AGP Executive Report

Federal Immigration Enforcement: Protesters rallied outside the Hartford federal courthouse to spotlight renewed ICE activity in Connecticut, with organizers saying they’ve seen more vehicles and more operations in recent weeks. New Britain Governance & Accountability: A new report on former Mayor Erin Stewart alleges improper separation payouts and overpayments, including claims she sought far more than eligible and authorized payouts to staff. Connecticut Health & Business: The Pennant Group and Hartford HealthCare are expanding their home-based care partnership, moving toward a unified operating entity to scale services across the state. Connecticut Courts & Privacy: Connecticut’s Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing the SECURE Data Act, arguing it would weaken state privacy protections. Connecticut Tech Crime: A Shelton IT consultant pleaded guilty after secretly installing remote access software that disrupted a client’s business and enabled bank theft. UConn Women’s Basketball: Geno Auriemma got an early look at next year’s team, highlighting Morgan Cheli’s progress after ankle recovery. Sports & Community: A class action notice was filed in Connecticut federal court over GeneDx investor losses tied to missed results and guidance cuts.

Hate Crime Case in NYU: A Fairfield man, Alexander Stepnowsky, was arrested and charged with hate crime burglary and harassment after allegedly flying a flag with a Star of David and swastikas over an NYU building during commencement. Connecticut Legal Tech: A Connecticut judge told attorneys to avoid using generative AI for legal research, and barred interns from using it. Social Security Warning for CT: A new analysis says Social Security could cut benefits by about 24% when reserves run out in 2032, with Connecticut retirees facing an average loss around $556 a month. Public Safety Law: A bill passed by Sen. Jeff Gordon will suspend driver’s licenses for repeat offenders who fail to stop for school buses, taking effect Oct. 1. Charity Probe in New Britain: Connecticut AG William Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli opened an investigation into former Mayor Erin Stewart’s handling of the Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund. Workplace Scam Alert: The BBB says job seekers are being targeted with a Hartford address tied to a fake “Coast Healthcare Management” proofreading job offer.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York AG Letitia James sued the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal that pays the company $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases—while states including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont argue it’s a “sham” that harms jobs, grids, and climate goals. DOJ Pivot on “Anti-Weaponization” Fund: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told lawmakers the $1.8 billion fund tied to the IRS tax-leak settlement is being dropped, even as the administration keeps immunity from probes into Trump’s tax filings. Connecticut Tax Case: A Danbury daycare/preschool owner pleaded guilty to willfully failing to pay about $639,000 in employment taxes to the IRS, with sentencing set for Aug. 31. CT Privacy/AI Watch: Connecticut’s new AI and social media safety rules keep rolling out, while national privacy legislation faces pushback from watchdogs warning it could override state protections. Local Business & Community: Stop & Shop kicked off Food Bank For NYC’s “Slam Dunk on Hunger” with a $19,812 donation.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Connecticut is part of a seven-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s deal to pay TotalEnergies about $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases off New York and North Carolina, with states arguing the process was unlawful and could cost jobs and harm clean-energy goals. Workplace AI Rules in CT: Connecticut’s Online Safety Act updates are moving employers toward new AI transparency duties tied to hiring and other employment decisions, with major compliance milestones coming in 2026 and beyond. DHS Court-Order Clash: At a Senate hearing, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin dodged whether DHS will follow court orders, sparking sharp pushback from Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy and Democrats. Fairfield Speed Cameras: Fairfield has started ticketing through its 24/7 school-zone speed camera program, with escalating fines after repeat violations. Local Public Safety & Community: Special Olympics Connecticut’s Summer Games kick off this weekend in the New Haven area, featuring sports for athletes of all abilities. Sports (Connecticut): The Atlanta Dream beat the Connecticut Sun 91-75, while the WNBA continues to spotlight Connecticut players and matchups.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of states suing the Trump administration over a deal to cancel a New York offshore wind lease, arguing the settlement violates federal law and seeks to restore the leases. Climate Science in Court: Tong also led a letter opposing the Federal Judicial Center’s removal of a climate science reference guide from its judicial manual, calling it peer-reviewed and essential for judges. Housing & Cost of Living: New data shows Connecticut’s single-family market cooled in April, with sales down year-over-year and days on market rising, even as median prices climbed. Medical Debt Pressure: A Connecticut Mirror/KFF Health News investigation highlights how patients are being sued over unexpected medical bills, including a Bristol Hospital case that ballooned far beyond what a patient expected. Workplace Tech Rules: Connecticut’s new law requires notice for AI-caused layoffs and restricts employer AI use, adding compliance duties for businesses. Public Health Alert: Health officials warn of rising Vibrio vulnificus infections along the East Coast as coastal waters warm. Business Spotlight: Unilever is opening a New Haven global innovation center focused on AI and advanced research, including wellness and sensory experience development.

