AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather & Air Quality: A weekend storm system is set to bring widespread thunderstorms Saturday, with a level 3 severe risk across much of the tri-state, including damaging winds, flash flooding, isolated tornadoes and hail; the heaviest rain threat runs from North/Central New Jersey through Metro New York and coastal Connecticut, while wildfire smoke may linger as winds shift. WNBA (Connecticut Sun): Leila Lacan poured in a career-high 26 points as the Connecticut Sun beat the Phoenix Mercury 96-83, never trailing and building a big second-quarter lead. Elections & Courts: Connecticut election officials say the state’s voting system is secure despite Trump’s claims about China and voter files; in a separate case, AG William Tong won dismissal of DOJ’s effort to force Connecticut to hand over its statewide voter registration list. Energy/Policy: Connecticut is among states challenging Trump administration offshore wind “payoffs,” while Eversource is seeking nearly 11% higher residential electric rates starting in 2027. Public Safety: Southington man Cody Cutler was found guilty in a 2020 sexual assault of a minor case.

Connecticut Politics & Culture: A new Connecticut law will fund optional Islamic and Arabic studies resources for public schools, but it’s already drawing MAGA backlash over fears of “Islamisation.” Local Sports: Norfolk’s Landon McCallum is moving to the Hershey Bears, and Waterford goalie Elaine Chuli is signing with the New York Sirens. State Economy & Jobs: Connecticut is redoubling efforts to train workers for the AI economy, including new AI literacy and reskilling initiatives. Aviation & Manufacturing: Pratt & Whitney says it’s on track to deliver the first PW1900G built in Middletown, expanding Connecticut engine production. Health Policy: Federal lawmakers advanced Medicare payment changes that doctors say could improve access, while debates continue over prior authorization rules. Consumer Safety: A new “click to cancel” style bank scam protection law took effect in Georgia, letting some institutions pause suspicious payments. Entertainment: Apple TV released the first trailer for “The Dynasty: UConn Huskies,” debuting Aug. 21.

Election Security & China: President Trump released declassified records alleging China acquired massive U.S. voter data, naming at least 18 jurisdictions including Connecticut, while CBS and others fact-checked parts of his speech as misleading and noted election officials say systems remain secure. Connecticut Courts & Trans Athletes: The U.S. Supreme Court didn’t impose a nationwide ban on transgender athletes; it left states like Connecticut free to keep existing participation rules, making local policy choices the key question. Immigration & Health Care in CT: A Connecticut hospital volunteer describes how immigration fears and financial strain show up in patient care, with staff often unprepared for the legal and crisis questions that follow. Traffic Safety in CT: CTDOT is stepping up summer speeding enforcement and launched “Speeding is Killing All of Us,” citing 126 speeding/reckless-driving deaths in 2024. Business/Local Growth: Hoffmann Architects + Engineers promoted Plainview’s Robert Delagrange to director of business development. Weather & Power: Wildfire smoke from Canada cut New England solar output sharply, including reports of production dropping by about half in some areas. Sports/Community: Connecticut’s World Cup Fan Zone plans in Reading highlight weekend soccer events, and CTDOT/area sports listings round out the day’s local calendar.

Veterans Benefits: The House stalled the “Take Care of America’s Veterans Act,” leaving lawmakers and veterans groups split over whether expanding benefits could mean future cuts to disability payments. Consumer Protection: Connecticut’s new “click to cancel” rules took effect July 1, requiring annual renewal reminders and easier cancellation for automatic subscriptions. Scam Watch: The state Department of Consumer Protection warned of locksmith “bait-and-switch” scams, noting locksmiths must be DCP-registered and urging residents to verify credentials and avoid high-pressure cash demands. Local Innovation: New Haven’s aldermen advanced a plan for a lab-office building at 2 Church St. aimed at growing a quantum technology cluster, with Unilever and QuantumCT already reserving space. Health & Safety: A new study using PET imaging found widespread brain receptor deficits in schizophrenia, pointing to muscarinic M1 receptor changes in living patients. Community Events: Building IT Together CT announced its first Baldwin Street Block Party in New Haven on Aug. 1. Business/Jobs: XPO says 36 Connecticut-area drivers will compete in the National Truck Driving Championships in Pittsburgh in August.

