AGP Executive Report

Coastal & Wildlife Buzz: Rhode Island researchers and Mystic Aquarium documented a rare great white close encounter off Block Island—an 8-foot juvenile feeding on a humpback whale—highlighting how the recovering Atlantic white shark population is reaching new waters. Summer Safety Watch: Wildfire smoke from Canada is tinting Rhode Island skies yellow, with air quality alerts urging people with asthma and other sensitivities to limit outdoor activity. Blood Donation Drive: The Rhode Island Blood Center declared an emergency as supplies fell below a two-day level, asking eligible donors to give now (with a scheduled blood drive in Jamestown). Local Culture Spotlight: The 63rd Wickford Art Festival drew artists and visitors to Wilson Park, with both longtime and emerging creators selling work on site. Travel Planning Note: JetBlue is reshuffling routes tied to its Fort Lauderdale expansion, including changes affecting Providence (PVD), which could matter for Rhode Island travelers heading south. Community & Immigration: A Rhode Island judge kept in place a ruling blocking a Trump asylum application freeze, while Refugee Dream Center leaders warn about new fears for Haitians and Syrians. Arts & Heritage: A DAR member’s watercolor earned third place in a national American Heritage Contest, celebrating Rhode Island’s Revolutionary-era history.

Air Travel & Tourism: JetBlue is reshuffling its network to fuel Fort Lauderdale growth, cutting routes and dropping destinations including a Providence–Fort Myers point-to-point service, plus shifting Boston–Amsterdam to seasonal flying. Coastal Access & Environment: Rhode Island coastal regulators are pushing back on a full fix for Newport’s Cliff Walk, with debate over shore-up work that would affect public pathways. Local Events: The Block Island Inshore Fishing Tournament is set for July 25–26, with expanded species and an after-party on July 27. Food & Fun: National Hot Dog Day (July 15) has Rhode Island diners hunting deals and specialty dogs. Public Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide, with Rhode Island among states reporting infections as officials investigate possible salad greens/lettuce sources. Weather: Canadian wildfire smoke and heat are still affecting the region, with air-quality concerns and beach rip-current risk in the mix.

Heat & Safety: Rhode Island is under Heat Advisory conditions through Wednesday, with heat index values near 100°F and guidance to hydrate and limit outdoor exertion. Rip Currents: Beachgoers along Southern New England—including Rhode Island—face dangerous rip currents through Wednesday evening, with life-threatening risk flagged for south-facing beaches and islands. Coastal Watch: Rhode Island coastal regulators are weighing whether to approve major repairs to Newport’s Cliff Walk, including stabilization work tied to a private overlook. Tourism Calendar: Block Island’s Inshore Fishing Tournament still has time to register, running July 25-26 with prizes and an after-party July 27. Local Food & Flavor: A Rhode Island burger classic—Stanleyburger in Central Falls—gets a spotlight for its long-running, no-nonsense recipe. Health Alert: Cyclosporiasis cases continue to spread nationally, with Rhode Island listed among states reporting infections as officials investigate the source. Historic Preservation: Newport Restoration Foundation names Doris Duke Historic Preservation Award honorees, including Miramar restoration and Bailey’s Beach clubhouse. Sailing Buzz: America’s Cup Hall of Fame will induct four sailing legends this October, with the ceremony in New York.

Public Safety—Beach Conditions: Rip current alerts are up for Southern New England, with Rhode Island beaches flagged for a high risk of life-threatening currents through Wednesday evening. Weather Watch: Dangerous heat and humidity continue across Rhode Island, with Heat Advisories in effect Tuesday 11 a.m.–Wednesday 8 p.m., pushing heat index values near 100. Health Alert—Cyclosporiasis: The CDC says 1,645 domestically contracted cyclosporiasis cases have been confirmed since May 1, with Rhode Island among the affected states; officials are still hunting the source as lettuce/salad greens are repeatedly mentioned. Coastal Infrastructure—Newport Cliff Walk: Rhode Island coastal regulators are set to weigh a $23M plan to repair parts of the Cliff Walk, including whether to approve stabilization work tied to a nearby private overlook. Tourism & Culture—Newport Preservation Awards: The Newport Restoration Foundation named Miramar restoration and Bailey’s Beach clubhouse among 2026 Doris Duke Historic Preservation Award honorees, with the ceremony Sept. 11 at Rough Point. Travel Logistics—RIDOT Closures: Overnight I-95 Eddy Street Bridge closures (up to 25 minutes) run weeknights, plus Route 146 Service Road/Sayles Hill Road intersection work with nightly detours through July 19.

