AGP Executive Report

Providence Mayoral Primary: With two days left, Brett Smiley and David Morales are crisscrossing the city on Labor Day, arguing over public safety, city services, and whether “national issues” matter—while polls suggest a tight Democratic nomination race. Statehouse Politics: Gov. Dan McKee heads into a tough Democratic primary rematch against Helena Foulkes, with campaign focus on the Washington Bridge reconstruction delays and broader frustration with how state government “works with a powerful few.” Local Economy: The Fed’s Beige Book says New England’s economic activity edged up, but businesses are more worried about inflation, energy costs, tariffs, and interest rates. Community Funding: BankNewport Charitable Foundation awarded $26,000 to Rhode Island youth programs, including tutoring, healthy meals, and literacy/arts/social-emotional learning. Nature & Health: Experts say Cape Cod hummingbird feeders can stay up during migration but should be cleaned weekly and taken down in cold weather; a separate report warns Rhode Island-listed rugosa rose can be invasive in some landscapes. Sports: Monday’s local scoreboard roundup and a Providence-area sports schedule item were published.

Providence Politics: Incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley faces a Democratic primary rematch challenge from State Rep. David Morales, with both sides zeroing in on housing affordability and how Providence should respond to the city’s rental crisis. State Primary Watch: Rhode Island’s Sept. 9 primary is also driving scrutiny of polling and voter outreach, as campaigns argue over survey accuracy while many voters still aren’t answering calls. Washington Bridge Fallout: Gov. Dan McKee heads into a tough Democratic primary against Helena Buonanno Foulkes, with campaign focus on the long-running Washington Bridge reconstruction and whether state government is delivering for residents. Elections Access: A new Rhode Island Elections Project aims to make General Assembly races more accessible, pushing back on a system where many seats are decided early or without meaningful competition. Public Safety: Brick is considering new speed restrictions after a teen’s hit-and-run death, as residents debate whether lowering speeds will actually improve safety for students and walkers. Healthcare Quality: Southcoast Hospitals Group earns an antimicrobial stewardship excellence designation, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb antibiotic resistance. Community & Culture: A Rhode Island writer’s group story and local arts coverage add a lighter touch as fall programming ramps up.

Providence Mayoral Race: Incumbent Brett Smiley and challenger David Morales are locked in a Sept. 9 Democratic primary fight, with both campaigns spotlighting housing affordability and local control as Providence Democrats split over the path forward. Campaign Ethics & Labor: U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner is pushing a congressional stock-trading ban and backing wage-theft legislation, while also highlighting community events tied to Rhode Island’s cultural life. Voting Rights Court Fight: Nevada Attorney Gen. Aaron Ford helped win a preliminary injunction blocking a USPS mail-voting rule that would have added new federal requirements for states’ vote-by-mail systems. Public Safety in Brick: Brick lawmakers are moving ahead with a proposal to cut the speed limit on Lanes Mill Road from 40 to 35 mph after a teen’s fatal hit-and-run death. Healthcare Quality: Southcoast Hospitals Group earned an Infectious Diseases Society of America antimicrobial stewardship excellence designation, with Rhode Island’s Brown University Health facilities also recognized. Local Parks & Families: Pawtucket announced major recreation upgrades, including a new John Street Park and a reconstructed Veterans Park Pool with splash pad and pavilion plans.

Democratic Primary Showdown: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee faces a rematch with Helena Foulkes in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary, with campaign cash and lingering anger over the Washington Bridge repair project shaping the race. Campaign Finance: Disclosures show several candidates for statewide offices are pouring in large personal loans, including McKee and attorney general contenders, as they push to close fundraising gaps late in the primary. Local Politics: South County voters will weigh key primaries, including North Kingstown’s House District 31 race after incumbent Julie Casimiro’s resignation amid eligibility questions. Public Safety: Traffic safety leaders are urging Rhode Islanders to “End Your Summer Safely” with extra DUI patrols and a BAT mobile during the Labor Day weekend. Community & Parks: Pawtucket is moving ahead with major recreation upgrades, including a new John Street Park splash pad and a reconstructed Veterans Park Pool. Culture & Youth: A Providence library hosted a full-house premiere of a student-written play, “No Swears Academy,” benefiting a local nonprofit serving African immigrant and low-income communities. Health & Environment: Experts say more warm-water shark species are showing up in New England waters as ocean temperatures rise. Sports: Temple opens its season against Rhode Island with a quarterback competition storyline as the Owls look to build momentum.

