AGP Executive Report

School Safety: Providence police charged four juveniles with first-degree sexual assault after a reported attack at Hope High School. The alleged incident was reported Wednesday morning; the teens are held at the Rhode Island Training School. Elections Watch: A University of New Hampshire poll shows Rhode Island’s lieutenant governor race is tight: Democratic Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos leads Republican John Loughlin 48% to 44%, while Helena Foulkes leads in the governor’s race and Jack Reed leads for U.S. Senate. State Government Oversight: Rhode Island’s first inspector general could be drawn from candidates with watchdog experience, including a Florida and Washington, DC background, as the independent commission interviews finalists. Politics & Ads: Democrats including Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Rosa DeLauro are demanding the White House stop airing a taxpayer-funded Trump ad. Storm Prep: A nor’easter is expected to bring damaging winds, coastal flooding risk, and power outages across New England, with Rhode Island in the heaviest-rain zone. Energy Bills: Rhode Island Energy customers face an “up, then down, then up” cycle starting Oct. 1, with seasonal pricing changes and refunds affecting monthly costs.

Spam & Scams: The FCC is rolling out step-by-step guidance to help Americans block robocalls and spam texts, noting younger adults are getting hit hardest. Solar for All: A Rhode Island judge ruled the Biden-era $7B Solar for All program was illegally terminated and ordered funds restored, a win for income-qualified solar plans. AI Oversight: Rhode Island’s AG William Tong joined a bipartisan push urging Congress to regulate AI after incidents raise safety, financial, and national-security concerns. Nor’easter Watch: A rare September nor’easter is expected to bring heavy rain, damaging winds, and coastal flooding across New England, with Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts in the bull’s-eye. Food Assistance Pressure: In South County, Jonnycake Center for Hope reports more people turning to food donations as SNAP eligibility tightens. Coastal Erosion: South Kingstown officials warn a rough winter could worsen beach erosion and are weighing retreat, replenishment, and shoreline defenses. Local Business: Fair Wind Fasteners announced new rose head silicon bronze ring shank nails for boatbuilders and historic restorations. URI Football: URI fell 56-24 to Stony Brook, dropping to 2-2 overall.

Solar for All Win in Federal Court: A U.S. judge ruled the Trump administration illegally ended Rhode Island’s $7B Solar for All grant program, saying the agency exceeded its authority—good news for low- and moderate-income solar access. Homelessness Funding Fight: A federal appeals court allowed changes to HUD’s Continuum of Care plan, shifting money toward transitional housing and raising concerns that some people could be left at risk. Local Safety & Courts: A Bristol pedestrian was hospitalized after a vehicle strike; in Pawtucket, the Rhode Island Supreme Court will decide whether a woman’s fall on a water-system access cap can make the city liable. Weather Watch: A nor’easter is forecast to bring rain, strong winds, rough seas, and coastal flooding risk across Rhode Island and New England this weekend. Community & Sports: Veterans Field lighting in Warren is nearing completion; and Brandeis beat Rhode Island College 1-0 with a goal by Grace Carman. Health Alerts: Rhode health officials reported a coyote scratch at T.F. Green that triggered preventive rabies treatment, as rabies cases rise.

UFL Expansion in Rhode Island: The United Football League is bringing spring pro football to Pawtucket in 2027, replacing Houston, with home games at Centreville Bank Stadium starting April 2 on FOX; the team’s name and branding will be unveiled Oct. 18. Road Work in Providence/Cranston: RIDOT will start temporary traffic pattern changes Oct. 2 for the I-95/Route 10 interchange reconstruction, including a Route 10 South to I-95 North ramp closure Oct. 2-5. Local Crime and Safety: Providence police say a UMass Dartmouth football player was fatally stabbed in a Wendy’s parking lot after a nightclub altercation; the suspect faces murder charges. Community Crossroads: Providence’s race for a pro-Palestinian mayor is raising fresh concerns for the city’s Jewish community. Coastal Mystery Solved: A nonprofit says it has likely found the 2019 Block Island-area fishing vessel wreck and recovered human remains. New Media for New England: Spectrum News is relaunching NECN as a 24/7 regional network with coverage across all six states. Sports on the Water: Shaw and Partners Women Racing placed fifth overall at Newport’s inaugural NYYC Women’s International Championship.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York and a coalition of eastern states, including Rhode Island, sued the Trump administration to block offshore wind lease buybacks that would pay about $1.4 billion to cancel projects and redirect money to fossil fuel and other energy investments. Immigration & Public Benefits: A Rhode Island federal judge struck down a Trump push requiring states to verify citizenship or lawful immigration status before people can access programs like Head Start, shelters, and mental health services. Local Health Campaign: Rhode Island launched “Man Therapy,” a statewide push to get working-age men to seek help for depression, divorce stress, and suicide risk. Crime in Providence: A 19-year-old accused in the stabbing death of UMass Dartmouth football player Marvins Antoine pleaded not guilty and is set to be extradited to Rhode Island for murder charges. Consumer Watch: Wakefern recalled Wholesome Pantry organic unsweetened apple sauce nationwide after mold toxin (patulin) levels tested high. Elections & Community: Barrington voters can hear candidates in a Monday double-header forum for state House District 67 and town council races.

