AGP Executive Report

Local Housing & Insurance: Rhode Island’s vehicle total loss threshold bill is headed to Gov. Dan McKee after clearing the General Assembly, raising the mark from 80% to 85%—a change that could keep more damaged cars in the repairable category and affect collision shop workloads. State Policy: McKee signed “Casey’s Law,” boosting penalties for road rage incidents tied to misdemeanor convictions, including extra fines and longer license suspensions. Community & Flood Resilience: FEMA says more than $17 million in hazard mitigation funding is available for New England projects, including Rhode Island shoreline and flood-risk work. Local Business: Centreville Bank opened its first Providence branch in Olneyville, expanding its community banking footprint and partnering with the Providence Children’s Museum for a free day of play. Courts & Immigration: In a Rhode Island federal court filing, USCIS defended its pause on certain immigration benefits for Nigerians and other “high-risk” countries, citing concerns about document reliability and record-keeping. Arts: Providence Art Club opened two new free exhibitions, including a two-person show and its annual National Open Juried Exhibition.

Road & Bridge Updates: RIDOT says Route 2/I-95 “Missing Move” work will bring a permanent change to ramps near Warwick/West Warwick: the current Route 2 North to I-95 South on-ramp closes, with Exit 24A off I-95 South briefly shut for paving June 26 night into June 27 morning, plus alternating lane closures on Quaker Lane. Local Development: Pawtucket secured $30M in low-cost Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank loans to push Tidewater Landing Phase 1B forward, including a pedestrian bridge, riverwalk upgrades, and stormwater improvements to protect the Seekonk River. Elections (Newport): Filing opened Monday and Newport candidates began declaring for School Committee, council seats, and state races, with a crowded early field already taking shape. Housing Safety Debate: Across the country, states are revising building codes to cut costs for apartments, including moves that could allow fewer stairs—sparking safety concerns. Weather: Rain and possible thunderstorms roll through Monday night into Tuesday, with about 1 to 1½ inches expected in many areas. Sports (RI ties): Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey says he’s ready to play England after a visa delay kept him out of Ghana’s opener in Canada. Business/Real Estate: HVAC distributor The Master Group completed its acquisition of DCNE, adding eight locations serving MA, ME, NH, and RI.

Watch Hill Wedding Buzz: A large tent near Taylor Swift’s Westerly, R.I. estate sparked fresh wedding rumors, with fans and photographers swarming the area—then local reports say the speculation wasn’t confirmed and the activity appears tied to other weekend plans. Ghana World Cup in Rhode Island: The Black Stars, based at Bryant University in Smithfield, kept momentum after a 1-0 win over Panama; controversy swirls around Thomas Partey, whose visa denial kept him in Rhode Island ahead of the England match. RI Lottery Results: Rhode Island Lottery midday and evening numbers for June 21 were reported, along with Wild Money and Millionaire for Life results. Local Arts & Community: Coast Guard House in Narragansett launched “Sound Waves,” a weekly vinyl DJ series running Thursdays through August 27. Hospitality Workforce: The RI Hospitality Education Foundation awarded David DePetrillo Memorial Scholarships to three Rhode Island ProStart students headed to Johnson & Wales University. International Tensions: China announced sanctions on 10 American military-related companies after the U.S. barred some Chinese tech firms from defense contracts.

Watch Hill Wedding Buzz: A large tent near Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island home in Westerly has kept fans, photographers, and locals talking, but a wedding planner says the rumors are unfounded and she’s working other weddings in the area. URI Honors: University of Rhode Island names local students to the President’s List and Dean’s List for the 2026 spring semester. Northern Maine Wind Push: The Maine Public Utilities Commission is restarting renewable energy procurement in Aroostook County with a new RFP, aiming to move wind power onto the grid despite long-running transmission hurdles. Immigration Ruling in Rhode Island: A federal judge orders the Trump administration to resume green card and asylum processing after striking down a freeze that left immigrants in “indeterminate legal limbo.” Weather Watch: Monday brings clouds and a better-than-expected morning, then rain and possible thunderstorms later into Monday night. Newport Juneteenth: Newport’s fourth annual Juneteenth celebration returns to Fort Adams with a Rhode Island 250th anniversary theme.