Public Health: Cyclosporiasis is spreading fast, with health officials calling the pace unusually high; a new county-by-county look shows Michigan leading the nation, including Wayne County and Shiawassee County as the hardest-hit by rate. Food Safety: As cases of explosive diarrhea rise, some restaurants are changing menus and prep—like stripping and re-washing lettuce—to reduce risk while the source is still unclear. Connecticut Courts: A Bridgeport jury convicted Daniel Giron-Moran of sexually assaulting two children, and a Southington man, Cody Cutler, was found guilty of sexual assault and risk of injury after a Snapchat meeting. Sports (WNBA): The Connecticut Sun head to Phoenix after Aaliyah Edwards’ 21-point performance, while Caitlin Clark’s Fever matchup results and the WNBA All-Star draft spotlight A’ja Wilson and Paige Bueckers/Caitlin Clark team assignments. State/Local: CTDOT won a regional award for Derby’s Route 34 reconstruction, and Hartford’s Urban League and Hartford Marathon Foundation plan a MOVE! 5K focused on wellness. Immigration/ICE: Protesters gathered in New Haven denouncing ICE violence amid recent fatal incidents. Consumer/Legal: Connecticut is among states pursuing accountability in price-fixing egg cases, with funds aimed at food pantries.

Renewables Push: Gov. Ned Lamont signed Public Act 26-127 to extend and streamline Connecticut solar and battery storage incentives through 2035, aiming to keep clean energy affordable. State Politics: Bridgeport residents packed a FaithActs forum to press Gov. Lamont, challenger Josh Elliott, and GOP Ryan Fazio on education, housing, jobs, affordability, and public safety. Attorney General Action: AG William Tong led a coalition securing a $29.6 million Glenmark settlement over alleged generic-drug price inflation; Connecticut’s share is $388,868, with a Hartford trial expected later in 2026. Courts & Competition: Connecticut is among states suing to block the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery deal, arguing it would violate antitrust law and harm competition. Public Safety: Authorities charged a 20-year-old with boating under the influence after a canoe capsized on Lake Hayward, killing a Holy Cross student. Local Watch: The CT Avenue Deckover project is progressing, with beams for the “lid” reportedly going in place.

Connecticut Energy Costs: Attorney General William Tong blasted Eversource’s PURA filing seeking a $727 million annual rate increase, saying it could mean an 18% jump for average residential customers and vowing to scrutinize storm-cost add-ons and other charges. Federal Courts & Schools: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block cuts to a $1 billion school mental health grant program, arguing the move violates a prior court order. CT Science & Jobs: Connecticut’s quantum initiative won a major NSF award, unlocking millions for the state’s quantum push. Russia Sanctions & Tariffs: U.S. senators unveiled a revised Russia sanctions bill that softens proposed tariffs on major Russian oil buyers—capping them at up to 100% for the top five—while expanding pressure on Russia’s economy. Local Public Safety: Southington police arrested two moped operators after a drone-assisted chase and reckless driving stop, including recovery of a CO2 BB pistol and a flare gun disguised as a handgun. Sports: The Connecticut Sun beat Portland 90-87, with Aaliyah Edwards scoring 21 off the bench and Brittney Griner adding 20.

