AGP Executive Report

Nor’easter Flooding: A strengthening nor’easter battered the Atlantic City area with pounding waves, boardwalk spray, and street flooding—some roads saw about 6 inches of water—prompting warnings not to drive through floodwater. Connecticut Politics & Oversight: State Sen. Jeff Gordon criticized Connecticut State Colleges and Universities leadership after a compliance review cited failures to report and respond to sexual harassment, including involving an interim system chancellor. Local Energy & Planning: In Granby, residents are split on the Broadleaf Solar project (41% support, 41% oppose), but most agree on priorities like protecting Salmon Brook and planning for community opportunities after the contract ends. Education & Student Support: Southern Connecticut State University and Eastern Connecticut State University are using student engagement survey data (BCSSE/NSSE) to guide advising and improve first-year support. Health & Consumer Protection: Connecticut’s AG Jeff Jackson joined multistate action tied to Labcorp’s patient data breach, while other states challenged federal moves that could affect Medicaid funding. Business & Jobs: Eastern Connecticut State University is launching a tuition-free Liberty Bank small-business academy in October, offering training and a chance to apply for a $5,000 line of credit.

AI Safety Push: Attorneys general from 23 states (including CT’s AG in related efforts) are urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents they say show systems can break safeguards and threaten critical infrastructure and national security. Data Breach Accountability: Connecticut officials announced a multistate settlement with Labcorp tied to a 2019 data breach involving a medical debt collector, with promises aimed at stronger vendor oversight and future protections. Nor’easter Watch: A major nor’easter is expected to bring heavy rain, damaging winds, and coastal flooding from the Mid-Atlantic into New England, with Connecticut among the states facing multiple high-tide impacts. Storm Scam Warning: Ahead of the weather, AG William Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli warned residents about door-to-door home improvement scams and urged caution on upfront payments. Housing Development: Greenwich is weighing a plan to replace a 66-unit complex with 176 apartments, including affordability set-asides. State Credit Boost: Gov. Lamont and Treasurer Russell praised S&P Global’s upgrade of Connecticut’s credit outlook to positive.

Clean Energy Procurement: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island jointly selected 102.4 MW of new solar projects, with CT procuring 63.4 MW, aiming to boost reliability and cut regional energy supply costs. Consumer Protection: Connecticut’s AG Tong helped announce a $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp tied to a 2019 data breach affecting 27.5 million people, including 43,666 CT residents, with required reforms around vendor data security. Public Safety & Health: FDA nominee Heidi Overton told senators all U.S. vaccines are safe and effective during a contentious confirmation hearing. Local Business & Jobs: TIGHITCO plans a $5 million Connecticut investment to build production lines supporting a major U.S. Navy decoy contract, backed by a $500,000 state grant. Science & Education: Southern Connecticut State University received NSF funding to expand an international six-telescope astronomy effort. Weather Watch: A nor’easter is forecast to bring heavy rain, major coastal flooding, and hurricane-force winds from the Carolinas up through New England. Sports & Community: The Mohegan Tribe and the Connecticut Sun are parting ways after the franchise sale and relocation to Houston.

Connecticut Cannabis: Adult-use sales in Connecticut have reached $713M since the 2023 launch, with flower still leading and average flower prices down to $6.61 per gram in August. Gun Rights Fight: Glock and the National Shooting Sports Foundation filed separate federal lawsuits to block Connecticut’s handgun ban signed by Gov. Ned Lamont. Trans Youth Care Funding: A new report says Connecticut Children’s Hospital is among hospitals paying DOJ-linked settlements tied to gender-affirming care for minors, totaling at least $24.3M nationwide. ICE in Courthouse: A video allegedly shows ICE entering a Meriden courthouse to make an arrest, prompting scrutiny under a 2025 Connecticut law requiring warrants or signed orders. Local Infrastructure: DEEP and Waterford finished upgrades to the Niantic River State Boat Launch overflow parking, improving access and drainage for boaters. State Health Policy: Lamont announced a new tax credit to help small businesses offer health insurance via ICHRA through Access Health CT. Sports & Community: The state launched a Connecticut Haunted History Trail with 130+ stops, including Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry.