Online Safety: Connecticut’s Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas warned businesses about a spoofing email scam using a fake “Team OpenSign” signature link, urging firms to verify sender addresses and avoid clicking unsolicited documents. Public Safety & Health: The CDC says tick-bite ER visits are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with warmer weather driving more activity in the Northeast and Midwest; officials also urged quick tick removal to reduce Lyme risk. Transportation: CTDOT is planning bridge and traffic-signal upgrades, including replacing a Turkey Hill Road bridge superstructure over the Housatonic Railroad in Newtown and holding public meetings for Route 6 computerized signal system updates in Bristol and multiple I-91 bridge replacements in Wallingford. Courts & Federal Policy: A federal appeals court ruled a Trump transgender-troops policy violates equal protection, with the decision split among judges. Sports (CT angle): Caitlin Clark and coach Stephanie White played down a viral sideline spat as “coaching,” not a rift, as the Fever continue their season.

Court Fight Over Prediction Markets: A new look at sports-gambling lawsuits says early wins for states hinged on how judges treated whether sports contracts count as “swaps” under federal law, while other courts leaned on stricter rules against preemption. Retirement Rules Under Fire: Connecticut’s AG Jay Jones joined a 24-state coalition urging the U.S. Department of Labor to reject a Trump-era proposal that would steer retirement plans toward riskier assets. Federal “Anti-Weaponization” Fund Blocked: Democrats vowed to force votes on Trump’s $1.8 billion “MAGA slush fund,” after a judge temporarily halted transfers tied to the IRS settlement. Connecticut Housing/Child Welfare Oversight: Lawmakers passed a bill overhauling Department of Children and Families, adding new grants and oversight amid scrutiny of child-safety failures. Public Safety & Infrastructure: CT’s Bond Commission approved major funding for infrastructure, housing, education, and public safety, while regulators and local officials continue pushing on utility rate and congestion issues. World Cup Human-Trafficking Warnings: Tri-state officials, including Connecticut, are bracing for a potential spike in trafficking tied to mega-event travel and demand.

Medicaid Integrity: A former CT AG fraud chief warns HUSKY Health is missing a key defense against “ghost claims,” because patients who could verify visits are often left out of the process. Public Safety: Gun Storage Check Week spotlights secure storage as a suicide-prevention tool, arguing a locked firearm can create a lifesaving pause in crisis. Ukraine Aid: Sen. Chris Murphy says Ukraine support is stalled as Trump influences Senate Republicans, casting doubt on whether Patriot missiles can be reallocated. Food Safety: Connecticut officials are reminding cottage food makers and shoppers about licensing, labeling, and rules as farmers markets ramp up. Local Infrastructure: East Hartford’s Rentschler Field received $9 million for field replacement, scoreboard upgrades, LED lighting, and repairs. Crime: Enfield police arrested a man accused of stealing from a Connecticut Children’s Hospital donation bin. Sports/CT Business: A new Korean takeout spot, Hanmi Foods, is drawing heavy demand in New Haven. Transit Disruption: I-95 saw a Bridgeport crash closure involving a tractor trailer.