Microplastics and heart risk: Italian researchers say higher plastics-laden plaque in neck arteries is linked to more strokes, heart attacks, and sudden death over the next three years, adding pressure for stronger regulation. PrideFest in Providence: Thousands packed downtown for the 50th annual Rhode Island PrideFest, with music, vendors, and a big community turnout that carried into an illuminated night parade. Watch Hill wedding buzz: In Westerly, a tent near Taylor Swift’s home and heavy security sparked fresh wedding rumors—though local officials and residents say the speculation hasn’t been confirmed. Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce updates: New sightings and social chatter keep shifting the story, including reports of Swift’s Rhode Island activity and Kelce’s pre-wedding partying in Los Angeles. RI politics: The Rhode Island Democratic Party voted not to endorse candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, or attorney general. Public safety: A Portsmouth motorcycle crash left one rider seriously injured; the other driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Local numbers: Rhode Island Lottery Powerball and other midday/evening results for June 20 were released.

Taylor Swift wedding buzz in Rhode Island: A black SUV with tinted windows was spotted leaving Swift’s Watch Hill mansion just before 11 a.m., fueling fresh speculation about a possible bachelorette-style gathering tied to her July 3 wedding to Travis Kelce—though other reports say the couple hasn’t filed a Rhode Island marriage license. Pre-wedding social scene: Kelce was spotted in Los Angeles at a Chris Lake concert, dancing and even joining the DJ onstage for a Taylor remix. Local health spending snapshot: New data show sharp Medicaid billing jumps in Rhode Island towns—Middletown’s “Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare)” hit $110,103 in 2024 (up from $9,534 in 2023), while North Providence billed $564,001 for “Medicine Services and Procedures.” R.I. policy on AI in healthcare: The General Assembly approved a requirement for providers to disclose when AI tools are used to document visits, with patients able to opt out. Business/leadership: Hub International named Paul Collins Northeast Area President effective July 1, expanding leadership across HUB Northeast and HUB New England. Arts & history: A feature traces how Rhode Island’s Gilded Age mansions helped popularize Shingle Style, including the William Watts Sherman House in Newport.

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Wedding Buzz: Rhode Island’s Watch Hill has been consumed by wedding rumors, but multiple reports say no marriage license has been filed in Westerly and that a big tent at Ocean House is tied to another couple’s weekend wedding—while Swift’s own mansion activity keeps fueling speculation. Local Law & Safety: Rhode Island signed a law requiring bars and restaurants to provide drink lids on request starting Jan. 1, 2027, aiming to reduce drink tampering. Retail Tech Rules: Rhode Island also became the first state to restrict self-checkout—stores must keep staffed lanes available, with enforcement through fines. Public Health & Environment: RIDEM is treating Meadowbrook Pond for invasive aquatic plants, with contact avoidance advised during treatment; separately, the state is phasing out certain rat poisons under a new law. Crime & Courts: Federal prosecutors named 26 alleged gang members in a Providence-area racketeering indictment. Weather: Saturday looks sunny and breezy with low humidity and low rain risk—great for outdoor plans. Sports Culture: Scottish World Cup fans keep turning Providence and the region into a party zone, even as Morocco’s win ends Scotland’s hopes in Group C.

World Cup in Rhode Island: Ghana’s Black Stars wrapped a recovery session at Bryant University after beating Panama 1-0, with the squad set to keep preparing in Rhode Island for the next Group L match vs. England. Local Culture & Community: Providence’s “Tartan Army” moment keeps growing, including the rise of Dawn the Duck—now a local celebrity with sponsors and a big social following—showing up at World Cup events and marches. Environment: RIDOH and DEM lifted the advisory to avoid Worden Pond in South Kingstown after testing showed low algae levels and no toxins following a harmful algae bloom. Public Health: A new study adds to evidence that the shingles vaccine is linked to a lower dementia risk, though researchers still aren’t sure why. Local Government & Planning: New Shoreham’s Planning Board is working through how Rhode Island’s retail cannabis rules translate locally, including where a cannabis establishment could go and what buffers would be required. Utilities: New Shoreham water and sewer budgets for the year starting July 1 include small rate increases, plus planned capital work. Sports (regional): The Newport Bermuda Race is set to start from Fort Adams, with live coverage beginning just after 2 p.m. Bermuda time.

