AGP Executive Report

Arts Funding: Shaun Parker & Company just launched a rare $100,000 choreographic fellowship, backed by the Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation, with its inaugural recipient Beau Dean Riley Smith set to develop a major new work for a world premiere. Local Schools: Norwich Public Schools reported 192 Asian students in 2024-25, while New Milford logged 118 Black students and Newington enrolled 1,043 Hispanic students—fresh snapshots of Connecticut’s ongoing enrollment shifts. Community Safety & Support: Bristol schools will receive $3,000 a year for three years to expand training and workshops on abusive relationships through the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Higher Ed Spotlight: A CCSU lecturer from New Britain will present at the first Billy Joel Symposium in New York, blending Joel lyrics with Shakespeare studies. Sports Season Kickoff: The CTC and ECC baseball/softball tournaments begin this week, setting up a busy late-May run toward championships.

College Sports Spotlight: Trine University’s Bailey Puckett capped her career with a fifth-place finish in the NCAA D-III women’s 1,500 final, setting a school record in a race that produced the fastest 1,500 in D-III history. Athletics Funding Watch: New Haven’s University of New Haven reported a 14.2% drop in men’s basketball budget for 2024, while Yale put $2.2 million into its program—both numbers tied to federal sports spending benchmarks. AI and Faith: Pope Leo XIV issued a sweeping apology for the Holy See’s role in legitimizing slavery and, in a separate manifesto, called for robust AI regulation—warning against “irreversible, lethal decisions” by machines. Veterans Care Under Pressure: Memorial Day coverage highlights how veterans treatment courts can help, but staffing losses and program cuts are threatening the work. CT Culture Calendar: Summer art season is gearing up with major museum shows and biennials, while Connecticut’s own community stories keep rolling—from water-safety education to local heritage features.

Water Safety Push: Memorial Day weekend is here, and Connecticut advocates are urging families to treat water like a life-or-death skill—not a summer vibe—highlighted by Norwalk’s Stewie the Duck Swim School, founded after a drowning tragedy and now focused on prevention as pools open. Mental Health Aftershock: A 32-year-old man tied to a shocking case—killing his brother, eating his brother’s eyeball, and setting a family cat on fire—was found dead in a New Jersey jail, with his family pointing to mental health support as the next step. Early Childhood Strain: Teachers report rising misbehavior even among the youngest kids, with concerns that the post-pandemic classroom is getting harder to manage. CT Arts Loss: Crystal R. Emery, a New Haven-based STEM and disability advocate and award-winning filmmaker/theater producer, has died at 65. Local Building Momentum: Hartford broke ground on a new $24M Barbour Street library branch, aiming to expand community access.

Homeschooling debate heats up: A new op-ed argues that homeschooling needs stronger oversight, warning that patchwork state rules can miss educational gaps and keep abuse cases out of view—even when families mean well. AI liability fight: In Illinois, OpenAI is backing a bill that would shield frontier AI makers from civil liability unless harms hit a huge threshold, while critics say it dodges responsibility in teen-suicide lawsuits tied to ChatGPT. Connecticut public safety spotlight: The CT NAACP is launching an investigation into the death of a 17-year-old found in Wallingford woods weeks after a reported crash, citing a lack of public information. Local arts & community: Hartford breaks ground on a $24M Barbour Street library, while CT arts coverage spotlights an Australia-to-Connecticut week of performances and pop-culture events. Education leadership: Gov. Lamont names Ari Santiago interim chair of the Board of Regents for Higher Education.

Immigration & Identity: A new report spotlights a bittersweet U.S. refugee program outcome for Afrikaners—one group admitted under Trump’s policy while other refugees were shut out—capturing both the hope of arrival and the emotional cost of a narrow door. Community Safety: The Connecticut NAACP is launching an investigation into the death of a Black 17-year-old found in Wallingford woods weeks after a reported crash, after complaints about missing public information. Local Libraries: Hartford breaks ground on the $24M Barbour Street library, a major neighborhood investment backed by city, state, and private partners. Culture & Learning: Connecticut State Colleges and Universities gets a leadership shake-up as Gov. Lamont selects Ari Santiago as interim Board of Regents chair. Science & Care: UConn researchers report testosterone gel plus exercise may reduce visceral fat in older women after hip fractures, pointing to new recovery strategies.

Connecticut Higher Ed Shake-Up: Gov. Ned Lamont named Ari Santiago of West Hartford interim chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education, stepping in as the system navigates leadership turbulence after Chancellor John Maduko’s resignation amid sexual harassment claims. Civic Access: Lamont also signed a law making absentee voting available to all Connecticut voters without needing a specific reason. Local Science & Nature: The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station won a $34,600 grant to map and monitor at-risk bee species statewide, including the yellow-banded bumble bee, which has been hard to find since its rediscovery in Litchfield County. Community Spotlight: Southern Connecticut State University celebrated its Class of 2026 with major commencement ceremonies across the week, honoring resilience and service.

Connecticut Higher Ed Shake-Up: Gov. Ned Lamont named Ari Santiago as interim chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education, stepping in after Marty Guay resigned amid fallout from an investigation into former CSCU interim chancellor John Maduko’s alleged harassment. Voting Access: Lamont signed a law allowing absentee ballots for all Connecticut voters, removing the old “specific reason” limits. Statewide School Spotlight: Six schools earned the 2026 Connecticut Blue Ribbon Schools honor, with Gov. Lamont and Education Commissioner Russell-Tucker praising inclusive, high-performing learning environments. Community & Culture: Coventry Public Schools won Innovate Grants, including hands-on lab-style work for anatomy/plant science; and Connecticut’s arts scene kept moving with local gallery and studio showcases. National Legal Fight With CT Ties: New Haven joined a lawsuit challenging Trump’s $1.776B “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” as critics argue it’s discriminatory and lacks legal footing.

