AGP Executive Report

Housing & Homelessness: A University of Rhode Island study estimates 5,641 Rhode Islanders faced “doubled-up” homelessness between 2020 and 2024—people couch-surfing who don’t show up in federal counts. State Politics: A new Pell Center poll finds Gov. Dan McKee still about 20 points behind Helena Foulkes three weeks before the primary, with many voters undecided. Public Safety & Privacy: Police say scammers used remote access to drain thousands from a North Kingstown elderly woman’s accounts, then showed up at her home posing as tech support. Elections & Data: A federal judge tossed out a Trump effort to force Minnesota to hand over private voter rolls, calling it a “fishing expedition”—a fight courts have rejected in many states, including Rhode Island. Rhode Island Business & Community: Citizens opened a new Coral Gables office to expand commercial banking in South Florida, while the Northern Rhode Island Chamber launched its “Work & Wonder” podcast spotlighting local business leaders. Energy: Ørsted says Revolution Wind is over 95% complete and on track to commission in the second half of 2026, powering Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Workforce & Education: Rhode Island opened applications for the new Workforce Pell Grant approval process, aiming to make short-term, state-approved training programs (8 to 15 weeks) more affordable for students in in-demand fields like trades and manufacturing. Courts & Cannabis: A federal judge lifted a block on Rhode Island’s cannabis retail license process, clearing the way for a fresh application cycle after changes to residency requirements. State Politics: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Superior Court Judge Luis Matos to the state Supreme Court seat, bypassing former House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and reigniting debate over Rhode Island’s revolving-door law optics. Public Safety & Privacy: License-plate reader company Flock Safety continues to face contract losses and scrutiny over privacy and data governance concerns. Banking & Seniors: Washington Trust launched an “Age With Wisdom” series to help older adults and families spot financial scams, including AI-enabled fraud. Business & Finance: Citizens opened its first Miami-Dade commercial banking office in Coral Gables as it expands South Florida operations. RI Community & Culture: McKee ceremonially signed legislation creating a special Dominican heritage charity license plate. Health & Research: URI pharmacy received a $1.5 million grant to study cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a condition linked to Alzheimer’s risk and brain bleeding. Transportation: Rhode Island’s congressional delegation steered $13.5 million to upgrade the Providence Ferry Terminal. Cyber & Legal: Law firms announced investigations tied to recent data breaches involving CSC and Paylogix, with Rhode Island residents listed among potentially impacted individuals.

Education & Attendance: Gov. Dan McKee and Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green kicked off Rhode Island’s “Attendance Matters” push ahead of the new school year, highlighting a 14.4-point drop in chronic absenteeism statewide. Local Politics: Rhode Island voters are being urged to lean into “crossover” primary voting, with advocates arguing it can block candidates they see as too extreme. Housing Market: A new Redfin snapshot shows the U.S. housing market shifting further toward buyers as the number of homebuyers hits a record low, giving remaining buyers more leverage. Surveillance Oversight: Flock Safety is tightening privacy and oversight rules for its license plate reader network as more towns question data governance and cancel contracts. Energy & Costs: A 50-state analysis links climate and net-zero policies to higher electricity rates, with Democratic-leaning states more often landing above the national average. Business & Jobs: Rob Levine Law announced it ranked No. 2424 on the Inc. 5000 list and placed 6th in Rhode Island. Courts & Policy: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse pressed for a clear Social Security plan from Republicans, arguing Democrats have legislation that would stabilize the program without cutting benefits.

Supreme Court Overhaul Push: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and other Democrats are reviving Supreme Court reform bills, including term limits and ethics rules, arguing the court’s rightward turn has become more politics than law. Local Surveillance Fight: Flock Safety says it’s tightening privacy controls for its license plate reader network—cutting data retention to seven days and adding limits on data sharing—after dozens of towns and police agencies canceled or paused contracts amid public backlash. RI Politics: Gov. Dan McKee heads into a Sept. 9 Democratic primary without party backing, trailing Helena Foulkes while facing criticism on roads, cost of living, and the economy. Blue Economy Boost: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot maritime production facility at ProvPort to build undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy and allies. Housing/Community: Pat’s Pastured in Rhode Island is back at the farmers market after a fire destroyed a refrigerated truck and about $150,000 in inventory, with help pouring in from customers and local businesses. Consumer/Finance: Amazon reinstated binding arbitration and class-action waivers, while Rhode Island shoppers still have small-claims court up to the state’s $5,000 cap.

