AGP Executive Report

Offshore Wind & Fisheries: Revolution Wind installed its final turbine off Rhode Island, but scientists are still sorting out whether the new offshore structures are truly creating Jonah crab habitat or just concentrating existing life. Energy Policy: A Rhode Island judge ruled the Trump administration illegally terminated the $7B “Solar for All” program, reviving funding for low-income solar projects. Local Power Reliability: A transformer malfunction triggered a power outage affecting about 13,000 Rhode Island Energy customers in Barrington, Warren and Bristol, with service later restored. Coastal Protection: URI is offering “Salt Pond Smart” training and property assessments for residents in the Salt Ponds and Narrow River watersheds to help reduce runoff and protect coastal resources. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese in seven states, including Rhode Island, after an undeclared egg protein was found. Maritime Security Tech: A new look at how uncrewed maritime drones could help Taiwan counter China’s expanding operations in the Philippine Sea—an industry-relevant signal for the defense and ocean-tech sector. Consumer & Business Finance: Attorney General Jay Jones announced a multistate $694M settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, including restitution and debt relief for affected consumers.

Offshore Wind: Revolution Wind, the major Rhode Island Sound project, installed its final 65th turbine and is nearing full operation, a milestone backed by state leaders as a boost for cleaner power and grid reliability. Energy & Courts: A Rhode Island judge ruled the Trump administration illegally ended the $7B “Solar for All” program, potentially restoring about $243M for low-income solar in Oregon and Washington while the EPA weighs next steps. Power Reliability: A transformer malfunction triggered a widespread East Bay outage affecting more than 13,000 Rhode Island Energy customers in Barrington, Warren and Bristol; power has been restored. Housing Finance: Providence’s “Taylor Swift Tax” hit 300+ non-owner-occupied luxury properties, with proceeds earmarked for low-income housing support. Local Governance: Pawtucket’s Democratic primary upset puts Adam Greenman on track to become the next mayor, setting up early transition and listening sessions. Coastal Protection: URI launched “Salt Pond Smart,” offering free training and property guidance to help residents reduce runoff and protect Rhode Island salt ponds. Banking: Eastern Bank named Lowell’s Sixto DeJesus vice president and branch manager for its Downtown Lowell location. Climate Politics: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse pushed back on climate messaging, arguing fossil-fuel influence is driving policy rollbacks and rising costs.

Offshore Wind: Revolution Wind installed its final 65th turbine off Rhode Island, clearing a major milestone toward full commercial operation later this year and adding more homegrown power for RI and Connecticut. Energy Policy & Courts: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the Trump EPA illegally terminated the $7B “Solar for All” program meant to expand solar access for low-income Americans, vacating the shutdown while EPA weighs next steps. Local Power Reliability: A transformer malfunction triggered a widespread East Bay outage affecting about 13,000 Rhode Island Energy customers in Barrington, Warren and Bristol; power has been restored. Coastal Protection: URI is launching “Salt Pond Smart,” offering free training and property assessments for residents in salt-pond and Narrow River watersheds to reduce runoff and better protect coastal resources. Food & Consumer Safety: A multistate jalapeño recall has been upgraded to FDA Class I over Salmonella concerns, affecting 27 states. Manufacturing & Regulation: EPA faces a backlog of hundreds of new chemical reviews, with manufacturers warning delays are pushing production overseas. RI Housing Finance: Providence’s “Taylor Swift Tax” hit 300+ non-owner-occupied luxury properties with first-round bills to fund low-income housing. Local Industry Innovation: REGENT completed the first crewed flight of its composite Viceroy Seaglider wing-in-ground-effect craft, signaling progress toward production.

