ALBANY — The University at Albany football team is no match for first-place Rhode Island, and having a bye last week couldn’t solve that problem.
Rhode Island
RI lawmakers move to ban political ‘deepfakes’ ahead of elections. What that means.

PROVIDENCE – To people of a certain age, the phrase – “Is it live or is it Memorex?” – needs no explanation.
Memorex famously claimed that its taped cassette recording of Ella Fitzgerald hitting a high note was so good it could break a glass, just as her live singing would do. And no one would know the difference.
With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), that question – is it real or is it fake – has leapt from the advertising sphere to the campaign sphere with a potential so frightening to some Rhode Island legislators that they have introduced a bill to ban what they call “deceptive and fraudulent synthetic media” in the 90-day run-up to any election.
Modeled after a state of Washington version, their bill is up for a committee vote on Tuesday on its way to a full House debate.
What the bill does:
The legislation [H7487] defines “synthetic media” as “an image, an audio recording, or a video recording of an individual’s appearance, speech, or conduct that has been intentionally manipulated … [with] digital technology to create a realistic but false image, audio, or video” that is false.
The legislation would not only ban “deepfakes,” it would give a candidate who felt wronged the right to seek an injunction and damages in court. The exception to the ban: if the spot contains a clearly written or spoken disclosure that the image “has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence.”
Why is the bill needed?
Secretary of State Gregg Amore told legislators at a hearing late last month that so-called deepfakes have been used to deceive the public about statements and actions taken by political leaders in the run up to elections, “when there is not sufficient time for candidates to debunk these mistruths before voters head to the polls.”
A recent example, he said, was the falsified Biden robocall in New Hampshire, in which a manipulated version of Biden’s voice told voters to stay home and not vote in the New Hampshire primary.
According to Amore, the legislation creates a balance “between preventing misinformation and protecting the First Amendment, with allowances for Constitutionally-protected speech like press coverage, satire, and parody.”
Rep. Jon Brien, one of the co-sponsors of the proposed new ban, said the ubiquitous cartoon caricatures of yore were clearly fake. Today’s deepfakes are not so easy to spot.
Arguments against the bill
The ACLU of Rhode Island cautioned the state’s lawmakers against “trying to quickly regulate this new world of artificial intelligence and its impact on the electoral process.”
“In order to ensure that debate on public issues is, in the words of the U.S. Supreme Court, ‘uninhibited, robust, and wide-open,’ the First Amendment provides special protection to even allegedly false statements about public officials and public figures,” said ACLU Rhode Island Director Steve Brown.
“To allow the government to regulate or ban political speech that some might view as misleading undermines the breathing space that robust political speech requires, whether generated with the help of artificial intelligence or not,” he warned.
He gave two examples:
- A political ad that strings together a politician’s comments made at different times that someone could claim is “deceptive” of the candidate’s views.
- A video of a candidate or elected official giving an actual speech where someone, using AI, replaces the real background of the video with an artificial background depicting hell.
Though the bill contains an exception for “satire” or “parody,” Brown noted, the use of AI to make these images or recordings could open a citizen to substantial penalties.
A lobbyist for the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) suggested the lawmakers tweak the bill to make clear the “creator” facing potential penalties mean the person who “deployed” the fake, not “the provider or developer of any technology used in the creation of synthetic media.”

Rhode Island
The Galileo Project

Works by Doug Bosch and Richard Whitten, Book Design by Nancy Bockbrader, Essays by Victoria Gao and Natasha Seaman. Exhibition on view November 6-December 5, 2025.
In The Galileo Project, Nancy Bockbrader, Doug Bosch, and Richard Whitten have created a dialogue across media, time, and imagination—one that links contemporary art to centuries-old scientific inquiry. Drawing from the history and the visual language of the scientific instruments housed in the Museo Galileo, each artist interprets and reimagines these objects through the lens of their own practice. Bosch’s sculptures, tactile and purposefully imperfect, suggest objects suspended between function and fiction. Whitten’s intricate paintings create a catalogue of invented devices, each that inhabits a specific if unidentifiable place. Bockbrader’s hand-bound catalogue, with essays by curator Dr. Victoria Gao and Dr. Natasha Seaman, provides a satisfyingly unique companion for the exhibition. Together, their works blur the boundaries between art, science, and history.
Rhode Island
Bye offers no relief for UAlbany football, blown out again by URI

