AGP Executive Report

Surveillance Backlash in Rhode Island and Beyond: Flock Safety is tightening privacy rules for its nationwide automated license plate reader network, including cutting recommended data retention to seven days and adding limits on data sharing and suspicious-search controls, as more cities and police departments cancel or pause contracts over governance and misuse concerns. Election Security Push: States are moving to fortify election processes ahead of November, with Democrats warning about potential federal interference and Republicans facing new scrutiny over how voting systems are protected. Providence Climate and Homelessness Pressure: A new look at Providence’s flooding, heat impacts, and pollution risks frames the city’s climate and infrastructure agenda under Mayor Brett Smiley, while national coverage highlights how cities are struggling to respond to rising homelessness. RI Politics—Crossover Voters: Rhode Island’s primary “crossover” strategy is getting renewed attention as unaffiliated voters can switch which party’s ballot they use, shaping who wins nomination fights. Federal Court/Prosecutor Fight: Defense attorneys in a Rhode Island racketeering case seek dismissal, arguing the U.S. attorney’s office was not properly led after an interim term expired. Social Security Showdown: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is pressing Republicans for a concrete Social Security plan, while Democrats argue solvency can be achieved without benefit cuts. Energy Policy Spillover: Connecticut’s proposed changes to the regional cap-and-trade program could affect costs across the region, with Rhode Island watching the ripple effects.

Surveillance Fight in RI: Rhode Island’s town councils in Glocester, Narragansett, and South Kingstown voted to cancel Flock Safety license-plate reader contracts, and Providence’s Smiley says the city can audit access as its Flock deal nears an October contract end; the broader backlash follows reports of officers using the system to track an ex-girlfriend and growing privacy concerns. Federal Courts & Prosecutions: Defense attorneys in a Rhode Island gang racketeering case are seeking dismissal, arguing prosecutors lacked lawful authority because 1st Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles C. Calenda’s interim term expired. RI Politics: Gov. Dan McKee heads into a Sept. 9 Democratic primary without party endorsement, trailing Helena Foulkes amid low voter ratings on roads, bridges, cost of living, and the economy. Blue Economy: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot Providence facility for undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy, touting continued maritime defense investment in the state. Supreme Court Pressure: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is among Democrats pushing Supreme Court overhaul plans, including term limits.

Surveillance Cameras: Providence and other Rhode Island communities are still wrestling with Flock Safety’s license plate reader network as the company tightens privacy rules nationwide—cutting data retention to seven days, adding limits on data sharing, and requiring searches be tied to case codes—after multiple towns canceled or paused contracts amid concerns about data ownership and misuse. Local Politics: Gov. Dan McKee ceremonially signed a bill creating a Dominican heritage charity license plate, highlighting the Dominican community’s role in Rhode Island. Democratic Primary Watch: A new report says Gov. Dan McKee heads into the Sept. 9 Democratic primary without party backing, trailing Helena Foulkes and facing low voter ratings on roads, bridges, cost of living, and the economy. Congressional Campaign: GOP candidate Vic Mellor held a “Rhode Island First” rally in Cranston headlined by former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, drawing protestors outside. Blue Economy/Defense: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot maritime production facility at ProvPort in Providence to support undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy. Energy Policy (National): Offshore wind deals are collapsing under the Trump administration, with RWE agreeing to relinquish U.S. leases after “no path forward” language.

Surveillance Backlash in RI: Flock Safety is tightening rules for its nationwide license plate reader network after more than 50 agencies paused or canceled deals this year, including Rhode Island towns that voted to cancel Flock contracts; Providence’s contract is set to expire in October as residents and officials press on data ownership, sharing, and privacy safeguards. Democratic Primary Watch: Gov. Dan McKee heads into the Sept. 9 Democratic gubernatorial primary without party backing, trailing Helena Foulkes in polling and facing low marks on roads, bridges, cost of living, and the economy. Energy & Defense: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot Providence facility to build advanced undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy, while a separate national report shows solar and battery storage dominating new U.S. power plant additions in 2026. Utility Rates Fight: AG Peter Neronha urged the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s request to raise its profit margin to 10.75% in a major rate case that could lift typical bills. Local Governance: Cumberland schools adopted a phone ban during the school day with limits on device searches to administrators, and Charlestown residents can weigh in on an Amtrak rail capacity study at a Sunday beach pop-up.

