AGP Executive Report

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.

Beach Traffic Fix: Misquamicut State Beach’s expanded entrance is now open after a $1.8M project added lanes to ease summer congestion along Atlantic Avenue in Westerly. Nonprofit Funding: Three Westerly-linked organizations received more than $400K total in the first round of 2026 Champlin Foundation grants, including $250K for Wood River Health’s Tower Street Community Center. Housing & Costs: Rhode Island’s economy and housing pressures remain mixed, with new reporting highlighting a housing affordability gap and the need for better support systems. Health & Care: A new Ocean State Stories feature spotlights Parkinson’s research and how medical interventions are improving quality of life. Public Safety Oversight: Providence City Council approved a law boosting civilian oversight power for investigations into police misconduct, expanding PERA’s access and authority. Roadwork Ahead: RIDOT begins changes near the Route 10/I-95 interchange in Cranston as part of the I-95 15 Bridges project, including ramp and off-ramp adjustments starting June 5. Legislation Watch: Rhode Island House advanced a bill to limit certain rodenticides statewide, aiming to protect predators that also get harmed by rat poison.

Rhode Island Courts & Privacy: The Trump administration has appealed a Rhode Island federal judge’s ruling that blocked its bid for an unredacted statewide voter registration list, including sensitive identifiers like driver’s license numbers and Social Security digits. Immigration Enforcement: The R.I. Senate approved bills aimed at restricting ICE operations and allowing lawsuits in state court over constitutional violations, setting up potential legal fights over federal authority. State Politics: Rhode Island lawmakers also advanced measures tied to clergy sex-abuse claims, including reopening expired childhood claims. Broadband & Access: A policy push continues around strengthening state broadband offices’ ability to carry out BEAD funding—raising questions about authority, staffing, and whether offices should be allowed to stay open long enough to finish the work. Public Safety & Community: Narragansett police say a suspect was arrested in connection with a May beach stabbing, and officials believe it was targeted rather than random. Weather: New England heat is peaking again, with 90s expected through the weekend.

RI Budget & Taxes: Rhode Island House lawmakers advanced a revised $15.2B fiscal 2027 budget, keeping Gov. Dan McKee’s 3% millionaire’s tax but spreading it over three years instead of one. Courts & Accountability: The Rhode Island Senate approved a bill reviving time-barred childhood sex-abuse claims, creating a two-year “revival window” (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028) for certain lawsuits. Education Return to Local Control: Providence Public Schools held a community forum on returning to local control July 1, with state and district leaders pointing to academic and operational progress. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data highlighted major nursing-home rankings by county size, with several large facilities also showing low overall ratings and substantial fines/penalties. Beach Traffic Fix: Misquamicut State Beach’s entrance project is complete, expanding entry lanes from 3 to 8 to ease summer congestion. Public Safety: Hull police plan extra staffing at Nantasket Beach after social media chatter about a “large gathering.” Tech & Learning: Bryant University and Rhode Island College hosted a second AI Summit focused on how higher education should adapt.

Offshore Wind Lawsuit: New York and a coalition including Rhode Island are suing the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal that paid nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing it harms jobs, energy grids, and climate goals. Ocean Monitoring: The Trump administration is dismantling a deep-ocean monitoring system that tracks ocean health, raising alarms as sea temperatures and an El Niño loom. Rhode Island Crime: R.I. State Police arrested eight people in a child sex trafficking investigation, including a West Warwick woman charged with trafficking a minor for sexual servitude. World Cup in RI: Ghana’s Black Stars left Wales for their U.S. base at Bryant University in Smithfield, with final preparations continuing in Rhode Island ahead of Group L play. Local Governance: A Massachusetts fire chief hiring in Rowley was thrown into question after a finalist’s EMT certification was found expired. Health & Families: A new report highlights postpartum depression risks for new moms and how it can be mistaken for “baby blues.” Weather: Warm Friday beach conditions are expected, but showers may return over the weekend.