RI Politics: Gov. Dan McKee heads into the Sept. 9 Democratic primary without party backing, trailing Helena Foulkes as voters rate his roads, cost of living, and economy work poorly. Surveillance & Privacy: Flock Safety is tightening rules for its nationwide license-plate reader network—cutting data retention to seven days and adding limits on data sharing—while more Rhode Island towns weigh camera pullbacks after residents raise concerns about where data goes and how it’s used. Local Business & Community: Pat’s Pastured in Rhode Island is back at the farmers market after a fire destroyed a refrigerated truck, inventory, and equipment; the farm is still seeking help to replace the vehicle. Blue Economy: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot maritime production facility at ProvPort to build undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy and allied forces. Consumer & Courts: Amazon reinstated binding arbitration and class-action waivers, pushing more disputes out of court for Rhode Island shoppers. Health & Housing: A Woonsocket shelter resident says GLP-1 treatment helped end her daily drinking, part of an OpenDoors housing-and-recovery program. Energy: Offshore wind in the Gulf of Mexico faces a major setback after RWE agreed to relinquish U.S. leases, citing no path forward.

Democratic Primary Watch: Gov. Dan McKee heads into Rhode Island’s Sept. 9 Democratic primary without party backing, trailing Helena Foulkes in polling and facing sharp voter disapproval on roads, bridges, and the cost of living. Surveillance Oversight: Flock Safety is tightening rules for its license-plate reader network—cutting data retention to seven days and adding limits on data sharing—after dozens of towns and police agencies canceled or paused contracts over privacy concerns. Local Tech, Defense Jobs: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot ProvPort facility in Providence to build undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy and allied forces, a boost for Rhode Island’s “Blue Economy.” Courts & Governance: Gov. McKee nominated Superior Court Justice Luis Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, highlighting his immigrant background and legal career. Health & Costs: Rhode Island moved to curb prior authorization for primary care orders, while a separate report warns Medicaid income caps can block disabled workers from home care that keeps jobs possible. Consumer Finance: Amazon reinstated binding arbitration and class-action waivers, pushing more disputes out of Rhode Island small-claims court beyond the $5,000 cap.

Supreme Court Pick: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Superior Court Associate Justice Luis M. Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, highlighting his Portuguese-American roots and long record in state and federal legal work. Education Funding: RIDE secured more than $18 million in federal grants for two AI-supported literacy initiatives, including $10 million for Project REACH and $8.4 million for RISE-AI. Utility Rates Fight: AG Peter Neronha urged the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s request to raise its profit margin to 10.75% as part of a roughly $230 million rate increase. Surveillance Backlash: Foster tabled a plan to remove its Flock license-plate reader cameras after residents questioned where data goes; meanwhile Flock says it’s tightening privacy and oversight rules nationwide. Consumer Courts: Amazon reinstated binding arbitration and a class-action waiver effective Aug. 14, pushing bigger disputes away from court while Rhode Island small claims remains capped at $5,000. Workforce Aid: Rhode Island is accepting applications for a new Workforce Pell Grant program for short-term training.

Supreme Court pick for RI: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Superior Court Associate Justice Luis M. Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, passing over former House speaker Shekarchi; Matos, a Providence-raised Portuguese-American jurist, is known for federal and state legal work and is seen as a major nod to the state’s large Portuguese community. Education funding: RIDE secured more than $18 million in federal grants for two AI-backed literacy initiatives aimed at boosting high-quality teaching and student achievement statewide. Utility fight: AG Peter Neronha urged the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s request to raise its profit margin to 10.75% as part of a roughly $230 million rate increase. Surveillance backlash: Cumberland is facing fresh scrutiny over Flock Safety license-plate cameras after a false-arrest case raised questions about what the system captures; Foster also tabled a move to remove its cameras after resident pushback. Work and health coverage: A new report highlights how Medicaid income caps can force disabled workers to choose between higher pay and the home care that keeps them employed. Public health crackdown: Massachusetts issued an emergency order targeting kratom products, adding to the region’s push to rein in largely unregulated sales.

