AGP Executive Report

Drug-Price Case: Attorney General William Tong is asking a court to approve settlements with generic-drug makers Ascend, Citron and Mayne over alleged price-fixing. Ascend and Mayne will pay Connecticut and other states $1.05 million; the first trial in the broader case is set for Hartford in February 2027. War Oversight: Sen. Chris Murphy says the Pentagon blocked his visit to a U.S. base in Qatar and accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of hiding the Iran war’s costs. Murphy also described extensive damage to the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia from a drone strike. Corruption Appeal: Former state budget official Kosta Diamantis is seeking to appeal his corruption conviction and seven-year sentence after fleeing to Greece; a court may dismiss the appeal because he left the country. Health Coverage: A federal change effective Oct. 1 could end HUSKY coverage for some refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors and humanitarian parolees. Eligibility depends on each person’s status and circumstances. Hartford Schools: A state forensic audit found no misuse of funds in Hartford Public Schools’ 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.

Election Oversight: Connecticut Democrats are weighing how to use committee gavels if they win a legislative majority, with oversight of the Lamont administration among their priorities. Hartford Schools: A state-commissioned forensic audit found no fraud or misuse of funds, but said gaps in records and staff turnover prevented a full reconstruction of some spending; it flagged weaknesses in budgeting and documentation. State Response: Gov. Ned Lamont announced a disaster declaration for residents affected by Connecticut flooding. Separately, state officials released $2 million in math tutoring grants, including awards to EASTCONN, Canterbury and two regional districts. Federal Policy: SNAP cuts are raising alarms among Connecticut food-assistance advocates, who say local organizations face growing demand as families lose benefits. Courts and Economy: The Connecticut Supreme Court will review the state’s vexatious-requester law, while a state-supported quantum computing hub has opened in New Haven. Senator Richard Blumenthal, meanwhile, defended his record at a Fairfield forum but sidestepped questions about running for another term at age 82.

Hartford Schools: Connecticut released a forensic audit of Hartford Public Schools’ 2024 and 2025 finances, but auditors said missing and inconsistent records and staff turnover prevented a full reconstruction of district spending. Court Watch: The state Supreme Court will review Connecticut’s vexatious requester law, which governs how public agencies handle repeat records requests. Legislative Oversight: Connecticut Democrats are preparing oversight plans if they win a legislative majority in November. Medicaid: State officials are moving to protect 108,000 enrollees ahead of new federal rules, while Gov. Ned Lamont has stopped short of promising additional state funding. Federal Relations: Sen. Chris Murphy says the Pentagon denied him access to a U.S. air base in Qatar, which he argues limits scrutiny of the war’s costs. Economic Development: A state-supported quantum computing hub opened in New Haven, aiming to connect Yale and UConn researchers with students and businesses.

State Politics Campaigns: Oxford voters are being urged to back incumbent Rep. Arnie Jensen in the 131st House District, with multiple local endorsements highlighting his committee work and affordability focus. State Senate Race: Watertown-area education and public safety advocates are also backing Sen. Eric Berthel for re-election, pointing to his long tenure on the Education Committee and support for Holocaust and financial literacy requirements. Election Administration: Bridgewater issued formal notice for the Nov. 3, 2026 election, listing polling location, early voting dates, and absentee ballot counting at Hilltop Senior Center. Oversight & Congress: Connecticut Democrats are laying groundwork for potential committee power next year, with an emphasis on using oversight to check a Trump administration if Democrats win majorities. Federal Courts & Labor: A Connecticut federal judge ordered the Bureau of Prisons to reinstate federal employee union bargaining agreements, calling the prior termination “entirely pretextual.” Energy Costs: Sen. Richard Blumenthal pressed for more LIHEAP funding as heating oil prices spike, warning Connecticut families face a harsh winter. Public Safety Drill: CTDOT scheduled a rail safety emergency response training drill for Oct. 10 in East Lyme, with no impact to Shore Line East service. Housing Affordability: A new push argues Connecticut should prioritize renter-focused affordability action in 2027, not just long-term supply measures.

