AGP Executive Report

AI & Education: Connecticut’s new AI law now reaches K-12, adding computer science that must include AI and emerging tech, plus new curriculum and teacher training tied to safe, responsible use. Privacy & Retail Tech: The state also expanded its Data Privacy Act, adding rules for data brokers, banning sales of precise geolocation data, and tightening personalized pricing limits. Manufacturing & Drones: Quantum Cyber signed an LOI to buy a 43,000-square-foot Bridgeport facility to ramp up domestic autonomous drone production. Workforce Pipeline: CT is pouring more than $6M into student robotics since 2024 to build the STEM workforce. Energy Policy: Connecticut expanded its solar energy system tax and narrowed a property tax exemption for solar facilities. Construction & Infrastructure: O&G Industries won ENR New England Contractor of the Year, while WWE’s giant flag incident in Stamford triggered major power outages. Public Health Watch: Regulators and experts are warning about concentrated 7-OH, a kratom-derived opioid threat linked to overdoses and hospitalizations. Culture & Industry: Mystic Museum of Art announced “Luxe, CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways,” spotlighting Connecticut textiles from historic mills to today’s fashion.

Power Restoration: A massive runaway American flag tangled with transmission lines near WWE headquarters in Stamford, triggering outages that hit about 5,000 customers Saturday and then about 40,000 Sunday, with crews working to restore service after the flag was removed. Energy Costs: AAA data shows Connecticut regular gas averaging about $4.64 per gallon, while the broader U.S. average rose sharply amid Iran-related shipping and fuel-price pressure. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel in New Haven County at $5.19 (week ending May 30), underscoring continued volatility for trucking and logistics. AI & Work: Microsoft data highlights uneven AI adoption across New England, with Connecticut ranking higher than Vermont, while counties tied to manufacturing and construction show lower usage. Food Assistance Court Fight: A federal judge paused USDA enforcement of new conditions on billions in federal food aid, blocking requirements tied to gender and immigration policies. Connecticut Gun Policy: The firearm industry trade group says it will challenge Connecticut’s ban on striker-fire handgun sales as unconstitutional. Local Tech Pipeline: Amid manufacturing workforce worries, Connecticut is betting on youth robotics programs to build future engineering talent.

AI & Real Estate: AI firms are becoming major office tenants, speeding up leasing decisions and reshaping workplace expectations—an issue Connecticut developers and landlords will be watching closely. Connecticut Energy/Environment: DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes is set to step down, with an acting successor named as the state continues climate and PFAS work. Food Assistance Legal Fight: A federal judge blocked USDA from enforcing new SNAP-related conditions tied to gender and immigration, pausing enforcement that states said could disrupt benefits for millions. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show New Haven County diesel hit a low of $5.19 in the week ending May 30, while Connecticut averages eased slightly. Gambling Regulation: Live-dealer “casino sweepstakes” are under renewed scrutiny as courts and regulators debate whether the free-play structure keeps them out of regulated gambling territory. Nonprofit/Community Space: CHEFA is highlighted as a behind-the-scenes financing engine helping Connecticut nonprofits fund facilities and keep services running.

Offshore Wind Backlash: A new push to “drill, baby, drill” is paying developers to abandon wind projects midstream, with a reported $1B TotalEnergies offshore wind lease buyout now at the center of lawsuits and political blowback. Food Supply & SNAP: A federal judge blocked the Trump USDA from attaching broad gender and immigration conditions to billions in SNAP and other food-related funding, a move that could affect nutrition support and agricultural research. PFAS Crackdown: States are tightening rules on “forever chemicals,” including Connecticut, and the patchwork is starting to reshape what products reach consumers and supply chains. Gun Policy Fight: The National Shooting Sports Foundation is challenging Connecticut’s ban on popular striker-fire handguns, arguing it infringes Second Amendment rights. Consumer Pricing Rules: New York passed a ban on “surveillance pricing” based on personal data, joining Connecticut and Maryland and raising the stakes for retailers and ad-tech. Energy & Infrastructure: FCC leadership warned copper theft is escalating into a national security problem, pushing more urgency for upgrades from copper to fiber. CT Outdoors: Two state parks—Sleeping Giant and Scantic River—closed after parking lots hit capacity, while a man died after a kayak overturned in North Canaan.

