AGP Executive Report

Providence Mayoral Race: Incumbent Brett Smiley and challenger State Rep. David Morales are locked in a Sept. 9 Democratic primary fight centered on housing affordability, with both sides pitching different paths to relief for renters and working families. State Primary Watch: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee heads into a tough Democratic rematch against Helena Foulkes, with the Washington Bridge reconstruction timeline and costs again dominating the campaign. Elections Access: A Rhode Island Elections Project is pushing to make voting more accessible, aiming to address why many races end up decided early and why turnout can lag. Healthcare Courtroom Fight: A coalition led by state AGs is challenging federal moves that would block Medicaid and CHIP reimbursement for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Labor Day / Local History: A Labor Day look back highlights Rhode Island’s child labor roots in the early textile mills, tying past worker exploitation to today’s labor concerns. Tech & Industry: Peckham Industries names John Peckham interim CEO as leadership transitions, promising continuity for operations. Coastal Tech Milestone: REGENT completes its first crewed flight of the Viceroy Seaglider prototype on Narragansett Bay, a step toward electric coastal transport. Environment: Residents in Hopkinton raise alarms about clear-cutting near Arcadia Management Area, questioning state oversight and impacts on the forest.

Providence Mayoral Race: Incumbent Brett Smiley and challenger David Morales are locked in a Sept. 9 Democratic primary fight over housing and day-to-day city management, with The Herald’s editorial backing Smiley for delivering “actual relief” and a dissent arguing Morales’ record on wage and tip theft and other protections makes him the better choice. RI Politics: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee faces a rematch with Helena Foulkes in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary, as bridge-repair delays and questions about how state government works for ordinary people dominate the campaign. Congressional Ethics & Worker Issues: U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner renewed calls to ban stock trading in Congress and the White House and highlighted support for wage-theft legislation. Public Safety: A third knife attack in Times Square in under a week left a Rhode Island man’s community shaken, with police saying the latest victim is expected to survive. Environment & Land Use: Hopkinton residents are raising alarms about clear-cutting near Arcadia Management Area after an intent-to-cut was filed for a large forest parcel. Coastal Science: A $4 million NSF-backed project co-led by LSU and URI aims to help researchers share data and build tools for coastal preservation. Sports & Gambling Promotions: Multiple outlets promoted Rhode Island-available prediction-market promos tied to NFL and college football.

Democratic Primary Showdown: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee faces a rematch with former CVS executive Helena Foulkes in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary, with the Washington Bridge repair timeline and costs again driving voter anger. Disaster Relief Fight: McKee says the Trump administration denied Rhode Island’s blizzard disaster relief request, but the state still secured $6.348 million for Fox Point hurricane barrier upgrades after the denial. Local Elections Watch: South County voters head to the polls Wednesday, including a key North Kingstown House District 31 Democratic primary race that will decide the seat. School Sports Safety: Rhode Island Shriners will buy about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for 36 public high schools, presenting them Sunday. Environment & Health: Experts say warm-water shark sightings around Cape Cod, the Islands, and Rhode Island are becoming more consistent as ocean temperatures rise. Business/Community: Peckham Industries, with sites in Newport, Vermont, and Lyndonville, Vermont, named John R. Peckham interim CEO.

Disaster Relief Fight: Gov. Dan McKee and Rhode Island’s congressional delegation are blasting the Trump administration after FEMA again denied the state’s $19 million appeal for February’s blizzard recovery, with FEMA saying winter weather isn’t a “backstop” for routine budgeting. Health Policy: Rhode Island is among 21 states and D.C. suing HHS over a rule that would block Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for transgender youth, arguing states—not federal agencies—should decide covered services. Elections Watch: With the Sept. 9 primary days away, South County voters face key Democratic contests, including North Kingstown House District 31, where three Democrats are competing to replace a longtime seatholder. Public Safety Tech: Flock cameras are becoming a midterm campaign target as voters and candidates push back on AI-powered surveillance and data sharing. Sports & Community: Rhode Island’s season opener at Temple is set for Saturday, while Shriners of Rhode Island Charities Trust is buying about 1,080 Guardian Caps for 36 public high schools statewide. Local Economy: Home prices are cooling in many major markets nationwide, with listing prices down year-over-year in dozens of metros—an affordability shift that could ripple into Rhode Island’s housing conversation.

