AGP Executive Report

Fourth of July Grocery Hours: Need supplies for the semiquincentennial cookout? Rhode Island shoppers should check store hours: Dave’s Fresh Marketplace is open until 6 p.m.; most Stop & Shop and Market Basket locations run regular hours; Shaw’s is generally regular; ALDI has limited hours (some RI stores close at 4 p.m.). Bristol’s Independence Day Tradition: Bristol is leaning into its claim as the “most patriotic town” with the nation’s oldest continuous July 4 celebration, tracing back to 1785—plus a 241st parade Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Revolution Roots in RI: A Rhode Island historian spotlighted the “first spark” of the American Revolution as the 1772 burning of the HMS Gaspee in Warwick. Swift-Kelce Wedding Week, With RI Ties: Ahead of their reported Madison Square Garden wedding, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $26 million to 20 charities, including the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Public Safety on Block Island: New Shoreham police say they’ll enforce alcohol rules and under-21 alcohol charges, with added state patrols for the holiday weekend. Jamestown Arts Center Exhibit: “A Celebration of Trees” opens with free admission through Aug. 29, plus a July 15 reception and live oud performance.

Air Quality & Health: Rhode Island DEM warned that elevated ground-level ozone will make conditions UNHEALTHY for sensitive groups in southern RI Friday, with fine particles also rising—residents are urged to cut back on heavy outdoor exertion and use AirNow for updates. Water Safety: RIDOH and DEM issued a health advisory to avoid contact with Wenscott Reservoir (North Providence), Wilson Reservoir (Burrillville), and Upper Melville Pond (Portsmouth) due to harmful algae blooms; swimming, fishing, boating, and drinking untreated water are strongly discouraged. URI & the Blue Economy: URI cut the ribbon on a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at the Narragansett Bay Campus, a 32,000-square-foot facility meant to boost ocean research and industry partnerships. Homelessness Funding Fight: A federal judge in Rhode Island sided with plaintiffs in a case challenging HUD’s last-minute changes to Continuum of Care funding that would have weakened “housing first” approaches. Clergy Abuse Lawsuits: Rhode Island’s revival window for expired child sex abuse claims opened, with dozens of new lawsuits filed on day one against the Diocese of Providence and related church entities. Community Spotlight: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $1 million to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank as part of a reported $26 million giving spree ahead of their wedding.

World Cup Focus: Ghana’s Black Stars wrapped up a three-week Rhode Island stay and landed in Kansas City ahead of Friday’s Round of 32 must-win vs. Colombia, with knockout hopes on the line. Heat & Power: A major U.S. heat wave triggered an Energy Emergency Alert for the PJM grid, with officials warning of blackout risk and ordering conservation, including curbing power to some data centers. Fourth of July Safety: Rhode Island is bracing for dangerous heat and humidity over July 2–4, with officials urging hydration and limiting outdoor time. Local Policy Watch: Rhode Island became the first state to require staffing ratios for supermarket self-checkout lanes, a move aimed at improving service and reducing theft. Housing & Community: Gov. Dan McKee announced $7.5 million for entry-level homeownership projects, including Westerly’s Habitat for Humanity build. Local Governance: Providence’s Camp Cronin in Narragansett is being urged for a major refresh into an intergenerational enrichment center. Business/Construction: Bouygues Construction acquired Vannoy Construction, expanding its U.S. footprint that already includes Rhode Island projects. Culture & Sports (Offbeat): Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s rumored Madison Square Garden wedding plans continue to dominate headlines, with permits and street closures fueling speculation.

Heat & Water Watch: Gov. Dan McKee issued Rhode Island’s first statewide drought watch since 2002, citing long-running precipitation deficits and historically low groundwater and stream flows, and urged conservation as summer demand ramps up. Extreme Heat Safety: The McKee administration also reminded residents about heat illness prevention as the National Weather Service warns of dangerous heat and humidity through Friday, with cooling centers available via 2-1-1. Local Courts & Ethics: A Superior Court judge will oversee former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s bid to block an ethics probe tied to his attempt to join the Rhode Island Supreme Court. State Policy: Rhode Island became the first state to limit supermarket self-checkout lanes, requiring staffed cashier coverage and restricting how monitoring staff can be used. Community & Culture: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced the return of the July 5 Independence Day celebration and fireworks at India Point Park. Sports & Community Pride: Ghana’s Black Stars are set to leave Rhode Island for Kansas City ahead of the July 3 Round of 32 match vs. Colombia, with thanks to local security and the Ghanaian community in New England.