UAlbany running back Griffin Woodell looks for running room against Rhode Island on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Casey Stadium in Albany, NY. (Jim Franco/Times Union)
Jim Franco/Times UnionWith extra rest and preparation following their worst loss in the Stony Brook rivalry on Oct. 4, the Great Danes stumbled to a 58-17 loss to URI on Saturday, their most lopsided defeat in a Coastal Athletic Association game.
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UAlbany committed four turnovers on two interceptions and two fumbles while falling to 1-6 overall, 0-3 in the CAA.
“I figured we would (play a cleaner game),” UAlbany interim coach Jared Ambrose said. “We made too many mental errors in the game for a team that’s this good. And when you’re playing teams that have this amount of talent, you don’t have that luxury. You have to be ice cold, locked in and no errors. They (URI) saw the benefits of that.”
The margin of defeat surpassed UAlbany’s 37-0 home defeat against CAA rival Villanova in 2015. The Great Danes entered the league in 2013.
UAlbany has lost its three CAA games this season by a combined score of 129-35, including the 47-12 setback to SUNY rival Stony Brook two weeks ago.
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“We’ve got five football games left,” UAlbany redshirt junior running back Griffin Woodell said. “That’s five games we’re trying to win.”
Woodell, a Glens Falls native, rushed for a team-high 62 yards and took a short pass from Jack Shields for a 46-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
UAlbany trailed URI 38-3 before Woodell scored and backup quarterback Aidan Semo added a 2-yard touchdown run to get within 38-17 with 2:42 left in the third.
“They showed fight and they will continue to fight,” Ambrose said. “No doubt it. I don’t question my team’s effort at all and I do not think that 41-point differential is an accurate depiction of who this football team is.”
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After stopping UAlbany on downs to start the fourth quarter, URI (6-2, 4-0) poured on three straight touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The final indignity came when freshman running back Keon Kenner fumbled on his fourth career carry and URI’s Leisaan Hibbert ran it back 47 yards for a score with 51 seconds left.
Even though UAlbany struggled last season, the Great Danes nearly upset URI on the road. They jumped out to a 17-0 lead before the Rams pulled out a 20-17 lead.
Saturday’s rematch was never really in doubt.
“I think it’s a lapse in focus,” Woodell said. “I think we’re struggling focusing on what our assignments are and what we need to do.”
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UAlbany senior safety Denzel Patrick, who had a team-high 11 tackles, blamed the blowout on a lack of discipline.
“No matter how many points are on the board, I feel a loss is a loss,” Patrick said. “We’ve just got to be able to look at film tomorrow and keep pushing.”
URI receivers broke wide open against UAlbany’s coverage. Greg Gaines, who had no receiving touchdowns entering the game, grabbed scoring passes of 32 and 42 yards in the second quarter.
Rams quarterback Devin Farrell finished 19-of-20 passing for 333 yards and four touchdowns.
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“When you battle a quarterback like him, as veteran as he is, you’ve got to throw stuff at him that’s going to give him a hard time,” Ambrose said. “We busted a couple of coverages. I think (defensive coordinator) Bill (Nesselt’s) plan was a solid one. We’ve just got to execute it.”
Shields, in his first game back from a knee injury, was 12-of-26 for 192 yards with a touchdown. His two interceptions both came on deflected passes.
“Not going to excuse our performance because I have to own everything this program does,” Ambrose said. “But those guys (URI) are as as you’re going to find in this conference.”
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UAlbany returns to action at Villanova next Saturday.
Rhode Island
GoLocalProv | Business | What You Can Buy in Coastal Rhode Island Between $1 Million and $2 Million

