AGP Executive Report

Solar Grants Fight: A Rhode Island court ruling could help Arizona and the Hopi regain $181M in Solar for All funding after a judge said the EPA acted unlawfully—state officials say they’re cautiously optimistic the money will return. Weather Watch: Providence starts Sunday clear and cool, then turns showery late with fog and a damp night; Monday stays mostly sunny before a cooler, drier stretch. Caregiver Relief in West Warwick: Mary Halsey’s viral fundraiser for reliable transportation hit its goal, letting her buy a new Tesla after her old car broke down while caring for her hospice partner. Medicaid Health Change: Rhode Island Medicaid ends coverage of Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda and other weight-loss-only GLP-1s starting Oct. 1, while diabetes uses remain covered. Local Public Safety: Two Providence men were arrested in a federal ticket fraud probe tied to “Supaa Tickets,” accused of thousands of transactions using stolen credit cards. Defense Tech: REGENT’s Rhode Island-built Seaglider program got a $5M Marine Corps Warfighting Lab extension after a prototype flight in Narragansett Bay.

Medicaid & Health Access: Rhode Island Medicaid will stop covering Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda and Foundayo when prescribed only for weight loss, effective Oct. 1, 2026—while diabetes-related GLP-1 uses remain covered. Local Transit: URI students, faculty and staff can ride RIPTA buses for free with school IDs under a new U-Pass deal running Oct. 1 through Aug. 31, 2027. Public Safety & Community Debate: A fatal stabbing near Providence’s Mezzo Lounge has reignited debate over whether 18-and-older nights should be allowed at city nightclubs; the Board of Licenses ordered a monthlong closure and ended Mezzo’s 18+ events. Immigration Enforcement Protests: Warwick saw dueling ICE demonstrations, with pro-ICE supporters and anti-ICE groups clashing outside the agency’s office. Rhode Island Tech/Defense: Narragansett Bay test flights and Marine Corps funding updates keep REGENT Craft’s electric seaglider program moving toward operational demonstrations. Fraud Case: Two Providence men were arrested in a federal investigation tied to an alleged multi-year “Supaa Tickets” ticket fraud scheme.

Health Care & Costs: Rhode Island Medicaid stopped covering Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda and other GLP-1 weight-loss drugs starting Oct. 1, leaving patients to face list prices that can top $1,000 a month. Local Transit: URI students, faculty and staff can now ride RIPTA buses for free with their IDs under a new U-Pass deal running Oct. 1 through Aug. 31, 2027. Environment & Community Learning: In Narragansett, the Narrow River Preservation Association’s “What Lives in the River” event let families and URI students meet local wildlife up close through touch tanks and microscope lessons. Local Politics: In House District 39, Rep. Megan Cotter and challenger Jasmin Roy clash on priorities including tax relief, school funding, health care access and land-use decisions. Education & Culture: A new URI academic enhancement effort brings a combined Writing and Speaking Studio under the URI Academic Enhancement Center. Sports: Cumberland’s Nicholas Walkowski earned Conference of New England Rookie of the Week honors after a standout start at Curry College.

Health Care Partnerships: South County Health became the first Rhode Island provider—and only the second in New England—to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network, keeping local ownership while giving clinicians access to Mayo specialists, research, and digital tools. Public Safety & Travel: RIDOT begins temporary traffic pattern changes for the I-95/Route 10 interchange in Providence and Cranston starting Oct. 2, including a weekend ramp closure and mid-October lane restriping. Housing & Costs: Mortgage rates jumped to 7.28% for a 30-year fixed loan, the highest in nearly three years, adding pressure to Rhode Island homebuyers. Elections & Money: Rhode Island governor candidates are entering the final stretch with sharply different fundraising totals, setting up a high-stakes late-campaign contrast. Transit Planning: RIPTA is studying fast, frequent transit options—including possible light rail or rapid bus—to connect major cities in the Providence metro. Local History: Providence Water marks 100 years since its purification plant began operations, supplying about 60 million gallons a day. Arts & Climate: RISCA opened applications for an Arts and Climate Grant linking Rhode Island art projects to climate education and action, due Nov. 2.

