AGP Executive Report

Disaster Aid Fight: Emails reported by Politico say President Trump overruled FEMA and NOAA after they verified eligibility, blocking February snowstorm relief for New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts—and Rhode Island—despite meeting federal thresholds, raising fresh concerns about a two-tier system for “blue” states. Local Courts & Ethics: Rhode Island’s Supreme Court seat process faces scrutiny after a commission challenge to Warwick Rep. Shekarchi’s candidacy, with a judge ruling he can seek the post. Sex Abuse Lawsuits: Victims of abuse at St. Aloysius orphanage in Rhode Island have filed new lawsuits against the Catholic Diocese, citing allegations against priests and staff and arguing a new law reopened claims. Offshore Wind & Fisheries: URI researchers are studying whether offshore wind turbines are changing Jonah crab movement and feeding behavior—work that could affect fisheries management as lobster declines. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A warned customers after attackers accessed some Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts, exposing personal details and prompting password-reuse worries. Business Watch: Pentair is buying Taco Group Holdings for about $1.4B, promising a “significant presence” in Cranston but not guaranteeing jobs. Community & Culture: Akwesasne’s 2026 Art Market drew artists and visitors to Generations Park, highlighting Indigenous creativity and community ties.

Public Safety & Privacy: South Kingstown voted 5-0 to end its contract with Flock Safety and asked that license-plate reader cameras be removed, citing resident privacy concerns and fears of misuse. Workforce & Training: Warwick’s Community College of Rhode Island graduated the inaugural Fit2Serve: Pathway to Policing class—15 recruits completing 92 hours of physical and academic prep for upcoming police academy tracks. Cybersecurity & Education: The NSF announced first CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service awards, including funding for URI and 13 other schools to build AI-and-cybersecurity training pipelines into government jobs. Consumer Protection: Rhode Island and other state attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls and the scams they fuel. Business & Local Economy: BayCoast Bank opened a Newport branch, expanding its Rhode Island footprint. State Snapshot: U.S. News ranked Rhode Island 33rd-best overall, down nine spots from last year.

RI Supreme Court Seat Fight: A Superior Court judge ruled former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi can pursue the state Supreme Court appointment without waiting out Rhode Island’s revolving-door ethics ban, setting up Judicial Nominating Commission interviews and a potential appeal. Charter School Clash: A Providence-area bilingual charter school sued in federal court after a state moratorium blocked it from opening next fall, naming Gov. Dan McKee and top legislative leaders. Federal Grants Pressure: North Carolina joined a lawsuit filed in Rhode Island challenging FEMA and DHS threats to withhold homeland security and disaster funds tied to election and immigration demands. DOJ Appointments: Trevor J. Griffin was appointed an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Rhode Island’s Civil Division. Local Business & Community: BayCoast Bank opened a new Newport branch, and Washington Trust is sponsoring the Rhode Island Philharmonic’s free Summer Pops concert Aug. 5 in Roger Williams Park. Healthcare & Economy: WalletHub ranked Rhode Island 4th for healthcare quality/cost, while ProPublica reported federal judges are increasingly skeptical of DOJ conduct.

Charter Schools Fight: A Providence-area bilingual charter school, De La Comunidad, sued in federal court after Gov. Dan McKee signed a three-year charter moratorium that blocked it from opening next fall, with the school saying the law was aimed at shutting its doors. Marijuana Licensing Reset: Rhode Island regulators are restarting the cannabis retail licensing process after litigation, with about 75 prospective retailers set to receive $7,500 refunds as the commission moves forward. Federal Funding vs. Politics: RI AG Peter Neronha is part of a multi-state push challenging Trump-era conditions on FEMA and DHS emergency and counterterrorism grants, including demands tied to voter data and immigration enforcement. Energy Costs and Offshore Wind: Rhode Island’s congressional delegation and AG Neronha criticized Trump efforts to block offshore wind, arguing it threatens regional power supplies and jobs. Public Access: The ACLU of Rhode Island says only a small share of local councils and school committees fully meet best practices for livestreaming, archiving, and posting meeting materials. Healthcare Watch: WalletHub ranked Rhode Island among the better states for healthcare systems, while a separate Forbes list highlighted East Liverpool City Hospital for clinical excellence.