Disaster Relief Fight: Gov. Dan McKee and Rhode Island’s congressional delegation are blasting the Trump administration after FEMA again denied the state’s $19 million appeal for February’s blizzard recovery, with McKee calling it “a new low” and lawmakers saying Rhode Island met the federal threshold. Medicaid Court Battle: Rhode Island is among 21 states and D.C. suing to block a federal rule that would bar Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth, arguing states—not Washington—should decide coverage. Primary Watch: With the Sept. 9 Rhode Island primary days away, voters in South County and North Kingstown face key Democratic contests, including House District 31, where the winner is decided in the primary. Local Safety Gift: Rhode Island Shriners will buy about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for 36 public high schools, aiming to boost football player protection. RI in the World: A URI water scientist in Nepal is sharing insights after glacial collapse and flooding at home. Sports & Community: URI’s football season opener is set for Sept. 12, and the state’s high school football fields get new safety gear ahead of the weekend.

Disaster Relief Fight: Gov. Dan McKee says FEMA again denied Rhode Island’s appeal for $19 million in federal blizzard recovery aid, calling it “a new low” and arguing the state met FEMA thresholds for the Feb. 2026 storm that brought hurricane-force winds and up to 37.9 inches of snow. Coastal Storm Prep: In response, Rhode Island lawmakers secured $6.348 million for upgrades to the Fox Point hurricane barrier to better handle severe weather. Medicaid Lawsuit Over Trans Care: Twenty-one Democratic-led states, including Rhode Island, sued HHS over a rule blocking Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for youth under 18, with the change set to take effect Oct. 13. Local Politics: With the Sept. 9 primary days away, Rhode Island’s GOP CD2 candidates held their last debate, trading barbs over who’s “MAGA enough.” Primary Watch: The state’s General Assembly primaries are heating up, including Senate District 8, where Sen. Lori Urso faces a challenge from Gena Felix. Public Safety Tech: A national debate over Flock surveillance cameras is spilling into elections, with critics calling it mass surveillance and supporters citing crime-fighting value. URI & Community: URI is offering discounted tickets for the Sept. 12 football welcome-back game, and a URI water scientist shared insights on Nepal flooding after a glacial collapse.

Rhode Island Politics: The R.I. Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Senate President Lawson, rejecting claims tied to her votes on charter school limits and a bill affecting worker unionization. Governor’s Race Watch: With the Washington Bridge fallout still hanging over Dan McKee, challenger Helena Foulkes is surging into a rematch narrative as the primary nears. Healthcare Costs: A URI survey finds 72% of Rhode Islanders worry about healthcare costs, and 29% skipped doctor-recommended care because they couldn’t afford it—despite strong access on paper. Hospitals Under Strain: Cash-strapped Rhode Island hospitals are seeing charity care climb as insurance-market disruptions add pressure. Public Health & Policy: A new study reports recombinant flu vaccine cut lab-confirmed nursing home outbreaks in 2019-2020, though not in a low-circulation year. Tech & Surveillance: Flock AI license-plate cameras are becoming a campaign flashpoint as voters push back on tech-company power and warrantless surveillance concerns. Local Business/Community: ChargePoint’s revenue rose 18% in Q2 FY 2027 on stronger hardware shipments, while Rhode Island community grant and nonprofit updates highlighted ongoing local support.

Election Fight in the Courts: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to step in as a federal judge weighs whether to extend a block on USPS mail-in voting restrictions, including a new tracking portal for ballots. Democratic Primary Spotlight (RI): Incumbent Rep. Tina Spears and challenger Leah Boisclair are locked in the District 36 Democratic primary, with Spears touting coastal resilience and health care work and Boisclair pushing local control and affordability ahead of the Sept. 9 vote. Healthcare Costs Hit Home (RI): A University of Rhode Island survey found 29% of Rhode Islanders delayed care because of cost, with nearly half saying they couldn’t afford treatment. Aging Research Boost (RI): Brown University and Brown University Health are launching a new Starr Healthspan Innovation Alliance with $37 million to speed geroscience discoveries into clinical care. Insurance + AI Oversight: A new NAIC pilot is testing an AI evaluation tool in Rhode Island and other states, aiming to tighten how insurers govern and validate AI-driven decisions. Tech/Finance Watch: Bally’s CFO Mira Mircheva stepped down amid liquidity issues and disputes tied to its casino construction. Local Business + Community: Providence Business News named Groov-Pin, Centreville Bank, South County Health, Amica Mutual and CBIZ among the state’s healthiest employers. Invasive Threat: Rhode Island vineyards are bracing as spotted lanternfly populations expand statewide.

