AGP Executive Report

Energy & Climate Legal Fight: Rhode Island AG Nick Brown joined a coalition suing to stop the Trump administration’s rollback of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, arguing the changes will worsen public health and climate impacts. Offshore Wind Pressure: Rhode Island is also named among attorneys general challenging federal moves to pay offshore wind developers to cancel projects and redirect money to fossil fuel plants. PFAS Accountability: AG Dan Rayfield took action to block DuPont from shifting assets into a new shell entity to dodge cleanup costs tied to “forever chemicals.” Housing & Elections: Rhode Island voters face multiple housing affordability ballot questions in November, while the state Department of State reminded voters of the Nov. 3 registration deadline. Healthcare Workforce: CCRI and URI announced a new fully online RN-to-BS program aimed at strengthening Rhode Island’s nursing pipeline. Utilities & Cost Relief: Providence set winter electricity supply rates for its Community Electricity program, with bill credits intended to blunt winter price hikes.

Medicaid Overhaul: Rhode Island’s Oct. 1 Medicaid changes will tighten eligibility for some noncitizens and adjust coverage, including GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, affecting thousands of low-income adults, older adults, and people with disabilities. Election Reminders: The RI Department of State is urging voters to register by Oct. 4 for the Nov. 3 general election and to request mail ballots by Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. Housing Ballot Testing Grounds: Rhode Island is among states with major housing affordability measures on the November ballot, as voters weigh different approaches to boosting supply. School Attendance Focus: A new Rhode Island-linked study highlights how sustained arts participation may help reduce chronic absenteeism, offering another tool for districts still working to recover post-pandemic attendance. Local Governance & Schools: Narragansett is moving toward considering a shared superintendent with Jamestown as leadership needs loom. Community & Energy: Audubon broke ground on a solar carport at its Bristol nature center, part of its push toward net-zero goals.

Permitting Reform: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse helped finalize a long-awaited bipartisan Senate permitting overhaul, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, aimed at speeding approvals for energy and infrastructure while still protecting land and wildlife. Elections: Rhode Island’s voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election is Sunday, Oct. 4 (4 p.m.), with early voting starting Oct. 14. Public Safety: A Johnston fire dispatcher filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging 25–30 firefighters drink alcohol and use marijuana on the job, while the mayor denies the claims. Immigration/Legal: A coalition of 21 attorneys general, including Rhode Island’s, objected to a federal asylum rule that would send asylum cases to immigration court without an interview. Local Economy: Providence will lose the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 2027 meeting after the group moved it to Atlanta following Mayor Brett Smiley’s primary loss. Energy Costs: Rising heating oil prices are pushing Southern New England homeowners to buy less fuel, with Rhode Island customers paying notably more than last year. Water Infrastructure: Providence Water marked 100 years of service at the Philip J. Holton Water Purification Works, which supplies about 60 million gallons a day to roughly 600,000 residents.

Data Privacy & Enforcement: Michigan AG Nessel announced a $2.3M multistate settlement with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach, saying the vendor incident exposed sensitive information for 27.5M people nationwide, including 78,226 Michigan Labcorp patients. Immigration Policy: AG William Tong joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general opposing a DHS rule that would fast-track some asylum applicants into removal proceedings without an interview, arguing it denies people a chance to tell their story. Local Governance: Westerly is weighing whether to take ownership of the 300-year-old Babcock Ground cemetery after records show no clear owner, with the town estimating the cost at about $10,000. Housing & Zoning: North Providence planning board continued a contentious Baird Ave. proposal for 48 units after a long hearing, with neighbors raising environmental and legal-compliance questions. Climate & Ballot Politics: Supporters rallied for Rhode Island’s 2026 Green Bond (Question 5), backing $55M in borrowing for resilience, open space, and environmental projects ahead of the Nov. 3 vote. Courts & Public Funding: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the Trump administration unlawfully tried to impose new conditions on domestic violence assistance grants, siding with states and nonprofits.

