AGP Executive Report

Arts & Education: Rhode Island is seeing a measurable link between arts participation and better school attendance, with a new RISCA-commissioned statistical review finding lower chronic absenteeism among students who take part in arts programs. Community Grants: The Rhode Island Foundation is accepting applications for up to $10,000 in Newport County neighborhood grants, with a Sept. 24 deadline for resident-led projects that build community. Providence Politics: Providence voters will decide in November on a controversial divestment measure targeting countries accused of severe human rights violations, after a citizen-led push qualified for the ballot. Local Culture Calendar: PVDFest 2026 kicks off in downtown Providence this weekend, bringing music, public art, skating, and maker markets to multiple city locations. South County Weekend: Narragansett’s Gansett Days runs Sept. 18-20 with events from the Calamari Festival to river ecology programming for families. Lifestyle & Family Fun: Blippi is coming to Providence Performing Arts Center in March 2027, adding another big kid-friendly stop to the region’s fall-to-winter lineup. Justice & Safety: A federal judge ordered an SCSU student released from ICE detention after a court challenge, highlighting ongoing immigration enforcement tensions.

Community Health & Safety: RIDOH is urging Rhode Islanders to get flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines ahead of respiratory virus season, emphasizing protection for everyone—especially kids, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Outdoor Life: DEM won a $1.2M federal grant to boost recreational fishing and boating participation statewide, using outreach and partnerships under the R3 “Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation” push. Tech & Daily Life: A Rhode Island driver says Cybertruck weight rules mean Pell Bridge toll discounts don’t apply, leading to repeated higher charges—an everyday reminder that vehicle specs can change costs. Mind & Wellness: A new look at meditation’s “dark side” highlights research suggesting some people can experience harmful mental health effects, not just benefits. Arts & Culture: The NYYC Women’s International Championship on Rhode Island Sound saw Megan Grapengeter-Rudnick’s Team Vigilant surge to first after Day 2, building a nine-point lead. Local Civic Life: The state elections board rejected Pelino’s recount request in the Republican gubernatorial primary, saying the arguments didn’t show election impropriety. Education & Opportunity: Former RI Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner is stepping into an interim leadership role at CCRI focused on workforce partnerships and getting businesses the skilled employees they need.

Health Alert: RIDOH is urging Rhode Islanders to get ahead of respiratory season with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines, noting last year’s hospitalizations and deaths and that flu and COVID shots can be given together. Workforce & Education: Former RI Commerce Secretary Liz Tanner is stepping into an interim vice president role at CCRI, focusing on building workforce partnerships for trained, skilled employees. Local Sports: Emerson College’s women’s volleyball team rolled past Dean in straight sets, while Mt. Hope High’s girls volleyball program begins its first season in the state’s top tier under interim coach Ashley Garcia. Arts & Community: Bill Rappleye and Sara Wye were inducted into the Rhode Island Radio and TV Hall of Fame, and Newport Live is set to host The Dead Tongues at the Great Friends Meeting House Sept. 25. Lifestyle & Culture: A new BabyCenter report ranks the most popular baby names by state, and Rhode Island’s own pre-K quality benchmarks are highlighted in a national preschool report. Tech & Privacy: A WIRED/404 Media investigation details how hackers accessed Flock camera data, raising fresh questions about how cameras track people and vehicles.

Immigration & Public Benefits: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a multi-state lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s “public charge” rule, arguing it would punish lawful use of public benefits and chill immigrant families. Congressional Action: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) helped introduce a resolution to overturn a DHS rule tightening status for international students, exchange visitors, and foreign journalists. Local Politics: Rhode Island’s Board of Elections certified Sept. 9 primary results after recounts and rereads, with no outcome changes; turnout hit 20.09%. Housing & Rent: Providence’s rent-control push is back in the spotlight after David Morales defeated Mayor Brett Smiley, with Morales positioning rent stabilization for the November fight. Tech & Privacy: A new investigation into Flock Safety cameras shows how hackers accessed camera data and how the system can detect people as well as vehicles—sparking fresh privacy concerns. Culture & Community: newportFILM is hosting a free Providence screening of “UNBOWED,” spotlighting Rhode Island refugee advocate Dr. Omar Bah, with a post-film conversation. Sports & Health: Ocean State Chiropractic & Sports Rehabilitation is expanding Dr. Michael LeRoux’s sports rehab via telehealth across RI and beyond.

