AGP Executive Report

Narrow River Update: Narragansett cleared the last permit hurdle for its Narrow River dredging project, but officials now have to coordinate fast and meet strict start/finish timing rules to keep the work on track before the end of 2026. Family Fun Opening: A new indoor entertainment complex, Launch, is nearing its mid-October opening in Rhode Island, with trampolines, duckpin bowling, an arcade, and a full restaurant/bar planned. Fall Outdoors Reminder: Rhode Island DEM is urging hunters to wear fluorescent orange starting Sept. 12 through Feb. 28, with specific guidance for archery deer season. Surf Therapy Study: URI is recruiting youth with blindness or visual impairment for a pilot surf therapy research program. 9/11 Observances: Multiple Rhode Island remembrance ceremonies are scheduled across the state on Sept. 11, including events in Warwick, East Greenwich, East Providence, Newport, and more. Jamestown Dining: A look at Jamestown’s food scene highlights how local favorites and new chapters are shaping the island’s culinary draw.

9/11 Commemorations: Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts are marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with ceremonies in Warwick, East Greenwich, East Providence, West Greenwich, Central Falls, Exeter (including the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery Wall of Honor), and Newport, plus multiple observances across Massachusetts. Travel Safety & Roads: A Middletown crash killed a child under 3 after a Portsmouth officer terminated an attempted traffic stop; the driver faces DUI-related charges. Local Planning: A Barrington town newsletter highlights a special council meeting focused on the 2026 comprehensive plan and a refuse/recycling contract discussion. Fall Getaways in RI: Newport Vineyards kicks off harvest season with daily tours and tastings, plus a Sept. 20 Cider Festival and an Oct. 25 Harvest Festival. Food & Dining: Jamestown’s food scene is back in full swing with a dinner-party-style lineup nightly, and Heritage—Chef Demetrius Brown’s Afro-Caribbean restaurant in Summerhill—opens with a deeply personal menu. Vacation Home Tax: Rhode Island’s “Taylor Swift tax” on high-value vacation homes is raising property taxes and fueling debate over affordable housing funding. Campus Tourism: URI welcomed a new wave of first-year students during move-in weekend, adding to the fall visitor buzz. Public Health Recall: De Todito mixed chip snacks are recalled again because pork cracklings came from Colombia, which is barred from exporting meat to the U.S.

Vacation Home Tax: Rhode Island’s “Taylor Swift tax” is raising property taxes on pricey second homes, with debate over whether it will fund affordable housing or push out wealthy owners who support the local economy. Housing Demand Signals: A Zillow report finds out-of-towners searching rentals in Providence, pointing to a potential incoming-renter pipeline, with affordability highlighted as a key driver. Road Safety & Travel Planning: Preliminary National Safety Council data shows Rhode Island up 22% in traffic fatalities in the first half of 2026, even as the national total dips slightly—another reason to plan safer drives. Local Tourism Infrastructure: Charlestown council approved $275,000 to renovate Fort Getty’s lower bathrooms, a practical upgrade for beach-and-RV visitors. New Flight Options from PVD: Allegiant adds limited, hyper-seasonal winter flights from PVD to Orlando-Sanford, Fort Lauderdale, and Sarasota—good news for sunshine seekers planning ahead. Family Fun & Community Events: Rhythm and Roots keeps drawing crowds at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, and the Maddie Potts Jamboree returns at Chariho, mixing sports with community remembrance. Historic Rhode Island Attractions: Classic carousels still operate across the state, but rising costs and climate pressures threaten their future—especially for rides like Watch Hill’s Flying Horse.

Local Travel & Events: The 8th annual Maddie Potts Jamboree at Chariho in Wood River Junction continues a nearly decade-long tradition honoring the late soccer standout, with games and community fundraising tied to the Maddie Potts Foundation. Family-Friendly Fun: Watch Hill’s Flying Horse Merry-Go-Round and other classic carousels across Rhode Island still run for $5 or less, though rising costs and climate pressures could threaten the era. Community Calendar: South Boston Street Fest returns Sept. 19 (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) with live music, food, shopping, artists, and family activities. Air Travel: Allegiant adds limited, hyper-seasonal flights from PVD to Orlando-Sanford, Fort Lauderdale, and Sarasota during select winter/spring weeks—an easier path to Florida sunshine. Outdoor & Nature: A rare pine warbler visitor story from the region highlights fall bird migration and why warming waters are changing what shows up where. Tech & Maritime: Sail Newport’s BlueTIDE event at Fort Adams showcased Navy-linked tech demos in Narragansett Bay, underscoring Rhode Island’s role in maritime innovation. Transportation Watch: Police reported two uninjured after a small plane overshot a runway at Richmond Airport, briefly closing Heaton Orchard Road. Education & Campus: URI’s fall Honors Colloquium brings free, public interstellar-themed lectures starting Sept. 15, with livestream options.

