Coastal Resilience Research: Eastern Connecticut State University geologist Bryan Oakley secured a $270,000 grant to study climate-driven coastal erosion, focusing on bluff retreat and vulnerability on Block Island, with results due in 2028. Storm Impacts: A slow-moving September nor’easter peaked near 136,000 outages across the Northeast, with full-moon tides worsening coastal flooding in Rhode Island and nearby states. Energy & Equity: A federal judge in Rhode Island revived the $7 billion “Solar for All” program after ruling the EPA unlawfully ended it, potentially reopening solar help for more than 900,000 lower-income residents. Local Clean Energy Upgrades: The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank approved $6.3 million for Northern Elementary School in Lincoln to cut energy use via heat pumps, efficient boilers, controls, and lighting upgrades. Clean Water & Land Protection Vote: Rhode Island Green Bond Initiative leaders kicked off support for 2026 Green Bond Question 5, seeking voter approval for $55 million for waterways, farmland, outdoor recreation, and green infrastructure. Power & Infrastructure: NAVFAC MIDLANT awarded a $271.2 million contract for a U.S. Coast Guard offshore patrol cutter homeport pier at Naval Station Newport, with work targeted through March 2030. Waste & Community Tech: Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful and Japan-based Pirika are partnering to tackle litter and illegal dumping in the valley, starting with a community cleanup Oct. 3. Transit Costs: RIPTA faces a new budget squeeze as diesel prices surged well beyond what was planned, threatening the agency’s ability to keep services running.