AGP Executive Report

Rhode Island Politics: Gov. Dan McKee faces a tough Democratic rematch with Helena Foulkes, with the primary fight framed as a make-or-break moment for whether McKee can avoid becoming the first RI governor to lose a primary in decades. Elections & Voting Access: Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of states won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS from new rules that would have disrupted vote-by-mail systems ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Disaster Relief & Resilience: Rhode Island lawmakers secured $6.348 million for Fox Point hurricane barrier upgrades after the Trump administration denied the state’s blizzard relief requests; the fight is now headed to appeals. Public Safety in Schools: Rhode Island Shriners will buy about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for 36 public high schools, with a Sunday presentation to coaches. Weather: NOAA’s 2026-27 winter outlook points to warmer, wetter conditions in Rhode Island, driven by a strengthening El Niño. Health & Housing: A Brown University medical student’s narrative piece, “Gladiator Shelters,” highlights how hospitals document discharge options when shelters are the only reality.

USPS & Mail Voting: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown and a 25-state coalition won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS from forcing states to redesign mail-ballot envelopes and use a new USPS tracking portal ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, with the order expected to be appealed. Disaster Relief Fight: Gov. Dan McKee blasted FEMA again for denying Rhode Island’s $19 million blizzard recovery request, calling it “a new low” after the state exceeded FEMA thresholds. Trans Youth Medicaid Lawsuit: Rhode Island joined a 21-state suit challenging a federal rule that would bar Medicaid funds for gender-affirming care for transgender youth, arguing it unlawfully strips states of medical decision-making. R.I. Politics: With five days left, two GOP candidates for CD2 met in their final debate, trading barbs over who’s “MAGA enough.” Local Health & Safety: Rhode Island reported two new rabies-positive raccoons in Warwick, bringing the year’s total to 34. Corrections Funding: RIDOC received $1.7 million in federal earmarks for transportation upgrades and correctional job training. Cost of Living: AAA says Rhode Island gas prices hit a Labor Day record around $4.21/gal.

Federal Disaster Aid: Rhode Island has lost its appeal over FEMA’s denial of federal blizzard assistance tied to February’s storm, a setback for state recovery efforts. Ethics & Politics: The R.I. Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Senate president Lawson, after lawmakers’ charter-school and union-related votes were challenged. Elections Watch: Rhode Island incumbents face a tough political environment heading into the next stretch, with the governor’s race still being shaped by the Washington Bridge fallout. Healthcare Costs: Even in a state with strong access, a new URI poll finds 72% of Rhode Islanders worry about healthcare costs, and nearly a third skipped doctor-recommended care they couldn’t afford. Public Health & Safety: A surge in charity care is straining Rhode Island hospitals as insurance disruptions leave more people unable to pay. Local Sports & Community: Cumberland’s Madi Zancan is set for a pro basketball opportunity in Portugal, and Rhode Island high school sports continue with Injury Fund games and season openers. Business & Jobs: ChargePoint reported higher Q2 revenue on stronger hardware shipments, while Rhode Island’s Amica leadership changes follow Welch’s retirement.

Local Politics: Incumbent Rep. Tina Spears and challenger Leah Boisclair are locked in the Democratic primary for RI’s District 36 (Sept. 9), with Spears touting coastal resilience and health/environment work and Boisclair pitching local control and affordability. Housing: Gov. Dan McKee’s administration announced $38.7 million to support 147 new affordable homes statewide through the 2026 “One Stop” funding round. Health & Aging: Age-Friendly Rhode Island received a $330,000, three-year Point32Health Foundation grant to expand age-friendly planning and partnerships across towns. Courts & Education: The NCAA has swapped law firms after Rhode Island judge-related emails mocked a plaintiff, as Jake Picard’s hardship-waiver fight continues. Business & Tech: Rhode Island AGs are among a coalition suing Amazon over alleged secret ad-pricing “surcharges,” claiming over $20 billion in overcharges since 2019. Transportation/Innovation: REGENT completed its first crewed Viceroy seaglider test flight over Narragansett Bay, a major step toward commercial service. Sports: Mt. Hope beat Moses Brown 21-0 in an RI Injury Fund football game, and URI women’s hoops will play in A-10 scheduling partnership games at Richmond and Belmont.

