AGP Executive Report

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.

Medicare Advantage Standoff in Rhode Island: UnitedHealthcare and Brown University Health are locked in a stalled negotiation that has left about 1,900–2,000 Rhode Islanders without in-network access to Brown physicians, echoing a similar 2025 fight over rates. Air Quality Emergency: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed air-quality alerts across the Northeast and Midwest, including Rhode Island, with officials urging residents to limit outdoor activity and use masks during peak pollution. Rhode Island Primary Watch: With Sept. 9 primaries approaching, attention turns to the Attorney General race as term-limited Peter Neronha leaves an expensive, competitive field. State Education Update: Rhode Island’s Department of Education says Providence Public Schools has shown measurable gains since the 2019 state takeover, citing improved attendance, test scores, and graduation rates. Local Banking News: Washington Trust plans a new full-service Bristol branch, while Citizens Bank says it is exiting lending ties to private prison operators CoreCivic and GEO. Seafood & Science Funding: Rhode Island is part of a $15M NSF Seafood Engine effort to modernize New England commercial fishing and aquaculture.

Private Prisons & Banking: Citizens Bank, based in Rhode Island, says it’s ending lending relationships with CoreCivic and GEO Group, after the federal government bought or plans to buy facilities used for ICE detention. Providence Schools: Rhode Island released a report calling its seven-year takeover of Providence Public Schools a success, citing better attendance, test scores, and graduation rates. Offshore Wind Fight: Rhode Island leaders and lawmakers keep pressing a legal battle over offshore wind lease cancellations, with supporters arguing it’s key for jobs, the grid, and climate goals. State Economy & Federal Cuts: A new CNBC ranking says states tied to federal jobs are getting hit hard, with Rhode Island near the bottom as Washington’s spending cuts ripple outward. Local Business & Jobs: A Swansea movie theater is set to reopen after six years, with a job fair planned for July 28. Wildlife Conservation: Biologists band American oystercatchers at Trustom Pond as part of a multi-state effort to bring the birds back. Finance: Washington Trust reported second-quarter results, while broader bank earnings season showed many large banks beating expectations.

Banking & Consumer Protection: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general urging federal regulators to deny national banking charters to high-risk fintechs, warning some have histories of predatory lending and would evade state consumer safeguards. Prison Healthcare: A national problem is showing up in Rhode Island too: prisoners granted compassionate release can get stuck behind bars when long-term care facilities won’t accept them, leaving people in medical infirmaries for months or years. Rhode Island Jobs & Growth: Providence life sciences firm Nabsys plans to move headquarters to 225 Dyer St. in the 195 District, adding more than 200 jobs and expanding manufacturing and R&D space. Seniors & Fraud: New laws signed by Gov. Dan McKee aim to boost financial security for older Rhode Islanders, expand healthcare access, and crack down on scams targeting seniors, including eliminating state income tax on Social Security for low- and moderate-income residents. Healthcare Leadership: Brown University Health named Julie Abilheira president of its Massachusetts hospitals, overseeing Morton Hospital and Saint Anne’s, with expanded operational responsibilities. Local Business: Union Station Brewery in Providence closed after more than three decades, ending a longtime brewpub gathering spot. Sports: Washington Spirit beat Boston Legacy 2-1 at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, with Tara Rudd and Trinity Rodman scoring.

Oil & Gas Windfall Backlash: Renewed U.S.-Iran fighting is pushing gas prices higher, while the world’s biggest oil companies are raking in about $30 million an hour in excess profits, reviving Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s push for a war-profit windfall tax that would rebate money to lower-income Americans. Endangered Species Act Fight: The Trump administration’s new Endangered Species Act rule, effective Sept. 14, deletes a key definition of “harm,” critics say could weaken protections for endangered animals by narrowing what counts as damaging habitat. Rhode Island Economy Watch: A URI economist says the state may be easing out of recession, and a Boston Fed report finds small businesses are driving job growth in New England faster than the rest of the country. Local Planning: Narragansett has started the process to update its comprehensive plan, a 10-year blueprint that will shape housing, transportation, conservation, and development decisions. Public Safety: A Rhode Island magnet fisherman pulled up a World War II-era “pineapple” hand grenade from Rocky Point State Park, prompting bomb squad response. Health & Higher Ed: Brown University Health named Julie Abilheira president overseeing Morton and Saint Anne’s, and federal agencies are warning universities about foreign funding tied to watch-listed entities.

