AGP Executive Report

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.

North Kingstown Governance: A Charter Commission that sat idle for more than a year is back in business, and it’s now debating whether North Kingstown should elect a first mayor and redraw into voting districts—an argument playing out among commission member James Sheehan, Town Council member Kim Page, and Town Manager Ralph Mollis. State Budget & Tax Policy: Rhode Island House Finance advanced a budget that phases in a millionaires tax, raising the top rate by 1 point per year over three years, with estimates projecting growing revenue as federal cuts loom. Health Care Infrastructure: Rhode Island’s long-planned Zambarano replacement long-term acute care hospital is shifting into deeper location study, with Cranston’s Pastore Center emerging as a leading option and raising questions about potential city revenue impacts. Housing & Agriculture: A coalition of land trusts, local governments, and Native organizations sued to challenge the Trump administration’s cancellation of more than $127 million in USDA farmland and farmer-support grants. Energy & Industry: The Trump administration’s proposed offshore wind inspection fees could sharply increase costs for existing and under-construction projects, threatening the industry “project by project.” Public Safety & Community: Rhode Island officials also weighed in on local governance and public safety concerns, including ongoing controversy around a Quonset Point sewage sludge facility.

Rhode Island Budget Fight: The House Finance Committee advanced Gov. Dan McKee’s revised FY27 plan to $15.2 billion, including a phased-in “millionaires tax” (top rate rising 1 point per year over three years) and a new Office of Inspector General. The committee also scrapped a two-cent-per-gallon gas tax enacted last year, and the package heads to the full House June 5. Campaign Watch: In the Democratic lieutenant governor race, challenger Xay Khamsyvoravong told WJAR’s “10 News Conference” he sees the job as a powerful “bully pulpit,” aiming to unseat incumbent Sabina Matos. Public Health: RIDOH is implementing Ebola symptom monitoring for travelers arriving from Ebola-impacted countries, with screening at major airports and 21 days of self-monitoring. Courts & Religion: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to block the “Peter’s Pence” lawsuit against Catholic bishops, letting the case proceed in lower courts. Community & Safety: Portsmouth officials approved licenses for a summer feast at the Portuguese American Citizens Club, despite family concerns after a prior partial building collapse killed a 15-year-old.

Prediction Markets Clash: The CFTC has moved to intervene in Rhode Island’s lawsuit against Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing the federal agency alone controls regulation of event-contract wagering—setting up a fresh federal-state fight over who can enforce RI gaming laws. State Budget Watch: With budget day at the Rhode Island State House, the House Finance Committee is set to rewrite Gov. Dan McKee’s $14.9 billion plan, with lawmakers still debating whether a millionaire’s tax and an inspector general office make it into the final package. Gubernatorial Race Ads: Helena Buonanno Foulkes’ campaign is launching its first TV ad, while Gov. McKee’s team has already begun broadcast messaging—both spotlighting healthcare leadership contrasts. Medical School Push: The Rhode Island Senate approved creating a medical school at URI, sending the proposal to the House, where one bill also floats a dental school add-on. World Cup Late Hours: Rhode Island lawmakers advanced a bill letting bars stay open until 4 a.m. during World Cup matches, drawing warnings from opponents about public safety and first responders. Public Health: RIDOH says it has implemented Ebola traveler monitoring from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, stressing the risk to Rhode Island residents remains very low. Local Governance & Safety: Portsmouth officials approved licenses for the Portuguese American Citizens Club’s St. Anthony’s Feast despite a lawsuit tied to last year’s partial building collapse that killed a teen.

Prediction Markets Clash: The CFTC moved to intervene in Rhode Island’s lawsuit over whether the state can enforce gambling laws against federally registered prediction market platforms, arguing it has sole authority under the Commodity Exchange Act; the fight follows Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha’s state-court complaint seeking penalties and “disgorgement,” adding Rhode Island to a growing list of states challenging CFTC jurisdiction. City Hall Watch: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley signed an ordinance creating the city’s first Green Revolving Fund, earmarked for energy-efficiency, renewable energy, and electrification upgrades in city buildings. Housing Policy Pressure: A RIPEC report says Rhode Island’s housing strategy is producing few units at high cost, arguing the state’s post-2021 approach relies on a complex, high-subsidy model that isn’t closing the affordable gap. Election Rules: Rhode Island’s Senate advanced a bill letting candidates spend up to $10,000 from campaign funds on home and office security systems during election cycles. Local Health Funding: Rep. Seth Magaziner announced $750,000 in federal funding for Wood River Health to expand and upgrade intake and waiting-area capacity in Washington County. Medicaid Spending Snapshot: New data show Pawtucket Medicaid claims for ambulance and transport services totaled $512,793 in 2024, up sharply from 2023.

White House East Wing Fight: About 150 Democrats, including Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, filed an amicus brief arguing Trump can’t demolish or build on White House grounds without explicit congressional approval and funding. Prediction Markets Clash: The federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission moved to intervene in Rhode Island’s lawsuit over Kalshi and Polymarket, challenging whether the state can enforce its gaming laws against federally regulated event contracts. Bottle Bill Still Stalled: A House Environment hearing on a revamped bottle deposit-refund plan drew public input, but lawmakers signaled there’s little chance of a vote this session. End-of-Life Options: Rhode Island lawmakers are set to vote on legalizing water cremation and human composting, reviving a debate that stalled in the Senate last year. Housing Results Under Scrutiny: RIPEC says Rhode Island’s $644M+ housing investment since 2021 hasn’t produced meaningful impact for most residents, while the administration disputes parts of the report. Health Care Costs: Woonsocket Medicaid spending for ambulance and other transport services jumped 51.2% in 2024. Labor at T.F. Green: Breeze pilots picketed at the airport amid stalled contract talks, pressing for clearer work rules and retirement contributions. Sports Betting Push: FanDuel is backing a bill to expand Rhode Island’s online sportsbook market and reshape the tax structure. Medicaid/Local Data: The latest Woonsocket spending figures highlight how federal-state health dollars shift at the local level.