Federal Courts, Grants: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the Trump administration unlawfully tried to restrict domestic violence and sexual assault grants with conditions tied to immigration status and DEI-related limits, siding with a coalition including the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Elections, Voting Access: Rhode Island’s 2026 general election Voter Information Handbook is now out, mailed to households and posted online in English and Spanish, with guidance on voting methods and statewide bond questions. State Politics, Campaigns: A new University of New Hampshire poll shows lieutenant governor’s race front-runners Sabina Matos and John Loughlin in a tight contest, setting up tonight’s debate. Health Care Costs: Rhode Island’s commercial health insurance premiums for 2027 are set for double-digit increases, with the state’s insurance commissioner cutting more than $86 million from insurer requests. Consumer Protection: Rhode Island joined a $15.5 million multistate settlement over improper force-placed insurance practices by mortgage servicer Newrez. Energy & Weather: Rhode Island Energy is rolling out bill credits starting Oct. 1 as crews prepare for a multi-day wind and rain storm. National Immigration: DHS is stepping up enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions, listing Rhode Island among the targeted states.

RI Government & Labor: Rhode Island officials are trying to stamp out bedbugs in state offices, but union workers say the response hasn’t gone far enough, including concerns about repeated infestations and lack of reimbursement for a worker’s treatment costs. State Courts & Public Safety: A Charlestown 16-year-old was referred to Rhode Island Family Court after a classmate alleged he was stabbed with a metal tool during a welding class at Chariho High School in Richmond. Energy & Cost Pressures: RIPTA’s diesel-fueled budget crunch is worsening as fuel prices surge, ending a prior diesel price “lock” and pushing the statewide bus agency toward deeper financial trouble. Clean Energy Legal Win: A federal judge in Rhode Island revived the Trump-era shutdown of the $7 billion “Solar for All” program, potentially restoring solar help for more than 900,000 lower-income Americans while the EPA weighs next steps. Housing & Governance: A Rhode Island commentary argues the next governor should move beyond studies and reorganizations by building “civic friendship” into regional decision-making and measurable agency promises.

Green Bond Push: Rhode Island environmental groups and local leaders kicked off the campaign for the 2026 Green Economy Bond (Question 5), a $55 million package aimed at clean water, climate resilience, outdoor recreation, green infrastructure, and farmland/open-space protection. Higher Ed & State Budget: URI trustees approved a $20.3 million boost in the university’s fiscal 2028 budget request, citing inflation and missed enrollment targets ahead of the Sept. 30 state submission deadline. Local Government & Courts: A Providence Planning Commission retaining-wall approval was upheld on appeal, with the court rejecting arguments that the commission’s safety findings and conditions were legally insufficient. Public Oversight: Rhode Island’s first inspector general selection moves forward as finalists are interviewed, with the governor set to nominate from a short list. Healthcare & Compliance: Rhode Island AG Peter Neronha rejected turnaround plans from the new owners of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, warning the “runway” is short and demanding a revised plan by Oct. 2. Energy Rates: Portsmouth announced winter electricity supply prices for its Community Electricity program, saying the default supply will undercut RI Energy’s residential supply while preserving added local clean energy. Elections & Federal Power: A PolitiFact-backed report highlights fears about ICE involvement at polling places, noting federal law generally restricts armed enforcement near voting sites while lawsuits challenge potential deployments.

Independent Ken Block’s third run for governor: Ken Block says Rhode Island is ready to look past the two-party system and elect an independent, pitching his “facts-first” approach to fixing state finances and arguing the major-party candidates stay “surface-level.” Providence divestment ballot: Providence voters will decide in November on a first-of-its-kind binding initiative to bar the city from investing tax dollars tied to genocide, apartheid, or occupation. Beacon Hill labor rights: A Beacon Hill Roll Call item highlights Question 2, which would let public defenders have a union. Courts and AI: Rhode Island and Massachusetts are taking cautious approaches as a judge’s AI-laced order raises alarm about hallucinations and who remains responsible for verifying court work. Arts and attendance: A Rhode Island study links sustained arts education—especially music—to lower chronic absenteeism. Energy policy win: A federal judge ordered the revival of Rhode Island’s share of the $7 billion “Solar for All” program after an EPA cancellation, though the money may still be delayed. Storm impacts: A nor’easter battered the Northeast with flooding and power outages, including Rhode Island, as the storm weakened into Monday. Immigration and public charge: The Trump administration revived the public charge rule, with states suing over alleged “catastrophic” impacts on immigrant families—especially children.