Drug Enforcement: Providence-area police say a patrol of a municipal lot in Woonsocket led to the arrest of Winston M. Calloway, 40, after officers spotted a digital scale and allegedly found fentanyl and crack during a search. Politics & Elections: Rhode Island’s gubernatorial primary aftermath is already shaping endorsements, with Gov. Dan McKee backing Helena Buonanno Foulkes while other primary losers are not lining up behind their party’s nominees. Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York AG Letitia James and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a lawsuit challenging Trump administration offshore wind deals that they say misuse taxpayer dollars and kill projects. Public Safety & Environment: Rhode Island DEM’s Environmental Police earned RIPAC accreditation, highlighting training, management, and internal oversight standards. Education & Community: Roger Williams University hit a new high in U.S. News rankings, moving up to No. 25 in its category. Local Life: Newport’s fall cruise season is set to bring 29 ship calls through Nov. 12, with October accounting for most visits. Health & Privacy: A federal court action blocks a Trump administration push for CDL drivers’ personal data, with Rhode Island’s AG coalition efforts cited in the broader fight. Economy Watch: A Fed official warned stubborn inflation could mean more rate hikes, pointing to energy pressures and strong spending.

Solar for All Win: A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled the EPA unlawfully terminated the $7 billion Solar for All program, clearing the way for grants to resume for low-income households and community solar nationwide. Infrastructure Finance: Fitch affirmed the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank’s AAA rating for its Clean Water and Drinking Water revolving funds, keeping low-cost borrowing available for water projects. Local Leadership: Beacon Financial named Sean A. Gray CEO after Paul A. Perrault’s retirement, signaling a push for growth while keeping a regional, local-decision model. Community & Culture: Barrington is inviting residents to open houses at the Bay Spring Community Center, plus a Moon Festival fundraiser benefiting Meals of Love. Elections Watch (Westerly): The League of Women Voters will host candidate forums for Westerly Town Council, School Committee, and state races ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Public Safety: Rhode Island State Police arrested a Providence woman for wrong-way driving on I-95, citing impairment. Health & Tech: URI researchers highlighted how AI-enhanced handheld ultrasound could improve carotid plaque detection, while still requiring human clinical judgment.

Permitting Reform Watch: Rhode Island’s Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse is among lawmakers pushing for a Senate deal on permitting reform, with reports that senators could leave Washington early for the campaign trail if an agreement doesn’t land. Quonset Traffic Upgrade: RIDOT says three new ramps tied to the “Missing Move” project are set to open Sept. 25, adding safer connections between Route 403, Route 1, and the Quonset Business Park. Gas Prices: AAA Northeast reports Rhode Island’s average self-serve regular gas price rose 3 cents to $4.40 a gallon. Providence Stabbing Case: Providence police say a 19-year-old UMass Dartmouth student faces murder charges in the stabbing death of teammate Marvins Antoine outside a Wendy’s. Solar for All Legal Win: A federal judge blocked the EPA from ending the $7 billion Solar for All program, a move aimed at lowering bills for low-income households. Revolution Wind Milestone: Revolution Wind installed its final turbine off Rhode Island/Connecticut and is on track for full operation later this year. Workers’ Comp Ruling: Rhode Island’s Workers’ Compensation Appellate Division upheld denial of reimbursement for chiropractic and acupuncture when the worker paid out of pocket without timely notice to the insurer.