Assault Weapons: Rhode Island’s new assault-weapons sales ban takes effect July 1, limiting manufacture, sale, transfer, and purchase of certain “prohibited firearms,” while existing lawful owners aren’t required to turn them in. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up challenges to assault-weapons bans, setting up a major Second Amendment fight next session. Public Safety & July 4: Bristol is bringing concerts back to Independence Park and adding new vehicle-stopping barriers funded by a federal grant, after last year’s move to Roger Williams University. Extreme Heat: Rhode Island is under an Extreme Heat Warning from 10 a.m. July 1 through 8 p.m. July 4, with dangerous heat and humidity and guidance to use cooling centers. Health: RIDOH reports a Rhode Island resident diagnosed with Powassan virus disease, a rare tick-borne illness. Lottery: Rhode Island Lottery sales hit $26.7 million in May. Local History & Community: A North Kingstown reenactor is teaching the story of Black soldiers in the First Rhode Island Regiment, pushing back on how the state remembers the Revolution.

Medicaid Fight: Twenty-five Democratic-led states plus D.C. sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and would push ill and disabled Rhode Islanders off coverage. Tuition Crackdown: DOJ also sued Rhode Island over state in-state tuition and scholarship benefits for noncitizens, calling the laws unconstitutional. Homelessness Funding: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled HUD’s homelessness funding overhaul violated federal law, backing the “Housing First” approach while stopping short of fully blocking funding cuts. Health Care Disruption: Brown University Health is ending its Medicare Advantage contract with UnitedHealthcare, leaving about 1,900 seniors and disabled patients facing out-of-pocket costs or provider changes. Water & Heat: Veolia imposed an outdoor water ban in South Kingstown and parts of Narragansett, while RIEMA issued an extreme heat advisory and the state flagged unhealthy ozone for sensitive groups, with cooling centers opening across South County. Road Changes: RIDOT will run a temporary road diet on Main Avenue in Warwick starting July 10, restriping to one lane each direction plus a center turn lane. Gun Rights at SCOTUS: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear challenges to AR-15-style assault weapons bans, including Rhode Island’s recent measures. Local Education: Coventry math teacher Michael Cook was named Rhode Island Teacher of the Year. Cannabis Licensing: Rhode Island is asking a federal judge to undo a court order blocking pot shop licenses after the state lifted a residency requirement.

Medicaid Work-Rule Fight: A coalition of Democratic-led states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration to block new federal guidance that narrows who qualifies as “medically frail,” arguing it will force medically vulnerable people off Medicaid. DOJ vs. In-State Tuition: The U.S. Department of Justice also sued Massachusetts and Rhode Island over laws allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition and access state aid, saying the policies unlawfully discriminate against U.S. citizens. Extreme Heat Watch: New England, including Rhode Island, is under an extreme heat watch as a potentially record-setting heat wave builds across the region, with dangerous conditions expected and limited overnight relief. RI Lottery Results: Rhode Island Lottery Powerball and other midday numbers for June 29, 2026 were released for players checking wins. Local Infrastructure Update: RIDOT released footage from a Cranston parapet collapse that fell onto train tracks in April, causing delays but no reported injuries. Public Safety Grants: RIEMA opened the FY 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program, with applications due July 15 and a virtual rollout meeting July 1.

Medicaid Fight: Rhode Island is among states suing the Trump administration to block new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and will force vulnerable people off coverage. Immigration & Tuition: The U.S. DOJ also sued Rhode Island and Massachusetts over in-state tuition and financial aid for undocumented students, seeking to halt enforcement. Pot Shop Licenses: After Rhode Island lifted the residency requirement for recreational cannabis retailers, the Cannabis Control Commission asked a federal judge to undo the court order that paused the first round of pot shop licensing. Public Safety Funding: Rhode Island’s congressional delegation announced nearly $19.25 million for safer Aquidneck Island streets, including pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Corrections Leadership: Gov. Dan McKee named Lynne Corry interim director of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections after Wayne Salisbury stepped down. Weather Alert: A dangerous heat wave is expected to hit New England this week, with an Extreme Heat Watch starting Wednesday. Local Notes: URI opened an Ocean Robotics Laboratory, and Roger Williams University named a local student to the dean’s list.

