AGP Executive Report

ETF boom in RI’s orbit: Corgi Investments says it plans to launch dozens more ETFs fast, riding record 2026 inflows as the market gets even more crowded. Housing cost push meets safety debate: States are loosening building code rules to cut construction costs, including moves that could allow some low-rise apartments to use just one stairway—critics warn it raises risk. Auto insurance pressure: Two bills on Gov. Dan McKee’s desk would raise Rhode Island’s auto total-loss threshold from 80% to 85%, a change opponents say will hit families through higher repair bills and premiums. Healthcare regulation reshuffle: Rhode Island’s FY 27 budget narrows “determination of need” Certificate of Need categories and raises the construction threshold, aiming to expand access. Workforce + innovation: NEMIC is opening enrollment for its free-for-RI Health Innovator Pathways Program cohort, capped at 50 participants. Coastal hospitality: The RI Hospitality Education Foundation awarded David DePetrillo Memorial Scholarships to ProStart students headed to Johnson & Wales. Local business/entertainment: Coast Guard House in Narragansett launches a weekly vinyl DJ series running through late August. Watch Hill tourism buzz: Taylor Swift wedding rumors swirl after a tent appeared near her Westerly estate, though organizers say it was not a Swift wedding.

Watch Hill Wedding Buzz: A big tent near Taylor Swift’s Westerly, R.I. estate sparked nonstop speculation about a possible wedding, with fans staking out views and residents fielding questions—though local wedding planner Nicole Simeral says the rumors are unfounded and she’s booked other weddings in the same spot. Offshore Wind Policy Shakeups: Offshore wind lease buyouts and legal fights keep swirling nationally, including a Trump-era move that would redirect some offshore wind lease money toward other energy sources—an issue Rhode Island stakeholders are watching closely as permitting and market rules shift. Northern Maine Wind Grid Bottleneck: A new Maine procurement effort aims to move northern wind power to the rest of the state and beyond, but transmission limits remain the big obstacle. PrideFest in Providence: Providence marked its 50th annual Rhode Island PrideFest with a packed downtown crowd, vendors, music, and an evening parade. Local Business Moves: Hub International named Paul Collins Northeast Area President, expanding leadership across HUB’s Northeast and New England footprint. Health & Environment Watch: New research links microplastics in artery plaque with higher risk of stroke and heart problems, adding pressure for stronger regulation.

Public Health & Environment: Italian researchers report that microplastics can build up in carotid artery plaque, and higher levels were linked to more strokes, heart attacks and sudden death over three years—another warning as Rhode Island and the region weigh how fast to regulate plastics. Local Business & Jobs: World Insurance Associates says it’s acquired Wolpert Insurance Agency in Worcester, expanding its Massachusetts and Rhode Island footprint with transportation-focused coverage. State Policy: Rhode Island signed a law limiting grocery self-checkout lanes to three per staffed lane, aiming to keep staffed options available for shoppers and reduce worker overload. Food & Retail: A new bakery, “cake,” opened at 142 Castle St., offering made-from-scratch cakes plus savory items like hand-rolled bagels and croissants. Community & Culture: Providence drew thousands for the 50th Annual PrideFest, with music, vendors and an illuminated night parade. Infrastructure & Water: The final segment of the Woonasquatucket River Greenway is finished, marking a major step for Providence’s long-running river cleanup and parkland buildout.

Retail & Labor Policy: Rhode Island signed a law limiting grocery self-checkout lanes to three per staffed checkout, aiming to keep human lanes available for shoppers and reduce strain on workers. Public Health & Environment: Rhode Island will phase out the sale of first- and second-generation rat poisons starting in 2027, with exemptions for licensed commercial applicators and certain public uses. Local Business: A new bakery, “cake,” opened on Castle Street, offering made-from-scratch cakes plus savory items like hand-rolled bagels and pies. Workforce & Industry: A week of coverage highlights the widening U.S. skilled-trades gap, with construction and other sectors facing major shortages of electricians, plumbers, welders, and related roles. Regional Housing Watch: Realtor.com’s 2026 housing report card gave Rhode Island a failing grade, citing affordability pressure and slower homebuilding. Insurance Costs: Rhode Island insurers are seeking double-digit health premium hikes again, as the state pushes back. Business Leadership: Hub International named Paul Collins Northeast Area President, expanding leadership across HUB Northeast and HUB New England, including Rhode Island. Food & Fraud: Federal court in Worcester saw SNAP fraud pleas tied to a scheme that allegedly used stolen identities across Massachusetts and Rhode Island to stock a restaurant.