Connecticut Tax & Insurance Updates: Connecticut changed corporation business tax rules tied to federal R&E and bonus depreciation, with a limited window to pay any extra tax without interest or penalties, and the state also issued Bulletin PC-94-26 requiring insurers to explain personal risk premium increases starting Jan. 1, 2027. Health & Research: UConn researchers found HEPA filters may lower inflammation for a vulnerable subgroup with excess belly fat, plus benefits for certain blood pressure and age groups. Local Infrastructure & Planning: CTDOT will hold an in-person public meeting Nov. 17 on replacing a Route 178 bridge culvert in Bloomfield, with temporary traffic impacts expected. Business & Finance: Ion Bank won Connecticut approval to merge with The Cooperative Bank, expanding into Massachusetts, and Fieldpoint Private completed a $34M equity raise. Sports & Community: UConn coach Dan Hurley weighed in on the Protect College Sports Act as debate heats up. Policy & Consumer Tech: Seattle passed a ban on “surveillance pricing” for groceries using personal data, joining Connecticut and other states.

Media & Antitrust: Connecticut AG William Tong says the Paramount-Warner merger fight is over after a consent decree, with CNN and CBS News bundled under Paramount Skydance and an editorial independence oversight board that critics say lacks real teeth. Privacy & AI Pricing: Seattle passed a ban on algorithm-based grocery “surveillance pricing,” blocking retailers from using personal data and AI to set individual prices—an issue Connecticut residents have been watching closely. Energy Policy: New York-led states, including Connecticut, sued to stop Trump administration offshore wind lease buybacks, arguing the deals illegally reroute federal money away from renewable projects. Local Business & Housing: CHFA approved about $10.4M in state tax credits to build 450+ affordable homes across 15 towns. Student Debt Help: Connecticut is offering free webinars on federal student loan repayment and forgiveness, with sessions starting today. Food Safety: A tuna recall affecting CT and other states warns of scombroid poisoning risk. Banking: Torrington Savings Bank marked five years of its Bristol branch with local chamber partners. Sports: UConn-area coverage includes women’s basketball updates and a Connecticut Sun vs. Mystics betting preview. Business Disruption: A major Wendy’s franchisee (314 locations) filed for bankruptcy after Wendy’s moved to terminate its franchise agreement.

Offshore Wind Fight: Connecticut AG William Tong joined a coalition of states suing to block Trump administration deals that cancel offshore wind projects off Maine and New York, alleging the government misused $1.4 billion in taxpayer funds and pushed money toward fossil fuel instead. Local Infrastructure Funding: Norwich lawmakers welcomed $8.134 million in state Community Investment Fund support to upgrade Dodd Stadium for year-round, multi-sport and community use. Norwalk Sewer & Water Projects: The CIF Board approved $2.85 million for three Norwalk initiatives, including a Bouton Street sewer extension and a Keeler Brook pump station replacement aimed at ending bypass pumping and discharges. Healthcare Costs in CT: Lamont and Fazio clash on how to slow rising health insurance costs—Lamont backs negotiating using state purchasing power, while Fazio wants more competition and less regulation. Consumer Watch: CT’s Department of Consumer Protection warned residents about home heating oil contract types and urged caution with prepaid deals. Gun Lawsuit: Glock and the National Shooting Sports Foundation filed separate lawsuits challenging Connecticut’s Glock-style handgun ban. Business & Jobs: A CT manufacturing workforce pipeline report says the state-funded initiative created 6,464 new jobs and delivered $549 million in economic impact in Eastern Connecticut. Sports Betting Crackdown: CT issued cease-and-desist orders to nine prediction market companies, saying they’re offering illegal sports event contracts to state residents.

Paramount-Warner Merger Clears Major Hurdle: Connecticut AG William Tong says the state demanded full divestiture of CNN and CBS News, but Paramount Skydance instead reached a settlement that keeps both outlets while creating an independent editorial board—clearing the final big legal obstacle for the roughly $110B deal. Local Government & Services: Norwalk rolled out an updated city website, with tests finding it’s more intuitive and often faster, though some pages still aren’t finished. Bankruptcy Hits CT Area Jobs: Meritage Hospitality Group, which runs 314 Wendy’s locations across 15 states including Connecticut, filed for Chapter 11 and says it will keep paying wages and benefits during the court process. Public Safety: Connecticut’s statewide gun buyback and gun safe giveaway returns Oct. 3, with multiple CT cities participating including Hartford and Norwalk. Economy Watch: Unemployment claims fell to the lowest level since mid-July, even as public anxiety about AI and jobs remains high. Business Growth: Watsco agreed to acquire The Granite Group, a $500M plumbing/HVAC distributor with operations including Connecticut. Ballot Access Debate: A new opinion argues CT’s ballot access laws are “very wrong,” using a congressional signature-qualification case to make the point.

