AGP Executive Report

AI Workforce Push: Gina Raimondo and Eric Holcomb launched RAISE US, a $500M-plus effort (aiming for $1B) to help states and employers retrain workers for an AI-driven economy, with early partnerships including Connecticut. Election Law Fight: A federal judge blocked a Trump order aimed at restricting mail voting in states that challenged it, saying the president lacks constitutional power over election rules. Connecticut Cleanup Watch: DEEP updated residents on the long-running Olin “Six Lakes” cleanup in Hamden, with officials saying more site characterization is still needed. Public Health: Warmer weather is bringing a booming tick season, with Lyme risk rising—health experts urge precautions outdoors. Sports Spotlight (CT): The Travelers Championship is underway at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, with PGA Tour changes also in the spotlight as Xander Schauffele reacts to the new two-tier system. Local Business/Community: T-Mobile wrapped up its Hometown Grants program, funding 500 projects nationwide, including community development work in small towns.

Antitrust & Drug Prices: A federal judge in Connecticut dismissed Pfizer from a multi-state lawsuit accusing drugmakers of fixing prices for generic drugs, saying states failed to show Pfizer directly conspired or that its Greenstone unit acted as its agent. UConn Leadership: Pamir Alpay was appointed provost and EVP for academic affairs at UConn, with university leaders citing his role in reorganizing Academic Affairs and advancing AI and QuantumCT work. Higher Ed & Workforce: Eastern Connecticut State University announced three new undergraduate certificate programs for fall—Geospatial Technology, Victim Services & Advocacy, and Emergency Services & Public Safety. Public Safety: Connecticut State Police arrested an Enfield man accused of firing at a vehicle on Route 9 in New Britain while children were inside. Reproductive Rights: Connecticut leaders marked the Dobbs anniversary by backing expanded fertility-care coverage for LGBTQ+ families. Local Business: Plaza Azteca’s last Connecticut location in Newington will close after 15 years. Sports (CT ties): The Travelers Championship tees off Thursday at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell.

PGA Tour Shake-Up in CT: The PGA Tour unveiled a two-tier system starting in 2028, with promotion/relegation and a revamped postseason, and the changes are already being debated ahead of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. Local Sports Spotlight: Tiger Woods made his first public appearance since rehab at the Travelers news conference, and Brittney Griner set the WNBA career blocks record (878th) as the Connecticut Sun routed the Chicago Sky. Housing & Policy: Connecticut lawmakers backed a federal housing bill aimed at boosting construction to tackle affordability, while local planning boards also weighed new housing and zoning changes tied to state deadlines. Public Safety & Health: Connecticut police charged a man in the homicide of a 26-year-old woman found dead in Burlington, and tick experts warned of a potentially heavy Lyme season as warmer weather ramps up. Community & Local Life: Woodbury’s Shade Tree & Sidewalk Committee mapped its “Trees to Please” planting and pruning plans, and Seymour announced a July 2 “Red, White, & Boom!” event to celebrate the reopening of Legion Pool Park.

PGA Tour in Cromwell: Tiger Woods made his first public appearance since his March DUI arrest, introducing PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp at TPC River Highlands as the Travelers Championship kicks off this week. NBA Draft, UConn pipeline: UConn stars Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. went in the first round—Reed to the Spurs (No. 26) and Karaban to the Kings (No. 29)—continuing UConn’s strong draft run. Local sports spotlight: Wheeler’s track program is turning heads in Eastern Connecticut, with coach Katie McGuire earning ECC girls outdoor coach of the year honors. Public safety: Connecticut is seeing new spread of lone star and Asian longhorned ticks in multiple southern areas, raising concerns about serious tick-borne illnesses. Justice system: A Connecticut woman was arrested for the alleged murder of a newborn found in a dumpster nearly a decade ago, and a separate case saw a homicide ruling in a Connecticut home death. Housing policy: The U.S. House passed a bipartisan affordable housing bill aimed at speeding construction, sending it to President Trump.

