AGP Executive Report

Rhode Island Politics: The R.I. Ethics Commission says it will pursue an appeal over whether former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi can seek a Supreme Court seat after being passed over in McKee’s nomination of Judge Luis Matos—an effort aimed at clarifying the state’s “revolving door” rules. Housing & Homelessness: A URI study estimates 5,641 Rhode Islanders experienced “doubled-up” homelessness from 2020 to 2024, a form of housing insecurity that federal counts often miss. Public Health & Safety: Rhode Island residents are demanding answers after PFAS were found in wells near a fire station, while a separate report highlights a Rhode Island hospital lockdown after an active-shooter scare turned out unfounded. Local Community & Economy: FeedRI’s Field to Fork Farmers Market fundraiser pairs chefs with local farms to support school food pantries, and a new URI estimate spotlights hidden homelessness. Infrastructure: Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge joint work shifts to eastbound lanes overnight, with drivers urged to slow down. Business & Tech: A North Kingstown case shows how scammers used remote computer access to drain an elderly woman’s accounts.

Workforce & Schools: Gov. Dan McKee and Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green kicked off the “Attendance Matters RI” push, touting a 4th straight year of falling chronic absenteeism and 4.4 million instructional hours recovered statewide. Public Health & Safety: A bomb and shooting threat at South County Hospital in South Kingstown was ruled unfounded after police and bomb dogs searched the site; the hospital reopened. State Policy: Rhode Island opened applications for a new Workforce Pell Grant approval process for eligible short-term training providers, aiming to make programs more affordable for students. Local Government & Privacy: Barrington’s Bay Spring Community Center reopened after a grant expansion, while the broader debate over Flock traffic cameras and license-plate surveillance continues as some towns part ways with the tech. Business & Finance: Washington Trust launched an “Age With Wisdom” series to help older adults and families spot scams and plan for financial decisions as they age. Legal & Data Breaches: National law firms are investigating Rhode Island-linked data breach claims tied to CSC and Paylogix, with small numbers of affected residents reported. Sports: Northeastern women’s soccer opened strong with a 2-0 win over Merrimack, and URI’s Rams are next on the schedule.

School Attendance Push: Gov. Dan McKee and Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green kicked off Rhode Island’s “Attendance Matters” campaign, touting a 14.4-point drop in chronic absenteeism statewide—about 167,000 fewer cumulative absences. Public Safety: Middletown police say an 80-year-old man died after being struck while crossing Coddington Highway on Aug. 16; the driver stayed on scene and is cooperating. Wildlife & Outdoors: Rhode Island DEM is rolling out free, family-friendly fall programs, including “Bear Necessities” and “Bat Mythbusters,” aimed at helping residents coexist with local wildlife. Local News: A tractor-trailer carrying thousands of pounds of squid spilled onto a Rhode Island road, forcing a closure for more than seven hours; no injuries were reported. Politics & Courts: Rhode Island’s Supreme Court nomination spotlighted Judge Luis M. Matos as Gov. McKee picked him for the state’s high court. Health & Community: A Rhode Island man was diagnosed with Powassan virus disease, with officials urging tick precautions as the season shifts.

Medical Innovation in RI: A University Orthopedics surgeon at Rhode Island Hospital performed the state’s first FDA-approved thumb joint replacement using the TOUCH CMC 1 implant, aiming to restore grip and reduce pain for people with thumb arthritis. Critical Care Transport: Brown Health’s LifePACT critical care transport team earned national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, a “gold standard” for patient care and safety while moving about 1,500 critically ill patients a year. Aging in Rhode Island: Age-Friendly Rhode Island says the share of residents 65+ will jump from 15.8% (2014) to 23.1% by 2030, alongside a $330,000 grant from Point32Health Foundation. Kids’ Health Funding: Hasbro Children’s received $30,000 from the Rhode Island Senate’s fifth annual charity golf tournament, pushing total fundraising past $200,000 since 2019. Cost of Living Pressure: A new study says car insurance costs keep climbing—Rhode Island is listed among the most expensive states to insure a vehicle. Community & Culture: The Washington County Fair is underway in Richmond, running through Sunday night. Legal News: Defense attorneys are seeking dismissal of a sweeping Rhode Island racketeering indictment, arguing the U.S. attorney’s authority was invalid after an interim term expired. Public Health Watch: A Rhode Island well test in Tiverton found PFAS at more than 20 times the state safety limit, raising concerns for private well owners.