Road-Trip Reality Check: RIDOT is rolling out more overnight disruption on Route 146 in North Smithfield (excavation/paving nightly July 13–19, excluding July 17) and Lincoln (Route 146 delays July 21–23, with detours around the Twin River Road Bridge) plus short I-95 Eddy Street Bridge closures in Providence for steel beam placement (up to 25 minutes, midnight–5 a.m.). Coastal Safety & Health: Rhode Island Blood Center and Connecticut Blood Center declared a blood emergency as supplies fell below a two-day level—donors are urged now. Marine Life Spotlight: RI researchers captured what may be the first great white shark video in state waters, feeding on a humpback whale off Block Island. Visitor Alerts: A travel advisory warns of short-duration closures tied to bridge work on I-95 and Route 146 service roads. Local Travel Buzz: Weekapaug Inn in Weekapaug was named among the 10 Best Inns in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards. Summer Outdoors: Tick season continues; experts share safety tips for avoiding bites and removing ticks safely.

Road Closures for Travelers: RIDOT is scheduling overnight work tied to the I-95 Eddy Street Bridge replacement in Providence (up to 25 minutes, midnight–5 a.m., July 14-15 and July 16/19) and more Route 146 Service Road disruptions in North Smithfield (nightly July 13-19, excluding July 17) with detours to keep local access open. More Route 146 Delays: Starting July 21, motorists face slowdowns and detours on Route 146 near the Twin River Road Bridge in Lincoln (10 p.m.–4 a.m. July 21-23) while new directional signage is installed. Health Alert for Visitors: Measles exposure was reported at Philadelphia International Airport on July 4 (Terminals A, B and C, 7:30–11:15 a.m.); travelers who were there and aren’t immune are urged to check vaccination status and watch for symptoms through July 25. Blood Supply Emergency: Rhode Island Blood Center and Connecticut Blood Center declared a blood emergency after supplies fell below a two-day level; donors—especially O-negative—are being urged to give now. Arts & Culture: Rhode Island Foundation is offering three $30,000 composer fellowships (applications due Aug. 10). Tourism Spotlight: Weekapaug Inn in Weekapaug, RI, was named among the 10 Best Inns in the U.S. in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards.

Rhode Island Travel & Safety: RIDOT will shift lanes on Route 37 West in Cranston near Exit 1D (Route 2 North) starting July 17 for bridge demolition work over Power Road, with a second shift on Route 37 East about a month later; drivers should expect work zones and slow down. Wildlife & Water: Marine researchers captured rare great white shark footage off Block Island after seeing an 8-foot juvenile feeding on a humpback whale carcass, adding to Rhode Island’s growing draw for ocean-watchers. Beach Planning: Health officials recommend against swimming at Third Beach, Sandy Point, and City Park Beach, while other coverage notes Sandy Point Beach reopening after bacteria levels returned to safe ranges—good news for summer schedules. Nature Watch (Invasive Threat): A Northern Snakehead was found in a South Kingstown pond (Asa Pond), with anglers urged to humanely kill and report sightings to DEM. Local Culture: A guide to Rhode Island’s 21 lighthouses spotlights Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown and Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, fueling lighthouse road trips.

Heat & Safety Watch: Rhode Island-area travelers should plan for a hotter, more humid stretch this week, with heat index values near 100 possible Tuesday through Thursday—so pack water, take breaks, and schedule outdoor time early. Road-Trip Reality Check: RIDOT will shift lanes on Route 37 in Cranston near Exit 1D (Route 2 North) starting Friday night, creating a work zone for bridge demolition; slow down through the changes. Shark Spotlight: Researchers captured rare great white shark footage off Block Island after a humpback whale carcass drew an 8-foot juvenile shark—another reason to keep an eye on marine updates before heading to the water. Wildlife & Water Alerts: An invasive northern snakehead was found in a South Kingstown pond; anglers are urged to humanely kill any caught fish and report immediately. Local Events: New Bedford Festival Theatre brings Jimmy Buffett’s “Escape to Margaritaville” to the Zeiterion starting July 17, plus a Rhode Island film spotlight on Marion Mauran’s “Elevation Change.” Tourism-Friendly Policy: Rhode Island’s new self-checkout staffing law is already reshaping shopping expectations, with other states watching closely.

