AGP Executive Report

Federal Voting Rights Fight: Rhode Island Attorney General Brown joined a multistate push urging the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule tied to Trump’s “citizenship list” plan—arguing it would illegally centralize control over who can receive mail ballots. Housing & Local Development: Gov. Dan McKee ceremonially signed a bill removing barriers for new grocery stores, and the administration launched a $5.2 million municipal neighborhood revitalization program aimed at turning blighted properties into new housing. Public Health & Courts: Rhode Island’s broader legal battles over Medicaid and health access continue to ripple through federal courts, with states challenging Trump-era Medicaid work requirements and related implementation. Independence Day 250th Spotlight: Rhode Island’s civic moment is part of a wider national wave of reflection on the Declaration of Independence and religious liberty—plus local holiday coverage like Bristol’s long-running patriotic parade tradition. Culture Watch (Not RI policy, but dominating headlines): Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s reported Madison Square Garden wedding week continues to drive national attention, including a reported $26 million donation to 20 charities that includes the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Homelessness Funding Fight: A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled against HUD’s “rapid, untimely overhaul” of Continuum of Care homeless funding, calling the agency’s move a “procedural nightmare” and “unreasoned decision making,” after HUD tried to cut back “Housing First” priorities. Clergy Abuse Lawsuits: Rhode Island’s new child sex-abuse “revival window” opened July 1, triggering at least 33 state lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence and others, with many claims alleging institutional cover-ups and civil conspiracy. District 31 Race: Former state senator James Sheehan says he’s running for Rep. Julie Casimiro’s District 31 seat, framing the campaign around stopping a Quonset Development Corporation pyrolysis plan tied to “sludge.” Education Budget Pressure: At ISTE, Rhode Island’s schools commissioner urged districts to “protect what works” as budgets tighten—prioritizing proven literacy and curriculum efforts over chasing new tech. State Water Alert: Gov. Dan McKee issued Rhode Island’s first drought watch since 2002, citing low precipitation, groundwater, and stream flows and urging conservation ahead of peak summer demand.

Elections & Courts: A federal court in Massachusetts blocked parts of President Trump’s election-related executive orders, including efforts to require documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and to disregard late-arriving mail ballots—an echo of Rhode Island’s own fight against federal election interference. State Government & Policy: Rhode Island became the first state to limit supermarket self-checkout by requiring at least one employee for every three kiosks, with the rule taking effect Jan. 1, 2027. Higher Education & Immigration: The DOJ sued Massachusetts to stop in-state tuition for undocumented students, a move tied to similar legal pressure on Rhode Island’s tuition policies. General Assembly Watch: A Rhode Island-focused look at whether this year’s elections could change the General Assembly’s direction, noting the legislature’s outsized role in budgeting and lawmaking. Libraries & Cost Control: Rhode Island joined a multistate push to rein in e-book licensing costs for libraries, targeting metered access deals that force repeat repurchases of popular titles. Local Politics: Former state senator James Sheehan says he’ll run for District 31, framing his bid around opposition to a proposed pyrolysis facility in North Kingstown. Community & Culture: Providence’s FIFA World Cup fan zone at Station Park drew more than 70,000 visitors as Boston’s fan festival ended.

State Government & Public Safety: Gov. Dan McKee issued Rhode Island’s first statewide drought watch since 2002 and urged conservation as precipitation deficits and historically low groundwater and stream flows worsen. The administration also pushed heat-safety reminders, pointing residents to cooling centers and warning about heat stroke and exhaustion. Housing & Homelessness Funding: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled HUD violated federal law in its Continuum of Care funding notices, vacating the 2025 NOFO changes and restoring the prior framework. Elections & Courts: A Rhode Island Superior Court judge will oversee former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s bid to halt an ethics probe tied to his planned move to the state Supreme Court, with Judge Richard Licht presiding. Consumer Policy: Rhode Island became the first state to limit supermarket self-checkout, requiring staffed cashier lanes at a set ratio and imposing fines for noncompliance. National Politics (with RI relevance): A UNH poll shows McKee narrowing but still trailing Democratic challenger Helena Buonanno Foulkes ahead of the primary.