Adaptive Surf Therapy in RI: URI is expanding its surf therapy program with a new pilot study for youth ages 5–17 who are blind or have visual impairments, supported by a Fogarty Foundation grant. URI Honors Colloquium: The University of Rhode Island’s free, public fall lecture series kicks off Sept. 15 with interstellar exploration themes, featuring speakers like Mae Jemison and NASA technologist Les Johnson. Narragansett Bay Breakthrough: REGENT’s Viceroy Seaglider completed its first human-crewed flight over Narragansett Bay, a short test that marks progress toward 2027 coastal transport. URI Move-In Weekend: About 5,400 residential students settled into Kingston Campus housing during URI’s festive move-in stretch, with families cheering on new nursing and other majors. Gas Prices Watch: AAA reports Rhode Island gas prices are up 10 cents, adding pressure as end-of-summer travel continues. Travel Convenience: USPS is partnering with TSA to add PreCheck enrollment at select Northeast post offices, including Providence. Beach Season Wrap: Labor Day brought Rhode Islanders’ final unofficial beach day at Narragansett Town Beach, with lifeguards winding down.

Coastal Tech & Travel: REGENT’s Viceroy Seaglider just completed its first human-crewed flight above Narragansett Bay—two captains aboard, 30 seconds aloft at about 33 feet and 1,956 feet traveled—moving the all-electric “flying boat” toward 2027 deliveries. Labor Day Beach Wrap: Rhode Islanders squeezed in one last unofficial summer day at Narragansett’s Salty Brine and Town Beach as lifeguards wrapped up seasonal coverage. Gas Prices: AAA reports Rhode Island’s average gas price rose 10 cents, with end-of-summer pump costs climbing across the region. Local Culture & Reading: A Rhode Island connection pops up in a new “Postmarked & Tipsy” postcard podcast, pairing vintage Rhode Island River Explorer history with local cocktail lore. Accessibility in Housing: A Newport Superior Court judge upheld a Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights ruling finding disability discrimination and retaliation by a landlord after a service dog was disclosed. New Student Life: URI welcomed about 5,400 on-campus residential students during its festive move-in weekend on the Kingston campus.

Coastal Tech & Travel: REGENT’s Viceroy Seaglider just completed its first human-crewed flight above Narragansett Bay—two captains aboard, a 30-second hop covering 1,956 feet at about 33 feet over the water—marking a major step toward 2027 coastal electric transport. Labor Day in Rhode Island: Rhode Islanders soaked up the final unofficial day of summer at Narragansett Town Beach, with sunshine and a last beach-day vibe before the season winds down. Local Business & Food: Two new food trucks are rolling into town, bringing family-run flavors from coffee to sammies. Outdoor & Economy: The Beige Book says New England’s economy is growing slightly, but businesses are more worried about inflation, energy costs, tariffs, and interest rates—good context for travelers watching prices. Accessibility & Housing: A Newport Superior Court judge upheld a Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights finding that a landlord discriminated and retaliated against a would-be tenant after learning they needed a service dog. Wildlife Watch: Warm-water shark sightings off New England are becoming more consistent, with experts linking the trend to rising ocean temperatures.

Coastal Tech & Transport: REGENT’s Viceroy Seaglider just completed its first human-crewed flight above Narragansett Bay, carrying two captains for a 30-second test at about 33 ft while traveling 1,956 ft—an electric craft designed to switch between floating, hydrofoiling, and low-altitude “wing-in-ground-effect” travel for coastal passenger service. Labor Day in Rhode Island: A sunny, dry holiday forecast brings comfortable temps (mid-70s inland, cooler at the coast) with near-zero rain chances—ideal for beach walks, parks, and late-summer outdoor plans. Tourism Safety Reminder: Rhode Island police chiefs and RIDOT are ramping up patrols for Labor Day weekend, urging drivers to plan ahead for safe rides and avoid impaired driving. Wildlife Watch: Experts say warm-water shark sightings around New England—including Rhode Island—are becoming more consistent as ocean temperatures shift their range north. Accessibility & Housing: A Newport Superior Court judge upheld a Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights finding that a landlord discriminated against a would-be tenant with a service dog by demanding extra deposits/fees and changing terms.