Online Safety & Kids: Connecticut officials are investigating Roblox over child-safety concerns, with the state AG calling it a “predator’s playground,” as lawmakers and parents push for stronger online protections. Health Care Costs: A new report highlights how Connecticut patients can get hit with major medical-debt bills after surgeries, including a wrongful-conviction case tied to a $38M jury award and broader complaints about hospital billing practices. State Policy & Utilities: Connecticut regulators moved to end “unilateral” decisions amid utility lawsuits, while state leaders also spoke out against Eversource rate hikes. Transportation: Fairfield is set to start issuing fines for its speed-camera program next week, keeping pressure on Connecticut’s ongoing debate over automated enforcement. Local Business: New Haven’s Hanmi Foods is drawing crowds with Korean grab-and-go dishes, while a Western Connecticut mobile spray-tanning business is targeting residents with at-home beauty services. Sports (CT Sun): Hailey Van Lith is back with the Connecticut Sun on a player development contract after being waived twice this month.

Housing & Local Control: New Canaan’s Planning and Zoning Commission gave final approval to a controversial 102-unit, four-and-a-half-story complex at Weed and Elm—framed as a court-ordered compliance move under Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing law, with neighbors warning it’s too big for a mostly single-family area. Energy Policy: Connecticut lawmakers passed a bill to extend home and community solar incentives through 2035, with batteries emerging as the big winners as battery-paired solar is set to avoid new caps starting in 2028. Public Investment: Gov. Ned Lamont’s State Bond Commission approved major investments spanning early childhood, K-12 education, housing, technology, public safety, and infrastructure, including childcare facility upgrades and a new One Entry Portal to streamline child care access. Utilities & Regulation: Connecticut regulators moved to end “unilateral” decisions amid utility suits, while state leaders pushed back publicly against Eversource rate hikes. Community & Culture: Norwalk opened Luca’s Beach Kitchen at Calf Pasture Beach, replacing Ripka’s Cafe and promising music nights and a seafood-forward menu.

Gun Safety & Courts: Connecticut’s Glock-ban push is part of a wider Democratic wave, with lawsuits already filed after Maryland and Connecticut signed laws targeting cruciform-trigger guns. AI Regulation: Gov. Lamont’s Online Safety Act sets a broad AI rulebook for platforms and hiring tools, with key parts kicking in Oct. 1, 2026. Utility Fallout: State leaders are blasting Eversource after proposed rate hikes averaging 13% next year, while regulators move to end “unilateral” decisions amid utility suits. Housing & Zoning: Old Lyme is preparing zoning changes to comply with the state’s new housing mandate, and the CT Municipal Development Authority approved about $652M in bond funding tied to housing and redevelopment. Education & Childcare: The Bond Commission also backed $16.5M for childcare capital upgrades and a One Entry Portal to streamline access. Public Safety & Infrastructure: CTDOT is planning peak-hour congestion relief at the Route 9/175 interchange in New Britain and Newington. Consumer Protection: CT is warning job seekers about recruiter scams on sites like Indeed and LinkedIn.

Connecticut Privacy: Gov. Ned Lamont signed a law banning the sale of precise geolocation data, adding limits on surveillance pricing and facial recognition, plus a “Delete Act”-style option for data brokers. Connecticut Jobs: AG William Tong warned job seekers about recruiter scams that impersonate legitimate employers and try to steal money or personal info, urging people to verify postings and never pay to get hired. Employment AI: Connecticut’s new SB 5 employment AI transparency rules move the state toward tougher requirements on how automated systems affect hiring and what employers must be able to explain. Health Care Contracting: UnitedHealthcare will expand Synapse Health’s role in managing durable medical equipment orders, including for Connecticut Medicare Advantage members starting Sept. 1, 2026. Local Environment: Darien selectmen will consider joining a regional pathogen monitoring network that would expand harmful bacteria testing beyond the town’s current beach sites. Federal Courts: A judge temporarily blocked Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund while a lawsuit proceeds, with a June 12 hearing set.

