AGP Executive Report

School Attendance Wins: Rhode Island chronic absenteeism fell for a fourth straight year, dropping to 19.7% in 2025-26 and recovering about 4.4 million instructional hours, with Providence and Central Falls hitting all-time lows. Homelessness Support: Woonsocket will keep funding the Dignity Bus shelter after residents raised concerns, with the operator saying safety and plumbing issues have been fixed. LGBTQ+ Health Policy: The Trump-Vance administration is restricting federal Medicaid and CHIP coverage for gender-affirming care for many minors, while allowing counseling. Immigration & College Costs: DOJ is suing more states to block in-state tuition for students without permanent legal status, with Rhode Island listed among pending cases. Tech & Kids: Meta’s child-safety trial continues as states argue social media features are designed to keep young users hooked. Local Culture & Outdoors: Lanternflies remain a statewide nuisance, and Rhode Island’s “Outdoors” calendar highlights what to do next. Sports: Duke women’s soccer opened strong with a 4-0 win over FIU, and the next match is vs. Rhode Island.

Homelessness & Housing: Woonsocket will keep funding the Dignity Bus after safety and plumbing concerns were addressed, extending a temporary shelter that has served 20+ people. Community Health & Lifestyle: A Rhode Island Voices survey finds residents want safer places to walk, bike, and exercise, with many rating bike lanes and sidewalks poorly and worrying about neighborhood safety. Education & AI in Schools: Middletown updated its Technology and Internet Acceptable Use policy to spell out how students and staff can use AI while protecting identifiable student information. Local Tech & Privacy: Newport approved a drone-first-responder contract largely funded by private donation, just as the state pushes a pause and review on new license-plate reader cameras. Health Research: URI nursing researchers are launching a study on what clinicians know—and how they talk to patients—about alcohol and breast cancer risk. Culture & Sport: Newport-based 11th Hour Racing is bringing Olympic sailor Francesca Clapcich to the Ocean Race Atlantic, with community stops in Rhode Island. Public Safety: A truckload of squid spilled on a Rhode Island roadway, creating a “Squidpocalypse of ’26” stench while authorities investigate. Mental Health & Justice: Hundreds of supporters rallied during the Lindsay Clancy trial, arguing postpartum psychosis and maternal mental health failures should be central to how the case is understood.

Education Spotlight: Rhode Island is getting national attention again—Gov. Dan McKee and Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green celebrated the state’s No. 8 ranking in U.S. News Best High Schools, plus a new RIDE “Progress by Design” report touting gains in achievement, attendance, readiness, and school modernization. Public Safety & Privacy: Gov. McKee paused further Flock automated license-plate reader camera installs on state property, citing privacy and the need for clear statewide rules. Community & Culture: Pawtucket’s 99th Annual Greek Festival returns Aug. 21–23 with food, music, dancing, and church tours. Local Government: Smithfield voters will pick five of six Republican Town Council candidates in the Sept. 9 primary. Health & Kids: A new CDC report shows kindergarten vaccine coverage slipping and exemptions hitting a record 4.2% nationwide, including nonmedical exemptions. Science & Environment: URI researchers secured funding to expand the RISE-UP program, strengthening Rhode Island’s defense and maritime innovation ecosystem. Harbor News: Sen. Jack Reed helped launch South Kingstown’s new $500,000 harbor patrol vessel.

Public Health Watch: Kindergarten vaccine coverage slipped again, with MMR at 92.4% and exemptions hitting a record 4.2% nationwide—Rhode Island is listed among the few states still at/above the 95% MMR target. Local Politics: A new Rhode Island primary poll shows Helena Foulkes leading Gov. Dan McKee 48% to 28%, with a big undecided bloc as the final debate and early voting approach. Education & Community: Rhode Island leaders celebrated the state ranking 8th nationally in U.S. News Best High Schools, pointing to attendance gains and academic progress. Safety & Surveillance: Rhode Island’s fight over license-plate readers keeps heating up as Flock tightens rules and the state moves toward statewide guidance. Culture & Events: PVDFest is expanding into later hours with new programming, and Roger Federer is set to be inducted in Newport for Hall of Fame week. Science & Health Tech: Rhode Island-linked research explores using AI to redesign bacteria to bind lead—aimed at reducing long-term neurological harm from contaminated water.