Medicaid & Primary Care: Gov. Dan McKee says Rhode Island could add $16 million to boost Medicaid reimbursement for primary care providers, after a state review found rates still lag the real cost of care. Statehouse Climate Backslide: A new Environment Council of Rhode Island Green Report Card says the Ocean State retreated on climate action, pointing to rollbacks and a climate strategy that didn’t commit to specific steps. Public Health—Water Advisories: RIDOH and DEM lifted the “avoid contact” advisory for Upper and Lower Melville Pond in Portsmouth, but kept warnings in place for Roger Williams Park ponds due to harmful algae. Local Crime Update: Cumberland police closed out a suspicious death investigation into an 18-year-old student, saying they found no criminal activity. Politics & Representation: State Rep. Julie Casimiro says she will vacate her House seat after reports she moved to South Carolina, raising questions about eligibility. Community & Culture: URI celebrated more than 4,000 new alumni at its 2026 commencement, including local graduates. Sports—Girls Flag Football: NFL Flag says girls flag football has surged to over 102,000 players nationwide and is now sanctioned in 24 states, including Rhode Island’s push forward.

Sowams Heritage Area: After four years and 450+ stakeholder meetings, the Sowams Heritage Area coalition says its feasibility study is done and that the region qualifies for National Heritage Area status, moving the effort into Congress’s hearing and legislation phase. Real Estate Watch: Providence’s College Hill saw two East Side sales totaling $6M—$4M for a George Street carriage house and $2M for a Benevolent Street vacant lot—while Bristol’s Poppasquash Neck waterfront home sold for $4.3M and Barrington’s Rumstick Point home sold for nearly $3M. Public Safety: A Rhode Island bomb squad removed a grenade found at a Cranston property and transported it for destruction. Healthcare & Policy: A Prison Policy Initiative review says menopause is largely missing from public prison policy documents, with Rhode Island flagged for lacking menopause-specific language. Transit & Schools: Teamsters Local 251 says more than 750 Rhode Island school bus workers are prepared to strike across multiple districts, with negotiations ongoing. Tech/Defense: Regent’s seaglider prototype completed its first human-crewed flight on Narragansett Bay, a step toward commercial and military applications. National Crime Update (RI link): In New York’s Times Square stabbing, Bank of America VP Erin Piacenti—an RI visitor—was killed; police identified the suspect as Pamela Cisneros.

Shark Bite Scare on Martha’s Vineyard: Officials in Edgartown say a woman in her late 20s was hurt by wounds “consistent with a bite from a marine animal” near Norton Point off South Beach; no shark was confirmed, but the marks match a likely shark bite. Times Square Knife Attack Ties Back to Rhode Island: Reports identify Bank of America VP Erin Piacenti as the victim killed in the attack; a Rhode Island man, Tak Ham, was also wounded. Local Business & Philanthropy: BHHS New England Properties agent Anthony Capalbo and family were named the first recipients of SmartMLS Cares, supporting pediatric cancer research through the Capalbo Strong Walk. Rhode Island Tech/Defense: Composite Energy Technologies of Bristol was selected for NATO DIANA’s 2026 accelerator to advance its HADALUS autonomous undersea vehicles. Food Safety Alert: Hodo recalled 75,250 packages of Chili Crisp Lightly Fried Tofu over possible ink contamination, including products sold in Rhode Island. Amazon Lawsuit Hits Home: The FTC and 22 states, including Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha, sued Amazon alleging it secretly inflated ad prices via manipulated auctions. Community Calendar: Roger Williams Park Zoo will host an early screening of a Sesame Street elephant special on Sept. 26 ahead of its October premiere.

Labor & Education: Gov. Dan McKee says his team is in direct contact with Teamsters Local 251 and First Student as contract talks continue, urging a “fair and swift resolution” for Rhode Island students, families, and drivers. Public Health: Hodo, Inc. recalled more than 10,000 cases of Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu sold in 29 states after it found packaging ink “may have migrated into the product,” advising consumers not to eat and to return for a refund. Local Politics & Voting Rights: Rhode Island’s election-adjacent legal fight stays in the spotlight as New Hampshire asks a federal appeals court to quickly dismiss DOJ’s bid for unredacted voter rolls. Community & Philanthropy: BankNewport Charitable Foundation awarded $22,000 total—$15,000 to Star Kids and $7,000 to FabNewport’s Healthy Meals—supporting tutoring, after-school/summer programs, and summer meals for students. Higher Ed Research: LSU and URI won a $4M NSF grant to expand wetland science work, linking Louisiana delta wetlands and Rhode Island salt marshes to improve restoration planning. Safety Tech: A Rhode Island review of license-plate readers is underway under McKee’s direction, while Florida moved to revoke permits and require removal.

