AGP Executive Report

Water Safety Watch: URI and RIDOH are studying manganese in Rhode Island drinking water, but towns say public systems look clear while private, homeowner-drilled wells may need testing. Homelessness Funding Fight: A federal court blocked HUD’s latest 2026 homeless-services funding notice, siding with a coalition challenging attempts to steer money away from permanent supportive housing. Attorney General Shakeup: After a tight, late-night Senate vote, Todd Blanche was confirmed as U.S. attorney general, with only two Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. Surveillance Cameras Debate: Flock license-plate readers are drawing renewed backlash, with Rhode Island towns weighing privacy concerns against public-safety uses. Workforce & Health Policy: Rhode Island is highlighted among states expanding menopause workplace support, while the FTC says it will stop bringing discrimination cases based only on disparate outcomes. Local Community & Business: PPL earned United Way recognition for a record $10M campaign; Rhode Island Blood Center opens its first Massachusetts donor center in Swansea; and Ocean State Job Lot kicks off back-to-school with free kids’ clothing and shoes via gift cards.

Homelessness Funding Fight: New York AG Letitia James and a coalition of states and governors won a court order blocking the Trump administration from imposing unlawful conditions on Fiscal Year 2026 Continuum of Care housing funds, a move aimed at protecting permanent supportive housing and services. RI Courts & Accountability: Rhode Island’s Supreme Court upheld nearly $75,000 in attorneys’ fees against a pro se divorce litigant, citing frivolous, unsupported claims that unnecessarily dragged out the case. RI Cannabis Licensing: Rhode Island regulators reopened the retailer application process after federal court action and a new state law reset the rules, with online submissions now accepted through Nov. 23. Banking & Mergers: The Federal Reserve approved Banco Santander’s acquisition of Webster Bank, clearing the final step for a deal expected to close Aug. 20. Health Data Breach: Brown Health confirmed a major data breach tied to Lifespan Physician Group in Massachusetts, affecting more than 311,000 people and triggering identity protection offers. Coastal Resilience: A community session in Rhode Island focused on Corn Neck Road resilience and dune restoration, with three preliminary beach pavilion design options discussed. Local Politics: Gov. Dan McKee issued a statement honoring former Sen. Stephen D. Alves, directing flags be lowered.

Prison Health Care: A national problem is hitting Hawai‘i hard: prisoners granted compassionate release can’t leave because long-term care facilities won’t accept them, leaving some stuck in infirmaries for months or years. Federal Courts & Safety: Rhode Island’s top federal judge, John McConnell, says threats against him and his family escalated after he blocked a Trump federal funding freeze, including online targeting and credible death threats. Tariffs Fight: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson joined 24 states suing the Trump administration over new sweeping tariffs, arguing they’re illegal and will raise costs for families and businesses. Energy & Costs: Environmental advocates are pushing for a windfall profits tax after Trump said big oil made “too much money” from the Iran war, pointing to soaring profits and higher pump prices. Local Business & Growth: Siemens brought its Mobile eXplore Tour to Pawtucket to showcase industrial automation and digital manufacturing for Rhode Island manufacturers. Housing/Planning: Warren’s planning board recommended banning data centers until new zoning standards are set. Environment & Community: Save the Bay’s Narragansett Bay swim returns for its 50th year, celebrating decades of bay cleanup. Health Coverage: A new update shows wide variation in Medicaid reimbursement rates for state-funded abortion services.

Fugitive Doctor Capture: Ronald Fischer, a former Rhode Island anesthesiologist accused of raping women aboard luxury boats, was arrested after more than 20 years on the run—authorities say a new job and shared headshot helped tip off the FBI, leading to his capture in New Jersey. Local Sports: Rhode Island FC hosts the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Centreville Bank Stadium, with both teams sitting in the middle of their USL groups. Consumer Finance: Rhode Island-area banking watchers may want to note a multistate push by attorneys general urging federal regulators to block OppFi’s bid to merge with a national bank—critics say it would enable triple-digit APR lending that sidesteps state protections. Business & Community: Pawtucket’s Centreville Bank Stadium will host the Rhode Island Lights Festival from Nov. 27 to Jan. 3, with holiday shopping, food, and Santa. Arts & Culture: A Rhode Island artist is taking a digital-first approach to ceramics, blending RISD training with new tech and research methods.