Rhode Island Politics & Privacy: Gov. Dan McKee and challenger Helena Foulkes sparred again in a second Democratic primary debate, with housing and the Washington Bridge fight front and center. License-plate reader cameras: Westerly residents pushed back as the town council weighed Flock concerns, while McKee ordered a 60-day pause on new Flock installations and a state police review of the tech. Local Elections: In Pawtucket’s mayoral race, incumbent Donald Grebien touts experience and relationships, while Adam Greenman argues the city is stuck and needs a new approach. Community & Culture: Newport OUT is hosting a White Party Drag Brunch at Stoneacre Brasserie on Sept. 6. Sports & Schools: Rhode Island officially sanctioned girls flag football for spring 2027. Lifestyle & Local Life: Middletown’s viral turkey “Gravy” has a forever home after a long road of rehab and recapture. Big Picture (National, with RI ties): A whistleblower alleges Trump-era antisemitism probes at Brown, Harvard and Columbia were politically driven—Brown’s settlement included $50 million for Rhode Island workforce development.

Meta Trial, Kids’ Safety: A bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general opened a major consumer protection trial accusing Meta (Facebook/Instagram) of designing addictive features for youth and misleading families about harms. Local Governance, Surveillance Cameras: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee ordered a 60-day statewide pause and review of new Flock license-plate reader cameras as towns debate privacy and oversight; Woonsocket and Tiverton are among the latest to weigh in. Sports, Girls’ Athletics: The Rhode Island Interscholastic League officially sanctioned girls flag football for spring 2027, a first in New England. Community, Pets & Adoption: The Potter League is waiving adoption fees for many adult dogs and cats during Clear The Shelters weekend. Wildlife, Local Legend: “Gravy,” the traffic-loving Middletown turkey, has a forever home after a long public saga. Health, Beach Update: King Park Beach in Newport County reopened for swimming after bacteria levels dropped. Education & Research: URI-related workforce and research efforts continue to expand, including new funding tied to mental and behavioral health training.

Housing & Health Equity: A URI study estimates 5,641 Rhode Islanders experienced “doubled-up” homelessness between 2020 and 2024, a form of housing insecurity left out of federal counts. Education & Attendance: Rhode Island kicked off the Attendance Matters RI campaign, touting a 4th straight year of declining chronic absenteeism and 4.4 million recovered instructional hours. Public Safety & Privacy: Flock Safety’s license-plate reader contracts are being canceled or not renewed in multiple places over privacy and data governance concerns. Local Culture & Identity: Rhode Island lawmakers authorized a Dominican heritage specialty license plate, but residents may have to wait for the DMV order process. Community & Care: Washington Trust launched an “Age With Wisdom” series to help older adults and families prevent financial scams. Workforce & Training: Rhode Island opened applications for Workforce Pell Grant providers, expanding federal aid for short-term training programs. Roadwork: Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge joint replacement shifts to eastbound lanes overnight with 25 mph guidance. Business/Wellness: Haven’s childcare model includes mandated paid time off so staff can fully unplug.

Workforce & Education: Rhode Island opened applications for approved providers in the new federal Workforce Pell Grant program, aiming to make short-term training (8–15 weeks) more affordable for in-demand jobs. Attendance Matters: Gov. McKee and Education Commissioner Infante-Green kicked off the “Attendance Matters” campaign, citing a 4th straight year of declining chronic absenteeism and 4.4 million recovered instructional hours. Public Health: CDC data shows kindergarten vaccination rates dipped again for 2025–26, while nonmedical exemptions rose. Community & Culture: McKee ceremonially signed legislation creating a Dominican heritage charity license plate, with proceeds supporting the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee. Tech & Privacy: Rhode Island’s license-plate reader debate keeps heating up as Flock Safety faces contract cancellations elsewhere and pitched “roving” dashcam integration. Legal/Local Services: A federal judge in Providence kept blocking new federal grant conditions tied to DEI and related topics, leaving Rhode Island domestic-violence and housing programs protected for now. Sports & STEM: URI and local schools scored wins and recognition—from SeaPerch teams heading to an international robotics challenge to a URI Ph.D. student named a Switzer Environmental Fellow.

