AGP Executive Report

Offshore Wind Lawsuit: New York and a coalition including Rhode Island are suing the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal that paid nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing it harms jobs, energy grids, and climate goals. Ocean Monitoring: The Trump administration is dismantling a deep-ocean monitoring system that tracks ocean health, raising alarms as sea temperatures and an El Niño loom. Rhode Island Crime: R.I. State Police arrested eight people in a child sex trafficking investigation, including a West Warwick woman charged with trafficking a minor for sexual servitude. World Cup in RI: Ghana’s Black Stars left Wales for their U.S. base at Bryant University in Smithfield, with final preparations continuing in Rhode Island ahead of Group L play. Local Governance: A Massachusetts fire chief hiring in Rowley was thrown into question after a finalist’s EMT certification was found expired. Health & Families: A new report highlights postpartum depression risks for new moms and how it can be mistaken for “baby blues.” Weather: Warm Friday beach conditions are expected, but showers may return over the weekend.

Nursing Home Watch (RI): CMS data for Q1 2026 spotlights the biggest and highest-rated facilities across counties: Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center of RI led Kent County by beds but posted a low 1/5 rating; Dawn Hill Home topped Bristol County with a 3/5; South County Nursing and Rehabilitation shared top spot in Washington County with a 4/5; Grand Islander Center was Newport County’s largest with a 2/5. Top Care (RI): Kingston Center in Washington County earned a rare 5-star overall CMS rating with no fines or penalties in Q1. Education & Access: FAME named Mila Tappan as the 2026 NEOA Claiborne Pell Award winner for work expanding college opportunity. Health Leadership (RI): Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island added two board members, including a Kent County Memorial Hospital chief nursing officer. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Rhode Island joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s TotalEnergies buyout deal that would cancel offshore wind leases and shift money to fossil fuels. Ocean Monitoring: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse criticized plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, saying it would cut crucial ocean-climate data. Life Sciences: Rhode Island Life Science Hub tapped Bob Cormier to lead the organization as president/CEO.

World Cup late-night alcohol rules: Rhode Island is among states that have approved extending bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup, with the goal of boosting fan spending and helping struggling small businesses; in Providence-area coverage, the changes are tied to local opt-in decisions and can push closing times later into the night. Ethics & state government: The Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted to investigate a complaint alleging former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi violated the state’s “revolving door” ban by seeking a seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Healthcare workforce pipeline: Johnson & Wales University partnered with Scholars Network to help match healthcare graduates with hospital employers and potentially qualify for student loan repayment. Public safety bill: A Massachusetts House leader backed legislation to expand access to EpiPens, requiring trained staff at authorized sites and adding liability protections. Energy policy fight: New York and a coalition including Rhode Island sued the Trump administration over a deal to cancel an offshore wind lease and pay TotalEnergies about $1 billion. Cost of living angle: A new report highlights how EVs can be cheaper to run but cost more to insure, with insurance pricing emerging as a key affordability factor.

World Cup Late-Night Economy: Gov. Dan McKee signed a law letting Rhode Island towns extend bar and restaurant hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with alcohol service allowed until 3 a.m. and businesses potentially staying open until 4 a.m. between June 11 and July 3—aimed at boosting local revenue as late matches roll in. Workforce & Community Investment: Citizens is putting more than $1.65M into Rhode Island workforce development and financial education, including a tuition-free banking micro-pathway with CCRI and an information security apprenticeship effort. Nonprofit Volunteer Day: Bristol County Savings Bank shut branches May 28 so 300+ employees could volunteer across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts at 18 nonprofits. Clergy Abuse Claims Revival: The Rhode Island Senate is set to move forward on a bill creating a “revival window” for time-barred civil sexual abuse claims against institutions and supervisors, with a July 1, 2026 start and a June 30, 2028 end. Meteor Update: NASA says the loud double boom heard across New England, including Rhode Island, came from a meteor about 5 feet wide—roughly “elephant”-sized—breaking up over the region and releasing energy equivalent to about 230 tons of TNT.

