AGP Executive Report

Pediatric eye injuries tied to cosmetics: A new ARVO study says ER visits for cosmetic-related eye injuries in kids rose 5.6% from 2020 to 2024 overall, with the biggest jump among ages 5–12 (up 87.5%), as “beauty culture” and influencer-driven makeup start younger. Grocery affordability push: Stop & Shop says it’s cutting prices on thousands of items across its New York and New Jersey stores, expanding a multi-year plan that already rolled out in parts of New England. Rhode Island community calendar: Eleven RI cities and towns are set for Portuguese flag-raisings ahead of June 10’s Day of Portugal. Labor and courts: A federal appeals court kept a fight over VA union bargaining alive, while a Texas judge demanded Rhode Island Hospital turn over records tied to trans youth care despite a Rhode Island order blocking a DOJ subpoena. Health alert: Rhode Island is under an air-quality warning for unhealthy ozone for sensitive groups Tuesday.

Monsanto PCB Settlement: Rhode Island just locked in a major deal—at least $25 million (up to $62.5 million) from Monsanto and affiliates to address decades of PCB pollution, with money earmarked for cleanup and restoration of contaminated waterways. Airport Funding: The state’s congressional delegation also announced $20.3 million in federal support for T.F. Green and other Rhode Island airports. Memorial Day Weather: The Old Farmer’s Almanac is pointing to warmer-than-normal conditions across much of the Northeast, including Rhode Island, with scattered thunderstorms possible over the holiday weekend. Public Health Watch: Tick season is heating up—Ohio is seeing rising Lyme cases and tick-related ER visits, a reminder that summer plans may need a little extra bug protection. Sports & Courts: In national headlines, the trial of accused Boston serial rapist Alvin Campbell Jr. began, while on the college court, Ali Jaques was named Campbell’s women’s basketball coach.

National Politics & Religion: Thousands packed the National Mall for “Rededicate 250,” a Trump-led prayer rally that leaned heavily into Christian symbolism and drew criticism from religious-freedom advocates. Public Safety: Newport Hospital faced a second “swatting” bomb threat in just over a week; police found no credible danger and will keep a vigilant patrol. Healthcare Workforce: Salve Regina says its nursing students are landing local jobs through a loan-repayment partnership, with the first six accepting offers tied to more than $240,000 in committed repayments. Labor Watch: After a 2025 strike at Butler Hospital, SEIU 1199NE reports higher wages plus fewer workplace-violence incidents and lower turnover. Health Alerts: Tick-bite ER visits are rising across the Northeast, with Lyme treatment demand still climbing. Local Life: Rhode Islanders got a first taste of summer over the weekend, while Newport’s veteran car tour rolled out classic rides from Newport to Bristol.

Public Safety: Newport Hospital was hit by a second “swatting” bomb threat in just over a week, triggering a police sweep and a state bomb-detection K-9 search; no credible danger was found, and investigators say the calls are dangerous and unlawful. Health Watch: Tick season is getting worse—ER visits for tick bites are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with Lyme treatment demand rising as warmer weather expands tick activity. Weather: Monday turns a bit cooler, but record heat is building for Tuesday and Wednesday, with humidity climbing and storms possible. Housing & Cost of Living: A new analysis finds most Americans can’t afford newly built homes—65% are priced out nationwide, with many states above 80%. Community & Culture: La CASA opened in Boston’s South End with a weekend of Latino arts and activism, while Rhode Island’s Oyster and Chowder Festival kicked off in Newport. Sports: Boston Cannons routed Philadelphia 19-5 in Pawtucket, and Rhode Island Rowing won its third straight Atlantic 10 title.

Chappaquiddick Ferry Fight: A new round of debate over who should run the Chappaquiddick Ferry is getting pushback from residents who say the issue isn’t “elites” or comfort—it’s reliable access to doctors and daily life, with supporters pointing to the current operator’s long record of getting people to care. Faith in Public Life: Ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, Trump’s “Rededicate 250” prayer event is set for Sunday on the National Mall, drawing both high-profile religious participation and criticism over a narrow vision of faith in politics. Local Sports & Community: Blackstone Valley’s boys hockey co-op is staying intact for three more years after parents pushed back on a possible split; Portland’s Hearts of Pine held on to win the USL Cup match 2-1; and Barrington High celebrated a top statewide weekly attendance win. Health & Science: Rhode Island’s FDA inspection counts show multiple “No Action Indicated” results in Providence County, while a new study says hidden ocean “brake zones” can reliably stop earthquakes. Festival Season: Newport’s Oyster and Chowder Festival kicked off at Bowen’s Wharf, running through May 17.