Education & Jobs: Bryant University climbed to 9th nationally for career services and landed multiple Princeton Review rankings, including 16th for best-run colleges and 19th for its library. Health Policy: Gov. Dan McKee backed a $16 million proposal tied to a new review showing Rhode Island Medicaid primary care reimbursements still lag the real cost of care, with suggested increases of roughly 48% to 66% for key services. Public Safety: Cumberland police closed their investigation into the suspicious death of 18-year-old Angelina Rocha, saying they found no criminal activity after consulting the medical examiner. Local Politics: State Rep. Julie Casimiro announced she will vacate her House District 31 seat after reports she moved to South Carolina, stepping down amid legal questions. Environment & Community: URI and Brown students led a rare-plant “hunt” that spotted bloodroot in Rhode Island woodlands, documenting the find for research. Infrastructure: Westerly secured the first $45 million loan for wastewater upgrades through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, starting an $85 million modernization plan. Arts & Culture: A Renaissance Faire in Wakefield drew thousands with themed courts, live events, and community theater. Food Access: Hunger Action Month coverage highlights rising food insecurity in Rhode Island and renewed efforts to expand access.

Times Square stabbing fallout: New York police fatally shot Pamela Cisneros after she allegedly stabbed Bank of America vice president Erin Piacenti in Times Square; Piacenti was returning to work after maternity leave, and a Rhode Island man was also injured. Cisneros’ father said she’d been receiving monthly injections for a mental illness, while family members questioned why officers didn’t stop her without lethal force. Rhode Island health policy: Gov. Dan McKee backed a plan to raise Rhode Island Medicaid primary care reimbursements, with a review finding rates may need to jump 48% to 66% to cover costs. Trans youth care in court: Vermont and New York joined multi-state lawsuits challenging a Trump administration rule that blocks Medicaid/CHIP reimbursement for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth. Menopause in prisons: A Prison Policy Initiative review found menopause is largely missing from public prison policy documents, with Rhode Island lacking menopause-specific language. Local environment & science: URI researchers secured a $4M NSF grant to expand coastal wetland restoration work in Rhode Island and Louisiana, and Roger Williams University published lab breeding methods for coral species. Public safety: Rhode Island reported two more Warwick raccoons testing positive for rabies, bringing the year’s total to 34. Civic/land use: A Rhode Island Superior Court ruling dismissed a Burrillville resident’s anti-turf project counterclaim under the state’s anti-SLAPP law. Housing demand: Zillow data points to where renters may be heading next, with Providence ranking among the hottest markets of 2026. Heritage: The Sowams Heritage Area coalition finalized its feasibility study for possible National Heritage Area designation.

Times Square stabbing hits Rhode Island ties: A knife attack in New York’s Times Square killed Bank of America vice president Erin Piacenti, a new mother who had just returned from maternity leave, and injured a 68-year-old Rhode Island man. Police say the suspect, Pamela Cisneros, was shot and killed after refusing orders and advancing on officers with knives; family members describe a long mental-health history, including postpartum depression and bipolar disorder. Amazon ad-auction lawsuit: The FTC and 22 states, including Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, sued Amazon alleging it used an “invented auction participant” to secretly inflate ad prices for more than a million advertisers over seven years, with alleged overcharges topping $20 billion. Local business and infrastructure moves: Stewart Information Services acquired East Providence-based Tower Title, expanding its telecom title services; and GoNetspeed announced an $8 million plan to bring 100% fiber to Carteret, NJ, with similar growth momentum across the region. Community giving: BankNewport awarded grants to Star Kids and FabNewport’s Healthy Meals programs, supporting tutoring and summer meals for local students.

Times Square Stabbing: Bank of America VP Erin Piacenti, 32, was fatally stabbed in a Monday attack in Times Square; police say the suspect, Pamela Cisneros, also stabbed a 68-year-old Rhode Island man before being shot dead by NYPD. Rhode Island Health Costs: A URI survey finds 29% of Rhode Islanders delayed medical care due to cost, with 47% saying they couldn’t afford treatment. Amazon Legal Fight: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general, including Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha, sued Amazon over alleged “invented” ad-auction bids that inflated prices for advertisers. Clean Energy Politics: A clean-energy super PAC is spending $500,000 on attack ads targeting Gov. Dan McKee ahead of Rhode Island’s Sept. 9 primary. Education & Community Grants: BankNewport awarded $22,000 to Star Kids and FabNewport for tutoring and healthy meals. Science Funding: LSU and URI won a $4M NSF grant to expand wetland science and restoration planning across Louisiana delta marshes and Rhode Island salt marshes.