Workplace Safety & OSHA: A new report looks at how safety managers are being pulled into more audits and training as OSHA tightens rules on hazards, heat illness, emergency response, and workplace violence. New England Business: The Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont CPA societies are merging into the New England Society of CPAs, effective July 1, aiming to boost advocacy and training for about 14,500 members. Homeless Services Funding: Providence’s Housing, Homelessness and Planning Committee will review $6.64 million in federal Continuum of Care grant renewals for local homeless services. Gas Prices: AAA says Rhode Island’s average gas price dropped 15 cents as oil markets react to hopes for a U.S.-Iran peace deal. Courts & Family Law: The Rhode Island Supreme Court declined to review whether the grandparents visitation law is constitutional. Meteor Aftermath: NASA confirmed the May 30 meteor exploded over northeast Massachusetts, with energy estimated at about 300 tons of TNT and reports felt into Rhode Island. World Cup Economy: Rhode Island is among states extending bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup, with many changes dependent on local approvals. Higher Ed: Roger Williams University named Brian G. Williams as interim president. ICE Lawsuit: A Providence man alleges Cranston police wrongfully arrested him and he was held by ICE for 56 days.

Walk-off Softball: Chloe Landry’s first-pitch, two-down homer sent Lincoln to a 3-2 walk-off win over Johnston and put the Lions one victory from the Division II title. Wrong-Way Safety: Rhode Island’s DOT says a mix of better signage and radar-triggered alerts has cut wrong-way crash deaths, with high-tech systems flashing red lights and notifying authorities when drivers keep going. Newport Hospital Funding: Gov. McKee directed $1.6 million to keep the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center open and protect maternal care access on Aquidneck Island. Meteor “Double Boom” Explained: NASA and the American Meteor Society say the loud, panicked “double boom” across Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island came from a bolide meteor breaking up high in the atmosphere, with energy estimated around 300 tons of TNT. Health & Community: RIDOH awarded about $32,000 in grants to boost physical activity for youths and families, and the R.I. Life Science Hub teamed with the Pawtucket Foundation on career pathways for underrepresented healthcare workers. Weather: June 1 starts cool and mostly cloudy, with a chance of a passing shower or two.

Public Health Alert: RIDOH and DEM urged Rhode Islanders to avoid contact with Worden Pond in South Kingstown after a harmful blue-green algae bloom, warning of skin/eye/throat irritation and GI illness for people and pets. Weather & Safety: NASA confirmed a meteor bolide exploded over the MA/NH region with energy estimated at 300 tons of TNT, triggering loud sonic booms felt across Rhode Island and flooding 911 lines; NASA said remnants fell into Cape Cod Bay. Local Crime/Justice: New details emerged in the Glocester case involving a former Ponaganset High gym teacher accused of sexually assaulting a student, including allegations of inappropriate “cookie” and flowers incidents. State & Community: UniBank named Ed Augustus as CEO, highlighting his community ties and local partnerships. Sports: Rhode Island FC played Indy Eleven (May 30), with broadcast details provided for fans. National Policy: California AG Rob Bonta joined a coalition opposing a Trump administration proposal that would steer retirement savings toward riskier assets.

Meteor Boom Across RI: A bright meteor exploded off the Massachusetts coast Saturday afternoon, triggering a loud boom felt in Boston and as far as Johnston, Rhode Island, with satellite data pointing to an entry over the South Shore near Boston and no confirmed ground impact. Severe Weather & Outages: A storm system brought high wind warnings and advisories across New England, with tens of thousands already without power—especially in Massachusetts and New Hampshire—while coastal gusts could reach 50–60 mph. Local Governance in North Kingstown: A Charter Commission debate is reigniting questions about whether North Kingstown should elect a mayor and redraw into voting districts, amid town leadership and sewage-sludge controversy. Education & Workforce Training: North Kingstown High School opened a nearly $1 million machinist and manufacturing defense facility, funded through partners including Electric Boat, the Champlin Foundation, and state support. Offshore Wind Policy Fight: The Trump administration’s proposed inspection fees could add major costs to existing and under-construction offshore wind projects, raising new pressure on the industry.