Clean Energy & Courts: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the Trump EPA illegally canceled the $7B “Solar for All” grants, reviving funding that could restore about $243M for solar projects serving low-income households in Oregon and Washington; the EPA said it’s reviewing the decision. Offshore Wind: Revolution Wind, the Ørsted/Skyborn project off Rhode Island, installed its final 65th turbine and is moving toward full commercial operation later this year, with leaders citing more reliable power and union jobs. Privacy & Transportation: A federal court granted a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from demanding a database of sensitive driver records from AAMVA and threatening funding cuts, after claims of unlawful pressure to obtain personal information. Housing Finance: Providence began issuing “Taylor Swift Tax” bills to 350+ non-owner occupied luxury properties to fund low-income housing, as the state targets empty high-value homes. Food Safety: A jalapeño recall affecting 27 states was upgraded to FDA Class I over Salmonella risk. RI Economy: URI economist Leonard Lardaro says Rhode Island is climbing out of recession, pointing to gains in retail sales, manufacturing hours, and single-unit permits.

Offshore Wind: Revolution Wind hit a major Rhode Island milestone, installing its final 65th turbine about 15 miles south of Little Compton and moving toward full commercial operation later this year, despite prior Trump-era stop-work orders. Energy Policy: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the EPA unlawfully terminated the $7B “Solar for All” grant program for low-income households, saying the agency exceeded its authority. Local Resilience: St. Andrew Church in Barrington is seeking permits to mitigate erosion threatening its parish center, including bluff slope work, coir logs, native plantings, and a multi-year maintenance plan. Consumer & Food Safety: A jalapeño recall affecting 27 states was upgraded to Class I over Salmonella concerns. Public Health: CDC reported 3,471 measles cases nationwide as of Sept. 17, with Rhode Island among the jurisdictions reporting cases. Business & Industry: Watsco announced plans to acquire The Granite Group, a plumbing and HVAC distributor serving Rhode Island and other New England states. Workforce & Health: URI recruited for StrengthenHER, a 16-week virtual resistance-training study for women ages 50–75. Legal/Privacy: Rhode Island-linked AG actions secured injunctions blocking federal demands for sensitive driver data.

Rhode Island Politics: The state elections board certified Sept. 9 results, with turnout topping 20% of registered voters—Guckian also declared victory in the GOP gubernatorial contest just hours before final certification. Housing & Cost Pressure: A new United Way of Rhode Island report spotlights ALICE households—working families squeezed by rent, food, and health costs even when they’re above the poverty line. Energy & Infrastructure: A Senate unanimous-consent fight blocked a data-center electricity relief bill after a 417-3 House vote, as Rhode Island faces an affordability emergency tied to expected winter rate increases. Local Business & Real Estate: Compass agent Kassi Mazzucco helped close a $2.75M Misquamicut sale at 32 Breach Dr., one of the top local transactions of the year. Tech & Industry: North Kingstown is testing AI-powered autonomous boats via Blue Water Autonomy’s partnership with Rhode Island Fast Ferry. Consumer & Workplace Rules: Rhode Island’s portable tenant screening reports are under scrutiny as a new analysis argues the law standardizes format but not the underlying data model. Outdoor Economy: DEM received a $1.2M federal grant to boost recreational fishing and boating participation statewide.

Blue Economy & Maritime Tech: Rhode Island is testing AI-powered, laptop-driven ferry-sized boats at Quonset Business Park, with Blue Water Autonomy partnering with Rhode Island Fast Ferry to outfit the Atlantic Endurance for real-world trials. Offshore Wind: Revolution Wind hit a major milestone with all 65 turbines installed off Little Compton, moving toward commercial operation and supplying power to Rhode Island and Connecticut. Defense & Shipbuilding: General Dynamics Electric Boat transferred the first Virginia Payload Module section for the future USS Arizona from Quonset Point to Groton for final assembly. Consumer Finance: Rhode Island attorneys general joined a $694 million multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, requiring cash/debt relief and stronger consumer protections. Workforce & Housing Stress: A new United Way of Rhode Island report highlights ALICE households—working families with incomes above poverty but still squeezed by housing, food, and health costs. Energy Policy: Energy leaders urged Congress to pass a bipartisan permitting package, arguing federal approval delays are holding back new power projects. Local Industry & Permitting: Westfield’s planning board postponed a data center permit extension, asking whether the special permit is still valid. Public Health & Retail Nicotine: Analysis at a tobacco industry forum says modern oral nicotine products are offsetting declines in traditional categories, reshaping convenience-store sales. Arts & Community: Providence kicked off PVDFest 2026, bringing downtown music, skating, public art, and maker markets.

