AGP Executive Report

Defense & Blue Economy: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot maritime production facility at ProvPort in Providence to build advanced undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy and allied forces, a $6M investment that Rhode Island leaders say boosts the state’s maritime defense footprint. Energy Policy: Offshore wind in the Gulf of Mexico hit a wall as RWE agreed to relinquish U.S. offshore wind leases, with the company saying there’s “no path forward” under current U.S. permitting conditions—another blow to renewable development plans. Workforce Training: Rhode Island opened applications for training providers to join the new Workforce Pell program, aiming to make short-term job training more affordable in areas like culinary arts, manufacturing, and building trades. Utilities & Cost Pressure: Attorney General Peter Neronha urged the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s request to raise its profit margin to 10.75% as part of a roughly $230M rate increase. Local Infrastructure Planning: Amtrak’s New Haven-to-Providence capacity study team will hold a public outreach pop-up at Scarborough North State Beach to gather input while the project is still conceptual. Consumer & Fraud Watch: Amazon reinstated binding arbitration and a class-action waiver for Rhode Island shoppers, while BBB Scam Tracker data showed Coventry tied for sixth in scam reports in July. Community & Agriculture: The Washington County Fair is underway in Richmond through Sunday, highlighting livestock, agriculture, and 4-H youth projects. Education Rules: Cumberland schools adopted a phone ban during the school day, with device searches limited to administrators. PFAS in Wells: Tiverton officials and state experts addressed PFAS contamination findings in private wells near the fire station area, with residents pressing for answers.

Defense & Shipbuilding: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot ProvPort facility in Providence to build advanced undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy and allied forces, a $6M investment tied to Rhode Island’s “Blue Economy.” Energy Regulation: Attorney General Peter Neronha urged the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s request to raise its profit margin to 10.75% in a roughly $230M rate increase, arguing bills are already too high. Workforce & Training: Rhode Island opened applications for training providers to join the new Workforce Pell program, expanding Pell aid to short-term programs in areas like manufacturing and building trades. PFAS & Public Health: Tiverton officials and residents faced a PFAS crisis after private wells near the fire station area tested at extremely high levels, with state experts outlining risks and next steps. Local Land-Use: Charlestown approved a townwide ban on data centers and battery energy storage projects, citing land and water use concerns. Agriculture: The Washington County Fair highlighted Rhode Island farming through 4-H youth exhibits and hands-on education. Consumer & Courts: Amazon reinstated binding arbitration and a class-action waiver in its terms, while Rhode Island shoppers can still use small claims up to the $5,000 cap. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data showed Coventry tied for sixth in Rhode Island scam reports in July, with counterfeit product the most common category.

Workforce & Training: Rhode Island opened applications for training providers to join the new federal Workforce Pell program, aiming to make 8–15 week job trainings more affordable in priority fields like culinary arts, manufacturing, and building trades. Energy Costs & Utility Profits: Attorney General Peter Neronha urged the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s request to raise its profit margin to 10.75% as part of a roughly $230M rate increase. Cannabis Licensing: A Rhode Island federal judge dissolved an order blocking the state’s social equity and adult-use cannabis licensing program after changes to state law mooted the earlier challenge. Public Health: The U.S. measles map kept spiking as the Trump administration overhauled childhood vaccine guidance, raising concerns about immunity gaps. Water & Environment: Tiverton officials and residents faced new PFAS findings in private wells near the fire station, with levels far above state safety assumptions. Local Planning: Charlestown approved a municipal-wide ban on data centers and battery energy storage projects, citing land and utility impacts. Rail Outreach: Amtrak’s New Haven-to-Providence capacity study team will hold public Q&A at Scarborough North State Beach Sunday. Schools & Devices: Cumberland schools adopted a phone ban during the school day, with searches limited to administrators.

