AGP Executive Report

Consumer Protection: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a $45 million multistate settlement with Block, Inc. over deceptive Cash App practices, with CT receiving $1.5 million and reforms aimed at fraud protection and better customer support. Homelessness Funding Fight: CT and New York sued HUD over proposed caps that would limit permanent housing money under the Continuum of Care program, arguing it could trigger tens of thousands of evictions. Public Health Alert: A parasite linked to “explosive” diarrhea is spreading across 18 states with more than 1,000 cases reported nationwide; CT is among the states seeing infections and officials urge careful food and hand hygiene. Local Government: Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgway was elected chair of the Northwest Hills Council of Governments, aiming to reduce internal division over the group’s budget process. Sports & Community: Mohegan Sun announced its 30th birthday concert slate for October, and the WNBA’s 2026 All-Star reserves were revealed, keeping Connecticut fans watching closely.

WNBA All-Star Buzz: Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream’s Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray are all named reserves for the July 25 All-Star Game in Chicago, after Reese said the starters snubbed her teammates. Public Safety & Health: Connecticut health officials are investigating after three children died from apparent diphenhydramine overdoses, a reminder to store OTC meds safely. Food Recall: Aldi recalled Fusia Kimchi & Tofu Kimbap in multiple states, including Connecticut, due to undeclared fish allergen. Weather: A slow-moving storm dumped heavy rain across southern New England, with flooding reported in parts of the region. State Policy: Gov. Ned Lamont signed a law letting Connecticut withhold payments from contractors under stop-work orders for prevailing wage violations. Business/Tech: Norwalk’s 200 Connecticut Avenue landed Quantum Cyber on a multi-year headquarters lease. Sports (Local Schools): CIAC released the full 2026 football schedule, setting up a tough slate for top seeds and defending champions.

SNAP Help After Storms: Connecticut residents who lost food during Saturday’s power outages can apply for replacement SNAP benefits; DSS must receive reports by July 14. State Consumer Warning: Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli warn residents about storm clean-up scams and urge using licensed, insured contractors with written contracts. Workforce & Training: AI giants including OpenAI, Microsoft, Anthropic and Amazon back Raise US, launching workforce AI-skills efforts in Connecticut. Local Business & Jobs: New Haven’s ConnCAT is opening a workforce development center as part of rebuilding Dixwell’s Black Main Street. Education Costs: CT colleges say new federal student loan rules are already confusing, especially for part-time students. Sports & Entertainment: Mohegan Sun marks its 30th anniversary with major acts like Foo Fighters and John Mayer. Legal/Policy: Democratic AGs, including CT’s, join multistate opposition to Trump’s tariff push. Health: Mystic Aquarium staff helped research after a “well fed” great white shark was filmed eating a whale off Rhode Island.

WNBA Spotlight: Brittney Griner poured in a season-high 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Connecticut Sun held off the Minnesota Lynx 90-89, with Kennedy Burke adding 16 and two late 3-pointers. Local Sports & Health: The win came as Minnesota sat Olivia Miles with a right calf strain, while Connecticut’s Olivia Nelson-Ododa chipped in 10 points and eight boards. Connecticut Community: UConn Extension is bringing back Bug Week July 12-18, with hands-on insect and bee-focused events across the state, including a kickoff at Spring Valley Student Farm in Storrs. Public Safety & Weather: After July 4 storms, New Haven reported dozens of damaged tree sites, a sinkhole, and a statewide flood watch as heavy rain and downpours lingered into Tuesday. Consumer Watch: ALDI recalled a kimchi-and-tofu kimbap product sold in Connecticut due to undeclared tuna, warning people with fish allergies of serious reaction risk. Business/Policy: A federal judge in Connecticut revived a fraud lawsuit tied to Digital Currency Group’s Genesis Yield, while weighing whether crypto yield products should be treated as securities.

