AGP Executive Report

Chick-fil-A Data Breach: The fast-food chain says a credential-stuffing attack may have exposed personal info tied to Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts, including names, emails, birthdates, phone numbers, addresses, and partial payment details; Rhode Island is listed among affected states. RI Local Government: South Kingstown’s Town Administrator Ed Mello says FEMA denied a disaster declaration tied to the February blizzard, leaving the town without expected reimbursement for items including overtime and generator replacements. Elections & Voting Tech: Rhode Island officials say they’re reviewing a potential voter-roll issue after New Jersey disclosed thousands of noncitizen driver’s license applicants were added to its voter rolls due to a Motor Vehicle Commission system problem. Housing Policy Watch: A “Taylor Swift tax” tied to Rhode Island’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Fund is drawing attention as lawmakers and others weigh whether it’s a smart fix or a misstep. Community & Culture: Kingston Chamber Music Festival opens its “Life, Liberty & Music” season on URI’s campus, exploring America’s cultural roots through classical and contemporary pairings. Public Access: An ACLU of Rhode Island report finds many councils and school committees still fall short on remote meeting options, with only a small number offering full access.

Historic Preservation Fight: Barrington’s Belton Court—on the National Register—faces proposed demolition as owners seek approval for a 344-unit housing development, with the Planning Board set to review the permit next week. Local Politics & Elections: Rhode Island’s Board of Elections rejected an independent candidate’s bid to challenge a rival’s nomination papers, leaving a lingering question about how voters’ names/addresses are written on forms. Public Schools Oversight: RIDE released a report and website detailing progress since the 2019 state intervention in Providence Public Schools, highlighting academic gains and major facility investments. Cybersecurity Warning: Chick-fil-A says a breach tied to its Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts may have exposed customer data in Rhode Island and nine other states plus D.C., urging users to review account activity. State Government Watchdog: Rhode Island’s inspector general search is underway after a selection panel met to start picking candidates for the new office created in the fiscal 2027 budget. Community Spotlight: Viola Davis and Julius Tennon donated $1.2 million to build a Central Falls “community hub” connecting families to food pantry and other services. Business & Growth: Mark Foods acquired Newport’s Endeavor Seafood, expanding the seafood importer’s operations and offerings.

World Cup Boost: Rhode Island leaned hard into World Cup hype, building a local non-profit effort, using Providence as a nearby alternative hub, and running a free trolley to draw fans—Providence’s Fan Zone logged about 125,000 visitors and hotel occupancy hit roughly 75% in June. Local Governance: Pawtucket dog trainer Luis Rosado says he wants to “talk” after residents’ kennel complaints led the City Council to keep Harmony Dog Training’s operating license suspended; Rosado’s next hearing is set for Sept. 10. Public Safety & Weather: Impact Weather warns isolated thunderstorms are possible today, with high humidity and patchy fog, plus a continuing high surf advisory through Thursday. State Watchdog: Rhode Island’s new inspector general selection process has begun, with a five-member panel meeting at the State House to start choosing candidates for the office created in the fiscal 2027 budget. Environment: DEM is temporarily closing about 700 acres of shellfishing grounds off Prudence Island due to sewage-discharge risk tied to Aquapalooza boat traffic. Business & Compliance: Rhode Island’s “Taylor Swift Tax” rules are now in effect for certain non-owner-occupied homes, adding new transfer obligations for sellers and closing professionals.

Local Government & Transparency: A new ACLU of Rhode Island report says only a small share of city/town councils and school committees fully meet best practices for remote public access, pushing residents to demand livestreams, recordings, and posted agenda packets. Public Safety: Warwick parents accused of kidnapping their children after a Chuck E. Cheese visit were arrested in Maryland following a chase, with the children unharmed. State Watchdog: Rhode Island’s inspector general search is underway after a selection commission met at the State House to begin narrowing candidates for the new post. Elections & Housing: Providence mayoral candidates Brett Smiley and David Morales spar over rent stabilization versus building more housing in a debate focused on affordability. Environment & Health: Newport Water lifted a boil-water advisory after repairs and bacteria tests cleared the affected area. Coastal & Outdoors: Prudence shellfish beds close temporarily due to sewage-discharge risk tied to Aquapalooza boat traffic. Sports & Community: Cranston Western Little League’s 10-U and 12-U teams won District I championships, completing a district sweep. Culture & Lifestyle: The Weekapaug Inn in Westerly is offering a Sunday summer “Coastal Grille” dinner series with local seafood and pond views.