Connecticut Crime: The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death of 26-year-old Janina Brooke Murphy, found last March in Burlington, a homicide, citing a blunt force injury to the head; Connecticut State Police say the case is still under active investigation with no arrests. CT Economy: Connecticut’s unemployment rate rose to 5.1% in May, up from 4.9% in April, and remains above the national rate for the fifth straight month, according to the Department of Labor’s May report. Education & Equity: A new report says CT schools are among the most segregated in the U.S., adding pressure on districts and policymakers as they tackle disparities. Local Culture: Mystic Museum of Art is previewing a major summer exhibition, “Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways,” tracing Connecticut’s textile and fashion legacy from historic velvet to today’s designers. Sports: Tiger Woods made his first public appearance since his DUI arrest, speaking at a PGA Tour press conference in Connecticut.

WNBA Milestone: Connecticut Sun center Brittney Griner broke the WNBA all-time career blocks record with her 878th block in a 92-63 win over the Chicago Sky at Mohegan Sun Arena. Local Politics: Ruth Fortune qualified for the Democratic primary ballot in Connecticut’s 1st District via petition, setting up a four-way primary challenge to longtime Rep. John B. Larson. Public Safety: Burlington authorities identified two of three people found dead in a foreclosed home after a new owner discovered skeletal remains; investigators said there’s no sign of foul play. Sports—Connecticut: The Sun’s record night came as the team snapped a long skid, while the Sky struggled offensively in the lopsided loss. Connecticut Business/Health: Hartford HealthCare expanded its partnership with K Health into virtual specialty care, starting with endocrinology. National/Global: A Philippines school shooting renewed calls for safer schools worldwide.

MSG Tragedy: Connecticut resident Paul Kueker, 51, died after falling from an upper level during a Goose concert at Madison Square Garden; police said no foul play is suspected, and the band later held a moment of silence and shared mental-health resources. Healthcare Expansion: Stamford Health unveiled a $275 million Bennett Medical Center campus redevelopment adding a new Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center, plus behavioral health and inpatient rehab capacity. Cannabis Oversight: State Rep. Juan Candelaria faced renewed scrutiny over ethics and disclosure tied to his cannabis job while voting on industry bills; he says his financial filings were properly reported. Tribal Cannabis Deal: Gov. Ned Lamont and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe announced Connecticut’s first tribal cannabis compact, setting terms for cooperation in the adult-use market. Public Safety: A head-on crash in New Hampshire’s Coos County killed a 25-year-old woman and injured five family members, including three children. Local Giving: CT Children’s Medical Center received a second $1 million donation from a foundation board member to support pediatric care and expansion plans. Business & Growth: Formula Drift confirmed a three-year Connecticut run at Stafford Motor Speedway.

Wrong-Way Crash: Connecticut man died after fleeing a Massachusetts traffic stop and crashing head-on in Millbury, police say, with traffic diverted while the scene cleared early Saturday. Homebuyer Horror in CT: A Burlington man who bought a foreclosed house “as is” at auction found three sets of skeletal remains inside, prompting state troopers and an ongoing medical examiner investigation. Public Health Warning: Calls to poison centers involving Benadryl’s diphenhydramine among teens have more than doubled this year, tied to a social media challenge; officials also cited recent Connecticut child deaths. Local Revitalization: A survey ranks Waterbury’s Bank Street as the top Connecticut downtown corridor residents most want revived, with New Britain and Torrington next. Sports—CT Connections: Rory McIlroy skipped next week’s Travelers Championship outside Hartford after a rough U.S. Open; and Connecticut fans are celebrating Cape Verde’s World Cup run after a draw against Uruguay, with supporters gathering in Bridgeport. Traffic Safety: Lyme approved bringing in Connecticut State Police for targeted speed enforcement, with plans to post advance alerts.