Medicaid Accountability: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced a $36.5 million multistate settlement with CVS over allegations of over-dispensing insulin pens, with about $1.09 million tied to Connecticut Medicaid. Voting Rights Fight: AG Kwame Raoul joined a coalition urging the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule they say would violate a court order and undermine mail-in voting. Weather & Flood Risk: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across Southern New England, with flood watches in effect for Connecticut and nearby areas as downpours could trigger flash flooding. Local Governance: A Bridgeport ethics-reform fight is heating up as an anti-ethics faction reportedly tries to block key Ethics Commission appointments. Connecticut Community & Services: New Haven election officials face scrutiny after voter-district errors, with calls for an independent review and stronger verification. Education Spotlight: Charter Oak State College will host a virtual graduate open house Aug. 4 for prospective online master’s students. Public Health & Safety: Connecticut also faces new federal Medicaid work requirements starting Jan. 1, putting roughly one-third of HUSKY D recipients at risk. Sports: The Connecticut Sun are set to host the Minnesota Lynx as the WNBA midseason cutdown approaches.

Gun Law Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court will weigh whether states’ assault weapons bans violate the Second Amendment, taking up challenges to Connecticut’s AR-15-style ban tied to the Sandy Hook massacre; arguments are expected in the fall. Storm Recovery & Flood Risk: After July 4 storms knocked out power and downed trees across Connecticut, crews are still restoring service, with officials warning of more heavy rain and flash-flood danger Monday into Tuesday. Solar Expansion: Gov. Ned Lamont signed a plug-in solar bill that adds new ways for residents to go solar, including community solar and smaller rooftop/balcony options, though some advocates warn parts could complicate future projects. Election Rules Pushback: Democratic governors, including Connecticut’s, urged the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule tied to a Trump plan for a federal voter eligibility list. Public Health Watch: The CDC is tracking Cyclospora cases in 17 states, and Connecticut is on the list. Local Spotlight: Rep. Jahana Hayes posted updates on storm impacts in CT’s 5th District, including widespread power outages.

Heat, Storms, and the 250th: A record-breaking U.S. heat wave tied to at least 25 deaths and severe thunderstorms disrupted Independence Day events, including a roughly two-hour National Mall evacuation in Washington; organizers treated heat-related illnesses as power outages spread from the Midwest to the Northeast, with Connecticut among areas hit by storm impacts. Weather Shift for Connecticut: As the heat breaks, forecasters warn of a stormy transition with showers and possible flooding risk along the I-95 corridor and into Connecticut, with rain timing that could affect commutes. Supreme Court Watch (CT Guns): The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to Connecticut’s assault weapons ban, setting up a major Second Amendment showdown that could reshape similar state restrictions nationwide. Independence Day Politics: President Donald Trump’s America 250 speech mixed patriotic themes with partisan messaging, including renewed focus on the SAVE America Act amid storm chaos. Local Spotlight (CT History on Stage): Greenwich reenactors with the Fifth Connecticut Regiment marked America’s 250th by staging Revolutionary War skirmishes and colonial domestic life for the community.

America 250 Weather Disruptions: Severe storms forced a roughly two-hour evacuation of Washington’s National Mall during the America’s 250th celebrations, with Hartford, CT, and parts of Pennsylvania also canceling events; fireworks in New York and Pittsburgh shifted to later as organizers adjusted on the fly. Trump’s Independence Day Message: After the delay, President Donald Trump delivered a campaign-style speech mixing patriotism with partisan themes, pushing the SAVE America Act and warning about “communists” as he marked the semiquincentennial. Connecticut Holiday Safety: Connecticut State Police reported 1,423 calls for service and 73 crashes on July 3, with five injury crashes and no fatalities, plus DUI arrests and traffic assistance. Local America250 Tradition: Lyme’s Fourth of July parade returned as the centerpiece of its America250 celebration, capped by a community barbecue and a marshal-led procession. Public Health Watch: Health officials are tracking a growing “explosive” diarrhea outbreak tied to cyclosporiasis, with hundreds of cases reported across multiple states. Sports Note (CT ties): The Dallas Wings’ Sunday trip to Toronto includes a matchup spotlighting Paige Bueckers and the Wings’ recent form against the Connecticut Sun.

