AGP Executive Report

Offshore Wind Fight: Rhode Island joined a multi-state lawsuit seeking to block federal payments tied to canceling offshore wind leases, arguing the deal would steer taxpayer money to fossil fuel plants. Energy Costs & Pipelines: Gov. Maura Healey urged the Trump administration to speed up review of a proposed natural gas pipeline expansion that she says could lower bills for hundreds of thousands in New England. Climate Rule Challenge: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown joined a coalition suing to restore EPA greenhouse gas limits for power plants after the agency rolled back protections. Nursing Workforce Boost: CCRI and URI announced a new fully online RN-to-BS program aimed at strengthening Rhode Island’s nursing pipeline. Transit & Budgets: URI students and staff start riding RIPTA buses for free under a new U-Pass partnership, while rising diesel prices are pushing the bus system into the red. PFAS Accountability: AG Brown also joined a bipartisan suit aiming to stop DuPont from shifting assets to avoid cleanup costs tied to “forever chemicals.” Drug Pricing Crackdown: Rhode Island-linked legal action continues as states pursue settlements over alleged generic drug price-fixing schemes.

Climate & Energy Policy: New York AG Letitia James led a coalition of 25 states, counties and cities suing the Trump administration over EPA rollback of greenhouse gas pollution limits for major power plants, arguing it will worsen extreme heat, storms and wildfires. Regional Power Outlook: A New England energy forum highlighted a “nuclear transition,” with small modular reactors, microreactors and fusion discussed as ISO New England forecasts rising electricity demand and winter peak pressure. Federal Politics: U.S. senators left Washington for a campaign break with major bills still unresolved, including $1.8T funding, the National Defense Authorization Act and the long-delayed farm bill. Rhode Island Health Costs: Rhode Island approved 2027 individual health insurance rates averaging a 12.4% increase, affecting about 50,700 people, with changes tied to shifting state and federal assistance. Housing Ballot Focus: Voters in Rhode Island and other states will weigh housing affordability measures in November, choosing among very different approaches to zoning, bonds and development timelines. Local Business & Community: Citizens opened a new Warwick flagship branch at Centerville Place, and Hope & Main formally unveiled West End Kitchens to expand food entrepreneurship in Providence. Education & Attendance: A Rhode Island study says sustained arts education is linked to lower chronic absenteeism, offering a potential tool to keep students in class.

Local Banking & Business: Citizens Bank opened a new Rhode Island flagship branch in Warwick at Centerville Place, adding a ground-up location with teller rooms, drive-up service, and a community donation. Real Estate & Growth: Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty opened a new Providence office on Wayland Avenue after relocating from Waterplace Condominiums. Food Entrepreneurship: Hope & Main formally unveiled West End Kitchens in Providence, expanding from 30 to 35 food and beverage businesses since opening earlier this year. Energy & Climate: The Audubon Society of Rhode Island broke ground on a solar carport at its Bristol nature center, targeting net-zero goals ahead of schedule. State Watch: Rhode Island’s road and bridge repairs still fall short, with a RIPEC report saying maintenance gaps remain large. Courts & Ethics: A Rhode Island judiciary interpreter sought guidance on whether she can register her private interpreting business as a vendor for state agencies. Immigration Policy: Brown joined other attorneys general opposing a federal asylum rule that would skip interviews. Permitting: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is part of a bipartisan permitting deal aimed at speeding federal approvals. Public Safety: Plainfield police charged three in a larceny at a gas station and searched for a fourth suspect. Higher Ed: URI secured a $1.1M NSF CAREER grant to improve “variable literacy” for students. Health: New research finds only 60% of liver transplant recipients are vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Education & Student Success: URI is weighing a major change to its Workday rollout after state officials asked it to reconsider whether the university should take on more payroll responsibility than planned, as the modernization project is set to launch in October 2027. Higher Ed Benchmarks: Rhode Island College is sharing NSSE results publicly to help faculty and staff use the data to improve student engagement and learning. Data Privacy: Rhode Island is among states in a multistate settlement with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach, with the coalition citing vendor security failures that exposed sensitive patient information. State Courts: A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled the Trump administration unlawfully tried to withhold domestic violence and sexual assault grant funding to force political concessions. Local Government & Housing: North Providence planning board continued deliberations on a contentious Baird Avenue housing plan after a long, heated hearing. Community & Culture: Rhode Island arts groups are kicking off National Arts and Humanities Month with statewide events and programs. Historic Preservation: Westerly is considering taking ownership of a 300-year-old cemetery tied to early Revolutionary-era figures.

