AGP Executive Report

State Budget & Session Speed: Rhode Island lawmakers wrapped the final day of the 2026 session with unusual speed, advancing measures aimed at limiting federal overreach and moving contentious items with little debate. Charter Schools: A three-year moratorium on new charter schools cleared the Senate and is headed to Gov. Dan McKee, alongside a plan to lower the statewide charter cap from 35 to 28. Cannabis Oversight: The RI Senate confirmed Michelle Reddish as the new Cannabis Control Commission chair, with the panel also reappointing Robert Jacquard. Housing Protections: McKee is set to sign a bill letting abuse survivors terminate rental leases early, with a process for lock changes when staying is safest. Public Safety Data: Rhode Island lawmakers voted to make traffic crash data public, pushing RIDOT toward a public portal. Opioid Alert: The state confirmed a powerful synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, has entered Rhode Island’s drug supply. Local Economy & Recovery: The SBA approved Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Rhode Island after the 2026 historic snowstorm, with an application deadline of March 10, 2027. Sports & Community: Providence’s FIFA Fan Zone at Station Park opens for the summer, with daily match watch parties and cultural programming. Education & AI: Nationally, lawmakers are still split on how to regulate AI, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging “balanced” legislation.

Cannabis Oversight: The Rhode Island Senate confirmed Michelle Reddish as the new chair of the Cannabis Control Commission, with Robert Jacquard reappointed, setting the tone for how the state regulates medical, recreational marijuana and hemp. Housing Protections: Gov. Dan McKee is set to sign a bill letting domestic and sexual abuse survivors end rental leases early without major penalties, with a process for requesting lock changes when staying is safest. City Hall Shake-Up: Providence City Council President Rachel Miller says she won’t run for re-election, opening a Ward 13 seat and reshuffling leadership just weeks before the filing deadline. Education Policy: The RI House passed a three-year charter school moratorium and cut the statewide cap, sending the fight to the Senate and raising pressure on McKee’s decision. Public Safety & Health: A federal judge declined to block DOJ efforts nationwide to obtain trans youth medical records, limiting a proposed class action. Local Business & Jobs: Citizens highlighted its Rhode Island Economic Opportunity Fund investments in entrepreneurship and workforce development. Environment & Waste: A new mattress-foam recycling process earned a U.S. patent, turning used foam into products like synthetic leather and shoe soles. Science & Climate: NSF is dismantling parts of an ocean monitoring network early, drawing concern from researchers about lost data on warming seas. Sports & Hospitality: Bryant University students helped create a Rhode Island Hospitality Association toolkit for World Cup visitors, covering tipping, taxes and cultural dining norms. Finance & Crime: A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty in federal court to robbing two Rhode Island banks.

Washington Bridge: In Providence, crews have begun in-water construction for the new westbound Washington Bridge, starting with the first of 32 drilled shafts reaching about 130 feet to bedrock, as RIDOT says the project will add capacity and new ramps to improve traffic flow. Coastal Health Funding: U.S. Sen. Jack Reed helped secure a $210,000 EPA grant for Rhode Island to expand seawater testing at popular Narragansett Bay beaches after 2025 closures tied to enterococci bacteria. Offshore Wind Update: Rhode Island’s CRMC approved a key SouthCoast Wind permit for underwater cable work, though the broader project’s timeline and whether cables reach the state remain uncertain. Auto Body Licensing: Rhode Island DBR proposed adding ADAS certification to auto body technician licensing, citing how common driver-assist systems are in today’s vehicles. Public Safety/Justice: A Rhode Island judge’s case involving transgender youth care is drawing scrutiny, with federal court action also raising questions about how public defense systems are staffed and overseen. World Cup in RI: Bryant University is hosting Team Ghana as the Black Stars’ base camp, and Providence is also preparing for visiting fans as the 2026 World Cup ramps up. Education Funding Study: RI lawmakers advanced a resolution to create a new commission to study the state’s K-12 school funding formula, building on a Rhode Island Foundation proposal. In Memoriam: Brown historian Gordon S. Wood, a major scholar of the American Revolution, died at 92 after being struck by a car in East Providence.