Connecticut Business & Economy: Ethan Allen, the Danbury-based home furnishings retailer, has started a search for a new CEO after longtime leader Farooq Kathwari, signaling a major leadership transition. Federal Grants & Politics: U.S. Sen. Susan Collins warned President Trump against plans to “politicize” NIH grant decisions, arguing it would defy Congress and undermine merit-based funding. Hollywood Antitrust (Connecticut in the mix): California AG Rob Bonta and a coalition of states reached a settlement to clear Paramount Skydance’s Warner Bros. Discovery merger, with commitments tied to film output and independent editorial boards for CNN and CBS—though press-freedom advocates say the deal still cuts competition. Local Jobs & Retail: A major Wendy’s franchisee, Meritage Hospitality Group (operating 314 locations across 15 states including Connecticut), filed for Chapter 11 after Wendy’s moved to terminate its franchise agreement. Connecticut Legal/Politics: A former Connecticut official convicted of bribery and extortion fled to Greece and told a local outlet he’s the victim of a conspiracy. Workplace Rules: Connecticut’s AI transparency and responsibility law is among major employer changes taking effect in October.

Paramount-Warner Bros. Antitrust: Connecticut AG William Tong is among “blue state” holdouts as settlement talks face new resistance, with critics pushing for stronger terms to protect CNN and CBS News independence and avoid a too-soft deal. Connecticut Corruption Case: Kosta Diamantis, a former school-construction official convicted of bribery, says he’s in Greece and claims the case was political, even as prosecutors mapped a route out of the U.S. AI Power Crunch: A Connecticut-focused warning argues for no new New England data centers until strict AI and grid-upgrade rules are in place, after noting data centers can consume power on the scale of tens of thousands of homes. Border Phone Searches: A federal appeals ruling expands agents’ ability to search travelers’ cellphones without a warrant across New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. State Politics: Stacey Abrams rallied CT Democrats ahead of the election, framing the race as a fight for democracy while Gov. Ned Lamont attacked GOP rival Ryan Fazio. Health & Science: UConn researcher Claudia Gervasi’s team reports a new bovine IVF approach that could boost embryo numbers, building on sperm capacitation science. Sports: UConn football starts 2-1 after a 48-20 win; the Connecticut Sun hosts the Lynx in a key late-season WNBA matchup.

Border Searches: A federal appeals court expanded border agents’ power to search travelers’ cellphones in NY, CT and VT without a warrant or suspicion, raising fresh privacy concerns for anyone entering the U.S. Telehealth Scrutiny: The FTC says telehealth firm Hims & Hers used deceptive tactics, including sharing sensitive health data and pushing hard-to-cancel subscriptions, as regulators target similar companies. Consumer Protection in Gambling: A New York Times investigation reports DraftKings used an AI “elasticity” score to identify customers most likely to lose money and steer them with bonuses. Connecticut Politics: Gov. Ned Lamont’s campaign attacks Ryan Fazio over a vote tied to rising healthcare costs, while Fazio counters that Lamont bears responsibility. State Economy & Housing: Connecticut’s fall housing market faces high mortgage rates and low inventory, and a new CT jobs update shows unemployment easing as employment shifts. Offshore Wind: Revolution Wind completed its final turbine installation, delivering power to RI and CT even as federal policy remains hostile to new offshore wind.

AI and consumer harm: A New York Times investigation says DraftKings built an AI system to rank online casino players by how much they’re expected to lose, then targeted them with incentives. Telehealth crackdown: The FTC alleges telehealth company Hims & Hers used deceptive tactics, including sharing sensitive health data and pushing hard-to-cancel subscriptions. Environmental rollback: The U.S. EPA moved to scrap power-plant climate rules, raising pollution fears for communities. Connecticut AI policy: A CT lawmaker is pushing for limits on AI in schools, while Connecticut also banned AI claim denials for state workers—though coverage for most residents is still unclear. Health data and insurers: Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon announced new AI limits for the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan starting Jan. 1, 2027. Jobs and defense: Connecticut’s delegation announced a $234 million U.S. Army contract for Sikorsky to build 16 Black Hawk helicopters. Public safety: Hartford HealthCare expanded a firefighter cancer screening initiative in Litchfield County. Sports betting and privacy: A federal appeals court ruled border agents can manually search travelers’ phones without suspicion in the Second Circuit, including Connecticut.