Military shake-up: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to announce deeper cuts to the number of generals and admirals, potentially shrinking flag-and-general officer roles by about 20% by Jan. 1, 2027, after a prior 10% reduction. Immigration enforcement: DHS says ICE has begun a “surge in sanctuary cities,” naming Rhode Island among jurisdictions targeted as part of the administration’s crackdown. Courts and consumer protection: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the Trump administration unlawfully withheld domestic-violence grants and tried to coerce groups with politically driven conditions. Data breach fallout: Rhode Island is among states tied to a multistate settlement over the 2019 Labcorp breach affecting millions, including health data exposed through a debt-collector vendor. Local economy and costs: Rhode Island commercial health insurance premiums are projected to rise again in 2027, adding pressure on households already facing higher bills. Transit: RIPTA faces higher costs after diesel contract protection expired, raising questions about whether riders could see fare hikes. Higher ed: URI is weighing whether to reconsider running its own payroll amid state Workday troubles, as the university’s major systems overhaul nears launch.

College Sports: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act in a 77-22 vote, setting up major changes to NCAA rules on eligibility, transfers and pay, with an antitrust exemption and a higher revenue-sharing cap—next stop is the House after the Nov. 3 midterms. Clean Energy: A Rhode Island federal judge reversed the Trump administration’s shutdown of the $7 billion “Solar for All” program, potentially restoring help for more than 900,000 lower-income Americans; the EPA is weighing an appeal. Transit Costs: Rhode Island’s bus system is sliding deeper into the red as diesel prices have surged far above what RIPTA budgeted, threatening service stability. Local Economy & Space: A Newport-area chamber-backed report warns Newport and Bristol counties lack enough commercial and light industrial space for expected job growth, urging property conversions and zoning alignment. Green Bond Push: Rhode Island leaders kicked off the campaign for the 2026 Green Bond Question 5, seeking voter support for $55 million in clean water, resilience, recreation and land conservation. Education Funding: URI trustees approved a $20.3 million boost to the 2028 budget amid enrollment shortfalls and inflation pressures. School Safety: A Charlestown teen was referred to Family Court after a stabbing allegation during a welding class at Chariho High School. AI & Energy: New research ranks AI models by electricity use, finding big differences in energy intensity and raising pressure for transparency. Data Privacy: A multistate settlement targets Labcorp over a 2019 data breach tied to a debt collector, with stronger vendor security requirements.

Higher Ed & Student Success: URI trustees approved a $20.3 million boost to its 2028 budget request after inflation and missed enrollment targets left a projected $8.1 million shortfall. Local Infrastructure: The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank closed $6.3 million for energy upgrades at Lincoln’s Northern Elementary School, including major heating, ventilation, and controls work expected to cut energy use. Environment & Ballot Politics: State leaders kicked off the campaign for the 2026 Green Economy Bond (Question 5), a $55 million plan aimed at clean water, conservation, outdoor recreation, and green infrastructure. RI Governance: Rhode Island is moving toward its first inspector general, with finalists now being interviewed. Consumer & Business: Starbucks closed a Warwick location as part of broader North American cuts, while a multistate AG settlement reached over the Labcorp data breach includes protections and payments. Storm Aftermath: A nor’easter’s flooding and wind damage lingered across the region as cleanup continued. Health Care Oversight: Attorney General Neronha rejected a turnaround plan for Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, citing unrealistic assumptions and pressing for a revised plan.

Inspector General Selection: Rhode Island is set to interview finalists for its first inspector general, with the governor expected to pick a nominee from a short list after the commission’s interviews. Telecom & Consumer Impact: Verizon’s FCC review of its plan to retire copper landlines in Rhode Island and other states is no longer on autopilot, after officials raised concerns about coverage and emergency reliability. Gubernatorial Race: Independent Ken Block is making a third bid for governor, pitching a “third way” focused on facts, financial reform, and moving beyond the two-party system. Ballot & Local Politics: Providence voters will decide in November on a first-of-its-kind divestment initiative targeting companies tied to genocide, war crimes, occupation, or apartheid. Courts & AI: A judge’s AI-assisted order filled with errors is prompting new scrutiny of how Rhode Island and Massachusetts courts handle generative AI in legal work. Energy & Jobs: A Rhode Island federal judge ordered the revival of the $7 billion Solar for All program after the EPA canceled it, a potential boost for low- and moderate-income solar access. Education & Attendance: A Rhode Island study links sustained arts education—especially music—to lower chronic absenteeism. Storm Aftermath: A nor’easter battered the Northeast with flooding, outages, and travel disruption, including power cuts affecting Rhode Island and nearby states. Health Care Leadership: Rhode Island Medical Imaging is seeking its first CEO as it prepares for leadership transition.