Local Policy: Rhode Island signed a law phasing out the sale of certain rat poisons, with first-generation anticoagulants banned starting March 1, 2027, and tighter limits on second-generation products rolling in through 2029. Retail & Labor: Gov. Dan McKee also signed a statewide self-checkout restriction for grocery stores, limiting lanes to three self-checkouts per staffed register lane and setting up fines for noncompliance. Energy & Construction: South Kingstown is weighing solar panels for its new high school, with incentives (including federal reimbursement and a state incentive) driving the project’s economics. Environment & Waste: North Kingstown residents are pushing back on a proposed sewage sludge pyrolysis plant, citing air emissions, truck traffic, and risks to groundwater. Workforce Gap: A national report highlights the widening skilled trades shortage—electricians, plumbers, welders and more—underscoring pressure on Rhode Island’s construction and energy pipeline. Community & Culture: Narragansett residents Ruby Ambrozina Costa and Mia Daley are set for summer theater debuts in New Bedford’s “Escape to Margaritaville” at the Zeiterion.

Rhode Island Industry Spotlight: South Kingstown is weighing solar panels for its new high school, with officials pointing to federal incentives that could cover up to 40% of costs plus a $75,000 state incentive—an “act now” pitch tied to project timing. Maritime Manufacturing: REGENT says it has completed a dedicated seaglider factory in North Kingstown’s Quonset Business Park, aiming to scale production of its 12-passenger Viceroy craft and support a long-term job ramp. Tech & Education: The Rhode Island Computer Museum has opened in a new North Kingstown home, expanding hands-on exhibits that let visitors interact with historic computers. Local Utilities: Water and sewer departments are moving ahead with July 1 fee increases, including a 3.5% sewer user-fee bump and related budget updates for capital work. Business & Health IT: WellSky announced continued behavioral health growth, including new work with the Rhode Island BHDDH. Policy Watch: Rhode Island’s Supreme Court issued AI rules for lawyers and judges, warning that AI can “hallucinate.”

AI Legal Guardrails: Rhode Island’s Supreme Court updated professional conduct rules and issued guidance on generative AI for lawyers and judges, warning that AI can “hallucinate.” EV Policy Scorecard: A Brookings report grades states’ electric vehicle readiness after federal incentive rollbacks, with Rhode Island scoring in the top tier (10s). Behavioral Health Growth: WellSky announced expanded behavioral health partnerships, including the Rhode Island BHDDH, adding momentum across inpatient and outpatient care. Historic Preservation Dollars: Preserve Rhode Island and the 1772 Foundation awarded about $105,000 in matching grants to 13 nonprofits statewide, including four projects in Newport. Local Infrastructure Upgrade: RIDEM says Phase 1 is complete on Burlingame Campground restroom upgrades, with Phase 2 bathhouse work slated to finish by April 2027. Environmental Fight in North Kingstown: The town notified federal authorities it intends to sue over a proposed Quonset biosolids pyrolysis sewage treatment plant, citing permitting and approval concerns. Small Business Relief: SBA disaster loans are available to Rhode Island counties hit by a historic blizzard, supporting working capital and operating expenses.

EV Policy Scorecard: A Brookings report says states’ EV rules are now patchy after federal incentives were pulled back, with Rhode Island scoring in the top tier (10s) but no state hitting the highest mark. Disaster Loans: The SBA opened low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Rhode Island counties after a Massachusetts blizzard, covering working capital losses for eligible small businesses and private nonprofits. Legal AI Guidance: The Rhode Island Supreme Court adopted interim rules for generative AI use by lawyers and judges, stressing AI can help but must not replace professional judgment or accuracy checks. Quonset Sewage Fight: North Kingstown says it plans to sue over a proposed Quonset Business Park sewage treatment project, alleging issues in how the plan was approved and permitted. Manufacturing Milestone: Regent completed its Seaglider manufacturing facility in North Kingstown, aiming to scale production for global passenger and drone programs. Local Economy Watch: Rhode Island jobs fell by 300 in May, while the unemployment rate dipped to 4.3%. Transportation Disruption: RIDOT begins major Pontiac Avenue bridge work in Cranston with southbound closures starting June 21. Health Care Fraud Settlement: An opioid clinic and former CEO agreed to pay $10M to resolve claims tied to false treatment billing.

