AGP Executive Report

U.S. Supreme Court Watch: A new term starts Monday, with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito positioned to push major conservative shifts on guns, religion in schools, and voting rules. Kids Online Safety: A Connecticut mom who lost her daughter to suicide urged Congress for stronger, across-the-board social media protections after a multistate Meta settlement that could send CT up to $265M toward youth harm programs. Privacy at the Border: A federal appeals court ruled Vermont border agents can search travelers’ phones and devices without suspicion. Connecticut Education: New Britain broke ground on a $145M Smith Elementary overhaul, including a 22-classroom Pre-K center. Public Health: NBC Connecticut and Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra held a drive-thru flu shot clinic in Farmington with hundreds of free shots. Food Safety: Walmart and Trader Joe’s frozen berry recalls expanded after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people. Sports: UConn hosts Syracuse Saturday in a key matchup at Rentschler Field; SCSU women’s hockey beat Minnesota State 5-2.

Connecticut Politics & Policy: Connecticut lawmakers and officials are weighing the fallout from federal actions, including a pushback on Trump administration fuel-economy rollbacks and broader education and data-privacy fights, while state leaders also announced new health-care rules taking effect Oct. 1. Public Safety & Environment: DEEP set opening days for fall hunting—firearms turkey season starts Oct. 3, with pheasant and small game opening Oct. 17—plus tips for hunters as the season begins. Local Government & Schools: New Britain broke ground on a major Smith Elementary renovation and expansion, adding a 22-classroom pre-K center, and Bristol received state LEAP grants aimed at improving attendance and engagement. UConn & Community: UConn shifted plans for its proposed golf practice facility after local opposition, moving the project to the Depot Campus. Business & Consumer Watch: Cookie chain Chip City abruptly closed all remaining locations, including Connecticut, citing macro-economic headwinds. Sports: Yale football mourns the loss of former head coach Tony Reno, who stepped down earlier this year for health reasons.

Education & Student Success: Southern Connecticut State University says its analysis of BCSSE and NSSE data shows students who don’t return differ in relationships with faculty, peers, and staff—and that a “Supportive Campus Environment” is a key predictor of persistence to the junior year. Higher Ed Accountability: Students at Eastern Connecticut State University are pushing for more say in CSCU decisions after an investigation found an “overall failure” in how the system handled sexual harassment complaints involving former chancellor John Maduko. Police Oversight: Hartford leaders voted to strengthen the Civilian Police Review Board’s power to compel documents and testimony, aiming to break legal and union hurdles that have stalled investigations. Health Policy: Connecticut’s new menopause laws take effect, adding a provider toolkit timeline (due in 2028) and workplace accommodation rights. Energy & Environment: Connecticut is among states suing over weakened federal fuel economy rules, arguing they’ll raise costs and emissions. Early Childhood: Advocates warn proposed Head Start changes could endanger Connecticut children served by the program. Local Tech & Privacy: North Haven officials say Amazon’s drone delivery plan “came out of nowhere” for many residents after state review steps. Business & Community: Chip City abruptly closed all remaining locations, including Connecticut stores, citing “macro-economic headwinds.”

UConn Athletics: UConn field hockey resumes its rivalry weekend with a trip to Providence and a Sunday showdown vs. No. 3 UMass, with freshman Lucy Zich racking up national and Big East weekly honors. UConn Basketball: The Huskies are leaning on a younger core after adding 10 newcomers, including seven transfers, as they set up a tough non-conference slate. Education & Student Success: Southern Connecticut State and Eastern Connecticut State highlight how BCSSE/NSSE data are shaping advising and first-year support, focusing on what can be changed to improve persistence. State & Local Policy: Gov. Ned Lamont orders flags half-staff for DOT worker Elvin Hernandez, killed on I-95, and Connecticut’s education funding debate continues around whether ECS scenarios truly cover real district costs. Housing & Development: Greenwich breaks ground on Benedict Court, a 120-unit project with 40% below-market units, while Mansfield’s Newman Properties completes a $5.85M purchase at 96 Storrs Rd. Courts & Business: A judge cleared the Paramount settlement path toward closing its Warner merger, while Connecticut also sees major legal action in drug-pricing and Medicaid fraud cases. International: Putin warns NATO against escalating threats to Kaliningrad, saying Russia would use all weapons if it’s attacked.