Local Health Care Expansion: Kent Hospital in Warwick is launching an $81M expansion aimed at speeding up emergency care and addressing demand. Workforce Pipeline: Rhode Island is moving to fill surgical technologist vacancies with a new apprenticeship-style pilot that helps hospitals hire faster. Public Safety & Environment: RIDOH and DEM lifted the advisory to avoid Worden Pond in South Kingstown after testing showed low algae levels and no toxins. Sports & Community: Upper Deck Post 14 bounced back in American Legion Baseball, beating Gershkoff Auburn Post 20, 11-0, with big contributions from Jack DiChiaro and Cam Laramee. World Cup in Rhode Island: Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi will undergo a scan after an injury in the win over Panama, with availability for the England match in Boston now in question. Lottery: Rhode Island Lottery midday/evening results for June 18, 2026 were 6-5-7-7 and 0-7-7-7, respectively. Summer Food & Fun: Yacht Club Soda and Narragansett Beer are marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration with a new “Liberty Lemonade” flavor, and local food trucks are lining up for summer events.

Charter Schools: Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill putting a three-year moratorium on new Rhode Island charter schools (and lowering the in-state cap), delaying approvals until at least 2029. Local Governance: North Kingstown says it plans to sue the federal government over a proposed Quonset sewage treatment plant tied to Quonset Development Corporation actions, with a two-month window for EPA review before court. Economy & Jobs: Rhode Island unemployment and disability benefits rise July 1, with the maximum weekly unemployment benefit increasing to $777 and the maximum disability benefit to $1,150. Housing Market: Rhode Island’s median single-family home price fell year-over-year in May for the first time since 2017, dropping 2.5% to $500,000. Public Health: Avian flu continues to spread in the region, with Providence’s live-bird market reporting H5N1 in 450 birds. Sports (RI): Ghana’s Black Stars returned to Providence after beating Panama 1-0, with preparations underway for the England match at Bryant University. Business Spotlight: Ocean State Job Lot announced hiring events in Vermont, including part-time and seasonal roles.

Legal Tech in RI: The Rhode Island Supreme Court adopted interim guidance for lawyers and judges using generative AI, warning it can “hallucinate” and stressing attorneys must verify filings, protect confidentiality, and keep professional judgment. Public Media: Ocean State Media, Rhode Island’s NPR/PBS organization, voted to unionize with SAG-AFTRA, a move tied to funding pressure and staff buyouts. Health & Safety: RIDOH recommended avoiding contact with high-bacteria water at three beaches—Briar Point (Coventry), Oakland Beach (Warwick), and Easton’s Beach (Newport). Local Education: Chariho Alternative Learning Academy is redesigning its program and working toward a new Rhode Island consortium to reshape how alternative schools are evaluated. Community & Culture: Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s “Good Night Lights” drew Scotland’s Tartan Army and local drummers for a tribute to a young patient. Weather: June 18 looks mostly cloudy and humid with showers and possible thunderstorms. Sports (RI ties): URI’s corpse flower bloomed for one day, drawing crowds to Horridge Conservatory.

Ocean Observing Fight: Rhode Island lawmakers joined a push to stop the Trump administration from dismantling the $386 million Ocean Observatories Initiative, a network of 900+ ocean sensors that tracks climate, ecosystems, and extreme weather. Legal Accountability in RI: A Rhode Island federal judge is facing a judicial misconduct complaint tied to alleged politically motivated attacks on DOJ attorneys in a dispute over subpoenas involving transgender-related care records. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Peter Neronha announced a $1.35 million settlement with UPP Global (RI Parking Co.) to refund drivers after claims the company hid fees and issued misleading parking tickets. Public Safety: Warwick police identified 7-year-old Aston Jemson, who drowned at Conimicut Point Beach on June 12. Local Culture & Community: URI’s corpse flower began blooming in Kingston, drawing long lines and livestream viewers for the one-day event. Jobs & Business: Ocean State Job Lot announced hiring events in Vermont, with roles for store associates and facilities staff.

