AGP Executive Report

Utility Tech for Home Energy: Rhode Island Energy is rolling out a free Sense app for customers with newly installed advanced meters, letting households track real-time electricity use, spot unusual spikes, and set alerts to curb waste. Statehouse Politics: With the Sept. 9 primary days away, Rhode Island’s General Assembly races are heating up, including multiple competitive Democratic primaries that could reshape local representation. Blizzard Relief Fight: Gov. Dan McKee and Rhode Island’s congressional delegation are blasting the Trump administration after FEMA again denied the state’s request for $19 million in recovery costs from the February “historic blizzard,” with McKee calling it “a new low.” Arbitration Ruling for Pawtucket Merchants: A federal appeals court found American Express waived its right to compel arbitration by failing to pay required AAA administrative fees tied to thousands of merchant cases. Housing & Energy Costs Pressure: Rhode Island regulators approved distribution rate hikes that will raise winter utility bills for both electric and gas customers, even as some credits may offset parts of the increase. Business Leadership Change: Peckham Industries, which has sites in Newport, Vermont, named John R. Peckham interim CEO, replacing Damian J. Murphy.

Disaster Relief Fight: Gov. Dan McKee and Rhode Island’s delegation blasted the Trump administration after FEMA again denied the state’s $19 million appeal for February’s “largest blizzard in Rhode Island history,” arguing the denial shifts costs to local taxpayers despite Rhode Island meeting FEMA thresholds. Utility Costs: Rhode Island regulators approved new electric and gas distribution rates that will raise winter bills, with the PUC’s Sept. 1 decision adding charges for typical users. Local Energy Planning: Block Island Utility District discussed extreme summer demand peaks and the risks of relying on contracted power versus expensive spot-market electricity during shortages. Arbitration & Banking: A federal appeals court ruled American Express waived its right to compel arbitration by failing to pay AAA administrative fees in thousands of merchant cases, including a Pawtucket dispute tied to credit-card swipe fees. Transit Business: RIPTA unveiled 50 new paratransit vans to replace aging vehicles and expand capacity for RIde and Flex On Demand. Elections & Business Climate: Rhode Island’s Sept. 9 primaries are heating up, with multiple General Assembly races and GOP CD2 candidates debating who best fits MAGA branding ahead of the vote.

Rhode Island Politics: The R.I. Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Senate President Lawson, rejecting claims tied to her votes on charter-school limits and a unionization bill. Governor’s Race Watch: A new report frames Gov. Dan McKee’s rematch challenge with Helena Foulkes as increasingly shaped by the Washington Bridge fallout and party hesitation to endorse the incumbent. Healthcare Cost Pressure: A URI poll finds 72% of Rhode Islanders worry about healthcare costs, and 29% skipped doctor-recommended care due to affordability—despite strong access metrics. Hospital Strain: Rhode Island hospitals are seeing charity care surge as insurance-market disruptions squeeze finances. Labor & School Operations: A potential school bus strike involving 750+ First Student drivers was delayed as Teamsters Local 251 and the company keep negotiating. Business & Growth: American Seafood Partners acquired West Coast squid operator Cal Marine Fish Co., expanding coast-to-coast seafood supply. Insurance Leadership: Amica Mutual announced Acel Silva will succeed retiring Sean Welch as chief claims officer. Tech Policy: EPA’s proposed data-center rule would weaken public comment requirements for air permits, shifting more power to states. National Legal/Regulatory: Rhode Island is among states joining an FTC-led Amazon lawsuit alleging a secret ad-pricing scheme that overcharged customers.

Housing Funding Push: Gov. Dan McKee’s administration awarded $38.7 million in the latest “One Stop” round to build 147 new affordable homes statewide, aiming to keep housing production moving toward Housing 2030 goals. Local Tech & Transportation: Quonset-based REGENT completed its first crewed flight of the full-scale Viceroy Seaglider over Narragansett Bay, a milestone toward commercial service for the all-electric, wing-in-ground craft. Consumer & Food Safety: Hodo recalled 10,084 cases of Chili Crisp Lightly Fried Tofu in 29 states, including Rhode Island, after ink from packaging may have migrated into the product. Retail Watch: CVS is testing a “pharmacy-only” model in Roxbury, part of a broader shift as drugstores face margin pressure from big-box and online competition. Legal/Regulatory: Rhode Island is among states backing a multi-state AG effort against Amazon over alleged ad-pricing rigging that could have overcharged advertisers by more than $20 billion since 2019. Broadband Expansion: ConnectRI brought higher-speed fiber to more than 500 downtown Newport residents, with construction tied to GoNetSpeed’s rollout expected to extend through spring 2027.