Providence Housing & Politics: David Morales’ win over Mayor Brett Smiley puts rent control back on the table, with Morales promising rent increases capped at 4% and council votes likely shifting without a mayoral veto. Local Governance: Barrington Town Council voted unanimously against hiring a second school resource officer “for now,” asking for a fuller shared plan first. Affordable Housing Debate: Warren councilors sparred over an affordable housing resolution tied to low- and moderate-income requirements, passing it 3-2. Elections Watch: Rhode Island’s Board of Elections certified the Sept. 9 primary after one recount and two rereads—no outcome changes; turnout hit 20.09%. Community & Culture: newportFILM is hosting a free Providence screening of UNBOWED, spotlighting Rhode Island refugee advocate Dr. Omar Bah, with a post-film conversation. Tech & Privacy: A viral backlash against Flock Safety cameras continues, as cities weigh cutting or canceling license-plate reader contracts over data-privacy concerns. Health & Access: A survey finds many pediatricians say immigrant families are skipping kids’ care and school due to immigration-status fears. Women’s Health Policy: Congress is set to hold its first menopause hearing, pushing for research funding and better clinician training.

Arts & Community: “Rising Tides,” curated by Adam Umbach, opens Sept. 17 at Carver Hill Gallery in Camden with 11 artists and free public reception, running through Oct. 11. Local History + Family Fun: Grey Sail Brewery in Westerly hosts “Raise a Pint to the Revolution” on Sept. 18 as part of the town’s 250th celebration, with colonial-era reenactment, music, trivia, and period-style pours. Crafts & Outdoors: Ninigret Park’s Arts and Crafts Show returns Saturday for its third year (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) with about 50 hand-made vendor booths, live music, kids’ activities, and community booths. Public Health & Safety: Whole Foods is recalling Cabricharme cheese sold in Rhode Island and other states because an egg-white protein (lysozyme) wasn’t listed on the label—no illnesses reported. Immigration Policy: A coalition of states and cities, including New York and D.C., is suing to block the Trump administration’s “public charge” rule that could affect green cards by counting use of benefits like Medicaid and SNAP. Arts Education: URI marked the Sept. 14 ribbon-cutting for its new Fine Arts Center, expanding home spaces for music, fine arts, and theatre. Civic Life: Rhode Island’s GOP gubernatorial recount request was rejected by the elections board, with the panel saying the margin isn’t wide enough to require refeeding every ballot.

Community Support: BankNewport awarded a $5,000 grant to St. Vincent de Paul’s St. Joseph Conference to expand emergency financial help for Newport County households, with most aid going to rent, deposits, utilities, and rising demand in 2026. Immigration & Health Access: Rhode Island Attorney General Nick Brown joined a 22-state coalition suing to block the Trump administration’s “public charge” rule, arguing it could chill families from using legally available benefits like Medicaid and SNAP by making green-card decisions more punitive. Local Environment & Infrastructure: Woonsocket is moving toward a short-term handoff of sewage treatment to Veolia while it pursues a long-term fix for its controversial incinerator. Arts & Culture: The Preservation Society of Newport County released its fall lineup, led by the Nov. 5–6 Newport Symposium, “What Makes It American,” with speakers spanning portraiture, design, and American luxury. Lifestyle & Learning: A Rhode Island-focused piece highlights how scheduled digital breaks can reduce stress from constant technology use. Sports & Events: Abby Lee Miller’s “Dance Moms” masterclass tour lands in Smithfield at Bryant University on Sept. 26.

Providence Politics: David Morales, a 27-year-old Democratic socialist, is set to become Providence’s next mayor after toppling incumbent Brett Smiley—an upset that could put Rhode Island’s political establishment on notice. Women’s Health Policy: A new report argues menopause legislation is finally getting attention, but Black women must be centered as states and Congress shape workplace protections and care. Cancer Care: Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy could blunt the impact of new cancer vaccines, even as early results offer real hope. Local Culture & Arts: Theater fans can look forward to a 2027 national tour of “All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” launching in Providence. Community & Access: A sensory-friendly Rhode Island stylist is bringing haircuts to clients’ homes, helping families who struggle with traditional salon settings. Food Safety: Whole Foods is recalling Cabricharme cheese sold in Rhode Island due to an undeclared egg allergen. Civic Life: Volunteers monitoring Pawtucket polls after a prior DOJ language-access consent decree reported no issues this primary. Fashion: Eckhaus Latta’s SS27 show leaned into playful, wearable preppy rebellion. Tech & Well-Being: A study links constant connectivity to stress and points to planned digital breaks as a practical reset.