Bridge Construction: Providence’s Washington Bridge rebuild is finally underway, with crews hoisting the first of 32 drilled shafts into the Seekonk River as the state’s lawsuit over former contractors moves forward. Utility Nomination Stalled: Gov. Dan McKee’s pick for the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission, Donna Sams, is stuck in legislative limbo after Senate leaders said they won’t appoint her this year. Public Health Debate: A new push to keep Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 obesity treatments is clashing with Rhode Island’s budget limits that restrict coverage to people with Type 2 diabetes. Consumer Safety: Honda recalled 880,514 vehicles nationwide, including models sold in Rhode Island, over a rear suspension part that can corrode and fail. Local Crime: A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty in federal court for bank robberies tied to TD Bank in Cranston and Washington Trust Bank in East Providence. RI Politics & Voting: Rep. Mike Chippendale drew fresh attention with posts criticizing Democrats and arguing Rhode Island voting access is already easy. Ocean & Climate: A Rhode Island-linked ocean monitoring effort is in the spotlight as critics warn the federal dismantling of deep-sea sensors could hurt climate and weather tracking. Manufacturing Watch: Rhode Island manufacturers face pressure as many owners near retirement without clear succession plans. Community & Culture: A docuseries episode, “Ocean State: Rhode Island’s Wild Coast,” is set to stream June 15, highlighting marine life off Rhode Island.

State Budget Push: Rhode Island lawmakers approved the $15.2 billion FY27 budget, with a phased-in “millionaires tax,” added funding for uncompensated hospital care, and new child tax credit and childcare expansions—now headed to Gov. Dan McKee. Local Government & Safety: The Rhode Island Traffic Commission approved a traffic signal at a dangerous Foster intersection after multiple crashes, with design and installation expected to follow. Courts & Immigration: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump’s immigration restrictions that paused asylum and other decisions for people from 39 countries, saying the move violated immigration law. Public Health & Consumer Alerts: FDA expanded a recall of GO Raw freeze-dried pet food over dangerously low thiamine levels. Community & Energy Help: United Way of Rhode Island extended the Good Neighbor Energy Fund deadline through June 30 as utility-assistance demand spikes. Remembering a Scholar: Brown historian Gordon S. Wood, 92, died after being struck by a car in East Providence.

Local Politics: Rhode Island lawmakers won’t vote on a state Voting Rights Act this year, with leaders saying the bill is too complex and needs more input before the 2028 start. Elections & Power: Democrats also released a redistricting target list, signaling where party control could shape future map fights. Community & Culture: Providence’s Stages of Freedom is closing its Westminster Street museum and bookstore, though its free swim program for low-income youth will continue. Education: A Barrington High School teacher who called Charlie Kirk “garbage” after his assassination was honored in the school’s yearbook, reigniting backlash. Public Safety: Police are investigating after a motorcyclist drove through a Federal Hill street closed for an event and crashed into a pedestrian area. Business & Food: Restaurants are leaning harder into appetizers—now often marketed as “small plates” or “shareables”—as diners seek smaller, cheaper portions. Health & Work: A national teachers’ union lawsuit challenges the Education Department’s termination of grants supporting English learner training. State Economy: Rhode Island’s charter school moratorium bill advanced in the House, aiming to pause expansion amid funding pressures. Arts & Science: URI’s rare corpse flower is nearing bloom, with a livestream planned. Sports/Politics: A new report ranks Rhode Island among the best states for working dads.

Cannabis Licensing: Rhode Island lawmakers are moving to lift a residency requirement that has kept retail cannabis licenses on hold, with House passage of a bill undoing the rule and restarting the Cannabis Control Commission’s application process. Charter Schools: The House Education Committee advanced legislation to impose a three-year moratorium on new charter schools, which would also reduce the statewide cap, as the measure heads toward full House votes. Sex Abuse Claims: The R.I. House passed a bill allowing expired civil claims for childhood sexual abuse, a long-sought change expected to reach the governor soon. Grocery Access: A bill banning restrictive covenants that block grocery stores is headed to Gov. Dan McKee’s desk, aiming to boost fresh-food options. Stormwater Funding: The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank awarded $1.09M for stormwater and flood mitigation design work across 10 communities. Business & Finance: Beacon Bank was named one of America’s Best Regional Banks for 2026 by Newsweek. Education & Research: URI appointed Pamela Swett dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, while URI students earned Boren Scholarships for study in Taiwan and a URI graduate student will present nutrition research at a major conference. Public Safety/Community: A Pulitzer Prize-winning Brown historian, Gordon S. Wood, died at 92 after being struck by a car in an East Providence supermarket parking lot.

Death in East Providence: Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Gordon S. Wood, a Brown University professor emeritus, died at 92 after being struck by a car in a supermarket parking lot; police say the driver stayed at the scene. Child well-being: Rhode Island slipped to No. 26 in the nation for child well-being in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT report, with the biggest drop tied to economic well-being. Legal fight over transgender care: A federal judge in Rhode Island referred DOJ lawyers for possible discipline after concerns about how a transgender youth medical records probe was handled. State policy and consumer protection: Rhode Island lawmakers passed measures aimed at business identity theft and scammy annual report solicitations, with the Secretary of State praising new protections for filers. Public health and environment: DEM wrapped up major restroom and shower upgrades at Burlingame State Campground in Charlestown; reservations open June 10, while beach access stays closed during construction. Local business/finance: Rhode Island Credit Union CEO David Suvall will retire July 1 after 45 years, with COO Nancy Zeppa stepping in. Energy and jobs: Raytheon plans a $100 million expansion in Portsmouth, adding about 150 jobs.