Extreme Heat Disrupts Independence Day Events: The Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. was postponed after multiple attendees reportedly fainted, forcing thousands to change plans during America’s 250th birthday celebrations; it reopened Friday evening before being delayed again Saturday. Summer Food Aid for CT Families: Gov. Ned Lamont announced more than 350,000 Connecticut children will receive a one-time $120 Summer EBT benefit, expected to deliver over $42 million statewide to help cover groceries while school is out. Adult Education Success in CT: Western Connecticut Regional Adult & Continuing Education (WERACE) celebrated its Class of 2026, highlighting graduates who earned diplomas after years away from school. WNBA Spotlight in Connecticut: Paige Bueckers powered the Dallas Wings with a 25-point game in a comeback win over the Connecticut Sun, setting up another matchup as the Wings head to Toronto. Weather Watch for July 4: The Northeast faces dangerous heat and humidity with scattered storms that could delay outdoor plans and fireworks.

Heat & Storm Watch: Connecticut is in a record-setting heat wave, with Hartford hitting 100°F on July 2 and air quality worsening for sensitive groups; officials warn to hydrate, limit outdoor time, and expect First Alert Weather Days through the Fourth with mid-90s inland, near-90 at the shore, and scattered storms that could bring lightning. Public Health: The CDC is investigating a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated food or water, with cases reported across 18 states; Connecticut is among the affected states as Michigan’s numbers surge past 300. Local Government: New Britain’s Board of Alders is set to hold hearings on the first batch of residency-requirement waiver requests from five department heads, including the police chief and city controller. Sports (CT ties): The Minnesota Lynx’ Cheryl Reeve is chasing the WNBA regular-season wins record and will host the Connecticut Sun next, while CT’s high school baseball talent drew college coaches to a New Britain showcase despite oppressive heat. Fourth of July Context: A feature series looks at Vermont’s 1777-1791 “independent republic” era ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary.

CT policy & courts: Connecticut’s AG coalition won a federal win blocking a Trump rule that would have tightened Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, a move aimed at protecting public workers. Health & safety: CT is also dealing with a second measles case and ongoing extreme heat planning as the state’s hot-weather protocol stays in effect. Local business & tech: A Connecticut firm, Clarity Narrative, says it’s launching a service to stop AI tools from describing businesses inaccurately. Sports & community: The Connecticut Sun’s home stretch is in focus with Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd back in Connecticut for key WNBA matchups. Nationwide watch: The Supreme Court struck down birthright citizenship limits and also ruled FTC removal protections unconstitutional, shifting power toward the executive. Holiday context: Fireworks and travel plans are being tested by heat and storm chances.

WNBA in Hartford: Paige Bueckers poured in 11 of her 25 points in the fourth quarter, and the Dallas Wings rallied to beat the Connecticut Sun 86-83 at PeoplesBank Arena, drawing 14,578 fans. Public health: A parasite tied to “explosive diarrhea” (cyclosporiasis) has sickened people across 17 states, with Michigan cases surging heading into the July 4 weekend. Connecticut workforce: Gov. Ned Lamont says CT is joining the RAISE US initiative to train workers for AI jobs and keep residents from being left behind as the tech economy shifts. Local education: Connecticut Aspiring Educators is pushing for paid student teaching, highlighting how the effort is gaining momentum even after funding concerns stalled a bill. Sports spotlight: Stonington sprinter Max DeLaRosa capped a standout career with state titles and school records before heading to Boston University. History & July 4: A Vermont 250 feature looks at how the state operated as an independent republic before joining the U.S. in 1791.

