AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Courts: A U.S. District Court in Rhode Island ruled Trump-era immigration restrictions for people from 39 countries were illegal and ordered the administration to restart asylum and immigration processing, saying applicants were left in limbo despite complying with immigration laws. ICE Deterrence on Campus: Brown students are helping run a Rhode Island Deportation Defense Network that uses courthouse patrols, rapid-response alerts, and mass mobilizations to disrupt ICE operations. Climate Messaging in Rhode Island Politics: A new analysis says many Democrats have gone quiet on climate change ahead of the midterms, with Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse standing out as a frequent climate speaker. Local Public Safety: Providence’s Federal Hill is still processing fallout from a weekend incident involving a motorcyclist and a tent at a busy Atwells Avenue festival. Legal Ethics: The ABA issued Formal Opinion 523 on engagement-letter provisions, warning lawyers not to overreach with client restrictions like recording limits and social media rules. Healthcare & Seniors: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week in Pawtucket highlighted scams targeting older adults, with federal and state officials urging residents to watch for identity theft and fake claims.

Immigration Courts: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the Trump administration’s immigration restrictions targeting people from 39 countries were illegal, ordering the government to restart asylum and other immigration processing after months of applicants being stuck in limbo. Food Assistance Fight: In a separate case, a federal judge blocked new USDA conditions on billions in federal food aid, siding with New Jersey and other Democratic-led states that argued the requirements are vague and unrelated to nutrition. Healthcare Workforce: A new report spotlights Rhode Island’s physician shortage, warning that practice closures and low reimbursement pressures are leaving residents with longer waits and fewer options for primary and specialty care. Sports Betting Legal Pressure: A legal fight over prediction markets is heating up, with the CFTC challenging state actions—including Rhode Island’s—over whether these event-based contracts should be treated as regulated gambling or federal financial products. State Budget: Rhode Island lawmakers approved a $15.2 billion FY27 budget that includes a marquee millionaire’s tax provision. Public Health/End-of-Life Care: HopeHealth marked its 50th anniversary gala, raising more than $410,000 and launching a “Gift of Hope” campaign aimed at expanding hospice access and support for patients and caregivers.

Civil Rights & Education: A new report says the Trump administration’s Education Department is backing away from enforcing civil rights protections for Black students, reframing long-standing accountability as “illegal DEI,” with schools facing funding threats. Immigration Courts in Rhode Island: A federal judge in Providence ordered the Trump administration to restart asylum processing and resume adjudicating immigration benefits for people from 39 countries, rejecting a pause that left applicants in “indeterminate legal limbo.” Voting Rights Act Push: Rhode Island groups are advancing a state Voting Rights Act effort after the U.S. Supreme Court gutted the federal Voting Rights Act, aiming to prevent voter discrimination. Congressional Politics: GOP candidate Vic Mellor is drawing scrutiny for acting as a “self-appointed envoy” to Cuba after meetings in Havana, with the State Department saying he’s not authorized to speak for the U.S. Health Care & Caregiving: HopeHealth marked its 50th anniversary gala, raising $410,000 and launching a “Gift of Hope” campaign targeting hospice access and underserved communities. Local Governance & Public Safety: Norwich, Conn. shut a volunteer fire company for safety and service breakdowns, a reminder of how volunteer-department disputes can turn into legal fights over emergency coverage.

Immigration Ruling in Providence: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that had effectively frozen asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship decisions for people from 39 countries, calling the approach unlawful and ordering the government to restart processing without regard to nationality. DOJ Lawyers Referred for Discipline: In a related Rhode Island case involving a subpoena for records tied to gender-affirming care for transgender youth, the same court referred DOJ attorneys for potential discipline after finding they misrepresented information to the judge. RI Politics on the World Stage: Rhode Island GOP congressional candidate Vic Mellor traveled to Havana and met Raul Castro’s grandson, but the State Department said he’s not authorized to act for the U.S. government. Local School Safety Request: A resident urged a Wilmington School Committee to require monitors on every K–5 bus to prevent injuries after past bus-related incidents. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported one of the lowest midgrade prices in Kent County at $4.65 for the week ending May 30.