Surveillance Oversight: Flock Safety says it’s tightening privacy and oversight for its nationwide license-plate reader network—cutting retention to seven days, adding limits on data sharing, and requiring searches be tied to case codes—after dozens of towns and police departments canceled or paused contracts amid mounting privacy backlash. Local Governance: Foster tabled a move to remove its two Flock cameras after residents questioned where data goes; the police chief said the town owns images and deletes them after seven days unless tied to an investigation. Courts & Cannabis: A Rhode Island federal judge dissolved a court order blocking the state’s social equity and adult-use cannabis licensing program, saying recent law changes mooted the earlier challenge. Judicial Selection: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Superior Court Associate Justice Luis M. Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, highlighting his immigrant background and career in state and federal roles. Energy & Rates: AG Peter Neronha urged the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s request to raise its profit margin to 10.75% as part of a major rate increase. Education Funding: RIDE secured more than $18 million in federal grants for literacy initiatives using AI coaching and tools to boost high-quality teaching statewide. State Politics & Culture: McKee ceremonially signed a bill creating a Dominican heritage charity license plate.

RI Supreme Court: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Superior Court Associate Justice Luis M. Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, passing over former House speaker Nicholas Shekarchi. Public Safety Tech: After resident pushback, Foster tabled removing its Flock Safety license-plate reader cameras pending a company appearance; Glocester also weighed taking down Flock cameras amid transparency and taxpayer-cost concerns. Energy Regulation: AG Peter Neronha urged the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s bid to raise its profit margin to 10.75% in a major rate case. Education Policy: Cumberland adopted a phone ban for students and limited device searches to administrators, aligning with new state law. Rail Planning: Amtrak’s New Haven-to-Providence capacity study team will hold public Q&A at Scarborough North State Beach Sunday. Federal Funding: RIDE secured more than $18 million in competitive federal grants to expand literacy initiatives statewide. Homelessness Funding (Court): A federal judge ordered HUD to restore homelessness funding in Los Angeles, blocking a suspension tied to local planning rules. Health & Policy: A report highlights how Medicaid income caps can cost disabled workers the home care that makes employment possible.

Housing & Workforce Development: Quonset Development Corp. and Moran Properties plan 140 workforce housing units at Quonset Business Park, with 40% workforce set-aside and additional low-to-moderate income reservations, as leaders cite housing as a recruitment and retention bottleneck. Local Development: Pawtucket held a ribbon-cutting for Dexter Street Commons, a $55 million mixed-use project with 150 all-electric apartments near transit, including 20% middle-income units, backed by state and federal incentives. City Politics: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley says the next bike-lane phase is set to start, funded by a 2023 $27.2 million federal grant, aiming for a more connected network after past business backlash. Public Safety Tech: Flock Safety is losing municipal license-plate reader contracts nationwide, with officials citing privacy and data governance concerns; Rhode Island’s local debate over surveillance cameras remains part of the broader pushback. Legal/Immigration: The DOJ sued New York, Connecticut and Vermont over in-state tuition for immigrants without permanent status, and Rhode Island is listed among states facing similar challenges. State Government: Gov. McKee nominated Judge Luis Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Economy & Jobs: Providence Equity Partners is set to buy Hometrack, a property data firm, pending regulatory approval.

Providence Mayoral Race: Rep. David Morales is pressing a housing-and-public-safety message ahead of the Providence mayoral primary, including a pledge to cancel the city’s Flock Safety surveillance contract and turn cameras off, while NBC 10 interviews highlight his contrast with incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley. Police Surveillance Debate: In Foster, the town council is set to discuss its three Flock Safety license-plate camera units after Glocester, Narragansett, and South Kingstown canceled similar deals—fueling a broader Rhode Island fight over privacy, data sharing, and the lack of clear state rules. Gubernatorial Politics: Dan McKee and Helena Foulkes traded fresh barbs in their first TV debate, with truck tolls again becoming a flashpoint as the state prepares to restart the program after court battles. Judicial Appointments: The Judicial Nominating Commission forwarded finalists for Superior Court lifetime seats to Gov. Dan McKee, keeping the focus on who will fill key benches. Federal Courts/Homelessness: A Rhode Island judge recently blocked HUD’s 2026 homelessness spending plan, and a separate federal ruling in Los Angeles halted HUD’s attempt to suspend a local homelessness fund manager—both underscoring how courts are shaping federal housing policy. Energy/Industry: Ørsted says the Revolution Wind offshore project is over 95% complete and aims for full operation by end of 2026.