Local Public Safety & Accountability: A Jewish gun club, Lox & Loaded, is opening a Coventry chapter at Midstate Gun Company, citing rising antisemitism and a focus on firearm safety and training. Schools & Child Safety: In North Kingstown’s ongoing civil case tied to former boys basketball coach Aaron Thomas, a former student says she warned district officials years earlier about “naked fat tests,” raising new questions about how long concerns were ignored. Energy Costs & Policy: Gov. Maura Healey urged the Trump administration to speed review of a natural gas pipeline expansion that she says could lower costs for 600,000 customers, while other states and cities continue suing over EPA rollbacks of power-plant emissions limits. Healthcare Workforce: CCRI and URI announced a new fully online RN-to-BS pathway to strengthen Rhode Island’s nursing pipeline. Food Access: Providence opened a new school-based food pantry at the Juanita Sanchez Education Complex, aiming to cut barriers for families. Transit: URI students, faculty, and staff can now ride RIPTA buses for free under a new U-Pass partnership.

Medicaid Watch: Rhode Island Medicaid changes kick in Oct. 1, including new limits on eligibility for some noncitizens and coverage shifts for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for low-income adults, older adults, and people with disabilities. Elections Reminder: RI’s Department of State says the voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election is Sunday, Oct. 4, with mail ballot requests due Oct. 13. Age-Friendly Care: A new age-friendly care push in Rhode Island is helping primary care practices support older adults and families, including arranging respite care so patients can get needed treatment. Energy & Nuclear Debate: New England energy experts say the region is entering a “nuclear transition,” with advanced reactors and fusion discussed alongside ongoing public opposition. Federal Politics: U.S. senators left Washington for campaign break with major bills still unresolved, including funding, defense policy, and the farm bill. Local Higher Ed Data: Rhode Island College and URI are using NSSE student-survey results to guide campus improvements and student success efforts. Sports & Community: Pinkerton’s Brady Spellman delivered a big Mack Plaque moment, and Rhode Island football coverage continues to track early conference swings.

Local Banking: Citizens opened a new Rhode Island flagship branch in Warwick at Centerville Place, adding a ground-up 3,278-square-foot location with teller rooms and drive-up service, plus a community donation. Real Estate & Business Growth: Mott & Chace Sotheby’s opened a new Providence office in Wayland Square, and Hope & Main unveiled its West End Kitchens expansion to grow food entrepreneurship in the city. State Politics & Public Safety: In the first post-primary matchup, Foulkes and Block traded views on government efficiency and affordability, while House District 67 candidates weighed in on electric scooter rules for kids under 16. Energy Costs & Infrastructure: Rhode Island heating oil prices are rising, pushing some homeowners to buy less fuel, and a RIPEC report says bridge spending improved conditions but routine maintenance still lags. Elections: Rhode Islanders have until 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 to update registration for the Nov. 3 general election. Environment: Audubon broke ground on a solar carport at its Bristol nature center, and crews are harvesting oysters in Narragansett Bay as part of ongoing local aquaculture work. Sports: The UFL named AJ McCarron head coach of Rhode Island’s new team for 2027.

URI payroll rethink: Rhode Island’s Workday rollout is forcing the University of Rhode Island to revisit whether the state should take over more payroll functions as its major admin overhaul nears a 2027 launch. Data breach settlement: Rhode Island is among states tied to a multistate deal with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach, with the coalition citing exposure of millions of people’s sensitive information. Roads and bridges: A new Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council report says the state is spending more than the national average per person on bridges, but that focus is crowding out routine maintenance and non-interstate roads. Arts in October: RISCA and Rhode Island Humanities are kicking off National Arts and Humanities Month with statewide events and online programs. Local governance: Westerly is weighing whether to take ownership of the 300-year-old Babcock Ground cemetery after long-standing ownership gaps. Green Bond push: Supporters gathered at the Looff Carousel to rally for Question 5, the 2026 Green Bond. Weather: Wednesday looks dry and milder after the recent stormy stretch.

