AGP Executive Report

Antitrust & Regulation: Trump’s nominee for Justice Department antitrust leadership, Adam Candeub, is facing scrutiny after critics say his FCC record “rubber-stamped” major telecom consolidation—raising questions about how tough he’ll be on mergers and monopolies. Rhode Island Business Growth: Warwick-based Coutu Bros. Moving & Storage was named a finalist in Providence Business News’ 2026 Fastest Growing & Innovative Companies awards, highlighting strong revenue growth for the fourth-generation firm. Energy & Manufacturing: A new Rhode Island net metering initiative is positioned to deliver energy savings for manufacturers while strengthening local renewable hydropower, as solar policy battles continue nationwide. Local Infrastructure & Planning: Cranston paused a RIDOT bike-lane plan amid resident and city-leader opposition over notice and potential impacts on nearby properties. Defense & Industry Policy: A state industrial-policy angle is emerging around new defense firms backed by venture capital and subsidies, with concerns about political lock-in slowing innovation. Water & HVAC Dealmaking: Pentair announced a $1.4B deal to acquire Taco Group, expanding its hydronic and water-based HVAC and data-center solutions footprint.

Drug Pricing & Antitrust: Acting Alaska AG Cori Mills joined a 43-state coalition announcing a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and competition-limiting conduct, with Sandoz facing about $469M total if approved. Consumer Tech & Retail: A U.S. Senate hearing put “surveillance pricing” under the microscope, targeting AI-driven, data-based price differences; two Rhode Island bills banning the practice have been stalled in committee. Energy Policy: A new “50 States of Solar” report says Rhode Island was among the most active states in Q2 2026, with net metering, community solar, and minimum-bill debates driving policy moves. Local Agriculture & Land Use: Sharon residents and planners discussed protecting farmland as land prices and development pressure rise, shaping the town’s upcoming Plan of Conservation and Development update. Manufacturing/Logistics: Rhode Island-linked coverage highlights designers taking shipping and receiving into their own hands as delays, damage, and rising costs strain supply chains. Community & Food: The Charlestown Seafood Festival returns, spotlighting local vendors and long-running clam-cake traditions at Ninigret Park. Public Safety: Warren police reported an ambulance driver became a patient after a crash on Market Street, knocking down a telephone pole.

Housing & Rates: The U.S. housing market picked up in Q2 as home prices rose in more metro areas, even with higher mortgage rates still squeezing buyers. Trade & Tariffs: Rhode Island joined a 25-state lawsuit challenging Trump’s latest tariffs as a “pretext” after courts struck down earlier moves; the case targets tariffs tied to forced-labor claims. Drug Pricing Crackdown: Rhode Island is part of a broad state AG effort to resolve allegations of generic drug price-fixing by Sandoz, with a $400 million settlement in principle (about $469 million total) pending approvals. Energy & Local Industry: A new Rhode Island net-metering initiative is set to help manufacturers cut electricity costs using power from the city-owned Thundermist Hydroelectric Facility at Woonsocket Falls Dam. State Economy Watch: URI economist Leonard Lardaro says Rhode Island’s June data shows early recovery momentum, with retail sales and manufacturing hours improving. Community & Food: FeedRI’s “Field to Fork” tasting at the Johnson & Wales Culinary Arts Museum on Aug. 19 will benefit the school food pantry program.

Rhode Island Supreme Court Watch: Gov. Dan McKee’s pick for a high-court vacancy is now in the spotlight after the Judicial Nominating Commission sent all five finalists, including former House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, for the governor’s consideration—raising fresh questions about whether McKee will move before the Sept. 9 primary. Banking & Growth: The Fed gave final approval for Banco Santander’s $12.3 billion merger with Webster Financial, clearing the last major U.S. hurdle and setting up a likely close in the second half of 2026. Energy for Industry: Woonsocket’s Thundermist Hydroelectric Facility is feeding a new net-metering initiative that lets manufacturers and other commercial users capture bill savings tied to the city-owned hydro power. Waterway Cleanup: DEM says Worden Pond in South Kingstown will be treated for hydrilla starting Aug. 7, with repeated treatments through November. Trade & Tariffs: Rhode Island is among 25 states suing the Trump administration over new forced-labor tariffs, arguing they’re a legal workaround to replace taxes struck down by the Supreme Court. Hemp Rules: Rhode Island AGs joined a push to preserve 2025 federal hemp reforms and keep intoxicating hemp loopholes closed. Healthcare: A multistate coalition, including Wisconsin, is challenging a federal rule that would expand catastrophic plans and raise costs while weakening ACA protections. Drug Pricing: A coalition of states announced a $469 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition limits. Arts Funding: RISCA approved 137 grants totaling about $629,881 for Rhode Island arts and culture groups and programs.