AI Rules for Legal Work: The Rhode Island Supreme Court adopted interim guidance for lawyers and judges using generative AI, warning tools can “hallucinate” and stressing attorneys must verify citations, facts, and keep ethics and confidentiality front and center. Offshore Wind Court Win: A federal appeals court dismissed the Trump administration’s bid to overturn a wind permitting pause ruling, a setback for efforts to stall projects and a boost for state clean-energy development. Consumer Protection Settlement: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha announced a $1.35M settlement with UPP Global over hidden parking fees and misleading tickets, with refunds for eligible drivers expected through end of 2026. Port/Transit Update: Steamship Authority says its new Woods Hole terminal building should open early next week after final punch-list work. Local Business Move: Sweeney Real Estate & Appraisal relocated within downtown Providence to the East Office Building at Union Station. STEM Youth Spotlight: People’s Credit Union hosted Aquidneck Island Robotics for a hands-on demo highlighting K-12 STEM access. Energy/Policy Watch: A state EV readiness scorecard flags uneven progress as federal EV support shifts and the market faces a more fragmented policy environment.

Health Innovation Education: NEMIC rebrands its Med Tech Leadership Program as the Health Innovator Pathways Program (HIPP) and opens registration for the 2026 cohort, expanding beyond medtech into digital health, software, biotech, and devices. R&D Tax Deadline: Rhode Island businesses have until July 6 to retroactively amend returns to recover R&D tax deductions from up to the prior three years. Consumer Protection: AG Peter Neronha announces a $1.35M settlement with UPP Global, requiring refunds to Rhode Island drivers over hidden fees and parking “citations” that mimicked government notices. Clean Energy Legal Update: Rhode Island’s offshore wind permitting fight gets another boost as a federal appeals court dismisses the Trump administration’s bid to block offshore wind development. Manufacturing & Defense: REGENT completes a 255,000-sq.-ft. seaglider production facility at Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown, positioning it as a domestic hub for commercial and Marine Corps work. Local Business & Jobs: xFact acquires Stonewall Solutions, keeping a Pawtucket development office and Providence data center while expanding government IT modernization services. Infrastructure: RIDOT schedules a two-month closure of the Diamond Hill Road Bridge in Woonsocket starting June 26 for rehabilitation.

Infrastructure & Construction: RIDOT will close the Diamond Hill Road Bridge in Woonsocket starting Friday night, June 26, for about two months of rehabilitation, with a signed detour for cars and no pedestrian bridge access; the work is part of a $22.7 million Woonsocket bridge program targeting summer 2028 completion. Housing & Health Services: Crossroads Rhode Island and Pariseault Builders hit a milestone on a permanent supportive housing project at 371 Pine St., finishing the structural “capping off” phase for 35 apartments for medically vulnerable adults, with completion set for November 2026. Advanced Manufacturing: REGENT completed its Seaglider Manufacturing Facility in North Kingstown, a 255,000-square-foot hub for Viceroy and Squire Seagliders, supporting a global production push and defense work. Energy Policy: A multistate coalition led by AG Nick Brown won a final court victory after the First Circuit dismissed the Trump administration’s appeal over a federal wind-permitting freeze. Food & Consumer Safety: FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to Class I after Salmonella contamination concerns, affecting food-service operations in 41 states. Arts & Community: RISCA announced a free Aug. 20 opening reception for mixed-media community artworks at the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill.

Food & Health: FDA upgraded a recalled Alfredo sauce to Class I after Salmonella contamination, reaching restaurants and other food service sites in 41 states. Hospitality & Jobs: Providence cocktail bar Loma won Best New Bar at the 2026 James Beard Awards, adding to Rhode Island’s strong showing at the ceremony. Healthcare Costs: Rhode Island health insurers are seeking double-digit premium hikes after last year’s steep increase, as insurers cite rising medical and prescription costs. Energy & Policy: Washington AG Nick Brown and a multistate coalition won a final court victory ending a Trump administration freeze on federal wind permitting. Retail & Real Estate: Yatco Energy bought three newly developed Clinton retail sites (gas station plus Starbucks and Wendy’s) for $6.5 million. Arts & Community: RISCA announced a new mixed-media community art exhibit at the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill, opening Aug. 20. Construction: Shawmut Design and Construction broke ground on a $250 million Barrington Public Schools modernization effort. Energy Infrastructure: Northeast states and DC released reports on offshore transmission standards and policy recommendations to advance a coordinated Atlantic grid.