Rhode Island Politics: South County voters head into the Sept. 9 primary with a few races that could reshape November, including North Kingstown House District 31 where three Democrats are vying to replace Julie Casimiro. Legislative Accountability: A sharp opinion piece argues Casimiro should have resigned earlier amid eligibility questions and constituent-service concerns. Elections & Voting Rights: Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS changes that would have disrupted vote-by-mail ahead of Nov. 3. Public Safety: Rhode Island Shriners will buy about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for 36 public high schools, with a Sunday presentation to coaches. Sports: Temple opens its season Saturday against Rhode Island with a two-QB competition, while Penn State’s D’Anton Lynn makes a winning defensive debut in a separate college football matchup. Community & Health: A URI water expert in Nepal shares insight after recent flooding, and a Rhode Island rabies update notes cases rising after two raccoon positives.

Local Elections: South County voters head to the polls Wednesday, with North Kingstown’s House District 31 Democratic primary deciding the seat after Julie Casimiro’s resignation, and Narragansett’s crowded town council race turning on debates over housing, short-term rentals, wastewater, and coastal access. State Politics: Casimiro’s move to South Carolina has triggered sharp criticism from House leadership and Attorney General Peter Neronha, who urged her to step down sooner. Voting Rights: Rhode Island and other states won a court order blocking USPS changes that would have disrupted vote-by-mail systems ahead of November. Public Safety & Schools: Rhode Island Shriners are buying about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for 36 public high schools, with a Sunday presentation to coaches. Health Care: A coalition of 21 states, including Rhode Island, sued to block a federal rule that would cut Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth. Corrections: RIDOC received $1.7 million in federal funding to modernize transportation and expand correctional job training. URI: Move-in weekend is underway for more than 1,400 new students at the University of Rhode Island. Sports: The International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport welcomed Roger Federer as part of its latest class. Community: Rhode Island rabies cases rose to 34 after two raccoons tested positive.

Mail-voting fight in court: Rhode Island’s AG Nick Brown and a coalition of 25 states won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS from forcing states to redesign ballot envelopes and use a new USPS tracking portal, keeping the changes stalled through the Nov. 3 midterms while the case proceeds. Disaster relief backlash: Gov. Dan McKee blasted FEMA again after the Trump administration denied Rhode Island’s appeal for $19 million tied to the Feb. 2026 blizzard, calling it “a new low” and saying the state met FEMA thresholds. Healthcare workforce funding: Rhode Island secured $1.7 million in federal money to modernize RIDOC transportation and expand correctional job training, plus a separate $5.48 million rural healthcare workforce push for 14 schools and local agencies. Public health alert: Rhode Island rabies cases rose to 34 after two Warwick raccoons tested positive; officials urged pet vaccinations. Local politics: Six R.I. General Assembly primaries are drawing attention next week, including Senate District 8 and 13 matchups. Campus update: URI move-in weekend begins, with 1,400-plus new students arriving ahead of classes starting Wednesday.

Rural Health Workforce: The federal government is sending $5.48 million to help train healthcare workers at 14 Rhode Island schools and local education partners, aiming to strengthen access in rural areas. Local Sports & Community: Cumberland’s Madi Zancan is set to play pro basketball in Portugal after a showcase in Arizona helped open the door. State Politics & Ethics: The Rhode Island Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Senate President Lawson, after a dispute over whether she should have recused herself from votes tied to charter schools and union-related legislation. Healthcare Costs Pressure: Rhode Island hospitals are seeing a surge in charity care, with insurers and market disruptions adding strain. Education & Housing: The McKee administration announced $38.7 million to support the production of 147 new affordable homes statewide. Tech & Privacy Backlash: Across the country, Flock surveillance cameras are becoming a campaign flashpoint as voters push back on AI-powered monitoring. College Football Week 1: Temple’s season opener vs. Rhode Island features a continuing quarterback battle between Ajani Sheppard and Jaxon Smolik.

