AGP Executive Report

Public Health Alerts: RIDOH and DEM are warning Rhode Islanders to avoid contact with three waterbodies due to harmful algae blooms: Wenscott Reservoir (North Providence), Wilson Reservoir (Burrillville), and Upper Melville Pond (Portsmouth). Swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking are considered high risk until further notice, and officials urge people not to drink untreated water or eat fish from affected areas. Air Quality: DEM forecasts unhealthy ozone for sensitive groups Friday, July 3, in southern RI (Washington, Newport, and Kent counties), with guidance to cut back on outdoor exertion and follow asthma action plans. Food Access & Competition: Gov. Dan McKee ceremonially signed RI legislation aimed at stopping “scorched earth” restrictive covenants that can block grocery stores and worsen food deserts, protecting local small businesses from anti-competitive practices. Medicaid Coverage Fight: Rhode Island’s attorney general is part of a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s Medicaid work requirements for medically frail individuals, arguing it strips protections for vulnerable people. Local Health System Watch: Brown Health’s reported losses tied to Massachusetts hospitals are raising concerns about impacts on Rhode Island services, including ongoing debate over maternity care.

Food Insecurity Boost: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce confirmed a $26 million donation to at least 20 charities ahead of their reported Madison Square Garden wedding, including a $1 million gift to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank to help buy and distribute food through its 137-member network. Pediatric Care & Community Health: The list also includes children’s hospitals and pediatric cancer support, such as MSK Kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, and Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Nutrition & Education Support: Donations span nine food banks plus national hunger relief Feeding America, and youth-focused programs like music and after-school education groups. Public Safety Reminder: As Rhode Islanders gear up for July 4, the state Fire Marshal urged safer celebrations—sparklers only, never unattended grills, and extra caution with extreme heat and water. Medicaid Coverage Fight: Rhode Island is watching a broader legal battle as states challenge new federal Medicaid work requirements for medically frail people, arguing the rules could disrupt coverage for seriously ill and disabled residents.

Extreme Heat Safety: The McKee Administration is urging Rhode Islanders to beat the heat with hydration, limiting exposure, and watching for heat illness as an Extreme Heat Warning covers Southern New England through Friday, with temps forecast around 95–100°F and cooling centers available via 2-1-1 and RIEMA’s website. Air Quality Watch: As heat and humidity intensify, New England agencies are issuing ozone alerts, warning people with asthma, heart/lung conditions, older adults, and children to cut prolonged outdoor activity. Medicaid Coverage Fight: A coalition of 25+ states and D.C. is suing the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rules unlawfully restrict access to care for medically frail people. Local Health & Safety: A motorcyclist was injured in a Johnston crash and transported to Rhode Island Hospital; police say injuries were not life-threatening. Access to Care Expansion: The Joint Chiropractic opened a new Rhode Island clinic in Warwick, marking its 44th state. Food Access Policy: Rhode Island’s new law targets restrictive grocery deed covenants that can block new stores from replacing closures, aiming to help communities facing food deserts.

Extreme Heat & Air Quality: Rhode Island and much of New England are under heat and ozone alerts ahead of the July 4 weekend, with officials warning sensitive groups to limit outdoor activity and watch for breathing problems. Tick-Borne Health Watch: RIDOH reported a Rhode Island resident diagnosed with Powassan virus disease, as cases of this rare tick-borne illness rise nationally and officials continue to urge tick precautions. Medicaid Coverage Fight: A coalition of Democratic-led states (including Rhode Island) sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirement guidance, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for people with serious illness or disability. Local Care Access: The Joint Chiropractic opened a new Rhode Island clinic in Warwick, expanding its network to 44 states. Public Health Workforce: URI trustees approved the next phase toward creating a public medical school, including a national search for a founding dean. Community Safety Tragedy: A Pawtucket family of three generations died after their car plunged into the Seekonk River during what relatives described as a driving lesson. Health-Adjacent Policy: Rhode Island’s beach season parking passes are going on sale online as DEM prepares for a busy, hot holiday weekend.