Brown University shooting review: An independent PERF review says Providence’s response to the Dec. 13, 2025 Brown University mass shooting was appropriate and likely couldn’t have been prevented, but flags communication gaps as the city moves to implement recommendations. Public records lawsuit: A Westerly man and the New England First Amendment Coalition are suing the Narragansett Police Department for refusing to release records tied to his mother’s 2021 death. Labor Day beach updates: Rhode Island DEM says state beach facilities close after Labor Day, with lifeguards ending Sept. 7 and winterization starting Sept. 8; parking lots/gates stay open unless weather forces closures. Kratom disclosure concerns: A scientist pushing to keep kratom legal is accused of not disclosing long-running financial ties to the American Kratom Association. Amazon ad-price fight hits RI: Rhode Island is named in a multi-state FTC lawsuit alleging Amazon secretly inflated ad prices via “hidden” surcharges. Ocean science event in Newport: Rhode Island will host the first North American Ocean Business event in 2027 at Safe Harbor New England Boatworks in Newport. Local business/tech: Pieces of Perception launched a Providence-based platform to turn parent questionnaires into practical reports for adults supporting neurodivergent children.

Amazon Ad Lawsuit (RI included): The FTC and a bipartisan coalition of 22 states, including Rhode Island, sued Amazon over allegations that it secretly inflated sponsored ad prices for more than a million advertisers using undisclosed surcharges, potentially costing tens of billions; Amazon denies wrongdoing. AI in Healthcare (RI first): Rhode Island’s new law requires patients be told when AI “scribes” are used during visits and that AI-generated notes are reviewed for accuracy. Flock Camera Transparency: The ACLU of Rhode Island says police using Flock license-plate cameras are missing public transparency portals in some towns and omitting key data-sharing partners in others. Energy Bills: Rhode Island Energy customers face fee changes starting Sept. 1 after a PUC-approved $138 million revenue plan. Community Health: The Rhode Island Blood Center is urging donors over Labor Day week after a summer shortfall. Local Human Story: Taylor Swift donated $50,000 to a Rhode Island crash hero, Ashley Taunton, injured while helping teens on I-95.

Statehouse Shake-Up: Rhode Island House Speaker Chris Blazejewski and AG Peter Neronha say Rep. Julie Casimiro should consider resigning after a report found she moved her primary residence to South Carolina, raising eligibility questions as she plans to keep serving remotely through January. Local Land-Use Rules: Gov. Dan McKee’s new grocery deed law largely voids new restrictive covenants, limiting how long competitors can be blocked from former supermarket sites to 18 months (with conditions), while leaving older covenants intact. Public Safety Tech: A Providence crime drop is being debated as “credit” claims outpace proof, while another story highlights Rhode Island’s Flock camera rollout—installed via federal grants but criticized for lacking clear statewide rules on access and retention. Food Safety: The FDA announced a recall of Hodo Inc. ready-to-cook tofu in 29 states, including Rhode Island, due to possible ink contamination. Consumer Housing Transparency: A real estate buyer-agent firm backs Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s concerns that “pocket listing” networks could create a two-tier housing market by limiting access to inventory and market data. Health Care Governance: Wood River Health added four new board members to strengthen oversight and expand access to care across southern Rhode Island.