Paid Leave Gap: A new Century Foundation ranking highlights how states are stepping in as the U.S. still lacks a national paid family and medical leave law, with Rhode Island among the states already offering programs. Medicaid Rates: Gov. Dan McKee is backing a $16 million plan tied to a review showing Rhode Island primary care Medicaid reimbursements still lag the true cost of care, with proposed increases potentially in the 48%–66% range. Local Business & Growth: Washington Trust marked its 1800 founding in Westerly and remains a key community bank story for southern Rhode Island. Tech/Defense Innovation: Regent completed the first crewed flight of its Viceroy Seaglider prototype on Narragansett Bay, a milestone toward deliveries targeted for late 2027. Company Moves: Amica Mutual named Acel Silva to succeed retiring Sean Welch as SVP and chief claims officer. Community & Events: Ocean State Job Lot is opening a new Glassboro, N.J., store, while Little Compton’s St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea hosts a Sept. 19 benefit concert for local food banks. Higher Ed: URI held its 2026 commencement, awarding about 4,000 degrees to new alumni.

Defense & Energy Governance: Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed is calling for a “full accounting” after the Pentagon took an ownership stake in Venezuela oil fields, raising fresh questions about how military business interests could blur civilian control. Healthcare Policy: Gov. Dan McKee is backing a $16M proposal to raise Rhode Island Medicaid primary-care reimbursement after a state review found rates still lag the true cost of care. Data Centers & Power Costs: PIRG is pushing a two-year pause on new Rhode Island data centers at 50 MW+ as utilities, local approvals, and grid costs collide. Local Courts: A Rhode Island Superior Court ruling sided with a Burrillville resident, dismissing a town counterclaim under the state’s Anti-SLAPP law over concerns tied to an artificial turf project. Tech & Defense Industry: Regent’s Seaglider prototype completed its first human-crewed flight on Narragansett Bay, a step toward commercial and military hydrofoiling craft. Public Health: Rhode Island reported two more Warwick raccoons testing positive for rabies, bringing the year’s total to 34. Business & Housing Signals: Zillow data points to where out-of-town rental demand is rising, with Providence ranking among the top markets. Workplace Safety Innovation: A South County Hospital nurse invented “Looey,” a splash guard to protect caregivers from hazardous fluids.

M&A & Real Estate Services: Stewart Information Services says it acquired Tower Title, an East Providence, R.I.-based title specialist focused on telecom infrastructure—an expansion that strengthens Stewart’s Energy & Infrastructure unit. Defense & Manufacturing: Composite Energy Technologies (CET) of Bristol, R.I. was selected for NATO DIANA’s 2026 accelerator Mission Track, backing its HADALUS autonomous undersea vehicle push. Healthcare Tech & Jobs: Akido, an AI-native health system with operations in California, Rhode Island and New York, highlights how HR leaders are managing employee resistance as AI tools take on clinical prep work. Broadband Expansion: GoNetspeed will invest $8 million to bring 100% fiber to Carteret, N.J., aiming for connections starting next summer—another sign of continued regional infrastructure buildout. Local Business Support: Stop & Shop launched its annual School Food Pantry Campaign across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with donations supporting hundreds of school pantries. Consumer Safety: Hodo recalled 75,250 packages of tofu across 29 states, including Rhode Island, due to possible ink contamination. Regulation & Antitrust: The FTC and 22 states, including Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha, sued Amazon over alleged “secret ad surcharge” practices that regulators say inflated prices for advertisers for years.

Labor Negotiations: Gov. Dan McKee said he’s staying in close contact with Teamsters Local 251 and First Student as bargaining continues, urging a “fair and swift resolution” for Rhode Island school bus workers. Labor Action Watch: Teamsters says more than 750 workers are preparing to strike at First Student as early as Sept. 2 after talks broke down on local supplemental agreements across multiple Rhode Island communities. Consumer & Food Safety: Hodo, Inc. recalled more than 10,000 cases of its Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu sold in 29 states after it found printing ink “may have migrated into the product.” Local Philanthropy: BankNewport Charitable Foundation awarded $15,000 to Star Kids and $7,000 to FabNewport’s Healthy Meals Program. State Tax Update: Rhode Island’s cigarette tax increase was dropped from the final FY2027 budget, keeping the excise tax at $4.50 per pack. Business & Markets: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general sued Amazon over alleged manipulation of ad auctions that they say inflated prices by more than $20 billion; Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha is among the plaintiffs. Higher Ed & Research: URI professor Koray Özpolat earned a UN PRME Awards honorable mention for a cross-cultural supply chain sustainability case competition. Grant News: LSU and URI won a $4 million NSF grant to advance wetland science, linking Louisiana delta wetlands with Rhode Island salt marshes.