Shark Watch: A great white shark was spotted feeding on a dead whale off Block Island, with reports saying it was at least 15 feet long. RI Public Health: Rhode Island signed a new Genetic Information Privacy Act requiring genetic testing companies to get express consent for how data is used and to protect it, with deletion rights for consumers. Healthcare Access: A new RI law expands insurance reimbursement for public health dental hygienists, letting Medicare and commercial plans cover services for vulnerable residents. PACE-RI Leadership: PACE-RI named Dr. Katharine Darland as its new chief medical officer as the program tops 500 enrolled older adults. Safety & Weather: Southern New England is bracing for dangerous heat Wednesday through Friday, with heat index values up to around 110 degrees; Rhode Island also reported a 71-year-old died after being pulled from the water at Conimicut Point in Warwick. Local Business & Community: Providence Business News announced its 2026 Leaders & Achievers honorees, with an Aug. 20 ceremony in Warwick.

Rhode Island consumer win: Rhode Island drivers who paid parking charges tied to UPP Global could get refunds under a $1.35 million settlement, after officials alleged deceptive ticket notices and unclear pricing that made fees look like government documents. Public health: A Brown University study says the shingles vaccine may prevent about 1 in 17 dementia cases in older adults, adding to the push for vaccination. Wildlife in RI: URI tagged four bobcat kittens in partnership with RIDEM and wildlife rehabilitators, using GPS-collared mothers Sparrow and Plover. Weather: New England is bracing for a heat wave with warnings expected as temperatures climb into the 90s and near 100. Ocean & environment: Video shows a massive great white shark feeding on a dead whale off Rhode Island’s coast—“shark smart” guidance is circulating with the footage. Local culture & TV: The Real Housewives of Rhode Island reunion hits Part 2 tonight, with streaming options highlighted for cord-cutters. Sports: Tyler Watts, 18, became the youngest winner of the Northeast Amateur at Rhode Island’s Wannamoisett Country Club. Maritime: The Spirit of Bermuda completed the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race after repairing lightning-damaged mast components.

Federal Court Win for Rhode Island Travelers: A judge blocked the Trump administration from withholding billions in transportation funds from states that won’t comply with certain immigration enforcement demands, calling the conditions unlawful and harmful to major projects. Public Health Watch: A tick-borne virus tied to a 1958 Ontario death is surging in New England, with Powassan increasingly linked to deer ticks and rising diagnoses. Brown University Integrity Alarm: Brown professor Roberto Serrano says AI cheating is driving a major academic integrity crisis after detecting widespread misconduct on a math economics midterm. Ocean & Wildlife: A great white shark was filmed feeding on a dead whale off Rhode Island, with experts saying it appeared to be a mature animal. Local Community Spotlight: Providence’s PVD FanZone keeps drawing crowds for World Cup matches, including a big Ghana watch party at Track 15. Statehouse/Politics: Rhode Island Pride says it will tighten parade rules after a float depicting violent imagery aimed at Mayor Brett Smiley. America 250, Rhode Island Angle: Congress is burying a semiquincentennial time capsule in the Capitol Visitor Center, with state contributions included.

Newport Beach Update: RIDOH says swimming areas at Hazards and Gooseberry beaches in Newport can reopen after bacteria levels returned to safe ranges, with monitoring continuing through Labor Day. Ocean Wildlife: A video shared by the Atlantic Shark Institute shows a massive great white feeding on a dead whale off the Rhode Island coast near Block Island. Local Sports Spotlight: 17-year-old Rhode Island amateur Miles Russell impressed at the U.S. Open, making the cut and earning praise from former PGA Tour player Brad Faxon. Community & Youth Programs: College Visions is expanding its Summer Prep program to CCRI’s Newport campus for rising ninth- through 12th-graders, with college visits and hands-on essay support. Statewide Policy Watch: Rhode Island is first in the nation to require staffing ratios for self-checkout at grocery stores, aiming to keep registers staffed. Arts & Media: Boston Globe Rhode Island won 34 Rhode Island Press Association awards, including multiple first-place finishes. Big Picture National: A federal court rejected Michigan’s appeal over access to voters’ personal data, a reminder that election rules remain in flux. Entertainment Buzz: Reports keep swirling about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding plans, with Madison Square Garden emerging as a key location.

