AGP Executive Report

Legal Showdown Over Trans Care: A Texas federal judge ordered Rhode Island Hospital to turn over medical records of transgender children and teens by Tuesday—despite a Rhode Island court blocking a DOJ subpoena—while saying the records can be held privately and not shared with the Justice Department. Health & Safety: Rhode Island is under a statewide air quality alert for unhealthy ozone levels for sensitive groups Tuesday, with officials urging people to cut back on heavy outdoor exertion. Community & Culture: Eleven RI cities and towns will raise Portuguese flags ahead of June 10’s Day of Portugal, celebrating the state’s large Portuguese-American community. Local Giving: Beacon Bank and its foundation invested nearly $600,000 in regional nonprofits from January to March. Sports/School Buzz: Transfer portal movement continues for RI Division I teams, including Bryant’s men and Providence’s women. Weather Watch: A sudden May heat surge is pushing heat advisories across the Northeast, including Providence.

Ebola Emergency: The WHO declared the Congo outbreak a global health emergency as cases spread in eastern DRC and Uganda, with reports of delayed detection and missteps that may have let the virus move into harder-to-reach areas. Rhode Island Courts vs. DOJ: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s bid to seize Rhode Island Hospital records tied to transgender minors’ care, calling the DOJ “unworthy of this trust” and signaling broader pushback in similar cases. Pawtucket School Fix: Pawtucket’s elementary day is short by five minutes, and after snow-day waivers changed, the district faces costly compliance work—hundreds of thousands, possibly more. Local Economy Watch: Rhode Island’s unemployment rate hit a nearly five-year high in early 2026, with employment falling for a third straight quarter. Health Funding: The Rhode Island Foundation awarded nearly $650K in seed grants to 26 medical research projects. Sports & Culture: Ali Jaques was named Campbell’s women’s basketball coach, while Alvin Campbell Jr.’s rape trial begins in Boston.

National Mall Prayer Rally: Thousands packed Washington’s National Mall for “Rededicate 250,” a daylong, Trump-led prayer event framed as “One Nation under God,” with worship music, founder-themed displays, and Scripture read onstage and via video. Local Healthcare Pipeline: Salve Regina says its nursing students are landing Rhode Island-area jobs after taking part in a loan-repayment program that has already committed more than $240,000 for the first group. Workplace Safety at Butler: SEIU 1199 New England reports that, a year after a major Butler Hospital strike, wages rose while workplace violence and turnover fell. Community Support for Kids: Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island is sending a 5-year-old from the region to become a zookeeper for the day at the San Diego Zoo. Rhode Island Arts & Grants: BankNewport Charitable Foundation announced spring grants totaling $470,000+ for nearly 50 nonprofits statewide. Health Watch: A new COVID “cicada” subvariant is drawing attention as seniors remain a key concern heading into summer.

Arts & Community Spotlight: La CASA, the new Latino arts hub in Boston’s South End, opened with bomba, salsa, and hands-on art across multiple floors—an instant sign that community spaces are becoming the new cultural front porch. Education & Opportunity: Senators Dick Durbin and Roger Wicker reintroduced the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program Act, aiming to expand study abroad for underserved students beyond the usual destinations. Health Watch: A new COVID “cicada” subvariant is on the rise, with seniors flagged as the group most at risk as summer approaches. Rhode Island Notes: BankNewport Charitable Foundation announced spring 2026 grants totaling $470,000+ to nearly 50 nonprofits statewide, including support for arts, basic needs, and healthy lives. Local Culture: Salve Regina is launching a new bachelor’s in tourism, hospitality, and event management this fall, leaning into Newport’s real-world hospitality scene.

COVID Watch: A highly mutated COVID subvariant, BA.3.2 “cicada,” is starting to rise again—especially concerning for seniors as summer shifts COVID into a more seasonal pattern. Faith & Politics: Ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, a major “Rededicate 250” prayer event is set for Sunday on the National Mall, drawing both excitement and criticism over how faith is being framed in public life. Local Health & Community: Tiverton is hosting a free May 21 talk, “Inside Mental Illness,” aimed at reducing stigma and pointing people to care. Education & Opportunity: Salve Regina is rolling out a new bachelor’s in tourism, hospitality, and event management, plus additional minors and post-master certificates for fall 2026. Nonprofits: BankNewport Charitable Foundation is awarding $470,000+ in spring grants to nearly 50 Rhode Island organizations.