Domestic Violence Response: The Prudence Crandall Center will hold its “Silent No More” candlelight vigil in New Britain to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, citing that nearly one-third of Connecticut homicides in 2025 were linked to domestic violence and highlighting prevention work with students and the Lethality Assessment Program. CT Higher Ed & National Security: A House China-focused committee chair is urging the University of New Haven to end its joint engineering program with Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications, warning it could funnel U.S.-supported expertise to China’s defense research system. Federal Labor Rights in CT: A Connecticut federal judge ordered the Bureau of Prisons to reinstate collective bargaining agreements with AFGE, finding last year’s termination likely “entirely pretextual.” Healthcare Rules Take Effect: New state laws effective Oct. 1 expand protections for healthcare workers and add compliance requirements for hospitals and home health agencies, including enhanced workers’ comp benefits for assault injuries. Election Integrity: A former Connecticut state senator was arrested over alleged mishandling of absentee ballots in the 2026 Bridgeport Democratic primary. Public Safety Tipline: Sandy Hook Promise says its anonymous reporting system helped trigger an FBI and local police response after a social-media threat and gun photo. Drug Pricing Accountability (CT court): A bipartisan coalition of states, including Connecticut’s AG Nick Brown, asked a federal judge in Hartford to approve a $400 million settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing by Sandoz and Fougera.

Gun Rights Fight: A federal judge blocked Connecticut’s handgun ban, calling it unconstitutional, setting up a major Second Amendment showdown. Medicaid Pressure: Gov. Ned Lamont and officials warned that new federal HUSKY D work/community rules starting Jan. 1 could jeopardize coverage for about 108,000 low-income adults, even as the state tries to bridge gaps. SNAP Funding Stalls: Connecticut’s plan to send $300 grocery gift cards to former SNAP recipients is moving slowly, leaving far fewer cards delivered than promised. Police Tech & Privacy: Bristol plans to divest from FLOCK ALPR cameras and move to Axon, citing privacy and data-sharing changes; New Haven meanwhile says ALPRs are helping drive down violent crime. Housing & Poverty: A Pew report links high Connecticut housing costs to higher poverty, arguing rent growth can cancel out benefits like SNAP and vouchers. Energy & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court heard a climate-damages case that could shape whether local governments can sue oil companies—an issue with national ripple effects for Connecticut. Democrats’ Post-Midterms: Potential 2028 contenders, including CT Sen. Chris Murphy, are set to meet in Denver to map the party’s next steps.

Surveillance & Privacy: Bristol Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu says the city is divesting from FLOCK ALPR cameras—Bristol has 13—shifting police technology to Axon after Oct. 1 privacy and data-sharing rules took effect, with an internal ALPR data audit and potential discipline for misuse. Higher Education Funding: CSU-AAUP is pressing lawmakers and Gov. Lamont to fully fund Connecticut’s Finish Line Scholarship for all transfer students with 60 credits—not just those with an associate’s degree—after 261 CCSU students received it as of Sept. 8. U.S. Supreme Court Watch: Justices sounded split views on whether Boulder County can force oil companies to pay for climate harms under state law, a case that could shape dozens of similar lawsuits. Immigration Enforcement: A States Newsroom report says 287(g) agreements and new federal funding helped drive immigration arrests to the highest levels since Trump returned to office. Public Safety & Community: Danbury officials condemned a “white power” rally by masked participants, calling it intimidation and hate. CT Social Services: Lamont’s plan to send $300 SNAP gift cards to former recipients is stalled, with delays tied to getting recipient information to community agencies. Assisted Living Costs: A new Oct. 1 law requires assisted living facilities to hold hearings before big fee hikes (10%+).

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court opens its 2026 term Monday with a docket heavy on gun rights, religious freedom, immigration detention, and limits on government power, with major early cases including a climate-related fight over whether local governments can sue energy companies under state tort law. Connecticut Politics: Connecticut GOP gubernatorial candidate Matt Fazio is drawing scrutiny over why he doesn’t name employers on his resume as Democrats question his business ties ahead of the governor’s race. Housing & Jobs: Electric Boat’s expansion in southeastern Connecticut is driving a housing push and raising new questions about zoning, traffic, and infrastructure as the company ramps up hiring and opens a new training and support center in Waterford. Public Safety & Workforce: UConn plans tuition waivers for police and fire personnel and their dependents to help address staffing shortages and high resignation rates. Consumer & Health: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 Gatorade bottles in multiple states over missing label disclosures for certain yellow food dyes. Food Security: A renewed push urges lawmakers to safeguard SNAP as advocates warn recent federal changes are worsening hunger pressures in states including Connecticut.