Energy & Utilities: AG Peter Neronha urged Rhode Island’s Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s request to lift its profit margin to 10.75% in a roughly $230M rate increase, which would raise average residential bills. Rail & Infrastructure: Amtrak’s New Haven-to-Providence capacity planning team will hold public outreach at Scarborough North State Beach Sunday, seeking input on how to preserve and improve rail capacity along the Northeast Corridor. Workforce Training: Rhode Island opened applications for training providers to join the new Workforce Pell program, aiming to make short-term courses in areas like manufacturing and building trades more affordable. Cannabis Licensing: A federal judge dissolved an order blocking Rhode Island’s social equity and adult-use cannabis licensing program after state law changes mooted the earlier challenge. Public Health: A measles outbreak-linked surge continues as the Trump administration overhauls vaccine guidance, with Rhode Island listed among jurisdictions reporting cases. Schools & Safety: Cumberland adopted a phone ban and limited device searches to administrators under a revised personal electronic device policy aligned with new state law. Public Safety & Environment: Newport City Council is weighing more Memorial Boulevard safety reviews after a fatal scooter crash, while Charlestown’s conservation leaders pushed back on tick spray and Roundup use. Housing & Development: Block Island’s Housing Board outlined phased modular construction and a sales-first plan to fund the remaining units. Local Economy & Jobs: A new Workforce Pell push and ongoing rail planning both point to Rhode Island’s focus on skills and transportation capacity.

Workforce & housing push at Quonset: Quonset Development Corp. and Moran Properties plan 140 workforce housing units at Quonset Business Park, with 40% workforce set-aside and additional low- to moderate-income reservations—aimed at easing a housing shortage that’s hurting recruitment and retention. Downtown redevelopment in Pawtucket: Peyser Real Estate Group celebrated the ribbon-cutting for $55M Dexter Street Commons, adding 150 all-electric apartments near transit, with 20% middle-income units and major state and federal incentive support. Engineering firm expands locally: Tighe & Bond relocated its Providence office to The Foundry, signaling continued growth in infrastructure, environmental, and resiliency services. Manufacturing & jobs spotlight: A Rhode Island manufacturing summit at Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick is set to bring together chamber, SBA, and industry groups to help small manufacturers advance and expand. Port and offshore wind momentum: Quonset highlighted the Port of Davisville’s renewed role as an offshore wind hub, citing rising vessel calls and new cable landfall work. Local business growth: Sweeney R.E. & Appraisal helped secure a showroom lease at Greenwich Mills for Rockman Windows & Doors, adding another design-focused tenant to the destination. Public health tech research: A Rhode Island-linked water systems engineering supporter backs lab work using AI to help design lead-binding biomolecules, targeting safer drinking water from aging pipes.

Defense & Manufacturing: L3Harris opened a new 50,000-square-foot maritime production facility at ProvPort in Providence, completing a $6M investment to build undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy and allied forces—another boost for Rhode Island’s defense “blue economy.” Energy Costs & Regulation: Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha urged the Public Utilities Commission to reject Rhode Island Energy’s proposed profit increase and more than $200M in higher gas and electric distribution rates, arguing ratepayers can’t afford it. Offshore Wind Progress: Ørsted says Revolution Wind is now over 95% complete, with 61 of 65 turbines installed and the project on track for full commercial operation by end of 2026. Public Safety Tech: Flock Safety rolled out privacy reforms, but critics say the core issue remains—officers can still search license plates broadly without a warrant. Housing Finance: States including Rhode Island are suing to block federal mortgage escrow interest rules that could cut homeowners’ payments. Local Business & Jobs: Citi agreed to acquire Kard Financial, expanding commerce media and rewards capabilities—an example of how fintech and payments keep reshaping customer engagement. Energy Prices: Diesel hit $4.99 in Kent County in the week ending Aug. 8, with countywide averages easing.

