AGP Executive Report

Endangered Species Act Fight: A coalition of 20 states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over new rules that narrow what counts as “harm” to protected species and weaken safeguards for threatened wildlife and critical habitat. Local Higher Ed Leadership: Bristol Community College named Emmanuel Echevarria as chief of staff, expanding oversight tied to government relations and Title IX. RI Tech & Defense Innovation: NUWC Division Newport’s BlueTIDE event in Narragansett Bay showcased in-water demos from tech firms aiming to speed Navy capability delivery, with Sen. Jack Reed highlighting the shift toward drones and autonomy. Research Funding Boost: Brown University’s health research push got a new $26M federal grant to expand clinical and translational work across Rhode Island. Housing Policy: Rhode Island’s “Taylor Swift tax” on high-value vacation homes is set to raise property taxes for non-primary residences, fueling debate over affordable housing funding versus impacts on owners. Public Health Prep: The American Lung Association urged New Englanders to get flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines ahead of respiratory virus season, citing higher risk for older adults. Forensics & Training: URI’s forensic lecture series returns Fridays this fall, bringing legal and lab experts to campus.

RI Politics Meets Tech & Infrastructure: CNN projects Helena Foulkes will defeat Gov. Dan McKee in Rhode Island’s Democratic primary, with the Washington Bridge closure and traffic chaos still a central issue. Federal Environment Fight: Rhode Island-linked attorneys general actions are part of a broader coalition suing to block new Endangered Species Act rules that narrow “harm” and weaken habitat protections. Navy Innovation in Newport: BlueTIDE 2026 at Sail Newport showcased in-water demos connecting NUWC Division Newport engineers with tech firms to speed future Navy capabilities. Space/Physics Research: A Pierre Auger cosmic-ray study used muon-scatter measurements to set the tightest-ever constraint on possible Lorentz invariance violations. STEM at URI: URI’s fall Honors Colloquium kicks off Sept. 15 with interstellar exploration talks from scientists and astronauts. Health & Data: FORE awarded nearly $1.82M in grants to improve how overdose and substance-use data reach state and local responders. Community Science: URI surf therapy expands to a pilot study for youth with blindness or visual impairment. Local Tech/Workforce: Marad designated 16 maritime training Centers of Excellence, expanding the workforce pipeline for domestic mariner training. Housing Signals: Realtor.com reports home listing prices falling fastest in post-pandemic boom metros as mortgage rates stay elevated.

Opioid Data Modernization: FORE awarded nearly $1.82M to three groups to improve how overdose and substance-use disorder data are collected and shared so state and local officials can act faster. Fiber Expansion: GoNetspeed plans to build a 100% fiber network in Amsterdam, N.Y., targeting up to 6 Gbps for 8,700 homes and businesses starting spring 2027. Cybersecurity Policy: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse joined lawmakers urging the U.S. to sanction “hack-for-hire” firms by adding three to the sanctions entity list. Health & Research in RI: URI is recruiting youth with blindness or visual impairment for a surf-therapy pilot study, supported by a Fogarty Foundation grant. Tech & Business in RI: URI will host its second annual Tech Showcase Sept. 22 to connect university research and startups with investors and industry. Local Connectivity & Energy: Rhode Island customers are among the first in the U.S. to receive “Sense” real-time energy monitoring. Public Safety Tech Debate: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is calling for a pause on Flock plate-reading cameras amid privacy concerns. Vehicle Tech Recall Watch: A Washington Post investigation finds “park outside” recalls are rising due to vehicle electronics, not just EVs.

URI Innovation: URI will host its 2nd annual Technology Showcase on Sept. 22 (4–7 p.m.) at the Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering, aiming to connect university research and startups with investors and industry partners. Clean Energy Tech: Rhode Island Energy is rolling out the free Sense app for customers with advanced meters, offering real-time home electricity use, alerts for unusual activity, and personalized tips to cut bills. AI & Work in RI: Rhode Map Live returns Sept. 17 with a focus on AI and the future of work, bringing together government, higher education, cybersecurity, and tech leaders. Coastal Mobility Breakthrough: REGENT’s Viceroy Seaglider completed its first crewed flight over Narragansett Bay, a step toward commercial service and 2027 deliveries. Workforce Pipeline: URI Cooperative Extension is recruiting mentors and sponsors for its Agriculture and Food Systems, Energy, and new Environmental Management Fellows programs. Health Care Research: Brown University’s School of Public Health study maps how Medicare Advantage plans, postacute care managers, hospitals, and home health agencies coordinate referrals for post-discharge home care. School Meals Access: A new ProCare Therapy report ranks Vermont No. 1 for school meals in 2026, with Rhode Island among states running programs to expand access and reduce barriers.