U.S. Supreme Court Watch: The justices open a new term Monday with major fights on climate accountability, guns, immigration, and voting—setting up another high-stakes stretch for Connecticut’s legal and policy community. Connecticut Public Safety: UConn plans tuition waivers and a tuition reimbursement fund to help police and fire recruitment and retention amid staffing shortages. Connecticut Immigration & Work Visas: Connecticut employers filed 426 H-1B petitions in the Educational Services sector in 2025, with a 97.9% approval rate. Energy Costs Hitting Home: Heating oil prices are spiking again, and Connecticut energy marketers warn of “sticker shock” as winter demand collides with global supply strain. Connecticut Courts & Guns: A federal judge blocked Connecticut’s “glock switch” law, and separate reporting highlights ongoing litigation over Connecticut’s gun rules. Bridgeport Crime: A porch-side street fight on Noble Avenue escalated into a police rush and four arrests, including a juvenile accused of pelting a cruiser with a basketball. Federal Antitrust: A judge let a rent-fixing antitrust case against RealPage and landlords proceed, keeping pressure on pricing practices that could ripple into housing costs.

Supreme Court Watch: The justices start a new term Monday with a major climate case: whether oil and gas companies can be forced to pay for damage tied to heat waves, wildfires, and droughts. Court Power Shift: A separate Reuters look says the new term could further tilt U.S. law rightward, with Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito positioned to shape fights over guns, school religion, and voting. Connecticut Energy Fight: CT Senate Democrats hit Eversource CEO Joe Nolan after he told investors he “shut the faucet off” in Connecticut until paid, as families face an 11% rate increase. Border Search Ruling: A federal appeals court covering Vermont, New York, and Connecticut says border agents can search phones without suspicion. Kids Online Safety: A Connecticut mom whose daughter died by suicide urges Congress to pass broad social media protections, pointing to a multistate Meta settlement. Local Schools: New Britain breaks ground on a $145M Smith Elementary overhaul, including a new Pre-K center.

Utility Accountability: Connecticut Senate Democrats are pressing Eversource CEO Joe Nolan after his remarks to investors about “shut[ting] the faucet off” in the state, as families face an 11% electric bill increase and lawmakers demand a list of what projects were held back. Online Safety: A Connecticut mom who lost her daughter to suicide is urging Congress to pass broad kids’ online safety rules, as Connecticut AG William Tong’s multistate Meta settlement is set to fund youth mental health and crisis programs. Courts & Civil Liberties: A federal appeals court says U.S. border agents can search travelers’ phones and other devices without suspicion, a ruling that affects Connecticut’s Second Circuit. Public Schools & Spending: New Britain broke ground on a $145M Smith Elementary overhaul, including a new 22-classroom Pre-K center and security and traffic upgrades. Gun Law: A federal judge temporarily blocked Connecticut’s ban on “convertible pistols,” setting up a fresh legal fight over the state’s gun restrictions. Federal Immigration Enforcement: New ICE restrictions begin this week, raising questions about how Connecticut can enforce them. Workplace Tech: California’s new AI workplace laws—banning certain AI-based firing and surveillance—signal a potential model for broader state action.

Immigration Enforcement in CT: A new Connecticut law starts this week limiting federal civil immigration arrests at “protected spaces” like courthouses, schools, and houses of worship, and requiring agents to identify themselves—raising questions about enforcement after recent masked ICE arrests. Gun Law in Federal Court: A judge blocked Connecticut’s “convertible pistol” ban hours before it took effect, keeping the fight over the state’s anti–quick-firing gun rules alive. Housing & Poverty: A Pew study finds housing shortages are driving higher poverty in multiple states, including Connecticut, with child poverty hit hardest. Healthcare & Veterans: Gov. Lamont and congressional leaders announced federal funding to expand the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, adding 1,510 cremains burial plots. Consumer Protection: Connecticut lawmakers joined calls for action after a Guardian investigation alleged 7-Eleven and Circle K overcharge customers at the register or pump. Courts & Business: A federal judge refused to dismiss a Stanley Black & Decker securities case alleging misleading demand claims.