Extreme Heat & Air Quality: Rhode Island is under an extreme heat warning for July 1–4, with heat index values expected to hit 98–112, plus a statewide ozone alert for Wednesday that could make air “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” urging people to cut outdoor exertion and use cooling centers. Tick-Borne Health Watch: RIDOH reported a Rhode Island resident diagnosed with Powassan virus, a rare but dangerous tick-borne illness, as experts note cases are rising in the U.S. Medicare Advantage Disruption: Brown University Health says it’s ending its Medicare Advantage contract with UnitedHealthcare, affecting about 1,900 Rhode Island seniors and people with disabilities who may face out-of-pocket costs or need new providers. Public Medical School Progress: URI trustees approved the next phase toward a public medical school, including a national search for a founding dean, aiming to address physician shortages. Medicaid Work Requirements Lawsuits: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states (including Rhode Island) sued the Trump administration over new guidance that narrows who qualifies as “medically frail,” arguing it could strip coverage from people with serious illnesses. Local Health & Safety Planning: RIDOT plans a temporary road diet on Warwick’s Main Avenue starting July 10, part of a corridor project aimed at reducing crashes and injuries.

Extreme Heat & Ozone Alerts: Rhode Island issued an extreme heat advisory for Wednesday through Saturday, with heat index values forecast from 98 to 112, and a separate air quality alert warning of unhealthy ozone for sensitive groups. Cooling centers opened across South County, including sites in Westerly and Charlestown. Medicare Advantage Disruption: Brown University Health says it’s ending its contract with UnitedHealthcare for Medicare Advantage patients, affecting about 1,900 seniors and people with disabilities who may face out-of-pocket costs or need to switch providers. Medicaid Work Requirements Fight: A coalition of Democratic-led states, including Rhode Island, sued to block Trump administration Medicaid work requirements, arguing new federal guidance narrows the “medically frail” exemption and could strip coverage from people with serious illnesses. Homelessness Funding Court Win: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled HUD’s changes to Continuum of Care homelessness grant rules were unlawful, backing the “housing first” approach and protecting funding used for permanent housing and supportive services. Air Quality Watch: DEM also warned statewide for unhealthy ozone for sensitive groups on Wednesday, with guidance to limit outdoor exertion and follow asthma action plans. Public Health & Safety: RIDOT plans a road diet on Warwick’s Main Avenue starting July 10 as part of the Warwick Corridor project, aiming to reduce speeding and crashes. Food & Nutrition Education: Stonington’s Yellow Farmhouse Education Center received a USDA Farm to School grant to expand hands-on agriculture, nutrition, and culinary training for students across Rhode Island and beyond. Consumer Health: The FDA announced a recall of Oribae Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo due to microbial contamination, with distribution reported to include Rhode Island.

Medicaid Legal Fight: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states (including Rhode Island) sued the Trump administration to block new Medicaid work requirements, arguing federal rules narrow the “medically frail” exemption too much and could push people with serious illnesses off coverage. Tobacco & Youth Health: New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez welcomed Shopify’s decision to ban all vaping products on its platform, citing risks of nicotine addiction for youth and ongoing state enforcement against flavored disposable vapes. Menopause at Work: A Rhode Island-focused piece tackles the “taboo” of menopause symptoms on the job, urging workplaces to offer support instead of silence. Public Health & Environment: A report highlights harmful algal blooms worsening in warm, nutrient-rich waters, with communities looking at prevention steps to keep lakes and ponds safer for swimming. Rhode Island Safety: Police reported a tragic Seekonk River crash in Pawtucket that killed three family members, including a 2-year-old. Health Research: Brown University researchers found the shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk in older adults. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a potato chip recall to its highest risk level due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Medicaid Coverage Fight: Five New England states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration to block new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rules create paperwork traps and could strip coverage from people who are medically frail but can’t meet a tougher federal standard. ICE Oversight Pushback: Rhode Island’s AG allies urged ICE to reverse a policy that ends investigations and public reporting of deaths after release from custody, warning it reduces transparency and accountability. Public Health Access in RI: Rhode Island signed a law expanding insurance reimbursement for public health dental hygienists, helping Medicare and commercial plans cover preventive care for people who can’t easily reach a dentist. Genetic Privacy: RI’s Genetic Information Privacy Act took effect, requiring genetic testing companies to get express consent for data use and protect (and delete) customer data. Health & Safety Alerts: A “mega heat dome” is driving dangerous heat across much of the U.S., with Rhode Island residents urged to watch for heat illness risk. New Research on Risk: A Brown University study found shingles vaccination may prevent a meaningful share of dementia cases, while new work links microplastics and PFAS to growing health concerns.

