AGP Executive Report

World Cup in Rhode Island: Ghana’s Black Stars are in Providence for final preparations, but midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the opener vs. Panama after Canada denied his visa tied to rape and sexual assault charges; FIFA says host governments control visas, and Ghana has launched a diplomatic push to review the decision. Local Sports & Community: The team’s arrival has brought visible support across the state, with Providence police and a Ghana liaison officer praised for helping with logistics and security. Public Safety: A child was pulled from the water at Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick and later died at Hasbro Children’s Hospital; the death is under investigation. Courts & Immigration: A federal judge’s order is forcing USCIS to lift an immigration pause for Afghan-related cases, moving pending applications forward. Environment & Health: Rhode Island’s Conservation Commission discussed tick-control pesticide concerns on Block Island, including worries about harming beneficial insects and an endangered beetle. State Policy Watch: Rhode Island lawmakers advanced a bill that would require grocery stores to staff checkout lanes based on the number of self-checkout lanes. Weather: Hot, less-humid weekend conditions are expected, with rain chances mostly holding off until late Sunday night.

World Cup Shock in Rhode Island: Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ opening match against Panama after Canada refused his visa. FIFA says the decision rests with the host government, and Partey—awaiting trial in London on rape and sexual assault charges—remains with Ghana’s base camp in Rhode Island. Public Health for Fans: Georgetown’s Health Security Operations Center is running a “war room” to track infectious disease risks during the World Cup, monitoring threats like COVID-19, measles, mpox, and mosquito-borne illnesses. Stormwater Funding: The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank awarded about $1.1M in EPA Overflow Sewer grants for stormwater planning and engineering across multiple communities, aiming to turn flooding problems into shovel-ready fixes. State Budget: Gov. Dan McKee signed the $15.2B FY27 budget, highlighting child and affordability priorities. Airport Incident: FAA is investigating a collision between two Southwest planes at T.F. Green, after passengers reportedly had to alert the cockpit. Local Housing/Rules: A town council reviewed zoning ordinance changes tied to Rhode Island housing law updates, while Old Harbor continues cracking down on parking confusion.

World Cup in Rhode Island: Ghana’s Black Stars touched down at T.F. Green and will base at Bryant University as kickoff nears, with captain Jordan Ayew urging fans to keep praying through Group L matches vs. Panama, England, and Croatia. Local Sports & Community: Providence’s PVD FanZone at Station Park opens for World Cup watch parties, live broadcasts, and cultural programming through July 19. Public Health: Rhode Island issued a statewide air quality alert for Friday, with ozone expected to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups—limit heavy outdoor exertion and watch for asthma flare-ups. Statehouse & Accountability: Rhode Island lawmakers approved making state crash data public, aiming for a public portal so residents can push for safer streets. Legislation: Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill expanding the ability for childhood sexual abuse victims to revive expired civil claims, including against institutions like the Catholic Church. Business & Growth: Eastern Bank provided a $31 million construction loan for Wood Partners’ Alta Altitude apartments in Warwick, and Gale Associates opened a new Providence office at The Foundry. Transportation: The Providence–Newport ferry starts today with four daily roundtrips and bike/pet access. Weather: Expect hot, humid conditions with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and a slight chance of pop-up storms. Sports Safety Policy: Rhode Island lawmakers are weighing whether to require Guardian Caps for high school football. Crime & Courts (Massachusetts): Alvin Campbell Jr. was convicted on 21 of 22 rape and sexual assault counts after posing as a ride-share driver to target drunk women.

Providence Politics: City Council President Rachel Miller says she won’t seek re-election, opening up both the council presidency and a Ward 13 seat just weeks before the June 24 filing deadline. Sexual Assault Trial: Alvin Campbell Jr. was convicted on 21 of 22 charges in a case accusing him of attacking nine women in Boston-area bars and targeting victims who later woke up in Rhode Island. World Cup in Rhode Island: Providence officially opened the FIFA-sanctioned PVD FanZone at Station Park, with 39 days of match broadcasts, music, cultural programming, food trucks, and games. Health & Privacy: A federal judge declined to block DOJ efforts nationwide to obtain trans youth medical records, though she previously quashed a similar subpoena. Weather: Heat and humidity persist with a heat advisory and strong-to-severe storm chances Friday. Local Safety Incident: Rhode Island police removed a Massachusetts man from Misquamicut State Beach after alleged anti-LGBTQ slurs and disorderly conduct. State Policy: Rhode Island House passed a three-year charter school moratorium that now heads to the Senate for final action. Public Health/Environment: RIDOH continues posting updates, while Rhode Island also faces ongoing air-quality alerts for ozone.