Tariff Fight Hits Rhode Island Manufacturers: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration to block new Section 301 tariffs on imports from the EU and nearly 60 countries, arguing the “forced labor” rationale is a pretext and that the duties will raise costs for families and businesses. Local Energy Deal for Industry: A new Rhode Island net metering initiative links locally generated hydro power to Rhode Island manufacturers and commercial users, aiming to cut electric bills via net metering credits while supporting the state’s renewable hydropower infrastructure. Providence Housing & Growth Pitch: Providence mayoral candidate Brett Smiley laid out a second-term plan focused on more housing, downtown and neighborhood business growth, and city services, including a proposed housing bond and renter cash assistance. School Supply Costs Spotlight: A new analysis pegs the typical first-day school supply haul at about $175 per child (up nearly 8%), with Rhode Island families absorbing more of the increase because the state covers a smaller share of K-12 costs. Data Breach Watch: Lifespan Physicians Group is under investigation after a breach exposed at least 290,000 patient records tied to Rhode Island-based Brown Health Medical Group-MA. Industrial Jobs Boost: Electric Boat’s nuclear submarine expansion is set to add thousands of tradespeople in Rhode Island at Quonset Point as part of a major Navy contract. Wealth Management Expansion: AlphaCore Wealth Advisory acquired Brave Family Advisors, adding staff and backing further growth that includes Tiverton, Rhode Island. Business & Consumer Pressure: Retailers in another state are considering discounts tied to self-checkout use, adding to the debate over staffing, pricing, and consumer fairness.

Tariff Fight: A coalition of 25 states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration over a new round of tariffs, arguing they’re a “pretext” to replace import taxes the Supreme Court struck down in February; the tariffs were imposed after claims of insufficient action against forced labor. Healthcare Costs: Multiple state attorneys general also challenged federal moves that would expand eligibility for catastrophic health plans and weaken Affordable Care Act protections, saying the changes could raise premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Drug Pricing Antitrust: Rhode Island’s AG cohort continues antitrust enforcement as states announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Local Business & Industry: G&H Towing named Capt. Keith Donohue president, with a Rhode Island connection via his URI marine affairs master’s. Food Heritage: Aunt Carrie’s in Narragansett highlighted for its 1920s clam cakes and Rhode Island chowder tradition. Elections Admin: RI’s Secretary of State reminded voters of registration and disaffiliation deadlines for the Sept. 9 primary.

Water Quality & Public Health: URI and the Rhode Island Department of Health are teaming up to tackle manganese in drinking water, funded through the Emerging Contaminants in Small and Disadvantaged Communities program, with support running through Sept. 30, 2030. Clean Energy & Safety: Firefighters in Jamestown stopped a rooftop solar panel fire from spreading beyond the system, underscoring the need for proper installation and emergency readiness as more homes add solar. Agriculture & Local Industry: URI’s Agronomy Farm is hosting a cut-flower variety trial open house (Aug. 19) to spotlight snapdragons and dahlias and help growers compare performance for profit. Logistics & Infrastructure: A new look at how federal GPS funding supports Rhode Island’s ports, courier fleets, and offshore wind operations highlights the public backbone behind private-sector delivery and tracking. Business & Consumer Finance: Rhode Island consumer groups and a coalition of states are urging regulators to reject OppFi’s bid to become a national bank, warning it could undermine the state’s 36% interest-rate cap. Weather Watch: Flash flood warnings are in effect for parts of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, with heavy downpours and likely flooding of roads and small waterways. Industry Leadership: Rhode Island Trucking Association CEO Chris Maxwell was elected to the American Trucking Associations’ Executives Council.

Health Care Policy Fight: Rhode Island Attorney General Nick Brown joined a 21-state coalition suing to block a Trump administration rule that would weaken Affordable Care Act protections, expand “catastrophic” plans that can’t get premium tax credits, and raise out-of-pocket costs for millions. Consumer Finance & Lending: A coalition including Rhode Island’s Peter Neronha urged federal regulators to reject OppFi’s bid to become a national bank, warning it could let the lender keep charging up to 160% APR in Rhode Island even after the state’s 36% interest cap takes effect Jan. 1. Local Housing & Property Rights: A federal court ruled against a Rhode Island town’s use of eminent domain tied to blocking an affordable housing project, saying the town lacked authority for that purpose. Municipal Planning: Westerly approved a one-year moratorium on data centers, citing limited zoning capacity and concerns about electricity and water impacts. Industry & Business Growth: Mathnasium says it signed 60+ franchise agreements and opened 40 new learning centers in the first half of 2026, betting on continued demand for supplemental math tutoring. Weather Watch: Rain and possible thunderstorms are expected to linger into Monday, with the wettest day forecasted for the start of the week.