US Elections: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to step in over a judge’s order blocking USPS from rolling out new mail-in voting restrictions, including an online tracking portal. RI Politics: Incumbent Rep. Tina Spears and challenger Leah Boisclair square off in the Democratic primary for District 36, with Spears touting her record on coastal resilience and health care and Boisclair pushing 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” housing funding round. Health Access: A URI survey found 29% of Rhode Islanders delayed medical care in the past year due to cost concerns. Community & Culture: Newport Historical Society received a $245,000 federal grant to digitize Revolutionary-era archives. Broadband: ConnectRI is bringing higher-speed fiber access to more than 500 residents in downtown Newport, with expansion continuing into 2027.

Paid Leave Gap: A new report ranks states on paid family and medical leave, highlighting that Rhode Island is among the states with programs while many others still lack a federal standard. Medicaid Primary Care: Gov. Dan McKee is backing a $16 million proposal aimed at boosting Rhode Island Medicaid reimbursement for primary care, after a review found current rates still fall short of costs. Climate Action Backslide: The Environment Council of Rhode Island says the state retreated on climate progress, criticizing rollbacks and a lack of decisive action. Statehouse Shake-Up: Rep. Julie Casimiro says she will resign her House District 31 seat after moving to South Carolina, raising eligibility questions. Local Sports Milestone: Girls flag football has surged past 100,000 players nationwide and is now sanctioned in 24 states, with Rhode Island cited as part of the momentum. Community & Culture: The Newport String Project launches its 14th season with 15-minute “pocket concerts” for small audiences. Weather: Expect a humid, unsettled day with rain and thunderstorms likely.

RI Health Care Fight: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is weighing a $16 million plan to raise Medicaid primary-care reimbursement after a state review found rates still lag the real cost of common visits. Trans Youth Medicaid Lawsuit Wave: New York and other states sued the Trump administration over a rule blocking federal Medicaid/CHIP funding for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth. Local Public Safety: Coventry police say an hours-long standoff ended peacefully after a man in a mental health crisis surrendered. School Disruption Watch: Teamsters Local 251 says more than 750 school bus workers are ready to strike across multiple RI districts, with negotiations ongoing. Public Health Update: Rhode Island reported two more Warwick raccoons testing positive for rabies, bringing the year’s total to 34. Environment & Community: A Burrillville resident’s anti-SLAPP win blocks the town’s counterclaim over concerns about PFAS from an artificial turf project. Heritage Area Progress: The Sowams Heritage Area feasibility study is complete, clearing the way for congressional hearings on a National Heritage Area designation.

PUC Energy Relief: Rhode Island’s Public Utilities Commission approved more than $170 million in energy bill credits, tied to a settlement secured by the state’s consumer advocate—meaning the relief will show up directly on customer bills starting this fall. ICE Oversight: New reporting says ICE has 148 “open allegations” of agent misconduct nationwide, including sexual assault, bribery, and drug smuggling, raising questions about how long investigations stay unresolved. Local Impact of a National Tragedy: Rhode Island is connected to the Times Square stabbing that killed Bank of America vice president Erin Piacenti; a Rhode Island man was also wounded in the attack. Real Estate Industry Move: Stewart Information Services says it acquired East Providence-based Tower Title, a title insurer specializing in telecommunications infrastructure. Community & Culture: Roger Williams Park Zoo will host an early screening of a Sesame Street elephant special ahead of its October premiere, with elephant-themed activities planned for Sept. 26. Public Safety/Immigration Costs: Rhode Island ICE detainees are held at the Wyatt in Central Falls as a separate report highlights a long-running federal medical-payment breakdown that leaves hospitals waiting months to get reimbursed.