Statewide Politics: Rhode Island’s attorney general primary is heating up with a Sept. 9 Democratic primary for the open seat as term-limited Peter Neronha steps aside, and voters will see four candidates competing after early fundraising reports. Public Health: Rabies cases are climbing across Rhode Island in the first half of 2026, with 25 confirmed rabid animals already identified and 32 people exposed and treated. Environment & Wildlife: Conservation efforts are helping American oystercatchers rebound in New England, including on Rhode Island beaches where biologists band chicks as numbers rise along U.S. coasts. Weather: Southern New England faces a Tuesday evening storm risk with downpours, lightning, and localized flooding possible, plus a low chance of a brief tornado. Business & Community: Washington Trust is set to open its 30th full-service Rhode Island branch in Bristol later this year, expanding services for East Bay customers. Science & Economy: Rhode Island is part of a new NSF “Seafood Engine” push with an initial $15 million to strengthen regional commercial fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing.

Immigration & Courts: A Rhode Island-linked federal case is back in focus after a judge denied the government’s request to pause USCIS processing for applicants from 39 affected countries, keeping immigration benefits moving while an appeal continues. Local Schools: Rhode Island’s education spotlight stays on Providence Public Schools as RIDE touts progress since the 2019 state takeover, pointing to improved attendance, test scores, and graduation rates. Offshore Wind: Rhode Island officials and lawmakers are weighing in as legal fights over offshore wind leases continue, with AGs signaling intent to challenge federal actions. Economy & Jobs: Citizens Bank, based in Providence, says it’s ending lending relationships with CoreCivic and GEO Group, citing “changed commercial circumstances” tied to federal facility purchases. Environment: Conservation work at Trustom Pond shows American oystercatchers rebounding, with biologists banding chicks as part of a broader regional recovery effort. Business: Giant Eagle joins other grocers cutting prices on thousands of items this summer as families feel food costs. Sports: Bristol Warren’s 50/70 Stars fell in the state final, ending a run toward the East Regional tournament.

Life on Earth From Space: A meteorite that crashed through a New Jersey home is tied to rare findings about salty fluids on a primitive asteroid, with fragments studied in Science Advances and sightings reported across the region including Rhode Island. Prison Health & Compassionate Release: A Rhode Island-related report highlights how prisoners granted early release can still be stuck behind bars when long-term care facilities won’t accept them. Rhode Island Jobs & Growth: Nabsys plans to move its Providence headquarters to 225 Dyer St., adding 200+ jobs as it expands manufacturing and R&D. Public Safety Funding: Rhode Island received $1.12M to modernize criminal history record systems, aiming to cut backlogs and improve accuracy. Elections & Voter Rolls: Declassified documents released after a Trump speech name Rhode Island among states alleging Chinese actors downloaded voter-roll data from commercial sites. Food Safety: FDA says a cyclospora lettuce test was a false positive, but the recall remains in effect while investigators track the source. Local Crime: Newport police are investigating a shooting near Park Holm with two victims taken to the hospital. Business & Politics: CVS Health pushes back on attacks tied to the McKee campaign, saying the company isn’t running for office.

Most Wanted: Ronald L. Fischer, a Rhode Island fugitive wanted for first-degree sexual assault dating to 2005, was arrested off the New Jersey coast after more than 20 years on the run, with the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force, FBI, and U.S. Marshals acting on new leads. Community Health: Hundreds of Rhode Islanders turned out in East Greenwich to join the National Marrow Donor Program registry for a 5-year-old boy needing a bone marrow transplant. Local Planning: Narragansett begins its comprehensive plan update process as it weighs housing, transportation, conservation, and other priorities for the next decade. Public Safety: A Rhode Island man magnet fishing at Rocky Point State Park pulled up a World War II-era “pineapple grenade,” prompting police and bomb squad response. Business & Industry: APPLIED Adhesives acquired a Westerly-based distributor, expanding its silicone and adhesive reach. Environment: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to affect Rhode Island and the region, with air-quality alerts in place.

Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Canadian wildfire haze kept air quality unhealthy across much of the Northeast, including Rhode Island, with alerts in place as smoke was expected to linger before clearing with storms. Community Health: East Greenwich rallied to help 5-year-old Jack Palms, joining the National Marrow Donor Program registry as he needs a bone marrow transplant. Local Development: The former Newport Creamery in Garden City was demolished, ending a 60-plus-year Cranston landmark as redevelopment moves forward. Public Safety: Rhode Island authorities helped capture Ronald L. Fischer, one of the state’s most wanted fugitives, after more than 20 years on the run. Economy Watch: A URI economist says Rhode Island’s economy is showing signs of easing out of recession, with May indicators improving. Grants: The Rhode Island Energy Foundation announced $250,000 in new community grants for 15 nonprofits statewide. Housing Planning: Narragansett kicked off its comprehensive plan update process, setting up months of resident input on housing, transportation, and conservation.

Most Wanted: Ronald L. Fischer, Rhode Island’s “Most Wanted” fugitive, was arrested after more than 20 years on the run in a multi-state operation led by the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force with the FBI. Local Planning: Narragansett has begun the process of updating its comprehensive plan, with residents weighing in on housing, transportation, conservation and more. Public Safety/Weather: Canadian wildfire smoke is again affecting Rhode Island and much of the Northeast, with air quality alerts in place and thunderstorms possible Saturday that could also bring localized flooding. Community & Nonprofits: The Rhode Island Energy Foundation announced $250,000 in grants to 15 nonprofits through its Empowering Communities program. Economy Watch: A new URI economist report suggests Rhode Island may be easing out of recession, with May indicators improving. Local Governance/Identity: Rhode Island leaders are responding to online attacks aimed at Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos ahead of November elections. Seafood & Science: The NSF Seafood Engine in New England won a $15 million award to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture.

School Mental Health Lawsuit: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha is among 15 Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to block cuts to a $1 billion school mental health grant program tied to the Parkland-era response. Election Security & China Claims: New declassified documents and outside experts are challenging Trump’s assertion that China compromised 220 million U.S. voter files, saying the data may have come from public sources and that the claims don’t match the records. Offshore Wind Fight: Trump’s administration is moving to stop offshore wind projects on national security grounds, while states and coalitions push back in court. Rhode Island Economy Watch: URI economist Leonard Lardaro says Rhode Island may be easing out of recession, citing improved monthly indicators. Local Funding: The Rhode Island Energy Foundation announced $250,000 in grants to 15 nonprofits through its Empowering Communities program. Public Safety: An Air Quality Alert is in effect as wildfire smoke returns, and Saturday storms could bring downpours and flash flooding. Crime Update: Ronald L. Fischer, a Rhode Island fugitive, was arrested after more than 20 years on the run aboard a sailboat off New Jersey. Community & Culture: Westerly’s Johnny V’s Meatball Challenge fundraiser is set for Aug. 19, supporting Italian heritage education.

Local Health & Access: Rhode Island’s AG Peter Neronha is among leaders suing the Trump administration over cuts to a $1 billion school mental health grant program, arguing a court order is being ignored and districts will lose support for hiring and training counselors. Medicaid vs. Medicare: New data at the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting shows Medicaid reimbursement for vitreoretinal surgeries varies widely by state—highlighting how lower rates can shrink provider options, with Rhode Island readers likely to care about access impacts. Elections & Security: Voting and cybersecurity experts push back hard on Trump’s claims that China accessed massive voter files, saying the records were likely public and there’s no sign of election interference. Public Safety: One of Rhode Island’s longest-wanted fugitives, former anesthesiologist Ronald L. Fischer, was arrested after 20-plus years on the run, captured off New Jersey on a sailboat. Environment: Another wildfire-smoke air quality alert is in effect for Rhode Island Saturday, with guidance for sensitive groups to stay indoors and limit exposure. State Budget/Cost of Living: Eat Well, Be Well SNAP produce discounts are extended for another year in the FY2027 budget, keeping fresh-food incentives flowing to more than 140,000 Rhode Islanders. Local Economy: Citizens Bank says it’s ending credit ties with two ICE prison contractors, GEO Group and CoreCivic, after protests. Politics: Gov. Dan McKee won top ballot placement in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary lottery, a small boost in a race where voters already know the candidates.

