AGP Executive Report

Independence Day & Rhode Island Politics: Independent gubernatorial candidate Jay Gotra says his Rhode Island ballot-access push is nearing 1,000 signatures, arguing independents and unaffiliated voters have stayed quiet too long. Housing & Community Development: Pennrose’s playbook blends preservation with new housing, with the developer expanding in New England and overseeing projects that include affordable apartments and former church conversions. Local Real Estate: Compass Providence reports the highest sale in Pawtucket’s history—144 Marbury Street in Oak Hill sold for $1,310,000. Weather & Safety: Rhode Island’s July 5 forecast calls for warm, cloudy, humid conditions with a low chance of showers, while severe storms were flagged for late evening July 4 in southern RI and nearby areas. Public Health & Rights: A Pittsburgh group is warning that HIV funding cuts could “crumble” access to medication, even as the crisis is often treated like it’s over. Sports: URI-area baseball recruiting news highlights Luke Kopetchny’s verbal commitment to Brown.

America 250 & Rhode Island Independence Day: The U.S. marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence amid political division and a heat wave, with Bristol, Rhode Island highlighting its long-running Independence Day tradition dating to 1785. Severe Weather Watch (Southern New England): A Storm Team 10 alert warns of a heightened risk for strong to severe thunderstorms late this evening, with the biggest threats in southwestern Rhode Island and Connecticut—damaging wind gusts and lightning. Public Safety for the Fourth: Bristol leaders are urging extra caution for the 241st Fourth of July parade, citing past road deaths and serious injuries statewide and reminding drivers to slow down and avoid impairment. Local Tragedy in Pawtucket/Seekonk: A 2-year-old girl and two adult women were found dead after a vehicle submerged in the Seekonk River near a Pawtucket boat ramp, after it entered the water Sunday night. Education Policy (South County): Gov. Dan McKee’s charter school moratorium and cap changes are drawing scrutiny, with critics saying the state froze growth without a rigorous fix for what’s broken. Sports Recruiting (RI connection): Luke Kopetchny has committed to Brown University in Rhode Island as a multi-sport athlete.

Independence Day in Rhode Island and beyond: The U.S. marks its 250th birthday with fireworks, parades, and reflections, but celebrations are being shaped by political division and a dangerous heat wave. Bristol, Rhode Island—long tied to the oldest Independence Day observance dating to 1785—has events planned even as conditions push people to stay hydrated and watch for storms. Local weather watch: Rhode Island’s holiday forecast calls for hot, humid conditions with a chance of scattered afternoon thunderstorms, with the extreme heat warning easing later today. Voting rights fight: Rhode Island is among Democratic governors urging the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule tied to a Trump election order, arguing it would undermine mail voting and states’ control over election rules. NOAA and New England fishing: NOAA is rolling out a regional strategy aimed at easing burdens on fishermen and improving seafood competitiveness, including priorities for Rhode Island and the broader New England industry. Charity spotlight: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s reported $26 million donation to at least 20 charities includes Rhode Island food bank support, with groups saying the gifts will expand services.

Indigenous Food & Farm Bill: At Ashawaug Farm in Hopkinton, Dawn and Cassius Spears say federal help for tribal farmers is crucial to keep Narragansett heritage crops alive—yet some USDA programs have been cut or scaled back. Local Roads: RIDOT will close a Route 101 stretch in Foster for about two weeks starting July 13 for Killy Brook Bridge rehab, with a signed detour and access maintained. Block Island Schools: The Block Island School Committee is dealing with fallout from Principal Dr. Pamela Austen’s resignation and moving ahead with major renovation planning tied to a potential $50M-plus project. RI Food Relief: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s $1 million gift to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank arrives as summer donations typically dip. Public Safety/Health: Officials warn a drug-resistant fungus, Candida auris, is surging in U.S. hospitals. Sports Spotlight: Warwick’s Xavier Truss is featured as Saints Player of the Day as New Orleans heads toward the 2026 season. Big Picture: Democratic governors, including Rhode Island’s, are pushing back on a proposed USPS rule tied to Trump’s mail-voting changes.