Labor & Education: Gov. Dan McKee says he’s urging a “fair and swift resolution” in Teamsters Local 251 and First Student’s ongoing contract talks, as both sides head back to the bargaining table. Public Safety & Privacy: Rhode Island’s review of license-plate readers is still in motion, with existing cameras allowed to keep running while the state police pause new installs. Community & Health: BankNewport Charitable Foundation awarded $22,000 to Star Kids and FabNewport for tutoring support and healthy meals. Higher Ed Accountability: Brown University’s external review of the Dec. 13 shooting points to “gaps in leadership” while saying the tragedy likely couldn’t have been prevented, and the university is keeping full reports private. Local History: Vietnam veterans in Rhode Island are finally getting a long-awaited memorial, with a site identified after decades of waiting. Justice & Consumer Tech: The FTC and 22 states, including Rhode Island’s attorney general, sued Amazon over alleged inflated ad prices using an “invented auction participant.”

Public Safety & Accountability: An independent PERF review says Providence’s response to the Brown University shooting was appropriate and likely couldn’t have been prevented, but it flags communication gaps as the city and responders move to implement recommendations. Privacy & Local Tech: Tiverton is delaying four new Flock automated license plate reader cameras after Gov. Dan McKee urged a 60-day statewide pause while Rhode Island develops clearer rules. Courts & Consumer Protection: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha joined a federal FTC-led, multi-state lawsuit accusing Amazon of secretly inflating ad prices in auction “surcharges,” which Amazon denies. Local Legal Fight: A Westerly man and the New England First Amendment Coalition sue Narragansett police for withholding records tied to his mother’s 2021 death. Business & Community: Community 2000 marks 25 years supporting Chariho students, raising scholarships to $2,500 for the 2027-28 school year. Culture: A new documentary, “1778: Battle of Rhode Island,” will be released to the public today, spotlighting the 1778 Battle of Rhode Island and the role of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment.

Amazon Ad Lawsuit: The FTC and 22 states, including Rhode Island, sued Amazon over alleged “hidden surcharges” that inflated ad prices for more than 1 million advertisers, with plaintiffs saying the scheme may have pulled in over $20 billion; Amazon denies wrongdoing. Rhode Island Tech & Policing: The ACLU of Rhode Island says Flock “transparency” portals are missing or incomplete in multiple towns, with only Foster and Newport posting audit logs. Local Community Support: Beacon Bank set a Rhode Island record, collecting 7,500+ pounds of food for 14 pantries during its summer drive. Health Care Innovation: CharterCARE’s Roger Williams Medical Center is rolling out Scout MD technology to help surgeons precisely target up to four breast tumors. State Politics: Republican Aaron Guckian defended his bid for governor, arguing Rhode Island is “in big trouble” over taxes, fees, and electricity costs. Sports Betting: Rhode Island’s regulated online sports wagering roundup highlights apps, promos, and legal basics for bettors.

Providence Ballot Fight: Providence mayoral candidates are clashing over Question 7, a citizen-backed ordinance that would restrict city investments tied to countries accused of severe human-rights abuses, with Israel’s actions toward Palestinians driving the debate. Local Crime & Politics: A Providence Police report shows homicides and firearm killings down sharply since 2021, but a new analysis warns there’s no clear paper trail proving who deserves credit. Cannabis Rollout Fallout: Rhode Island’s messy retail cannabis licensing process is shaping the race for attorney general, as critics target delays and governance gaps. Grocery Real Estate Rules: Gov. Dan McKee signed a law limiting how long new grocery deed restrictions can block competitors—capping it at 18 months for most new covenants. Privacy & Surveillance: Rhode Island bought Flock license-plate cameras, but critics say the state hasn’t written strong rules on retention and access. Federal Immigration Court Battle: DOJ sued additional states over in-state tuition for undocumented students, including New Mexico, as the legal fight widens. Health Care Governance: Wood River Health named four new board members as it looks to expand access to care across southern Rhode Island.