Brown University Safety Review: An external review of Brown’s Dec. 2025 mass shooting says it’s “highly unlikely” the attack could have been prevented, while pointing to staffing, security, and emergency response gaps the school can strengthen. Child Mental Health Funding: Rhode Island secured nearly $3M in federal money to expand community mental health services for children and youth with serious emotional disturbances, including therapy, crisis help, and case management. Healthcare in Johnston: Nuvia Dental Implant Center opened in Johnston, pitching same-day permanent teeth for eligible patients after implant surgery. Local Community Events: Tiverton’s FigMamma Farms Fig Festival returns Sept. 12 with rare fig varieties, grower talks, tastings, contests, and raffles. Sports & Community Spotlight: Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, delivering an emotional speech. Public Life & History: East Greenwich staged a Revolutionary War living-history event at the Varnum House, with musket demonstrations and colonial-era camp life. Politics Close to Home: A tight Democratic attorney general primary is turning personal, with candidates trading accusations over lead-safety and other conflicts.

Tennis in Newport: Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, calling it “one of the greatest honours” of his life as he fought back tears during a “love letter” speech about what the sport meant beyond trophies. Local Politics: U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Jamie Raskin rallied Iowa Democrats, pitching a November push to flip Congress and add oversight as a check on President Trump’s power; Whitehouse is a former Rhode Island attorney general. Public Safety & Community Impact: Taylor Swift donated $50,000 to a GoFundMe for Ashley Taunton, a Connecticut mother injured after she pushed a teen out of the path of a car on I-95 in Rhode Island. Food Safety: USDA says frozen buffalo chicken products are recalled in multiple states, including Rhode Island, after an inspection failure. Elections Watch: A federal court temporarily blocked a USPS vote-by-mail rule, citing practical impossibility and risk of disenfranchisement. Weekend Planning: Rhode Island forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a chance of overnight showers.

Tennis in Newport: Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Rhode Island, delivering a tearful “greatest honour” speech after an emotional introduction from wife Mirka that highlighted the values his parents instilled. Election rules in court: A federal judge temporarily blocked a new USPS mail voting rule that would have forced states to get federal approval for ballot designs and use a new USPS portal ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Local heroics on I-95: Taylor Swift donated $50,000 to help Ashley Taunton, a Rhode Island crash survivor who stopped to aid teens after a hydroplaning incident and was badly injured herself. Public safety scare: A magnet-fishing trip in West Warwick led to the discovery of a mortar shell under a bridge, triggering evacuations and a bomb squad response. Community animals: The Rhode Island SPCA held an adoptathon spotlighting senior pets and parrots, offering discounts to encourage long-term adoptions. Senior sports: Rhode Island Senior Games returned to Conley Stadium, bringing track-and-field competition for adults 50+.

Local Public Safety: Providence released an independent review of its response to the Brown University mass shooting, saying the police response was appropriate but calling out communication gaps and recommending tighter coordination—plus a planned link to a real-time crime center. State Housing & Energy: Rhode Island’s $49M low-income solar plan is still stuck in limbo after the EPA terminated the Solar for All program in 2025, with litigation unresolved. Health Care Access: Stakeholders are hailing mobile opioid treatment units as a lifeline on wheels, expanding medication access and outreach in high-need areas. Education & Community: Peace Dale Library’s renovated second floor now hosts a South Kingstown Community Learning Center, and Westerly Public Schools is rolling out a new cell phone ban and a new State Street Elementary building. Sports & Culture: Roger Federer is set for induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, and the US Open preview highlights Sinner’s knee withdrawal. Grants: The Rhode Island Foundation awarded $5.4M in grants for housing, food, health care, and police training.

Public Safety & Health: RIDOH and DEM lifted the Lake Mishnock harmful algae bloom advisory in West Greenwich, but kept warnings in place for Wenscott Reservoir (North Providence) and Oak Swamp Reservoir (Johnston), urging residents to avoid contact and not drink untreated water or eat fish until further notice. Local Accountability: An independent review says Providence’s response to the Brown University mass shooting was “highly effective,” while also flagging communication and access problems, including delayed camera access and radio failures. State Politics: Rhode Island House Speaker and AG Neronha are pressing Rep. Julie Casimiro to resign after reports she made a South Carolina home her primary residence while continuing to collect her RI salary and work remotely. Community & Sports: Rhode Island Rams open their season Friday night against Merrimack, and Westerly’s youth football league is set to kick off Sunday. Human Interest: Taylor Swift donated $50,000 to a Connecticut mother injured in Rhode Island after she risked her life to help teenagers after a crash. Crime & Courts: Jurors in the Lindsay Clancy trial resumed deliberations, but did not reach a verdict before the weekend.