Richard Blumenthal

Rule Changes

Warned the Greek owner of the Agioi Fanendes that delivering its cargo to the U.S. would be an 'illegal transaction'

The first Russian diesel cargo sent to the United States under President Donald Trump's deal with Vladimir Putin has stalled off the East Coast, and no tanker has unloaded at an American port. The Malta-flagged Agioi Fanendes, carrying 40,000 metric tons, stopped off the coast on Nov. 10 after New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and lawmakers warned that accepting the fuel could bring legal penalties.

Updated 13 hours ago

Rule Changes

Sought answers from Google on school AI defaults

Starting early next year, Google accounts issued by K-12 schools will have Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Google Search switched off unless an administrator turns each one on. Google clarified after criticism that schools can leave the Gemini apps off and still enable Search. But Search carries AI Overviews and AI Mode that cannot be switched off, so a school that bans AI still gives up student search.

Updated Nov 3

Built World

Cut the ribbon and praised the project at the ceremony

Since the 1990s, Hartford-area storms have pushed raw sewage into basements and down the Connecticut River. That should end next year, once the Metropolitan District switches on a four-mile tunnel buried 200 feet underground that can hold 41.5 million gallons of combined wastewater until the rain stops.

Updated Oct 20

Rule Changes

Called the October 16 waiver a "craven, cowardly action"

Drafted by the late Lindsey Graham and signed into law September 18, the Graham Act lets Trump tariff the five largest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas up to 100%. China, India and several European countries are among the largest buyers.

Updated Oct 18

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Co-presented the conference cap amendment

The Senate voted 77-22 Monday to pass the Protect College Sports Act, the first federal bill to regulate how college athletes earn from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) and how often they transfer. It would let schools pay players up to roughly $50 million a year and give the NCAA an antitrust exemption it has sought for a decade.

Updated Sep 30