Amazon Ad-Auction Lawsuit: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha joined the FTC and 21 states suing Amazon over alleged “secret ad surcharge” schemes that, regulators say, inflated prices for more than a million advertisers; Amazon denies wrongdoing. Local Tech & Privacy: Tiverton delayed four new Flock license-plate cameras after Gov. Dan McKee urged a 60-day statewide pause to set clearer rules, while existing cameras keep running. Healthcare Costs Pulse Check: A URI poll finds 72% of Rhode Islanders worry healthcare costs are too high, with many skipping care. Providence Public Safety Review: An independent review of the Brown University shooting praised Providence’s response but flagged communication gaps, with city leaders saying improvements are already underway. Renewables Jobs at Risk: A report says Trump’s renewable energy push is stalling work on the Revolution Wind offshore project, threatening jobs in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Business Modernization: Boscov’s is upgrading its omnichannel supply chain with Manhattan Associates to cut out-of-stocks and improve store fulfillment. Labor Day Hours: A quick guide lists which Rhode Island banks and major pharmacies are open or closed on Labor Day.

Amazon Ad Pricing Lawsuit: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general, including Rhode Island, sued Amazon alleging it secretly inflated sponsored ad prices for more than 1 million advertisers over seven years, potentially extracting tens of billions of dollars; Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha called it deceptive conduct that hits small and medium-sized businesses. Rhode Island Banking & Food Security: Beacon Bank set a Rhode Island record by collecting 7,500+ pounds of nonperishable food during its summer drive, distributing it to 14 local pantries. Rhode Island Tech & Privacy Oversight: The ACLU of Rhode Island says Flock “transparency” portals are missing or incomplete across multiple communities, with only Foster and Newport posting audit logs. Energy Costs in Rhode Island: Rhode Island Energy customers face higher fees starting Sept. 1 after the Public Utilities Commission finalized a $138 million revenue plan, adding complexity to seasonal bill swings. Local Business & Growth: Arbella opened its first New Hampshire commercial lines office in Bedford, signaling continued expansion in the state’s commercial insurance market. Consumer Safety: Multiple food recalls were flagged, including glass-contamination concerns for Outshine fruit bars and listeria-related issues tied to Marketside tomato bisque soup kits.

Real Estate & Consumer Access: A Providence mayoral ballot fight over Question 7 is sharpening into a business-and-market issue, with candidates and outside groups arguing the measure would restrict city investments tied to countries accused of severe human-rights abuses, while opponents say it’s effectively targeted at Israel. Housing Market Transparency: A Greater Boston buyer-agent firm is backing Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s push against “pocket listings,” warning private listing networks could create a two-tier housing market. Competition Policy: Gov. Dan McKee signed a Rhode Island law that voids most new grocery-related deed restrictions, limiting how long competitors can be blocked from former supermarket sites to 18 months (existing covenants remain). Cannabis Politics: Rhode Island’s messy cannabis legalization rollout is again in the spotlight in the attorney general race, as critics point to stalled retail licensing and equity concerns. Finance & ETFs: Yorkville America, behind Trump’s Truth Social ETFs, is nearing an acquisition and plans more ETF launches beyond its politically branded lineup. Healthcare Business: Nuvia Dental Implant Center opened its first Rhode Island location in Johnston, touting same-day permanent teeth for eligible patients. Energy & Jobs: Rhode Island’s neighbors are still fighting over major transmission and wind projects, with cost and ratepayer impacts driving political pressure. Local Governance & Public Safety Tech: Rhode Island’s use of Flock cameras is under scrutiny for weak rules on data retention and access. Workforce & Community Health: Wood River Health added four new board members as it looks to expand access to care.

Healthcare & Local Growth: Nuvia Dental Implant Center opened its first Rhode Island location in Johnston (1526 Atwood Ave.), aiming to deliver consultation, implant surgery, and permanent zirconia teeth within 24 hours for eligible patients. Community & Small Business: Tiverton’s FigMamma Farms Fig Festival returns Sept. 12 at Firefly Figs, with rare fig varieties, grower networking, tastings, contests, and a tree raffle/auction. Public Safety & Workforce: Hospital strikes are being fueled by staffing shortages and violence against healthcare workers, with Rhode Island among the states seeing picket lines. Defense Manufacturing: Anduril is ramping up production of its undersea drone lines at its Quonset Point facility, targeting maximum output by end of 2027 and pushing a second, extra-large vehicle line toward completion this year. Politics & Accountability: A tight Rhode Island attorney general Democratic primary is turning personal, as Keith Hoffmann and Kim Ahern trade allegations over lead-safety certification and potential conflicts. Civic Life: East Greenwich staged a Revolutionary War living-history event at the Varnum House as America’s 250th anniversary continues. Consumer Watch: The USDA recalled about 24,900 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products sold in RI and other New England states due to inspection failures. Tech & Privacy: The FTC finalized orders against Cox Media Group and two marketing firms over an “Active Listening” ad product, saying it sold email lists rather than any voice data.