Ghana World Cup Visa Fight: Ghana appealed and then lost again in Canadian court over midfielder Thomas Partey’s entry, leaving him out of the Black Stars’ opener vs. Panama in Toronto while he awaits rape-related trial in the U.K. Public Health Alert: RIDOH and RIDEM warned Rhode Islanders to avoid contact with Watchaug Pond in Charlestown due to harmful algae blooms, including guidance for people and pets if exposure happens. Housing for Health Needs: Crossroads Rhode Island hit a construction milestone on a permanent supportive housing project at 371 Pine St., aiming for 35 apartments for medically vulnerable adults by November 2026. Education Workforce Funding: Rhode Island’s FY 2027 budget amendment proposes $750,000 to expand multilingual educator pathways and dual language programs. Local Safety Incident: A Johnston man was charged after allegedly ramming a Charlestown police cruiser; police say an officer fired a weapon during the encounter. Community & Culture: URI’s corpse flower is blooming at Horridge Conservatory for about a day, drawing big crowds. Sports (RI): Upper Deck Post 14 opened its season with a sweep of Howard Rogers, highlighted by timely “small ball” in Game 2. Weather: June 17 looks like a mostly sunny, low-humidity day with highs around the upper 70s to near 80.

America 250 & July 4: Rhode Island is gearing up for expanded July 4 celebrations as the state marks the nation’s 250th anniversary. Federal Courts & Immigration: A Rhode Island assistant U.S. attorney violated professional conduct by concealing a homicide warrant in an immigration case, prompting a cautionary letter from the chief judge. Health & Human Services Leadership: Gov. Dan McKee reversed course and Richard Charest will stay on as Health and Human Services secretary past the previously announced retirement date. Ocean Policy: Rhode Island lawmakers are among those pushing back against Trump administration moves to dismantle a $386M ocean monitoring network. World Cup in Rhode Island: Ghana’s Thomas Partey remains sidelined after Canada denied his entry; Ghana officials appealed the decision as the team prepares for the opener. Local Justice & Safety: Charlestown police say a Johnston man allegedly rammed a cruiser; an officer fired their weapon during the incident. Food & Business: Providence’s Loma won Best New Bar at the James Beard Awards, adding to New England’s big night in Chicago. Weather: After a comfortable stretch, humidity and rain are moving in late Wednesday.

World Cup Watch in Rhode Island: Ghana’s Black Stars have left their Rhode Island training base and arrived in Toronto, with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku saying camp energy is high ahead of Wednesday’s opener vs. Panama. Immigration/Legal: The team’s preparations still hinge on Thomas Partey’s Canada visa fight, with a final court hearing set for Tuesday in Ottawa. Local Public Safety: A child drowned at Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick, the fourth drowning there in five years, as officials urged families to avoid the dangerous sandbar conditions. Roads & Construction: RIDOT starts Sprague Street roadway improvements in Portsmouth on June 22, with weekday traffic restrictions and detours through late summer. Crime & Courts: A Woonsocket man accused of cyberstalking a Boston woman under the alias “Space Vegas” faces stalking charges after prosecutors say he used 900+ social media accounts. Transportation Labor: T.F. Green concession workers voted to authorize a strike over an expired contract ahead of World Cup travel surges. Traffic/Crash: Woonsocket police say a motorcyclist faces felony charges after a June 8 crash killed his passenger.

Property Taxes: RIPEC warns that five communities blew past Rhode Island’s 4% property tax levy cap in fiscal 2026, including Little Compton (+11.78%), Pawtucket (+6.4%), Providence (+5.85%), Woonsocket (+5.5%), and East Greenwich (+5.42%), while Narragansett and Cumberland slightly exceeded the cap too. Fire Truck Costs: Providence sues fire truck manufacturers in federal court, alleging an “anticompetitive scheme” that drove up prices and left the city waiting years for equipment. Public Safety: A Woonsocket man faces stalking charges after allegedly harassing a Boston woman under the alias “Space Vegas.” Beach Tragedy: Warwick police say a child drowned at Conimicut Point; it’s the fourth drowning there in five years. Health & Courts: Gov. Dan McKee signed a law creating a July 2026–June 2028 “revival window” for childhood clergy sex-abuse claims. Clean Energy: Rhode Island’s push for 100% clean power is under strain as grid capacity limits and rising costs reshape the state’s timeline. World Cup in RI: Ghana’s Black Stars keep training in Rhode Island ahead of the Panama opener, with local support and prayers ramping up.