Community & Culture: Genika Cafe opened in Shaw with a ribbon cutting, bringing a new Ethiopian-named coffee house by day and neighborhood tavern vibe by night. Local Food & Safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese sold in 7 states, including Rhode Island, due to an undeclared egg allergen; customers are told to destroy affected products. Civic Life: Volunteers monitoring polls in Pawtucket found no language access issues in the Sept. 9 primary after a 2024 DOJ consent decree. Arts & Theater: Theater Latté Da brings Paula Vogel’s Tony-winning “Indecent” to the Ritz Theater (Sept. 16–Oct. 18). Climate & Courts: A new report alleges climate litigants are running a campaign to influence the judiciary. Health & Giving: Swim Across America RI’s Narragansett event raised about $323,970 for cancer research at Women & Infants. Weekend Watch: The 12 Metre North American Championship returns to Newport Sept. 18–20.

Worcester Pride Festival: Worcester’s annual Pride roared back on the Common with clear skies, 200+ vendors, and about $140,000 raised for Pride Worcester 2026—plus a new $60,000 boost from Mass250. Cancer Fundraiser: Swim Across America RI brought nearly 1,000 swimmers to Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett, raising an estimated $323,970 for Women & Infants Hospital and pushing the event’s 17-year total past $3.3 million. Local Sports: Rhode Island College opened its 2026 cross-country season at Bryant’s Nassaney Invitational, led by freshman Kristen Fountaine. Health & Caregiving: A new Harris Poll report spotlights postpartum mental health gaps, with Rhode Island tied in through the Lindsay Clancy case. Community & Culture: A Rhode Island deaf-community feature highlights how ASL access and awareness still lag. Tech & Well-Being: A new study links constant connectivity to stress and finds scheduled digital breaks can help.

Pride & Community: Worcester Pride Festival returned to the Worcester Common with clear skies and a big turnout, marking its 51st year and raising more than $140,000 for Pride Worcester 2026. Local Sports: Rhode Island’s Ryan Kaiser and Matthew Lucas helped the Rams win the team title at the Shawn M. Nassaney Invitational, with multiple URI runners placing in the top finishers. Accessibility & Culture: A Rhode Island-focused look at the deaf community highlights how limited ASL access in schools can leave many hearing people unprepared to engage with Deaf culture. Arts & Music: A prize-winning mezzo-soprano kicks off a free weeklong state tour, bringing classical programming to Rhode Island-area audiences. Health & Family Life: A Harris Poll report spotlights postpartum mental health gaps, with Rhode Island tied in through the Lindsay Clancy case. Food Policy: Rhode Island became the second state to ban grocery restrictive covenants that can block new food stores from former supermarket sites. Civic Planning: Newport is set to hold a Sept. 17 workshop on shifting stormwater costs to a fee based on impervious area.

Rhode Island Politics: Helena Foulkes’ stunning Democratic primary win ousted Gov. Dan McKee, and Providence’s mayoral race flipped too, with David Morales (DSA-backed) defeating Brett Smiley—setting up a high-stakes November. Local Governance & Access: Rhode Island became the second state to ban grocery restrictive covenants that can lock out competitors, a move aimed at boosting food options in places like Woonsocket. Maternal Health: A Harris Poll report finds major gaps in postpartum mental health support, with Rhode Island tied in through the Lindsay Clancy case. Community & Culture: Alyssa Limperis, a Seekonk comedian known for Rhode Island mom skits, is riding a breakout year with festival wins and new screen roles. Sports & Lifestyle: Newport hosts the Pro-Am polo at Glen Farm, with a Barbados trip prize on the line, and Bermuda sailors are in Newport for the NYYC Women’s International Championship. Health & Wellness Research: URI researchers report waist size and BMI together better predict mortality risk in older adults. Arts Journalism: Rabkin Foundation announced 2026 visual arts journalism grant winners, including Rhode Island-linked voices.