Brown University shooting review: Providence earned mostly positive marks from an independent Police Executive Research Forum review, saying the city’s response was appropriate and likely couldn’t have prevented the Dec. 13, 2025 attack, but the report flags communication gaps. Records access fight: A Westerly man and the New England First Amendment Coalition sued the Narragansett Police Department over withheld records tied to his mother’s 2021 death. Healthcare affordability in RI: A URI poll finds 72% of Rhode Islanders are very worried about healthcare costs, with many skipping care. RI politics: Rep. Julie Casimiro resigned early after moving out of state, drawing scrutiny over residency rules. Energy jobs: A report says Trump’s offshore wind crackdown is putting workers on projects like Revolution Wind in limbo. Tech and consumer costs: Rhode Island is among states joining a federal suit accusing Amazon of secretly inflating ad prices. Local facilities: Hope Valley State Police Barracks is set to close after nearly a century as the agency consolidates in West Greenwich.

Amazon Ad Lawsuit Hits Rhode Island: The FTC and a bipartisan coalition of 22 states, including Rhode Island, sued Amazon over alleged “hidden surcharges” that inflated ad prices for more than a million advertisers over seven years, with plaintiffs estimating tens of billions of dollars in overcharges; Amazon denies wrongdoing and says its auction pricing is fair. Local Politics: Rep. Julie Casimiro resigned early from Rhode Island’s House after moving her residence out of state, ending a controversy over whether she still met residency rules. Housing & Affordability: A new report says mortgage payment affordability improved slightly in July as loan amounts fell, though rates remain a drag. Healthcare Operations: Indiana ended hospital ambulance diversions during overcrowding, a practice Rhode Island previously moved away from. Rhode Island Education: URI will lead a $4.6 million NSF consortium to expand engineering pathways and scholarships for students with financial need, building transfer routes from community colleges. Sports Betting Guide: A roundup notes Rhode Island’s regulated online sports betting market and licensed options.

Providence Ballot Fight: Providence mayoral candidates are clashing over Question 7, a citizen-led ordinance that would restrict city investments tied to countries accused of severe human-rights abuses, with supporters calling it a moral stand and opponents saying it’s targeted at Israel and legally unenforceable. Housing & Consumer Protection: Rhode Island’s new law limits how long grocery-related deed restrictions can block competitors—capping most new restrictions at 18 months, though older covenants remain. Attorney General Race Turns Personal: In the tight Democratic primary for Rhode Island attorney general, Keith Hoffmann and Kim Ahern trade attacks over lead-safety certification and alleged conflicts, with both sides accusing the other of mishandling rules and disclosures. Local Governance & Public Safety: A Providence crime report shows homicides and firearm killings dropping since 2021, but raises questions about who gets credit for the decline. Business & Finance: Yorkville America, behind Truth Social-linked ETFs, is nearing an acquisition to broaden its product lineup, signaling more mainstream ETF expansion. Healthcare Leadership: Wood River Health adds four new board members, aiming to strengthen governance and expand access to care across southern Rhode Island.

Attorney General Race Turns Personal: Rhode Island’s Democratic AG primary is heating up as Keith Hoffmann and Kim Ahern trade sharp attacks over lead-safety signoffs, cannabis licensing delays, and alleged conflicts of interest, with both sides pushing documents and counterclaims. Statehouse Eligibility Fight: Rep. Julie Casimiro says she won’t resign after reportedly making a South Carolina home her primary residence, raising questions about residency rules and what North Kingstown and Exeter would face if she stepped down. Healthcare Labor Pressure: Hospital strikes are being fueled by staffing shortages and rising violence against healthcare workers, with workers describing assaults and systems struggling to keep up. Local Numbers, Federal Programs: A Rhode Island ZIP-code snapshot shows 5,210 Social Security beneficiaries in 02888 as of December 2024, with most classified as retired workers. RI Research Spotlight: University of Rhode Island researchers used century-old leopard seal skulls to study the apex predator’s life history and how climate shifts may affect the Southern Ocean. Meta Teen Safety Money: Rhode Island is set to receive up to $64.5M under a Meta teen safety settlement, part of a broader multistate deal.