Fourth of July Grocery Hours: Need supplies for the semiquincentennial cookout? Rhode Island shoppers should check store hours: Dave’s Fresh Marketplace is open until 6 p.m.; most Stop & Shop and Market Basket locations run regular hours; Shaw’s is generally regular; ALDI has limited hours (some RI stores close at 4 p.m.). Bristol’s Independence Day Tradition: Bristol is leaning into its claim as the “most patriotic town” with the nation’s oldest continuous July 4 celebration, tracing back to 1785—plus a 241st parade Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Revolution Roots in RI: A Rhode Island historian spotlighted the “first spark” of the American Revolution as the 1772 burning of the HMS Gaspee in Warwick. Swift-Kelce Wedding Week, With RI Ties: Ahead of their reported Madison Square Garden wedding, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $26 million to 20 charities, including the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Public Safety on Block Island: New Shoreham police say they’ll enforce alcohol rules and under-21 alcohol charges, with added state patrols for the holiday weekend. Jamestown Arts Center Exhibit: “A Celebration of Trees” opens with free admission through Aug. 29, plus a July 15 reception and live oud performance.

Air Quality & Health: Rhode Island DEM warned that elevated ground-level ozone will make conditions UNHEALTHY for sensitive groups in southern RI Friday, with fine particles also rising—residents are urged to cut back on heavy outdoor exertion and use AirNow for updates. Water Safety: RIDOH and DEM issued a health advisory to avoid contact with Wenscott Reservoir (North Providence), Wilson Reservoir (Burrillville), and Upper Melville Pond (Portsmouth) due to harmful algae blooms; swimming, fishing, boating, and drinking untreated water are strongly discouraged. URI & the Blue Economy: URI cut the ribbon on a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at the Narragansett Bay Campus, a 32,000-square-foot facility meant to boost ocean research and industry partnerships. Homelessness Funding Fight: A federal judge in Rhode Island sided with plaintiffs in a case challenging HUD’s last-minute changes to Continuum of Care funding that would have weakened “housing first” approaches. Clergy Abuse Lawsuits: Rhode Island’s revival window for expired child sex abuse claims opened, with dozens of new lawsuits filed on day one against the Diocese of Providence and related church entities. Community Spotlight: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated $1 million to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank as part of a reported $26 million giving spree ahead of their wedding.

World Cup Focus: Ghana’s Black Stars wrapped up a three-week Rhode Island stay and landed in Kansas City ahead of Friday’s Round of 32 must-win vs. Colombia, with knockout hopes on the line. Heat & Power: A major U.S. heat wave triggered an Energy Emergency Alert for the PJM grid, with officials warning of blackout risk and ordering conservation, including curbing power to some data centers. Fourth of July Safety: Rhode Island is bracing for dangerous heat and humidity over July 2–4, with officials urging hydration and limiting outdoor time. Local Policy Watch: Rhode Island became the first state to require staffing ratios for supermarket self-checkout lanes, a move aimed at improving service and reducing theft. Housing & Community: Gov. Dan McKee announced $7.5 million for entry-level homeownership projects, including Westerly’s Habitat for Humanity build. Local Governance: Providence’s Camp Cronin in Narragansett is being urged for a major refresh into an intergenerational enrichment center. Business/Construction: Bouygues Construction acquired Vannoy Construction, expanding its U.S. footprint that already includes Rhode Island projects. Culture & Sports (Offbeat): Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s rumored Madison Square Garden wedding plans continue to dominate headlines, with permits and street closures fueling speculation.

Heat & Water Watch: Gov. Dan McKee issued Rhode Island’s first statewide drought watch since 2002, citing long-running precipitation deficits and historically low groundwater and stream flows, and urged conservation as summer demand ramps up. Extreme Heat Safety: The McKee administration also reminded residents about heat illness prevention as the National Weather Service warns of dangerous heat and humidity through Friday, with cooling centers available via 2-1-1. Local Courts & Ethics: A Superior Court judge will oversee former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s bid to block an ethics probe tied to his attempt to join the Rhode Island Supreme Court. State Policy: Rhode Island became the first state to limit supermarket self-checkout lanes, requiring staffed cashier coverage and restricting how monitoring staff can be used. Community & Culture: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced the return of the July 5 Independence Day celebration and fireworks at India Point Park. Sports & Community Pride: Ghana’s Black Stars are set to leave Rhode Island for Kansas City ahead of the July 3 Round of 32 match vs. Colombia, with thanks to local security and the Ghanaian community in New England.