Providence Politics: DSA-backed state Rep. David Morales defeated incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary, setting up a November mayoral showdown with Morales pushing a divestment message tied to Israel/Palestine. Statehouse Shakeup: Helena Foulkes swept Rhode Island’s Democratic governor primary, ousting Gov. Dan McKee after a campaign dominated by the Washington Bridge fight; McKee later endorsed the full Democratic ticket. Health & Aging: URI researchers report waist size and BMI together better predict mortality risk in adults 65+—a more complete picture than either measure alone. Local Utilities: Newport will hold a Sept. 17 workshop on changing stormwater costs to a separate fee based on impervious area, with no rates adopted yet. Community & Culture: The Rabkin Foundation named eight winners of its 2026 visual arts journalism grants, including Rhode Island–linked voices. Science for Families: URI’s Science Saturday returns Sept. 26 with free ocean science exhibits and tours at the Narragansett Bay Campus. Traffic Safety: Aquidneck Island police logged 4,059 traffic stops and 48 DUI arrests during Operation Safe Summer.

Rhode Island Politics: Helena Foulkes swept Rhode Island’s Democratic governor primary, ousting Gov. Dan McKee, while Providence voters elected progressive David Morales mayor—an earthquake that also toppled incumbent Brett Smiley in the primary. Local Governance: McKee quickly endorsed the full Democratic ticket after losing, including Sabina Matos for lieutenant governor and Kim Ahern for attorney general. Immigration & Education: The U.S. Justice Department filed final lawsuits targeting in-state tuition and aid for illegal immigrants in Hawaii, D.C., Arkansas, and Utah, arguing it conflicts with federal law. Culture & Arts: Trinity Rep’s “The Getaway Driver” brings true-crime drama to the stage, and CTC’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” lands as a fresh, funny take on Oscar Wilde. Community & Health: Beacon Bank set a new record in Rhode Island’s summer food drive, collecting 7,500+ pounds for local pantries. Outdoors & Wellness: DEM reminds hunters to wear fluorescent orange for safety, and URI is recruiting youth with visual impairments for a surf-therapy study. Remembering 9/11: Rhode Island coverage marks the 25th anniversary with local remembrance and stories tied to the day.

Providence Politics: Democratic Socialist David Morales unseated Mayor Brett Smiley in the Providence primary, promising rent caps, stronger public schools, and tougher stances on immigration enforcement—an outcome that signals a leftward shift in city leadership. Statewide Upset: Helena Foulkes defeated Gov. Dan McKee by 25 points in the Democratic governor primary, setting up a November matchup and marking a rare incumbent primary loss. Voting Access Check: Federal monitors reviewed Pawtucket polling sites for Spanish-language support and found no significant problems after past concerns. Community Service Funding: AG Nick Brown and a coalition reached a settlement protecting AmeriCorps from further Trump-era dismantling attempts, keeping FY26-27 funding steady. Arts & Culture: Trinity Rep’s new true-crime drama “The Getaway Driver” opens, and the Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation announced 2026 $50,000 Rabkin Prize arts journalism winners. Local Learning & Careers: IYRS is taking applications for a scholarship supporting women in the marine trades and advanced manufacturing. Food Safety: De Todito chips were recalled again due to pork cracklings sourced from Colombia.

Providence Politics: State Rep. David Morales, a 27-year-old democratic socialist backed by Bernie Sanders, ousted Mayor Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary—setting up a November showdown and putting divestment and antisemitism concerns front and center. Statehouse Shake-Up: Gov. Dan McKee was defeated in the Democratic primary by Helena Foulkes, while Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos won her primary, and Sen. Jack Reed cruised to renomination. Immigration & Civil Liberties: A multi-state coalition (including Rhode Island’s AG team) is pushing courts to limit ICE warrantless arrests, arguing federal officers must follow statutory safeguards. Health & Reproductive Care: A new analysis finds ectopic pregnancy deaths have nearly doubled, with the sharpest harm in states with abortion bans. Arts & Culture: The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation named eight winners of its 2026 Rabkin Prize for arts journalism, including Rhode Island curator Melaine Ferdinand-King. Community & Faith: Rhode Island churches are coordinating 9/11 remembrance events, including bell-ringing and open-door prayer during the 25th anniversary period.