AGP Executive Report

Cannabis & Jobs: Rhode Island’s Democratic AG nominee Kim Ahern won her primary, but her record as the state’s first Cannabis Control Commission chair still faces scrutiny over a slow rollout that left the 2022 law’s promised retail expansion largely unlicensed. Providence Politics & Housing: David Morales, a 27-year-old democratic socialist, upset incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley in Providence’s primary, with the campaign centered on affordability and public-school priorities. Energy Deal: Constellation Energy agreed to buy the Rhode Island State Energy Center from Shell for $715 million, a Johnston power-plant transaction expected to close in early 2027. AmeriCorps Funding Fight: AG Nick Brown and a coalition reached a settlement blocking further Trump administration cuts to AmeriCorps community service programs, protecting FY2026 funding and participants. Public Health: The U.S. overdose death rate has fallen since 2023, with naloxone access and harm-reduction supplies cited as key drivers. Marine Trades Training: IYRS is taking applications for its 2026 Glo Tech Scholarship supporting women in marine trades and advanced manufacturing through Nov. 15. Food Safety: De Todito mixed chip snacks were recalled again after pork cracklings were traced to Colombia, which is barred from exporting meat products to the U.S.

Rhode Island Politics: Helena Foulkes won the Democratic primary for governor, unseating incumbent Dan McKee and ending his bid for a second term, with the Washington Bridge slowdown and traffic chaos a central issue. Providence Housing & Public Safety: State Rep. David Morales defeated Mayor Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary, pitching rent stabilization and affordable housing while calling to change policing priorities and remove Flock cameras. Statewide Elections: Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos is projected to win her Democratic primary, while Kim Ahern won the Democratic nomination for Rhode Island attorney general, setting up a fall matchup. Environment & Industry: A coalition of 20 states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over changes to the Endangered Species Act, arguing the rules weaken protections that affect development, mining, and energy projects. Local Government & Parks: Charlestown town council approved $275,000 to renovate Fort Getty’s lower bathrooms. Community & Culture: Rhythm and Roots returned to Ninigret Park in Charlestown over Labor Day weekend, drawing volunteers and campers for a multi-day music scene.

Rhode Island Politics: Helena Foulkes defeated Gov. Dan McKee in the Democratic primary, a rare loss for an incumbent governor, with the Washington Bridge repair and traffic chaos emerging as a central issue. Providence Governance: Bernie Sanders-endorsed Rep. David Morales beat Mayor Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary, pushing a platform focused on rent caps, affordable housing, and higher taxes on polluters and corporate landlords. Elections Administration: Providence faced staffing shortages at polling sites, with more than 100 workers calling out or not showing up, forcing late openings and reassignment to keep voting moving. Maritime & Defense Workforce: NUWC Division Newport and Sail Newport hosted BlueTIDE, bringing tech firms to in-water demos aimed at accelerating Navy capabilities. Energy & Infrastructure: Rhode Island Energy customers are among the first in the U.S. to receive “Sense” real-time energy monitoring, part of efforts to help households spot waste. Environment & Legal Fight: A coalition of states, including Rhode Island’s AG Nick Brown, sued to block federal Endangered Species Act rollbacks that would weaken habitat protections. Community & Local Business: Safe Harbors of the Hudson will mark 10 years of Safe Harbors Green with a gala celebrating the park’s native landscaping and community impact.

Rhode Island Politics: Gov. Dan McKee is fighting to avoid a rare incumbent loss in the Democratic primary rematch against former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, with the Washington Bridge replacement project and opioid-era credibility both driving attacks and counterattacks. Cybersecurity & Sanctions: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse joined a bipartisan push to add alleged hack-for-hire firms to the U.S. sanctions “entity list,” arguing the companies use foreign courts to suppress U.S. scrutiny. Energy & Renewables: Rhode Island Energy conditionally selected 150 megawatts from a proposed onshore wind project in northern Maine, part of a broader regional procurement aimed at adding large-scale clean power and thousands of construction jobs. Local Business & Retail: The Rhode Island Small Business Shopping Village at Providence Place generated more than $75,000 in sales and drew about 5,000 visitors in its run, spotlighting dozens of RI-owned shops. Workforce & Logistics: Uline is gearing up to open a 1.2 million-square-foot Plainfield, N.J., distribution center in November, with a hiring event and pay up to $34 an hour plus bonuses. Higher Education & Community: URI’s fall Honors Colloquium is set to bring interstellar-themed public lectures starting Sept. 15, with free sessions livestreamed. Automotive Safety: A Washington Post investigation finds “park outside” fire recalls are rising, driven largely by vehicle electronics in non-EV models. Retail Expansion: Helix Sleep is expanding in Rhode Island via a new rollout with Cardi’s Furniture & Mattress.