Coastal Electric Transport: REGENT’s Viceroy Seaglider just completed its first human-crewed flight over Narragansett Bay—two captains aboard, a 30-second hop covering 1,956 feet at about 33 feet above the water—moving the all-electric wing-in-ground-effect concept into final sea trials for planned 2027 deliveries. Energy Tech in RI Homes: Rhode Island Energy customers with newly installed advanced meters can now use the free Sense app for real-time electricity monitoring, alerts for unusual activity, and personalized tips to cut waste and bills. Higher Ed Under Pressure: A new national report highlights how shaky college finances are hitting students—especially at small private schools—while policy changes and funding cuts add strain. Public Health & Research: Researchers in China described a new tick-borne virus, but the key takeaway for the U.S. is that the main tick carrier is already established in 21 states, raising the need for continued monitoring. Local Politics Meets Tech/Policy: Providence’s mayoral race is heating up around a ballot initiative tied to divestment from “foreign countries” over alleged atrocities, with antisemitism concerns adding extra friction for voters. Elections & Data: Coverage also points to low survey response rates and disputes over polling methods ahead of Rhode Island’s Democratic primary rematch.

Coastal Tech Breakthrough: REGENT’s Viceroy Seaglider completed its first human-crewed flight over Narragansett Bay, carrying two captains for a 30-second test at about 33 feet above the water—an electric “flying boat” that can switch between floating, hydrofoiling, and low-altitude flight. Local Politics: Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee heads into a Sept. 9 Democratic primary rematch against Helena Foulkes, with the Washington Bridge repair timeline and broader frustration with state leadership driving the race. Public Health & Policy: A new tick-borne virus described in China (ALTNV) is carried by a tick species already confirmed across 21 U.S. states, raising monitoring questions even as no U.S. human cases have been reported. Workplace & AI: Cardinal Robert McElroy used Labor Day Mass to warn that AI could reshape work so profoundly that the question becomes whether “meaningful work” remains. Healthcare Access: A URI survey finds some Rhode Islanders still can’t afford care even with insurance, underscoring cost barriers. Elections & Data: A Rhode Island primary polling story highlights lower response rates and disputes over survey methods as campaigns trade accusations.

Maritime Tech in Rhode Island: REGENT’s electric Viceroy Seaglider completed its first human-crewed flight over Narragansett Bay, carrying two captains for a 30-second hop at low altitude—an important step toward coastal passenger service. Coastal Science: Experts say warm-water shark sightings around Cape Cod, the Islands, and Rhode Island are becoming a consistent seasonal pattern tied to climate change. Public Safety Tech: Rhode Island Shriners will buy about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for 36 public high schools, boosting impact protection for football players. Local Politics & Tech Policy: Providence’s mayoral race is heating up ahead of the Sept. 9 Democratic primary, with housing affordability and city operations at the center as candidates David Morales and Brett Smiley trade visions. Elections & Data: A Rhode Island primary polling story highlights low survey response rates and disputes over new methods—an issue that tech-minded voters will feel. Weather & Planning: NOAA’s El Niño-driven 2026-27 winter outlook points to warmer, wetter conditions for Rhode Island.

Providence Mayoral Primary: State Rep. David Morales is challenging incumbent Brett Smiley, framing the race around housing and cost-of-living pressures he says he saw firsthand, while Smiley leans on his record in local government and argues Providence needs continuity heading into the Sept. 9 Democratic primary. RI State Politics & Infrastructure: Gov. Dan McKee faces a rematch with Helena Foulkes, with the Washington Bridge repair timeline and costs driving voter anger and campaign attacks. Coastal Science & Climate: A $4M NSF-backed project co-led by LSU and the University of Rhode Island (EcoCARE) aims to help researchers share data and build tools for coastal preservation, linking Louisiana wetlands work with Rhode Island salt marsh modeling. Marine Life Shifts: Experts say warm-water shark sightings around Cape Cod, the Islands, and Rhode Island are becoming a consistent seasonal pattern tied to warming ocean temperatures. Tech, Privacy, and Elections: Flock cameras are emerging as a campaign flashpoint as voters balk at automated surveillance tied to license-plate tracking. Public Health & Access: Rhode Island is among states facing pressure over healthcare affordability, with a URI survey highlighting that even with insurance, some residents can’t afford care. Education & Safety: Rhode Island Shriners Charities will buy about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for public high schools to boost football player protection. Weather Outlook: NOAA’s 2026-27 winter forecast points to warmer, wetter conditions in Rhode Island driven by El Niño.