Federal Grants Ruling: A Rhode Island judge struck down Trump-era restrictions on domestic violence and sexual assault grants, saying DOJ failed to justify conditions tied to immigration status and DEI-related limits. Military Shake-Up: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to announce deeper cuts to generals and admirals—doubling a prior 10% reduction to 20% by Jan. 1, 2027—continuing a broader reshaping of top ranks. Immigration Enforcement: DHS says ICE is launching a “surge in sanctuary cities,” naming Rhode Island among jurisdictions targeted as part of the crackdown. Corrections Manhunt: Oklahoma inmate Logan D. Palmer, who walked away from a McAlester unit in July, was arrested in Providence and is awaiting extradition. RI Elections: Rhode Island’s 2026 Voter Information Handbook is now headed to households by mail and is online in English and Spanish. Higher Ed Tech: URI’s Workday payroll overhaul faces a new question after state officials asked the university to reconsider whether the state should take over full payroll. Accessibility Spotlight: A Rhode Island advocate highlights how public spaces still aren’t built for mobility needs, urging better inclusion.

College Sports: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act 77-22, setting up a House vote after the Nov. 3 midterms and potential Trump signature; the bill would create national rules for athlete eligibility, transfers, and NIL, including a higher revenue-sharing cap. School Safety: A Charlestown teen was referred to Rhode Island Family Court after a classmate alleged he stabbed him with a metal tool during a welding class at Chariho High School; police say multiple students reported similar incidents. State Workplace Health: Rhode Island officials are trying to get rid of bedbugs in state offices, but union workers say the response hasn’t gone far enough, including concerns about costs and whether buildings are truly cleared. Higher Ed Data Use: Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island highlight how they’re using NSSE survey results to guide student success efforts and campus action. Community Health: Despite storm disruption, Rhode Island’s Mission of Mercy free dental clinic drew hundreds of volunteers and provided care to 600+ residents. Local Economy & Space: A chamber-commissioned report warns Newport and Bristol counties lack enough commercial and light industrial space for expected job growth. Weather & Recovery: A nor’easter left widespread power outages and coastal flooding risk across the region, with Rhode Island weather improving into Tuesday.

Higher Ed & Student Success: Rhode Island College is sharing NSSE results campuswide, using updated benchmarking and faculty-focused reports to spur changes in student engagement and learning. University of Rhode Island Budget: URI trustees approved a $20.3M boost for fiscal 2028 after an $8.1M shortfall, citing inflation and missed enrollment targets. Local Energy Upgrades: The R.I. Infrastructure Bank closed $6.3M for Lincoln’s Northern Elementary School energy efficiency work, including major heating and ventilation upgrades expected to cut energy use. Water Watch: Veolia Rhode Island lifted the full outdoor water ban for South Kingstown and Narragansett, switching to odd/even outdoor watering starting Sept. 29. Community & Culture: Middletown Public Library added a world-language book collection and its first video game collection. Business & Tech: Centreville Bank selected Jack Henry tech for core processing and digital banking; People’s Credit Union logged 500+ volunteer hours for mental health nonprofits. Sports: URI and regional teams posted notable results, including CUI’s wins on an East Coast trip and George Mason naming Kiera Hamilton A-10 Player of the Week.

Nor’easter Aftermath: A powerful nor’easter battered the Northeast over the weekend, with coastal flooding and outages across the region; by Monday it was weakening, but Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts still faced a flood watch with more rain possible. Local Weather & Travel Disruptions: The storm caused widespread power loss and major travel chaos, including hundreds of flight cancellations, as gusts topped 70 mph in parts of the region. Independent Ken Block’s Third Bid: Independent gubernatorial candidate Ken Block says Rhode Island needs to look beyond the two-party system, pitching his “facts-first” approach to fixing state finances and economic woes. Providence Divestment Vote: Providence voters will decide in November on a first-of-its-kind binding divestment initiative targeting tax dollars tied to genocide, apartheid, war crimes, occupation, or genocide. Rhode Island Business & Health Care: Newport Hospital became the first in Rhode Island to use the da Vinci 5 surgical system, while Rhode Island Medical Imaging is hiring its first CEO in its 80-year history. Education & Attendance: A Rhode Island study links sustained arts education—especially music—to lower chronic absenteeism. Courtroom AI Concern: A judge’s AI-laced order with major errors is raising alarms about how courts should use generative tools. Beacon Hill Roll Call: Question 2 would let public defenders have a union, and Question 4 could allow Massachusetts voters to register on Election Day.