PFAS Water Scare in Tiverton: A Providence Journal test found PFAS in a private well in Tiverton at more than 20 times Rhode Island’s safety limit, raising fears about how long contamination may have gone unnoticed in homes relying on untreated water. Surveillance Backlash in RI: Flock Safety is tightening its license-plate reader rules nationwide, including shorter data retention and added limits on sharing, as more towns and cities question privacy and data governance. Democratic Primary Pressure on McKee: Gov. Dan McKee heads into the Sept. 9 Democratic primary without party backing, trailing Helena Foulkes amid voter dissatisfaction on roads, bridges, cost of living, and the economy. Right to Repair Push: Rhode Island lawmakers are still working on right-to-repair bills covering categories like wheelchairs and farm equipment, as more states pass broader “fix what you own” laws. Local Business Recovery: Pat’s Pastured in Rhode Island is back at the farmers market after a fire destroyed a refrigerated delivery truck and about $150,000 in inventory, with community donations helping it rebuild. Blue Economy Boost: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot maritime production facility at ProvPort in Providence to support undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy. Community Calendar: The Washington County Fair is underway in Richmond through Sunday night.

Surveillance Watch: Rhode Island’s Flock Safety debate is heating up again as the company tightens rules on license-plate reader data—cutting retention to seven days and adding controls meant to curb abusive searches—while more cities pause or cancel contracts over privacy concerns. State Politics: Gov. Dan McKee heads into the Sept. 9 Democratic primary without party backing, trailing Helena Foulkes and facing low marks from voters on roads, bridges, and the cost of living. Local Economy & Defense: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot ProvPort facility in Providence to build undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy, a $6 million boost tied to Rhode Island’s “blue economy.” Community & Health: A Rhode Island-based water-systems research effort is using AI to redesign bacteria to bind lead—aiming at a public-health fix for kids exposed through old pipes. Sports: Cumberland pitcher Michael Bradshaw helped the Sanford Mainers win the 2026 NECBL championship.

Local Governance & Privacy: Foster tabled a plan to remove its two Flock Safety license-plate cameras after residents questioned where the data goes; the police chief says the town owns images and deletes them after seven days unless tied to an investigation. Consumer Rights: Amazon reinstated binding arbitration and a class-action waiver in its Conditions of Use effective Aug. 14, pushing bigger disputes out of Rhode Island courts (small claims still capped at $5,000). Public Health: Rhode Island confirmed West Nile Virus in mosquito samples from Cranston, Providence, and North Providence; no human cases reported, but the statewide risk remains high. Energy & Cost of Living: AG Peter Neronha asked the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s request to raise its profit margin to 10.75% as part of a roughly $230M rate increase. Community & Culture: Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill creating a Dominican heritage charity license plate, backed by Providence-area leaders and the Dominican Independence Heritage Award Committee. Sports & Local Interest: A Rhode Island card shop livestream led to the discovery of Cooper Flagg’s 1-of-1 rookie patch autograph card, with the buyer describing an emotional reaction.

Supreme Court Pick: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Superior Court Justice Luis M. Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, a choice that carries extra weight for the state’s large Portuguese-American community. Education Funding: RIDE secured more than $18M in federal grants for two literacy initiatives using AI coaching and AI-supported learning. Workforce Training: Rhode Island opened applications for training providers to join the new Workforce Pell Grant program, expanding Pell aid to short-term job training (with a pilot starting now). Utility Fight: AG Peter Neronha urged the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s request to raise its profit margin to 10.75% as part of a major rate increase. Surveillance Backlash: Foster tabled a plan to remove its Flock Safety license-plate cameras after residents questioned where data goes; the company says it’s tightening privacy rules nationwide. Public Health Alerts: West Nile Virus was detected in mosquito samples in Cranston, Providence, and North Providence, with the statewide risk level staying high. Local Crime: A Newport double-shooting suspect was ordered held without bail. Road Safety: A Providence stabbing at Kennedy Plaza sent a man to Rhode Island Hospital; police charged the suspect with felony assault. Health Policy: A new report highlights how Medicaid income caps can push disabled workers out of the home care they need to keep working.