State Budget: Rhode Island House Finance advanced a revised FY27 budget that phases in the millionaires tax over three years, keeping the top rate hike but spreading it to reduce “shock” as federal support is expected to drop. Public Health: RIDOH and DEM advised residents to avoid contact with Worden Pond in South Kingstown due to harmful algae blooms, warning against swimming, drinking untreated water, and letting pets near the water. Local Safety & Courts: The family of a teen killed in a Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club collapse says they’re “profoundly concerned” after the town approved licenses for the club’s St. Anthony’s Feast. Health Care Leadership: Heywood Healthcare named Dr. Kavita Babu as its new chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs. Environment & Recreation: RIDOH recommended closing the swimming area at Easton’s Beach because of high bacteria counts. Education & Workforce: Mt. Hope High School’s CTE program is set to add construction management and an EMT course for 2026-27. Sports: Chariho beat Westerly 7-0 in a Division I softball winners’ bracket rematch, setting up a next-round matchup.

Portsmouth Club Lawsuit Fallout: The family of a 15-year-old killed in last year’s partial collapse at the Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club says it’s “profoundly concerned” after town officials approved the club’s St. Anthony’s Feast licenses for July, even as a lawsuit alleges unsafe exterior stairway conditions and negligence by both the club and the town. World Cup Late-Night Hours: Gov. Dan McKee signed a law letting municipalities temporarily extend bar and restaurant hours during World Cup matches—up to 4 a.m. for service and liquor until 3 a.m.—if local licensing boards opt in. Providence Fire Collapse: A multi-family home collapsed after a fire spread through three houses on Federal Hill, displacing up to 10 residents; officials say the fire was brought under control and occupants evacuated. URI Medical School Push: Rhode Island’s Senate approved creating a URI medical school, sending it to the House, with lawmakers citing the state’s worsening physician shortage. Offshore Wind & Fisheries: URI graduate research is studying how offshore wind turbine structures affect Jonah crabs, a growing alternative fishery as lobsters decline. Prediction Markets Clash: The CFTC moved to intervene in Rhode Island’s prediction-market fight, arguing federal authority should block the state from applying its gambling laws.

Prediction Markets Clash: The CFTC has moved to intervene in Rhode Island’s fight over whether the state can enforce its gambling laws against CFTC-registered prediction market operators, after Rhode Island’s AG sought penalties and “disgorgement” in state court—adding RI to a growing list of states challenging federal authority. Housing Costs & Production: A RIPEC report says Rhode Island’s housing strategy is driving high costs and producing too few units, arguing recent spending hasn’t translated into meaningful production. Drought Advisory: Rhode Island issued a statewide drought advisory as precipitation deficits and low groundwater/stream flows persist, urging voluntary conservation while municipalities may impose restrictions. Local Governance: North Kingstown’s Quonset Development Board member says he won’t be “pushed around,” as the board advances major decisions tied to Quonset Airport runway conversion and Electric Boat expansion. Transportation: Work on the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge is shifting to nighttime starting May 31 to ease daytime backups while crews replace bridge joints. Health Spotlight: The American Lung Association report ranks Rhode Island No. 1 for lung cancer survival and strong screening/early detection. Community & Culture: Westerly’s Lucas Neil is set to celebrate his album “Birds” at The United Theatre, and Rhode Island’s Memorial Day observances continue across communities.

Housing & Policy: A RIPEC report says Rhode Island’s “enormous” housing investments since 2021 aren’t translating into meaningful impact for most residents, even as the state ramps up spending and considers a $120 million housing bond question. Courts & Public Safety: A Rhode Island nurse was convicted for sexually assaulting two elderly patients at a North Kingstown rehab center, with prosecutors saying the victims couldn’t defend themselves. Health Access: DEM will distribute nearly 7,000 Senior Farmers Market benefit cards loaded with $50 starting June 1, and UnitedHealthcare is expanding a DME deal with Synapse Health to include Rhode Island. Local Economy & Costs: Homebuyer affordability slipped in April as the median mortgage payment rose to $2,152, though it’s still better than a year ago. Community & Events: Special Olympics Rhode Island is gearing up for its summer games with more than 1,200 athletes expected in Kingston. Transportation & Labor: Breeze pilots picketed at T.F. Green amid stalled contract talks. Environment & Planning: Rhode Island lawmakers are considering greener end-of-life options, including water cremation and human composting.