Data Centers & Energy Costs: Vermont Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a law meant to curb unchecked data center growth, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups that warn of higher utility bills and pollution. Local Planning: South Burlington is moving ahead with zoning amendments to get ahead of the fast-changing data center boom. Privacy & Pricing: New York passed the One Fair Price Act, banning personalized “surveillance pricing” tied to personal data; Connecticut and Maryland already have similar rules. Consumer Tech & Law: Florida updated court rules to require attorneys to verify AI-cited legal authorities after “hallucinated” filings. Public Safety & Infrastructure: FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty warned copper theft is escalating and urged faster rural upgrades from copper to fiber. Connecticut Outdoors: Two state parks—Sleeping Giant and Scantic River—closed after parking lots hit capacity. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Hartford County midgrade at a low of $4.29 in the week ending May 30. Gambling Oversight: States are tightening rules for online real-money casino access and problem gambling protections as iGaming expands.

Rite Aid Reuse: Empty Rite Aid stores are getting snapped up by grocers, including a new Whole Foods Daily Shop concept in a former Brooklyn Rite Aid and a La Placita Market opening in East Haven, signaling continued retail reshuffling in Connecticut. Cybersecurity & Health Data: A Connecticut health club chain faces a proposed class action after a ransomware attack exposed members’ and employees’ private data, including Social Security numbers, raising pressure on breach notification and security practices. AI Governance in Connecticut: Gov. Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 5, creating a broad AI oversight framework covering employment tools, consumer disclosures, synthetic media, and state agency use—plus staggered compliance deadlines for businesses. Energy Costs & Grid Strain: New data show electricity prices rising sharply in many states, with Connecticut’s residential rate down year over year while demand and grid investment pressures—also linked to AI data center growth—keep the issue hot. Clean Energy Legal Fight: Connecticut is among states suing the Trump administration over a “sham deal” paying TotalEnergies to cancel offshore wind leases off New York, arguing it threatens jobs and clean power. Insurance Rate Scrutiny: AG William Tong criticized double-digit health insurance rate hike requests for about 220,000 Connecticut residents, saying insurers are padding costs and must justify assumptions. Finance & Accountability: A class action was filed in Connecticut over GeneDx Holdings’ statements about its Fabric acquisition, alleging investors were misled about efficiencies and business viability.

Clean Water Finance: Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell announced results of a successful $163.1 million Green Bond sale for the State Revolving Fund, generating $9.6 million in debt-service savings over nine years and pricing at a low 2.87% all-in interest cost. Retirement Security: Comptroller Sean Scanlon welcomed Hawai’i’s Retirement Savings Program into the Multistate Alliance for Retirement Security, expanding automatic-IRA access for workers whose employers don’t offer plans. Consumer Protection & Health Policy: Connecticut enacted a law requiring insurance coverage for provider-delivered scalp cooling therapy starting Jan. 1, 2027, aiming to reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss costs for patients. Energy & Power Procurement: Burlington Electric Department approved new hydropower PPAs covering Maine and Connecticut projects, including a 10-year deal for output from the Wyre Wynd facility in Jewett City. Legal/Tech Compliance: A U.S. District Court in Connecticut signaled that AI prompts and queries used by expert witnesses may be discoverable, raising stakes for how companies document AI-assisted work. Food Safety: FDA recalled De Dios’s Fruit Pops/ice pops sold in CT and neighboring states due to undeclared allergens, warning of potentially life-threatening reactions.

Food Safety & Recalls: FDA is urging shoppers to check freezers after De Dios’s Ice Pops II LLC recalled D’Dioses Fruit Pops in Connecticut and three other states due to undeclared allergens, including milk and tree nuts, with risk of serious reactions. Public Health: Connecticut’s Mosquito Management Program has resumed seasonal testing for EEE and West Nile virus through October, using a statewide network of traps coordinated by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Consumer Protection: The state Department of Consumer Protection is warning homeowners planning remodeling to verify requirements before work starts, citing past cases involving unsafe or unfinished projects and restitution payouts. Transportation & Construction: CTDOT is developing plans to remove a retaining wall on Route 99 (Main Street) in Wolcott, with design targeted for 2027 and construction expected in 2028, pending permits and funding. Local Business & Community: The Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce honored regional leaders at its 136th annual dinner, including David Preleski for service and leadership. Charity Oversight: Connecticut AG William Tong and the Department of Consumer Protection opened an investigation into the Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund tied to former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart, including subpoenas and a deposition scheduled for June 30.