AI in Schools: A Connecticut state senator is urging tighter rules on how AI is used in classrooms, warning students may lean on it instead of building research and critical-thinking skills. Health Insurance Oversight: Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon moved to restrict insurers from using AI as the sole basis to deny or reduce payments for state workers and retirees, with new rules starting Jan. 1, 2027. Border Searches: A federal appeals court ruled that U.S. border agents in the Second Circuit can manually search travelers’ cellphones without suspicion. Public Safety: Hartford HealthCare expanded a firefighter cancer screening initiative to Litchfield County, aiming for earlier detection and better follow-up for first responders. Sports & Community: A CCSU volleyball player described racist remarks during a game against Fairfield, while Connecticut’s Closer to Free Ride drew thousands to support cancer research and care at Smilow and Yale Cancer Center. State Politics: Sen. Blumenthal accused the Trump administration of lowballing Iran war costs and casualties, calling for a full review.

Connecticut Politics & Elections: U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy is ramping up midterm involvement, donating more than $500,000 to Democratic race committees, while Connecticut’s new Voter Participation Task Force is set to deliver turnout recommendations to the General Assembly by Feb. 1. Local Land Use: In Old Lyme, more than 260 residents packed a zoning workshop on Halls Road as the town overhauls commercial rules, with officials stressing no specific proposals were on the table. State Government & Housing Costs: A new analysis warns Connecticut must brace for a sharp jump in uninsured residents as federal budget cuts roll out, potentially reversing progress seen over a decade. Courts & Civil Liberties: The 2nd Circuit ruled border agents can search travelers’ phones without suspicion, a decision that could affect Connecticut travelers entering through New York, Vermont, or Connecticut. Energy & Environment: Revolution Wind installed its final offshore turbine, a milestone for Rhode Island and Connecticut as the Trump administration continues to pressure the offshore wind sector. Consumer Protection & Finance: Connecticut and federal regulators announced a $4 million settlement tied to junk fees and unauthorized add-ons by a Manchester auto dealer, underscoring continued scrutiny of “junk fees” in car sales. Public Safety & Infrastructure: CTDOT will hold a public meeting on Route 9/Route 175 interchange improvements in Newington and New Britain, with construction targeted to begin in winter 2029. Business & Labor: The I-Team confronted CT Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez over bullying and retaliation complaints, as he declined an in-person interview and stuck to written statements.

Connecticut Politics & Courts: Former CT budget official Kosta Diamantis fled to Greece ahead of sentencing after a corruption conviction, with prosecutors describing a route from Florida to the Bahamas by boat, then via London to Greece; a bench warrant and pension halt were reported, and the case is reigniting debate over Gov. Ned Lamont’s oversight. Consumer Protection & Finance: Connecticut residents are among those affected by a $694 million multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, requiring restitution, penalties, and new rules to prevent risky lending and “packed” add-ons like GAP/VSC. Housing & Cost of Living: Zillow says Connecticut’s typical home value rose to $450,873 in August 2026, up 4% year over year, while the market remains shaped by affordability pressures. Public Health: The CDC reports 3,471 measles cases nationwide as of Sept. 17, with Connecticut listed among jurisdictions reporting cases and outbreaks. Youth Homelessness: Data shows more CT youths are using emergency shelters in 2026, but shelter capacity for minors remains limited, especially outside Fairfield County. Business & Development: Watsco announced it will buy Granite Group, a plumbing/HVAC distributor with operations across CT and nearby states. Energy: Revolution Wind installed its final offshore wind turbine, a milestone for Rhode Island and Connecticut as the sector faces federal headwinds.

Defense Contracting: Lockheed Martin won a $234.46M Army contract modification to procure 16 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, with work in Stratford and completion expected by June 30, 2028. Consumer Protection: A New York federal court approved a $10.5M Lemonade class settlement over claims its online auto-quote tool exposed drivers’ license numbers to third parties. State & Local Immigration: U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy introduced a bill aimed at stopping ICE enforcement at playgrounds, child care sites, and school bus stops after Connecticut raids in Danbury. Health Care Access: US Family Health Plan of Southern New England expanded its Connecticut TRICARE network ahead of TRICARE Open Season (Nov. 9–Dec. 8). Housing Affordability: Consumer groups urged Connecticut’s attorney general to investigate Zillow and Compass over housing-market practices they say make homes less affordable. Infrastructure: CTDOT will hold a virtual public meeting Nov. 19 on $16M bridge rehabilitation work on Route 11 over the Eightmile River in Salem. Banking: Torrington Savings Bank added two executives to its leadership team.