Coastal Tech & Transport: REGENT Seaglider’s Viceroy prototype completed its first human-crewed flight on Narragansett Bay, a 30-second hop over the water that the company says validates its electric, near-surface passenger transport plans. Labor Day in Rhode Island: A Rhode Island weather roundup calls for clear, comfortable holiday conditions—sunny skies, low rain chances, and temps in the 70s—plus a reminder of the state’s deep Labor Day roots in the early textile workforce. Outdoor Safety: Rhode Island police and partners announced extra DUI patrols and a BAT mobile for the Labor Day weekend, urging drivers to plan ahead for safe rides. Marine Life Watch: Experts say warm-water sharks are showing up more consistently in New England, including off Rhode Island, as ocean temperatures shift. Local Culture & Community: A Seabee honors story highlights Rhode Island Navy Seabee Mary Montigny paying respects at Gardiner Cemetery during a Warrior Bike trek. Travel Disruption Note: A Rhode Island-related tourism caution comes from a report of a third knife attack in Times Square in under a week, raising safety concerns for visitors.

Shark Sightings: Warm-water sharks are showing up more consistently off Cape Cod, the Islands, and Rhode Island as ocean temperatures rise, with experts linking the shift to climate-driven migration. Road & Access Updates: RIDOT will open a new Route 1 (Post Road) North to Route 37 West ramp in Warwick on Sept. 11 and close the old looping on-ramp to support bridge demolition, with drivers urged to slow down through the new intersection. Coastal Planning: The Coastal Resilience Committee says there’s little support for replacing a Fred Benson Town Beach pavilion, while it continues work on dunes, marsh education, and a planned pavilion exhibit. Fall Getaway Ideas: A Rhode Island writer highlights Middletown as a quieter fall base—apple picking at Sweet Berry Farm and seasonal stops like Custom House Coffee. Labor Day Safety Push: Police chiefs and RIDOT are teaming up for extra DUI patrols statewide ahead of the holiday, urging safe rides, slower driving, and buckling up.

Shark Season Shifts: Experts say warming waters are making more warm-water shark species show up consistently off Cape Cod, the Islands, and Rhode Island—good news for ocean lovers, but a reminder to stay alert at the beach. Road-Trip Reality Check: RIDOT plans a Labor Day-weekend traffic change in Warwick: a new Route 1 (Post Road) North to Route 37 West ramp opens Sept. 11, while the old looping on-ramp closes—expect a new signal-driven flow. Labor Day Safety Push: Rhode Island traffic safety leaders and police chiefs are ramping up patrols and urging drivers to plan ahead, buckle up, and never drive impaired as holiday travel spikes. Coastal Resilience Debate: The Coastal Resilience Committee says public support for replacing the Fred Benson Town Beach pavilion is limited, with more work ahead on dunes, marsh education, and community engagement. Local Tourism & Transit Notes: A Rhode Island commuter survey puts a high price on avoiding the Route 6/10 interchange, underscoring how traffic can shape travel plans. Sports With Rhode Island Ties: Merrimack opens its season against URI, while Bishop Hendricken hosts Chaminade in a headline-grabbing matchup that brings extra attention to the state’s game-day scene.

Road Trip & Traffic: RIDOT will open a new Route 1 (Post Road) North to Route 37 West ramp in Warwick on Friday, Sept. 11, while closing the old looping on-ramp—drivers should expect a new temporary signal and slower speeds as the interchange is rebuilt. Coastal Planning: The Coastal Resilience Committee says public support is limited for replacing the Fred Benson Town Beach pavilion, with dune and marsh education walks continuing this season. Local Events & Fun: Newport Polo’s England matchup returns Saturday, Sept. 5 (4 p.m.) at Glen Farm, with gates opening at noon and a “Bridgerton Bouquets” sideline theme. Tourism Budget Watch: A Connecticut meals tax story highlights how tourism funds can get diverted—an angle that matters for Rhode Island travelers who want destination promotion to actually reach the public. Food & Travel Deals: A national SNAP debate flags how fast-food spending is rising, with Rhode Island listed among states affected—worth noting for visitors planning meals on a budget. Weather Note: A Rhode Island forecast calls for sweaty conditions with scattered hot flashes.