Local Politics & Ethics: The Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted 4-1 to appeal a Superior Court ruling that cleared former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi to pursue a Supreme Court seat, arguing his move from the legislature to the judiciary may violate the state’s revolving-door ethics rules. Public Safety & Privacy: Narragansett council members voted to end the town’s Flock Safety license-plate reader surveillance camera program immediately, after months of debate over what the devices collect and how the contract was handled. Health & Community: A Rhode Island mother is among parents nationwide watching a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to berries, as CDC data shows thousands of confirmed cases since May. Weather: Heat advisories are in effect across parts of New England, including Rhode Island, with humid conditions pushing heat indices into the mid-to-upper 90s and a few pop-up storm chances near the coast. Business & Growth: Vertikal6 was named to Providence Business News’ 2026 Fastest Growing Companies list, and Coutu Bros. Moving & Storage earned finalist recognition in another PBN growth category. Economy & Policy: Four Democratic governors, including Rhode Island, are appealing Trump’s denial of FEMA disaster aid tied to a February snowstorm.

Autonomous Defense Tech: Rhode Island-based Havoc AI is showing off fully autonomous boats and drones, with the company saying U.S. forces have already used its unmanned vessels to find maritime targets. Federal Courts Under Pressure: Rhode Island’s top federal judge, John McConnell, disclosed credible death threats after blocking a Trump funding freeze, including doxing and a bizarre pizza delivery tied to another judge’s murdered son. Health & Food Safety: A Rhode Island parent describes how the national cyclosporiasis outbreak has sparked panic over berries, as confirmed cases climb across dozens of states. Antitrust/Drugs: Acting Alaska AG Cori Mills joined a coalition announcing a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and market manipulation. Local Community & Culture: Onset’s “Summer of Love” concerts returned to the renovated bandshell after construction delays, and Charlestown’s Seafood Festival keeps building a tight-knit South County community. Housing & Planning: Sharon residents push for stronger protections for farmland as the town updates its Plan of Conservation and Development. Business/Finance: The Fed approved Santander’s acquisition of Webster Financial, a major Connecticut deal with ripple effects for Rhode Island banking. Public Safety/Environment: NOAA reports a Gulf “dead zone” from low oxygen again formed, though smaller than expected.

Tariff Fight in Court: A coalition of 25 states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration over new Section 301 tariffs, calling them a “pretext” to replace earlier taxes struck down by the Supreme Court. Local Politics: Providence voters are set to choose between incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley and challenger David Morales in a Democratic primary, with Morales pushing rent stabilization and Smiley touting public safety and downtown plans. State Oversight: Rhode Island opened applications for its first inspector general, a new role aimed at investigating fraud and waste in state and municipal programs using state money. Brown University Shake-Up: Brown University President Christina Paxson announced she will step down in 2027, setting up a new leadership and strategic planning push. Coastal Conservation: Westerly is turning newly acquired Misquamicut land into a Winnapaug Pond public access and conservation area, adding parking and shoreline access. Marine Science: Atlantic Shark Institute researchers tagged Rhode Island’s first successful hammerhead off the coast, pointing to changing ocean conditions.

RI Politics & Courts: Rhode Island’s ethics panel voted to seek review of a Superior Court ruling that cleared former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi to pursue a Supreme Court seat, keeping the state’s revolving-door rules in legal limbo as Gov. Dan McKee weighs nominees. Providence Mayoral Race: Former Providence mayor Jorge Elorza endorsed David Morales over incumbent Brett Smiley, arguing Providence affordability and public safety failures demand a left-leaning shift, with Morales centering rent stabilization. State Oversight: Rhode Island opened applications for its first inspector general, a new fraud-and-waste watchdog funded for fiscal 2027, with applications due Aug. 21. Coastal Conservation: Westerly and state agencies are turning newly acquired Misquamicut land near Winnapaug Pond into a public access and conservation area, including designated parking and seasonal limits. Federal Data Privacy Fight: More than 20 states and D.C. sued to block the Trump administration from expanding access to TANF recipients’ sensitive personal data, including immigration status. Banking: The Fed gave final approval for Banco Santander’s acquisition of Webster Financial, clearing the last major hurdle before a planned Aug. 20 close. Economy & Costs: A new study ranked New York among the worst for health care affordability, underscoring rising medical costs nationwide.