Rhode Island policy & economy: Rhode Island’s housing market showed a June lift, with single-family home prices hitting a monthly record of $550,000 and sales up 14% year over year, though inventory stayed tight. Courts & immigration: The DOJ sued Rhode Island over laws that let qualifying undocumented students receive in-state tuition and state college aid, after lawmakers expanded eligibility just days before the filing. Healthcare & tech: Brown University Health rolled out Microsoft Dragon Copilot for more than 400 clinicians and built 24 AI agents to support emergency care workflows, aiming to ease documentation-driven burnout. Public safety & infrastructure: A Rhode Island Medical Journal study found ambulance trips from the East Bay ran about a minute longer after the Washington Bridge westbound closure in late 2023. Workplace & local business: Blue Cross and the Greater Providence Chamber named 48 Rhode Island companies to its Worksite Health Awards, highlighting screenings, mental health training, and flexible schedules. Energy & politics: Rhode Island lawmakers are weighing data center tax incentives against requirements that operators help pay for grid upgrades as AI boosts electricity demand.

Immigration & Public Safety Funding: Rhode Island is among states challenging the Trump administration’s plan to tie FEMA and Homeland Security grants to election and immigration requirements, with Oregon and 25 other states filing in Rhode Island federal court and RI AG Peter Neronha calling it “bully[ing]” states with public safety money. Local Governance: Gov. Dan McKee ceremonially signed a package of bills protecting immigrant rights and civil liberties, with Dorcas International hosting the event. Energy & Data Centers: Rhode Island lawmakers are weighing data center tax incentives against rules requiring developers to help pay for grid upgrades as AI-driven power demand accelerates. Health: Rhode Island Blood Center and Connecticut Blood Center declared a blood emergency amid a national shortage, urging donors as summer trauma season ramps up. Courts & Prisons: A new analysis and peer-reviewed Rhode Island study say medical parole rarely results in release, and nursing homes often refuse to take seriously ill prisoners. Business/Media: Nexstar, owner of WPRI-TV, faces a new test in a federal antitrust dispute over its stalled $6.2B expansion.

Immigration & Courts: A federal judge struck down Illinois’ in-state tuition and aid laws for illegal immigrants, dealing another blow to the Trump administration’s immigration push and setting up further appeals. RI Politics & Policy: Rhode Island’s cannabis licensing fight is back in the spotlight after Cranston investors say the state erased their $500,000 bid for a first adult-use retail store—despite approvals—while regulators reset the process. Health Care Costs: A national wave of Medicaid GLP-1 cutbacks is leaving patients facing steep out-of-pocket costs; Rhode Island’s coverage ends Oct. 1. Public Safety & Data: ICE detention reporting has gone silent since April, leaving Rhode Island—home to New England’s main ICE hub in Central Falls—unable to verify deportation claims. Environment & Wildlife: Conservation is driving a comeback for American oystercatchers, with Rhode Island biologists tracking and banding chicks at Trustom Pond. Community & Culture: newportFILM and the Newport Jazz Festival will premiere a documentary on pioneering photographer John Shearer at Rough Point, with a live quartet performance. Health & Community: The Rhode Island Blood Center and Connecticut partners warn of a blood shortage and urge donors as summer trauma demand rises.

Immigration & ICE Transparency: Rhode Island lawmakers and advocates are reacting to ICE’s three-month-plus pause in releasing deportation and detention data, leaving the state’s Central Falls hub unable to verify federal claims. State Law for Immigrant Protections: Gov. Dan McKee ceremonially signed a package of bills at Dorcas International aimed at protecting immigrants’ rights and civil liberties in dealings with federal immigration authorities. Public Safety Funding Lawsuits: A coalition of states, including Rhode Island, is suing to block new FEMA/DHS grant conditions tied to election and immigration demands, arguing the federal government is using disaster money as leverage. Health Care Access: Rhode Island pharmacists gained new authority to run basic screenings and expand collaborative treatment arrangements under a law effective July 1. Blood Shortage: The Rhode Island Blood Center issued an urgent donor call as inventories fell below a two-day level during peak summer trauma season. Conservation on Local Shores: American oystercatchers are rebounding in Rhode Island thanks to targeted conservation that boosted chick survival. URI Research: URI is backing a new regional study on growing snapdragons, aiming to dial in Rhode Island-specific conditions for better blooms.