Payday lending fight: A 123-group coalition including Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha urged federal regulators to reject OppFi’s bid to become a national bank—warning it could “rate-export” and keep charging 160% APR even after RI’s 36% cap takes effect Jan. 1. Housing & property rights: A federal court blocked a Rhode Island town’s use of eminent domain for NIMBY-style purposes, saying the locality lacked authority for that kind of action. Local land-use pressure: Westerly’s council passed a one-year moratorium on new data centers, citing energy, water, and zoning gaps. Transit investment: RIPTA is moving ahead with a new Providence Transit Center next to the Amtrak station, but the construction timeline still isn’t clear. Defense jobs: U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner highlighted Rhode Island’s role in a new $76.6B Navy submarine contract, saying it will support thousands of Ocean State jobs. Energy costs: Eversource took another $164M charge tied to Revolution Wind stop-work orders, as offshore wind delays continue to hit utility finances. Consumer/health policy: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown joined lawsuits challenging federal rules aimed at weakening ACA protections and raising costs. Business growth: Mathnasium says it signed 60 franchise agreements and opened 40 centers in the first half of 2026, betting on continued demand for supplemental math tutoring. Workforce & safety: A Rhode Island widow’s underinsured motorist stacking dispute reached a court ruling limiting how UIM coverage can be stacked under a commercial auto policy.

Housing & Courts: A federal court blocked a Rhode Island town’s use of eminent domain to stop an affordable housing project, ruling the locality lacked authority for that purpose. Local Planning: In Westerly, a planning board’s preliminary approval for an affordable housing subdivision was sent back because it didn’t follow Rhode Island’s road abandonment procedures. Insurance: Rhode Island litigation over commercial auto coverage says a widow can’t “stack” underinsured motorist limits across 26 vehicles under the policy. Cannabis Regulation: Federal courts are weighing whether the government properly followed the law when it moved cannabis to Schedule III, with MMJ International facing multiple related cases. Energy & Jobs: Eversource took a $164M charge tied to Revolution Wind stop-work orders, while a new $76.6B Navy submarine contract highlights defense work tied to Rhode Island. Transit: RIPTA is advancing a Providence Transit Center plan, but the construction timeline remains unclear. Data Centers: Westerly approved a one-year data center moratorium over zoning, water, and energy concerns. Health Care Policy: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown joined a coalition suing to block a federal rule that would make ACA coverage more expensive and harder to get.

Offshore Wind Fallout: Eversource took a new $164M charge tied to Revolution Wind stop-work orders, underscoring how federal actions are still hitting Rhode Island-area energy economics. Transit & Infrastructure: RIPTA is moving ahead with a Providence Transit Center next to the Amtrak station, but the construction timeline remains unclear despite added federal funding. Local Tech Policy: Westerly approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers as officials weigh zoning gaps, water use, and environmental impacts. Healthcare Legal Fight: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown joined a coalition suing to block a federal rule that would weaken Affordable Care Act protections and raise costs for millions. Manufacturing Deal: Pentair plans to acquire Taco Group Holdings for about $1.4B; Taco is based in Cranston and makes hydronic and HVAC equipment. Coastal Shellfishing: Warren Town Council urged the state to reopen a long-closed watershed for clamming, pushing for water-quality testing to settle the issue. Community & Tourism: Westerly’s River Glow returns for its 24th annual celebration along the Pawcatuck River, drawing thousands downtown for a free waterfront event.

Offshore Wind Cost Hit: Eversource says Trump-era stop-work orders tied to the Revolution Wind project have triggered another $164 million charge, adding to the financial drag on the utility’s offshore wind push. Transit & Construction: RIPTA is moving ahead with a Providence Transit Center next to the Amtrak station, but the construction timeline is still unclear even after a reported $25 million federal boost. Local Tech Policy: Westerly’s Town Council approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers, citing gaps in zoning and concerns over power, water use, and environmental impacts. Health Care Legal Fight: Rhode Island AG Peter F. Neronha joined a multi-state lawsuit targeting a federal 2027 ACA rule that would expand catastrophic plans, raise out-of-pocket costs, and make coverage harder to get. Energy Prices & Profits: Major oil companies reported record profits as U.S.-Iran conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing fuel prices higher and straining supplies in some countries. Business Growth in RI: Pentair announced it will buy Taco Group Holdings for about $1.4 billion; Taco is based in Cranston and makes hydronic and HVAC components. Education Franchising: Mathnasium says it signed 60 franchise agreements and opened 40 centers in the first half of 2026, betting on continued demand for supplemental math tutoring. Public Safety & Accountability: Rhode Island’s Democratic AG candidates found common ground in a debate, with police accountability and bail reform among the focus areas.