Election Security & Voter Data: President Trump says declassified records show China “compromised” voter rolls tied to at least 18 states, including Rhode Island, reigniting debate over election infrastructure and data protection. Housing Policy: A new RI land-use overhaul is reshaping subdivision and permitting rules, while a separate housing strategy critique argues recent spending hasn’t helped affordability for most residents. Public Health: The FDA and CDC are tracking a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, with Rhode Island residents urged to follow food-safety steps. Local Government Watch: Rhode Island’s inspector general is taking shape, with limits as a commission works to set up the selection process. Business & Jobs: PrimeFish and Whitecap International are expanding seafood delivery and marketing, while a Swansea cinema is set to reopen after years closed—both pointing to regional growth and hiring. Community & Culture: The Women’s Club of South County is kicking off early planning for its annual Book & Author Luncheon fundraiser.

School Mental Health Lawsuit: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha joined a coalition of 15 Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to stop cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the department is moving to end funding despite a court order. Federal Judge Push: A Senate Judiciary panel advanced Trump’s pick, Michael Martin, for a federal judge seat in Michigan; Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse voted in favor. Wind Energy Fight: AG Nick Brown joined attorneys general seeking to overturn a DoD freeze on routine reviews for land-based wind projects, saying it unlawfully blocks development. Offshore Wind Clash: California signaled it will sue over alleged unlawful offshore wind lease buyouts, arguing taxpayer money is being used to kill projects. RI Food Assistance: Rhode Island’s budget extends the “Eat Well, Be Well” SNAP fruit-and-veg discount pilot for about another year, adding $4.1 million. Public Health Alert: RIDEM issued an air quality alert through midnight as wildfire smoke from Canada worsens conditions for sensitive groups. Local Crime: A 19-year-old was charged with murder in the stabbing death of a homeless man on Providence’s pedestrian bridge. Business/Community: Citizens plans to close 100–120 in-store branches over the next decade, shifting toward standalone locations.

Immigration & Courts: A Rhode Island federal judge kept in place a ruling blocking the Trump administration’s asylum-processing freeze, denying USCIS’s request to pause the order while an appeal plays out. Elections: The Rhode Island Board of Elections approved new early-voting rules, formalizing how local boards run in-person voting and clarifying protections for voters. Public Health & Safety: The Rhode Island Blood Center declared a blood emergency after supplies fell below a two-day level, urging eligible donors to give now. School Policy: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha joined a lawsuit by 15 Democratic-led states challenging Trump administration cuts to a $1 billion school mental health grant program. Labor & Politics: The Rhode Island AFL-CIO said it made no endorsement in the governor’s race, while backing Secretary of State Gregg Amore and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos. Community & Culture: The 63rd Wickford Art Festival drew artists back to Wilson Park, with longtime and new creators selling work on site. Environment: Air quality alerts remain in effect as wildfire smoke continues to blanket New England, with guidance to limit exposure.

Immigration Court Fight: A Rhode Island federal judge kept in place his order blocking the Trump administration’s asylum-processing freeze, rejecting an emergency stay request and pointing to exceptions like World Cup visas that undercut the government’s national-security claims. Labor & Politics: The Rhode Island AFL-CIO met but chose neutrality in the Democratic governor’s primary, saying it couldn’t reach consensus—another hit for Gov. Dan McKee as early voting nears. Drug Pricing Crackdown: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha backed a multistate Glenmark settlement totaling $29.6 million over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Public Safety: Providence police are searching for youths after a fatal stabbing on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge. Health & Courts: Rhode Island’s AG joined a 15-state lawsuit seeking to stop Trump administration cuts to a $1 billion school mental health grant program. Local Business: Horvath & Tremblay completed the $8.5 million sale of Newport Center on Newport Ave. Environment: Air quality alerts continue as wildfire smoke drifts toward Rhode Island.