AGP Executive Report

UConn Funding Rescue: After federal research cuts, Gov. Ned Lamont says Connecticut will backfill $35M for UConn and UConn Health, pulling from a state contingency fund meant to cushion human-service losses. State Politics: In the race for Connecticut’s 2nd Senate District, Sen. Doug McCrory lost the Democratic endorsement and now faces a three-way August primary instead of being the party’s pick. Workforce Law: Connecticut expanded its “stay-or-pay” limits to cover all employers starting Oct. 1, tightening rules around repayment tied to leaving a job. Housing & Cost Pressure: Zillow’s summer rental heat map puts Providence, Hartford, and other Northeast/West Coast cities at the top as supply stays tight. Business & Community: Beacon Bank invested nearly $600K in local nonprofits across the region. Health & Consumer Watch: A new EWG sunscreen guide finds only about 20% of tested products both safe and effective. Energy: NextEra and Dominion are moving toward a $67B megamerger, with critics warning it could mean higher costs and tougher regulation.

Energy Deal: NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy just announced a nearly $67B mostly-stock merger that would create a mega utility with about 10 million customers—board-approved, but likely a long regulatory slog. Grocery Relief: Stop & Shop is cutting prices again—lowering thousands of items at all 137 NY/NJ stores and adding cuts at 46 Long Island locations, part of its multi-year affordability push. Crypto Fallout: Bitcoin ATM operator Bitcoin Depot filed for Chapter 11 and shut down its network, blaming state rules and a business model squeezed by cheaper app-based trading. Public Health & Policy: A new study links abortion bans to worse miscarriage care access, with fewer people getting the most effective medication approach. Local Spotlight: Eastern Connecticut State University bid farewell to its Class of 2026 at Hartford’s PeoplesBank Arena, awarding diplomas to more than 900 students. Business/Legal: The OCC finalized a rule preempting state escrow-interest requirements for national banks, setting up fresh legal fights.

Health Care & Mental Health: A new review in JAMA Psychiatry finds IV ketamine can ease major depression and suicidal thoughts within hours after a single infusion, raising hopes for faster emergency treatment. Cannabis Legal Risk: A 320-page class action, Murray v. Cresco, filed May 4, targets major multistate cannabis firms across 12 states with claims that could reshape how the industry is insured and underwritten. Connecticut Politics: Gov. Ned Lamont won the Democratic Party endorsement for a third term, but Hamden Rep. Josh Elliott forced a primary by pulling 25% of delegates. Local Costs: Norwalk’s WPCA budget clears with a 4.5% sewer rate increase, adding roughly $20 to residents’ bills next year. Jobs Watch: New Mexico’s unemployment rate rose again in March, with officials pointing to federal workforce cuts.

Transportation Labor: A Long Island Rail Road strike shut down service for nearly 300,000 daily riders, with the fight centered on wages, health costs, and union work rules—raising the stakes for any similar walkouts that could ripple into the broader region. Connecticut Politics: Gov. Ned Lamont locked in the Democratic endorsement for a third term, while Republicans at their convention rallied behind Sen. Ryan Fazio after Erin Stewart dropped out amid a fraud investigation. Mental Health Access: Connecticut’s Insurance Department says all five major insurers violated the state’s mental health parity law—fined and ordered to fix coverage gaps. Privacy Watch: License plate cameras at Home Depot and Lowe’s are drawing fresh privacy fears as lawmakers move to limit how the data is shared. Education & Work: Connecticut’s technical high schools are spotlighted for boosting boys’ outcomes, even as seat shortages keep many applicants out.

Connecticut Politics: Gov. Ned Lamont just clinched the Connecticut Democratic Party endorsement for a third term, winning 75% of delegate votes at the state convention—setting up a primary fight against state Rep. Josh Elliott. Republican Shake-Up: On the other side, Sen. Ryan Fazio won the GOP gubernatorial endorsement after Erin Stewart dropped out amid a fraud investigation, leaving Fazio as the lone GOP candidate heading into November. Healthcare Access: A Massachusetts lawsuit spotlights “ghost networks” that make mental health harder to find, arguing insurer provider lists don’t match reality. Food Assistance: SNAP participation fell by nearly 4.3 million from January 2025 to January 2026, with experts pointing to new access rules as the main driver. Privacy Watch: License plate cameras at Home Depot and Lowe’s are raising fresh privacy fears in Connecticut.

Food Stamp Shake-Up: Nearly 4.3 million fewer people are receiving SNAP benefits, and while officials blame fraud and a stronger economy, experts point to new access rules tied to last year’s sweeping tax and spending cuts. CT Politics: Gov. Ned Lamont won the Connecticut Democratic Party endorsement, but faces a primary challenge from Rep. Josh Elliott. GOP Convention Fallout: On the Republican side, Erin Stewart dropped out after a state police probe into New Britain credit-card spending, and Ryan Fazio won the governor endorsement as Betsy McCaughey conceded. Privacy vs. Retail Tech: License plate cameras at Home Depot and Lowe’s are raising privacy alarms as shoppers worry about how long their location data could be stored and searched. Public Health & Safety: Straus Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors in 17 states over possible metal fragments. Local Watch: Old Lyme residents are being asked to weigh in on a major zoning rewrite, with workshops starting June 4.