Cybersecurity & Privacy: A report says hackers extracted encryption keys from a stolen Flock camera, capturing about 1.6 million images and 27,000 clips over 21 days—raising fresh questions even as the company disputes wrongdoing. Transportation Costs: Cybertruck owners are paying more on the Pell Bridge because their vehicle weight puts them above the E-ZPass discount threshold, a detail now drawing attention to how toll rules hit EVs. Defense & Industry: The U.S. Naval War College in Newport hosted a Forum on Industry and War, spotlighting how Rhode Island-area businesses and the defense industrial base support training and readiness. Housing & Planning: A Rhode Island court vacated a Westerly affordable housing approval tied to road-abandonment requirements, while a separate push argues New England should speed up construction with more prefabricated homes. Elections Oversight: The Rhode Island elections board rejected a recount request in the Republican gubernatorial primary, saying the case lacked the margin needed under state law. Local Innovation: URI students unveiled a final concept for a community park at 4 Richmond Townhouse Road, and a URI biomedical engineering professor won a $1.015M NIH R01 to advance multimodal neurotechnology. Life Sciences & Business: Ocean State Labs named a new CEO, and a Rhode Island life-science hub leader outlined funding and growth plans. Consumer & Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Taylor Fresh Foods recall to Class I risk over an undeclared egg allergen. Energy Policy: Analysis of the Northeast’s cap-and-trade system (RGGI) weighs whether the program still delivers as power prices strain households.

Amazon Antitrust: The FTC and Florida (plus 21 states) sue Amazon over alleged secret surcharges that allegedly turned “second-price” ads into “first-price” pricing, raising costs for advertisers and families. RI Housing Court Update: A Westerly affordable-housing approval was vacated and sent back because the town didn’t follow Rhode Island’s public-road abandonment requirements, leaving the project in limbo. Healthcare & Voting Protections: A CMS memo and a new toolkit push nursing homes to protect residents’ voting rights and avoid coercion as the Trump administration targets alleged voter fraud. RI Transportation: RIDOT begins temporary traffic changes Sept. 25 for the I-95/Route 10 interchange reconstruction in Providence and Cranston, including a weekend ramp closure. Life Sciences Leadership: The new CEO of the Ocean State Labs life science incubator says the organization will focus on funding and building Rhode Island’s life-sciences momentum. Energy Deal: Shell agreed to sell its stake in the Rhode Island State Energy Center (RISEC) to Constellation Energy for $715 million, with closing expected in early 2027. Food Safety: FDA upgraded a Taylor Farms recall to Class I, the highest risk level, tied to undeclared egg allergen exposure in multiple products sold in Rhode Island and other states. Hospitality Outlook: Rhode Island hospitality leaders warn costs and labor pressures will stay high even as consumer spending holds up.

RIDOT Roadwork: Starting Sept. 25, RIDOT will shift and temporarily close ramps at the I-95/Route 10 interchange in Providence and Cranston, with a Route 10 South→I-95 North ramp closure over Sept. 25–28 and later restriping on the Route 1 (Elmwood) North→Route 10 North ramp. Public Safety/Utilities: A Warwick police cruiser crashed into a utility pole, injuring an officer; Rhode Island Energy crews replaced the pole. Energy Deal: Shell agreed to sell its stake in the Rhode Island State Energy Center (RISEC) to Constellation Energy for $715 million, while Shell also plans to acquire a Pennsylvania gas plant from Constellation. Coastal Restoration Tech: LSU and URI are partnering on EcoCARE, using AI-enabled modeling so the public and stakeholders can simulate coastal wetland restoration impacts in Rhode Island and Louisiana. Cybersecurity & Privacy: A WIRED/404 Media report says hackers copied data from Flock camera systems, raising fresh questions about how the tech identifies people and vehicles. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese in Rhode Island and six other states due to an undeclared egg allergen. Defense Industry: NUWC Division Newport urged “radical collaboration” with industry partners during Defense Innovation Days to speed undersea capability development. Housing Politics: Providence’s rent control push is back after David Morales’ primary win, with council action likely without a mayoral veto.