Fed Shake-Up: Jerome Powell’s Fed chair term officially ended May 15, and his “six-word” warning about how markets get treated in policy is already rattling Wall Street as Kevin Warsh steps in. Rhode Island Outdoors: Skip the steep hike—try the Washington Secondary Rail Trail instead: 19 paved, mostly flat miles from Cranston toward Coventry. Local Health Spending: Medicaid bills keep climbing in Rhode Island towns—North Kingstown’s alcohol and drug treatment claims hit $2.62M in 2024, while North Providence’s overall state-agency-coded services rose 8.7%. Shellfish Update: After sewage-related closures, Rhode Island’s Lower Providence River Area 16E reopens to commercial harvest Monday, May 18, with Mt. Hope Bay Area 17 reopening today. Public Safety & Crime: The Coast Guard cutter Tahoma, based in Newport, helped seize over 8,000 pounds of cocaine worth about $62M. Community Calendar: A free dog-and-wine adoption event is set for May 17 at Sakonnet Vineyard, and a Tiverton speaker series May 21 tackles mental health stigma.

Kratom Crackdown Watch: Mississippi’s kratom debate is heating up as the plant stays legal federally but faces bans and tighter rules in multiple states, with the FDA warning about safety and the DEA weighing a crackdown on a byproduct. Mental Health Access: Social workers are pushing practical fixes for the mental health care gap, while national groups argue reimbursement and licensing barriers are holding providers back. DOJ vs. Trans Care: A federal court fight over trans youth medical records keeps escalating, with the DOJ trying to narrow how far a stay applies to immigration- and diversity-linked grant conditions. Housing & Rent: Providence’s rent control override attempt failed “for now,” keeping a 4% cap fight alive. Shellfish Reopenings: After emergency closures, Rhode Island shellfish areas are reopening following testing after sewage discharge. Lead Lines: Westerly is moving into a new phase of lead service line replacement with $20M in federal-backed funding.

Town Politics: Nancy Dodge has resigned from New Shoreham’s Town Council, citing an ongoing medical problem tied to multiple sclerosis; the council plans to address her replacement at its May 20 meeting. Transit & Commuting: RIDOT says the Kingston Station parking expansion is progressing—clearing is done, fencing is up, and a $3.1M project adding 129 spaces is still aimed at opening by late summer/early fall. Community & Service: A WWII Navy veteran funeral in Massachusetts is seeking public attendees and pallbearers because he died with no known family; services are set for May 18 in Hanson. Courts & Rights: The DOJ says it will appeal a Rhode Island judge’s block on federal efforts to obtain transgender youths’ medical records. Environment: AI is being used to count river herring during Rhode Island’s annual migration, speeding up a task that’s otherwise done by hand.

DOJ vs. Rhode Island trans youth care: A federal judge slammed the Trump administration’s push for Rhode Island Hospital records, calling it “drastic overreach” and blocking the subpoenas after finding the government misled the court. Public safety & infrastructure: Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge crews are replacing bridge joints through October, with one-lane traffic and bumpy plates that drivers are urged to slow for. Local governance: Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins backed off a plan to cut senior center funding, saying he found a way to restore it without breaking the state property-tax cap. Coast Guard crackdown: Cutter Tahoma seized about 6,085 pounds of cocaine—worth $45.8 million—after stopping three smuggling vessels off Colombia. Community & culture: Quahog Week returns May 17–23, spotlighting Rhode Island’s shellfish industry and local food. Education & arts: Ballet Rhode Island and URI are teaming up on a dance adaptation of “Machinal,” plus URI’s spring commencement runs May 15–17.

Courts vs. DOJ: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s push for Rhode Island Hospital’s private records on transgender minors, calling the DOJ’s tactics “appalling” and saying its trustworthiness is no longer presumed. Local Labor: North Kingstown’s RelaDyne workers voted to join Teamsters Local 251. Maritime Autonomy: HavocAI teamed up with Senesco Marine to speed up autonomous uncrewed surface vessels for defense and commercial use. Weather Watch: A summer-warm-up is set for this weekend after a cooler, cloudy stretch. Housing & Community: A $100,000 grant will help turn New Bedford’s Capitol Theater into the Capitol Resilience Hub, aiming to bundle affordable housing, healthcare, ESOL, and small-business support. Health Policy: A new claims analysis suggests most people with prediabetes are getting recommended annual diabetes screening, with Rhode Island included in the broader state-by-state picture. Culture: Bravo renewed “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” for Season 2.

DOJ vs. Rhode Island hospitals: A federal judge in Rhode Island blocked the Justice Department from forcing Rhode Island Hospital to hand over minors’ gender-affirming care records, calling the subpoena a “drastic overreach” and saying prosecutors acted in bad faith—hours before a separate deadline loomed. Homeland Security standoff: DHS chief Markwayne Mullin says there’s no near-term plan to shut down Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz,” despite reports the facility is being wound down. Local infrastructure: Crews are starting joint replacements on the Jamestown–Verrazzano Bridge, with one-lane traffic and 25 mph limits. Public health & safety: RIDOH reminded retailers that kratom sales require a license, and Rhode Island State Police staged a seatbelt rollover simulator to drive home the risks of going unbuckled. Business/insurance: A Brown study finds CMS enforcement in Medicare Advantage may lean on small penalties that may not deter violations.