Air Quality Alert: Rhode Island DEM warned that Thursday’s ozone will be UNHEALTHY for sensitive groups statewide, with fine particles also elevated—residents are urged to cut back on heavy outdoor exertion and follow asthma action plans. Coastal Health & Water Monitoring: U.S. Sen. Jack Reed helped secure $210,000 for Rhode Island to expand seawater testing at popular Narragansett Bay beaches after a 2025 season marked by frequent beach closures. Local Environment & Erosion: The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank approved Jamestown funding to improve the shoreline embankment at Potter Cove and offer low-interest septic loans. Auto Safety: Honda recalled 880,514 vehicles (including models sold in Rhode Island) over rear suspension subframe corrosion that can lead to loss of control; dealers will inspect and repair at no cost. Education Policy: Rhode Island lawmakers passed a three-year charter school moratorium with a lower cap on total charters, sending it to Gov. McKee. Public Safety/Infrastructure: RIDOT is moving forward on a traffic signal at a dangerous Foster intersection after repeated crashes and injuries. Sports & Culture: Taylor Swift attended Knicks-Spurs Game 4 at Madison Square Garden as New York completed a historic 29-point comeback. Community/History: Bristol will mark America’s 250th with Revolutionary War reenactors, activities, and a pie contest on the Federal Hill Green.

Washington Bridge Update: Construction has finally started on the replacement for Providence’s westbound span, with crews hoisting the first of 32 drilled shafts into the Seekonk River; the project is now set to open in November 2028, and a special master was appointed in the state’s lawsuit to handle discovery fights, including disputes involving Gov. Dan McKee’s office. Public Safety & Health: Rhode Island overdose deaths fell 50% since 2022, marking the third straight year of declines. State Policy: Rhode Island lawmakers expanded felony expungement eligibility for people with up to four nonviolent felony convictions, with a 15-year waiting period. Transportation Recall: Honda is recalling 880,514 vehicles nationwide, including Rhode Island-sold models, over rear suspension/subframe corrosion that could lead to loss of control; owner letters are expected July 7. Local Crime: Rhode Island State Police arrested an Attleboro man in Pawtucket on drug and firearm charges after a foot pursuit. Governance: The Rhode Island Senate is delaying Gov. McKee’s PUC nominee Donna Sams, pushing any chance of confirmation to January. Weather: Heat and humidity are building, with heat index values topping 100 in spots.

Local Budget & Health Care: Rhode Island lawmakers approved a $15.2B FY27 budget, including a phased-in “millionaires tax,” extra uncompensated-care funding for hospitals, and a $275M borrowing ballot question for major health and education projects. Immigration Court Fight: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era immigration restrictions affecting nationals of 39 countries, with advocates calling it a win for asylum access. DOJ Lawyers Under Scrutiny: The Rhode Island federal court is considering possible discipline for DOJ attorneys tied to a subpoena fight over transgender youth medical records at Rhode Island Hospital. Public Safety & Community: Police are investigating the suspicious death of an 18-year-old in Cumberland. Energy Help: United Way extended the Good Neighbor Energy Fund deadline to June 30 as utility-assistance demand spikes. Weather: June 10 looks warm and unsettled, with a chance of late-day showers. Remembering a Rhode Island Scholar: Pulitzer-winning Brown historian Gordon S. Wood died at 92 after being struck by a car in East Providence.