Providence Fire Truck Antitrust: Providence has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit accusing major fire truck makers of price-fixing and delaying deliveries, citing steep “sticker shock” and trucks still not arriving years after purchase. Stormwater Funding: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank awarded about $1.1M in EPA-backed grants to 10 communities for stormwater design and engineering aimed at flooding, erosion, and runoff. Clean Energy Pressure: A new Rhode Island budget proposal would push the state’s clean energy deadline from 2033 to 2050, reflecting grid capacity limits and rising ratepayer costs. Housing & Roads Reality Check: A new report card highlights Midwest and South states leading on home affordability and building, while Rhode Island’s road conditions remain among the worst in the nation. Local Construction Disruption: RIDOT starts Sprague Street improvements in Portsmouth June 22, with weekday traffic restrictions and detours through late summer. Immigration Case Update: Immigration and asylum proceedings resume after USCIS told a Rhode Island judge it will comply with an order ending an unlawful immigration halt. Cumberland Farms Expansion: Cumberland Farms completed 72 store rebrands and is targeting 158 more conversions as it refreshes its convenience-store footprint. Gaming Policy Watch: Apple is adjusting how casino apps can operate as legal pressure mounts, with real-money availability tied to state licensing. Film & Tourism Buzz: “Real Housewives of Rhode Island” is credited with driving major spikes in local business traffic and sales, while a separate indie film is filming in Warwick.

Clean Energy & Grid Capacity: Rhode Island pushes toward 100% clean power but Gov. McKee’s FY27 budget proposal would move the deadline from 2033 to 2050, citing rising ratepayer costs and federal headwinds. Waste & Water Infrastructure: The General Assembly passed a one-year moratorium on sewage sludge processing facilities and set up a 21-member commission to study sludge management, as North Kingstown weighs legal action over a proposed pyrolysis plant. Public Safety & Procurement: Providence sued fire truck manufacturers in federal court, alleging an “anticompetitive scheme” that drove up prices and left the city waiting years for equipment. Energy Prices: AAA reports Rhode Island gas prices fell 13 cents on average as markets react to a tentative U.S.-Iran peace agreement and potential Strait of Hormuz reopening. Food & Health: Rhode Island officials confirmed H5N1 avian flu at Antonelli Poultry in Providence, euthanizing about 445 birds and closing the facility for cleanup; separate recalls also flagged salmonella risk in Alfredo sauce. Cannabis Industry: The Rhode Island Senate confirmed Michelle Reddish as the new chair of the Cannabis Control Commission. Local Economy & Jobs: Raytheon is expanding Portsmouth, Rhode Island, missile defense operations. Housing Pressure: A new report says Providence is the least affordable U.S. city for renters, with evictions up sharply since 2020. Manufacturing & Supply Chains: A Reuters report links higher fuel costs to softer demand in the RV industry, a bellwether for discretionary spending.

Housing & Universities: Providence’s rental squeeze is tied to university-driven demand and tax-exempt property, with evictions up and homelessness rising as student housing pushes families out. Public Health: Rhode Island health and environmental officials say H5N1 avian flu was found at Antonelli Poultry in Providence; about 445 birds were euthanized, the market will close for cleanup, and staff will be monitored. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to the highest risk level after potential Salmonella exposure linked to a dry milk ingredient; distribution reached 41 states. Energy/Trade Policy: A U.S.-Iran framework is being described as a path to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end naval blockade activity, with shipping impacts in focus. Regulation & Markets: The CFTC’s prediction-market fight expands as New Mexico joins the Kalshi dispute, arguing state enforcement conflicts with federal oversight. Local Business: Mancini Demolition was named a top Rhode Island demolition contractor by Business Rate.

Avian Flu Response in Providence: Rhode Island health and environmental officials say H5N1 was found at Antonelli Poultry; about 445 asymptomatic birds were euthanized and the market will stay closed for cleaning and sanitizing, while staff are monitored for 10 days and the human risk is described as low. Food Safety Recall: The FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce tied to possible salmonella contamination, with distribution to food service operations across 41 states. Defense Industry Expansion: Raytheon plans a $100 million expansion in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, to grow missile defense radar testing and Patriot missile subcomponent production, creating about 150 jobs. Port & Maritime Growth: A new pier is set to expand capacity at Quonset Business Park’s Port of Davisville, aiming to boost shipping and related opportunities. Local Agriculture & Training: Ghana’s Black Stars trained in Providence as World Cup preparations ramp up, highlighting Rhode Island’s role in international sports logistics. Public Health Policy Fight: Rhode Island AGs joined a coalition urging Congress to restore SNAP benefits in the Farm Bill, warning cuts increase hunger and shift costs to states. Vehicle Safety Recall: Honda announced a recall affecting 880,000 vehicles nationwide due to rear suspension failure risk linked to corrosion from de-icing agents, including Rhode Island.