UConn Leadership: Pamir Alpay was named Provost and EVP for Academic Affairs, with the university pointing to his role in reorganizing Academic Affairs and pushing AI and QuantumCT work. Higher Ed & Workforce: Eastern Connecticut State University will launch three new undergraduate certificate programs this fall—Geospatial Technology, Victim Services & Advocacy, and Emergency Services & Public Safety—aimed at both students and working adults. CT Politics & Labor: Gov. Ned Lamont and challenger Josh Elliott will make private pitches to the Connecticut AFL-CIO ahead of the Aug. 11 primary endorsement vote. Reproductive Rights: On the Dobbs anniversary, Lamont and other CT leaders vowed to protect abortion access, highlighting new state protections and insurance coverage changes for fertility care. Election Law Fight: A federal judge permanently blocked most of Trump’s election executive order, including proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration. Housing & Federal Politics: Connecticut lawmakers blasted Trump for canceling a signing ceremony for a bipartisan federal housing bill, calling it “housing hostage” tied to voter restrictions. Prediction Markets: The CFTC sued Kentucky over crackdown efforts, and the agency says it’s now taking action against multiple states including Connecticut. Public Safety/Crime: A Pakistani man pleaded guilty in federal court in Bridgeport to Medicare fraud tied to unlawful money transmission. Business/Legal: Connecticut’s AG-led price-fixing fight against generic drug makers saw Pfizer claims tossed by a federal court. Campus Free Speech: A Connecticut Wesleyan incident is among reports of Turning Point USA clubs facing protests and sign thefts, with some chapters blocked on campuses.