AGP Executive Report

WNBA & Connecticut Sports: Caitlin Clark returned from a back injury and scored 22 points with nine assists as the Indiana Fever beat the Golden State Valkyries 90-82; the Fever now host a rematch with the Valkyries after Monday’s stop in Connecticut. Higher Education Leadership: Gov. Ned Lamont appointed Ari Santiago interim chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education after Marty Guay stepped down amid turmoil in the CSCU system. Public Safety & Courts: A Bridgeport jury convicted Joseph “Fat Joe” DeJesus of the 2022 murder of Dominique Jones, and New Haven sentenced Michael Holmes to 60 years for the 2019 killing of Curtis McCray. Health & Consumer Watch: Senators led by Richard Blumenthal pressed the FDA to reverse its authorization of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, arguing it targets young people. Local Community: Connecticut Agriculture urged pet owners to prepare for early extreme heat ahead of Memorial Day.

Constitutional Clash: Donald Trump told Coast Guard cadets in Connecticut he’ll be “here in ’28” and “maybe… in ’32 too,” reigniting the question of whether he could run again under the 22nd Amendment’s two-term limit. Utility Fight: Connecticut candidates are trading barbs over Eversource’s proposed 11% rate hike for 2027, with Gov. Lamont calling it unfair and challengers pushing for alternatives like municipal power. Wildfire Watch: Connecticut wildfires may be smaller than decades ago, but officials warn drought and more dead/dying trees are raising future risk for firefighters. Memorial Day Weather: Expect a cool, rainy holiday stretch—Saturday looks driest, with heavier rain Sunday into Monday, including higher totals near Hartford. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine recalled Whole Foods Market Kitchen Minestrone Soup cups due to undeclared shrimp allergens, with Connecticut among the affected states. Local Jobs/Economy: CT Labor reported April payroll jobs rose by about 5,700 to a record 1,725,300, while unemployment ticked up to 5.0% without a rise in claims.

Public Health: Connecticut confirmed its first clade I mpox case in a traveler returning from Western Europe, calling it isolated and urging at-risk residents to get vaccinated. Cuba Pressure Campaign: The U.S. charged Raúl Castro with murder, escalating Washington’s push against the Cuban government as Trump ramps up rhetoric. Workplace Law Overhaul: Connecticut’s new Public Act 26-12 signed May 11 rolls out major workplace compliance changes, from construction wage liability to expanded protections for nursing mothers and certain public safety workers. Energy & Bills: Gov. Lamont blasted Eversource’s proposed 11% electric rate hike, while officials say the independent regulator will decide. Local Schools & Housing: Bristol Public Schools is joining a statewide student homelessness prevention effort, and EASTCONN’s executive director was named to Lamont’s K-12 funding commission. Sports (CT): The Connecticut Sun snapped a season-opening skid with a late win over Seattle, and Coventry and E.O. Smith closed softball regular seasons strong. Weather/Weekend: Memorial Day plans may get rain at times, with some sun mixed in.

WNBA—Sun Break Through: Kennedy Burke’s go-ahead three-point play with 2.8 seconds left lifted Connecticut to an 80-78 win over the Seattle Storm, handing the Sun their first victory of the season after a brutal start. Charlisse Leger-Walker led with a career-high 16, while Natisha Hiedeman scored 20 for Seattle and missed a potential buzzer 3. Connecticut—Arabic Festival at Wilbur Cross: At Wilbur Cross High School, students and staff expanded the district’s growing Arabic Festival, using language, food, and culture to build empathy and push back on misinformation. CT Policy/Regulation—FCC Blocks New FM Frequency: The FCC rejected a Connecticut low-power FM plan at 87.7 MHz, signaling it won’t open up Channel 6 audio space beyond narrow exceptions. Energy—Gas Prices Stay Painful: AAA reports Connecticut gas averaging $4.65, up sharply since the Iran conflict began, with fuel-tax changes offering only limited relief. National/World—Raúl Castro Indicted: The U.S. announced murder charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, escalating pressure on Cuba as tensions with Washington deepen.

Leadership Change: Harbor Homes has named Jeannette de Jesús as its new executive director, promoting her from interim leader since October 2025 as the group moves forward after buying a permanent winter shelter site. Local Real Estate: New Canaan’s FrogPond Estate—an ultra-luxury, Scandinavian-inspired waterfront build—has officially debuted for sale. Sports & Betting: The Seattle Storm host the winless Connecticut Sun, with predictions leaning toward Seattle again as Connecticut struggles defensively. Cost of Living: Stop & Shop says it’s cutting everyday prices on thousands of items across New Jersey as part of a broader multi-state affordability push. CT Lottery: Mega Millions, Lotto, Cash 5, and other CT draw results were released for May 19. Energy Watch: Eversource is seeking an 11% electric delivery rate increase in Connecticut starting July 1, 2027. National Politics: Trump’s Coast Guard Academy remarks also reignited debate after a reported slur during his speech, while he renewed warnings to Iran.