Gun Control Fight: A federal judge blocked Connecticut’s Glock ban, saying the state failed the Supreme Court’s Bruen test—setting up a fresh legal clash over firearms rules. Immigration & Public Safety: Connecticut begins limiting ICE arrests without warrants in sensitive places like schools, hospitals, and churches, as advocates warn the change follows fear sparked by past raids. Health Care Access: Federal Medicaid and CHIP eligibility rules narrow for some noncitizens, with state officials estimating about 3,200 people in Connecticut could lose coverage starting Oct. 1. Drug Pricing Accountability: Connecticut AG William Tong is part of a coalition seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Education Attendance: Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox announced a $750,000 Bridgeport grant to expand the state’s LEAP program aimed at improving student attendance. Local Economy/Manufacturing: The Lee Co. in Westbrook won CBIA’s “Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut” for a satellite propellant isolation valve. Sports & Courts: Jeffrey Mullins was sentenced in a fatal Hartford-area shooting tied to a botched robbery, while Granby’s bear-killing case reignites debate over Connecticut bear regulations.

Higher Ed & Student Success: Southern Connecticut State University says its use of BCSSE/NSSE data shows non-returning students report weaker relationships with faculty, peers, and staff—and that a “Supportive Campus Environment” is a top predictor of persistence to the junior year. Higher Ed & Advising: Eastern Connecticut State University credits NSSE-driven advising changes with helping students persist, after survey comments and results pointed to advising gaps. Criminal Justice Policy: Gov. Ned Lamont and lawmakers from both parties want to change Connecticut’s prison-debt law after a CT Mirror investigation found the state can charge incarcerated people daily costs and collect for up to 20 years post-release. Environment & Safety: DEEP kicked off Connecticut’s cold-water boating season, requiring paddlers to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets from Oct. 1 through May 31. Cost of Living: Heating aid looks uncertain as federal support and LIHEAP timing remain in question for households facing volatile home heating oil prices. Community & Culture: Connecticut marked Food Waste Prevention Week, highlighting DEEP efforts to reduce food loss and expand food recovery and composting.

State Finance Leadership: Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell was elected Senior Vice President of the National Association of State Treasurers, starting Jan. 1, 2027. Student Success in CT Colleges: Southern Connecticut State University and Eastern Connecticut State University are using national student engagement survey data (BCSSE/NSSE) to spot what helps students persist—especially the role of a supportive campus environment and stronger advising. Medicaid Tech Procurement: Connecticut used a fast, challenge-based procurement to meet new HR1 Medicaid work requirements, aiming to deliver solutions before the Jan. 2027 deadline. Corruption Case Update: Attorney General William Tong moved to revoke the pension of former official Kosta Diamantis after his sentencing in absentia on corruption charges. Public Safety & Courts: DNA evidence tied a New Britain man to a stolen vehicle connected to a statewide crime spree; he faces additional charges while in custody. Sports (CT): Fairfield University hosts the Fairfield Invitational this weekend, and Fairfield men’s soccer continues its stretch with matches against Saint Peter’s and Manhattan.

Fuel Economy Fight: Gov. Ned Lamont and Acting DEEP Commissioner Emma Cimino blasted the Trump administration’s rollback of federal fuel economy standards, saying it will mean more gas trips, higher costs, and dirtier air for Connecticut. Traffic Tech Rules: Connecticut’s police standards council is urging tighter guardrails for camera and license plate reader use, including keeping data streams separate and improving residents’ ability to contest tickets. College Sports Overhaul: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act to rein in athlete payments and transfers, though Connecticut’s senators split on whether it goes far enough. Energy Merger Pressure: AG William Tong co-led a coalition urging FERC to reject the NextEra-Dominion merger, warning it could raise costs and reduce competition as data centers expand. Local Safety: Vernon reported 362 illegal school-bus passing violations in the first month using bus cameras, with $250 civil fines now in effect. Community & Inclusion: The Kennedy Collective marked 75 years helping employ and support people with disabilities across Connecticut.