Supreme Court Nomination: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Superior Court Judge Luis Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, skipping over former House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi; legislative leaders say they won’t start considering the pick until after the Nov. 3 election. Gubernatorial Politics: In the GOP governor primary debate, Elaine Pelino and Aaron Guckian sparred over spending, health care and housing, with Pelino pushing to eliminate the sales tax and Guckian promising budget cuts. Democratic Primary Clash: Gov. McKee and Helena Foulkes traded sharp attacks in their first televised debate, including McKee’s opioid-crisis criticism of Foulkes’ CVS leadership. Federal Legal Fight With Local Impact: The DOJ sued New York, Connecticut and Vermont over in-state tuition for certain immigrants, and Rhode Island is listed among states facing pending challenges. Privacy/Surveillance: A national fight over Flock Safety license-plate reader contracts continues, with Rhode Island-area relevance as municipalities weigh data ownership and privacy safeguards. Local Governance: In Douglas, the police chief was appointed temporary town administrator after the town administrator’s abrupt resignation. Health Policy: A new Amex survey finds major events are increasingly central to business travel and deal-making.

Supreme Court Nomination: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Superior Court Judge Luis Matos to fill Rhode Island’s open seat on the state Supreme Court, moving the pick to legislative approval and sidestepping former House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi amid an ongoing ethics fight. Local Government & Surveillance: In Providence’s mayoral race, Flock license plate readers and the future of Kennedy Plaza are emerging as key fault lines, with candidates clashing over privacy and data-sharing. Housing & Courts: A federal judge is set to decide who can apply for major L.A. homelessness funding after HUD suspended the lead agency, a reminder of how quickly housing dollars can get tied up in litigation. Election Politics: Rhode Island’s Democratic attorney general candidates faced a live TV debate, sharpening contrasts on records and readiness for the state’s top law enforcement job. Community & Culture: A Narragansett powwow in Charlestown drew thousands, with leaders framing it as both celebration and a statement of continued sovereignty. Public Safety & Accountability: A Prison Policy Initiative report argues public conviction registries are spreading beyond sex offenses and can create lasting barriers to housing and work.

Rhode Island Election Rules: A new report argues the Ocean State’s election rules and ballot access barriers help incumbents and discourage competition, pointing to how few local races actually draw challengers. Surveillance & Privacy: New Bedford temporarily suspended its use of Flock automated license plate readers after privacy and oversight concerns, adding to a broader backlash against license plate camera programs. Prediction Markets: The CFTC ordered KalshiEX to keep operating nationwide while it fights New York’s lawsuit, and the agency has now sued multiple states—including Rhode Island—over whether these platforms are regulated as federal derivatives or state gambling. Homelessness Funding: A Rhode Island judge tossed another Trump administration attempt to reconfigure federal homelessness programs, as courts continue blocking changes that would cut or redirect aid. Child Welfare “Orphan Tax”: At least 34 states have ended or changed the practice of using foster children’s Social Security benefits to cover care costs, after federal pressure. Behavioral Health: Gov. Dan McKee announced nearly $12M in federal grant funding to expand Rhode Island’s children’s behavioral health system, including a new single point of access for families. Dig Safe Reminder: Rhode Island Energy reiterated that residents and contractors must call 811 before digging to protect underground utilities.

Federal Grants & Child Mental Health: Gov. Dan McKee announced nearly $12 million in federal funding for DCYF to expand Rhode Island’s Children’s Behavioral Health System of Care, including a new Single Point of Access and Intensive Care Coordination. Homelessness Funding Fight: A Rhode Island judge tossed another Trump administration attempt to reconfigure federal homelessness programs, siding with advocates that Congress-funded “Housing First” priorities can’t be sidelined. Surveillance Cameras in the Spotlight: New Bedford temporarily suspended its Flock automated license plate reader use as privacy and data-sharing concerns grow; the move follows broader scrutiny and contract cancellations elsewhere. RI Election Prep: Rhode Island is seeking paid poll workers for the September primary and November general election. Campaign & Party Tensions: In the GOP’s CD2 race, Vic Mellor declined a party-led debate with Dr. Stephen Skoly, leaving the candidates unlikely to share a stage before early voting. Local Food Security: Central Falls launched a Mobile Food Pantry aimed at reducing barriers to fresh food for SNAP-reliant residents, with Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Gabe Amo among those attending. Courts & Housing: An East Providence zoning board denial of a variance for third-floor living space was upheld by Superior Court, rejecting “trend” testimony as insufficient to show the proposal fit neighborhood character.