Food Safety & Retail: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese sold in seven states, including Rhode Island, after an undeclared egg allergen (egg lysozyme) was found; the FDA says consumers should destroy the product and seek refunds. Defense & Manufacturing Partnerships: NUWC Division Newport urged “radical collaboration” with industry partners at Defense Innovation Days, signaling a more transparent, partnership-driven approach to undersea capability development. Housing Policy: Providence’s rent control debate is back in focus after Mayor Brett Smiley lost the Democratic primary to David Morales, who backs rent stabilization; the city council would need a simple majority to move legislation forward. Energy Policy: The EPA moved to repeal greenhouse gas limits for coal and natural gas power plants, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and environmental groups over potential pollution and climate impacts. EV Infrastructure: Maverick Corporation will lead make-ready engineering and construction for NYC’s permanent PlugNYC curbside EV charging network, expanding deployment across all five boroughs. Finance & Wealth Management: Crestwood Advisors (with Rhode Island offices) earned a spot on Barron’s 2026 Top 100 RIA Firms list. Utilities & Climate Affordability: A policy brief highlights Rhode Island’s and others’ pushback against cutting energy-efficiency investments, warning that short-term bill relief can hurt long-term affordability. Local Tech/Community: Two URI students launched the Rhode Island Elections Project website to make state legislative races easier to follow for voters.

Tire & Retail Tech in RI: Excel Tire Gauge was named exclusive tire inflation equipment provider for EG America’s 1,500+ convenience store and fuel locations, expanding digital calibration services across 30 states. Energy Affordability: A new look at “the long game” argues Rhode Island and other states should protect energy-efficiency funding because cutting it for short-term bill relief can raise costs later. Offshore Wind & Fisheries: A Rhode Island-focused explainer asks whether offshore wind turbines are helping or hurting New England’s crab and other marine life, noting early research with both risks and benefits. Public Charge Legal Fight: Rhode Island AG Brown joined a coalition suing to block a revived federal public charge rule that DHS projects could push about 950,000 people away from benefits they’re legally entitled to use. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese sold in 18 stores across seven states, including Rhode Island, due to undeclared egg lysozyme. Maritime Innovation: Robosys Automation (Providence) integrated forward-looking sonar from FarSounder (Warwick) into its VOYAGER AI system for real-time underwater hazard detection. Local Business/Real Estate: Carpionato Group announced leadership retirements, with new trustees stepping in as major Rhode Island projects continue to evolve. Healthcare Coverage: Guardant Health said its Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening will be covered by EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027. URI Arts Expansion: URI opened its $99M Fine Arts Center, adding a new 71,000-square-foot academic building and renovated spaces for music, fine arts, and theatre. SNAP Policy Watch: A new House bill would end SNAP restaurant meal purchases via the federal Restaurant Meals Program, including Rhode Island among participating states.