Connecticut Quantum Push: Connecticut is moving to kickstart a quantum computing sector with a $121 million regional effort aimed at building expertise and spurring new economic growth. Higher Ed Trust: AAC&U unveiled a “Trust Agenda” urging colleges to rebuild public confidence through community engagement, less red tape, and a sharper focus on student success. CT Transportation Debate: A new proposal from Easton developer Stephen Shapiro to build a Bridgeport-to-Long Island bridge-and-tunnel is drawing skepticism from experts and state transit officials, who say it hasn’t been properly vetted. Public Safety in the Region: A 51-year-old man died after falling at Madison Square Garden during a Goose concert; separately, New Canaan lifeguards helped rescue a driver who crashed a car into a pool. Local Crime Shock: State police are investigating after skeletal remains of three people were found in a Burlington, Conn., home bought at foreclosure. Retail Labor Tension: Apple is permanently closing three stores, including Apple Trumbull in Connecticut, amid union backlash. Sports & Culture: Goose’s Connecticut roots are in the spotlight again after the MSG tragedy, while Taylor Swift wedding rumors in nearby Rhode Island continue to swirl despite being unconfirmed.

AI in Health Care: Yale radiology chief John Lewin says mammograms can cut breast-cancer deaths by about a third, and he discusses how AI could change future screening and imaging workflows. WNBA Spotlight: Angel Reese became the fastest player to 1,000 career rebounds, and Marina Mabrey scored 37 to help Toronto beat the Connecticut Sun, extending the Sun’s skid. Connecticut Community & Events: BAPS Charities’ Spirit of Service Walk-Run drew 50,000+ participants across North America, including local civic and volunteer support tied to America250. Local Planning: Old Lyme is asking residents to weigh in on a zoning rewrite via an online survey, with input focused on environmental, housing, and commercial/industrial concerns. Traffic & Safety: A wrong-way crash in Massachusetts killed a Connecticut man after a traffic stop; separately, a head-on crash in New Hampshire left one dead and five hospitalized. Retail/Jobs: Apple is permanently closing its Trumbull, Connecticut store today, citing weaker mall conditions and retailer departures.

Social Security Warning: A new Social Security trustees report says benefits could be cut 22%–28% if Congress doesn’t act by 2032, prompting Blumenthal and other Democrats to push back on GOP talk of “adjusting” benefits or raising the retirement age. Juneteenth in New Haven: Hundreds gathered for a Juneteenth ribbon-cutting at First Haven in Dixwell, a new 65,000-square-foot hub bringing a daycare, health clinic, and workforce training to the former Dixwell Plaza site. Caregiving Support Expansion: AARP and United Way expanded the 211 Caregiver Support Program into 10 more states, including Connecticut, bringing help to millions of family caregivers nationwide. CT Privacy Update: Connecticut adopted far-reaching amendments to its comprehensive privacy law, adding new requirements for businesses handling personal data. Local Business Tech: A Stamford marketing firm launched a four-part AI ranking system aimed at helping Connecticut service businesses show up in Google search and AI overviews. Weather Watch: Forecasts point to a comfortable weekend with a few showers, then more wet weather returning into Monday.

WNBA—Sun vs. Tempo: Marina Mabrey poured in a career-high 37 points (nine 3s) as the Toronto Tempo rallied from a 16-point deficit to beat the Connecticut Sun 101-97 in Uncasville, snapping a three-game skid. WNBA—Aces road stumble: The Las Vegas Aces fell 96-66 at the Dallas Wings after a rough first half, with Jewell Loyd leading Las Vegas with 21 points. Connecticut—Measles alert: The CDC reports 2,104 confirmed measles cases in 2026 across 41 jurisdictions, including Connecticut, with three deaths noted since the outbreak began. Connecticut politics—privacy: Connecticut adopted far-reaching amendments to its comprehensive privacy law. Local education—UConn-bound grads: Multiple Connecticut students were highlighted for UConn plans, including Bristol Central’s Caitlyn Carbone (mechanical engineering) and Arts at the Capital Theater valedictorian Lucy Poppleton (business). Business/tech—data center backlash: Opposition to U.S. AI data centers is spreading into policy fights over land, power and water, with Connecticut communities mentioned among those pushing back. Sports—World Cup in the region: FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage included Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti in Philadelphia.