Gun Law Update: Rhode Island’s assault-weapons sales ban takes effect July 1, limiting new sales/manufacturing of certain “prohibited firearms” while leaving existing lawful owners able to keep their guns. Second Amendment Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear major challenges to assault-weapons bans, setting up a new round of constitutional fights. Medicaid Legal Battle: A coalition of Democratic-led states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work-rule guidance, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow. Homelessness Funding Fight: A federal judge in Rhode Island backed a coalition led by Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, blocking unlawful HUD conditions tied to Continuum of Care funding. Local Infrastructure/Policy: Rhode Island’s first truck toll gantries are now operating on I-95, with opponents arguing the tolls will hit drivers hardest while infrastructure needs remain unmet. Housing/Jobs: Gov. Dan McKee announced $7.5M for entry-level homeownership and $8M in incentives for job growth and innovation, including Raytheon expansion. Public Safety: Massachusetts and New Hampshire issued heat-wave warnings ahead of July 4.

Homelessness Funding Fight: A federal judge in Rhode Island granted summary judgment to a coalition led by Wisconsin DOJ and AGs, blocking Trump-era HUD conditions that would have restricted more than $3 billion in Continuum of Care grants used to prevent homelessness. Medicaid Work Requirements Lawsuit: Twenty-five Democratic-led states plus D.C. sued to stop Trump administration Medicaid work rules, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for ill and disabled residents. DOJ vs. Rhode Island Tuition for Noncitizens: The U.S. Department of Justice added Rhode Island and Massachusetts to its higher-ed lawsuit over in-state tuition and scholarships for qualifying noncitizens, calling the state laws unconstitutional. Brown Health Provider Contract Ending: Brown University Health is ending its Medicare Advantage contract with UnitedHealthcare, leaving about 1,900 Rhode Island seniors and disabled patients facing out-of-pocket costs or provider changes. Water Policy Clash: Veolia Rhode Island imposed an immediate outdoor water ban for South Kingstown and parts of Narragansett; town leaders say they weren’t consulted and are seeking legal advice. Cannabis Licensing Court Fight: Rhode Island moved to lift a court order blocking pot shop licenses after the residency requirement was struck down, restarting the application process under new rules. Local Elections: Pawtucket’s mayoral and city council races are now official, with Donald Grebien facing two challengers in the Democratic primary. Gun Rights at the Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear challenges to AR-15-style assault weapons bans, including Rhode Island’s recent measure, setting up a major Second Amendment test. Legal Fallout in RI: Former Central Falls judge and immigration attorney Joseph Molina Flynn was arraigned on wire fraud and tax evasion charges after allegedly scamming immigration clients, and he has been voluntarily disbarred.

Medicaid Fight in Court: A coalition of Democratic-led states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements and a narrower “medically frail” exemption, arguing the federal rule will strip coverage from people who are ill or disabled and forces states to unwind plans built on earlier guidance. Tuition Overreach Lawsuit: The DOJ also sued Rhode Island over its “Rhode Island Student Success Act,” challenging in-state tuition and aid for certain undocumented students and arguing it conflicts with federal law. General Assembly Power Check: One Rhode Island political roundup notes the General Assembly’s outsized role in shaping budgets and laws this election year, with attention on whether any gubernatorial primary shift would translate into legislative change. Fireworks Policy Watch: Providence issued a temporary ban on personal fireworks through July 5 amid wildfire and firefighting-resources concerns, with other local restrictions also reported across the region. Rhode Island on the National Mall: Multiple reports say Rhode Island is among states declining to send an official delegation to Trump’s Great American State Fair for the 250th anniversary.

Medicaid Fight: Rhode Island is among states suing the Trump administration to block new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the federal “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and would force vulnerable people to lose coverage. Federal Immigration & Education: The U.S. Department of Justice also filed lawsuits against Rhode Island and Massachusetts over state in-state tuition and financial aid for undocumented students, setting up another high-stakes legal fight over federal authority and taxpayer-funded benefits. Cannabis Licensing: Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission is asking a federal judge to lift an injunction after the state eliminated the residency requirement for recreational pot shop owners, restarting the licensing path. Local Fireworks Policy: Providence joined other towns in banning personal fireworks through July 5 amid wildfire danger, while commercial shows are still planned. ICE Detention Pressure: Lawmakers and community members are demanding answers and release in a West Hartford case involving an ICE detention tied to Rhode Island. General Assembly Watch: A new analysis argues Rhode Island’s legislature, not just the governor’s race, drives budget and lawmaking—and asks whether election-year shifts will actually change the chamber’s direction.