Medicare Advantage Scrutiny: A Brown University study says federal regulators may lean too heavily on small penalties that don’t really deter insurers from violating Medicare Advantage rules—raising fresh questions about how CMS protects patients. Public Health & Vapes: Rhode Island AG Brown joined a coalition urging the FDA to pull draft guidance that would make flavored e-cigarettes easier to approve, warning it could fuel youth addiction. Kratom Crackdown: RIDOH reminded retailers that kratom sales without a license are illegal, after inspectors removed unlicensed products from a West Warwick shop. Local Life & Safety: Rhode Island is also reminding beachgoers that overnight sleeping rules vary by managing authority, with many state beaches effectively closed outside posted hours. Courts & Privacy: A federal judge accused DOJ of “judge shopping” in a bid to get Rhode Island Hospital records tied to gender-affirming care for youth. Environment & Jobs: Quahog harvesters are still reeling after a sewage spill shut key shellfishing waters in the Providence River.

DOJ vs. Rhode Island Hospital: A federal judge in Rhode Island signaled she’s likely to quash a DOJ subpoena seeking gender-affirming care records from Rhode Island Hospital, calling the government’s push “dirty pool” after accusations of “shopping” the case to another court and misleading filings. Legal pressure on trans care: The fight is part of a broader federal push that’s also pulled in other hospitals, with prosecutors seeking detailed records tied to care for transgender youth. Workplace AI bill: State lawmakers introduced a Rhode Island measure aimed at forcing disclosure and human oversight when AI is used to monitor or discipline workers. Local growth: Windmoeller & Hoelscher (W&H) marked a major expansion of its North American HQ in Lincoln, doubling warehouse capacity. Community spotlight: Roger Williams Park Zoo is adding a new stunt-dog show this summer, starting May 25. Sports & culture: Taylor Swift sparked a NYC fan frenzy on a dinner outing, just ahead of her wedding buzz.

Life Sentence: A Portsmouth man, Jacob Morrill, was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his landlord with a hatchet in 2023; he plans to appeal. Courts & Crime: Jury selection is underway in the trial of Alvin R. Campbell Jr., accused of raping nine women while posing as an Uber driver. Health Policy: Brown University researchers say federal Medicare Advantage enforcement may lean too heavily on small penalties that don’t deter violations. Coastline Fight: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha sued Quidnessett Country Club to force removal of an alleged unauthorized seawall on Narragansett Bay. Local Budget Pressure: Cranston’s mayor unveiled a revised budget that cuts senior services and levels school funding. Public Health Reminders: RIDOH is urging rabies prevention as more animals test positive. Summer Jobs: DEM lifeguard certification testing kicks off this weekend for open-water facilities statewide. Culture & Community: Journey announced a Providence stop on Oct. 29, with tickets on sale May 15.

Medicare Advantage Scrutiny: A new Brown University study says federal regulators may lean too hard on small financial penalties that don’t really stop insurers from violating patient-care rules—raising fresh questions about how CMS enforces Medicare Advantage. Gun Law Fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a 22-state push against a USPS plan that would make it easier to mail certain firearms across state lines, arguing the long-standing federal ban has never been ruled unconstitutional. World Cup Prep: Rhode Island and nearby hospitals are bracing for June’s Team Ghana visit and the broader World Cup crowd, planning for everything from infectious disease risks to overdoses and trauma. Public Safety: A 7-alarm fire in North Attleborough displaced up to 80 residents, with officials reporting no injuries and major damage after a fast-moving blaze. Local Culture: Bravo’s Real Housewives of Rhode Island is renewed for season two, keeping the spotlight on the show’s biggest infidelity storyline.

Medicare Advantage Scrutiny: A Brown University study in JAMA Internal Medicine says federal regulators may lean on relatively small penalties that don’t do much to stop insurance plan violations—raising fresh questions about how well CMS is policing care denials and delays. Bravo Rhode Island Buzz: Bravo confirmed “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” is back for Season 2 and teased a new “Texas Wives” spinoff, while the network rolled out a big summer schedule. Local Courts & Families: The founder of Alex and Ani sued her sister in a dispute over alleged misuse of assets tied to the family’s Rhode Island jewelry business. Health Policy Watch: A federal judge rejected a challenge to Utah’s new kratom rules, which took effect May 6. Water & Safety: RIDOH is seeking public comment on a Woonsocket private lead service line replacement plan, and it marked National Water Safety Month with drowning-prevention reminders. Sports: Rhode Island FC earned a 1-1 draw with Tampa Bay in Pawtucket as JJ Williams scored late.