Cybersecurity & State Workers: Beacon Mutual says a January cyberattack exposed personal data for about 132,000 Rhode Islanders, including roughly 4,500 current and former state employees, with the breach handled through a third-party workers’ comp administrator. Flood Resilience: A town is asking residents to share flooding stories again through June 1 as it finalizes a FEMA-ready mitigation plan after months of surveys and meetings. Sports Betting Regulation: Attorney General Dave Yost and 41 AGs urged the CFTC to recognize state authority over sports-related prediction markets, arguing platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi function like unregulated sportsbooks. Cannabis Leadership: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Michelle Reddish, head of the Rhode Island Cannabis Office, to chair the Cannabis Control Commission; the pick now goes to the Senate. Community & Inclusion: Special Olympics Rhode Island kicks off its Summer Games with “Truck Day” ahead of a May 29–31 event expected to draw 1,200 athletes. Local Health & Safety: Rhode Island track athletes qualified for the NCAA East First Round, with multiple Rams set to compete starting Wednesday. Invasive Species Watch: Experts warn the Asian needle ant is spreading and can cause painful stings and severe allergic reactions.

Providence Schools Return to Local Control: The R.I. Council on Elementary and Secondary Education voted to bring Providence Public Schools back under city control, ending more than six years of state oversight and setting up a formal transition that could begin July 1. Newport School Leadership Shakeup: Newport School Board placed Superintendent Forrest Ransdell on leave for the rest of his one-year contract, after a nonpublic session discussion tied to concerns raised publicly by board chair Nikki Murphy and her husband. RI Cannabis Commission Chair Nomination: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Michelle Reddish, the current cannabis office administrator, to chair the Cannabis Control Commission, filling a vacancy that’s been open for months. Public Safety and Courts: A Rhode Island-linked suspect in a 2023 Fall River fatal shooting was charged with first-degree murder and held without bail. Mystic Aquarium Release: Mystic Aquarium released “Cannoli,” a rehabilitated gray seal, back into the ocean in Westerly after monthslong recovery from an entanglement. Sports Betting Update: Bally’s is set to launch Rhode Island’s second online sportsbook option, targeting a November rollout. Local Culture & Entertainment: The Sandbox at Seastreak in New Jersey hosts Badfish on July 4, a Rhode Island-based Sublime tribute band.

Providence Schools Back to Local Control: Rhode Island’s education council voted 5-1 to return Providence Public Schools to local control by July 1, ending the state turnaround that began in 2019; a community forum is set for June 3. Tick Season Warning: ER visits for tick bites are running higher than normal nationwide, and Rhode Island remains high-risk for Lyme—URI’s TickEncounter Resource Center is spotlighted as a local go-to. New Food Spot: PopUp Bagels is opening its first Rhode Island location in Cranston at Garden City Center on May 29. Bridge Work Changes: Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge construction shifts to night work Sundays–Thursdays, 7 p.m.–7 a.m., with bumps expected. Tech & Kids Online: AG Nick Brown joins a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for children online. Sports: Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was named NBA Coach of the Year. Weather: Warm day ahead with clouds building and a possible early evening storm.

Weather Watch: Memorial Day’s cool, rainy start flipped fast into warm, dry conditions, with highs in the 70s along the coast and 80s inland—then Wednesday brings more warmth plus a chance of a spot shower. Courtroom Fight: Former Stoughton detective Matthew Farwell is pushing to toss parts of the FBI-linked investigation into Sandra Birchmore’s death, but a federal judge signaled she’s likely to deny his bid for an evidentiary hearing (a written ruling is coming). Kids Online: Rhode Island’s neighbors are moving hard on child safety online—Connecticut opened an investigation into Roblox after reports of child exploitation, joining a broader push against the federal KIDS Act. Catholic Church Case: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to step in on a Rhode Island man’s lawsuit over how “Peter’s Pence” donations were used, keeping the dispute alive in lower courts. Local Business: Brasa Y Chifa is expanding—East Providence gets a second location by year’s end, with a Cranston third planned. Health & Housing: Care New England is cutting 30+ leadership and nonclinical jobs, while mortgage performance looks steadier as cures rebound.