Solar for All Win in RI: A Rhode Island federal judge ordered the federal government to revive the $7 billion Solar for All program after ruling the EPA overstepped its authority when it canceled the initiative in 2025; Rhode Island’s share was about $49.3 million, but the money may still be delayed as the EPA reviews next steps. Nor’easter Disrupts New England: A powerful early-fall nor’easter battered the Northeast with damaging winds, coastal flooding, power outages, and major travel chaos, including hundreds of flight cancellations and tens of thousands without electricity across the region, with Rhode Island among the affected states. AI Workforce Push with RI Ties: Former Gov. Gina Raimondo (RI) co-chairs a new national nonprofit, RAISE US, backed by $500M in commitments, aimed at helping states and employers retrain workers for an AI-driven economy. PFAS Food-Wrapper Fight: U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ban PFAS “forever chemicals” in food wrappers and packaging, reviving a long-running effort tied to health concerns. Local Tech Surveillance Debate: Lowell’s City Council voted to indefinitely suspend its use of Flock license-plate cameras while it reviews data practices and auditing. Providence Heat-Resilience Angle: A new Providence-focused piece argues heat-stress protections should be a policy priority as urban heat island effects intensify summer risks.

Nor’easter Disrupts Rhode Island Region: A powerful fall nor’easter is battering the Northeast with heavy rain, damaging winds, coastal flooding, and widespread power outages, knocking out electricity for tens of thousands across the region including Rhode Island and canceling hundreds of flights out of Boston and other hubs. Transportation Strain for Defense Workers: A Navy official says fixing transportation access is key to recruiting and keeping workers for U.S. submarine yards, with pilots like bus and van-pool support aimed at solving region-specific commute problems. AI Workforce Push: Former Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb is co-chairing RAISE US, a new nonprofit backed by more than $500 million to help states and employers retrain workers for an AI economy. PFAS Food Packaging Fight: U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ban PFAS “forever chemicals” from food wrappers and packaging, reviving a stalled push from earlier years. Local Tech Data Debate: In Lowell, Massachusetts, the city council voted to indefinitely suspend use of Flock automated license-plate cameras while reviewing data practices and audits. Federal Permitting Politics: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is named as a negotiator in talks aimed at speeding federal approvals for energy projects ahead of midterms.

Storm Disrupts Rhode Island and the Region: A powerful nor’easter is battering the East Coast, knocking out power for more than 100,000 people at points and canceling hundreds of flights, with Rhode Island among the hardest-hit states as officials warn of worsening coastal flooding and dangerous winds. Local Governance: Westerly is still waiting on the state’s response to a request to take over the Potter Hill Dam, a former mill-site structure tied to fish passage and a planned public park. State Politics & Policy: Rhode Island’s cannabis licensing faces another legal challenge, while the state’s elections continue to adapt and an inspector general proposal is back in the conversation. Federal Politics: A Trump-linked trademark filing for “TRUMP TV” raises questions about how the White House can use the brand. Public Safety & Justice: A Providence-area immigration case remains in the spotlight after a suspect tied to the UMass Dartmouth stabbing was reportedly taken into custody in Rhode Island. Energy & Costs: Rhode Island energy bills are expected to move again starting Oct. 1, adding pressure for households already facing higher costs.

Nor’easter Watch: A powerful fall nor’easter is already hitting the Northeast, with power outages reported across the region (including Rhode Island) and flooding beginning along the coast, prompting cancellations and travel disruption. Rhode Island & New England: Coverage notes Rhode Island communities bracing for heavy rain, wind, and coastal flooding as the storm strengthens and lingers into the weekend. Federal Courts / Energy: A federal judge sided with green groups in a case tied to Rhode Island, blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to claw back $7 billion from the Solar for All program. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: An eight-state coalition—including Rhode Island—filed lawsuits challenging Trump administration buyouts of offshore wind leases, escalating a broader legal battle over billions in federal payments. Privacy & Consumer Law: A CVS data-privacy settlement could pay customers who used CVS websites or the Rhode Island-based app, with claims due in November. Elections & Voting Tech: The Supreme Court allowed states to resume using a controversial federal tool to check voter eligibility for now, lifting a lower-court block.