Rhode Island Cannabis: Regulators reopened Rhode Island’s retail cannabis licensing application process after a federal court halted the first attempt over residency rules; the new window runs through Nov. 23, with social equity applicants needing certification by Sept. 11, and 24 new retail licenses up for grabs (including reserved social equity and worker-coop slots). Homelessness Funding Fight: A Rhode Island federal judge again blocked HUD’s latest attempt to steer $4 billion in fiscal 2026 Continuum of Care grants away from “Housing First,” ruling HUD violated required public notice-and-comment steps. School Privacy: Rhode Island’s cellphone ban in schools is now in effect, but RIDE says eight districts/charters missed the Aug. 1 policy deadline, with others still awaiting board or state approval. Surveillance Cameras: The national debate over automated license plate reader systems continues as cities weigh privacy and data-governance concerns, with Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont asking for a pause on new Flock-style camera deployments while guidance is developed. U.S. Senate Politics: Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed faces his first notable primary challenge in years from progressive contenders Connor Burbridge and Luis Daniel Muñoz. Ethics & Legal: The week also included broader legal battles over federal policy shifts—especially in health care and housing—showing courts repeatedly stepping in to limit agency changes.

Homelessness Funding Fight: A Rhode Island federal judge again blocked HUD from diverting $4 billion in fiscal 2026 homeless grants, saying the agency violated the Administrative Procedure Act by skipping required notice-and-comment steps and trying to shift away from “Housing First” priorities. School Tech Compliance: Rhode Island’s cellphone-in-schools law is now in effect, but RIDE says eight districts/charters missed the Aug. 1 policy deadline, with several others still awaiting state or board approvals. Privacy vs. Surveillance: Cumberland is facing renewed scrutiny over Flock Safety automated license plate readers after an ACLU of RI complaint alleges the system captured images of drivers and passengers—not just plates—leading to a wrongful arrest claim. Union Rights at VA: A judge ordered the VA to reinstate its collective bargaining agreement with AFGE after the agency’s third attempt to terminate the contract. Federal Immigration Tuition Lawsuits: DOJ filed new lawsuits against New York, Connecticut, and Vermont over in-state tuition and aid for illegal immigrants, arguing the policies unlawfully discriminate against U.S. citizens. Court Watch: The same week also brought another Rhode Island-linked ruling blocking HUD homelessness changes, underscoring how often federal housing rules are getting struck down in court.

Homelessness Funding Fight in Federal Court: A Rhode Island federal judge struck down HUD’s 2026 homelessness funding overhaul, saying the agency skipped required public notice-and-comment steps and could divert money away from Housing First, potentially affecting tens of thousands. Local Housing Power Struggle: In Johnston, a judge voided the town’s seizure of land tied to a planned affordable housing project, saying the municipality lacked authority to condemn the parcel the way it did. SNAP Misuse Plea: A Rhode Island DHS supervisor pleaded guilty in federal court for improperly accessing SNAP EBT data, altering PINs, and using stolen benefits for purchases, with many victims described as juveniles, homeless, or incarcerated. Surveillance Cameras Backlash: Cumberland’s Flock license plate reader program is under renewed scrutiny after an ACLU push and a federal false-arrest lawsuit tied to privacy and misuse concerns. Education Attendance Debate: A new look at Rhode Island-relevant school attendance policy shows districts can’t even agree on how to measure chronic absenteeism, complicating accountability. Rhode Island Politics, Rent Control: A Providence House District 7 primary keeps the rent stabilization fight alive after a mayoral veto, with candidates clashing over whether rent control works.

SNAP Fraud Case: A Rhode Island DHS supervisor, Nadine Jean Baptiste, pleaded guilty in federal court for repeatedly accessing and altering SNAP EBT card data, with more than $300,000 improperly accessed—often involving juveniles, homeless people, or incarcerated residents. Ethics & Conflicts: The Rhode Island Ethics Commission weighed in on multiple potential conflicts, including a state employee serving on a nonprofit board (with limits on confidential info and recusal) and a Warwick mayor’s guidance around his grandson’s firefighter application. Surveillance Backlash: Cumberland is facing fresh pressure to cancel its Flock Safety license plate reader contract after an ACLU of Rhode Island letter and a federal false-arrest lawsuit; South Kingstown also voted unanimously to end its Flock program over privacy concerns. Homelessness Funding Fight: A federal judge in Providence blocked a Trump-era HUD rewrite of homelessness grant rules, keeping protections for Rhode Island housing providers and permanent supportive housing. Cannabis Licensing: Rhode Island regulators reopened the adult-use retail licensing application process after litigation and a new law cleared the way. Elections & Power: Coverage highlights Rhode Island’s anti-incumbent political mood and the McKee–Foulkes primary rematch, with the Washington Bridge slowdown driving voter anger.