Immigration Court Fight: A federal judge in Rhode Island blocked parts of the Trump administration’s immigration limits tied to migrants from 38 terrorist-harboring countries, ordering asylum processing to restart—setting up another high-stakes legal showdown over national security and asylum access. Public Safety & Health: An East Providence man, 92, died after being struck by a vehicle in a Shaw’s parking lot; police say the driver stayed on scene and is cooperating. Healthcare Costs in Rhode Island: Care New England reported a $35.4 million operating loss in the first half of fiscal 2026 and is cutting more than 30 leadership and nonclinical roles, citing Medicaid reimbursement, labor, and supply pressures. Community Care Grant: HopeHealth received a $200,000 grant to expand community engagement for grief support and palliative/end-of-life services for underserved residents. Local Economy & Downtown Landmark: Providence’s “Superman” building remains empty 13 years after promises stalled around the state’s tallest landmark, a visible sign of broader downtown office struggles. Medicare Fraud Prevention: Pawtucket hosted Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, with federal and state officials warning seniors about scams and identity theft. World Cup Watch: Boston-area officials urged residents to report suspicious activity as crowds swell, including targeted anti-trafficking efforts.

Primary Care Fight: CVS CEO David Joyner defended a Mass General Brigham partnership to bring primary care to CVS MinuteClinics, arguing access won’t drive up costs even as Rhode Island’s Health Policy Commission-style scrutiny in Massachusetts questions whether reimbursement at MGB rates would add $40M a year. Health Care Leadership: Dr. Sidney Alexander, a cardiologist and cofounder of the anti-nuclear Physicians for Social Responsibility that shared the Nobel Peace Prize, died at 94. Rhode Island Health Crunch: A new look at Rhode Island’s physician shortage says the state’s primary care access problem is worsening, with residents facing long waits and fewer options. Immigration Courtroom Win: A federal judge in Rhode Island blocked Trump administration asylum restrictions for people from 39 countries, ordering asylum processing to restart. Local Politics & Voting Rights: Rhode Island groups are pushing a state Voting Rights Act plan aimed at preventing voter discrimination after the U.S. Supreme Court gutted the federal Voting Rights Act. Housing Pressure: Mobile home residents in another state are seeking to buy their park to avoid rent hikes, a reminder of how redevelopment can squeeze vulnerable communities. Consumer Costs: AAA reports gas prices are higher across New England, including Rhode Island, adding pressure to household budgets heading into summer travel. Tech & Money: SpaceX’s IPO is drawing retail frenzy, with guidance on how to buy shares and what risks come with the trade.

Immigration Courts in Rhode Island: A federal judge in Providence struck down Trump administration asylum and immigration policies that left people from 39 countries in “indeterminate legal limbo,” ordering asylum processing and benefit decisions to resume. Civil Rights in Schools: The Education Department is backing away from addressing civil rights for Black students, as critics say long-standing protections are being recast as “illegal DEI.” GOP Candidate in the Spotlight: Rhode Island congressional hopeful Vic Mellor is drawing scrutiny after being described as a self-appointed envoy to Cuba, including meetings tied to Raul Castro’s grandson, while the State Department says he isn’t authorized to speak for the U.S. Voting Rights Push: Rhode Island groups are advancing a state Voting Rights Act effort aimed at preventing voter discrimination after the U.S. Supreme Court gutted the federal Voting Rights Act. Health & Housing: A new Rhode Island research brief highlights “hidden homelessness” (“doubling up”) that Point-in-Time counts miss, while Central Falls Medicaid ambulance/transport billing rose to $141,975 in 2024. Community Spotlight: HopeHealth marked its 50th anniversary with a gala raising over $410,000 and launching a “Gift of Hope” campaign.

Federal Courts & Immigration: A judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era immigration policies that left people from 39 countries in “indeterminate legal limbo,” ordering asylum and other immigration processing to restart. DOJ Accountability: In a separate Rhode Island case, a judge referred DOJ lawyers for possible discipline after finding they misled the court in a subpoena fight involving Rhode Island Hospital’s transgender youth care. State Budget & Taxes: The Rhode Island House approved a $15.2 billion FY2027 budget, including a phased-in millionaires tax, with Republicans voting no and Democrats touting added funding for health care, families, and transit. Local Housing: Narragansett’s Affordable Housing Trust Collaborative secured dedicated municipal funding—$50,000 minimum annually plus new revenue streams from the conveyance and hotel taxes—while raising income eligibility to 120% of area median income. World Cup & Public Health: With World Cup travel ramping up across U.S. host cities, officials warn that weakened federal public health capacity could raise risks from infectious diseases. RI Culture & Community: Providence Roller Derby opens its home season in Warwick with a themed bout featuring the Providence River Rats vs. the Ravens.