Federal Courts / Immigration: A Rhode Island federal judge, John McConnell Jr., struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused or blocked asylum, work permits, green cards and citizenship decisions for people from 39 countries, calling the moves “illegal, arbitrary, and capricious” and saying applicants were left in “indeterminate legal limbo” based on “anti-immigrant” pretext. Rhode Island Legal Spotlight: The ruling stems from a lawsuit by immigrant groups and labor unions and could force USCIS to restart adjudications; immigration attorneys say affected people may begin seeking mandamus and acceleration steps. Public Health / World Cup: As World Cup travel ramps up in the region, public health officials warn that U.S. retreat from global health capacity and federal staffing cuts leave the country more exposed to outbreaks, even as officials say the immediate Ebola risk is low. Statehouse / Budget: The Rhode Island House approved a $15.2 billion FY27 budget that phases in a millionaire’s tax, with Republicans voting no and Democrats defending it as needed for core services. Local Governance / Oversight: Providence City Council advanced measures expanding civilian police oversight access and authority, continuing a push for stronger accountability. Elections / Voting Data: DOJ appealed losses in voter registration data cases, keeping its fight alive in federal appeals courts after repeated setbacks nationwide. Healthcare / Courts: A federal judge referred DOJ lawyers for possible discipline in a Rhode Island Hospital transgender care subpoena dispute, after finding prosecutors misled the court.

Immigration Court Win: A Rhode Island federal judge, John McConnell Jr., struck down Trump administration USCIS policies that froze asylum and other immigration benefits for people from 39 countries, ordering the government to restart processing and resume adjudicating work permits, green cards and citizenship claims. DOJ Discipline in RI: In a separate Rhode Island case tied to subpoenas seeking sensitive records from Rhode Island Hospital patients, Judge Mary McElroy referred DOJ lawyers for possible discipline, saying prosecutors misled the court and violated duties of candor. Trans Care Subpoena Fight: McElroy’s rulings also criticized DOJ tactics in the investigation into transgender youth care, after she quashed the subpoena as lacking proper legal purpose. Offshore Wind Lawsuit: Seven northeastern states, including Rhode Island, sued over a Trump-era deal that refunded TotalEnergies after canceling offshore wind plans, arguing it was unlawful and harmed grid reliability and climate goals. RI Governance—Aging Commission: The Rhode Island House approved Rep. Lauren Carson’s bill to create a permanent joint commission on aging and a statewide multisector plan, now headed to the Senate. Public Safety—World Cup Prep: Rhode Island and regional leaders are watching major security planning for World Cup matches in Massachusetts, with federal, state and local agencies coordinating operations.

Police Oversight: Providence City Council unanimously approved amendments expanding the Providence External Review Authority (PERA), including direct access to internal police systems and a directive to periodically audit Internal Affairs investigations, plus an early warning system for officers involved in incidents of concern. State Government & Courts: The Rhode Island House voted 65-0 to make crash data a public record (with limits to avoid violating federal law), while the Senate is still reviewing a companion bill. Coastal Regulation: The Rhode Island Senate confirmed Scott Rabideau as the sixth and final appointee to the reshaped Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), a move aimed at reducing vacancies and adding coastal expertise. Public Safety Policy: A Providence House bill to limit certain rodenticides cleared the House and now awaits concurrence votes before heading to Gov. Dan McKee. Elections & Campaigns: Helena Foulkes is pitching a $150 million ocean-economy bond in her Democratic primary challenge to Gov. Dan McKee. Local Infrastructure: Misquamicut State Beach reopened after a $1.8M entrance project designed to ease summer traffic congestion in Westerly. Nonprofits: Champlin Foundation awarded more than $400,000 in first-round 2026 grants to Westerly-area health and arts groups.

Crash Data Transparency: The Rhode Island House voted 65-0 to make crash data a public record, with a bill from Rep. Rebecca Kislak aimed at boosting public safety while trying to avoid conflicts with federal law; a Senate companion measure is now under review. ICE Oversight and Lawsuits: The RI Senate advanced two bills to restrain ICE operations and let people sue federal immigration officials in state court for constitutional violations, setting up potential litigation over federal enforcement. Voter Data Privacy Fight: The Trump administration appealed a federal judge’s ruling blocking its access to Rhode Island’s voter registration list in a case focused on protecting sensitive voter identifiers. Charter Schools Crossroads: Gov. Dan McKee is caught between allies as the Senate considers a charter-school bill that includes a moratorium plus a lower charter cap, while also targeting a specific bilingual charter’s expansion. Public Safety Tech Access: Providence’s civilian police oversight push is back on the City Council agenda, seeking direct access for PERA to police systems and records to speed investigations. Energy Policy Shake-Up: McKee’s campaign is still dealing with fallout from a revised ad, while broader clean-energy policy changes and state-level broadband implementation debates continue to shape the political agenda.