Manufacturing & finance: Washington Trust and Cranston’s Moss Pure will discuss how small businesses can tap SBA 504 financing at the 2026 New England M.A.D.E. Summit in Warwick, highlighting the program’s role in Moss Pure’s Rhode Island expansion. Energy deal: Constellation Energy plans to buy the 609-MW Rhode Island State Energy Center from Shell for $715 million, boosting its ISO New England position. Renewables push: Rhode Island Energy says it could receive up to 150 MW from a proposed onshore wind project in northern Maine, pending Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission approvals. Maritime tech: Robosys Automation (Providence) integrated FarSounder forward-looking sonar into its VOYAGER AI system for real-time underwater hazard detection. Wastewater operations: Woonsocket is moving to a short-term Veolia takeover of its sewage treatment plant while it pursues a long-term fix for the regionally vital incinerator. Campus construction: URI opened its $99 million renovated Fine Arts Center, adding a new 71,000-square-foot academic building and expanded digital art and media spaces. Food safety: Whole Foods recalled specific Fromagerie Coop de Mean Cabricharme cheeses sold in Rhode Island and other states due to undeclared egg lysozyme, an allergy risk. Business services: Watsco agreed to acquire The Granite Group, a plumbing and HVAC distributor with operations across New England including Rhode Island. Policy & regulation: EPA moves to revoke greenhouse gas limits for coal and natural gas power plants, a major rollback of Biden-era rules. Agriculture leadership: NASDA launched its annual Years of Service ceremony, honoring Rhode Island Division of Agriculture’s former Chief Ken Ayers for 20+ years.

Energy & Renewables: Rhode Island Energy says it could take 150 MW from a proposed 800 MW onshore wind project in northern Maine, pending Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission approvals, as the utility looks to diversify New England’s power supply. M&A & Construction Supply Chain: Watsco agreed to acquire The Granite Group, a Northeast plumbing and HVAC distributor with about $500M in sales and operations across Rhode Island and six other states. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese sold in seven states, including Rhode Island, after undeclared egg allergen (egg lysozyme) was found on labels. Local Business & Networking: Organizers announced the Ocean State Business EXPO on Nov. 10 at Crowne Plaza Warwick, pitching it as a major Rhode Island professional and small-business showcase. Housing & Tenant Screening: LeaseRunner reports tenant screening reports are failing landlords who rely on them, raising concerns about accuracy and usability in rental decisions. Public Policy & Industry: California’s new tire efficiency rules could save drivers about $1B a year, with a labeling system aimed at making replacement tire energy performance easier to compare. Tech & Work Stress: A new study links constant connectivity and email overload to stress, finding scheduled digital breaks can reduce reported stress levels. Business Operations: Cranston police arrested two men accused of stealing 100 gallons of used cooking oil from a local restaurant, using Flock license plate reader alerts.

Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese sold in 18 stores across seven states, including Rhode Island, after an undeclared egg-white protein (egg lysozyme) was found on labels; the company says no illnesses were reported and shoppers should destroy the product. Local Law Enforcement & Tech: Cranston police arrested two men from the Bronx accused of stealing about 100 gallons of used cooking oil from a local restaurant, with Flock license plate readers helping trigger the early-morning stop. Energy & Infrastructure: Rhode Island Energy is looking to Maine’s onshore wind farm to boost renewable electricity supply, as New England continues pushing wind capacity. Climate & Courts: A new report alleges climate litigants are running a campaign to influence the judiciary, raising questions about how climate-science training is delivered to judges. Church & Community: Red Bank Baptist acquired Ridgeview Baptist, creating The Point Church at Brainerd, expanding the church’s multi-campus family. Housing & Finance: A tenant-screening report analysis says landlords are getting unreliable payment and eviction information, risking wrongful denials. Business Competition: Citizens Bank sued SoFi over alleged mortgage poaching and trade-secret/confidentiality breaches, keeping pressure on Rhode Island’s lending talent market.

Food Safety: Whole Foods Market recalled Cabricharme cheese sold in 18 stores across Arizona, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island after undeclared egg lysozyme was found on labels, raising the risk of serious allergic reactions for people with egg allergies. Local Business & Heritage: Worcester’s historic canal system—built in the 1820s to power early commerce—gets a fresh look as today’s small businesses move into former canal-era spaces. Competition & Finance: Citizens Bank sued SoFi Bank, alleging a “nationwide campaign” to poach mortgage loan officers and staff and breach non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements. Energy Costs: Diesel prices in Kent County hit a weekly low of $5.47 per gallon (week ending Sept. 5), with the county average at $5.76. Agriculture & Pests: Spotted lanternflies have spread to 22 states, and Rhode Island is among the hardest hit as officials urge residents to kill the crop-damaging insects on sight.