East Providence Tragedy: Pulitzer-winning Brown historian Gordon S. Wood, 92, was fatally struck by a car in a supermarket parking lot; police say the driver stayed on scene and no charges were filed, while investigators continue. Rhode Island Courts & Immigration: A federal court in Rhode Island vacated USCIS “travel ban” benefit holds, meaning adjudications for affected applicants should resume, though the government could appeal or seek a stay. Voting Rights in RI: Rhode Island’s Assembly won’t vote on a state Voting Rights Act this year; leaders say they’ll refine a broader, complex bill for consideration in 2027. Warwick Traffic: RIDOT will shift traffic on Route 1 (Post Road) under the Route 37 overpass starting June 12, keeping the pattern through summer 2026 while the deficient bridge is removed. Public Safety/Health: Authorities are still investigating a suspicious death of an 18-year-old in Rhode Island, and officials also warned residents to avoid contact with algae-affected Almy Pond in Newport. Weather: A heat dome brings humidity and a chance of thunderstorms Wednesday. Consumer Alerts: A pet food recall expanded for GO Raw products due to dangerously low thiamine levels.

Brown University historian Gordon S. Wood dies at 92: The Pulitzer Prize-winning scholar, known for shaping debates about the American Revolution and early nationhood, died after being struck by a car in an East Providence supermarket parking lot. URI leadership and training updates: Pamela Swett was appointed dean of URI’s College of Arts and Sciences, and URI’s College of Pharmacy will run immunization training for pharmacists and technicians at the Kingston campus in August. Public health alert in Newport: RIDOH and DEM advise people to avoid Almy Pond due to a harmful algae bloom, including no swimming, fishing, boating, or kayaking. State policy on grocery self-checkouts: A Rhode Island Senate bill would require at least one staffed checkout for every three self-checkout lanes, with enforcement and anti-retaliation protections. School safety lawmaking: Rhode Island lawmakers advanced a statewide anti-hazing policy for public schools, including zero-tolerance rules for sports hazing. Stormwater funding: The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank awarded $1.1M in grants for stormwater and flood mitigation design work across 10 communities. Local campus and student wins: URI students earned Boren Scholarships for study in Taiwan, and a URI graduate student will present ingestive-behavior research at a major nutrition conference.

Immigration Court Ruling: A federal judge struck down President Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa application fee, calling it an unlawful tax and ordering the policy vacated, a major win for employers who rely on skilled foreign workers. Statehouse Watch: The Rhode Island Senate passed a bill raising the vehicle “total loss” threshold from 80% to 85%, shifting more damaged cars toward repair shops; it now heads to the House. Public Health Alert: Rhode Island health and environmental officials warned people to avoid Newport’s Almy Pond due to a harmful algae bloom, advising against swimming, boating, and eating fish until further notice. Health & Safety: U.S. measles cases are surging nationwide—2026 is on pace to top the 2025 record—with most cases tied to unvaccinated people. Energy & Environment: Environmental advocates say they helped stop a late-session push that would have let Rhode Island Energy own power plants, citing ratepayer and competition concerns. Local Loss: Pulitzer-winning Brown historian Gordon S. Wood died after being struck by a car in an East Providence supermarket parking lot.

Traffic Fatality in East Providence: A 92-year-old Providence man died after being struck by a vehicle in the Shaw’s parking lot on Taunton Avenue; police say the driver stayed on scene and is cooperating, with no charges at this time. Health Care Access & Costs: Care New England reported a $35.4M operating loss in the first half of fiscal 2026 and says it’s cutting more than 30 leadership and nonclinical jobs, blaming Medicaid reimbursement gaps plus rising labor and supply costs. Opioid Treatment Protections: The RI Senate approved a bill barring insurers from mid-treatment utilization reviews for certain medications for alcohol or opioid use disorder, aiming to prevent delays that can trigger relapse. End-of-Life Support Expansion: HopeHealth received a $200K grant to grow community engagement for grief support and palliative and hospice care, with a focus on underserved groups. Local Government Watch: Providence’s “Superman” building remains empty 13 years after promises of redevelopment, now standing as a visible symbol of downtown economic strain. Teen Fitness: Planet Fitness is offering free summer gym access for Rhode Island teens ages 14–19 through its High School Summer Pass program.