Food Safety Recall: USDA says Shanghai Ravioli Corp. is recalling about 24,900 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products sold in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont after improper inspection, with no illnesses reported. Regulatory Fight Over Prediction Markets: A federal appeals court sided with Nevada in its legal fight against Kalshi, while Rhode Island, New York and Arizona continue their own actions over whether prediction markets should be regulated as gambling. Digital Ads Scrutiny: The FTC finalized orders against Cox Media Group and two marketing firms over an “Active Listening” ad product that the agency says didn’t use voice data, ordering $930,000 in payments. Local Tech/Business Spotlight: EarthCam marked 30 years in live camera technology, saying the past year was its most successful as more professional clients used its Control Center 9 SaaS. Healthcare Labor Pressure: Hospital strikes tied to violence against healthcare workers and staffing shortages are escalating, with Rhode Island among states seeing walkouts. Public Health Innovation: A mobile opioid treatment unit in Woonsocket is expanding access to medication for opioid use disorder, according to a new study. Community & Learning: Peace Dale Library in South Kingstown reopened a renovated second floor that now houses a Community Learning Center, adding more local resources.

Tennis & Tourism: Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, delivering an emotional, tear-filled speech as he reflected on his family and career milestones. Local Real Estate: A Rhode Island ocean-view mansion once owned by PGA Tour star Brad Faxon is on the market for $13 million, highlighting the state’s high-end luxury demand. Energy Policy: Rhode Island’s $49M low-income solar plan remains stuck after the EPA terminated the Solar for All program in 2025, with litigation still unresolved. Public Safety & Tech: Brown University says it will move to close communication gaps after the 2025 campus shooting by seeking a memorandum with Providence Police to join the city’s Real Time Crime Center. Health & Workforce: A mobile opioid treatment unit in Woonsocket is expanding access to medication for opioid use disorder, while researchers flag structural obstacles that threaten long-term scale. Nonprofit Funding: The Rhode Island Foundation awarded $5.4M in grants supporting housing, food, health care, and police training. Legal/Regulatory: A federal appeals court sided with Nevada in its fight with Kalshi over prediction-market oversight, while the DOJ also escalated lawsuits targeting states’ in-state tuition benefits for illegal immigrants. Community Development: Peace Dale Library in South Kingstown unveiled a renovated Community Learning Center space, adding new resources to the historic building.

Solar Funding Fight: Rhode Island’s $49.33M low-income solar expansion plan is still stuck in limbo after the EPA terminated the “Solar for All” program in August 2025, with litigation unresolved and the state plan never fully moving past the planning stage. Public Safety Tech: Brown University’s post–Brown shooting review says campus security systems weren’t connected when they mattered, and the school is now moving to join Providence’s Real Time Crime Center under an activation-based video-sharing model. Opioid Care Access: A mobile opioid treatment unit in Woonsocket is expanding medication for opioid use disorder and outreach, while researchers flag structural barriers that could threaten long-term survival of the model. Nonprofit Grants: The Rhode Island Foundation awarded $5.4M+ to nonprofits for housing, food, health care, and police training, including behavioral-health crisis response support. Local Learning Space: Peace Dale Library’s renovated second floor now hosts South Kingstown’s Community Learning Center, adding more resources in a historic setting. Food Safety: USDA recalled about 24,900 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken shipped to RI and four other states after inspection lapses and false inspection marks. Energy Projects Nearby: Maine regulators approved a northern Maine 800-MW onshore wind project and a 1,200-MW transmission line to feed the regional grid, with Rhode Island in the shared New England system. Business & Community: Ocean Business USA is set to debut in Newport in 2027, aiming to draw 1,500 ocean tech professionals and 100 exhibitors.

Meta Settlement: Nevada AG Aaron Ford announced a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta deal to force child-safety changes on Instagram and Facebook, with Rhode Island also in the mix for major payments. Election Law Fight: Ford also co-leads a lawsuit challenging USPS rules tied to mail voting, arguing the federal move would interfere with states’ election administration. Federal vs. State Tuition: DOJ sued Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington over “in-state tuition” and aid for illegal immigrants, adding to a growing legal push that now totals 21 states. Rhode Island Public Safety Tech: A Rhode Island-related debate over Flock-style license-plate cameras continues as communities weigh data retention, oversight, and misuse concerns. Food Safety: USDA issued a Class I recall of nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken shipped to RI and other states after inspection lapses and false inspection marks. Local Business/Real Estate: Pawtucket is advancing proposals for housing, hotels and retail at the former Apex site, signaling continued redevelopment momentum. Energy/Utilities: Rhode Island utility credits are set to hit bills starting in October, affecting household costs and budgeting. Sports Business: Newport native Cooper Flagg’s rare rookie patch card is headed to auction, with Rhode Island’s retail shop involved in the high-stakes deal.