Rhode Island Politics & Government: A new ethics complaint alleges Rhode Island Senate President Valarie Lawson used her dual role—also salaried as NEARI president—to advance her teachers union’s agenda, including votes tied to charter school funding and public-sector employer neutrality. Elections & Courts: A federal judge dismissed a U.S. Department of Justice bid to obtain Pennsylvania’s unredacted voter-registration database, saying the request lacked legal authority and appeared aimed at future election “weaponization.” Statehouse Watch: Rhode Island’s governor vetoed a bill requiring building energy reports for large buildings, continuing a pattern of pushing back on climate-related reporting mandates. Public Safety & Labor: Food and beverage workers at T.F. Green Airport went on strike over wages, adding pressure to Rhode Island’s tight labor market. Community & Relief: Providence volunteers packed hundreds of boxes of food and supplies for Venezuelan earthquake victims, with city leaders stepping in to help manage the surge. National Politics: Several Democrat-led states, including Rhode Island, are skipping Trump’s Great American State Fair on the National Mall, citing cost and staffing concerns.

Ethics & Elections: A federal judge tossed a DOJ bid to seize Pennsylvania’s unredacted voter-registration database, saying the request lacked legal authority and looked like a “fishing expedition” aimed at future election “weaponization.” Statehouse Watch: A new ethics complaint targets Rhode Island Senate President Valarie Lawson, alleging she used her dual role (including a teachers union leadership post) to advance union priorities through specific education votes. Consumer Protection: Rhode Island drivers may get refunds under a $1.35 million settlement with parking operator UPP Global over allegedly deceptive ticketing and undisclosed charges at lots in Providence, Newport, and East Greenwich. Housing & Safety Policy: Across the country, states are loosening building code rules to cut housing costs, including proposals that would allow some low-rise apartments to have only one stairway—prompting safety concerns. Local Government: Providence City Council is set to push a vote on a mixed-zoning parcel to July. Community & Public Safety: Four Inkster, Michigan police officers killed in a bungalow shootout will be honored at a candlelight vigil July 2.

Federal Courts & Immigration Funding: A judge blocked the Trump administration from threatening to withhold billions in transportation money from states that won’t comply with immigration enforcement conditions, calling the setup unconstitutional and harmful to Rhode Island–area projects. Elections & Federal Overreach: Rhode Island and other states’ legal fights against federal control over elections continue to land wins in court, underscoring the state’s role in national voting battles. Statehouse & Campaigns: Matt Claman and Sarah Skeel withdrew from Alaska’s governor race, a reminder of how quickly political fields can change. Local Governance & Public Safety: Providence Pride drew controversy after a parade float depicting Mayor Brett Smiley with violent imagery; the nonprofit says it will tighten parade rules after its review. Education Politics: Democrats and teachers unions renew attacks on school choice programs, keeping the national debate front and center. America 250 in Rhode Island: Rhode Island declined to participate in the Great American State Fair and left its assigned 250th exposition booth dark, citing staffing and budget limits.

Rhode Island Press Wins: The Boston Globe Rhode Island team captured 34 Rhode Island Press Association awards for 2025 work, including 14 first-place finishes, with top honors for coverage of a Brown University mass shooting and for reporting on private-equity funded Prospect Medical Holdings and its hospital sale. Local Business/Entertainment: A major cinema ownership shakeup is coming to Rhode Island: Kinepolis Group agreed to buy Showcase Cinemas locations, including the Showcase Cinema de Lux in North Attleborough, with the deal expected to close by the end of summer. State Government & Water: Gov. McKee issued Rhode Island’s first statewide “Drought Watch” in 24 years, as summer heat and dry conditions renew pressure for water restrictions. Elections & Courts (National, with RI relevance): Rhode Island’s attorney general team continued to score wins blocking federal efforts to control state election administration, including court rulings tied to mail voting and voter data access. Community & Public Safety: Providence-area reporting included a focus on port pollution and recycling, plus ongoing attention to public safety after a World Cup watch-party shooting in the region.