Oral Health Access: Rhode Island has expanded insurance reimbursement so public health dental hygienists can be covered by Medicare and commercial plans, aiming to boost preventive care for vulnerable residents. Aging Care Leadership: PACE-RI named Dr. Katharine Darland as its new chief medical officer as the program tops 500 enrolled older adults and expands housing options. Genetic Privacy Law: Gov. McKee signed Rhode Island’s Genetic Information Privacy Act, requiring clear consent and stronger protections for consumer genetic data, including easier deletion requests. Tick-Borne Risk: With tick bites and illnesses surging across the region, health guidance highlights protection steps for families, hikers, and pet owners as cases like Lyme and Powassan draw attention. Shingles & Dementia: A Brown University study reports shingles vaccination could prevent about 1 in 17 dementia cases in older adults. Beach Safety Update: RIDOH recommended reopening swimming areas at Hazards and Gooseberry beaches in Newport after bacteria levels dropped. Public Safety: A man died after being pulled from water at Conimicut Point in Warwick.

Shingles & Brain Health: A Brown University study suggests the shingles vaccine could prevent about 1 in 17 dementia cases in older adults, adding to growing interest in vaccines as tools for long-term brain health. Beach Water Safety: RIDOH says swimming areas at Hazards and Gooseberry beaches in Newport can reopen after bacteria levels dropped back to safe ranges, with monitoring continuing through Labor Day. Tick-Borne Warning: A little-known tick virus, Powassan, is surging in New England, tied to blacklegged tick spread and linked to severe nervous system illness. Microplastics Research: New lab methods help measure PFAS-based microplastics in environmental samples, using reference spectra to better track fluoropolymer particles in dust, sediment, and water-related materials. Health & Community: Rhode Island’s public health updates also include ongoing beach advisories and closures as conditions change. Local Governance & Safety: States are loosening fire and building code rules to cut housing costs, but safety experts warn that fewer protections could raise risk for residents. Higher Ed Integrity: A Brown professor alleges large-scale AI-related cheating on an exam, raising concerns about academic integrity.

Tick-borne surge: A little-known tick virus, Powassan, is showing up more often across the Northeast, tied to blacklegged ticks and a record 2025 count—raising the stakes for Rhode Island outdoor safety. Beach health updates: RIDOH says swimming areas at Hazards and Gooseberry beaches in Newport can reopen after bacteria levels returned to safe ranges, with monitoring continuing through Labor Day. AI and academic integrity: Brown University is facing scrutiny after an economics professor reported a major AI-related cheating incident, warning that academic integrity is at risk. Local tech policy: Westerly town leaders discussed options for a moratorium on AI data centers, citing water and power strain concerns. Care access for women: Massachusetts lawmakers advanced a package to expand menopause care and awareness, building on Rhode Island’s earlier accommodation requirement. Health policy & rights: A federal judge blocked Trump administration transportation funding threats tied to immigration enforcement, citing harm to states and local trust. Quick relief for hives: Dermatologists shared how to tell hives from other rashes and what to do at home or with over-the-counter options.

Beach Health Update: RIDOH says swimming areas at Hazards and Gooseberry beaches in Newport can reopen after bacteria levels returned to safe ranges, with monitoring continuing through Labor Day. Tick-Borne Alerts: A new Rhode Island Powassan case was reported—rare, tick-spread illness—while experts urge tick precautions as tick activity and tick-borne diseases keep rising across New England. Menopause Care Push: Massachusetts lawmakers introduced bills to expand access to menopause care and awareness, building on Rhode Island’s earlier move to require workplace accommodations. Healthcare Costs: Democrats unveiled a Medicare out-of-pocket cost cap proposal for traditional Medicare, aiming to reduce financial risk for seniors. Workplace Leave Update: Mid-year paid family and medical leave benefit updates are rolling out in multiple states, with Rhode Island employers advised to track changing state wage and benefit calculations. Local Governance & AI: Westerly town leaders discussed options for a potential moratorium on AI data centers amid concerns about water and power demands.

