Onshore wind legal fight: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general asking a court to undo the Pentagon’s August 2025 freeze on routine reviews for land-based wind projects, arguing it violates federal law and is driving up costs and delaying clean-energy development. Offshore wind pressure: California also sent a notice of intent to sue the Interior Department over offshore wind lease buyouts, alleging unlawful reallocation of federal funds to pay a developer to abandon a lease. Seafood modernization: The NSF Seafood Engine in New England won $15 million to modernize fisheries and aquaculture across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, using sensors and advanced research to improve sustainability and strengthen the regional industry. Bridge work in RI: RIDOT scheduled major overnight traffic shifts on I-295 in Cumberland and Smithfield as it replaces two bridges, with nightly lane closures and full completion targeted for spring 2027. Food affordability in RI: The state budget extends the “Eat Well, Be Well” SNAP fruit and veggie discount pilot for about another year, adding $4.1 million. RI jobs update: Rhode Island added 300 jobs in June; unemployment fell to 4.1%. Local business spotlight: Providence Place’s new RI Small Business Village launched with dozens of Rhode Island makers through Aug. 30. Banking tech push: Citizens Bank says its “Reimagine the Bank” initiative is already boosting engineering productivity, including AI tools in customer service. Construction/industry moves: Timberline Construction hired Matthew Dempsey as project executive; Warren council backed a repaving bid from Pawtucket Hot Mix Asphalt.