Police Oversight Expansion: Providence City Council is set to vote on an ordinance that would give the civilian External Review Authority direct access to the Police Department’s records system—an effort to prevent the department from acting as the “gatekeeper” of what oversight can see, after PERA previously accused obstruction. State Budget & Tax Policy: The Rhode Island House advanced Gov. Dan McKee’s revised FY27 budget, keeping a millionaire’s tax but spreading the 3% rate increase on income over $1 million across three years, while also moving the overall plan to $15.2B. Courts & Elections: A Cheyenne attorney has taken a voter-registration complaint to the Wyoming Supreme Court, seeking a writ of mandamus tied to alleged election-code violations by the state’s secretary of state. Legal Reform for Abuse Claims: The Rhode Island Senate approved a bill creating a two-year “revival window” for time-barred clergy sex-abuse lawsuits, opening claims against the Diocese of Providence and other institutions. Immigration Enforcement: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told a House committee that ICE recruit training standards will return to the longer “regular” timeline starting July 1. Housing & Health Policy: A First Circuit panel appeared poised to uphold Rhode Island’s drug pricing law that limits manufacturers’ restrictions on providers and contract pharmacies. Local Government & Infrastructure: Legislation to create a Crook Point Bridge Authority cleared both chambers, aiming to revive the long-stalled Providence/East Providence bascule bridge.

Offshore Wind Lawsuit: Seven Northeastern states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration over a nearly $1 billion deal that rescinded offshore wind leases and steered money to fossil fuel projects, arguing the Interior Department exceeded its authority and misused federal funds. Civil Rights Rollback: The Trump Education Department is backing away from enforcing civil rights protections for Black students, while Rhode Island’s broader policy debate over education equity continues amid federal investigations and grant threats. Rhode Island Housing Watch: A new report says Rhode Island spent $52.2 million to produce 200 rental units after the 2024 housing bond—calling it an expensive misstep that leaves the state far short of its housing deficit. Charter Schools Fight: An R.I. Senate panel advanced a charter school moratorium despite opposition, with pro-charter groups launching a media campaign against the proposal. Local Governance: East Providence approved an e-bike ban in parks, recreation areas, and sidewalks, with fines and possible impoundment for repeat violations. Federal Courts & Voting: The DOJ says it will appeal a ruling blocking access to Arizona’s voter database, keeping the federal-state election records fight alive. World Cup in RI: Ghana’s Black Stars departed Wales and will base at Bryant University in Smithfield for the 2026 tournament.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York and six other states—including Rhode Island—sued the Trump administration and TotalEnergies over a March deal that would pay roughly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases and steer the company toward fossil fuel investment, arguing the Interior Department skipped required procedures and would harm jobs, power reliability, and climate goals. Education Civil Rights Rollback: A new report says the Trump Education Department is backing away from addressing civil rights for Black students, with critics calling it a reversal of how federal civil rights enforcement has worked for decades. RI Ethics Watch: Rhode Island’s Ethics Commission is set to investigate a complaint involving former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s bid for the state Supreme Court. World Cup, Local Impact: Rhode Island is in the World Cup orbit as other New England states debate extending bar hours; Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey backed a bill to let bars stay open until 3 a.m., noting Rhode Island already passed a similar measure. Campaign Spotlight: Indian-American entrepreneur Jay Gotra launched a Rhode Island governor run as the first Indian-American Democrat in the race, pitching a fiscal accountability and transparency platform.

Ethics Watch: The Rhode Island Ethics Commission voted 6-1 to investigate whether former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi violated the state’s “revolving door” law when he applied for an open Rhode Supreme Court seat without waiting a year after leaving the legislature. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Rhode Island is among seven Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration over a March deal that paid TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to cancel an offshore wind lease off New York, with the company also pledging to invest in oil and gas instead. World Cup Late-Night Alcohol: Rhode Island is also part of a broader push by states and cities to extend bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup, with Rhode Island included among those that have approved measures. Local Government & Public Safety: Providence-area World Cup security planning includes FAA drone restrictions around team sites and hotels, with enforcement powers for federal authorities.