Workforce & Safety Net: A new U.S. Government Accountability Office analysis finds grocery and convenience retail employ large numbers of working adults who still rely on Medicaid and SNAP—highlighting how low wages keep families tethered to public support in states including Maine and Rhode Island. Housing & Jobs: Quonset Development Corp. and Moran Properties plan 140 workforce housing units at Quonset Business Park, aiming to ease recruitment and retention problems tied to Rhode Island’s housing shortage. Local Development: Pawtucket celebrated the ribbon-cutting of Dexter Street Commons, a $55 million mixed-use project with 150 all-electric apartments near transit, including middle-income units. Public Safety Tech: Flock Safety has lost or declined to renew dozens of municipal license plate reader contracts nationwide as privacy and data governance concerns mount. Health & Public Policy: Rhode Island is part of a multistate lawsuit challenging federal rules that require mortgage lenders to pay interest on escrow accounts—arguing it short-changes homeowners. RI Research & Industry: Partridge Snow & Hahn launched Phenix Capitol Group LLC to expand government relations and regulatory strategy across Rhode Island. Community & Education: Providence Place and partners will hand out 300+ backpacks with school supplies at a back-to-school giveaway. Environment & Water: A Rhode Island water-systems engineering connection backs research using AI to help reduce lead exposure risks.

Flock Safety Fallout in RI: Foster’s Town Council is set to debate canceling its three Flock Safety license-plate camera contracts, following Glocester, Narragansett, and South Kingstown’s recent pullbacks over privacy and data-sharing concerns—while critics say Flock’s reforms still leave broad access without meaningful independent checks. Tickborne Health Alert: Rhode Island confirmed a second Powassan virus case of 2026, urging residents to reduce tick exposure as the rare illness can cause severe brain inflammation. Offshore Wind Update: Ørsted says the Revolution Wind project is over 95% complete, with most turbines installed and full commercial operation targeted for the end of 2026. Public Safety Training Push: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and RI police leaders backed final passage of a federal bill to build commander-level police leadership training. Local Business & Defense: L3Harris opened a new ProvPort maritime production facility in Providence for undersea training systems, marking a $6 million investment tied to Navy and allied readiness. Housing & Finance: A federal judge in Rhode Island also weighed in on homelessness funding priorities, while separate coverage highlights rising mortgage pressure and ongoing fights over escrow interest rules.

Supreme Court Shuffle: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Superior Court Judge Luis Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, but House Speaker Christopher Blazejewski and Senate President Valarie Lawson say lawmakers won’t consider the pick until after the Nov. 3 election—keeping the timing and politics in play. GOP Gubernatorial Showdown: In a Providence debate, Elaine Pelino and Aaron Guckian sparred over health care, housing, and spending, with Pelino pushing a sales-tax repeal and MAGA alignment while Guckian promised budget cuts. Housing & Consumer Protection: AG Peter Neronha joined a coalition suing to block an OCC decision that would preempt state rules requiring banks to pay interest on mortgage escrow accounts. Local Business/Industry: L3Harris opened a new Providence-area facility at ProvPort to produce undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy, expanding on its long-running Rhode Island work. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Flock Safety is losing municipal contracts nationwide as cities cite privacy and data-governance concerns, including disputes over data ownership and sharing.

Rhode Island Courts: Gov. Dan McKee has nominated Superior Court Judge Luis Matos to fill an open seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, a move that now heads to legislative approval while the ethics fight over former House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi’s eligibility continues. Defense & Jobs: L3Harris opened a new $6 million maritime production facility in Providence to build undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy and allies, expanding on its long-running Rhode Island presence. Housing & Cost Pressures: Rhode Island residents may be among those getting FTC refunds from a Grubhub settlement over hidden fees and misleading pay claims, though the payout is only a fraction of the original judgment. Public Safety Tech: Charlestown reported a public coastal camera stolen in early August, disrupting a URI/Sea Grant effort to give residents and researchers live access to shoreline conditions. Local Environment: URI researchers are studying a parasitic wasp as a potential natural control for the spotted lanternfly, aiming to reduce the invasive pest without relying on pesticides. Labor: CVS pharmacy workers in Rhode Island voted to approve a strike sanction over unsafe staffing, though no walkout is scheduled. Politics & Privacy: A national trend of cities canceling Flock automated license plate reader contracts is tied to privacy and data governance concerns. Community & Culture: The Narragansett powwow in Charlestown drew thousands, with leaders calling it a living declaration of tribal presence on Rhode Island land.