Education & Equity: Rhode Island leaders kicked off the “Attendance Matters” campaign ahead of the school year, pointing to a 14.4 percentage-point drop in chronic absenteeism statewide. Public Safety: An 80-year-old Middletown man died after being struck while crossing Coddington Highway, and police say the driver stayed on scene. Local Culture: Dawn the Duck keeps going viral—now with tens of thousands of Instagram followers—after appearing at major Rhode Island events. Community Health: Brown Health’s LifePACT critical care transport team earned national accreditation, joining a small group of top ground-only programs. Tech & Privacy: Flock Safety says it’s tightening rules for its license plate reader network, including shorter data retention and added controls as more towns question surveillance. Environment & Home Life: Tiverton residents are grappling with PFAS contamination found in a private well, raising fears about how long it’s been there. Kids & Families: The Rhode Island Senate’s charity golf tournament delivered $30,000 to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, pushing total giving past $200,000 since 2019.

Surveillance & Privacy: Flock Safety is tightening rules for its license plate reader network, cutting data retention to seven days and adding limits on data sharing after towns and cities—including in Rhode Island—paused or canceled contracts over privacy and misuse concerns. Local Politics: Gov. Dan McKee heads into a Sept. 9 Democratic primary without party backing, with polling showing Helena Foulkes leading and voters sour on McKee’s job performance. Supreme Court of Rhode Island: McKee nominated Judge Luis M. Matos to the state Supreme Court, a win for the Portuguese-American community and a major judiciary moment. PFAS in Private Wells: A Tiverton well test found PFAS at more than 20 times the state limit, raising fears about how long contamination may have been present. Homelessness & Health: A Woonsocket shelter resident says GLP-1 treatment helped her stop drinking and stay housed for months. Community & Culture: The Washington County Fair spotlights intergenerational 4-H agriculture and hands-on learning. Arts & Music: Providence hosts the Hillbilly Thomists’ Providence stop on their “Strange Land” tour.

Surveillance Scrutiny: Flock Safety is tightening privacy and oversight for its nationwide license plate reader network, recommending shorter data retention and adding tools to curb abusive searches as more towns pause or cancel contracts. Local Politics: Gov. Dan McKee heads into the Sept. 9 Democratic primary without party backing, facing Helena Foulkes amid low approval on roads, bridges, and the cost of living. Judicial Spotlight: McKee nominated Superior Court Judge Luis M. Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, a pick with major meaning for the state’s Portuguese-American community. Education & Workforce: RIDE secured $18M+ in federal grants for AI-supported literacy initiatives, and Rhode Island opened applications for Workforce Pell to make short-term training more affordable. Community & Culture: The Dominican heritage charity license plate was ceremonially signed into law, and the Washington County Fair highlighted intergenerational agriculture through 4-H. Lifestyle: Cumberland schools adopted a phone ban with limited administrator searches, while Woonsocket shelter resident Jessica Vega credits GLP-1 treatment with ending daily drinking.

Surveillance Backlash: Flock Safety is tightening its nationwide license plate reader rules—shortening data retention to seven days, adding limits on data sharing, and flagging potentially abusive searches—as more towns and police departments pause or cancel contracts over privacy concerns. Local Politics: Gov. Dan McKee heads into the Sept. 9 Democratic primary without party backing, trailing Helena Foulkes in polling and facing low marks on roads, bridges, and the cost of living. Education & Youth: Cumberland schools approved a phone ban (with limited exceptions) and restrict device searches to administrators, aligning policy with new state guidance. Public Health: Rhode Island is rolling out major literacy funding—$18M in federal grants using AI coaching and AI-supported instruction—while national attention turns to worsening children’s dental health and rising measles cases. Community & Culture: The Washington County Fair spotlights agriculture and 4-H youth programs across generations. Arts & Heritage: McKee signed a Dominican heritage charity license plate bill, adding a permanent cultural symbol for Rhode Island’s Dominican community. Environment: Tiverton residents are pressing for answers after PFAS contamination was found in private wells at some of the highest levels in the state.