Nursing Home Watch (RI): CMS data for Q1 2026 spotlights the biggest and highest-rated facilities across counties: Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center of RI led Kent County by beds but posted a low 1/5 rating; Dawn Hill Home topped Bristol County with a 3/5; South County Nursing and Rehabilitation shared top spot in Washington County with a 4/5; Grand Islander Center was Newport County’s largest with a 2/5. Top Care (RI): Kingston Center in Washington County earned a rare 5-star overall CMS rating with no fines or penalties in Q1. Education & Access: FAME named Mila Tappan as the 2026 NEOA Claiborne Pell Award winner for work expanding college opportunity. Health Leadership (RI): Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island added two board members, including a Kent County Memorial Hospital chief nursing officer. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Rhode Island joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s TotalEnergies buyout deal that would cancel offshore wind leases and shift money to fossil fuels. Ocean Monitoring: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse criticized plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, saying it would cut crucial ocean-climate data. Life Sciences: Rhode Island Life Science Hub tapped Bob Cormier to lead the organization as president/CEO.

World Cup late-night alcohol rules: Rhode Island is among states that have approved extending bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup, with the goal of boosting fan spending and helping struggling small businesses; in Providence-area coverage, the changes are tied to local opt-in decisions and can push closing times later into the night. Ethics & state government: The Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted to investigate a complaint alleging former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi violated the state’s “revolving door” ban by seeking a seat on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Healthcare workforce pipeline: Johnson & Wales University partnered with Scholars Network to help match healthcare graduates with hospital employers and potentially qualify for student loan repayment. Public safety bill: A Massachusetts House leader backed legislation to expand access to EpiPens, requiring trained staff at authorized sites and adding liability protections. Energy policy fight: New York and a coalition including Rhode Island sued the Trump administration over a deal to cancel an offshore wind lease and pay TotalEnergies about $1 billion. Cost of living angle: A new report highlights how EVs can be cheaper to run but cost more to insure, with insurance pricing emerging as a key affordability factor.

World Cup Late-Night Economy: Gov. Dan McKee signed a law letting Rhode Island towns extend bar and restaurant hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with alcohol service allowed until 3 a.m. and businesses potentially staying open until 4 a.m. between June 11 and July 3—aimed at boosting local revenue as late matches roll in. Workforce & Community Investment: Citizens is putting more than $1.65M into Rhode Island workforce development and financial education, including a tuition-free banking micro-pathway with CCRI and an information security apprenticeship effort. Nonprofit Volunteer Day: Bristol County Savings Bank shut branches May 28 so 300+ employees could volunteer across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts at 18 nonprofits. Clergy Abuse Claims Revival: The Rhode Island Senate is set to move forward on a bill creating a “revival window” for time-barred civil sexual abuse claims against institutions and supervisors, with a July 1, 2026 start and a June 30, 2028 end. Meteor Update: NASA says the loud double boom heard across New England, including Rhode Island, came from a meteor about 5 feet wide—roughly “elephant”-sized—breaking up over the region and releasing energy equivalent to about 230 tons of TNT.

Workplace Safety & OSHA: A new report looks at how safety managers are being pulled into more audits and training as OSHA tightens rules on hazards, heat illness, emergency response, and workplace violence. New England Business: The Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont CPA societies are merging into the New England Society of CPAs, effective July 1, aiming to boost advocacy and training for about 14,500 members. Homeless Services Funding: Providence’s Housing, Homelessness and Planning Committee will review $6.64 million in federal Continuum of Care grant renewals for local homeless services. Gas Prices: AAA says Rhode Island’s average gas price dropped 15 cents as oil markets react to hopes for a U.S.-Iran peace deal. Courts & Family Law: The Rhode Island Supreme Court declined to review whether the grandparents visitation law is constitutional. Meteor Aftermath: NASA confirmed the May 30 meteor exploded over northeast Massachusetts, with energy estimated at about 300 tons of TNT and reports felt into Rhode Island. World Cup Economy: Rhode Island is among states extending bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup, with many changes dependent on local approvals. Higher Ed: Roger Williams University named Brian G. Williams as interim president. ICE Lawsuit: A Providence man alleges Cranston police wrongfully arrested him and he was held by ICE for 56 days.