Rhode Island Cannabis Expansion: Tyson 2.0 is officially launching in Rhode Island through partner Reborn Roots, bringing adult-use and medical products like flower, pre-rolls, concentrates and edibles to the Ocean State. Local Coastal Monitoring: Charlestown reported its public-access coastal camera was stolen, disrupting a URI/Sea Grant project meant to give residents and researchers live views of shoreline conditions. Labor Watch: CVS pharmacists in Rhode Island (plus California and Arizona) voted to approve a strike sanction over unsafe staffing, though no walkout is scheduled. New State Tax Impact: Rhode Island’s new Non-Owner-Occupied Property Tax Act—dubbed the “Taylor Swift tax”—kicked in July 1, hitting seasonal out-of-staters with quarterly bills. Education Gains: Rhode Island students more than doubled AP scores qualifying for college credit over five years, with preliminary 2026 results showing 10,400+ qualifying scores. Out-of-State Legal Fight With Local Ripples: Rhode Island is among states suing the Trump administration over a federal rule that would preempt state protections requiring mortgage lenders to pay interest on escrow accounts. Tech/Privacy Tension: A national debate over automated license plate reader cameras continues as cities cancel deals over privacy and data ownership concerns. Arts & Entertainment: Dave Matthews Band announced a Providence stop on Nov. 9, with ticket sales starting Aug. 21.

Education Funding: Rhode Island awarded $1.62M in Learn365RI grants to expand after-school and other out-of-school learning, with money going to Providence, Central Falls, Cranston, Newport, Pawtucket, Warwick, Woonsocket, East Providence and several other communities. College Readiness: Preliminary state data shows Rhode Island students more than doubled AP exam scores qualifying for college credit over five years, with 10,400+ scores of 3 or higher in 2026. Higher Ed Abroad: URI students Meghan Capuano, Ashley Ortiz and Kuranda Ruggiero won Gilman Scholarships for study abroad in Denmark, Spain and Tajikistan. Housing & Consumer Protection: A coalition of Democratic-led states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration over a rule that could cut homeowners’ interest payments on mortgage escrow accounts. Homelessness Oversight: Federal officials faced court scrutiny as HUD and HHS officials attacked Los Angeles’ homelessness agency over alleged mismanagement. Local Privacy Fight: Reports say Flock Safety has lost or seen canceled municipal contracts amid privacy and data-ownership concerns. Community Support: Central Falls launched a Mobile Food Pantry to bring fresh food to neighborhoods, targeting transportation barriers for SNAP users.

Local Tech & Privacy: Flock Safety is losing municipal contracts nationwide as towns and police departments cancel or decline renewals over concerns about license plate data ownership, sharing, and privacy safeguards, with disputes tied to unresolved data governance and earlier backlash over “human distress detection” audio surveillance. Local Governance & Energy: With Rhode Island’s data center bills stalled in June, towns are taking matters into their own hands—Smithfield and Westerly are moving toward local bans or moratoriums as residents weigh power and water strain from the data center boom. Health & Housing: A Rhode Island federal judge again blocked the Trump administration from diverting federal homelessness funds away from “Housing First” programs, saying HUD violated federal rules in the attempted shift. Cannabis Licensing: Rhode Island reopened the retail cannabis licensing application process after residency requirements were scrapped, with applications accepted through Nov. 23 and social equity certification due Sept. 11. Business & Community: Pawtucket’s Arts Festival returns Aug. 28–Sept. 7 with free family programming and a new Heritage Festival spotlighting the Looff Carousel. Real Estate: A historic 16-acre Lincoln estate on Great Road sold for $1.277 million.

Affordable Care Act fight: AG Aaron Ford sued the Trump administration to block a 2027 health insurance rule that would expand “catastrophic” plans, raise out-of-pocket costs, and roll back protections. Trade and prices: Ford also joined a coalition suing over Trump tariff increases on more than 80 countries, arguing the costs will hit Americans. Health care access: A new report urges bans on prior authorization, saying insurers use it to deny care; Rhode Island is already testing a pilot that removes it for primary care. Higher ed and immigration: DOJ filed new lawsuits against Connecticut, New York, and Vermont over in-state tuition and aid for illegal aliens, adding to a growing wave of federal court fights. Homelessness funding: A Rhode Island judge again blocked HUD from diverting Housing First money, saying the agency exceeded its authority. Local governance and privacy: Charlestown’s public beach camera was stolen after rumors it was a license-plate reader. Climate and daily life: NOAA says July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the U.S., with every state in the warmest third of its history. Workplace/union: A judge ordered VA to keep its collective bargaining agreement with AFGE after another attempt to terminate it.