Immigration Data Blackout: ICE has stopped releasing mandated detention and deportation figures since April, leaving Rhode Island—home to a major ICE detention hub in Central Falls—unable to verify the administration’s deportation claims. Local Courts & Media: Nexstar, owner of WPRI-TV, faces a new antitrust test tied to allegations it violated an order keeping Tegna independent while its $6.2B expansion is stalled. Statehouse & Rights: Gov. Dan McKee ceremonially signed a package of bills protecting immigrant rights and promoting safer communities, with Dorcas International hosting. Public Health & Food Safety: Rhode Island grocery stores are double-checking lettuce recalls after cyclosporiasis concerns, pulling any recalled products and urging customers to wash produce. Cannabis Licensing Restart: Regulators are preparing to restart Rhode Island’s cannabis retail licensing process and issue refunds to dozens of applicants after federal court disruption. Education & Attendance: A new tool aims to predict chronic absenteeism risk early, using past attendance patterns to help districts intervene sooner. Sports & Culture: newportFILM and the Newport Jazz Festival will premiere a documentary on pioneering photographer John Shearer at Rough Point.

Immigrant Rights Bills: Gov. Dan McKee ceremonially signed a package of Rhode Island laws aimed at protecting immigrants and ensuring proper legal channels when federal immigration authorities get involved, with advocates and lawmakers at Dorcas International. Pharmacy Access: A new RI law lets pharmacists perform basic screenings like A1c and cholesterol tests and expands collaborative practice options, effective July 1. Election/Disaster Funding Fight: Rhode Island and 24 other states sued the Trump administration over FEMA and DHS grant conditions that would require election changes and cooperation with immigration enforcement, arguing public safety funds can’t be used as leverage. Cannabis Licensing Reset: Regulators are restarting Rhode Island’s cannabis retail licensing process after lawmakers changed residency rules; about 75 applicants are set to receive $7,500 refunds. Public Health Watch: Local grocery stores are double-checking lettuce supplies amid a cyclosporiasis outbreak, pulling any recalled items and urging customers to wash produce. Local Business & Community: Narrow River Kayaks was acquired by The Kayak Centre of Rhode Island, keeping the paddling business locally owned and continuing rentals and tours. Workforce Housing at Quonset: A former Navy base industrial park in North Kingstown will add 140 units of workforce housing under a new ground lease.

Housing Affordability: A new national report says Rhode Island renters need $31.71 an hour to afford a typical two-bedroom, far above the state’s $16 minimum wage, with the average renter earning $18.22 an hour and falling short on rent. Energy Costs: Gov. Dan McKee signed a $28M emergency order to provide winter electric bill credits after Rhode Island Energy warned of double-digit rate increases, but details about funding and how the credits will be handled are still raising questions. Renters’ Burden: Another report finds Rhode Island is getting more expensive for renters, showing how many work hours it takes to cover market-rate apartments. Court Fight Over Disaster Aid: A coalition of states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration in federal court in Rhode Island to block disaster-preparedness funding conditions tied to election and immigration policies. Climate Regulation: Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a multistate lawsuit challenging an EPA rule that weakens phaseout deadlines for highly potent greenhouse gas refrigerants. Blood Shortage: Rhode Island and Connecticut blood centers declared a blood emergency as summer demand rises and donations dip. Local Culture: Newport’s jazz and folk festivals continue to draw attention, with coverage highlighting the events’ legacy and standout performances.

Federal Funding Fight: Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha co-led a lawsuit in federal court (filed in Rhode Island) challenging the Trump administration’s move to withhold billions in FEMA/DHS emergency preparedness money unless states adopt election rules favored by the administration and cooperate on immigration enforcement—conditions critics call unconstitutional “FEMA 3.0.” Energy Relief: Gov. Dan McKee signed an executive order sending $28 million in emergency relief to Rhode Island households facing a double-digit winter electricity price spike. Blood Shortage: Rhode Island Blood Center and Connecticut Blood Center declared a blood emergency as inventories fell below a two-day level during peak summer trauma season. Local Access: An ACLU-RI review says Warren and the Bristol Warren Regional District School Committee livestream and archive meetings, but still fall short on allowing remote public participation. Housing Costs: A new report finds Rhode Island renters need higher wages to afford a two-bedroom, pushing the state up the “most expensive for renters” rankings. Community Gift: Watch Hill Yacht Club Sailing Association and an anonymous donor gave the YMCA’s Camp Watchaug a new motor-powered boat to expand waterfront programming. Business/Deals: Mapfre agreed to buy Safety Insurance for about $1.54 billion in cash.