College Success in CT: Southern Connecticut State University and Eastern Connecticut State University are using BCSSE/NSSE student engagement data to spot what helps students persist—at SCSU, a “Supportive Campus Environment” is a top predictor of returning to school. Federal Nutrition Policy: Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT) introduced a bill to extend and expand WIC certification and eligibility, including automatic certification for some infants and longer child certification periods. Court Watch: Federal prosecutors may seek to seize the Farmington home of fugitive former budget official Kosta Diamantis after a judge weighs whether to forfeit his bail. Public Safety: CTDOT employees packed Bridgeport Superior Court for the arraignment of a driver accused of killing coworker Elvin Hernandez on I-95; prosecutors cite alleged impairment and prior DUI. Healthcare Tech: Yale New Haven Hospital installed Connecticut’s first PET/MR system, slated to begin patient care in 2027. Nor’easter Aftermath: A slow-moving nor’easter left tens of thousands without power across the Northeast, with coastal flood warnings stretching into coastal Connecticut. College Sports on the National Stage: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act 77-22, setting up a major House fight over athlete pay, transfers, and NIL rules.

Nor’easter Update: A weekend nor’easter hit parts of Connecticut and nearby coastal towns with wind and rain, but Western Connecticut State University’s weather center said impacts were minimal locally, with only modest rainfall and gusts. ICE at Public Places: Connecticut officials condemned recent ICE arrests at Tweed Airport, including the detention of a Southern Connecticut State University student, as lawmakers demand clearer limits on enforcement near schools and other sensitive locations. Housing Fraud Case: The U.S. Attorney’s Office indicted Robert Cappelletti, former executive director of the Meriden Housing Authority, on fraud and money-laundering charges tied to a $16.2 million loan. AI Regulation in CT: Connecticut’s new AI and data privacy rules take effect Oct. 1, adding to the state’s push to manage how major tech firms operate. Education Workforce Grant: Connecticut won a $4.7 million federal grant to expand registered apprenticeship pathways for special education teachers and early intervention staff. Public Safety Tech: CT’s police standards council recommended new limits on Flock and other camera systems. Local Business & Jobs: SOLENVIA Caregivers named Justin Brady vice president of franchise operations as it expands into Fairfield County. Health Access: Hartford-area doulas of Spanish-language support are expanding postpartum care for Latina mothers as Medicaid reimbursement grows.

Nor’easter Recovery in CT: A powerful nor’easter kept battering the Northeast for a second day, with coastal flooding and widespread outages. In Connecticut, tens of thousands woke up without power as wind toppled trees and brought down lines, while West Haven reported that pre-storm preparations like sand dunes and clearing downed debris helped limit damage. New CT Laws: Nearly 100 laws take effect in Connecticut this week, including major updates on guns, artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and other consumer and public-safety rules. Health Care Policy: Federal lawmakers introduced the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act of 2026, aiming to curb corporate practice of medicine and tighten limits on management services organizations—an issue with big implications for physician practices and private equity. Education & Student Support: Connecticut universities are leaning on student engagement surveys like NSSE and BCSSE to spot advising gaps and improve persistence, including Southern Connecticut State’s use of advising reports for first-year support. Public Safety Memorial: The Connecticut Fallen Firefighters Memorial added 10 new names, including firefighters whose deaths were linked to occupational cancer.

Nor’easter Impacts Across CT: A powerful nor’easter kept battering the Northeast, bringing coastal flooding, downed trees and widespread power outages. In Connecticut, tens of thousands were without power as the storm lingered into Sunday, with officials warning about dangerous high tides and strong winds. Public Safety Tech in Focus: Communities are increasingly looking at “noise cameras” that use microphones and cameras to flag loud vehicles, adding to the broader debate over roadside surveillance and enforcement. Local Sports Spotlight: UConn women’s hockey made headlines as St. Cloud State swept No. 7 Connecticut in a season-opening series. Arts & Community: Connecticut’s cultural calendar includes events like the first national tour stop for “The Great Gatsby” at the Bushnell. Education Data Use: Eastern Connecticut State University and Southern Connecticut State University highlighted how they use student engagement surveys to guide advising and improve persistence. Entertainment Buzz: Olivia Rodrigo’s Hartford show featured a planned “melting” dress moment as artificial rain made the costume dissolve onstage.