WNBA Shockwave: A’ja Wilson poured in 45 points as the Las Vegas Aces beat the short-handed Connecticut Sun 101-94, turning a late third-quarter scare into a decisive 16-4 run. Gun Law Fallout (Virginia): Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a new “assault firearm” ban that immediately triggered lawsuits from gun-rights groups, with the law set to take effect July 1. CT Politics: The Connecticut GOP opened its convention after Erin Stewart abruptly quit her governor bid, leaving Sen. Ryan Fazio positioned to win the endorsement while party leaders pleaded for less in-fighting. Public Health & Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors in 17 states due to possible metal fragments. Kids Online Safety: Senate Judiciary leaders invited CEOs from Meta, Alphabet, TikTok and Snap to testify on children’s online safety. Local Watch: CTDOT will hold a virtual meeting June 17 on Route 53 retaining-wall repairs in Weston.

GOP Shake-Up in Connecticut: Tim Ackert says he’ll keep running for lieutenant governor even after Erin Stewart suspended her governor bid over alleged misuse of city funds, arguing the races are voted separately. Online Safety Push: Meta, Alphabet, TikTok, and Snap CEOs have been invited back to Capitol Hill for Senate Judiciary questioning on children’s online safety, as states keep filling the gap Congress won’t. Gun Law Fallout: Virginia’s “assault firearms” ban is already facing immediate lawsuits from gun-rights groups after Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed it. Local Watch: CTDOT will hold a virtual public meeting June 17 on rehabilitating Route 53 retaining walls in Weston, with construction eyed for spring 2028. Housing & Education: New Haven’s Fair Rent director filed to run for state rep, while Connecticut homeschoolers are urging lawmakers to block a new registration-and-check regime. Health & Money: Grocery costs rose again in April, and Fort Wayne was highlighted as the Midwest’s fastest-growing large city.

Connecticut Politics: Erin Stewart’s GOP governor bid collapsed after a report alleged $207,076 in questionable New Britain credit-card spending, and state police opened a criminal investigation—leaving Republicans scrambling for a new nominee. Markets & Trade: Wall Street climbed on a tech-led rally as investors watched Trump-Xi talks in Beijing, with Nvidia shares jumping after U.S. cleared H200 chip sales to China. Health & Drugs: A heart transplant survivor says generic anti-rejection meds nearly cost her life, fueling scrutiny of generic drug quality and batch consistency. Reproductive Rights: The Supreme Court preserved access to mifepristone for medication abortions while a lawsuit continues. Food & Environment: An environmental group sued the EPA for records tied to pesticide-coated seed waste, pressing on neonicotinoid disposal rules. Local Watch: Howard County residents rallied to push a court fight forward against W.R. Grace’s plastics recycling testing.

Connecticut Politics: Former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart abruptly suspended her GOP bid for governor after a city-linked report and a hired law firm concluded her city credit-card use was a “repeated and deliberate” bypass of purchasing rules, with most of the $207,076 in charges described as unrelated to city business—she immediately endorsed state Sen. Ryan Fazio. Education & Tech: Torrington’s school board is moving toward district AI guardrails after hearing concerns that students are already using tools like ChatGPT for assignments, raising privacy and distraction worries. Cost of Living: New Labor Department data show grocery “food-at-home” prices rose 0.7% in April, the biggest monthly jump since 2022, adding pressure as gas costs stay elevated. Business & Local Life: Wegmans landed on Forbes’ inaugural list of the 100 largest family-owned U.S. companies; Eastern Connecticut State University will graduate 1,000 students this weekend in Hartford. Health & Compliance: HHS-OCR announced $1.1M in HIPAA settlements tied to ransomware breaches.

World Cup Heat Safety: Scientists warn FIFA’s heat rules for the 2026 tournament are “inadequate,” urging longer cooling breaks and clearer stop/shift protocols as dangerous temperatures are expected at many U.S. venues. WNBA Shockwave in Connecticut: The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the Connecticut Sun’s sale and move to Houston under Tilman Fertitta—meaning 2026 is the team’s last season in Connecticut before the 2027 Comets return. Sports Officiating Tension: Caitlin Clark’s latest flare-up with referees ended with a technical foul, adding to her growing reputation for confrontations. Middle East Pressure: A U.S. blockade around the Strait of Hormuz appears to be working, with reports saying more Iranian-bound ships were redirected or disabled. Hartford Courts: A federal judge ordered Hartford Mayor Justin Elicker to stop speaking publicly about an ongoing New Haven wrongful-conviction trial. Privacy Push: Lawmakers in dozens of states are moving to rein in license-plate camera data sharing and retention.