Multistate Antitrust Fight: California AG Rob Bonta and 11 other Democratic-led states sued to block Paramount’s $110B-plus takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing it would “extinguish competition” and raise prices for movie theaters and basic cable. Connecticut Legal Watch: Connecticut is among the states in the case, and separately a Waterbury man’s bid to sue DCF over alleged childhood captivity is headed to an August hearing after the state sought dismissal. Public Health: Connecticut DPH says cyclosporiasis cases are rising statewide, tied to a broader national outbreak of “explosive” diarrhea linked to contaminated produce. Data Privacy Accountability: AG William Tong led Connecticut’s participation in a multistate settlement with 23andMe over a 2023 genetic data breach, with Connecticut set to receive about $888K from allowed claims. School Mental Health Funding: Fifteen states sued to stop Trump administration cuts to a $1B school mental health grant program. Heat Safety: Worker heat protections remain patchy, with only a handful of states having enforceable standards. Sports (Local): Brittney Griner is cleared to return for the Connecticut Sun as they host Portland.

School Mental Health Funding Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states, including Connecticut, sued the Trump administration to stop cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the plan would end funding despite a prior court order. Media Merger in Court: Connecticut joined a 12-state antitrust lawsuit seeking to block Paramount Skydance’s $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, with attorneys general warning it would “extinguish competition” and drive up prices and reduce content. Extreme Heat Response: Gov. Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol from Tuesday through Thursday, urging vulnerable residents to use cooling centers via 211ct.org or 2-1-1. Public Health Alert: The Connecticut Department of Public Health reported 35 cyclosporiasis cases statewide as of July 13, nearly double last year, while monitoring a national outbreak. U.S. Land Protections: President Trump signed orders shrinking Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments by about 90%, undoing protections and reigniting the fight over public land management. Local Community Help: UConn Master Gardeners are offering free plant diagnostic help through clinics and email/photo submissions.

Antitrust & Media Consolidation: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a 12-state coalition suing to block Paramount’s $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the merger would “extinguish competition,” raise prices, and reduce quality and choice for moviegoers and TV viewers; the states want the deal paused until the courts finish. Education & Mental Health Funding: A separate coalition of 15 Democratic-led states sued to stop the Trump administration from terminating a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, citing a prior court order and warning of major cuts to services for students. Public Safety & Fraud: Connecticut SNAP recipients affected by July storms have until July 14 to apply for replacement benefits up to $331, after outages spoiled food. National Politics: The Senate returned to Washington with an uncertain agenda after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden death, adding more uncertainty to an already stalled Republican agenda. Connecticut Community: The 643rd Military Police Company returned home to Connecticut after nearly a year deployed to U.S. Southern Command.

School Mental Health Fight: Connecticut’s Dana Nessel joined a lawsuit with 14 other Democratic attorneys general to block the Trump administration from ending a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the cuts would violate a court order and leave districts scrambling. CT Public Health & Access: A separate report highlights how rural patients can get bounced between agencies and contractors, delaying Medicaid enrollment and care—an issue Connecticut families know too well as costs and paperwork barriers pile up. WNBA in Connecticut’s Orbit: Caitlin Clark returned for Indiana’s matchup with the Las Vegas Aces, while Minnesota’s Cheryl Reeve kept stacking wins, underscoring how Connecticut fans are staying glued to the league’s biggest names. Sports & Local Interest: The Babe Ruth 13-16 Western Mass championship featured a rare combined no-hitter by Pittsfield’s Kevin Smith and Cooper Reed, with the team heading to regional play in Stamford. Community & Culture: Bridgeport’s 33rd Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County drew thousands for music, food, and pride. Weather/Benefits: After July storms, Connecticut SNAP recipients may qualify for up to an extra $331 in July food replacement benefits, with reports due July 14.

School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block planned cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the move violates a prior court order and would strip millions from districts nationwide. CT Politics & Healthcare: Connecticut’s Democratic primary debate is sharpening over healthcare models, with Hamden Rep. Josh Elliott pushing a gradual single-payer “public option” and Gov. Ned Lamont backing a state-designed “Connecticut Option” run through private insurers. Russia Sanctions Push: U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s legacy includes renewed momentum for a Russia sanctions bill after an agreement with the Trump administration, with Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut among those involved. Local Preservation: Green River Cemetery in Greenfield launched a history and preservation initiative to boost community involvement and protect the site’s 1851 legacy. Public Health & Food: A new study links childhood high-fat, high-sugar diets to long-term brain and appetite changes, raising concerns about junk-food marketing aimed at children.