World Cup Health Watch: With the tournament drawing millions of travelers to 11 U.S. host cities, public health officials are warning that weakened federal disease-prep capacity could leave the country more exposed to outbreaks like Ebola and measles. Immigration Court Win in Rhode Island: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump administration asylum and immigration policies tied to nationality, ordering asylum processing and benefit applications to restart for people from 39 targeted countries. DOJ Discipline in Trans Care Probe: The same Rhode Island judge referred Justice Department lawyers for possible discipline after finding they misled the court in a subpoena fight over sensitive medical records of transgender youth treated at Rhode Island Hospital. State Budget: The Rhode Island House approved a $15.2 billion FY2027 budget, including a phased-in millionaires tax, plus new funding for healthcare, families, and RIPTA. Affordable Housing Funding: Narragansett approved dedicated municipal funding for its affordable housing trust, including quarterly allocations from the real estate conveyance tax and hotel tax, with higher income eligibility. Sports Betting Push: Rhode Island regulators face renewed pressure to expand the online sports betting market beyond the current single app. Local Culture & Sports: Providence Roller Derby opens its home season in Warwick, and a Rhode Island-set indie film, “Rubber Hut,” begins production in Cranston and Warwick.

Affordable Housing Funding: Narragansett is finally putting real money behind its affordable housing trust, with a new ordinance requiring at least $50,000 a year plus quarterly transfers from the town’s real estate conveyance tax and an added 25% slice of the hotel tax, and it raises eligibility to 120% of area median income. Immigration Court Fight (RI): A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump immigration policies that paused asylum and froze benefits for people from 39 countries, ordering USCIS to restart processing. DOJ Discipline (RI): The same Rhode Island judge referred DOJ lawyers to a disciplinary committee over how they handled a subpoena seeking sensitive transgender youth medical records from Rhode Island Hospital. Domestic Violence Courts: Rhode Island’s judiciary is seeing a surge in serious domestic violence cases and is pushing for a dedicated Superior Court calendar and a new magistrate to speed dispositions. State Budget/Water Planning: Rhode Island agencies seek public comment on the SFY 2027 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund intended use plan and project priority list. Local Governance (Aging): The Rhode Island House approved a bill to create a permanent joint commission on aging and a statewide multisector plan, now headed to the Senate. Coastal/Community Life: South County’s summer guide highlights where to find chowder, plus boating safety tips for getting back to shore safely.

Court Fight Over Trans Youth Records: The Trump administration is pressing a new legal push to obtain sensitive medical records of transgender minors, now using grand jury subpoenas in Texas after earlier administrative subpoenas were blocked by judges. Nuclear Power Deal Watch: NextEra’s proposed $67B acquisition of Dominion would put control of New England’s nuclear fleet under one utility, with contracts for Millstone and Seabrook set to expire in 2029. Ocean Monitoring Under Threat: The Trump administration plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a $368M deep-ocean data network, as a potentially strong El Niño approaches. Rhode Island Infrastructure & Housing: Rhode Island’s AnchorHome program is expanding to help first-time buyers bridge the gap to homeownership, while the state also faces ongoing economic “mixed news” and housing-policy scrutiny. Coastal Governance: The Rhode Island Senate confirmed the final Coastal Management Council appointee, reshaping CRMC membership amid continued debate over coastal oversight. Local Spotlight: Misquamicut State Beach’s expanded entrance project is complete, aiming to cut summer congestion.

Charter School Crossroads in RI: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is caught between charter-school supporters and union ties as the Senate advances a charter moratorium bill that also lowers the charter cap and could stall specific schools, with a final vote looming. Campaign Shake-Up: McKee’s reelection team pulled and replaced a TV ad after a brief on-screen “sex: yes” and drug reference, spending more to rerun the corrected version. Sex Abuse Claims Reform: The RI Senate voted to allow a “revival window” for previously expired claims tied to clergy sex abuse, opening July 1, 2026 and running through June 30, 2028. Energy Efficiency Council Drama: A Providence council member nominee was held up for further review after surprise agenda changes, raising questions about the governor’s appointments. Broadband & Connectivity: Rhode Island is also watching BEAD implementation nationwide, while local groups push new ways to get affordable internet to schools and nonprofits. Meteor Update: NASA says a recent New England sonic boom came from a meteor that broke up over the region and fell into Cape Cod Bay.