Climate & Ocean Science: New England is seeing more warm-water shark sightings, and experts say it’s becoming a consistent seasonal pattern as ocean temperatures shift. Local Health & Education: A Rhode Island-based medical equipment company fired an employee after racist abuse tied to WNBA player Dearica Hamby, and the league says the person is permanently banned from games. Public Policy & Surveillance: Flock cameras are turning into a midterm campaign flashpoint, with candidates pushing bans or warrant requirements as voters question tech-company power. Defense & Innovation: Rhode Island hosted Defense Innovation Days, a major push to speed up defense tech deployment and address workforce shortages. STEM & Research in RI: URI’s water scientist Soni Pradhanang is sharing real-time insight on Nepal flooding and glacial collapse, linking her hazard and water modeling work to urgent events. Health Care Access: States including Rhode Island are challenging a rule that would cut Medicaid funding for transgender youth gender-affirming care. Energy & Weather: NOAA’s 2026-27 winter outlook for Rhode Island calls for warmer, wetter conditions tied to El Niño. Sports Tech & Safety: Rhode Island Shriners will buy about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for public high schools.

Defense & Autonomy: Rhode Island’s defense-tech momentum stays in focus as SENEDIA’s Defense Innovation Days 2026 wrapped with a push to speed up procurement and deploy faster, with Ocean State companies highlighted for submarines and autonomous underwater vehicles. Local Transit: RIPTA unveiled 50 new Frontrunner paratransit vans to replace aging vehicles and expand capacity for RIde and Flex On Demand, aiming to make boarding easier for wheelchair users. Water & Climate Science: URI water scientist Soni Pradhanang shared how her Nepal research background connects to recent glacial-collapse flooding, underscoring the real-world stakes of flood and hazard modeling. Energy Grid Reality: Block Island Utility District reported its highest-ever energy peak this summer, a reminder of how extreme weather and planning gaps can force utilities onto costly spot power. Policy & Health Tech: Rhode Island became the first state to require AI scribe disclosure and an opt-out process, adding another guardrail to the fast-moving AI tools entering workplaces. Education & Safety: Rhode Island Shriners will buy about 1,080 Guardian Cap helmet covers for public high schools, boosting football player protection.

Rhode Island Primary Watch: Early voting runs through Aug. 20, with polls closing at 8 p.m. Wednesday—South County’s key races include North Kingstown House District 31 (decided in the primary) and Narragansett’s crowded town council contest, where housing, short-term rentals, wastewater, and coastal access are front and center. Energy Costs & Policy: A Democratic economist’s new analysis of renewable portfolio standards finds retail electricity prices rise 11% after seven years and 17% after twelve, with $125B in added costs across mandated states—raising the debate over whether mandates are the most efficient way to cut emissions. Weather & Planning: NOAA’s 2026-27 winter outlook for Rhode Island calls for warmer, wetter conditions tied to a strengthening El Niño pattern. Public Transit Upgrade: RIPTA unveiled 50 new Frontrunner paratransit vans to replace aging vehicles and expand capacity for RIde paratransit and Flex On Demand. Defense Tech in Newport: SENEDIA’s Defense Innovation Days wrapped up with a focus on faster tech deployment and workforce needs, highlighting Ocean State defense capabilities. URI Research Spotlight: URI water scientist Soni Pradhanang shares how her flood and glacier research connects to recent Nepal flooding after a glacial collapse. Tech & Privacy Politics: Flock AI camera surveillance is again a campaign flashpoint, with Rhode Island communities weighing in as candidates push for restrictions or bans.

Defense Innovation Days in Newport: SENEDIA’s 12th Defense Innovation Days drew 400+ leaders, with a clear focus on the defense workforce shortage and faster tech deployment, plus practical guidance on procurement and partnerships. Autonomous boats in Rhode Island: Blue Water Autonomy is testing AI-navigated, laptop-controlled ferry-scale vessels at Quonset Business Park, partnering with Rhode Island Fast Ferry using the Atlantic Endurance as a real-world test platform. Healthcare tech and policy: A cluster-randomized trial reports recombinant flu vaccine cut lab-confirmed nursing home influenza outbreaks in 2019-2020; separately, regulators are tightening how medical AI tools are evaluated and monitored. Local transit upgrade: RIPTA unveiled 50 new Frontrunner paratransit vans to expand RIde and Flex On Demand capacity. AI surveillance backlash: Flock cameras are becoming a campaign flashpoint nationwide, with candidates pushing bans, limits, or warrant requirements. URI science outreach: URI’s Youngken Medicinal Garden added a self-guided audio tour featuring Narragansett knowledge of medicinal plants. Block Island power planning: BIUD discussed how extreme summer demand and winter supply issues are shaping its approach to contracting and grid reliability. Voting access court fight: AG Rob Bonta secured longer-term relief blocking USPS mail-voting changes while litigation continues.