WNBA Injury Update: Toronto Tempo says guards Brittney Sykes (plantar fascia) and rookie Kiki Rice (grade 3 ankle sprain) will miss extended time, with both expected to be re-evaluated in the coming weeks as the team heads to face the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun. Federal Courts/Local Impact: A judge reinstated $82.1 million in cancelled U.S. Department of Energy clean-energy grants, including projects with Connecticut grantees, after plaintiffs argued the cancellations violated constitutional protections. Connecticut Community & Culture: Communities across the state are marking Juneteenth with flag-raisings, parades, blood drives, and family events from Hartford to Bridgeport and beyond. Connecticut Housing & Affordability: A new report gives Connecticut a failing grade for homeownership affordability and housing construction, adding pressure on state and local leaders to address supply and costs. Outdoor Living (Home & Lifestyle): A new Connecticut-focused guide says custom pergolas work best when they’re planned around how a backyard is actually used—sun patterns, gathering spots, and seasonal comfort.

Connecticut Cannabis Deal: Connecticut and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation signed a cannabis compact that lets tribal enterprises do business with state-licensed operators, the first agreement of its kind since recreational marijuana launched in 2021. Housing & Rent Oversight: A Connecticut-related rent-fixing case is in the spotlight as property management company LivCor faces a $7M settlement tied to alleged algorithmic rent coordination. Weather Watch: Tornado warnings hit parts of Massachusetts and briefly extended into the region, including Connecticut, before being lifted as severe storms moved through. Travel Update: Avelo began nonstop service from Indianapolis to New Haven, adding more direct options for Connecticut travelers. Local Sports: Stonington High’s crew capped another strong season, winning multiple medals at the Connecticut Public School Regatta Championship. Road Safety: More summer travel means more risks on Connecticut roads, with safety reminders as the season ramps up. Sports Betting/Entertainment: The Connecticut Sun and Toronto Tempo matchup headlines WNBA coverage, while World Cup action drives more betting chatter.

Iran Deal Backlash: President Trump escalated his fight over the U.S.-Iran memorandum, blasting Republican critics as “fools” after lawmakers warned the terms don’t curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Local Community Art: Naugatuck is inviting residents to help paint a youth-inspired public mural on July 4, turning five students’ drawings into a downtown installation. Public Safety Incident: In New Canaan, a driver trying to park a Tesla accidentally drove into a closed community pool; no injuries were reported, but the pool will be drained after window damage. Immigration Enforcement at Campus: Southern Connecticut State University students and advocates are rallying after ICE detained a nursing student, with organizers pointing to increased fear and support efforts statewide. Connecticut Investigation: Connecticut State Police say skeletal remains of three people were found in a Burlington home bought at foreclosure, with identities still unconfirmed. Health Care Policy: Gov. Ned Lamont plans to propose a levy on large companies whose workers rely on Medicaid, aiming for at least $100 million to offset federal cuts. Business & Jobs: Ocean State Job Lot announced hiring events in Vermont, part of a broader push for seasonal store and facilities roles.

WNBA—Connecticut Sun slump: Sonia Citron poured in 24 points with a career-high 12 rebounds and Michaela Onyenwere added 22 as the Washington Mystics beat the Connecticut Sun 88-81 in Uncasville, extending the Sun’s losing streak to six. Rookie Lauren Betts made her first career start and scored 13 for Washington, which pulled ahead for good after Leila Lacan tied it at 70. Local Sports—Draft news: Pawcatuck native Katie DeSa was selected 37th overall in the fourth round of the 2026 PWHL Draft by the Vancouver Goldeneyes. Public Safety—Pool rescue in New Canaan: Lifeguards and first responders pulled an elderly driver from a Tesla after it crashed into a swimming pool at Waveny Park; the pool will be drained and reopened later. State/Community—Pedestrian safety funding: New Britain received nearly $790,000 for Vision Zero pedestrian signal improvements. Crime/Investigation—Bodies found in foreclosure home: Three sets of skeletal remains were found in a Burlington home bought “as is” at foreclosure; officials say no foul play is indicated.