Storm Aftermath: A deadly nor’easter kept pounding the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, flooding roads and homes from Massachusetts to the Carolinas, knocking out power for more than 130,000 customers, and disrupting travel as winds topped 70 mph in parts of New Jersey. Federal Court Watch: A Rhode Island federal judge ordered the federal government to revive the $7 billion “Solar for All” program that the EPA canceled in 2025, saying the agency overstepped its authority—though the money may not flow immediately as the EPA reviews next steps. Energy & Costs: A new analysis says EV growth is creating a two-tier fuel market where charging costs track local electricity prices, while gas prices stay tied to global oil markets—making geography a bigger driver of everyday transportation costs. RI Tech/Utilities: The FCC paused Verizon’s plan to retire copper landlines in Rhode Island and other states, citing more time needed amid concerns from rural and remote communities that rely on traditional service. Local Business/Community: Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island are spotlighting student success efforts using NSSE results, with URI’s “Sandbox” initiative aimed at turning survey findings into action. Data Privacy: A multistate settlement over the Labcorp-linked AMCA data breach reached $2.3 million, with Rhode Island among the states in the broader enforcement push.

Nor’easter Disrupts New England: A powerful nor’easter is battering the East Coast with heavy rain, strong winds, coastal flooding and widespread outages, with Rhode Island among the areas seeing power cuts and dangerous conditions as millions brace for more impacts. RI Energy Leadership: Rhode Island Energy named Joe Curley vice president of electric operations, tasking him with leading electric distribution and reliability statewide. Data Breach Settlement: Maryland AG Anthony Brown announced a $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp tied to the 2019 AMCA data breach, affecting 451,558 Maryland residents—another reminder of how vendor oversight can land healthcare companies in hot water. FCC Pause on Landlines: The FCC delayed Verizon’s plan to retire copper landlines in Rhode Island and other states, citing the need for more review amid concerns from rural and remote communities. Workforce + AI Push: Former RI Gov. Gina Raimondo is co-leading RAISE US, a $500M-backed effort to help workers transition into an AI-driven economy. Local Tech Debate: In Lowell, Flock’s surveillance cameras are under renewed scrutiny after a city council vote to suspend the system pending a policy review.

Nor’easter Fallout: A powerful nor’easter is battering the East Coast, with heavy rain, dangerous surf, and widespread power outages affecting more than 40 million people; Rhode Island and nearby areas are bracing for flooding and gusty winds, and travel disruptions are piling up as airlines issue alerts and cancel flights. Local Infrastructure Watch: Westerly is still waiting on the state to respond to its request to take over the Potter Hill Dam, a step tied to a planned public park and fish passage improvements. Energy & Utilities: Rhode Island Energy named Joe Curley vice president of electric operations, tasking him with leading electric distribution reliability statewide. Telecom Access: The FCC paused Verizon’s plan to retire copper landlines in Rhode Island and other states, after concerns from rural and remote communities that rely on the older network. Higher Ed, Data Use: Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island are leaning on NSSE student-survey results to guide campus improvements, from faculty discussions to graduation-focused “Take 5, Finish in 4” efforts. Policy & Courts: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to claw back $7 billion from states over the Solar for All program, siding with green groups over how the EPA ended the initiative. Business/Tech: Rhode Island’s presence shows up in a broader national story about a stalled FBI pay-to-play probe tied to a marine tech company with a URI-funded project.

Nor’easter Impact: A powerful nor’easter is already battering the East Coast, with seawater flooding streets and seawalls from New Jersey to Rhode Island, thousands without power, and hundreds of flight cancellations as officials warn of more dangerous conditions ahead. Local Energy: Rhode Island Energy named Joe Curley vice president of electric operations, tasked with leading electric distribution reliability statewide. Solar Ruling: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from clawing back $7 billion from states over the Solar for All program, backing green groups’ claims the EPA violated federal law. Privacy & Tech Scrutiny: Website “pixels” are driving a surge in privacy lawsuits and regulatory attention as companies quietly track visitor activity. AI Policy Push: Attorneys general from 23 states and D.C. urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules, warning unchecked systems could threaten finance, infrastructure, and national security. RI Higher Ed: Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island highlighted how NSSE results are being used to guide student success efforts and campus action. Westerly Dam: Westerly is still waiting on the state’s response about a potential takeover of the Potter Hill Dam.