Clean Energy Procurement: Rhode Island Energy has conditionally selected 150 megawatts from a proposed onshore wind project in northern Maine, joining a regional push that would produce the largest onshore wind farm in New England. Maritime Innovation: REGENT’s Viceroy seaglider completed its first crewed flight over Narragansett Bay, a key step toward commercial service and 2027 deliveries. Workforce & Education: URI will host its second annual Tech Showcase Sept. 22 to connect emerging research and ventures with investors and industry partners, while URI Cooperative Extension is also seeking mentors and sponsors for agriculture/food systems and clean-energy workforce fellow programs. Circular Economy: A mattress recycling push highlights Rhode Island’s participation in state stewardship efforts aimed at boosting recovery and cutting landfill waste. Energy Costs at the Pump: AAA reports Rhode Island gas prices rose 10 cents on average, as regional drivers face higher costs tied to crude price pressure. Business & Legal: A lawsuit alleges 18 Willis Towers Watson employees resigned within 44 minutes and moved to Lockton, taking construction clients with them. Policy & Regulation: Attorneys general, including Rhode Island’s counterparts in broader coalitions, are pressing back on federal rules affecting firearms and other public-safety guardrails.

Maritime Tech: REGENT Craft’s Viceroy Seaglider—an all-electric “flying boat” built for coastal transport—completed its first human-crewed flight over Narragansett Bay, hopping for 30 seconds at about 33 feet above the water and covering 1,956 feet, a key step toward 2027 deliveries. Energy & Utilities: Rhode Island Energy is rolling out the free Sense app for customers with newly installed advanced meters, letting households track real-time electricity use, spot waste, and get alerts on unusual activity. Economy Watch: The Fed’s Beige Book says New England’s economic activity edged up, with manufacturing and employment slightly higher, but businesses are more worried about inflation, energy costs, tariffs, and interest rates. Business Advisory: KordaMentha is expanding its customer advisory line by adding former Deloitte Digital leaders Meredith Wheelhouse and Sean Brennan. Local Politics: Brian Patrick Kennedy seeks another term in RI House District 38 as Stephen Moffitt challenges him, with affordability, health care, and local control at the center of the race.

Workplace Safety: A new Labor Day look at the deadliest jobs ranks logging as the most dangerous occupation, with fishing and hunting and roofing also near the top, underscoring how job risk varies wildly by trade. Federal Permitting: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says bipartisan permitting reform is “as close as we’ve ever been” and could move this week, aiming to cut delays that stall major projects. Health & Industry Risk: Researchers describe a new tick-borne virus in China, carried by a tick already found across 21 U.S. states—an example of how outdoor and agriculture-linked industries face evolving biological threats. Rhode Island Tech & Transport: REGENT’s Viceroy Seaglider completed its first human-crewed flight over Narragansett Bay, a step toward electric coastal passenger transport. Local Politics & Infrastructure: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee heads into a Democratic rematch with Helena Foulkes, with campaign focus also tied to lingering frustration over the Washington Bridge repair. Energy Costs & Policy: A national debate over whether hospital spending penalties actually lower prices highlights how Rhode Island-area healthcare and insurance costs could be shaped by similar policy models.

Maritime Tech in Narragansett Bay: REGENT says its Viceroy Seaglider hit a major milestone with the first human-crewed flight of the prototype, carrying two captains on board for a short hop over the water—an early step toward coastal passenger and cargo/defense use. Leadership Change in RI Manufacturing: Peckham Industries, with a Newport site, named John R. Peckham interim CEO, promising continuity in day-to-day operations as the company transitions leadership. Energy Tools for Rhode Island Homes: Rhode Island Energy rolled out a free Sense app feature for customers with compatible advanced meters, letting households track real-time electricity use, spot unusual spikes, and set alerts. Local Politics with Big Stakes: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee faces a Democratic rematch against Helena Foulkes amid anger over the Washington Bridge repair timeline and concerns about how state government works. Environment & Forestry Watch: In Hopkinton, residents are pushing back on clear-cutting near Arcadia Management Area after an intent-to-cut was filed for a large forest parcel. Public Works & Recreation: Pawtucket is moving ahead with major parks and recreation upgrades, including a new John Street Park and a reconstructed Veterans Park Pool with a splash pad. Labor Day Roots: A Rhode Island-focused Labor Day piece revisits the state’s early textile industry history, including child mill workers tied to the Slater Mill era.