Public Health Watch: Rhode Island health officials confirmed additional West Nile Virus detections in Cranston, Providence, and North Providence, with mosquito samples positive for WNV and no new Eastern Equine Encephalitis or Jamestown Canyon Virus flagged in the same statewide sweep. Local Safety: A juvenile passenger was seriously but non-life-threateningly injured in an OHRV crash in Berlin, NH, after a rental UTV overturned during reckless operation; the adult renter from Exeter, RI, was issued a summons. Housing & Jobs: Quonset Development Corp. and Moran Properties plan 140 workforce housing units at Quonset Business Park, aiming to ease recruitment and retention by adding homes near major employers. Civic Tech Debate: Flock Safety is losing municipal contracts in multiple states as privacy and data governance concerns drive cancellations and non-renewals. Community Growth: Pawtucket celebrated the opening of Dexter Street Commons, a $55M mixed-use project adding 150 all-electric apartments near transit. Remembering Rhode Island: A WWII pilot lost on a spy mission will be laid to rest in Rhode Island on Aug. 28.

Flock Cameras Fight in South Kingstown: After canceling its own Flock Safety contract, South Kingstown says it learned state police installed a license-plate camera in town from a news story—not its police department—and voted to demand removal. Providence Teachers Union Turmoil: The American Federation of Teachers invalidated the Providence Teachers Union president election over election-notice and proxy voting violations, sending the union back toward a new vote. Public Health—Powassan Virus: Rhode Island confirmed a second Powassan case of 2026, involving a Newport County man in his 70s, as officials urge tick precautions. Beach Closure: RIDOH recommends closing King Park Beach swimming due to high bacteria counts, with monitoring continuing through Labor Day. Blue Economy Jobs: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot maritime production facility at ProvPort in Providence to build undersea training systems for the Navy and allies. Substance-Use Harm Reduction: Newport is set to get a harm-reduction vending machine at Fire Station One, offering free supplies including fentanyl test strips and Narcan. Truck Tolls in the Spotlight: McKee and Foulkes clashed in a debate over whether Rhode Island should restart truck tolls. Local Energy Costs Debate: A Rhode Island Energy profit-and-pricing argument sparked renewed calls for a more honest conversation about why bills keep rising.

Supreme Court Shake-Up: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Superior Court Judge Luis Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, but House Speaker Christopher Blazejewski and Senate President Valarie Lawson say lawmakers won’t consider it until after the Nov. 3 election—potentially shifting timing and control of the lifetime seat. Youth Mental Health Lawsuit: South Dakota AG Jackley says jury selection begins today in a 33-state federal case against Meta over alleged Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act violations and addictive design. Local Courts & Care: In the Rhode Island case charging a mother with murder of her autistic daughter, prosecutors say the defendant canceled caregivers and turned relatives away before the death. Defense Industry: L3Harris opened a $6M ProvPort facility in Providence to build undersea training systems for the Navy and allies, expanding on its Rhode Island operations. Community & Events: The Washington County Fair returns for five days of livestock, country music, and family traditions; and Kinney Azalea Gardens launched “Kids @ Kinney” nature education for children. Sports & Culture: URI rugby history gets a new book edition, and Block Island saw a rare synchronized humpback whale display.

Rhode Island Supreme Court: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Judge Luis Matos to the state Supreme Court, highlighting his federal prosecution background and health-care fraud work. Local Politics: In the GOP gubernatorial debate, Elaine Pelino and Aaron Guckian traded sharp barbs over apologies, McKee’s Supreme Court nominee, and campaign contrasts. Homeland/Justice: Rhode Island State Police Dive Team searched Blackstone River water in Woonsocket tied to the stabbing death of Gabriela Vallejo; William Santiago Ramos faces domestic murder and other charges. Public Safety & Privacy: A national fight over automated license plate reader cameras continues as municipalities cancel or refuse renewals over privacy and data ownership concerns, with Rhode Island-area attention on the broader backlash. Economy & Jobs: L3Harris opened a $6 million maritime production facility at ProvPort to build undersea training systems for the Navy and allies. Environment: URI researchers are testing a parasitic wasp approach to curb the spotted lanternfly using natural predators instead of pesticides. Community & Culture: A Rhode Island powwow celebrates Narragansett presence and tradition on Narragansett land, drawing thousands and inviting the public to learn.