Defense & Maritime Manufacturing: L3Harris opened a $6M, 50,000-square-foot maritime production facility at ProvPort in Providence to design and build undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy and allied forces, adding capacity to its Rhode Island operations and aiming to deepen local partnerships. Energy & Offshore Wind: The Trump administration’s 90-day suspension of the 704 MW Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island has triggered legal action and renewed uncertainty for investors and workers tied to the nearly completed build. Environmental Health & Local Water: Tiverton residents pressed officials for answers after PFAS were found in private wells near the Crandall Road fire station, with the state pointing to historic AFFF use. Consumer & Housing Finance: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha joined a multistate lawsuit challenging an OCC decision that would preempt state rules requiring mortgage escrow interest to be paid to homeowners. Local Business & Growth: Earth Science Tech announced an acquisition of a California compounding pharmacy to expand its footprint, including adding Rhode Island to its authorized dispensing territories. Community & Agriculture: The Washington County Fair returned for its 60th year, spotlighting livestock, agriculture, and nonprofit-run food concessions. Education & Research: URI highlighted land- and sea-focused research for local officials, while a URI engineering startup team joined semiconductor giant AMD.

Defense & Maritime Manufacturing: L3Harris opened a $6M, 50,000-square-foot maritime production facility at ProvPort in Providence to build undersea training systems for the U.S. Navy and allies, adding to Rhode Island’s defense-tech footprint. Higher Ed & Research: Bryant University and Ghana’s Ashesi University signed an MOU to expand global academic collaboration, experiential learning, and research ties. AI & Semiconductors: URI engineering startup FastFlowLM joined AMD, showing how local research is feeding into major chip-industry work. Energy Policy: Ørsted and partners are fighting a 90-day national-security suspension of the 704 MW Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island, with major knock-on effects for workers and investors. Local Tech & Coastal Science: Charlestown reported its public-access coastal camera was stolen, disrupting a URI/Sea Grant Ocean-CREST live feed used for coastal resilience research. Construction & Jobs: URI says dozens of campus projects, including residence halls and Meade Stadium work, are on track for the 2026-27 academic year. Consumer/Workforce: CVS pharmacy workers in Rhode Island voted for a strike sanction over unsafe staffing, while a new analysis warns public conviction registries are spreading beyond sex offenses. Business Moves: FM acquired wildfire intelligence firm FortressFire to help insurers quantify ignition risk at the property level.

Healthcare & Biotech: TSRL CEO Dr. Elke Lipka will present in Providence on hydrogel microneedle array patch research aimed at improving trospium chloride delivery for overactive bladder. Workforce & Business Leadership: Power Home Remodeling co-CEOs Asher Raphael and Corey Schiller earned Glassdoor’s Best CEO recognition for people-first leadership. Local Construction & Safety: Rhode Island Energy marked National 811 Safe Digging Day with a reminder that anyone digging must call 811 at least 72 hours ahead to protect underground utilities. Education Funding: Rhode Island officials awarded $1.62M in Learn365RI grants to expand after-school, summer, and other out-of-school learning across the state. Consumer Finance: Rhode Island is among states suing the Trump administration over OCC rules that could cut homeowners’ interest payments on mortgage escrow accounts. Manufacturing/Compliance Watch: EU PPWR packaging rules take effect Aug. 12, with new PFAS limits for food-contact packaging and tighter recycling and labeling requirements ahead. Health Care Innovation (RI): Rhode Island Hospital performed a first-in-state thumb joint replacement using the newly FDA-approved TOUCH CMC 1 implant. Industry & Trade Policy: The CFTC used emergency authority to keep Kalshi operating nationwide as a multi-state legal fight over prediction market regulation escalates. Scam Risk: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Rhode Island’s neighbors continue to report high volumes of online purchase scams, underscoring ongoing consumer fraud pressure.