Rhode Island Health Care Workforce: URI Trustees authorized the next phase of building a public medical school at the University of Rhode Island, including a national search for a founding dean and curriculum planning, as the state moves to address physician and primary care shortages. Tick-Borne Illness Watch: A new look at tick season shows “ticks are winning,” with Rhode Island and New England seeing rising tick-borne risk; public health experts urge tick precautions to reduce Lyme and other infections. Menopause Care Access: Massachusetts lawmakers advanced a package of bills aimed at expanding menopause care and awareness, building on Rhode Island’s earlier move to require workplace accommodations for menopausal people. Powassan Virus in RI: RIDOH reported a Providence County man in his 60s diagnosed with Powassan virus disease; officials say he’s home after hospitalization and recommend tick prevention. SNAP Relief for Rhode Islanders: Federal courts pushed the U.S. to partially fund SNAP for November after planned freezes, a reminder that food access remains a health issue during funding uncertainty. Local Governance & Health Infrastructure: Westerly council discussed a potential moratorium on AI data centers amid concerns about water and power strain.

Public Health & Safety: Rhode Island’s first Powassan virus case since 2024 has been reported in a man in his 60s in Providence County, with RIDOH urging tick prevention and fast tick removal to lower risk of serious illness. Local Environment & Health: North Kingstown residents say a “rotten eggs” odor near Davisville is worsening, with officials pressing the state Department of Environmental Management to take odor complaints tied to an asphalt plant more seriously. Access to Care & Food Security: The Trump administration says SNAP will be partially funded for November after court rulings, but beneficiaries may see reduced and delayed benefits—raising concerns about how families will stretch groceries. State Health Innovation: Rhode Island Commerce is accepting applications for Innovation Voucher Program grants, up to $75,000, to help small businesses fund R&D with local colleges, universities, hospitals, or research institutions. Workforce & Health Policy: Maryland joined a multistate coalition opposing a proposed federal joint employment rule, arguing it could make wage theft harder to fight and weaken worker protections.

Water Safety Update: RIDOH and RIDEM lifted the harmful algae bloom advisory at Watchaug Pond in Charlestown after testing showed low algae levels and no toxins, but they’re still warning people to avoid contact with Cunliff Lake at Roger Williams Park in Providence, where recreation is high risk until further notice. Healthcare Funding Pressure: Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island and other fiscal leaders urged the Trump administration to reverse federal health care cuts, warning Medicaid and other reductions could push more people into medical debt, delayed care and uninsured status. AI Workforce Shift: Former Gov. Gina Raimondo and partners including OpenAI, Anthropic, Amazon and Microsoft launched Raise Us, a $500M-backed nonprofit aiming to help states prepare workers for AI-driven job disruption. Senior Health Coverage: A new explainer breaks down Medicare Advantage (Part C) benefits and why supplemental perks are driving enrollment growth. Local Health & Community: A Rhode Island chamber event highlighted rising costs tied to Medicaid/Medicare pressures and local employer benefit challenges. Policy Watch: Gov. McKee vetoed bills requiring large buildings to track emissions, arguing it would add burdens without support.

Healthcare Affordability Pushback: Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak and other state fiscal leaders are urging the Trump administration to reverse Medicaid cuts and healthcare coverage rollbacks, warning local governments can’t absorb the fallout. Vaping Crackdown: Wisconsin DOJ welcomed Shopify’s ban on all e-cigarette sales on its platform, following a coalition push by attorneys general—aimed at reducing youth access to addictive nicotine products. RI Water Safety Alerts: RIDOH and DEM lifted the advisory at Watchaug Pond after a harmful algae bloom cleared, but they still recommend avoiding contact with Cunliff Lake at Roger Williams Park in Providence due to high-risk blue-green algae. Privacy Rules for Sensitive Data: New state privacy requirements are gaining momentum, including public registries for data brokers and stricter disclosure controls for high-risk activities. RI Policy Fight: Gov. Dan McKee vetoed bills requiring large buildings to report energy use, citing compliance burdens and potential penalties. Workforce for the AI Era: Brown University is joining Gina Raimondo’s RAISE US initiative, backed by major tech and employers, to help states retrain workers for AI-driven job changes. Food Waste Momentum in RI: Rhode Island’s organics recycling and food waste reduction efforts are gaining traction, even as federal grant funding faces cuts.