UMass Dartmouth stabbing: Providence police say 18-year-old freshman football player Marvins Antoine was killed early Sept. 19 outside a Providence nightclub, after an altercation that began in line at Mezzo Lounge and moved to the Wendy’s parking lot; teammate Kensley Macean, 19, was injured but expected to survive. Police identified Chukuwnonso Uzoma Eze, 19, as the suspect facing a murder charge, and said the case is tied to the nightclub event and crowding. Health care access: Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island earned top NCQA ratings for its Medicaid plans for 2026, scoring 4.5 out of 5, with the insurer citing long-running accreditation and provider partnerships. Local sports: Rhode Island FC signed 18-year-old forward Niko Pierre to a multi-year pro contract after his development with Orlando City’s academy and Haiti youth national team experience. Offshore wind ecology: New reporting looks at whether Rhode Island’s offshore wind turbine foundations are creating marine habitat—especially for Jonah crabs—or mainly concentrating existing life. Consumer safety: Whole Foods recalled specialty cheese sold in Rhode Island due to an undeclared egg protein that could trigger serious allergic reactions.

Fatal stabbing in Providence: Police say 18-year-old UMass Dartmouth freshman Marvins Antoine was killed and teammate Kensley Macean was injured in a stabbing outside a Providence nightclub and in a Wendy’s parking lot; a 19-year-old UMass Dartmouth student, Chukuwnonso Uzoma-eze, faces a murder charge and authorities are seeking extradition. RI sports roundup: Stony Brook rolled past Rhode Island 56-24 in the CAA opener, while Coppin State beat URI volleyball 3-1; Rhode Island soccer’s Khano Smith’s side fell 2-1 to Miami FC in the USL Championship. Weather: A rainy Sunday hits Rhode Island with showers likely after midday, highs in the mid-60s, and rain continuing into early Monday. Local politics: Pawtucket’s Democratic primary upset puts Adam Greenman on track to become the next mayor, with transition and listening sessions ahead. Public safety tech debate: Massachusetts police chiefs weigh in as some towns resist Flock license-plate cameras over privacy concerns. Climate politics: Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse pushes Democrats to name fossil-fuel “villains” as climate messaging and permitting fights heat up.

Violence in Providence: UMass Dartmouth freshman running back Marvins Antoine, 18, was killed and teammate Kensley Macean, 19, was injured in a stabbing early Saturday after an altercation that started at Mezzo Lounge and spilled into a Wendy’s parking lot; Providence police say suspect Chukuwnonso Uzoma-eze, also a UMass Dartmouth student, has been charged with murder and is in custody while investigators continue. Local Sports: Rhode Island’s volleyball team fell to Coppin State 3-1 at the UConn tournament, while Stony Brook routed Rhode Island football 56-24 in the CAA opener. Housing & Cost Pressure: A TD survey finds first-time homebuyers in 2026 are increasingly open to longer mortgages, using retirement savings, and buying fixer-uppers as affordability and interest rates stay tough. Coastal Protection Help: URI’s Salt Pond Smart program is offering free training and property guidance to residents in the Salt Ponds and Narrow River watersheds, with certification and a yard sign for participants. Offshore Wind Milestone: Revolution Wind installed its final turbine off Rhode Island, moving the project closer to full operation. Power Outage: A transformer malfunction caused an outage affecting more than 13,000 Rhode Island Energy customers in Barrington, Warren, and Bristol, with power later restored. Solar Funding Ruling: A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled the EPA illegally terminated the $7B Solar for All program aimed at lower-income households, vacating the termination.

Offshore Wind Milestone: Revolution Wind completed installation of its final 65th turbine off Rhode Island, a major step toward full commercial operation later this year, with state leaders calling it a boost for reliable power and union jobs. Solar for All Legal Win: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the Trump administration illegally canceled the $7B Solar for All program, reviving grants that could restore about $243M for low-income solar projects in Oregon and Washington. AG Raoul SNAP Protection: Attorney General Kwame Raoul secured a permanent block on Trump administration SNAP penalties tied to states’ food assistance operations, keeping eligibility rules in place for lawful permanent residents. Privacy Fight: A judge granted a preliminary injunction stopping the Trump administration from demanding sensitive driver data from a records database tied to 17 million drivers. Local Crime & Safety: Providence police are investigating a fatal stabbing early Sept. 19 after an altercation at Mezza Lounge; UMass Dartmouth freshman Marvins Antoine died. Housing & Costs: Providence’s “Taylor Swift Tax” on non-owner occupied luxury properties has begun billing over 300 homes to fund low-income housing. Economy Watch: URI economist Leonard Lardaro says Rhode Island is climbing out of a shallow recession, citing improving indicators in July.