Mortgage Escrow Fight: A coalition of Democratic-led states, including Oregon and New York, sued the Trump administration’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to block new rules that would strip state laws requiring banks to pay interest on homeowners’ escrow accounts for taxes and insurance—potentially costing families hundreds to thousands of dollars. Consumer Finance Watch: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined the challenge, arguing the move favors big banks and undermines long-standing consumer protections. Local Business & Health: Rhode Island Blood Center opened its first permanent Massachusetts donor site in Swansea as blood supply needs remain tight. Healthcare Innovation: University Orthopedics’ Joseph A. Gil, MD, performed Rhode Island’s first thumb joint replacement using the newly FDA-approved TOUCH® CMC 1 implant. RI Tech & Utilities: Rhode Island towns are responding to the data center boom with local bans and moratoriums after the state legislature deadlocked. Scam Radar: BBB Scam Tracker data shows online purchase scams dominate nationwide, with states like Illinois and Maryland seeing large July totals.

Telecom Buildout: GoNetspeed has started $43M, 100% fiber construction in Rahway, with first connections expected this winter and expansion to Clark, Linden and Woodbridge. Cannabis Licensing: Rhode Island reopened the retail licensing application process after residency rules were scrapped, with applications accepted through Nov. 23 and social equity certification required by Sept. 11. Energy & Grid Costs: ISO New England is seeking federal approval to adjust a reliability market after costs far exceeded forecasts, leaving Rhode Island ratepayers exposed. Transportation: RIDOT announced night and lane closures for Washington Bridge construction, including right-lane work over I-195 and ramp closures. Defense Tech: Raytheon and Composite Energy Technologies demonstrated undersea launch capabilities of Hadalus, a low-cost, long-endurance unmanned vehicle, during a Navy exercise off Portsmouth. Public Health & Food Safety: CDC-linked salmonella outbreaks are hitting eggs, jalapeños and pets, with recalls and expanded investigations underway. Housing & Homelessness: A Rhode Island federal court blocked HUD’s FY 2026 homeless-grant eligibility criteria over required public notice-and-comment steps. Insurance Costs: Insurify expects full-coverage auto premiums to rise again in 32 states by year-end.

Public Health: A multistate Salmonella wave tied to recalled eggs and jalapeños has sickened hundreds, with CDC/ FDA investigations expanding as more products are pulled. Housing & Courts: A federal judge blocked HUD’s latest FY 2026 homelessness grant eligibility rules, citing a failure to run required public notice-and-comment steps. Energy & Grid: ISO New England is asking FERC to approve fixes to a reliability market after costs surged far above projections, putting pressure on Rhode Island ratepayers. Transportation: RIDOT announced lane closures for Washington Bridge construction and preventative maintenance on I-195. Defense & Tech: Raytheon and Rhode Island-based Composite Energy Technologies demonstrated Hadalus, a low-cost unmanned undersea vehicle, in Navy exercises. Retail Labor: Rhode Island’s new self-checkout staffing law kicks in next year, requiring at least one employee per three kiosks. Food & Fishing: With Narragansett Bay running hotter, anglers are being urged to fish structure and moving water for better results. Cybersecurity: Lawmakers face renewed pressure after cyberattacks hit water utilities, with proposals to strengthen baseline security standards.

Defense & Manufacturing: Raytheon says the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy have acquired its Hadalus low-cost, long-endurance undersea drones for operational testing, built with Rhode Island-based Composite Energy Technologies. Food Safety: USDA/FSIS issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños tied to a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened hundreds nationwide, including Rhode Island. Labor & Agriculture: New AEWRs for H-2A workers in 2026-2027 are set to rise in most states, with Rhode Island employers and farms likely watching the wage-rate changes closely. Housing Politics: Providence’s rent stabilization fight is still alive in the House District 7 Democratic primary after a mayoral veto, keeping the policy debate front and center. Public Integrity: A Rhode Island DHS supervisor pleaded guilty in federal court for misusing SNAP access, including unauthorized EBT balance inquiries and PIN changes. Regional Economy: New England governors and eastern Canada premiers meet next week on resilience, security, and economic cooperation, with Rhode Island included.