Cannabis Expansion: Tyson 2.0 is officially launching in Rhode Island, partnering with Reborn Roots to bring adult-use and medical products to the Ocean State. Local Public Safety & Privacy: Charlestown reported a public-access coastal camera stolen earlier this week, part of a URI/Sea Grant coastal resilience project (not a Flock system). Healthcare Labor: CVS pharmacists in Rhode Island voted to approve a strike sanction over unsafe staffing; no walkout is scheduled, but it’s a major negotiation step. Housing Costs: Rhode Island’s new non-owner-occupied property tax—dubbed the “Taylor Swift tax”—kicked in July 1, hitting seasonal out-of-staters with quarterly bills. Courtroom Focus (RI-linked): The Lindsay Clancy murder trial continues, with testimony zeroing in on psychiatric treatment and medication changes before the killings. Tech/Surveillance Backdrop: Flock Safety is losing municipal contracts nationwide as privacy and data governance concerns mount. Skywatch: Rhode Island won’t see totality in Wednesday’s solar eclipse, but partial viewing may be possible with proper eye protection. Arts & Community: TSF Newport will hold its 79th George Washington Letter reading on Aug. 16 at the Old Colony House, spotlighting religious freedom. Weather: Mostly sunny, around 85–87°F, with only a slight overnight shower chance.

Learn365RI Boost: Gov. McKee and Education Commissioner Infante-Green announced $1.62M in new Learn365RI grants to expand after-school and other out-of-school learning across Rhode Island, including Providence, Central Falls, Cranston, Newport, Pawtucket, Warwick, Woonsocket, East Providence, Barrington, Burrillville, Coventry, and more. Homelessness Funding Fight: A federal judge is weighing whether to block the Trump administration’s suspension of a region’s lead homelessness agency, with HUD and HHS officials arguing for “accountability” while the agency challenges the funding halt. Escrow Interest Lawsuit: Rhode Island joined other Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration over new rules that could strip homeowners of interest payments tied to mortgage escrow accounts. Flock Camera Scrutiny: New Bedford temporarily suspended its Flock automated license plate reader use, citing privacy and oversight concerns—part of a broader wave of local pullbacks. Local Public Safety/Youth: Barrington police charged two 14-year-olds after motorbike incidents involving speeding and taunting officers. Education Outcomes: Rhode Island reported AP gains, with more than 10,400 AP scores of 3+ in 2026, more than doubling since 2021. Food Access: Central Falls launched a Mobile Food Pantry to tackle food insecurity and transportation barriers for residents. Sports & Community: Port Washington’s 12U Little League team faces Darien in an elimination game Wednesday to keep its Metro Region run alive.

Local Privacy Fight: Flock Safety is losing municipal license-plate reader contracts as cities review or cancel deals over privacy and data-governance concerns, with LAPD letting its agreement expire amid disputes over data ownership and sharing. Sports Collectibles: A Cooper Flagg one-of-one rookie patch autograph card was pulled in Rhode Island during a live stream, sparking a major Mavericks “bounty” offer that includes long-term season tickets and a signed, game-worn jersey. Courtroom Watch: Jurors in Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial heard more from a psychiatric nurse practitioner about her 2022 screening and anxiety-related scores. Housing & Homelessness: A multistate coalition won a case blocking HUD’s unlawful cap on permanent housing funding, protecting thousands from losing homes. Skywatching: Rhode Island is among the places that will see a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12—use certified eclipse glasses. Community Giving: Amica’s foundation reported major early-2026 grants to Rhode Island and beyond, boosted by a 200% matching gifts program.

Homelessness Funding Fight: A Rhode Island federal judge blocked HUD’s 2026 homeless-grants criteria, saying HUD skipped required public notice-and-comment and shifted away from “housing first,” a move courts have now repeatedly stopped. School Cellphone Deadline: Rhode Island’s ban on student cellphones is in effect, but eight districts/charters missed the Aug. 1 policy deadline, including East Providence and Newport. Privacy Cameras: Charlestown says a public beach camera was stolen after rumors it was a Flock-style license plate reader, reigniting the debate over surveillance tech. Local Land Use: Warren’s Planning Board chair is updating procedures and zoning practices to match new state housing laws. Arts & Community: Bristol Art Museum is launching a one-day “Art Boat” residency Aug. 29 tied to the Huckins Rendezvous & Herreshoff regatta, with six artists selected. Health Policy: AG Aaron Ford sued to stop federal ACA rollbacks and announced a major Sandoz settlement over alleged generic-drug price and competition conspiracies.