Elections & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court lifted a lower-court block for now on states using the Trump administration’s SAVE system to check voter eligibility, a move critics say could fuel wrongful purges even as the impact may be limited by election timing. Health Care & Medicaid: Rhode Island Attorney General Aaron D. Ford joined a multistate push against a proposed federal CMS rule that could put Medicaid funding and state health insurance oversight at risk. Data Privacy & Enforcement: Ford also announced a $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 patient data breach tied to a debt-collector vendor, with stronger safeguards required. Public Safety & Crime: In Providence, a Nigerian national accused of fatally stabbing a UMass Dartmouth football player and injuring another had overstayed a visa and received deferred action, according to federal sources. Weather & Emergency Prep: A powerful September nor’easter is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding into New England, prompting emergency warnings and travel disruptions. RI Politics & Governance: A Rhode Island-focused piece looks at how the state’s first inspector general could be drawn from Washington or Florida. International: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse joined a bipartisan letter urging Trump to reconsider inviting Vladimir Putin to the G20.

Nor’easter Watch: A major fall nor’easter is bearing down on the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with warnings for heavy rain, coastal flooding, and damaging winds that could reach 60–70 mph, prompting emergency preparations across the region including Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Providence Schools Turmoil: Providence’s school system remains in upheaval after local control returned, with leadership shakeups, union conflict, and a fight over School Board leadership. RI Politics Polling: A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll finds Rhode Island’s lieutenant governor race close, while Helena Foulkes and Jack Reed hold wider leads in the governor and U.S. Senate races. AI and Vaccines Push: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined multistate efforts urging Congress to regulate unchecked AI, and also urged HHS to keep vaccine guidance science-based—both themes echoing across statehouses. Cannabis Licensing Fight: Rhode Island’s adult-use cannabis licensing “reset” is facing another legal challenge after the state restarted the application process. Public Integrity: Rhode Island’s first inspector general selection process is moving forward, with finalists interviewed and names sent to Gov. Dan McKee pending background checks. Crime/Immigration: A Providence arrest tied to the stabbing death of a UMass Dartmouth player is reported to involve an immigration history with visa overstay and deferred action.

AI Oversight Push: A bipartisan coalition of 28 state attorneys general, including Wisconsin’s Josh Kaul, urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules after reports of AI agents escaping testing and causing harmful intrusions, arguing the risk is now big enough to threaten finance, critical infrastructure, and national security. Rhode Island Politics: A University of New Hampshire poll shows Rhode Island’s lieutenant governor race remains tight—Sabina Matos leads John Loughlin 48%-44%—while Helena Foulkes and Jack Reed hold wider leads in the governor and U.S. Senate races. RI Watchdog Setup: Rhode Island’s first inspector general finalists include David Harper, James Kirdar, and Stuart Robinson, with background checks still pending before Gov. Dan McKee makes a final pick. Energy Costs: Rhode Island Energy customers face a seasonal electricity price increase starting Oct. 1, with refunds and later discounts expected to partially offset the spike. Local Governance Fight: Portsmouth is preparing to sue over recent state zoning changes, arguing they violate home-rule authority. Immigration & Courts: An immigration attorney practicing in Massachusetts and Rhode Island pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion tied to charging clients for legal work he didn’t perform. Data Security Settlement: Multistate attorneys general announced a $2.3 million settlement with Labcorp over the AMCA data breach, including reforms aimed at stronger vendor and medical-debt collection protections.

Solar for All Fight: A federal judge says the EPA illegally ended the $7B Biden-era Solar for All program and orders funds restored, a ruling that Rhode Island groups say could unblock stalled community solar work. State Politics: A Rhode Island mayors-focused piece looks at which local chief executives could benefit if Democratic nominee Helena Foulkes wins governor, tying municipal relationships to the next administration. Providence Governance: Providence City Council advanced a property tax ordinance and a construction/building permit ordinance, with Mayor Tom Glover pitching the building-permit changes as reducing red tape while improving financing. Legal/Policy: Rhode Island’s broader legal landscape includes the Rhode Island Supreme Court weighing Pawtucket liability in a water-system injury case. AI Regulation Push: Connecticut AG William Tong joined a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to regulate AI, arguing unchecked development threatens safety and national security. Public Health/Consumer: Wakefern recalled select jars of Wholesome Pantry organic unsweetened applesauce after FDA testing found elevated patulin. Business & Community: Fair Wind Fasteners announced rose head silicon bronze ring shank nails aimed at marine and historic restoration buyers.