Privacy & Policing: Connecticut’s license plate camera debate is heating up as an I-Team investigation finds at least 34 departments using Automated License Plate Readers and raises questions about who can search the data and why. Local Enforcement: Fairfield’s speed safety cameras are now issuing citations after a warning period, with police saying violations dropped 33% during the rollout. Housing & Rights: LGBTQ renters are facing high eviction rates, and advocates say it’s hard to prove discrimination—especially for trans tenants—because they may not be told the reason for eviction. Workforce & Economy: Electric Boat’s Signing Day brought more than 300 CT high school graduates into jobs tied to the next generation of nuclear submarines. Business & Development: Bristol’s Routine Properties bought the Bristol Business Park industrial campus and plans major upgrades and leasing. Health & Consumer Safety: A raw pet food recall expanded amid listeria concerns, with FDA warning about ongoing exposure risks.

Online Child Safety: Connecticut Attorney General Jay Jones is pushing stronger federal guardrails after declaring Roblox an “online pedophile playground,” joining a broader fight over the KIDS Act and urging protections that preserve state enforcement. Utility Oversight: Eversource and United Illuminating, along with PURA, are asking a court to dismiss a lawsuit tied to PURA’s Gillett-era decision-making practices, as the utilities argue a single regulator improperly steered outcomes. Privacy vs. Retail Tech: Connecticut lawmakers are pressing Home Depot and Lowe’s over controversial anti-theft “scanning” that collects license-plate data, demanding answers about use and sharing. Consumer Protection: FDA-linked recall hits D’Dioses Fruit Pops in multiple states, including Connecticut, due to undeclared allergens. Public Safety & Planning: NOAA forecasts a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, but CT officials still urge residents to prepare. Courts & Immigration: Charges against a driver accused of hitting two CT troopers were dropped after he was deported. Housing & Care: Connecticut continues to face a foster-care shortage, with thousands of children needing safe, stable homes.

Online Safety Probe: Connecticut AG William Tong launched a formal investigation into Roblox, calling it a “predator’s playground” and seeking records on what the company knew about child exploitation, plus user age, time spent, and profits. Higher Education Shakeup: Three CSCU colleges voted no confidence in system leadership and the Board of Regents, while Gov. Lamont appointed Natalie Braswell as interim chancellor amid scrutiny of prior leadership. Consumer Protection & Privacy: Connecticut’s DMV is moving toward Mobile ID for phone driver’s licenses after a five-year delay, even as civil liberties groups raise privacy concerns. Courts & Finance: Conn. Supreme Court reversed wins in a lost-mortgage-note dispute, faulting mortgage servicing affidavits. Weather Preparedness: CT emergency leaders urged residents to prepare for a “below normal” hurricane season anyway, citing past impacts and stressing evacuation plans and emergency kits. Sports: Portland Fire beat the Connecticut Sun 71-61 as the Sun fell to 1-7 early in the season.

State Budget & Housing Finance: Connecticut’s Bond Commission is set to consider about $2.4B in financing Friday, including a $1.74B general obligation bond sale and major housing and redevelopment funding. Education Funding: Gov. Lamont signed the FY 2027 budget adjustment, boosting school and municipal aid and aiming to stabilize property taxes, while also expanding early childhood education funding. CSCU Leadership: The Board of Regents selected Natalie Braswell as interim CSCU chancellor, with Lamont praising her “steady hand” to help the system “turn the page.” Online Child Safety & Tech Oversight: Connecticut is investigating Roblox over child exploitation concerns, as AGs push back on federal online-safety proposals like the KIDS Act. Privacy vs. Retail Security: Lawmakers pressed Home Depot and Lowe’s over automated license plate readers, with the companies defending the tech as anti-theft. Mental Health in Sports: A new “Shoulder Check” initiative—born from a family’s loss—encourages athletes, parents, and coaches to reach out and check in.