Leadership Change: Peckham Industries, which has sites in Newport, Vermont, named John R. Peckham interim CEO effective immediately, saying day-to-day operations and its growth plan will stay steady during the transition. Energy & Consumer Tech: Rhode Island Energy rolled out a free Sense app for customers with newly installed advanced meters, letting households track real-time electricity use, set alerts, and spot unusual spikes. Local Politics & Infrastructure: Gov. Dan McKee faces a Democratic rematch with Helena Foulkes, with campaign anger tied to the long-running Washington Bridge repair saga. Forestry & Land Use: Residents in Hopkinton are pushing back on clear-cutting near Arcadia Management Area after an intent-to-cut was filed for a large forest parcel. Public Works & Recreation: Pawtucket announced major park upgrades, including a John Street Park overhaul with splash pad and new amenities, plus a Veterans Park Pool reconstruction slated to begin this fall. Workforce & Corrections: RIDOC secured $1.7 million in federal funding to modernize transportation and expand Correctional Industries job training. Agriculture & Policy: A Rhode Island hemp farmer urged the next attorney general to explain whether the state will defend its regulated hemp approach.

Energy & Utilities: Rhode Island Energy is rolling out a free Sense app for customers with newly installed advanced meters, letting households track real-time electricity demand, spot unusual spikes, and review usage history to manage bills. Local Infrastructure: RIDOT will open a new Route 1 (Post Road) North to Route 37 West ramp in Warwick on Sept. 11 while closing the old looping on-ramp to support ongoing bridge demolition, with traffic routed via a temporary signal. Parks & Recreation: Pawtucket is launching major park upgrades, including John Street Park’s splash pad and new amenities and a full reconstruction of Veterans Park Pool with a new pool and splash pad. Public Safety & Jobs: RIDOC secured $1.7 million in federal funding to modernize transportation for facilities and expand Rhode Island Correctional Industries workforce training and job skills. Housing & Rates: Rhode Island regulators approved new utility distribution rates that could mean more winter rate hikes for both electric and gas customers, with added charges depending on usage. Community & Education: A Providence student-written play, “No Swears Academy,” drew a full house and raised support for Oasis International’s youth and scholarship programs. Elections Watch: Coverage highlights key Rhode Island General Assembly primaries to watch next week, including competitive races in North Kingstown and Pawtucket.

Energy & Utilities: Rhode Island Energy is rolling out a free Sense app for eligible customers with newly installed advanced meters, letting households track real-time electricity use, spot unusual spikes, and set alerts to manage bills. Elections & Governance: A Rhode Island-focused roundup highlights several competitive General Assembly primaries next week, including Senate District 8 and other races where local issues like housing and wastewater could shape November outcomes. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of states won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS changes that would have disrupted vote-by-mail systems ahead of Nov. 3. Transportation: RIDOT plans a Warwick interchange change Sept. 11—opening a new Route 1 north to Route 37 west ramp while closing the existing looping on-ramp—to support ongoing bridge demolition work. Workforce & Corrections: RIDOC secured $1.7 million in federal funding to modernize transportation for facilities and expand Correctional Industries job training and reentry programming. Environment & Research: URI water scientist Soni Pradhanang is sharing expertise on flooding and glacier impacts after Nepal’s recent glacial collapse.

Corrections & Workforce Funding: Rhode Island Department of Corrections won $1.7 million in federal earmarks to replace aging RIDOC transport vehicles and expand Rhode Island Correctional Industries job training and marketable-skill programming. Election & Voting Access: AG Nick Brown and a 25-state coalition secured a preliminary injunction blocking USPS from forcing states to get federal approval for new mail-ballot and return-envelope designs and to feed voter data into a USPS portal ahead of Nov. 3. Energy Costs & Grid Pressure: Rhode Island Energy customers are bracing for more winter utility rate hikes after the PUC approved new distribution rates, while Block Island Utility District reported an all-time summer electricity peak that triggered breaker trips and highlighted the risk of relying on constrained power sources. Transportation & Construction: RIDOT will open a new Route 1 north-to-Route 37 west ramp in Warwick on Sept. 11 and close the old looping on-ramp as bridge demolition continues. Local Governance & Housing/Environment: Newport residents pushed back on plans to turn a neighborhood park into a first-responder memorial destination, citing parking strain and environmental impacts. Public Transit: RIPTA unveiled 50 new Frontrunner paratransit vans to replace aging vehicles and expand capacity for RIde and Flex On Demand. Industry Leadership: Peckham Industries, which has Rhode Island-area operations, named John R. Peckham interim CEO to provide continuity during a leadership transition. Water & Science: URI water scientist Soni Pradhanang is sharing insights from her Nepal hydrology research as her home country responds to recent glacial collapse flooding.