Fuel Economy Fight: Connecticut is among states suing the Trump administration over weaker CAFE standards, arguing NHTSA violated the “maximum feasible” mandate and will raise costs and pollution. Climate Rule Lawsuit: A separate coalition of states and cities sued over EPA’s repeal of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, saying the rollback guts major climate protections. AI Cybersecurity: Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) unveiled a bill to hold AI agent developers and operators liable when their systems hack other computers. Police Oversight: Hartford City Council voted to strengthen the Civilian Police Review Board’s power to compel documents and testimony, aiming to break a standoff with police and the union. Education & Early Childhood: New Britain broke ground on a major Smith Elementary renovation and a 22-classroom pre-K center; advocates also warned proposed Head Start changes could endanger thousands of Connecticut children. Healthcare Workplace Rights: Connecticut’s new menopause laws took effect, adding a provider toolkit timeline and workplace accommodation protections. Local Tech/Privacy: North Haven residents are reacting to Amazon’s drone delivery plan after DEEP review surfaced concerns. Public Health: CDC reported measles cases rising to 3,887 nationwide, including Connecticut.

Gun Law Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked Connecticut’s “convertible pistol” ban, calling it “presumptively unconstitutional,” just before it was set to take effect—setting up a new legal fight over what the state can restrict. Immigration Pressure: A Bridgeport mother is among an estimated 100,000 Ukrainians on U.S. TPS facing deportation when status expires Oct. 19, as Connecticut leaders and Sen. Richard Blumenthal push for an emergency extension. Climate & Energy: Connecticut lawmakers are watching a U.S. Supreme Court case that could reshape state “climate superfund” efforts aimed at making Big Oil pay for pollution harms. Public Safety & Courts: DOJ sued Maryland over a law barring masks and requiring identification for law enforcement, arguing states can’t regulate federal officers. State Budget & Economy: A new look at Gov. Ned Lamont’s record finds Wall Street is warming to Connecticut’s fiscal management, though critics say ratings don’t capture everyday services. Infrastructure & Recreation: Lamont announced about $10.5 million in DEEP grants for 50 trail projects statewide. Technology & Privacy: Connecticut’s new AI/data privacy rules are set to take effect Oct. 1, with businesses bracing for compliance. Public Health: A CDC report counted 72,093 violent deaths in 2023, with firearms involved in 58.6%.

Gun Law Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked Connecticut’s ban on “convertible” Glock-style pistols just hours before it was set to take effect, with Senate leaders vowing to keep fighting. Higher Ed Oversight: Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Board of Regents Vice Chair Juanita James resigned, citing a “dysfunctional culture” and political infighting amid fallout from mishandled sexual misconduct allegations. Corrections Policy: Gov. Ned Lamont and lawmakers said they’ll seek changes next session to Connecticut’s prison-debt law that can charge incarcerated people and collect for years after release. Local Government & Courts: A judge ruled East Haven can’t force insurers to cover an $11M judgment tied to the political closure of a quarry. Public Safety & Health: DEEP kicked off Connecticut’s cold-water boating season with a reminder that paddlers must wear life jackets from Oct. 1 through May 31. State Watch: Connecticut reported $151M in miscellaneous tax revenue in Q1 2026, up 8.6% from the prior quarter.

Connecticut Corruption Case: Former deputy budget director Kosta Diamantis was sentenced in federal court to 7 years in prison for bribery, extortion and lying, after fleeing to Greece; Attorney General William Tong moved to revoke his pension. State Government & Courts: Connecticut’s AG also took aim at Diamantis’ pension rights as the case continues to play out across state and federal systems. Education & Public Health: Hundreds of Connecticut schools are falling short on required indoor air quality inspections and HVAC upkeep, raising alarms about mold, leaks and extreme temperatures. Procurement & Medicaid Tech: Connecticut CIO Mark Raymond says the state used a fast, challenge-based procurement to meet looming HR1 Medicaid work requirements. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Connecticut’s new school HVAC compliance push comes as lawmakers and advocates press for cleaner air and better inspections statewide. National Politics, With CT Ties: Sen. Chris Murphy and Sen. Patty Murray demanded answers over a DHS $20M pro-Trump TV ad campaign funded with taxpayer money. Energy & Privacy: Connecticut lawmakers and agencies continue rolling out AI and data privacy compliance expectations for businesses. International: Russia warned NATO it could use nuclear weapons if Kaliningrad is threatened, escalating tensions in Europe.