Medical AI rules: The FDA is laying out how generative AI-enabled medical devices will be evaluated and monitored, shifting focus to device risk and what happens when outputs go wrong. Healthcare access in RI: A URI survey finds 29% of Rhode Islanders (or household members) delayed care due to cost, with 47% saying they couldn’t afford it. Aging research funding: Brown and Brown Health are launching a $37M Starr Foundation-backed alliance aimed at breakthroughs in healthier aging and age-associated conditions. Local tech + privacy politics: Flock AI license-plate cameras are becoming a major campaign target nationwide, with candidates pushing bans, limits, or warrant requirements. Maritime innovation in RI: REGENT completed the first crewed flight of its full-scale Viceroy Seaglider over Narragansett Bay, a step toward commercial all-electric, wing-in-ground-effect service. Invasive species watch: Rhode Island vineyards are bracing for spotted lanternfly expansion as it’s now established statewide, with URI and RIDEM monitoring traps. Music tech: Denon DJ unveiled the PRIME 4 G2, a Rhode Island-based inMusic brand’s updated four-channel controller with upgraded pads and processing. Policy + food benefits: A Texas bill would end SNAP’s Restaurant Meals Program, which currently lets eligible recipients use benefits for hot prepared meals at participating restaurants, including in RI. Local archives: Newport Historical Society won a $245K NEH grant to digitize 2,000 Revolutionary-era documents for broader public access.

Maritime Tech Breakthrough: Quonset-based REGENT completed its first human-crewed flight of the full-scale Viceroy Seaglider over Narragansett Bay, marking a major step toward commercial service for the all-electric, wing-in-ground effect craft. Health & Aging Research: Brown University and Brown University Health launched the Starr Healthspan Innovation Alliance with a $37M Starr Foundation investment to speed aging-focused discoveries from lab to clinical trials. Local Health Access: A URI survey found 29% of Rhode Islanders delayed medical care due to cost, with 47% saying they couldn’t afford treatment. Digital IDs Expand: Rhode Island readers get a national update as more states roll out mobile driver’s licenses, with new wallet support and TSA acceptance in Colorado. AI in Schools: Springfield Public Schools in Massachusetts is adopting an AI attendance tool that reaches out to families when students miss class. Invasive Species Watch: Rhode Island vineyards are bracing for spotted lanternfly growth as the insect is now established statewide. Public Records Digitization: The Newport Historical Society received a $245K NEH grant to digitize and expand access to 2,000 Revolutionary-era documents.

Defense Tech: AeroVironment won a $464.8M U.S. Army production contract for its LOCUST® X3 counter-UAS laser under the Enduring-High Energy Laser program, a major shift from prototypes to fielded directed-energy systems. Ocean & Environment: URI researchers secured a $4M NSF grant to strengthen coastal wetland restoration and resilience across Rhode Island and Louisiana, bringing together scientists, economists, policymakers, and community partners. New Mobility: Regent Craft’s all-electric Viceroy seaglider completed its first human-crewed flight on Narragansett Bay, validating wing-in-ground effect and hydrofoiling for future commercial and defense use. AI & Policy: Rhode Island is reported to be the first state to require AI scribe disclosure plus an opt-out process, as states push new rules on frontier-model safety and data-center impacts. Local Health Tech: A South Kingstown nurse invented Looey, a splash guard that attaches to bedpan washers and toilets to protect caregivers from hazardous fluids. Energy & Data Centers: PIRG is urging a two-year pause on large data centers (50 MW+) as Rhode Island’s utility tariff changes and local permitting fights heat up. RI Business & Community: Washington Trust marked its 1800 founding in Westerly, while URI’s 2026 commencement highlighted local graduates and expanded clinical training space at URI’s Psychological Consultation Center.

Electric Seaglider Breakthrough: Regent’s Viceroy, an all-electric wing-in-ground-effect craft, completed its first human-crewed flight on Narragansett Bay, a key step toward commercial and military sea trials. Coastal Science Funding: URI researchers secured a $4M NSF grant to strengthen coastal wetland restoration and resilience, pairing lab work with policy and community partners in Rhode Island and Louisiana. Coral Research Advance: Roger Williams University published standardized lab breeding and culturing methods that let researchers grow a coral species through its full life cycle, aiming to improve studies of coral resilience and warming impacts. Healthcare Innovation in RI: A South County Hospital nurse invented Looey, a splash guard that attaches to existing bedpan washers and toilets to better protect caregivers from hazardous fluids. Data Center Pushback: PIRG is calling for a two-year statewide pause on new data centers at 50 MW or more, as Rhode Island’s energy and local permitting debates heat up. AI Governance in Rhode Island: Rhode Island became the first state to require AI scribe disclosure and an opt-out process for users. Defense Tech Contract: AeroVironment won a major Army directed-energy production contract for LOCUST laser systems, signaling a shift from prototypes to fielded capability.