Nor’easter Watch: A strengthening nor’easter is expected to bring heavy rain, damaging winds and coastal flooding from the Carolinas to Maine, with Rhode Island and nearby coasts facing the worst impacts Friday night into Saturday; officials warn of power outages and beach erosion. State Politics & Health Care: Rhode Island Attorney General Ford joined a coalition of 24 AGs opposing a proposed federal rule that could threaten Medicaid funding and interfere with state health insurance oversight. AI Pushback: Rhode Island’s Whitehouse joined other lawmakers urging Congress to regulate AI, warning unchecked systems could endanger financial systems, critical infrastructure and national security. RI Elections: A new UNH poll finds Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and challenger John Loughlin in a statistical tie in Rhode Island’s lieutenant governor race. Consumer & Data Security: Attorney General Ford announced multistate settlements tied to the Labcorp/AMCA patient data breach and Credit Acceptance auto-loan practices, targeting stronger safeguards and consumer protections. Local Community: FEMA awarded Newport County $68,000 for CPR devices, and Wickford’s Paddle for Progress raised more than $140,000 for breast cancer research.

Nor’easter Watch: Rhode Island and the broader Northeast are bracing for a rare early-fall nor’easter bringing heavy rain, coastal flooding, beach erosion, and damaging winds up to 60–70 mph, with high-wind warnings and storm impacts expected to peak tonight into Saturday; local officials across South County are urging residents to prepare now. Local Schools Turmoil: Providence’s return to local control has triggered upheaval across the district, including resignations among top leaders and a new fight over School Board leadership. UFL Comes to Pawtucket: The United Football League is expanding to Rhode Island for the spring 2027 season, with a team slated to play at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket. AI Oversight Push: Rhode Island’s Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and a coalition of state attorneys general are calling for federal AI safety rules after recent incidents involving AI systems. Banking Deal: Santander won Fed approval to acquire Webster Financial, strengthening its Northeast footprint that includes Rhode Island. Health & Research: URI-backed work highlights how nor’easters and hurricanes reshape Rhode Island beaches over decades, while new research links stroke to aggressive glioma tumor growth.

Nor’easter Watch: Boston issued coastal storm warnings as a rare early-fall nor’easter heads toward New England, bringing flooding risk, damaging winds, power outages, and beach erosion from Friday through the weekend. RI Energy Bills: Rhode Island Energy’s Oct. 1 electricity price hike will be partly offset by new refunds, with the average residential bill expected to rise about $16.42 per month before later discounts kick in. RI Watchdog Selection: Rhode Island’s first inspector general could be drawn from finalists David Harper, James Kirdar, or Stuart Robinson, with background checks still pending before Gov. Dan McKee makes a final pick. Clean Energy in New England: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island selected 102.4 MW of new solar projects through a multistate competitive process aimed at boosting reliability and lowering costs. AI Push for Rules: A bipartisan group of state attorneys general, including Rhode Island’s, urged Congress to regulate AI after incidents involving AI agents escaping testing and causing security concerns. Data Breach Fallout: Multistate attorneys general announced a $2.3 million settlement with Labcorp tied to the AMCA data breach, including required reforms to strengthen vendor and data security. Trade Tensions: At Brown, Justin Trudeau said Trump’s trade war against Canada “has no logical point” and is hurting both countries. Local Environment: A South Kingstown letter warns Japanese knotweed is spreading via underground rhizomes and calls for better education and management.

Storm Watch: A nor’easter is poised to slam the East Coast this weekend with heavy rain, dangerous surf, and hurricane-force winds, with coastal flooding and beach erosion concerns stretching from the Carolinas up through New England. Local Planning: Warren’s planning board has begun a major, 179-page rewrite of its zoning ordinance to catch up with the town’s comprehensive plan and state housing-law mandates. Food & Community: South County Habitat for Humanity completed two new Westerly homes, adding a duplex for two families and highlighting volunteer-built, energy-efficient housing. State Health & Safety: Rhode Island is launching “Man Therapy,” a statewide campaign aimed at reducing stigma around working-age men’s mental health, with resources available online. SNAP Pressure: Jonnycake Center for Hope reports more people using food donations as SNAP eligibility tightens, even as federal rules reduce the number of people receiving benefits. Rhode Island Courts/Policy: A federal judge ordered the EPA to reinstate the $7 billion Solar for All program, a move that could affect Rhode Island’s low-income solar funding. Business & Tech: A DriveWealth breach exposed some Revolut customer data, while Rhode Island’s DEM says it received $1.2M to boost fishing and boating participation.