Defense & Shipbuilding: The U.S. Navy awarded a $76.6B submarine-construction package tied to Electric Boat and HII-Newport News, with about 18% of the work expected at Electric Boat’s Quonset Point in Rhode Island, supporting Columbia- and Virginia-class builds through 2038. Energy Costs & Industry Impact: Major oil companies are raking in spring profits as U.S.-Iran fighting disrupts shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing Brent above $100 and leaving drivers and airlines to absorb higher fuel costs. Local Housing Oversight: Quonset Development Corporation’s plan for more than 140 workforce housing units at Quonset Business Park is facing scrutiny from North Kingstown officials, who say town documents show different unit counts and layouts than the latest proposal. Electric Bills Reality Check: A Rhode Island-focused energy explainer argues New England’s electricity supply prices are set in wholesale markets, while utilities mainly handle delivery—aiming to shift blame away from utilities and toward the real drivers of rates. State Government Watch: Rhode Island’s Inspector General search is moving forward as an independent commission opens applications for the new statewide post, with interviews and finalists planned for later this fall. AI for Businesses: OpenAI cut prices on its GPT-5.6 models, a move that signals a broader AI price war that could lower operating costs for Rhode Island companies using AI features. Retail & Jobs: Splendid is opening its first Rhode Island store at Cranston’s Garden City Center, adding another national brand to the shopping hub. Legal & Finance: A federal court ruling highlights tougher standards for securities fraud class actions, requiring plaintiffs to tie damages methods to their liability theory at the class-certification stage.

AI pricing shake-up: OpenAI cut prices for its GPT-5.6 models, lowering costs for Rhode Island businesses using AI tools and signaling a fast-moving “price war” among major model providers. State economy pressure: U.S. growth slowed to a 1.5% annualized rate while inflation stayed at 3.5%, adding strain to Rhode Island’s already-soft labor picture. Plastics innovation: A mother-daughter team is developing a process to make plastics biodegradable and nontoxic, using microbes as nature’s decomposers. Local food system education: Portsmouth’s AgInnovation Farm is giving hundreds of students hands-on training while growing produce for food banks and soon school lunch programs. Legal/finance watch: The Fourth Circuit tightened class-certification rules in a Boeing securities fraud case, raising the bar for how damages theories must be tied to a workable method. Public oversight: Rhode Island’s inspector general search is moving forward, with applications opening Friday and the role aimed at rooting out fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in public spending. Internet access: A new broadband index highlights big gaps in speed and quality across states, underscoring why connectivity remains a Rhode Island business issue.

Defense & Shipbuilding: The U.S. Navy awarded $76.6B in incentive contract modifications to General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls, with major work tied to Quonset Point and Newport News—adding 5 Columbia-class and 9 Virginia-class submarines. Solar & Storage Finance: SolSource expanded its Propel prepaid solar-and-battery financing into Rhode Island and other Northeast states, using installer networks plus TriBeam point-of-sale lending. PFAS & Public Health: Rhode Island DEM urged Tiverton private-well testing after PFAS “forever chemicals” were found near Crandall Road, with free filtration offered where wells exceed standards. Energy Affordability: Rhode Island’s unemployment claims nearly doubled in July, while the state faces pressure over rising electricity costs and winter rate relief questions. Local Food & Farming: URI is mapping Rhode Island’s “food flow” from farms to buyers and surveying how people use the “RI Grown” label. Workforce & Training: Pawtucket’s Heavy Metal Summer Experience Camp graduated its latest welding and trades cohort, building local pipeline interest in skilled jobs. Transportation: RIDOT plans weekday lane closures starting Aug. 5 for Peace Dale’s Route 108 stone wall repairs.

Distributed Solar Policy: A new Q2 2026 “50 States of Solar” report says Rhode Island logged major distributed solar policy activity, with lawmakers and regulators focusing on net metering, community solar, and residential fixed charges. PFAS Drinking Water Fight: Attorney General Brown urged the EPA to stop rolling back PFAS “forever chemical” limits, warning the change would weaken protections for public water systems. Workforce & Trades Training: Heavy Metal Summer Experience Camp in Pawtucket graduated 12 students with hands-on training in welding, pipefitting, sheet metal, plumbing and more—building local pipeline for skilled jobs. Offshore Wind vs. Fisheries: URI researchers are studying whether offshore wind turbines are changing Jonah crab movement and feeding, a key question for Rhode Island’s commercial fishing. Corporate Deal (RI Manufacturing): Pentair announced it will buy Cranston-based Taco Group Holdings for about $1.4B, expanding Pentair’s hydronics and water solutions reach. Public Safety Tech: Tiverton approved buying four more Flock automated license plate reader cameras after resident pushback and contract concerns. Energy & Weather: Rhode Island saw nearly double the average weekly jobless claims in July, while New England weather headlines pointed to lingering showers and flood risk.