Corrections & Workforce Funding: Rhode Island Department of Corrections won $1.7M in federal earmarks to modernize its aging transportation fleet and expand Rhode Island Correctional Industries job training. Transportation Infrastructure: RIDOT will open a new Route 1 (Post Road) North to Route 37 West ramp in Warwick on Sept. 11, while closing the old looping on-ramp as bridge demolition continues. Energy Reliability Planning: Block Island Utility District discussed how extreme summer demand hit peak loads and how winter spot-market needs can spike costs when contracted power isn’t available. Local Politics to Watch: Six Rhode Island General Assembly primaries are drawing attention next week, including Senate District 8’s Urso vs. Gena Felix matchup. Statewide Governance: Rhode Island’s Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Senate President Lawson, clearing the way for her to stay in the spotlight without that case moving forward. Elections & Mail Voting: AG Nick Brown and a coalition secured a court order blocking USPS from enforcing parts of a rule that would have disrupted vote-by-mail systems. Business & Transit: RIPTA unveiled 50 new Frontrunner paratransit vans to replace aging vehicles and expand service capacity. Industry Leadership Change: Peckham Industries, which has sites in Newport, named John R. Peckham interim CEO as leadership transitions.

Federal Drug Policy: Iowa moves to restrict kratom after officials warn it can cause severe medical emergencies, adding to a growing list of states that have banned or limited the substance. Healthcare Costs in Rhode Island: A URI poll finds 72% of Rhode Islanders worry about healthcare costs, and 29% skipped doctor-recommended care due to affordability—despite strong access rankings. Housing Production: The McKee administration announced $38.7M to support the production of 147 new affordable homes statewide through the 2026 “One Stop” funding round. Aerospace & Maritime Innovation: REGENT completed its first crewed Viceroy Seaglider flight over Narragansett Bay, a milestone toward commercial short-haul service. Energy & Tech: Rhode Island Energy launched a real-time electricity monitoring app for customers, while ChargePoint reported Q2 FY2027 revenue up 18% on higher demand. Food & Supply Chain: American Seafood Partners expanded into West Coast squid by buying Cal Marine Fish Co. Big Tech Legal Pressure: Rhode Island joins a multi-state FTC-led lawsuit against Amazon over alleged secret ad surcharge pricing.

Housing Funding: Gov. Dan McKee’s administration announced $38.7 million in “One Stop” awards to build 147 new affordable homes statewide, including multiple Newport projects. Aerospace/Maritime Innovation: REGENT completed its first crewed Viceroy Seaglider flight over Narragansett Bay, a milestone toward commercial service for the all-electric craft. Broadband Expansion: ConnectRI is bringing faster internet to downtown Newport, with GoNetSpeed’s fiber rollout expanding access to thousands of locations by 2027. Local Land Use: Newport’s zoning board approved an alternate plan to rehabilitate and convert a Coggeshall Avenue carriage house into condominiums, adding features like a garage and pool. Food & Safety: A major tofu recall linked to possible ink contamination includes Rhode Island among 29 states. Consumer/Tech Legal: Rhode Island Attorney General Jeffrey N. Jackson joined the FTC and a coalition of states suing Amazon over alleged secret ad-pricing surcharges. Elections & Politics: The Democratic primary for RI House District 36 pits incumbent Tina Spears against challenger Leah Boisclair, with coastal resilience and affordability at the center.

Regent’s Seaglider Milestone: Regent Craft says its full-scale Viceroy all-electric wing-in-ground effect prototype completed its first crewed flight off Narragansett Bay, a 30-second hop that the company frames as a step toward late-2027 deliveries. Energy & Rates: Rhode Island Energy rolled out a real-time electricity monitoring app for customers, while the PUC signed off on $170 million in energy bill credits for ratepayers. Water Infrastructure: Westerly secured the first $45 million loan for wastewater upgrades through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, kicking off an $85 million modernization plan. Housing Debate: A Rhode Island commentary calls out campaign “units vs. homes” language that blurs what gets built and who it serves. Local Business & Finance: Washington Trust in Westerly marked its long history as the country’s oldest community bank, and Amica announced Acel Silva will succeed retiring Sean Welch as chief claims officer. Workforce & Education: URI celebrated more than 4,000 graduates at its 2026 commencement, including students in industrial and systems engineering. Policy Pressure on Data Centers: PIRG is urging a two-year statewide pause on large data centers (50 MW+), pointing to costs, siting decisions, and grid upgrades.