Federal Courts & Justice: A Worcester sex-trafficking couple is seeking a new trial or resentencing after claiming a judge’s gift to the victim during sentencing showed bias, with the case now before Judge Myong J. Joun and a July 9 status conference. Civil Rights & Education: The Trump administration is backing away from addressing civil rights for Black students, reframing long-standing school equity efforts as “illegal DEI,” according to civil rights lawyers. RI Water & Emergency Planning: Gov. Dan McKee issued Rhode Island’s first statewide drought watch since 2002, citing precipitation deficits and historically low groundwater and streamflow levels. Local Politics & Campaigns: In Senate District 38, Sen. Victoria Gu filed for reelection and is set for another matchup with Republican Westin Place. State Government & Elections: Rhode Island’s AG-led election-overreach fight echoes a broader multistate court win blocking Trump administration efforts to federalize election rules. Community & Culture: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley condemned a Pride parade float depicting him as a puppet in front of a bloody steamroller, saying it crossed a line. Tech & Local Governance: Westerly council members discussed a potential moratorium on AI data centers amid concerns about water and power demands. Labor & Access: Rhode Island’s new self-checkout law requires staffing ratios and a continuously open ADA-compliant cashier lane.

Grocery Checkout Rules: Gov. Dan McKee signed Rhode Island’s Self-Service Checkout Stations Act, requiring at least one manually staffed cashier lane for every three self-checkout stations, with staff monitoring self-checkouts barred from other duties and at least one accessible lane always available. Public Safety Law: McKee also signed legislation expanding police discretion when children are left unattended in hot cars, allowing officers to issue warnings or misdemeanor/criminal charges instead of being limited to verbal warnings. Elections & Federal Overreach: A federal court blocked key parts of President Trump’s mail-voting attack, while Wisconsin and other states’ legal fights continue over federal attempts to control election administration. State Government/Business: Rhode Island Commerce opened applications for Innovation Voucher grants up to $75,000 for R&D partnerships, and the state also moved to tighten rules for larger nonbank mortgage servicers. Health System Leadership: Care New England announced CEO Michael Wagner will step down in 2027 to become board chair. Politics: The RI GOP endorsed Aaron Guckian for governor, while the RI Bar Association criticized calls to impeach a judge over rulings tied to Trump policies.

AI Workforce Push: Rhode Island-linked Gina Raimondo and Eric Holcomb unveiled RAISE US, a new nonprofit backed by major tech and employers to retrain workers and soften AI-driven job disruption, starting with pilots in states including Connecticut and Arkansas. Elections in Court: A federal appeals court upheld a ruling blocking the Trump administration from getting broad personal voter data from Michigan, with Rhode Island among states that have seen similar efforts rejected. GOP Convention: Rhode Island Republicans endorsed Aaron Guckian for governor over Elaine Pelino, alongside other party picks for federal and statewide races. Labor at T.F. Green: Food and beverage workers at T.F. Green walked off the job in a one-day strike over stalled contract talks and wages. Public Media Union Win: Editorial staff at Ocean State Media voted to unionize with SAG-AFTRA, setting up collective bargaining for Rhode Island’s NPR/PBS organization. Campaign Finance Security: Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill letting elected officials use campaign funds for home security equipment and related services. Local Elections Filing: Candidates filed for primaries in several towns and school districts, including Chariho and Westerly, shaping Sept. 9 contests.

Energy & Climate Policy: Gov. Dan McKee vetoed bills that would have required large building owners to track and report emissions, leaving Rhode Island without a clear path toward its 2030 decarbonization target. Labor & Airport Operations: More than 70 food and beverage workers at T.F. Green Airport went on strike seeking higher pay after more than a year of failed contract talks. Retail Automation: Rhode Island became the first state to require staffing ratios for grocery self-checkout lanes—at least one staffed lane per three self-checkouts—effective immediately. Workforce & AI: Former Gov. Gina Raimondo and former Gov. Eric Holcomb launched RAISE US, a $500M+ effort to retrain workers for an AI-driven economy, with pilots planned in multiple states including Rhode Island’s former governor’s home base. Courts & Elections: A federal judge blocked key parts of Trump’s mail-voting executive order, reinforcing limits on presidential control over elections. Local Government & Ethics: Former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi went to court to try to dismiss an ethics complaint tied to a “revolving door” allegation. Education: Kingston Hill Academy was named a 2026 Blue Ribbon School, with recognition for both high performance and closing achievement gaps.