Coast Guard Spotlight: President Trump used his first Connecticut stop since reelection to keynote the Coast Guard Academy graduation in New London, praising the 145th class as “first responders” while the ceremony was streamed and protests were expected nearby. Healthcare Loan Fight: A coalition of states, including Connecticut AG William Tong, sued the Trump administration over new federal limits that narrow which healthcare and other professional degrees qualify for student loans—arguing it will worsen workforce shortages. Local Business & Tech: ROMTech, based in Brookfield, won a MedTech Breakthrough Award for its PortableConnect home-therapy system, while Cromwell’s The Computer Company announced it reached CMMC Level 2 for defense cybersecurity support. Sports & Community: UConn will host Purdue for a preseason exhibition Oct. 27, and Connecticut’s Sun are still searching for early-season traction after another tough start. Homefront Events: Southbury is planning a June 6 Rochambeau traverse and the Southbury Library hosts free Elderly Brothers classic rock on May 30.

Healthcare Fight: Connecticut Attorney General Jeff Jackson is suing to block a U.S. Department of Education rule that narrows what counts as a “professional” degree, arguing it will cut federal loan access for nurses and other healthcare students—worsening rural staffing shortages. State Health Policy: Connecticut lawmakers have approved a major overhaul of the state’s Certificate of Need program, shifting oversight back toward the Department of Public Health and reshaping how hospitals and other providers get approval. Courts & Rights: A federal judge in Connecticut let a celebrity-doctor defamation case move forward, rejecting an early attempt to dismiss it. Community & Care: Local towns held National Day of Prayer observances, while Hospital for Special Care honored a CCSU senior as Volunteer of the Year. Business & Tech: Amazon won local approval to launch Prime Air drone delivery in North Haven, pending FAA sign-off. Sports (CT): The Connecticut Sun remain winless early in the WNBA season, even as the league’s standings and storylines keep shifting fast.

Federal Court Fight Over Student Loans: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is suing the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that narrows which “professional degree” programs qualify for federal student loans—an attack he says will choke off access for future nurses, therapists, and other critical workers. Public Health Watch: Tick bites are sending more people to emergency rooms, with CDC data showing the highest ER visits for this time of year since 2017, especially in the Northeast and Midwest—so officials are urging extra caution outdoors. Consumer Safety: Straus Family Creamery recalled organic ice cream in 17 states, including Connecticut, after reports of possible metal fragments. Local Growth: Newtown Community Center is adding a basketball court at its Fairfield Hills campus, with construction targeted for June 2026. Business/Tech: ROMTech’s PortableConnect won a MedTech Breakthrough Award for home health physical therapy, and Charles IT named Jessica Golle its Chief Revenue Officer.

Sports Spotlight: The Connecticut Sun are still winless as they head to Portland for a Monday night matchup, with local coverage pointing to a high-scoring script (Sun vs. Fire over/under 173.5) and injury updates including questionable status for key Portland players. Lottery Watch: CT Lottery results rolled in over the weekend and Monday—Powerball (May 16: 08-37-40-44-65, PB 18, PP 3; May 18: 04-13-34-61-65, PB 12, PP 2) plus Cash 5 and Play3/Play4 draws. Public Health Alert: Straus Family Creamery issued a voluntary recall of select organic ice creams sold in 17 states, including Connecticut, due to possible metal fragments—check “best by” dates and discard affected pints/quarts. State Politics: Republican Ryan Fazio won the CT GOP’s unanimous nomination for governor, launching a campaign message focused on affordability and opportunity. Legal/Policy: Connecticut expanded its “stay-or-pay” limits to cover all employers starting Oct. 1, tightening rules around repayment tied to early separation. Business & Community: ROMTech, based in Brookfield, won a MedTech Breakthrough award for its home physical therapy system, PortableConnect.

Mystic Spotlight: Mystic is getting a fresh tourism boost as local restaurants and historic stops earn national attention, including James Beard finalists at Shipwright’s Daughter and The Port of Call. Public Health & Policy: A new study says abortion bans are disrupting miscarriage care—states with bans saw less use of medication management and, when used, less of the most effective approach. Food Safety: Check your freezer—Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors in 17 states, including Connecticut, due to possible metal contamination. Sports: The Knicks and Cavaliers open the Eastern Conference Finals with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line, while WNBA headlines keep rolling with A’ja Wilson’s record-setting run and the Connecticut Sun’s approved move toward Houston. Business & Tech: ROMTech, based in Brookfield, won a MedTech Breakthrough award for home rehab tech, and Arvinas employees held an Impact Day across Connecticut and beyond.

WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark kept rolling for the Indiana Fever, posting 21 points and 10 assists to lead a 89-78 win over the Seattle Storm, while Aliyah Boston sat out with a lower right leg injury. Connecticut Crime & Courts: State police say a 22-year-old man died after being hit by a car on I-395 in Norwich early Sunday; investigators are asking for witnesses. Public Safety: Connecticut authorities joined a major Tolland cockfighting crackdown that led to 50+ animal cruelty charges after a quarry operation. Health Watch: The FDA announced a recall of certain organic ice cream flavors due to possible metal fragments, with Connecticut among the affected states. Politics: Connecticut’s governor race is taking shape after party endorsements, with Ryan Fazio and Ned Lamont emerging as top candidates. Business/Tech: ROMTech, based in Brookfield, won a MedTech Breakthrough Award for its home physical therapy system, PortableConnect.

Fatal Crash on I-395: A pedestrian died after being struck early Sunday on Interstate 395 in Norwich; Connecticut State Police are investigating. Mental Health Response: Groton police used bodycam-recorded dialogue to coax a man away from the Gold Star Bridge barrier during a crisis. Public Safety Crackdown: Connecticut State Police say dozens of arrests followed an investigation into an alleged cockfighting operation in Tolland. Health Care Accountability: Connecticut’s Insurance Department fined major insurers after finding violations of the state’s mental health parity law. Food Safety Alert: Straus Family Creamery recalled select ice cream flavors sold in 17 states due to possible metal contamination. Sports Spotlight: A’ja Wilson scored 45 as the Las Vegas Aces beat the Connecticut Sun 101-94, while Bristol Eastern rolled to a 9-0 senior-day win over East Hartford. Community & Culture: La CASA opened in Boston with a weekend of Latino arts, music, and community programming.

Connecticut Courts: A British man accused of using multiple aliases while illegally doing home improvement work pleaded guilty in federal court in Hartford to illegal reentry, after authorities say he was deported in 2024 and returned anyway. WNBA Spotlight: A’ja Wilson went nuclear for the Las Vegas Aces, scoring 45 points as they beat the short-handed Connecticut Sun 101-94, her fifth WNBA game with 40+ points. Public Safety: Connecticut State Police are running an air-and-ground operation in Tolland, closing Spring Mountain Road while investigators work; officials say no details will come until Monday. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors and sizes in 17 states, including Connecticut, due to possible metal fragments—no injuries reported. State Politics: Gov. Ned Lamont won the Democratic Party endorsement for a third term, but faces a primary challenger, Josh Elliott. Local Crime: East Haven police are investigating a suspicious death; one man is arrested and charged with assault in the first degree.

WNBA Spotlight: A’ja Wilson went nuclear with 45 points as the Las Vegas Aces beat the short-handed Connecticut Sun 101-94 at Mohegan Sun Arena, hitting 15-of-18 from the field and going 13-for-13 at the line—her fifth career 40-point game, a WNBA record. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors and sizes sold in 17 states, including Connecticut, after the FDA flagged a potential risk of metal fragments; no injuries reported. Politics & Policy: Sen. Chris Murphy and Rep. Chris Deluzio unveiled the Let Kids Play Act, targeting “vulture practices” in youth sports tied to private equity. Local Tech/Health: ROMTech, based in Brookfield, won a MedTech Breakthrough Award for its at-home, clinician-supervised rehab system. Weather: A warm, summerlike weekend is on tap with a few showers and highs in the 70s to mid-80s.

WNBA Spotlight: A’ja Wilson went nuclear with 45 points as the Las Vegas Aces beat the short-handed Connecticut Sun 101-94 at Mohegan Sun Arena, turning a late rally into a 16-4 closing burst. Preseason Drama: In Indiana, Caitlin Clark scored 21 but left early after a collision, while the Fever later lost 104-102 in overtime to Washington. Food Safety: The FDA announced a nationwide recall of Straus Family Creamery Organic ice cream in 17 states, including Connecticut, due to possible metal fragments—check “best by” dates and flavors. Public Health Watch: Connecticut health officials urged caution amid a New York hepatitis A outbreak tied to contaminated shellfish sold to some CT retailers. Tech Policy: Senate Judiciary leaders invited Meta, Alphabet, TikTok and Snap CEOs to testify on children’s online safety, with Blumenthal pushing for stronger protections. Local Tech in Healthcare: ROMTech’s PortableConnect won “Best Home Health Care Solution” at the MedTech Breakthrough Awards.

ICE Detention Backlash: Federal judges have now ruled against Trump’s mandatory ICE detention policy more than 10,000 times, with a Senate hearing push looming as lawmakers press tech and immigration-related accountability. Connecticut Politics: Former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart suspended her governor campaign after a report tied her city credit-card spending to personal purchases, raising potential civil and criminal exposure. AI & Jobs: Connecticut passed a law regulating AI use in employment, joining a broader wave of state action on tech oversight. Healthcare & Home Care: Brookfield’s ROMTech won a MedTech Breakthrough award for PortableConnect, bringing clinician-guided physical therapy into patients’ homes. Food Costs: Grocery prices rose again in April, adding pressure on household budgets nationwide. Sports: The WNBA approved the Connecticut Sun’s move to Houston, reviving the Comets name for 2027.