Education & Tourism: Salve Regina University is rolling out a new bachelor’s degree in tourism, hospitality, and event management this fall, plus fresh minors and post-master certificates—aimed at feeding Rhode Island’s hospitality workforce right from Newport. Nonprofits Funding: BankNewport Charitable Foundation just approved more than $470,000 in spring 2026 grants for nearly 50 Rhode Island groups, including support for a robotic surgical system and Middletown’s library children’s room. Behavioral Health & Medicaid: North Kingstown Medicaid spending on alcohol and drug abuse treatment jumped to $2.62M in 2024, while North Providence, Johnston, and Middletown also saw rising Medicaid categories tied to state billing codes. Community Mental Health: A free Tiverton church event is set to tackle mental health stigma with personal stories and recovery-focused discussion. Public Health Infrastructure: Westerly launched a $20M lead service line replacement push to remove up to 2,000 lead lines over two years. Sports & Schools: Barrington High earned a statewide attendance win, and the Eagles handed La Salle its first RI loss in boys volleyball.

DOJ vs. Rhode Island trans-care records: A federal judge is pushing back hard on the Trump administration’s push for medical records tied to transgender youth, calling the DOJ’s approach a “drastic overreach” and criticizing how the government handled the request. Rent control fight in Providence: The city’s rent stabilization override attempt failed, so rent control is “dead…for now,” after a tense council vote. Homelessness snapshot: Rhode Island’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count shows homelessness down to 2,236 people from 2,373 last year, with 416 unsheltered. Public health infrastructure: Westerly launched a $20 million lead service line replacement push, aiming to remove up to 2,000 lines over two years. Local wins and life moments: Barrington beat La Salle in boys volleyball; HopeHealth and URI nursing students are teaming up for hospice and palliative care training; and a mother-daughter startup won a statewide impact pitch contest.

DOJ Appeal in Trans Youth Records Fight: A Rhode Island federal judge blocked the Justice Department from getting transgender youths’ medical records from Rhode Island Hospital—and now the DOJ says it will appeal, keeping the high-stakes dispute over sensitive patient privacy in motion. Campus Pressure: Roger Williams University faces a fresh push from protesters and union leaders to end staff furloughs, arguing the move is illegal and harmful. America 250 on Block Island: The island’s America 250 plans are filling in fast, from weekly library screenings of Ken Burns’ Revolution to a June 25 Burns watch party and a handmade “Liberty Tree” kickoff event. Community Remembrance: Organizers are seeking attendees and pallbearers for a WWII Navy veteran’s funeral in Massachusetts after he died with no known family. Arts & Education: RISD Grad Show 2026 opens May 21 at the Convention Center, and Ballet Rhode Island is premiering a dance adaptation of “Machinal” with URI.

Trans Youth Records Fight: A Rhode Island federal judge slammed the DOJ’s push for transgender patients’ medical records from Rhode Island Hospital, calling it “drastic overreach” and blocking the subpoena—then the DOJ moved to appeal, keeping the legal fight hot. State Budget & Politics: Gov. Dan McKee is urging lawmakers to use a $228M surplus for tax cuts and targeted spending, while challengers like Helena Foulkes pitch a $100M bond plan for career and technical schools. Education & Community: Chariho schools approved updated social studies standards aligned to new RIDE requirements, and Westerly High is testing a “no cell phone” day ahead of the statewide device rules starting next August. Health & Safety: RIDOH is reminding residents about rabies prevention as more animals test positive. Arts & Campus: Ballet Rhode Island and URI’s theatre professor are teaming up for a dance adaptation of “Machinal,” and URI’s spring commencement runs May 15–17.

DOJ vs. Rhode Island Hospital: A federal judge just blocked the Trump administration’s sweeping push for Rhode Island Hospital’s confidential records on transgender minors, calling the Justice Department “unworthy of this trust” and citing “reckless disregard” for candor—another court setback after similar subpoenas were limited elsewhere. Local Justice: North Providence police are investigating a violent fight between parents at a Little League game, tied to a dispute involving two middle school girls; two parents and a 15-year-old were arrested. Immigration-focused sentencing: The Rhode Island Senate passed a bill to cut the maximum misdemeanor sentence by one day, aiming to reduce the chance of detention or removal for immigrants. Health & money: A new analysis claims most people with prediabetes are getting recommended annual diabetes screening, while a separate pharmacy-focused piece warns that what’s in your medicine cabinet may be costing you more than it should. Culture & community: “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” is renewed for Season 2, and Quahog Week kicks off May 17–23 statewide.

DOJ vs. Rhode Island Hospitals: A federal judge in Rhode Island blocked the Justice Department from getting medical records tied to transgender youth care at Rhode Island Hospital, calling the subpoena a “drastic overreach” and saying prosecutors acted in bad faith—hours before a Texas deadline. Federal Court Clash: The ruling adds fuel to a wider fight between the Trump administration and judges, with courts in multiple states already pushing back on similar demands. Immigration Detention Fallout: Separately, DHS chief Markwayne Mullin said there’s no near-term plan to shut down Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz,” even as reports say the facility is being wound down and detainees are expected to be removed. State Watch: Rhode Island retailers are being reminded that kratom sales require a RIDOH license, with enforcement following unlicensed product removals. Local Life: Chariho officials unveiled “Vision 2029,” a three-year plan focused on learning, attendance, educator development, and community engagement.