Connecticut Medicaid Fraud: Attorney General William Tong announced a $710,815 settlement with a defunct Glastonbury autism services provider, Trading Spaces ABA, LLC, and owner Glenroy Patterson, alleging false claims for autism treatment billed to CMAP/Medicaid without supporting patient records or notes. CT Privacy for Kids: Tong also issued guidance on expanded Connecticut privacy protections starting July 1, including bans on targeted ads/sales for minors, limits on precise geolocation, and stricter rules for direct messaging defaults and addictive design features. Police-Community Trust: Connecticut is launching a new Yale Law School–developed training program for local law enforcement, starting in 2027, aimed at improving legitimacy and community trust. Heat Safety: As a multi-day heat wave bakes Connecticut and the region, officials are urging residents to use cooling centers and follow safety guidance during extreme heat and poor air conditions. WNBA in Hartford: The WNBA returns with a Connecticut homecoming game as the Dallas Wings visit the Sun in Hartford, featuring former UConn stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. Public Safety Reminder: CTDOT and state police are reminding drivers to plan ahead for the Fourth of July, emphasizing that impaired driving remains a major cause of deadly crashes.

Connecticut Policy & Health: Gov. Ned Lamont signed changes to the state’s Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) program, redefining what counts as a MOLST and requiring it be completed on a DPH-prescribed form, with updates taking effect in late May and June. Cost Pressure: Connecticut AG William Tong joined a bipartisan summit in Greenwich focused on “Driving Down Costs,” with discussions ranging from housing and energy to food prices and enforcement tools like antitrust actions. Medicaid Fight: A coalition of at least 25 states (including Connecticut) sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rule unlawfully restricts coverage and adds extra paperwork for exemptions. Workforce & AI: Connecticut is partnering with RAISE US, a new nonprofit backed by major tech and employers, to expand AI-related training and help workers adapt as jobs shift. Local Education: The Connecticut Model UN program is moving to CCSU’s New Britain campus in December, aiming to connect diplomacy training with AI and quantum-focused programs. Sports (CT): The Connecticut Sun host Dallas as Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd return to Connecticut, while the Sun look to build on a rare early winning streak.

U.S. Supreme Court Watch: The court agreed to hear challenges to “assault weapons” bans, including Connecticut’s, setting up a major Second Amendment showdown. Transgender Sports: In a separate ruling, the Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women competing in school sports, drawing fresh debate about Title IX and fairness in Connecticut. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: DOJ and states reached a settlement with Cal-Maine over alleged egg cartel pricing; Cal-Maine will pay $1.5M and donate 30 million eggs, with Connecticut included among participating states. Connecticut Tech & Jobs: Cigna’s Evernorth announced a $100M AI investment for specialty pharmacy access, while QuantumCT and Unilever are moving forward on a new lab-office building in New Haven aimed at boosting quantum research. Local Youth Banking: Liberty Bank in Middletown launched first bank accounts for teens in DCF care, with no overdraft fees and fraud-safety training. Public Health: A mystery parasite causing “explosive” diarrhea has sickened people across 17 states, with officials still working to identify the source.

Supreme Court & Transgender Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women competing on school athletic teams, ruling the laws don’t violate the Constitution or Title IX; Connecticut is said to be unaffected right now, but more legal fights are expected. Gun Rights: The court also agreed to hear challenges to Cook County’s assault-weapons ban and a similar Connecticut case, setting up a major Second Amendment showdown. Egg Price-Fixing Probe: DOJ and states reached a settlement with major egg producers over alleged cartel-style price coordination; Connecticut AG William Tong said the scheme artificially jacked up prices. CT Courts & Police: New Britain released body-camera footage and preliminary findings from an officer-involved shooting involving a 17-year-old suspect. CT Community & Pride: Connecticut lawmakers and advocates continue reacting to national rulings, while Massachusetts celebrated an inaugural Commonwealth Pride event. Sports Spotlight: Alyssa Thomas said she’s received death threats after her WNBA suspension tied to a Caitlin Clark incident, and the Liberty won the Commissioner’s Cup with Breanna Stewart named MVP.