Nor’easter Recovery in Rhode Island: A slow-moving September nor’easter kept coastal communities dealing with flooding and outages, with tens of thousands without power across the Northeast and Rhode Island seeing smaller but notable impacts as crews worked to restore service. Bridge Travel Update: The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority lifted storm-related weight restrictions on the Pell, Mount Hope, and Jamestown Verrazzano bridges early Sunday, reopening routes for all vehicles. Newport Hospital Tech Upgrade: Newport Hospital became the first in Rhode Island to use the da Vinci 5 robotic-assisted surgical system, funded by donors, expanding minimally invasive options across multiple specialties. Providence College Sports Medicine: University Orthopedics was named official orthopedic provider for nearly all Providence College Division I teams, covering 19 of 21 sports with an injury-prevention and recovery focus. Solar for All Court Win: A federal judge ordered the revival of Rhode Island’s $7 billion Solar for All program after the EPA canceled it, ruling the agency overstepped its authority. Local Maritime Mystery: Green Oceans says it found the wreck and human remains believed to be from the 2019 Block Island fishing vessel Mistress, urging the Coast Guard to reopen its investigation.

Nor’easter hits Rhode Island and the region: A slow-moving fall nor’easter brought heavy rain, gusty winds, coastal flooding risk, and widespread outages across southern New England. Rhode Island Energy reported tens of thousands of customers impacted, with crews restoring power amid scattered, vegetation-related problems. Storm safety warning: Officials urged residents to avoid floodwaters and to use generators safely—especially keeping them outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Local damage: A large tree branch fell on a home in Pawtucket as the storm passed, with no injuries reported. Search and recovery off Block Island: A nonprofit says it has found the wreck of the fishing vessel Mistress and human remains believed tied to the 2019 capsizing, calling for the Coast Guard to reopen its investigation. Workforce and AI push: Former Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo is co-leading a new national effort backed by $500M+ to help workers transition into an AI economy, with Rhode Island’s former governor involved.

Nor’easter Fallout in Rhode Island: A powerful early-season nor’easter is battering the Ocean State with damaging wind, heavy rain, coastal flooding risk, and widespread outages. Rhode Island Energy said it restored power to nearly 30,000 customers after overnight outages hit more than 31,000; fewer than 1,000 were still without power as of mid-afternoon Saturday, with crews working through the weekend as conditions shift. Storm-Wide Disruptions: Across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, tens of thousands are without power and hundreds of flights were canceled, with officials warning the storm could worsen through Monday. Free Dental Care Despite the Weather: Hundreds lined up in Providence for the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy free dental clinic as the storm approached; organizers said the weekend clinic is going ahead on a first-come, first-served basis. State Environmental Enforcement: Rhode Island DEM issued a notice of intent to enforce to Electrolizing Inc. over alleged hazardous waste violations at its Houghton Street facility, including labeling, record-keeping, and spill reporting issues. Local Governance Watch: Westerly is still seeking a state takeover of the Potter Hill Dam, aiming to shift ownership and responsibility to the state while pursuing a broader redevelopment plan. College Football (RI): North Carolina A&T upset Rhode Island 22-18, turning turnovers into points in a defensive-led win.

Nor’easter Watch (RI): A powerful fall nor’easter is already knocking out power across the Northeast, with Rhode Island reporting 13,987 customers without electricity as heavy rain and damaging winds roll in. Bridges & Ferries: Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority issued Level I wind restrictions on the Newport Pell, Mount Hope and Jamestown Verrazzano bridges, and Block Island ferry service was canceled. Coastal Impacts: Forecasters warn of coastal flooding and beach erosion, with conditions expected to worsen through the weekend. Local Energy Leadership: Rhode Island Energy named Joe Curley vice president of Electric Operations, overseeing electric distribution reliability statewide. Privacy Settlement: CVS agreed to a data privacy settlement tied to claims it shared user data with ad tech partners; Rhode Island-based customers may qualify. Arts & Preservation: Newport’s Miramar and the Spouting Rock Beach clubhouse were honored at the Doris Duke Historic Preservation Awards. Education & Assessment: Rhode Island College and URI highlighted how they use NSSE results to drive student success efforts.