Rhode Island Lighthouses: A new guide spotlights Rhode Island’s 21 lighthouses, from Beavertail (Jamestown) to Castle Hill (Newport), with quick “where/when/what to know” details that make planning a coastal day trip easy. Wildlife & Water Safety: Marine researchers captured rare great white shark footage off Block Island after reports of a humpback whale carcass; meanwhile, Rhode Island health officials recommend against swimming at several beaches due to conditions. Invasive Species Alert: A northern snakehead was found in Asa Pond in South Kingstown—anglers are told to humanely kill any caught fish and contact DEM immediately. Local Travel Updates: RIDOT will shift lanes on Route 37 over Power Road in Cranston starting July 17 as bridge demolition continues, with no expected delays but slower driving urged. Tourism-Friendly Infrastructure: USDOT awarded BUILD grants, including $25 million for a Providence intermodal transit center—good news for getting visitors into the city. Shopping Rules Impact: Rhode Island’s new self-checkout staffing law could mean longer lines elsewhere, and it’s already changing how retailers plan staffing.

Travel & Awards: Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards put Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach at No. 1 in Florida and ranked President Donald J. Trump International Airport among the top domestic airports—another reminder that Rhode Island travelers are paying attention to where the “best of” lists land. Local Roads & Access: RIDOT plans lane shifts on Route 37 over Power Road in Cranston starting July 17 as part of a major bridge demolition and replacement project, with full completion targeted for Summer 2028. Shark Watch: Researchers captured rare great white shark footage off Rhode Island after reports of a juvenile white shark feeding on a humpback whale carcass near Block Island. Beach Safety: Health officials recommend against swimming at several popular Rhode Island beaches, including Third Beach, Sandy Point, and City Park Beach. Invasive Species Alert: A northern snakehead was found in Asa Pond in South Kingstown; anglers are asked to report and humanely kill any caught. Shopping Rules: Rhode Island’s new self-checkout staffing law is drawing national attention, with retailers facing fines if they don’t keep at least one staffed lane per three kiosks. Tourism-Adjacent Funding: USDOT announced BUILD grant recipients, including $25 million for a Providence intermodal transit center. Community & Culture: A Rhode Island Supreme Court ruling upheld a divorce decision involving $4 million lottery winnings—an unusual legal story with real local interest.

Road-Trip Disruption in Cranston: RIDOT will shift lanes on Route 37 West near Exit 1D (Route 2 North) starting Friday night, July 17, to create a work zone for demolition of the Route 37 bridge over Power Road; about a month later, Route 37 East will shift similarly, with no major delays expected but drivers urged to slow down. Shark Spotlight for Beachgoers: Marine researchers captured rare video of a great white shark feeding on a humpback whale carcass off Rhode Island near Block Island, adding to the summer buzz for coastal visitors. Local Nature Watch: Rhode Island Fish and Wildlife found an invasive northern snakehead in a South Kingstown pond and is urging anglers not to release or return caught fish, while also warning about the species’ predatory risk. Beach Safety Reminder: Health officials recommend against swimming at Third Beach, Sandy Point, and City Park Beach, keeping visitors alert as summer conditions change. Tourism & Community on the Water: The USS Wichita departed Bristol after a successful port visit tied to the city’s Fourth of July festivities, including free ship tours for more than 1,000 public visitors. Shopping Rules Affecting Visitors: Rhode Island’s new self-checkout staffing law (one staffed lane per three kiosks, with an ADA lane always open) is already being discussed nationally as retailers weigh staffing and potential fines.

Road & Access Updates: RIDOT plans lane shifts on Route 37 over Power Road in Cranston starting July 17, with work-zone changes on the west side first and the east side about a month later—no major delays expected, but drivers should slow down. Beach Safety: RIDOH cleared Sandy Point Beach for swimming after bacteria levels returned to safe counts; Third Beach and City Park Beach remain under advisories. Invasive Species Watch: DEM says a northern snakehead was found in Asa Pond in South Kingstown; transporting or releasing live snakeheads is prohibited, and anglers should humanely kill any caught and report it. Wildlife & Water Alerts: Researchers captured rare great white shark footage off Block Island near a whale carcass—another reminder for visitors to follow local guidance around the water. Tourism & Travel Spotlight: T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick again topped Travel + Leisure’s best domestic airport rankings, praised for easy navigation and recent upgrades. Community & Events: USS Wichita (LCS 13) departed Bristol after a successful Fourth of July port visit, hosting more than 1,000 public ship-tour guests and joining local parade festivities. Health & Outdoors: A new aquatic plant treatment schedule targets invasive weeds at Carolina Trout Pond (Richmond), Shippee Sawmill Pond (Foster), and Meshanticut Lake (Cranston) on July 15—boaters and anglers are urged to avoid use during treatment.