Solar for All Court Win: A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the Trump EPA illegally canceled the $7 billion Solar for All grant program, saying the agency exceeded its authority when it pulled funding meant for low-income communities. Offshore Wind Milestone: Revolution Wind installed its final turbine off Rhode Island, with Gov. Dan McKee calling it a major step toward more local energy and union jobs. Local Energy & Grid: Connecticut officials also marked the final turbine installation, highlighting added supply for the New England grid. Public Health—Algae Alerts Lifted: RIDOH and DEM lifted advisories for Lake Tiogue and Oak Swamp Reservoir after harmful algae bloom conditions cleared and tests found no toxins. Education Turmoil in Providence: Providence Public Schools faces leadership shakeups as two administrators resign and the school board president faces a push to remove him. State Politics—General Assembly Candidates: The Barrington Times published candidate Q&As for Rhode Island House districts, spotlighting cost of living, erosion/climate resilience, and updating micromobility rules. Crime & Courts: Federal prosecutors allege two men ran a crack-cocaine operation in Rhode Island; separately, a Cranston man accused of dealing drugs lives in a former drug “kingpin” home. Food Safety: A jalapeño recall affecting 27 states was upgraded to the most serious class due to Salmonella concerns.

Providence School Board Power Struggle: The majority of Providence’s 10-member school board is moving to oust President Ty’Relle Stephens, with a vote possibly on the Sept. 23 agenda as members cite leadership concerns during the transition from the state takeover. State Elections Turnout: Rhode Island’s elections board certified Sept. 9 results, with primary participation at just over 20% of registered voters—the highest in a decade—while GOP gubernatorial winner Matt Guckian set up the general election. Consumer Protection Settlement: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson joined a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance over allegedly unaffordable subprime auto loans, including cash and debt relief plus required consumer disclosures. Utilities & Tech: Verizon is seeking FCC approval to retire copper landlines in nine states, including Rhode Island, replacing them with fiber and wireless once approved alternatives are available. Local Community & Schools: Drake Maye and Ann Michael donated $15,000 in gift cards to cover classroom wish lists for all 54 teachers and support staff at Alfred Lima Sr. Elementary in Providence. Environment & Industry: DEM opened an extended public comment period on proposed odor-rule amendments tied to Bitumar’s compliance, aiming to make enforcement more objective.

Predatory lending crackdown: Rhode Island and a coalition of 40 state attorneys general announced a $694 million multistate settlement with auto lender Credit Acceptance Corporation, aimed at consumers harmed by loans the company allegedly knew they couldn’t afford, with cash and debt relief plus new consumer-protection requirements. Voter safety: The Rhode Island Department of State warned residents about a suspicious text message that claims to be tied to voter registration but is not authorized by the state. Local governance: Westerly is pushing to move more official notices online, including potentially posting full legal ads for ordinance changes on the town website if voters approve a charter update in November. Public safety & courts: A Westerly man was sentenced to more than eight years after a DUI crash killed a pedestrian in 2023. Housing & affordability: A new United Way of Rhode Island report highlights how many Rhode Islanders are “ALICE” — working but still unable to afford basics — even when they’re above the poverty line. Energy & environment: Offshore wind milestone—Revolution Wind says all 65 turbines are installed and commissioning continues toward commercial operation later this year. Tech & the future: Rhode Island is testing AI-powered boats, partnering with Rhode Island Fast Ferry to outfit an 82-foot vessel for real-world trials. Scam-by-mail headache: One Rhode Island man says a stolen license plate led to toll charges in another state, raising questions about how disputes get handled.

Jobs & Unemployment: Rhode Island added 500 jobs in August, while the unemployment rate fell to 3.7% (down from July), with fewer people unemployed and fewer first-time unemployment insurance claims. Fishing & Boating: The state’s DEM won a $1.2M federal grant to boost recreational fishing and boating participation through outreach and education. Education & Arts: URI reopened its retooled Fine Arts Center, expanding hands-on spaces for arts students and even non-arts majors. Sports: URI’s Rams got going late and beat Elon 31-10 in the home opener, with a strong defensive showing and four interceptions. Transportation & Cost: Cybertruck owners are paying more on the Pell Bridge because their vehicle weight can push them out of the discounted toll category. Public Input: Barrington set a public hearing for Oct. 5 on its draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan. Commemoration: Rhode Island marked the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter.