AGP Executive Report

Connecticut Economy: WalletHub ranks Connecticut No. 16 for overall state economic strength, but calls out the state’s standout innovation potential (No. 7). Nursing Home Oversight: Gov. Ned Lamont signed new rules tightening private equity control of Connecticut nursing homes, requiring annual resident-safety certifications and investor disclosure starting in 2027, with penalties for noncompliance. AI and Schools: A national debate is heating up over AI in education, with parents and lawmakers pushing for limits on how kids interact with the tools. Healthcare Access: A CT Mirror report highlights medically complex children waiting years for palliative care, showing how long waitlists can stretch families to the breaking point. Politics and Primaries: A CT voter-focused piece argues some Democratic primary choices have been effectively blocked for decades, while other districts see rare challenges to incumbents. Business/Deals: States including Connecticut are reportedly preparing an antitrust lawsuit aimed at blocking Paramount-WBD’s proposed merger.

Intelligence Shake-Up: Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) blasted President Trump’s pick of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, warning the move could jeopardize FISA Section 702 as its deadline nears. Connecticut Politics & Surveillance: The same surveillance fight is heating up on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers scrambling over how far warrantless collection should go. Gas Prices, Real Pain: AAA reports fuel costs are up sharply nationwide, with Connecticut still among the higher-priced New England states—adding pressure to households and small businesses. AI in the Region: Microsoft data shows Vermont’s AI tool use is low, while Connecticut ranks higher in adoption, with Chittenden County leading the state. Prediction Markets in Court: The CFTC is challenging state actions against prediction markets, including in Connecticut, arguing the disputes could reshape who regulates online event contracts. Local Business Watch: A popular Connecticut pizzeria is set to close soon, with owners teasing what’s next.

SNAP Legal Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from forcing states to accept new gender and immigration conditions to keep receiving billions in SNAP and other USDA funding, calling the requirements too vague and unlawful. Connecticut Education Policy: Connecticut’s TEAM teacher-mentorship program is under fire for measuring compliance instead of real growth, with critics saying the support gap is widening for new teachers. PFAS Crackdown: A state-by-state push to restrict “forever chemicals” is reshaping what ends up in consumer products, with Connecticut among the states moving ahead on disclosure and limits. Surveillance Pricing: New York passed a ban on “surveillance pricing,” joining Connecticut and Maryland in outlawing personalized, data-based price differences. Connecticut Politics & Oversight: Lawmakers are demanding answers after the White House initiated a $620M loan tied to a firm connected to Donald Trump Jr., raising fresh ethics and influence questions. National Security Surveillance: Congress is scrambling over FISA Section 702 renewal as constitutional concerns over warrantless access to Americans’ data remain central. Sports: Caitlin Clark’s Fever suffered another late collapse, and the Liberty beat Indiana 83-75.

Connecticut Politics & Policy: Connecticut lawmakers are pushing ahead on AI governance, with new requirements aimed at developers and deployers, while the broader debate over surveillance and data continues as states consider guardrails on sharing license plate camera information. Energy & Environment: A major data center fight is heating up in the region, with Vermont’s governor vetoing a bill meant to curb unchecked development and protect residents from higher utility bills and pollution. Consumer & Privacy: New York’s surveillance pricing ban is moving forward, and Connecticut’s earlier action is part of a wider push to stop companies from charging different prices based on personal data. Public Safety & Infrastructure: The FCC is warning about copper theft that can knock communications off the air, urging faster rural upgrades and stronger accountability. Local Connecticut Spotlight: The Connecticut Science Center is gearing up for a summer of new exhibits, including a shark display and an outdoor kids’ space. Sports: UConn coaches are weighing how a new college sports bill could reshape the game.

SNAP Fight in Court: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new SNAP funding conditions, pausing requirements that Democratic-led states say could disrupt help for low-income families. CT Privacy & Tech Oversight: Connecticut lawmakers are moving to add guardrails on license plate camera data sharing, while the state’s sweeping AI law continues to reshape how employers and insurers handle automated decisions and disclosures. Offshore Wind Legal Clash: Connecticut is among AGs suing the Trump administration over a “sham deal” to pay TotalEnergies about $928 million to cancel offshore wind leases off New York, arguing it trades clean energy and jobs for oil and gas. Social Security Alarm: A report warns Social Security retirement benefits could be cut by about $500 a month on average if Congress doesn’t act, with trust fund insolvency projected for 2032. Local Business & Crime: A Shelton woman pleaded guilty to wire fraud after embezzling about $739K from a Danbury software company. Public Safety/Animals: Mansfield Animal Control is seeking a new shelter after its current facility failed state inspection, with a deadline tied to Connecticut’s sunset law.

Social Security & Immigration Enforcement: A whistleblower says the Trump-linked DOGE pushed the Social Security Administration to assign fake death dates to 2.7 million people, while the SSA denies adding that list to its Death Master File—an allegation that could affect benefits, banking access, and voting rights. Connecticut Housing Equity: A new study finds CT housing vouchers often steer recipients into racially segregated neighborhoods, pointing to how voucher rules and rent caps limit where families can afford to live. State Government Leadership: DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes will step down after nearly eight years; Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino will lead the agency on an interim basis. Connecticut Consumer & Finance: Connecticut regulators fined ML Enterprise (MoneyLion’s Engine) $10,000 for brokering small loans without a license. Clean Water Funding: CT Treasurer Erick Russell announced a successful $163.1 million green bond sale for the State Revolving Fund, generating $9.6 million in savings. Public Safety Court Case: A former Hartford police officer accused in the Stevie Jones manslaughter case was arraigned, with supporters calling it political. Energy & Environment: Connecticut joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s offshore wind deal with TotalEnergies.

Connecticut Education Funding: Gov. Ned Lamont’s new Blue-Ribbon Commission held its first meeting to rethink how the state funds public schools, aiming for equity and lower local tax pressure, with recommendations due next January. New Britain Charity Probe: Connecticut officials opened a separate investigation into former Mayor Erin Stewart’s handling of charitable funds tied to the Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund, including subpoenas and a deposition set for June 30. Hartford Jobs: PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford is hiring more than 200 part-time workers and will host an on-site job fair June 10. AI in Courts: Florida’s Supreme Court tightened rules for AI use in filings, requiring attorneys to verify legal authorities so “hallucinated” cases don’t slip into court. Consumer Safety: The FDA issued a recall of De Dioses Fruit Pops sold in CT and other states due to possible undeclared allergens. Social Security Warning: A new analysis says Social Security trust fund insolvency could trigger an automatic $500/month average benefit cut by 2032, with Connecticut among the hardest hit.

Connecticut Politics/Investigation: Connecticut AG William Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli opened a new probe into former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart’s Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund, issuing subpoenas to Stewart and M&T Bank and requesting records from the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain; Stewart must appear for a deposition June 30 in Hartford. Local Backlash: A Republican candidate for CT State Rep in the 50th District is facing backlash over “Happy Straight Month” social media comments, with the candidate saying he stands “by every word.” Social Security: A new report warns Social Security could trigger an average $500-a-month cut by 2032, with Connecticut projected around $556. Cybersecurity: Eversource says phishing/social engineering attacks exposed personal information for 3,049 customers across CT, MA and NH, though it says service was not affected. Infrastructure: A national roadway-condition analysis highlights how many major roads remain in poor shape and warns that federal road funding is set to expire in October 2026. Community/Business: The Central Connecticut Chamber honored award winners at its 136th annual dinner, including Bristol attorney David Preleski.

Pride Backlash in CT GOP: Jadon E. MacCormack, a candidate for Connecticut’s 50th House District, posted “Happy Straight Month” and attacked Pride celebrations, prompting bipartisan criticism and a public rebuke from GOP House Leader Vincent Candelora, who said the remarks don’t reflect party priorities. Federal Court Fight Over Social Security: A new analysis warns Social Security trust funds could run out in 2032, triggering an across-the-board 24% benefit cut and an average loss of about $500 per month in many states, including Connecticut. Energy Costs and Utility Pressure: Vernon launched a petition drive against Eversource’s planned 13% residential rate increase, arguing it will hit households hard while the utility says it’s needed for reliability. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data highlights mixed results across Connecticut facilities, including a South Central nursing home rated 1 star with fines and Southeastern homes with lower-than-state-average ratings. Offshore Wind Legal Battle: Connecticut joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s deal to end TotalEnergies offshore wind leases, calling it illegal and costly. Local Crime Update: Enfield’s Cold Harbor Seafood says vandals smashed new windows and tried to pry open doors at a planned second location. Apple Store Closures: Apple confirmed permanent closure dates for three stores, including a Connecticut location, citing declining mall conditions.

Student Loans Fight: Connecticut’s AG is among a coalition suing the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that narrows “professional degree” definitions and could cut off federal aid for many advanced programs. Credit Ratings Pressure: State Treasurer Erick Russell joined other fiscal officers warning that political pressure on rating agencies could raise borrowing costs for states. Social Security Shock: A new analysis says Social Security could trigger an automatic 24% benefit cut in 2032, with Connecticut retirees facing about a $556 monthly drop. SNAP Relief: Gov. Lamont is sending $300 grocery gift cards to about 25,000 residents who lost federal nutrition assistance. Charity Probe: Connecticut opened an investigation into former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart’s handling of charitable assets tied to the Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund. Fraud & Scams: Wilton police made a second arrest in a $333K check fraud tied to the police headquarters project, and the BBB warned of a Hartford-address employment scam targeting job seekers nationwide. Campus Hate Crime: A Connecticut man faces hate-crime charges after allegedly raising a swastika flag at NYU. AI in CT: Connecticut signed a sweeping AI law adding new transparency and responsibility requirements for developers and employers. Offshore Wind Lawsuit: Seven Northeastern states, including Connecticut, sued the Trump administration over a deal to cancel offshore wind leases.

Federal Courts/Justice: Acting AG Todd Blanche says the Trump administration is scrapping a $1.8B “compensation” fund for allies after a judge paused it and lawmakers blasted it over oversight and Jan. 6 payout concerns. Connecticut Health: Lamont’s administration is sending letters to 97,000 residents this week to erase qualifying medical debt, cutting nearly $315M more, with no application needed. Workplace Tech: Connecticut’s new AI transparency rules for employers take effect for hiring and other employment decisions starting Oct. 1, 2026, under the state’s Online Safety Act. Offshore Wind: Connecticut joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s deal to end offshore wind leases tied to TotalEnergies, arguing it’s illegal and threatens jobs and clean-energy goals. Public Health: CDC wastewater surveillance funding is slated for a major cut, raising alarms as a new COVID “cicada” variant spreads. Schools/Phones: More states are moving toward cellphone bans in classrooms, but new research questions whether the bans deliver the promised benefits. Nursing Homes (CT): CMS ratings updates show a mix of 3-star and 2-star facilities across multiple counties, with some reporting fines while others had spotless records.

Homeland Security Showdown: Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy pressed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin on whether the agency will follow court orders, but Mullin refused to commit—sparking a tense hearing over alleged noncompliance with nearly 100 rulings. Offshore Wind Fight: New York AG Letitia James led a lawsuit with Connecticut and other states challenging a Trump administration deal that would pay TotalEnergies about $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases and shift investment to fossil fuels. Veterans Health Trial: The VA is launching an MDMA-assisted therapy clinical trial for veterans with PTSD and alcohol addiction, enrolling 80 and drawing attention to the push to fast-track psychedelic treatments. CT Politics & Ballot Access: A Democratic panel upheld the nominating convention results in Connecticut’s 3rd District, rejecting challenger Andrew Rice’s bid to get on the primary ballot. Local Business: Tavello Pizza is coming to Bristol’s North Main Street, promising wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies and a new downtown draw. Crime Linked to Crypto: A Connecticut carjacking case tied back to California’s “crypto Godfather,” Adam Iza, who pleaded guilty to orchestrating an attempted abduction tied to a major Bitcoin theft.

Universal Childcare Push: Gov. Ned Lamont kicked off Pride Month by touting a signed budget that adds $300 million to Connecticut’s Early Childhood Education Endowment, aiming to expand day care slots, boost teacher pay, and lower costs for working parents. Cybersecurity Warning: Connecticut’s Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas warned businesses about a spoofing email scam using a fake Team OpenSign link to trick recipients into signing undisclosed documents. Gun-Trafficking Fallout, CT Angle: A California man dubbed the “Crypto Godfather” pleaded guilty in federal court tied to a Bitcoin theft scheme that led to a violent Danbury kidnapping in 2024. Public Safety Tech: Northwell Health’s firearm safety screening tool is being integrated into Epic electronic health records and rolled out nationwide for standardized gun-violence prevention screening. Road Rage Ranking: ConsumerAffairs research places Connecticut 13th for road rage frequency, citing AAA Foundation findings that aggressive driving can spread from driver to driver. Local Education Dollars: The Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation awarded more than $201,000 in scholarships to 107 students in Windham County. Infrastructure Meetings: CTDOT set public meetings for Route 6 signal upgrades in Bristol and bridge replacements over I-91 in Wallingford.

AI Legal Push: Florida and other states are suing major AI companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Gemini developers, arguing public-safety risks, consumer-protection violations, and mishandled data—setting up a new wave of state-by-state rules. CT Housing & Infrastructure: Connecticut’s State Bond Commission approved about $652M in statewide spending, including housing and projects tied to the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority’s push to loosen zoning and speed up transit-oriented development. Unilever in New Haven: Unilever plans a $270M global innovation center in downtown New Haven at 2 Church St., adding major R&D space and tying into the city’s growing bioscience cluster. Workplace Safety Staffing: A new look at safety manager ratios shows Connecticut among the lowest in the U.S., while other states land in the middle or bottom ranges—highlighting staffing pressure as OSHA rules expand. Medical Debt in CT: Connecticut residents describe being sued over unpaid medical bills as confusing and frightening, with advocates pointing to gaps in how patients navigate denials and appeals. SNAP Hunger Crunch: Connecticut SNAP enrollment dropped about 10% since federal rule changes took effect, worsening a hunger crisis lawmakers say needs faster relief. LGBTQ+ Climate: Tennessee ranks near the bottom for LGBTQ+ inclusion, with the report citing a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ bills—another reminder of how policy drives economic risk. Pride Center Saved: New Haven’s Pride Center says it avoided permanent closure after a fundraising push, following a difficult financial year.

Maine Senate Shake-Up: Graham Platner’s Democratic bid for Susan Collins’ seat is roiled by fresh reporting about sexually explicit texts with multiple women; his wife Amy Gertner called the coverage “shameful,” while Sen. Cory Booker said he has “concerns” and that campaigns are for answering questions. Connecticut Health Care Fallout: A Connecticut Mirror/KFF Health News report spotlights patients sued over medical bills after hospitals disputed costs they say insurers quoted—leaving people facing baffling charges and court fights. State Workplace Policy: Hartford Business Journal columnist Greg Bordonaro urges Gov. Ned Lamont to push harder to bring state employees back in office, arguing remote-work rules were left largely unchanged in recent union negotiations. Public Safety & Community: Connecticut officials reminded cottage food makers and shoppers about licensing, labeling, and food safety as farmers markets ramp up. Local Infrastructure: East Hartford’s Rentschler Field received $9 million from the State Bond Commission for field, scoreboard, LED lighting, and repairs. Norwalk Science Hub: A new research and education station at Manresa Wilds will turn a former power plant site into a coastal science lab with partners including Woods Hole and Norwalk schools.

Connecticut Politics & Governance: Sen. Chris Murphy appeared on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” arguing President Trump is blocking bipartisan Ukraine support and pointing to unused funds Congress set aside for the war effort. Online Safety & Consumer Tech: Connecticut’s attorney general is drawing scrutiny toward Roblox, with company officials responding to questions about safeguards and user protections. State Budget Pressure: A new report highlights how Medicaid work requirements are stressing GOP-led states’ budgets, forcing cuts to other services—an issue Connecticut policymakers are watching as costs rise. Local Business: New Haven’s Hanmi Foods is drawing crowds with made-from-scratch Korean grab-and-go dishes, including kimchi, bibimbap and kimbap. Food Safety: Connecticut officials are reminding residents and cottage food makers to follow licensing, labeling and food safety rules as farmers markets ramp up. Health Care Costs: A Connecticut-focused investigation describes patients being hit with unexpectedly high medical bills and lawsuits after surgeries, underscoring billing disputes in the state. Workplace & AI Rules: Connecticut’s omnibus workplace law is changing employer obligations around pay, accommodations and AI compliance for 2026/27.