Infrastructure & Shipping Costs: A new nationwide DOT-backed analysis flags how much major roads still need repair, with Connecticut at 20.5% of major roadways in poor condition—11th worst—raising pressure to extend funding before October 2026. Cybersecurity: Eversource says phishing/social engineering hit two employees’ accounts, exposing personal data for 3,049 customers across CT, MA and NH, though service wasn’t affected. Healthcare & Home Care: The Pennant Group and Hartford HealthCare are moving toward a unified operating entity to expand home-based care across Connecticut. Business & Jobs: Unilever plans a $270M Global Innovation Centre in New Haven, with about 300 jobs and operations targeted for 2029. Food Safety: FDA reports a Class I recall of Birch Benders Sweet Potato Pancake and Waffle Mix due to undeclared egg. Retail/Real Estate: A Wilton police-station contractor check scheme netted $300K after two NY men allegedly stole and rerouted funds. Finance Policy: Connecticut AGs and other states are pushing back on federal retirement-investment rules that could steer more money into riskier assets.

Connecticut Consumer Watch: CT AG William Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli opened an investigation into former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart’s “Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund,” issuing subpoenas and seeking records tied to two accounts with the same name and how charitable gift assets were controlled and spent. Power & Cost Pressure: Vernon residents are rallying against a proposed Eversource 13% residential electric rate increase, launching a petition drive as the utility argues the hike is needed for reliability. Construction & Schools: Stamford broke ground on the new Westhill High School, a $446M project expected to open in 2029 and designed for up to 2,458 students. Workforce & Training: CCSU students placed sixth at a national electric boat competition after six months building and testing an electric-powered vessel from scratch. Food & Safety: Raymour & Flanigan recalled more than 10,400 sofas and recliners after reports of smoking and fires tied to powered furniture sold in multiple states, including Connecticut. Local Business Disruption: Cold Harbor Seafood in Enfield reported vandalism at a new location under construction after windows were smashed and doors damaged. Tech & Legal: A CT judge told attorneys in a “ghost gun” case that court staff can’t use generative AI for legal research, and lawyers must be careful with what tools produce.

Offshore Wind Legal Battle: Connecticut joined a seven-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s $928M deal to cancel TotalEnergies offshore wind leases, arguing it’s unlawful and could wipe out union jobs and set back clean-energy goals. State Government & Charities: Connecticut AG William Tong launched an investigation into former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart’s handling of charitable assets tied to the Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund, including subpoenas to Stewart and M&T Bank. Construction & Schools: Stamford broke ground on the new Westhill High School, a $446M project expected to open in August 2029 with major state reimbursement support. Energy & Markets: FuelCell Energy and Plug Power shares slid sharply amid profit-taking after big recent runs, underscoring volatility in the fuel cell sector. Business Growth: King Risk Partners acquired construction-focused The Roberts Agency in Bloomfield, expanding surety and construction insurance reach across the region. Local Environment: Researchers warned Lake Wononscopomuc is at a “critical time” as they track clarity, nutrient pollution, and deep-water oxygen loss. Tech Policy: A privacy watchdog urged lawmakers to reject a GOP federal data privacy bill, saying it falls short on meaningful consumer opt-outs.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: Connecticut joined a seven-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s deal to pay TotalEnergies about $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases off New York and North Carolina, with states arguing the process was unlawful and could cost jobs and derail clean-energy goals. Energy Reliability in CT: Eversource is urging Connecticut residents to prepare for hurricane season as it highlights storm-readiness steps, including vegetation management, after noting trees drive most outage risk. Local Enforcement: Fairfield has activated 24/7 automated speed cameras in six school zones, with escalating fines for repeat violations. AI + Privacy Compliance: Connecticut lawyers are being warned to review AI software contracts carefully for privacy and data-retention terms as smart tools move into workplaces. Food & Health Support: Connecticut launched a farmer’s market nutrition program for eligible seniors, and federal authorities reopened a salmonella supplement investigation after additional illnesses. Business & Growth: Stamford broke ground on a new $446 million Westhill High School, while Southington is set to host a chamber breakfast featuring DECD’s manufacturing chief Kirti Patel.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New York AG Letitia James and Gov. Kathy Hochul led a coalition of Connecticut and six other states suing the Trump administration over a TotalEnergies deal that paid nearly $1 billion to cancel an offshore wind lease, arguing it’s unlawful and could raise costs while threatening union jobs. CT Energy/Utilities: Connecticut Water Co. filed for a 21.4% rate increase, saying rising power and PFAS-related costs are driving the request as regulators prepare a new round of review. Unilever Innovation in New Haven: Unilever announced a global innovation center in Connecticut focused on beauty and wellness R&D, including AI and quantum computing. Cybersecurity in Connecticut: Charter Communications faces multiple class-action suits in Connecticut tied to an alleged April data breach exposing tens of millions of records. Construction Safety: A Connecticut appellate court overturned a $41.9M injury verdict against Signify North America, ruling the harm wasn’t reasonably foreseeable after shipping and warehouse handling. Food & Consumer Trends: Viral grocery-stretching food trends and new “dirty soda” launches highlight how brands are leaning into value and customization.