Assault Weapons: Rhode Island’s new assault-weapons sales ban takes effect July 1, limiting manufacture, sale, transfer, and purchase of certain “prohibited firearms,” while existing lawful owners aren’t required to turn them in. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up challenges to assault-weapons bans, setting up a major Second Amendment fight next session. Public Safety & July 4: Bristol is bringing concerts back to Independence Park and adding new vehicle-stopping barriers funded by a federal grant, after last year’s move to Roger Williams University. Extreme Heat: Rhode Island is under an Extreme Heat Warning from 10 a.m. July 1 through 8 p.m. July 4, with dangerous heat and humidity and guidance to use cooling centers. Health: RIDOH reports a Rhode Island resident diagnosed with Powassan virus disease, a rare tick-borne illness. Lottery: Rhode Island Lottery sales hit $26.7 million in May. Local History & Community: A North Kingstown reenactor is teaching the story of Black soldiers in the First Rhode Island Regiment, pushing back on how the state remembers the Revolution.

Medicaid Fight: Twenty-five Democratic-led states plus D.C. sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and would push ill and disabled Rhode Islanders off coverage. Tuition Crackdown: DOJ also sued Rhode Island over state in-state tuition and scholarship benefits for noncitizens, calling the laws unconstitutional. Homelessness Funding: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled HUD’s homelessness funding overhaul violated federal law, backing the “Housing First” approach while stopping short of fully blocking funding cuts. Health Care Disruption: Brown University Health is ending its Medicare Advantage contract with UnitedHealthcare, leaving about 1,900 seniors and disabled patients facing out-of-pocket costs or provider changes. Water & Heat: Veolia imposed an outdoor water ban in South Kingstown and parts of Narragansett, while RIEMA issued an extreme heat advisory and the state flagged unhealthy ozone for sensitive groups, with cooling centers opening across South County. Road Changes: RIDOT will run a temporary road diet on Main Avenue in Warwick starting July 10, restriping to one lane each direction plus a center turn lane. Gun Rights at SCOTUS: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear challenges to AR-15-style assault weapons bans, including Rhode Island’s recent measures. Local Education: Coventry math teacher Michael Cook was named Rhode Island Teacher of the Year. Cannabis Licensing: Rhode Island is asking a federal judge to undo a court order blocking pot shop licenses after the state lifted a residency requirement.

Medicaid Work-Rule Fight: A coalition of Democratic-led states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration to block new federal guidance that narrows who qualifies as “medically frail,” arguing it will force medically vulnerable people off Medicaid. DOJ vs. In-State Tuition: The U.S. Department of Justice also sued Massachusetts and Rhode Island over laws allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition and access state aid, saying the policies unlawfully discriminate against U.S. citizens. Extreme Heat Watch: New England, including Rhode Island, is under an extreme heat watch as a potentially record-setting heat wave builds across the region, with dangerous conditions expected and limited overnight relief. RI Lottery Results: Rhode Island Lottery Powerball and other midday numbers for June 29, 2026 were released for players checking wins. Local Infrastructure Update: RIDOT released footage from a Cranston parapet collapse that fell onto train tracks in April, causing delays but no reported injuries. Public Safety Grants: RIEMA opened the FY 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program, with applications due July 15 and a virtual rollout meeting July 1.

Medicaid Fight: Rhode Island is among states suing the Trump administration to block new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and will force vulnerable people off coverage. Immigration & Tuition: The U.S. DOJ also sued Rhode Island and Massachusetts over in-state tuition and financial aid for undocumented students, seeking to halt enforcement. Pot Shop Licenses: After Rhode Island lifted the residency requirement for recreational cannabis retailers, the Cannabis Control Commission asked a federal judge to undo the court order that paused the first round of pot shop licensing. Public Safety Funding: Rhode Island’s congressional delegation announced nearly $19.25 million for safer Aquidneck Island streets, including pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Corrections Leadership: Gov. Dan McKee named Lynne Corry interim director of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections after Wayne Salisbury stepped down. Weather Alert: A dangerous heat wave is expected to hit New England this week, with an Extreme Heat Watch starting Wednesday. Local Notes: URI opened an Ocean Robotics Laboratory, and Roger Williams University named a local student to the dean’s list.