School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block planned cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the move violates a December 2025 court order. Connecticut Water Update: A boil-water advisory for nine shoreline towns was lifted after E. coli was detected, with Connecticut Water reporting the order ended around 4:15 p.m. Local Traffic: The I-91 exit ramp to I-691 in Meriden reopened after a car fire; police reported no injuries. Wildlife Safety: A Torrington family’s husky helped fend off a bear that approached a child in a driveway, with the dog redirecting the animal away. WNBA on NBC: The WNBA makes its NBC prime-time debut this weekend, with studio coverage from Stamford, including games featuring A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark. Sports Roundup: Portland Fire beat Atlanta Dream 102-92 without Angel Reese; Grant Enfinger won a crash-filled NASCAR Truck race at Lime Rock Park. Beluga Rescue: SeaWorld and partners will relocate 28 beluga whales from a shuttered Canadian park, with Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut providing support.

Shark Safety: A summer surge in shark sightings has triggered beach alarms along the East Coast, including a temporary closure at Jones Beach State Park after a swimmer was bitten by what officials believe was a small sand tiger shark; beaches reopened with restricted swimming after searches. Local Land-Use: Old Lyme selectmen will choose a new Zoning Commission member, weighing a six-year zoning alternate against the former first selectwoman, as the town continues a major rewrite of zoning rules. WNBA on NBC: The WNBA’s prime-time push hits NBC this weekend, with the Las Vegas Aces facing the Indiana Fever in a Sunday night debut that brings Connecticut-based NBC studio talent into the spotlight. Public Health: A large cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to explosive watery diarrhea is spreading across multiple states, with officials noting tracking changes after the CDC downgraded monitoring a year ago. Connecticut Arts: Connecticut Ballet’s free “Ballet Under the Stars” tour returns to parks statewide, with multiple stops planned across the coming weeks. Federal Immigration Fight: The U.S. Justice Department sues Maryland over “sanctuary” immigration policies that it says interfere with federal enforcement.

WNBA, Mohegan Sun: The Golden State Valkyries rolled past the Connecticut Sun 79-64 for a franchise-record seventh straight win, with Veronica Burton scoring 17 and Janelle Salaun adding 16 as Connecticut was without Brittney Griner, Aneesah Morrow and Saniya Rivers. Public Health: Connecticut Water issued a mandatory boil water order for nine towns after E. coli was found in routine testing, with officials urging residents to boil tap water for one minute until further notice. Education & Mental Health: New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of states sued the U.S. Department of Education to block another attempt to cut school-based mental health funding, arguing the move violates a prior court order. State STEAM: Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz recognized 26 student projects in Connecticut’s 7th Annual Computing Challenge at Quinnipiac University. Sports, Local Flavor: Westerly and Stonington kept their summer football rivalry going in a New London passing-league matchup at Cannamela Field.

WNBA & Local Sports: The Connecticut Sun host the Golden State Valkyries tonight at Mohegan Sun Arena, with tipoff at 7:30 p.m. on ION, as both teams chase momentum in a tight standings race. Community & Youth Sports: The CT Young Bullz 17U AAU team from Meriden is heading to Orlando for the Puma Nationals after a strong run that includes a Zero Gravity National Tournament title. Health & Insurance Basics: A new explainer breaks down uninsured motorist coverage—what it pays for and when it’s worth having, even if your state doesn’t require it. Shopping Savings: Connecticut’s sales tax holiday is set for Aug. 16–22, with 18 states running school-related tax breaks in July and August. Public Safety & Mental Health: New reporting highlights suicide prevention after two deaths tied to school communities, including a Sandy Hook father and a Parkland student. Business & Work Trends: East Hartford’s new coworking space inside a dual-branded Marriott is slated to open in August, blending hotel stays with flexible memberships.