Immigration & Courts: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era immigration restrictions affecting people from 39 countries, saying applicants were left in limbo for months without decisions on asylum, work permits, and more. Food Assistance Fight: In a separate case, a judge halted USDA enforcement of new conditions tied to gender and immigration, blocking billions in funding that states rely on for programs like SNAP. Healthcare Access in RI: A new report highlights Rhode Island’s physician shortage, pointing to long waits and shrinking access to primary care. Public Safety: A 38-year-old motorcyclist died in a Johnston crash after hitting a truck towing a flatbed trailer that was making a left turn; investigators say the case is ongoing. Local Health & Community: HopeHealth marked its 50th anniversary with a gala raising $410K+ and launching a “Gift of Hope” campaign aimed at expanding hospice access. Sports Betting Watch: Rhode Island regulators face renewed scrutiny as more companies push to expand online sports betting.

Civil Rights in Schools: A new report says Rhode Island’s Education Department is backing away from addressing civil rights for Black students, echoing a wider national push to roll back protections. Immigration Court Fight (RI): A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to restart asylum and immigration processing for people from 39 countries, calling the pause unlawful and leaving applicants in “indeterminate legal limbo.” Voting Rights Act: Rhode Island groups are pushing a state Voting Rights Act to prevent voter discrimination after the federal Voting Rights Act was gutted. Public Safety: Two deadly motorcycle crashes hit the region in less than 24 hours, including a fatal crash in Johnston. PFAS Watch: Rhode Island is among states moving to restrict “forever chemicals,” adding to a fast-growing national crackdown. Community & Health: HopeHealth marked its 50th anniversary with a gala raising $410K+ and launching a major fundraising campaign. Local Arts: An artist from Rockport was selected for the Wickford Art Festival.

Federal Courts / Immigration: A Providence-based federal judge struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that froze asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship decisions for people from 39 countries, calling the move unlawful and leaving applicants in “indeterminate legal limbo.” Local Governance / Homelessness: URI public health research highlights “hidden homelessness” in Rhode Island—people “doubling up” who don’t show up in federal counts and often miss services. Education / Student Safety: A Rhode Island school-related request urges adding monitors on every K–5 bus to prevent injuries after past bus-related harm. Public Policy / Food & Health: U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner pushes Rhode Island’s BIKE Act to fund bicycle safety education for kids using federal highway grants. Energy / Data Centers: A vetoed Vermont data-center bill drew fire over fears of higher utility bills and pollution—part of a broader regional fight over power-hungry development. Sports / World Cup: Ghana’s Black Stars are training at Bryant University in Smithfield ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with local diaspora fans packing the welcome. Consumer / Retail: Rhode Island Senate passed a bill that would restrict self-checkout lanes in grocery stores, aiming to keep staffed options available.

Immigration Ruling: A Rhode Island federal judge struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship decisions for people from 39 countries, calling the delays unlawful and leaving applicants in “indeterminate legal limbo.” State Budget: The Rhode Island House approved a $15.2 billion FY2027 budget, including a phased-in millionaires tax and new funding priorities. Local Housing: Narragansett’s Town Council approved funding for the Narragansett Affordable Housing Trust, setting dedicated revenue streams and raising income eligibility to 120% of HUD area median income. Public Health: Rhode Island issued a statewide air quality alert for Saturday as ozone is expected to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Arts & Culture: “Rubber Hut,” a Sundance-lab-backed debut feature, is set to begin filming in Warwick and Cranston. Community Sports: Providence Roller Derby opens its 2026 home season in Warwick with a themed bout featuring Rhode Island pride. Business/Real Estate: Residential Properties Ltd. agents were named to the RealTrends Verified list.

Immigration Court Ruling: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused asylum and other immigration decisions for people from 39 countries, calling the moves unlawful and ordering the government to restart processing. Legal Accountability: In a separate case, Judge Mary McElroy referred DOJ attorneys to a disciplinary committee over how they handled a probe into transgender youth care subpoenas tied to Rhode Island Hospital. Public Health: DEM issued a statewide Air Quality Alert for Saturday, warning of unhealthy ozone levels for sensitive groups, with guidance to limit outdoor exertion. Environment & Safety: RIDOH says a woodchuck in East Providence tested positive for rabies; exposed people and dogs have started treatment/boosters, and residents are urged to avoid wild animals. State Government: Connecticut DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes announced she’ll step down after eight years, with an interim replacement named. Local Notes: Block Island planted a “Liberty Tree” as part of Rhode Island’s 250th anniversary push; and the RI Infrastructure Bank and RIDOH opened public comment on the SFY 2027 drinking water plan and project priority list.