SNAP Fraud Case: A Rhode Island Human Services supervisor, Nadine Jean Baptiste, pleaded guilty in federal court for repeatedly accessing SNAP EBT card data, running unauthorized balance checks, and altering PINs—improperly accessing more than $300,000, with victims including juveniles, homeless people, and incarcerated residents. Local Infrastructure: Warren is moving toward completion of Veterans Field lighting upgrades, with new poles and fixtures delivered and work expected to start this week, aiming for a Sept. 1 target. Regional Governance & Funding: The First Circuit upheld a ruling blocking the Trump-Vance administration from freezing congressionally approved infrastructure, agriculture, climate, and public health funding. Food Safety: USDA issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella, including items sold in Rhode Island. Energy & Industry: Offshore wind projects on the U.S. East Coast were suspended, raising concerns about impacts to energy supply and jobs. Environment & Health: A report highlights tire-chemical runoff risk to Rhode Island’s native brook trout, pointing to gaps in stormwater tracking. Housing Development: Work has started on Sandpiper Landing, a Charlestown housing project off Chamber Way with 25% affordable units. Business & Talent: Baker Newman Noyes announced multiple senior-level promotions across its Manchester and Portsmouth offices. STEM & Careers: A Michigan State University biocontrol program began releasing parasitoid wasps to target the invasive scarlet lily beetle, building on a similar New England approach. Sports: Port Washington’s 12U Little League team advanced after beating Rhode Island’s Lincoln 10-3 and will face Bayonne next, with the winner heading to the Little League World Series in Williamsport.

Court Victory for Federal Funding: The First Circuit upheld a Rhode Island-linked ruling blocking the Trump-Vance administration from freezing congressionally approved money for infrastructure, agriculture, and climate resilience—an outcome that keeps local nonprofits and conservation groups funded. Offshore Wind Fallout: Multiple reports point to offshore wind projects being paused or unwound along the East Coast, with Rhode Island-area projects named and workers left scrambling as the promised jobs and supply chain support fade. Water & Environment Watch: Rhode Island is moving to study manganese in drinking water while towns say public systems look fine; separately, new reporting flags a tire-chemistry runoff threat to native brook trout where stormwater rules don’t track the contaminant. Manufacturing & Defense Industry: The U.S. Navy is modifying massive nuclear submarine contracts, with Rhode Island and nearby shipbuilding supply chains in the mix, while a Florida firm touts 3D-printed drone boats built for the military. Local Business & Housing: Westerly’s Sandpiper Landing housing project is starting site work, including affordable units, and Barrington is advancing federally funded sidewalk upgrades. Consumer Policy: The FTC says it will stop bringing discrimination cases based only on disparate outcomes, shifting more reliance to state law.

Environmental Risk to Fisheries: A new report says a tire chemical called 6PPD-quinone can wash from roads into Rhode Island streams and threaten native brook trout, with stormwater rules not yet tracking the contaminant. Housing Development: Westerly has begun work on Sandpiper Landing, a planned multi-phase housing project off Chamber Way/Post Road that includes 25% affordable units. Local Seafood Economy: The 41st Charlestown Seafood Festival returns this weekend with fresh vendors, music, and family events, drawing tens of thousands to Ninigret Park. Public Health Watch: URI is studying manganese in drinking water; towns say public systems look fine, but private well owners may need testing. Labor & Politics: Troy Jackson’s path from Maine logger to Democratic Senate nominee against Susan Collins highlights a working-people message tied to Aroostook County. Consumer Protection Policy: The FTC says it will stop bringing cases based on discriminatory outcomes alone, shifting more reliance to state law for Rhode Island consumers. Workforce & Jobs: A Rhode Island-linked read of the national jobs report points to job losses and labor force drop-offs that can mask weaker hiring. Energy & Industry Leadership: Engie North America’s CEO exits after expanding renewables and storage while stepping back from offshore wind. Elections & Campaigns: Rhode Island’s anti-incumbent mood is showing up in the governor’s race, with bridge-related frustration fueling voter anger.