Travel Advisory: RIDOT will open a new Route 1 (Post Road) North to Route 37 West ramp in Warwick on Friday, Sept. 11, while closing the old looping on-ramp as bridge demolition continues—drivers should expect a new temporary signal and plan for slower, careful navigation. Coastal Planning: The Coastal Resilience Committee says support for replacing the Fred Benson Town Beach pavilion is limited, while work continues on a pavilion exhibit and dune/marsh education efforts, with more community materials expected by late September. Local Culture & Events: Newport Polo’s Sept. 5 match vs. England returns to the field at Glen Farm (4 p.m. start; gates open noon), with a “Bridgerton Bouquets” sideline theme, divot-stomp halftime, and the Brenton Hotel as official lodging partner. Outdoor & Sports Tourism: The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort hosts the 2026 Rhode Island FITASC Open on Sept. 5, featuring 100-bird FITASC and 100-bird Super Sporting courses plus on-site lunch and registration details for shooters. Research & Global Connections: URI water scientist Soni Pradhanang shares insight on Nepal’s recent glacial collapse and flooding, tying her hydrology work to real-world hazard communication and training she helped deliver in Kathmandu. Tourism Funding Watch: A report on meals-tax money diversion highlights how restaurant tax revenue may not be reaching tourism promotion as intended—an issue Rhode Island visitors and hospitality workers may want to watch closely.

Road Construction & Access: RIDOT will open a new Route 1 (Post Road) North to Route 37 West ramp in Warwick on Friday, Sept. 11, while closing the old looping on-ramp as the Route 37 bridge demolition continues—drivers should expect a new temporary signal and slower speeds through the change. Coastal Resilience: The Coastal Resilience Committee says public support is limited for replacing the Fred Benson Town Beach pavilion, while it keeps working on dunes/marsh education and plans an end-of-September exhibit timeline for the pavilion interior. Newport Polo: Newport Polo hosts England on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Glen Farm (4 p.m.), with a full day of chukkers, a “Bridgerton Bouquets” sideline contest, and the Brenton Hotel as official lodging partner. Outdoor Weekend Picks: The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort in Richmond runs the 2026 Rhode Island FITASC Open Saturday, Sept. 5 (100-bird FITASC + 100-bird Super Sporting), plus on-site lunch and registration details online. Travel Tips for Visitors: A Newport hotel lost-and-found roundup highlights the most commonly forgotten items—especially phone chargers—and where they tend to turn up after checkout.

Rhode Island Travel & Events: The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort in Richmond is hosting the 2026 Rhode Island FITASC Open this Saturday, Sept. 5, with a full-day 100-bird FITASC course plus a 100-bird Super Sporting course (registration opens 8 a.m.; courses run 9 a.m.–5 p.m.). Newport Spotlight: Newport Polo’s International Polo Series keeps the tradition going with England vs. Newport Polo on Saturday, Sept. 5 at BD Field at Glen Farm (gates noon; match 4 p.m.), plus a “Bridgerton Bouquets” sideline theme and local hospitality partners. Coastal Tech & Tourism: REGENT Craft says its full-scale Viceroy Seaglider prototype has completed its first human-crewed flight over Narragansett Bay—an all-electric milestone that could shape future Rhode Island maritime travel. Local Visitor Tips: Hotel staff at Rhode Island’s Wayfinder say phone chargers are the most common lost item—so do a final “last lap” check behind nightstands and desks before you head out. Labor & Hospitality Watch: A strike at Encore Boston Harbor (nearby for RI visitors) begins today, with workers seeking pay increases and job security—worth noting for anyone planning regional trips. Food Policy Nationally: A Texas GOP bill would end SNAP’s Restaurant Meals Program, which could affect Rhode Island among other states that use the benefit. Music Weekend Energy: Rhythm & Roots Festival returns Sept. 4–6 at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, with camping and major roots acts drawing thousands.

Coastal Tech Milestone: Regent Craft says its full-scale Viceroy Seaglider prototype completed its first human-crewed flight over Narragansett Bay—30 seconds, 1,956 feet, two captains aboard—an early step toward commercial service for a 12-passenger, all-electric craft. Newport Visitor Experience: Newport is moving ahead with a proposed unified “Park Newport” digital system to consolidate municipal parking permits, payments, wayfinding and enforcement into one app/website—aimed at reducing confusion for drivers and easing congestion in a tourism-heavy city. Flooding & Access Planning: Newport City Council held a public workshop on flooding risks at Hazard Road, a scenic but often impassable one-way stretch near Gooseneck Marsh, to shape a grant-funded study and future access plans. Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA Northeast reports higher gas prices in Rhode Island and the region for Labor Day, plus guidance on the best and worst departure times to dodge peak congestion. Beach Season Updates: Rhode Island’s DEM says Mackerel Cove closes for the season Tuesday, Sept. 8, with staffing and lifeguard schedules shifting through the holiday weekend. Local Culture: Charlestown’s Rhythm & Roots festival returns to Ninigret Park, drawing thousands for roots music, dance tents and community vibes.