Public Records Fight: The Pawtucket Police Department and the state AG’s office are refusing to release an arrest report, with the AG saying arrest reports are public records only when the adult is charged—an approach critics warn could enable “secret arrests.” Clergy Abuse Lawsuit Revival: Rhode Island’s Senate is set to move an amended “revival window” bill for expired clergy sex-abuse claims, with a July 1, 2026 start and a June 30, 2028 close, after constitutional concerns and a prior push for court guidance. World Cup Late-Night Hours: Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation letting local boards extend bar and restaurant hours during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, potentially up to 4 a.m. with alcohol service until 3 a.m. Local Governance & Safety: Coverage highlights sidewalk and accessibility hazards on Providence’s Benefit Street, where trees and retaining walls are making parts of the route effectively impassable. Health Watch: Moderna is expanding work on a potential vaccine for a rare Ebola strain as Rhode Island monitors select travelers. Community & Business: PBN named 40 Under Forty honorees, while Providence Business News also spotlighted local young professionals.

Providence Schools Politics: The Providence Teachers Union endorsed state Rep. David Morales over Mayor Brett Smiley for September’s Democratic primary, signaling teachers want the end of state intervention but not necessarily Smiley’s next chapter for district leadership. Wrong-Way Crash Fixes: A new editorial points to Rhode Island’s mix of low-tech signage and high-tech wrong-way detection as a model for reducing deadly wrong-way crashes. World Cup Economy: Rhode Island is among states extending bar and restaurant hours to 4 a.m. during the World Cup, aiming to help hospitality businesses and fan spending. Homeless Services Funding: Providence’s Housing, Homelessness and Planning Committee will review $6.64 million in federal Continuum of Care grant renewals to support permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and system planning. Federal Courts & DOJ Conduct: A federal judge in Rhode Island sharply criticized the Justice Department’s handling of a case involving a Rhode Island hospital and gender-transition treatment records, calling DOJ claims “misleading.” Public Safety Incident: Police report a Dedham road-rage machete assault, with a Newton man arrested after allegedly slashing a vehicle.

Wrong-Way Crash Tech: Rhode Island is using a mix of better signage and radar-triggered alerts to cut wrong-way crashes, with officials saying the approach has worked and is being expanded. Older Americans Month: Rhode Island’s Senior Agenda Coalition packed the State House for Older Americans Month, pushing lawmakers on scams, social isolation, and more funding for community aging services. Newport Hotel Project: Work begins June 1 on The Bellevue Newport Hotel, with phased infrastructure upgrades planned while the shopping plaza stays open. Lyme Season Prep: Maine is bracing for lone star ticks that can trigger alpha-gal allergies, and Rhode Island is heading into peak Lyme season with renewed attention to tick risks. Immigration & Schools: A Milford teen detained by ICE a year ago graduated high school, marking a community-backed turnaround after the detention drew national attention. World Cup Programming: Providence launched the “House of Portugal” Pavilion for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to spotlight Portuguese culture and match-watch events downtown. Sports Finance Watch: Rhode Island College reported spending $241,826 on women’s basketball in 2024, with figures compared to the state average. Maine Politics: In the race to challenge Sen. Susan Collins, Graham Platner’s wife called media reports about his alleged sexually explicit texts “shameful,” as the June 9 primary nears.**

Rhode Island Consumer/Branding: A Middletown couple says a $640 “Trump” watch order turned into a “Rump” watch after the “T” was missing, leaving the face printed “R-U-M-P” and sparking calls for a refund and apology. Public Health: As Rhode Island heads into peak Lyme season, HHS launched a federal “Tick” initiative aimed at tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme, Alpha-gal, diagnostics, research, and patient access. Local Governance/Policy: Rhode Island’s housing strategy is again under scrutiny after a RIPEC report found “enormous” investments are producing little meaningful impact for most residents. Elections/Regulation: Federal regulators moved into the fight over prediction market rules affecting Rhode Island, as legal battles continue over what states can regulate. State Budget/Taxes: Rhode Island lawmakers advanced the governor’s FY27 budget plan, with debate continuing over whether to include a millionaires tax and an inspector general. Community & Safety: Rhode Island’s state-wide drought advisory remains in effect, while local officials continue to respond to public concerns about infrastructure and safety.