Brown University Health Leadership: Julie Abilheira was named president overseeing Morton Hospital (Taunton) and Saint Anne’s Hospital (Fall River), with Heidi Taylor expanding to chief operations and chief financial officer roles for the Massachusetts hospitals. Climate & Public Opinion: A new Data for Progress poll finds 61% of likely voters link extreme weather to the climate crisis, including majorities of Democrats and Independents and 46% of Republicans; Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse called it proof the public is ahead of politicians. Rhode Island Economy: URI economist Leonard Lardaro says May indicators improved, nudging the state’s Current Conditions Index to neutral at 50 and suggesting recession pressure may be easing. Federal Funding & Watch Lists: Federal agencies are increasing scrutiny of universities receiving money from foreign entities on U.S. watch lists, warning it could jeopardize future federal grants. Endangered Species Act: A Trump administration rule deletes a key definition of “harm,” critics say, weakening protections for endangered species. Local Planning: Narragansett begins its comprehensive plan update process, tackling housing, transportation, conservation, and other long-range priorities. Wildfire Smoke: Canadian wildfire haze continues to trigger air quality alerts across the Northeast, including Rhode Island. Seafood Industry Boost: The NSF Seafood Engine in New England won a $15M award to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Politics & Governance: Providence mayoral candidates Brett Smiley and David Morales faced off in their first televised debate, with Smiley pitching practical city services and Morales arguing the status quo isn’t working for working families. Local Planning: Narragansett kicked off its comprehensive plan update process, with residents weighing in on housing, transportation, conservation, and other long-range priorities ahead of the town’s 10-year deadline. Public Safety & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke kept air quality alerts active across much of the Northeast, including Rhode Island, as thunderstorms moved through and haze lingered. Economy & Jobs: URI economist Leonard Lardaro says Rhode Island’s economy may be easing out of recession, pointing to improvements in retail sales and manufacturing indicators. Federal Policy Impact: Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Shelley Moore Capito hailed unanimous WRDA 2026 progress, a bipartisan package aimed at water infrastructure, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration that would benefit Rhode Island. Science & Industry: The NSF Seafood Engine in New England won a $15M award to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture, linking partners across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Community & Culture: Westerly’s Johnny V’s Meatball Challenge returns Aug. 19 to raise money for Italian heritage education grants, with tickets already selling.

Election Security & Foreign Influence: Trump’s administration released declassified claims that China acquired 220 million U.S. voter records, but voting and cybersecurity experts say the data likely came from public sources and that there’s no sign of election interference. RI Economy Watch: URI economist Leonard Lardaro reports Rhode Island’s May economic indicators improved, hinting the state may be easing out of recession—though not without setbacks. Water Infrastructure: U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse says the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously advanced the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, a bipartisan push that could fund Rhode Island water and flood projects. Higher Ed Scrutiny: The State Department and other agencies plan tougher enforcement on colleges receiving money from foreign entities tied to U.S. government watch lists. Local Politics: Providence mayoral candidates Brett Smiley and David Morales faced off in a televised debate, framing the race as a fight over “municipal socialism” versus basic services. Public Safety: AAA and the FBI warn that vacation periods are prime burglary targets, with Rhode Island among the lower-rate states. Banking & Immigration Detention: Citizens Bank says it’s ending credit ties with two ICE prison contractors, GEO Group and CoreCivic, after protests. Health & Access: A national medical study presented at a retina conference finds Medicaid reimbursement varies widely by state, affecting patient access. Science & Community: Volunteers packed 15,000 backpacks with 80,000 school supplies for Rhode Island students ahead of August distribution.

Medicaid vs. Medicare Access: New data from the American Society of Retina Specialists shows Medicaid pays far less than Medicare for vitreoretinal surgeries overall, with big state-to-state swings—up to 84% higher in Nebraska but 48% lower in New Jersey—raising fresh concerns about fewer provider choices for patients. Water Infrastructure: U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito hailed unanimous Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passage of the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, sending it to the Senate floor and pointing to benefits for safe drinking water, wastewater, flood control, and ecosystem restoration in Rhode Island. Election Claims Pushback: Voting and cybersecurity experts challenged President Trump’s assertions that China accessed massive U.S. voter files, saying the data is often publicly available and that there’s no sign it changed election outcomes. Providence Politics: In a televised Providence mayoral debate, Mayor Brett Smiley and Rep. David Morales clashed over “municipal socialism” versus a back-to-basics approach, with the race framed as a fight over Democratic Party direction. Local Government & Schools: Block Island’s school committee is scrambling with no superintendent or principal as it tries to keep staffing stable heading into September. Public Health: Rhode Island is among states under air-quality alerts as Canadian wildfire smoke spreads, with officials warning of unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups. Banking & ICE: Citizens Bank says it’s ending credit ties with two ICE prison contractors, GEO Group and CoreCivic, after protests over their role in detaining immigrants. Rhode Island Courts: A Rhode Island detention facility used for ICE and U.S. Marshals detainees filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, seeking to restructure about $167 million in bond debt.