CT Dairy Relief: Connecticut is sending $22.5M to dairy farmers hit by tariff-era pressures and higher costs, with Gov. Ned Lamont saying the market has “screwed” farms even when they’re doing everything right. Healthcare Access: Yale New Haven Health is teaming up with Escher Health to enroll Medicaid-eligible patients who aren’t signed up yet, aiming to cut uncompensated care as federal rules squeeze providers. Public Health Policy: Connecticut leaders are weighing the “Connecticut Option” idea—potentially opening state/municipal employee health plans more broadly—while also debating how to keep costs down without turning it into a public insurance plan. Consumer & Safety: Attorney General Brown is urging the FDA to block flavored e-cigarette approvals as states push back on youth addiction risks. Local Infrastructure: Bristol received a $569K grant for safer sidewalks and curb ramps, targeting pedestrian safety around schools and bus stops. Sports Business: The PWHL adds Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, bringing the league to 11 teams with one more expansion spot still to be named.

Gas Tax Showdown: President Trump is pushing to pause the federal gas tax to blunt Iran-war driven fuel spikes, but it would take Congress to make it happen—so drivers may hear promises before they see relief. CT Job Rules: Connecticut’s new law will require salary ranges and benefits in job postings starting Oct. 1, aiming to cut the guesswork that fuels bad hiring matches. Prediction Markets: The CFTC backed Kalshi in its appeals fight against Ohio, arguing states can’t overreach into federally regulated prediction markets. Local Politics: Former Hartford mayor Luke Bronin won the Democratic endorsement in CT’s 1st District primary, setting up an August contest with Rep. John Larson. Business & Courts: A Webster shareholder is challenging the bank’s $12B Santander deal as undervaluing the company. Public Safety & Work: A Cheshire man was sentenced for CARES Act fraud, and Connecticut’s moving scams warning season is in full swing.

Pentagon Cost Update: The price tag for the U.S. war on Iran has jumped to about $29 billion, with lawmakers pressing for clearer end goals and more transparency. Gas Tax Fight: President Trump says he’ll push to suspend the federal gasoline tax to blunt pump shock—but Congress has to approve it, and the savings may be smaller than the headlines suggest. ICE Detention in LA: Popular chef Carlos Lool is in ICE custody and facing deportation after a parole-related dispute escalated into a dramatic arrest. Connecticut Consumer Watch: Connecticut AG Bonta urged the FDA to reverse guidance that would ease flavored e-cigarette approvals aimed at youth, warning enforcement is lagging. Local Hartford Culture: A new free Thursday outdoor music series, “Street Sounds,” is set to launch downtown at the Hartford.com kiosk. CT Schools: Region 15 voters approved a $95.6M operating budget and $224M in bonding for new elementary school buildings. EPA Under Fire: A food-safety group sued the EPA for records tied to pesticide-coated seed disposal, arguing a regulatory loophole is still poisoning the environment.

Gas Tax Showdown: President Trump says he’ll move to suspend the federal gasoline tax to blunt $4.52-a-gallon prices tied to the Iran war—but Congress has to approve it, and the White House is already framing it as temporary relief. Connecticut Labor Protections: Lamont signed Public Act 26-12, expanding protections for workers assaulted on the job and requiring wage-range and benefits disclosures in postings. CT Politics: In the Democratic convention fight for CT-1, Luke Bronin upset John Larson for the party’s endorsement, setting up an August primary. Education & Safety: A Connecticut hearing is underway that could suspend an assistant principal’s educator certificates after a gun was found in his car in 2021. Local Impact: Funeral scam victims can now seek up to $10,000 in restitution under a new state law. Transportation: A special report highlights soaring air cargo at NH airports, with Manchester punching above its weight. Environment & Food: The Center for Food Safety sued the EPA for records tied to pesticide-coated seed disposal, pushing to close a long-running regulatory loophole.

Gas Tax Showdown: President Trump says he’ll push to temporarily suspend the federal gasoline tax to blunt pump-price pain from the Iran war—but Congress has to approve it, and the White House won’t say how long. Healthcare Fight: Hospital pricing is back in the spotlight as insurers and hospital groups trade blame over consolidation and billing practices. Connecticut Politics: New Britain’s Erin Stewart faces fresh scrutiny after reports of spending on a city credit card for personal items and other questionable purchases. Education Equity: A new study finds Black, Hispanic, female, low-income, and multilingual elementary students are less likely to be identified with autism—even when academic levels are similar. Local Watch: CTDOT is holding a Zoom public meeting June 10 on replacing or removing retaining walls in Cromwell, Glastonbury, and Wolcott. Business & Tech: An AI routing company says it cut delivery routes by about half; meanwhile, states keep tightening AI rules in patchwork fashion.