Gender-Affirming Care Fight: A Rhode Island federal judge accused the DOJ of “judge shopping” and “dirty pool” in a bid to force Rhode Island Hospital to turn over medical records for transgender youth, after prosecutors sought enforcement in Texas. Immigration Pressure: A separate Rhode Island case remains tangled as a man is still missing after a judge said ICE could re-detain him, with ICE still unable to locate him. Public Health & Retail Rules: RIDOH reminded stores that kratom sales require a state license and added restrictions, after inspectors removed unlicensed products in West Warwick. Vaping Crackdown: Attorney General Brown urged the FDA to block flavored e-cigarette approvals, arguing they fuel youth addiction. Community & Culture: Providence’s Iryna Zarutska mural was removed after local backlash. Local Life: Providence schools are projecting more than 100 job cuts, while Westerly’s Senior Center is moving under town control.

Westerly Senior Center Shift: Westerly’s Senior Citizens Center is moving fully under town control after decades as a nonprofit, with staff becoming town employees as the FY 2026-27 budget takes effect—an effort to steady funding and give the town more say in services. DOJ vs. Trans Care: A Rhode Island judge sharply criticized the DOJ’s push to obtain gender-affirming care medical records, calling it a “dirty pool” and a “fishing expedition” in a dispute that’s now headed toward a potential block. Local Housing Win: WARM marked the completion of new transitional housing in Westerly, with families set to move into two three-bedroom apartments designed for stability and safety. Providence Art Backlash: After months of controversy, a mural honoring murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was taken down in Providence. Family Fun: Roger Williams Park Zoo is debuting a new stunt-dog show this summer, “Canine Champions for Conservation,” running multiple days a week. Education Spotlight: Portsmouth special educator Michelle Murtha earned the 2027 NEARI Teaching Excellence Award for her relationship-first approach, including handwritten postcards for students.

Courthouse Drama: Jury selection is underway in Suffolk Superior Court for Alvin R. Campbell Jr., accused of raping nine women while posing as an Uber driver between 2017 and 2019; the case has drawn national attention partly because his sister is Massachusetts AG Andrea Joy Campbell. Local Government: Cranston Mayor moves to cut senior services and scale back school funding in a revised budget, setting up a tough fight over what gets protected. State Politics: Rhode Island’s only lifetime tenure for Supreme Court justices is back in the spotlight as lawmakers debate whether to add a mandatory retirement age. Health & Safety: RIDOH is reminding Rhode Islanders to prevent rabies as more animals test positive, and Providence Medicaid ambulance/transport costs jumped 18.9% to $1.67M in 2024. Community & Culture: Tickets are now on sale for the Newport Flower Show’s 30th anniversary, “Pearls of Newport,” June 19–21 at Rosecliff.

Disposable Straw Shake-Up: Rhode Island lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill that would gut most of the state’s 2022 disposable plastic straw ban, letting restaurants stock plastic straws in self-serve dispensers—an effort framed as “bad for small business” because the original law was rarely enforced but still fined. Water Park Goodbye: Yawgoo Valley Water Park, Rhode Island’s only water park, is permanently closing ahead of the 2026 season, though skiing and snow tubing will continue in winter. Catholic Church Reshuffle: The Diocese of Providence announced parish mergers and a quasi-parish closure across the state, citing declining attendance and limited activity. Local Business Win: Café S.O.U.L. in Providence received Citizens Bank’s 2026 Small Business Community Champion Award, including $10,000 plus professional development. Tech on the Board: Washington Trust added cybersecurity/AI executive Jeffrey M. Wilhelm to its board. Tourism Ripple: A new report finds U.S. cities saw sharp drops in Canadian visitors—up to 65%—as relations fray.

Rhode Island Politics: Chris Blazejewski’s rise is official—he won House speaker Thursday in a 65-10 vote, kicking off the “Blazejewski era” right as he lines up early tests like helping Joe Shekarchi clear Supreme Court hurdles. Reality TV Buzz: Bravo is doubling down on Rhode Island—renewing The Real Housewives of Rhode Island for Season 2 and teasing a new Texas Wives series, while also rolling out a packed summer schedule. Local Governance & Safety: RIDOH is taking public comment on Woonsocket’s private lead service line replacements, and it’s also pushing National Water Safety Month reminders as drowning risk spikes in warm weather. Church Changes: The Diocese of Providence announced multiple Catholic parish mergers and the closure of a quasi-parish amid declining attendance. Everyday Law Question: A new explainer tackles whether it’s legal in RI to ride in the bed of a pickup—spoiler: seatbelt rules and exceptions matter. Sports & Community: Bristol sailors fought weather for a shot at regional championships, and URI women’s tennis players picked up Atlantic 10 postseason honors.