Tariff Court Fight: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade over new “forced labor” tariffs on 60 trading partners, arguing the move is a pretext to revive duties the Supreme Court already struck down and asking for a halt plus refunds. Local Politics: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley laid out a second-term plan focused on more housing, downtown growth, support for neighborhood businesses, and preparing for the return of local school control. Energy & Industry: A new Rhode Island net metering initiative links locally generated hydro power to manufacturers and commercial users, aiming to cut bills while strengthening the state’s renewable hydropower base. Health Data Breach: Lifespan Physicians Group is under investigation after a breach exposed at least 290,000 patient records tied to Rhode Island’s Brown Health Medical Group-MA. Higher Ed Leadership: Brown University President Christina Paxson announced she will step down after the 2026-27 academic year following clashes with the Trump administration over federal funding. Business Deal: AlphaCore Wealth Advisory acquired Brave Family Advisors, adding staff and expanding into Tiverton, Rhode Island.

Tariff Fight Hits Rhode Island: A coalition of 25 states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration in federal court over new Section 301 tariffs, arguing they’re a “pretext” to restart import taxes the Supreme Court struck down in February—potentially raising costs for families and businesses. Privacy vs. Welfare Data: Separate lawsuits target a Trump plan to let federal agencies access sensitive personal information from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients, with Rhode Island officials among the states pushing back on the expanded data-sharing. Brown Leadership Shake-Up: Brown University President Christina Paxson announced she’ll step down at the end of the 2026-27 academic year after years of clashes with Washington over federal funding and campus turmoil. Local Giving: Beacon Bank said it invested more than $600,000 in the second quarter into 180+ nonprofits across Rhode Island and neighboring states. Providence Politics: Former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza endorsed state Rep. David Morales in his bid to unseat Mayor Brett Smiley. Campaign Trail: Rhode Island’s gubernatorial race debate spotlighted fundraising and disputes over CVS, the Washington Bridge, and a Pawtucket soccer stadium.

URI drinking water study: URI and the Rhode Island Department of Health will team up to tackle manganese in state water, using a grant-backed project running through 2030 to support public systems and private well owners. Public health update: Rhode Island raised its West Nile virus risk level to high after mosquitoes tested positive, prompting officials to urge residents to protect themselves from bites. Local politics: State Rep. David Morales is set to receive a major endorsement for Providence mayor from former Mayor Jorge Elorza, a move that could reshape the race against incumbent Brett Smiley. Housing & courts: A federal judge ruled in a Johnston eminent domain dispute that the town lacked proper authority to take property, dealing a blow to a low-income housing plan. Economy & jobs: A new look at unemployment trends shows California’s jobless count falling year over year, with Rhode Island also posting a notable improvement. Environment & science: The Atlantic Shark Institute tagged Rhode Island’s first hammerhead in local waters, adding to growing research on shark migration. Business & community: Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island earned a top disability inclusion honor for 2026, highlighting workplace and internship efforts.

Public Health: Rhode Island raised its West Nile virus risk to “high” after state testing found the virus in mosquito samples from East Providence, North Providence and Providence (July 20), prompting officials to urge residents to take mosquito-bite precautions. Housing & Courts: A federal judge voided Johnston’s eminent domain seizure tied to affordable housing, saying the town didn’t follow the legal process required for taking property. Consumer Finance: Bankruptcy filings rose 12.2% nationwide over the year ending June 30, 2026, with Rhode Island up to 1,157 total filings—nearly 10% higher than the prior year. State Transit: Rhode Island’s July 1 budget closed RIPTA’s projected $14 million operating deficit, averting another round of service cuts this fiscal year (but earlier reductions remain). Elections & Safety: Rhode Island voters are being reminded to watch for election scams, including phishing texts and emails that try to steal personal info or push people to fake “verification” sites. Affordable Lending Fight: Rhode Island consumer groups warned that OppFi’s bid to become a national bank could undermine the state’s new 36% payday-loan interest cap via “rate exportation.”

