Student Success: URI is weighing a major change to its Workday rollout after state officials asked it to reconsider whether the university should take on more payroll responsibility than planned, as the modernization project is set to launch in October 2027. Higher Ed Benchmarks: Rhode Island College is sharing NSSE results publicly to help faculty and staff use the data to improve student engagement and learning. Data Privacy: Rhode Island is among states in a multistate settlement with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach, with the coalition citing vendor security failures that exposed sensitive patient information. State Courts: A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled the Trump administration unlawfully tried to withhold domestic violence and sexual assault grant funding to force political concessions. Local Government & Housing: North Providence planning board continued deliberations on a contentious Baird Avenue housing plan after a long, heated hearing. Community & Culture: Rhode Island arts groups are kicking off National Arts and Humanities Month with statewide events and programs. Historic Preservation: Westerly is considering taking ownership of a 300-year-old cemetery tied to early Revolutionary-era figures.

Military shake-up: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to announce deeper cuts to the number of generals and admirals, potentially shrinking flag-and-general officer roles by about 20% by Jan. 1, 2027, after a prior 10% reduction. Immigration enforcement: DHS says ICE has begun a “surge in sanctuary cities,” naming Rhode Island among jurisdictions targeted as part of the administration’s crackdown. Courts and consumer protection: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the Trump administration unlawfully withheld domestic-violence grants and tried to coerce groups with politically driven conditions. Data breach fallout: Rhode Island is among states tied to a multistate settlement over the 2019 Labcorp breach affecting millions, including health data exposed through a debt-collector vendor. Local economy and costs: Rhode Island commercial health insurance premiums are projected to rise again in 2027, adding pressure on households already facing higher bills. Transit: RIPTA faces higher costs after diesel contract protection expired, raising questions about whether riders could see fare hikes. Higher ed: URI is weighing whether to reconsider running its own payroll amid state Workday troubles, as the university’s major systems overhaul nears launch.

College Sports: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act in a 77-22 vote, setting up major changes to NCAA rules on eligibility, transfers and pay, with an antitrust exemption and a higher revenue-sharing cap—next stop is the House after the Nov. 3 midterms. Clean Energy: A Rhode Island federal judge reversed the Trump administration’s shutdown of the $7 billion “Solar for All” program, potentially restoring help for more than 900,000 lower-income Americans; the EPA is weighing an appeal. Transit Costs: Rhode Island’s bus system is sliding deeper into the red as diesel prices have surged far above what RIPTA budgeted, threatening service stability. Local Economy & Space: A Newport-area chamber-backed report warns Newport and Bristol counties lack enough commercial and light industrial space for expected job growth, urging property conversions and zoning alignment. Green Bond Push: Rhode Island leaders kicked off the campaign for the 2026 Green Bond Question 5, seeking voter support for $55 million in clean water, resilience, recreation and land conservation. Education Funding: URI trustees approved a $20.3 million boost to the 2028 budget amid enrollment shortfalls and inflation pressures. School Safety: A Charlestown teen was referred to Family Court after a stabbing allegation during a welding class at Chariho High School. AI & Energy: New research ranks AI models by electricity use, finding big differences in energy intensity and raising pressure for transparency. Data Privacy: A multistate settlement targets Labcorp over a 2019 data breach tied to a debt collector, with stronger vendor security requirements.

Higher Ed & Student Success: URI trustees approved a $20.3 million boost to its 2028 budget request after inflation and missed enrollment targets left a projected $8.1 million shortfall. Local Infrastructure: The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank closed $6.3 million for energy upgrades at Lincoln’s Northern Elementary School, including major heating, ventilation, and controls work expected to cut energy use. Environment & Ballot Politics: State leaders kicked off the campaign for the 2026 Green Economy Bond (Question 5), a $55 million plan aimed at clean water, conservation, outdoor recreation, and green infrastructure. RI Governance: Rhode Island is moving toward its first inspector general, with finalists now being interviewed. Consumer & Business: Starbucks closed a Warwick location as part of broader North American cuts, while a multistate AG settlement reached over the Labcorp data breach includes protections and payments. Storm Aftermath: A nor’easter’s flooding and wind damage lingered across the region as cleanup continued. Health Care Oversight: Attorney General Neronha rejected a turnaround plan for Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, citing unrealistic assumptions and pressing for a revised plan.

Inspector General Selection: Rhode Island is set to interview finalists for its first inspector general, with the governor expected to pick a nominee from a short list after the commission’s interviews. Telecom & Consumer Impact: Verizon’s FCC review of its plan to retire copper landlines in Rhode Island and other states is no longer on autopilot, after officials raised concerns about coverage and emergency reliability. Gubernatorial Race: Independent Ken Block is making a third bid for governor, pitching a “third way” focused on facts, financial reform, and moving beyond the two-party system. Ballot & Local Politics: Providence voters will decide in November on a first-of-its-kind divestment initiative targeting companies tied to genocide, war crimes, occupation, or apartheid. Courts & AI: A judge’s AI-assisted order filled with errors is prompting new scrutiny of how Rhode Island and Massachusetts courts handle generative AI in legal work. Energy & Jobs: A Rhode Island federal judge ordered the revival of the $7 billion Solar for All program after the EPA canceled it, a potential boost for low- and moderate-income solar access. Education & Attendance: A Rhode Island study links sustained arts education—especially music—to lower chronic absenteeism. Storm Aftermath: A nor’easter battered the Northeast with flooding, outages, and travel disruption, including power cuts affecting Rhode Island and nearby states. Health Care Leadership: Rhode Island Medical Imaging is seeking its first CEO as it prepares for leadership transition.