Rhode Island Policy Watch: A new “Taylor Swift tax” debate is heating up as a Rhode Island Report podcast host says the state may be the only place trying the approach to fund affordable housing—while critics warn it could push wealthy buyers to shop elsewhere. Election Integrity & Tech: Rhode Island officials are reviewing whether a New Jersey voter-roll problem could happen here too, after NJ disclosed thousands of noncitizens were mistakenly added to voter rolls due to a DMV system issue involving vendor IDEMIA. Health & Safety: A federal GAO report finds gig workers and Amazon employees increasingly rely on SNAP and Medicaid, with Rhode Island included among states tracking Medicaid employer data. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A confirmed a credential-stuffing breach of Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts, potentially exposing names, emails, account numbers, QR codes, and partial payment details. Local Government: Richmond and Hopkinton remain at odds over transfer-station funding, with Hopkinton proposing more user-based costs instead of a higher municipal contribution. Climate & Public Opinion: New polling says most Americans increasingly link extreme weather to the climate crisis, even as Trump dismisses it.

Stormwater Funding Reversal in Barrington: Barrington has canceled plans for a stormwater enterprise fund feasibility study and scrapped a scheduled committee kickoff, with town leaders citing taxpayer pushback amid the $250 million school construction debt. Transit Planning: RIPTA is seeking public input on a Metro Connector Study aimed at faster, more reliable service in the Metro Providence area, with planning money from federal and state sources. State House Protest Settlement: The ACLU of Rhode Island says it reached a settlement ensuring the State House rotunda stays open to the public around the annual “People’s State of the State” gatherings. Cybersecurity Alert: Chick-fil-A is warning customers in Rhode Island and nine other states that a credential-stuffing attack may have exposed account details tied to the Chick-fil-A One loyalty program. Public Health Watch: The U.S. has 2,260 confirmed measles cases as of July 16, with summer travel driving new outbreaks. Local Politics: A crowded Democratic lieutenant governor field is taking shape, with Newport Councilman Xay Khamsyvoravong leading delegate voting but still facing a primary. Energy Policy Debate: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s proposed windfall profits tax is drawing sharp criticism from oil industry advocates who argue it won’t lower gas prices. Education Spotlight: Two Rhode Island students were selected to represent the state at the 2026 National Youth Science Camp.

World Cup Boost: Rhode Island leaned into the tournament with a Providence fan zone and a free trolley, plus Ghana’s Black Stars using Bryant University as a base, drawing about 125,000 visitors and lifting June hotel occupancy to 75%. Democratic Primary Watch: A union-backed independent group’s poll puts Gov. Daniel McKee within 6 points of challenger Helena Buonanno Foulkes, tightening a race that outside polls had shown as much wider. Local Business & Health: Pawtucket dog trainer Luis Rosado says he wants to “talk” as his kennel license stays suspended pending a Sept. 10 hearing, after residents complained about barking, odors and zoning issues. State Government Oversight: Rhode Island’s inspector general search is underway, with a five-member panel meeting to set the job details and timeline for finalists. Transportation: RIDOT plans major I-95/Route 4 “Missing Move” lane shifts on July 31 at 9 p.m., continuing into early summer 2027. Public Health & Trust: Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island’s Dr. Christopher Ottiano warns vaccine hesitancy is growing as memory fades, urging residents to focus on proven benefits.

Rhode Island Watchdog Push: Rhode Island’s new inspector general search is officially underway, with a five-member commission meeting at the State House to start picking candidates for the role created in the fiscal 2027 budget, though the panel still has to set the job details and timeline fast. State Politics: Four Democrats laid out their pitches for Rhode Island’s lieutenant governor’s office in a forum ahead of the Sept. 9 primary. Elections & Consumer Protection: In the Democratic attorney general race, Keith Hoffmann launched his first TV ad, tying his campaign to consumer and public-safety priorities. Local Infrastructure: RIDOT plans a major I-95/Route 4 traffic shift July 31 as part of the “Missing Move” project, with lane changes scheduled to run into early summer 2027. Community & Housing: South County Habitat for Humanity is marking a long partnership with Dunn’s Corner Community Church, Presbyterian, after the church sponsored an Adopt-A-Day build in Westerly. Environment & Fishing: Rhode Island anglers are still finding summer flounder (fluke) to be a favorite catch, with updated size and daily limits highlighted for both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Business: Washington Trust reported stronger second-quarter results, pointing to growth in commercial lending and wealth management. Public Safety & Health: Rhode Island’s veterinary telemedicine framework was signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee, expanding access to care for pets.