Unilever Investment: Unilever is planning a new $270 million global innovation center in New Haven, aiming to speed R&D for beauty, wellbeing and personal care, with labs for skin care, human performance testing and fragrance development. Connecticut Infrastructure: CTDOT is moving ahead with bridge and traffic-signal upgrades, including replacing the Turkey Hill Road bridge superstructure over the Housatonic Railroad in Newtown and holding public meetings for Route 6 computerized signal system work in Bristol and multiple I-91 bridge replacements in Wallingford. Public Safety & Health Tech: Northwell Health’s firearm safety screening tool is being rolled out through Epic nationwide, giving hospitals a standardized way to collect data and prompt prevention steps. Real Estate Capital: The Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds committed $400 million to real estate funds, including Artemis and Clarion industrial and apartment strategies. Workplace Safety Focus: A new look at the growing complexity of EHS safety management highlights how OSHA rule changes are pushing more compliance and documentation into centralized systems. Community Support: Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation awarded $562,000 in Connecticut and Rhode Island grants, including storm-driven emergency food access.

CT Hunger Crisis: Gov. Ned Lamont faces mounting pressure as SNAP enrollment in Connecticut drops about 10% since federal rule changes took effect in November, with anti-hunger advocates blaming last July’s changes for tens of thousands losing benefits. Health Costs & Consumer Protections: A ProPublica/KFF Health News report highlights how patients can fight denied claims using an external review process that can force insurers to reverse decisions—after medical bills spiral when people give up. Privacy & AI Regulation: Connecticut’s privacy and AI law updates continue to move through the policy pipeline, with Vermont passing a more business-friendly consumer data privacy bill and Connecticut’s SB 4 and SB 5 signed into law, including AI provisions tied to employment. Energy Prices: A new national map shows electricity prices jumping sharply in many states, while Connecticut is among the places where prices fell—amid grid investment and demand pressures. Innovation & Jobs: Unilever plans a new global innovation center in New Haven, aiming to speed beauty and wellbeing product development with AI and other advanced tools. Infrastructure Funding: The CT Bond Commission approved roughly $652M for infrastructure, housing, education, and public safety programs. Workforce & Education: Fairfield schools cut 11 STEAM elementary positions but added math resource and gifted program roles to close a budget gap. Defense Industry: The USS Connecticut is nearing return to service after years of setbacks, underscoring Electric Boat’s long-running submarine work in the region.

Medicaid Fraud Oversight: A new Connecticut-focused look at HUSKY Health enforcement argues the state needs stronger patient-facing checks to catch “ghost claims,” where billing can look normal on paper but never happened. Public Safety: Gun Storage Check Week returns with a reminder that secure storage can prevent suicide by adding a critical pause during crises. Food & Agriculture: Connecticut officials are urging cottage food and farmers market shoppers to follow licensing, labeling, and food safety rules as summer markets ramp up. State Budget/Infrastructure: The CT Bond Commission approved about $652.7M in spending across early childhood education, housing, technology, public safety, and infrastructure. Energy & Utilities: Connecticut’s solar incentive is set to stay alive through 2035, with batteries emerging as the big winners as homeowners weigh Eversource rate pressure. Aviation/Travel: Breeze Airways marks five years at Bradley and adds a new nonstop, bi-weekly seasonal route to Louisville. Construction Tech: A New Haven startup, LeanCon, is using AI to turn construction drawings into work plans to cut preconstruction delays and costs.