Election Integrity & Cybersecurity: President Trump renewed claims that China infiltrated about 220 million U.S. voter files, releasing declassified records and sparking fresh debate over election-data security and public trust. Federal Court Fight on Tuition: The U.S. Justice Department sued Maryland over in-state tuition for undocumented students, arguing it violates federal law and asking for an injunction—part of a growing national legal push. Rhode Island Politics & Representation: A new look at Rhode Island’s statehouse races highlights a broader problem: fewer candidates are running, with Common Cause Rhode Island warning that less choice weakens democracy. Local Governance & Housing: Rhode Island’s “Taylor Swift tax” on high-value second homes took effect July 1, drawing criticism from longtime owners who say it hits generational properties. Energy Policy: Rhode Island Attorney General Nick Brown joined a coalition challenging a federal freeze on wind project reviews, arguing it unlawfully blocks development. Business & Jobs: Providence-area legal news: Brian Cafferty joined Partridge Snow & Hahn’s real estate team. Science & Food Safety: FDA issued an update on a Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taco Bell shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico, with dozens hospitalized.

Wind Energy Fight: Rhode Island Attorney General Nick Brown joined a coalition of 19 state AGs asking a court to undo the Defense Department’s unlawful freeze on routine reviews for land-based wind projects, arguing it violates federal law and threatens jobs and investment. Offshore Wind Pushback: California also sent a notice of intent to sue over alleged illegal offshore wind lease buyouts, saying taxpayer money is being used to pay companies to abandon projects. Local Food Relief: Rhode Island’s SNAP fruit-and-vegetable discount pilot, Eat Well, Be Well, is extended for another year with $4.1 million in the FY 2027 budget. Seafood Innovation: The NSF Seafood Engine in New England won $15 million to modernize fisheries and aquaculture across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Housing Stress: Foreclosure filings rose in the first half of 2026, with more than 200,000 properties nationwide seeing filings. Banking Moves: Citizens plans to close 100–120 in-store branches over the next decade and replace many with standalone locations. Mental Health Access: 988 demand keeps climbing as the crisis hotline marks its fourth year.

Providence Politics: Mayor Brett Smiley says City Council is “political gamesmanship” after it stalled a $1 million emergency RENT Fund ordinance meant to help residents with up to $3,000 in rent and utilities, with early voting in the Sept. 9 mayoral primary looming. Elections & Voting Rules: The Rhode Island Board of Elections approved new early-voting regulations, setting clearer procedures for in-person voting before primaries and general elections. Labor & Pay Transparency: A proposed bill would require employers to list salary or salary ranges in job postings to curb “mystery pay” that leaves applicants guessing. Disaster Aid Fight: An AP review finds President Donald Trump is taking longer and denying more disaster aid requests, with states that didn’t vote for him more likely to be rejected. Immigration Policy: Rhode Island advocates warn that ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians could disrupt local communities that rely on TPS work authorization. Environment & Science: Researchers say a rare Rhode Island great white shark encounter near Block Island reflects a recovering Atlantic population. Business & Insurance: MEMIC expands its Northeast underwriting team with a new hire covering small business accounts across MA, RI, and CT.

Labor Politics: The Rhode Island AFL-CIO met behind closed doors and chose neutrality in the Democratic governor’s race, endorsing Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos for reelection while backing Sec. of State Gregg Amore, and it declined to endorse for attorney general. Providence Housing: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley accused the City Council of stalling a $1 million emergency RENT Fund meant to deliver up to $3,000 for rent and utilities, urging a special vote during August recess. Gun Policy Snapshot: New gun laws take effect this month across states, with Rhode Island among those tightening rules while other states loosen carry access, underscoring a widening patchwork. Health Workforce: Brown’s medical school dean warns that instability in hospital systems could worsen Rhode Island’s doctor shortage by disrupting the training pipeline. Coastal Regulation: Rhode Island coastal regulators are reluctant to approve full-scale work to shore up Newport’s Cliff Walk, with staff recommending the public-access portions be reconsidered separately. Science & Industry: The NSF awarded $15 million to the New England “Seafood Engine” to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture, including Rhode Island partners. National Watch: Acting AG Todd Blanche faced sharp Senate questioning during confirmation hearings, with Democrats and some Republicans probing loyalty and controversial DOJ actions.

Providence Politics: Providence voters approved charter term limits for councilors and mayors, but the city’s legal department says councilors can still seek a non-consecutive “fourth” term after a one-term break—prompting pushback from former council president John Lombardi, who argues the intent was stricter limits. AI & Data Centers: Rhode Island lawmakers passed targeted AI rules requiring “companion” AI platforms to handle self-harm/suicide prompts with user protocols, while broader data-center policy stalled. Tax & Cost of Living: Gov. Dan McKee signed a budget raising Rhode Island’s top income tax rate on earnings over $1 million to 8.99% from 5.99%, a move critics say will drive high earners out. Cyber & Privacy: States reached an $18 million settlement with 23andMe after a major data breach, with payouts tied to each state’s impacted customers. Federal Funding for RI: URI chemistry professor Justin Pratt won a $1.49M NSF grant to modernize college chemistry lab instruction nationwide. Economy & Jobs: Providence College named four new trustees, including leaders from tech, finance, trade, and insurance. Local Governance: Westerly advanced three proposed charter changes that could land on the November ballot, including how vacancies are filled and reducing newspaper notice requirements.