Nor’easter Impacts Across CT: A powerful, slow-moving nor’easter is battering the Northeast with heavy rain, damaging winds, flooding risk, and widespread outages. In Connecticut and nearby states, tens of thousands are without power as crews work to restore electricity after downed trees and lines. Shoreline Safety: Officials warn residents to stay out of coastal areas as high tides and rough surf raise the danger level. Local Weather Updates: Wilton is under a wind advisory with gusts potentially reaching 55–65 mph, plus 2–4 inches of rain, with some roads partially blocked. Beardsley Zoo News: Bridgeport’s Beardsley Zoo celebrates the birth of a rare red panda cub, a major breeding milestone for an endangered species. UConn Football: UConn fell 24–21 to Miami (Ohio) in a late, back-and-forth game. Sports & Community: UConn swimming and diving posted a strong season-opener finish, and local college sports results continued across the weekend.

Nor’easter Impact: A powerful nor’easter is battering the Northeast with heavy rain, damaging winds, coastal flooding, and widespread power outages—more than 75,000 customers reported without power across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts, with officials warning of major flooding near shorelines and dangerous travel conditions. CT Tragedy on I-95: Connecticut DOT worker Elvin Hernandez, 60, was killed while maintaining southbound I-95 in Fairfield; Gov. Lamont ordered flags lowered and leaders renewed calls for safer driving in work zones. State Policy Watch: New Hampshire’s strict limits on license plate reader cameras are being cited as a model as other states, including Connecticut, consider curbs. Legal/Health Funding: Connecticut AG-led action helped keep school mental health funding blocked from a Trump administration termination plan via a preliminary injunction. UConn Sports: UConn football plays Miami (Ohio) in a streaming-only ESPN Select game. Arts & Culture: Olivia Rodrigo launched her “Unraveled” tour in Hartford, including a dissolving dress moment during “The Cure.” Workforce & Immigration: Connecticut employers filed 17 H-1B petitions in 2025 in the “Other Services (except Public Administration)” category, with most approved.

Nor’easter Impacts: A powerful nor’easter slammed the East Coast, bringing coastal flooding, damaging winds, and widespread power outages; Connecticut communities braced as storm conditions intensified. Road Safety Tragedy: Connecticut DOT employee Elvin Hernandez, 60, was killed on I-95 in Fairfield while doing maintenance work; state police charged driver Edward Myers with manslaughter and DUI-related offenses. Local Land-Use Fight: Cheshire residents helped stop a 1757-era Norton Brothers Fruit Farm from becoming 25 homes, after two local buyers stepped in with a $5 million plan to preserve the land. Granby Solar Debate: A Granby survey found residents split on the Broadleaf Solar project, while most prioritized protecting Salmon Brook and planning for community benefits after the contract ends. Connecticut Zoo News: Beardsley Zoo’s first red panda cub is getting a name vote—Ravi, Tashi, or Pabu—open through Sept. 29. Sports & Entertainment: Olivia Rodrigo launched her “Unraveled” tour with opening-night shows in Hartford, while the Connecticut Sun marked its final home game before relocating to Houston.

Road Safety Tragedy: Gov. Lamont and CTDOT mourned the death of Elvin Hernandez, a 60-year-old CTDOT worker struck while doing road maintenance on I-95 in Fairfield; officials urged drivers to slow in work zones. Severe Weather Prep: Wilton emergency officials warned of a hybrid nor’easter bringing 40–60 mph wind gusts and 3+ inches of rain, with possible downed trees, blocked roads, and power outages. Local Traffic Watch: Wilton police say updated traffic data after bridge closures may renew a traffic light request at Pimpewaug Rd./Rte. 7. Public Safety & Privacy: West Haven is moving toward using “noise cameras” tied to license plate systems to target loud cars. Health & Consumer Protection: Connecticut is among states pushing back on insurers using aerial imagery alone for non-renewals, saying cosmetic issues can’t justify dropping coverage. Legal/Finance: AG Ford announced a $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp over a patient data breach. Community: Windsor leaders condemned vandalism targeting Pride and Black memorials, calling it hate and urging investigation.