Saturday, October 18, 2025
The folks at Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International are offering three distinct coastal community properties priced between $1 million and $2 million.
These properties are located in some of the most sought-after communities in the Northeast.
And, if you need to see the price of your home, CLICK HERE.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE — SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Enjoy the tour.
32 Arrowhead Drive | Tiverton | $1,970,000
Listed by Ellie Wickes
Set in the desirable Winnisimet Farms waterfront neighborhood, this four-bedroom, three-bathroom home has been almost completed after having been taken down to the studs, adding a great new addition, and being remodeled to perfection by a local, custom design/build firm. Elegant high-end finishes and true luxury touches everywhere. New primary suite on the main level with volume ceilings and a stunning ensuite marble bath. Upstairs, there are three spacious bedrooms with water views. The generous living room has a fireplace with built-ins and a wet bar. The dining room has a fireplace as well and room for a cozy sitting area. Both rooms open out to a covered farmer’s porch facing the water. A Chef’s kitchen offers premium appliances and looks out to the Sakonnet River. Add a screened porch, an inground pool (and full pool bathroom too), a large impressive walk out recreation/bunk room and you have paradise. Located just across the drive from the Association’s private waterfront, where you can gather to swim, kayak, and play. A mooring can be obtained by contacting the Harbor Master. Live the waterfront lifestyle with easy access to local beaches, the hip ‘Four Corners’ area with shops and eateries, and all that the Farm Coast has to offer.
17 Shore Road | Bristol | $1,695,000
Listed by Cheryl Andreozzi
Westerly Facing Water View Contemporary – Experience sophisticated coastal living in this stunning Bristol Highlands mid-century modern contemporary, where every room captures a view of nature. The interior design opens seamlessly to the living area and deck, showcasing dramatic westerly sunsets and deeded access to the water. This four bedroom, three and a half bathroom residence has been thoughtfully and completely renovated to blend modern elegance with timeless architectural design. The new state-of-the-art kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry, and designer finishes perfect for entertaining. New bathrooms feature beautiful floating vanities and high-end fixtures. Other recent updates include refurbished floors, a new heating system, a new central AC, a new hot water heater, a beautiful stone driveway, and an outdoor shed. The open layout is designed for entertaining, with multiple living spaces, abundant natural light, and easy indoor-outdoor flow. Large windows frame sparkling water views, creating a serene and peaceful backdrop for daily life. Option to join the Bristol Highlands neighborhood association, which offers exclusive access to a private dock, beach, clubhouse, and tennis court. The East Bay bike path is just steps away- enjoy a short bike ride or walk to downtown Bristol, or travel north to Providence.
62 Spartina Cove Way | South Kingstown | $1,795,000
Listed by The Soby-Roberts Team
South County’s coastal living at its finest, 62 Spartina Cove is the epitome of elegance, comfort, and seaside adventure. This immaculate four-bedroom, four-bathroom residence offering 3,300 square feet of thoughtfully designed space in one of South Kingstown’s most desirable communities. Gracious nine foot ceilings, abundant light, and elegant finishes create an inviting atmosphere throughout. Two primary suite options, one conveniently located on the first floor and another upstairs with a private balcony for morning coffee or evening stargazing. The main level centers on a warm gas fireplace and a gourmet kitchen flowing seamlessly to the outdoors. Step outside to an extraordinary outdoor living area, complete with a tranquil water feature, striking stone fireplace, lush landscaping, and a picture-perfect shed, ideal for entertaining or unwinding in privacy. The lower level offers an option to finish for additional living or recreational space. Spartina Cove residents enjoy acres of preserved open space, private walking trails, and two association boat slips, all within walking distance of Billington Cove and close to local marinas. Just minutes to South County’s beaches and village life, this home perfectly combines elegance, comfort, and coastal charm.
This content is part of a paid sponsorship with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International.
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