Elections & Courts: Rhode Island is in the middle of a wider legal fight over federal election overreach, with multistate actions winning court blocks against Trump administration rules aimed at mail voting and voter-list controls. State Politics: Westerly’s Town Council is weighing a potential moratorium on AI data centers as residents cite water and power strain concerns. Water Watch: Gov. Dan McKee issued Rhode Island’s first statewide drought watch since 2002, urging conservation as groundwater and streamflows hit unusually low levels. Local Governance: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley condemned a Rhode Island Pride parade float depicting him as a puppet in front of a bloody steamroller, calling it a line-crossing form of political violence. Community & Culture: A new Museum of Work and Culture exhibit traces how Rhode Island’s mill history helped shape early American soccer. Sports: The RIIL confirmed Ponaganset High’s Covered Bridge Trail Course will host the 2026 cross-country class meet and state championship. Human Interest: Elsa, a Mississippi rescue dog, was named Rhode Island’s Pet Lovers Choice winner and is set to become an ambassador for rescue animals.

Rhode Island Grocery Rules: Gov. Dan McKee signed the Self-Service Checkout Stations Act, making Rhode Island the first state to limit self-checkout staffing—requiring one manually staffed lane for every three self-checkout stations, with the self-checkout worker doing no other duties and an ADA-compliant lane always open; violations can trigger fines up to $1,000 a day. Public Safety: McKee also signed new law giving police discretion to charge (not just warn) when children are left in hot cars, tightening enforcement for kids under 7. Accountancy Access: Rhode Island moved quickly to expand the CPA pathway, adding an alternative route that avoids the usual 150 college-credit requirement. RISD Update: Joanne Mitchell was named the inaugural executive director of RISD Ready!, starting Aug. 17. Justice News: Nicholas Rossi—an RI native convicted of rape in Utah after a yearslong extradition saga—died in a Utah hospital. World Cup Buzz: France led Norway 3-1 at halftime in Foxborough, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring a first-half hat trick.

GOP Politics: Rhode Island Republicans at their state convention endorsed Aaron Guckian for governor, beating Elaine Pelino in the only contested race, and also backed Ray McKay for U.S. Senate, plus several other statewide candidates. Elections & Voting Access: A federal appeals court upheld a ruling blocking the Trump administration from getting sensitive personal voter data from Michigan, and noted similar efforts have been rejected in Rhode Island and other states. Public Media: Ocean State Media editorial staff voted to unionize with SAG-AFTRA, setting up collective bargaining for Rhode Island’s NPR/PBS newsroom. Workforce & AI: Former Gov. Gina Raimondo is launching a new $500 million nonprofit, Raise Us, to help workers adapt as AI reshapes jobs, with Rhode Island tied to the effort through her leadership. Health & Aging: A new report says retirees are likely to outlive savings in 41 states, underscoring the pressure on long-term finances. Environment: RIDOH and RIDEM lifted the harmful algae advisory at Watchaug Pond after testing showed low algae and no toxins. World Cup (RI connection): Ghana’s Black Stars held a recovery session in Providence before heading to Philadelphia for the Croatia decider.

Climate & Energy Policy: Gov. Dan McKee vetoed Rhode Island bills that would have required large building owners to track and report emissions, leaving the state without a clear path to meet its building-sector decarbonization goals. Labor & Local Economy: More than 70 food and beverage workers at T.F. Green Airport went on strike, citing failed negotiations and pay issues with their employer, as the World Cup brings more travelers through the region. Retail Automation: Rhode Island became the first state to limit grocery self-checkout by requiring at least one staffed lane for every three self-checkout stations. Healthcare & Aging: A new national look at Medicare Advantage highlights how “extra benefits” are driving enrollment as the country’s senior population grows faster than children. Environment & Public Health: RIDOH and DEM lifted a Watchaug Pond algae advisory but kept a high-risk warning for Cunliff Lake at Roger Williams Park due to harmful algae. AI Workforce Push: Former Gov. Gina Raimondo and Eric Holcomb launched RAISE US with $500M+ to retrain workers for an AI-driven economy. Sports (RI spotlight): Ghana’s Black Stars received a high-level government morale boost at their Rhode Island camp ahead of the Croatia match.