Supreme Court Spotlight: Gov. Dan McKee nominated Superior Court Judge Luis M. Matos to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, a pick that carries extra weight for the state’s Portuguese-American community. Education & Workforce: RIDE secured $18M in federal grants for AI-supported literacy initiatives, and Rhode Island opened applications for Workforce Pell training providers (8–15 weeks) to help residents move into in-demand jobs. Privacy & Tech in Daily Life: Flock Safety says it’s tightening rules for its license plate reader network—shortening data retention and adding limits on data sharing—as more towns reconsider surveillance. Community & Culture: McKee ceremonially signed a bill creating a Dominican heritage charity license plate. Health & Safety: A measles outbreak map shows cases spiking nationwide as vaccine guidance shifts, while local schools in Cumberland adopted a phone ban with limited administrator searches. Environment & Local Living: Tiverton residents are grappling with PFAS contamination in private wells, and Block Island’s Housing Board is moving forward with modular homes. What to Do: BIMI hosts Jon Dodd on shark research Aug. 18, and metrobar’s Chocolate City Fest returns Sunday with live go-go and a whiskey release.

Rhode Island Education & Workforce: RIDE secured $18M in federal grants for AI-powered literacy coaching and tutoring, and the state opened applications for Workforce Pell training providers (8–15 week programs tied to in-demand jobs). Public Safety & Privacy: Cumberland schools adopted a phone ban and limited device searches to administrators, while nationwide Flock Safety license-plate camera rules tighten (shorter data retention, more limits on sharing). Health & Community: Rhode Island’s measles picture is worsening nationally as vaccine guidance shifts, and Healey’s administration moved to crack down on kratom statewide. Culture & Local Life: The Hillbilly Thomists brought their “Strange Land” album tour through Providence, and Block Island’s Housing Board is advancing a modular plan for new homes. Sports & Outdoors: Rhode Island soccer hosts Providence Saturday, and lifeguards warn rip currents are a real, frequent summer risk.

Workforce Housing in RI: 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 options—aimed at easing recruitment and retention for employers. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Foster’s Town Council is set to discuss canceling Flock Safety license-plate cameras, following similar Rhode Island moves by Glocester, Narragansett, and South Kingstown amid privacy and data-governance concerns. Health Watch: Rhode Island confirmed a second Powassan virus case this year, urging tick precautions as the rare tickborne illness can cause serious neurological illness. Community & Culture: Providence Place is hosting a Back-to-School Community Giveaway with 300+ backpacks and supplies, plus local nonprofits on-site. Local Business/Policy: Partridge Snow & Hahn launched Phenix Capitol Group LLC, expanding government relations and public affairs services across Rhode Island. Arts & Economy: A Rhode Island-focused piece argues arts and culture are a real economic development engine, pointing to Pawtucket’s long-running creative strategy.

Local Privacy Fight: Foster’s Town Council is set to debate its Flock Safety license-plate cameras after Glocester, Narragansett, and South Kingstown canceled similar contracts, as residents push back on how surveillance data is stored and shared. Public Health: Rhode Island confirmed a second Powassan case of 2026 and urged tick precautions, while RIDOH recommended closing King Park Beach to swimming due to high bacteria counts. Politics & Transportation: In the McKee vs. Foulkes debate, truck tolls flared again—after years of court battles and a plan to restart toll revenue next year. Community & Culture: Metacom Day brought reflection to the indigenous community, and a new documentary, “Summer Tour,” spotlights Grateful Dead culture. Arts & Lifestyle: Watch Hill is highlighted as a late-summer Rhode Island escape, and a beginner gardening guide shares what to plant now for fall harvests. Back-to-School Support: Rob Levine Law plans a free 1,000-backpack giveaway for Rhode Island students at India Point Park on Aug. 22.