Shark Watch: A great white shark was spotted feeding on a dead whale off Block Island, with reports saying it was at least 15 feet long. RI Public Health: Rhode Island signed a new Genetic Information Privacy Act requiring genetic testing companies to get express consent for how data is used and to protect it, with deletion rights for consumers. Healthcare Access: A new RI law expands insurance reimbursement for public health dental hygienists, letting Medicare and commercial plans cover services for vulnerable residents. PACE-RI Leadership: PACE-RI named Dr. Katharine Darland as its new chief medical officer as the program tops 500 enrolled older adults. Safety & Weather: Southern New England is bracing for dangerous heat Wednesday through Friday, with heat index values up to around 110 degrees; Rhode Island also reported a 71-year-old died after being pulled from the water at Conimicut Point in Warwick. Local Business & Community: Providence Business News announced its 2026 Leaders & Achievers honorees, with an Aug. 20 ceremony in Warwick.

Rhode Island consumer win: Rhode Island drivers who paid parking charges tied to UPP Global could get refunds under a $1.35 million settlement, after officials alleged deceptive ticket notices and unclear pricing that made fees look like government documents. Public health: A Brown University study says the shingles vaccine may prevent about 1 in 17 dementia cases in older adults, adding to the push for vaccination. Wildlife in RI: URI tagged four bobcat kittens in partnership with RIDEM and wildlife rehabilitators, using GPS-collared mothers Sparrow and Plover. Weather: New England is bracing for a heat wave with warnings expected as temperatures climb into the 90s and near 100. Ocean & environment: Video shows a massive great white shark feeding on a dead whale off Rhode Island’s coast—“shark smart” guidance is circulating with the footage. Local culture & TV: The Real Housewives of Rhode Island reunion hits Part 2 tonight, with streaming options highlighted for cord-cutters. Sports: Tyler Watts, 18, became the youngest winner of the Northeast Amateur at Rhode Island’s Wannamoisett Country Club. Maritime: The Spirit of Bermuda completed the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race after repairing lightning-damaged mast components.

Federal Court Win for Rhode Island Travelers: A judge blocked the Trump administration from withholding billions in transportation funds from states that won’t comply with certain immigration enforcement demands, calling the conditions unlawful and harmful to major projects. Public Health Watch: A tick-borne virus tied to a 1958 Ontario death is surging in New England, with Powassan increasingly linked to deer ticks and rising diagnoses. Brown University Integrity Alarm: Brown professor Roberto Serrano says AI cheating is driving a major academic integrity crisis after detecting widespread misconduct on a math economics midterm. Ocean & Wildlife: A great white shark was filmed feeding on a dead whale off Rhode Island, with experts saying it appeared to be a mature animal. Local Community Spotlight: Providence’s PVD FanZone keeps drawing crowds for World Cup matches, including a big Ghana watch party at Track 15. Statehouse/Politics: Rhode Island Pride says it will tighten parade rules after a float depicting violent imagery aimed at Mayor Brett Smiley. America 250, Rhode Island Angle: Congress is burying a semiquincentennial time capsule in the Capitol Visitor Center, with state contributions included.

Newport Beach Update: RIDOH says swimming areas at Hazards and Gooseberry beaches in Newport can reopen after bacteria levels returned to safe ranges, with monitoring continuing through Labor Day. Ocean Wildlife: A video shared by the Atlantic Shark Institute shows a massive great white feeding on a dead whale off the Rhode Island coast near Block Island. Local Sports Spotlight: 17-year-old Rhode Island amateur Miles Russell impressed at the U.S. Open, making the cut and earning praise from former PGA Tour player Brad Faxon. Community & Youth Programs: College Visions is expanding its Summer Prep program to CCRI’s Newport campus for rising ninth- through 12th-graders, with college visits and hands-on essay support. Statewide Policy Watch: Rhode Island is first in the nation to require staffing ratios for self-checkout at grocery stores, aiming to keep registers staffed. Arts & Media: Boston Globe Rhode Island won 34 Rhode Island Press Association awards, including multiple first-place finishes. Big Picture National: A federal court rejected Michigan’s appeal over access to voters’ personal data, a reminder that election rules remain in flux. Entertainment Buzz: Reports keep swirling about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding plans, with Madison Square Garden emerging as a key location.