Payday Loan Fight in RI: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha and a coalition of states are urging federal regulators to reject OppFi’s bid to become a national bank, warning it could let the lender keep charging 160% APR here even after RI’s new 36% interest-rate cap takes effect Jan. 1. Transit Budget Update: Rhode Island’s July 1 state budget closes RIPTA’s projected $14M operating gap for now, preventing another round of service cuts, though earlier route reductions remain. Diocese Lawsuits: More than 50 lawsuits have been filed against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence since RI’s July 1 “revival window” reopened claims for survivors of childhood sexual abuse through June 30, 2028. Election Security: A Rhode Island-related warning campaign highlights rising phishing scams targeting voter registration and urging people not to click links or share personal info. Local Civic Engagement: The League of Women Voters is gearing up for RI’s primary with nonpartisan candidate forums and voter education. Food & Home Life: A national study finds a $100 grocery budget stretches farthest in some states and least in Hawaii, while a separate piece looks at how young adults increasingly spend weekends at home.

RIPTA Funding Fix: Rhode Island’s new state budget closes RIPTA’s projected $14M operating gap, preventing another round of bus cuts this fiscal year, though last year’s route reductions still stand. Diocese Lawsuits: More than 50 lawsuits have been filed against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence under Rhode Island’s new childhood sexual abuse revival window, which runs through June 30, 2028. Election Security: Local election officials are warning voters about phishing texts and emails that push people to click links or “verify” registration through fake channels. Healthcare Fight: Rhode Island and other attorneys general are suing to block a federal rule that would expand catastrophic plans and raise costs, potentially cutting ACA coverage. Local Politics: A Providence-area debate highlighted a crowded Democratic lieutenant governor primary, with candidates aligning on issues like the millionaires’ tax and renewable electricity timelines. Public Health & Research: Tick-borne Bourbon virus has been reported in New York for the first time, with experts warning about symptoms and prevention as cases rise. Business & Housing: Woonsocket real estate deals are setting new pricing benchmarks, signaling growing investor confidence.

Transit & State Budget: Rhode Island’s budget took effect July 1 and closes RIPTA’s projected $14 million operating gap, preventing another round of cuts this fiscal year—though last September’s route reductions still stand. Local Governance: Warren Town Council urged the state to “crack” open a watershed for shellfishing, pushing for water-quality testing to reopen long-closed areas. Health Care: Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha joined a coalition suing to block a federal rule that would make Affordable Care Act coverage more expensive and harder to get. Public Health: A CDC update shows babesiosis cases are rising, with Rhode Island reporting 242 cases in 2023 and the highest incidence rate in the country. Security & Elections: Voters are being warned about election scams, including phishing texts and emails that try to trick people into clicking links or sharing personal info. Environment & Research: Atlantic Shark Institute tagged its first hammerhead shark off Block Island, adding new data as warming waters shift regional shark activity. Business & Housing: Woonsocket investor confidence shows up in landmark multifamily sales, including a six-unit building closing for $906,000.

Health Care Fight in Federal Court: Rhode Island and other attorneys general sued to block a Trump administration rule that would expand eligibility for catastrophic plans, raise out-of-pocket costs, and undermine Affordable Care Act protections. Offshore Wind Cost Hit: Eversource reported a $164M charge tied to Revolution Wind delays after Trump-era stop-work orders. URI Research Grant: A $1.5M grant to a URI neuroscientist will study cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a disease linked to Alzheimer’s and brain bleeding risk. Public Health on Block Island: A tick-borne disease forum highlighted rising concerns, including Lone Star ticks and alpha-gal syndrome, and pushed for longer-term solutions. Shark Science in Rhode Island Waters: The Atlantic Shark Institute tagged its first hammerhead shark off Block Island, adding to its long-running tracking of migration and habitat. Energy Prices and Oil Profits: Major oil companies posted record profits as U.S.-Iran conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, driving fuel prices higher. Local Business & Jobs: Ocean State Job Lot announced hiring events ahead of its new Glassboro store opening.