Cape Verde Tourism Buzz: After qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Cape Verde is seeing a surge in U.S. interest—searches and bookings are climbing, and the piece notes direct flights from Rhode Island’s T.F. Green to Cape Verde’s Sal and Praia. Beach Update: Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth has reopened for swimming after bacteria levels returned to safe ranges, while Third Beach and City Park Beach remain under advisories. Outdoor & Water Safety: DEM scheduled invasive aquatic plant treatments for Carolina Trout Pond, Shippee Sawmill Pond, and Meshanticut Lake on July 15—boaters and anglers are urged to avoid the sites during treatment and follow gear-cleaning rules. Local Nature Spotlight: Researchers captured rare great white shark footage off Block Island near a whale carcass, after a long search. Travel Perk for Rhode Island: T.F. Green again topped Travel + Leisure’s best domestic airport ranking, praised for easy navigation and recent upgrades. Middletown Beach Access Question: A $250,000 grant to raise a Third Beach Road access route is under review as town officials confirm how much road the town actually owns. Sports & Community: The Tom McCoy Fun Run in Westerly marks 50 years, and USA Lacrosse named 2026 boys high school All-Americans.

Airport Buzz: Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport just topped Travel + Leisure’s 2026 rankings again, named the nation’s best domestic airport for the second year in a row. Beach Safety Update: Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth has reopened after bacteria levels returned to safe ranges, while Third Beach in Middletown and City Park Beach in Warwick remain under swimming advisories. Wildlife Off the Coast: After a long search, researchers captured rare great white shark footage off Rhode Island waters near Block Island, following a whale carcass alert. Local Travel Culture: East Side Cheese & Provisions in Providence is drawing art collectors with $1 miniature print vending machines featuring local artist Anastasia Inciardi’s work. Tourism + Policy Watch: Rhode Island is moving toward longer grocery checkout lines statewide, with a new law requiring staffed lanes alongside self-checkouts starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Beach Safety Update: Rhode Island’s health department is urging swimmers to skip Third Beach (Middletown), Sandy Point Beach (Portsmouth), and City Park Beach (Warwick) due to high bacteria counts, with updates posted via RIDOH’s beach hotline and website. Local Travel & Stays: Wayfinder Newport is rolling out a “Going Analog” Polaroid camera lending program for guests, plus a Memory Menu of photo-worthy spots around town. Airport & Visitor Convenience: T.F. Green International Airport was named Travel + Leisure’s best domestic airport in its 2026 rankings, a boost for Rhode Island travelers heading in and out. Summer Health: RIDOH and Brown Health Dermatology are offering free skin cancer screenings at select beaches and Lincoln Woods State Park from July 10 through Aug. 22. Big-Ticket RI News: A Narragansett waterfront property sold for $3.6M, including dock access and a Cape Cod-style home. Weather Watch: July 9 looks warm and mostly sunny, with rising humidity into the upper 80s and muggy evenings.

Travel & Weather: July’s stretch is shaping up as prime New England vacation time, with warm days, light evenings, and comfortable water temps—just watch for rip-current warnings and a Friday cold front that could spark storms. Airport & Visitor Perks: T.F. Green is again named Travel + Leisure’s best domestic airport, and Escape Lounges is opening a new pay-per-visit lounge at Philadelphia International (including a Providence location already). Newport Hospitality: Wayfinder Newport is rolling out a Polaroid “Going Analog” camera-lending program plus a Memory Menu of photo-worthy spots. Beaches & Health: RIDOH and Brown Health Dermatology are offering free skin cancer screenings at Easton’s Beach (July 10), Roger Wheeler State Beach (July 18), Scarborough State Beach (July 25 and Aug. 14), and Lincoln Woods State Park beach (Aug. 22). Sustainability in Newport: Newport City Council approved a single-use plastic bag ban ordinance, moving toward a second vote. Local Events: The America’s Cup Hall of Fame Challenge returns to Newport Oct. 3–4 with historic 12-metre yacht racing supporting STEM education.