Presidential Power Question: At the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut, Donald Trump told graduating cadets he’ll be “here in ’28” and “maybe… in ’32 too,” reigniting debate over whether he could run again under the 22nd Amendment’s two-term limit. Food Safety: The FDA flagged a Whole Foods Market Kitchen minestrone soup recall in multiple states, including Connecticut, because it may contain undeclared shrimp—dangerous for shellfish-allergic shoppers. Faith & Politics: A Pentecost reflection argues that Christian life is inherently civic, pushing back on the idea that religion and politics should stay “out of the church.” Local Governance: Orange voters approved an $88.2M budget and a lower 27.4-mill tax rate, but officials warn many homeowners will still see higher bills due to ongoing revaluation. Workplace Rules: Connecticut’s sweeping Public Act 26-12 is reshaping employer obligations, from pay transparency to nursing breaks and workplace assault workers’ comp. Road Safety: State police are warning Memorial Day kicks off the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers, with speed, drinking, and distraction leading the risk.

Workplace Overhaul Hits Connecticut: Public Act 26-12 is now reshaping employer obligations statewide, bundling major changes on wage liability, workplace assault workers’ comp, pay transparency, nursing-mother break time, and expanded protections for police, firefighters, and veterans. School Funding Push: EASTCONN’s Eric Protulis was named to Gov. Lamont’s Blue Ribbon Commission on K-12 Education Funding & Accountability, with a first meeting June 4 and a final report due Jan. 15. Voting Access: Connecticut codified universal absentee voting, removing the old “reason” requirement for mail ballots. Community Support in Schools: Bristol Public Schools is rolling out a statewide student homelessness prevention effort to connect families to resources before homelessness starts. Energy Costs Watch: Eversource’s proposed 11% delivery-rate hike is set to move into a formal review process, putting ratepayers and PURA oversight back in the spotlight. Culture & Curiosity: The haunted Annabelle doll is headed to Salem for a new exhibit this summer.

Arabic Festival at Wilbur Cross: Husha Hakimi joined hundreds of students at Cross’ growing Arabic Festival, organized by educators Hanan Elkamah and Carla Hazzam, aiming to build empathy through language, food, and history. School Leadership Moves: Grafton named Dana Croatt as the new principal of Woodview Elementary, bringing 17 years of administration experience. Health, Before It’s Urgent: Bristol’s MetaLab by Confidia says demand is rising for preventive, data-driven wellness testing that looks for issues earlier. FCC Pushback on Radio Access: The FCC rejected a Connecticut low-power FM proposal at 87.7 MHz, signaling Channel 6 audio expansion won’t be easy. Community Mental Health Spotlight: West Rocks Middle School’s SEL Ambassadors earned a state award for student-led mental health awareness. Nursing Home Snapshot: CMS data highlights staffing and ratings pressures across CT’s nursing homes, with several facilities ranking near the top by bed size but varying in overall scores.

Leadership Change in Housing Services: Harbor Homes has named Jeannette de Jesús as its new executive director, making the interim leader permanent as the organization moves forward after buying a permanent winter shelter location. New Canaan Luxury Debut: FrogPond Estate, a Scandinavian-inspired waterfront property on Frogtown Rd., has officially hit the market with a 13,000+ square-foot main home and resort-style amenities. Cuba Escalation: Raúl Castro has been indicted in the U.S. on murder-related charges tied to a 1996 aircraft shootdown, as Washington ratchets up pressure on the Cuban government. CT Health Care Workforce Fight: Connecticut’s AG and a coalition of states are suing to block new federal student-loan limits aimed at health-care training programs—arguing it will worsen staffing shortages. Nursing Home Rankings: CMS data puts Candlewood Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center among the largest in its county for Q1 2026, while Civita Care Center at Danbury lands lower on the CMS rating scale. Campus Recognition: Southington’s student is among CSCU’s top Barnard award recipients, spotlighting academic achievement plus community service.

Student-Loan Lawsuit Wave: Connecticut is part of a fast-growing multistate fight against the Trump administration’s new rule that narrows which “professional” degrees qualify for federal student loans—aimed at nurses, physician assistants, therapists, and other healthcare workers—an effort led by attorneys general including Jay Jones and William Tong, with courts now being asked to block the limits. Arts & Community: Waterbury Symphony Orchestra is staging a free “America The Beautiful” choral tribute at The Forman School in Litchfield on May 24, commissioning new Connecticut settings of Katharine Lee Bates’ poem for the 250th anniversary. Open-Government Watch: Southbury board and commission members got a Freedom of Information Commission briefing on meetings and public records, with the state seeing a record number of complaints. Local Culture Spotlight: Charlie Widmer, Connecticut’s State Troubadour, was honored on the House floor and is pushing songwriting workshops in public schools. Family & Fun: A Glastonbury couple’s famous pig tour keeps expanding, with plans for a sanctuary farm.

Healthcare Workforce Fight: A fresh wave of lawsuits is targeting the U.S. Department of Education’s new student-loan rule that narrows which degrees count as “professional,” threatening higher borrowing caps for nurses, physician assistants, therapists, and other health workers—Maryland leads a 25-state coalition, and Connecticut’s own AG Jeff Jackson is suing to protect access for rural care. Connecticut Courts & Public Safety: The U.S. Justice Department is also suing Connecticut over a state law restricting federal agents’ mask use and requiring ID, arguing it’s unconstitutional. Local Culture & Community: New Haven’s Board of Alders approved applying for early planning money to explore an HBCU satellite campus—an effort tied to a long history of being blocked from Black higher education. Arts & Heritage: The Finnish American Heritage Society Museum opened for the season in Canterbury, with free admission and new exhibits. Tech & Kids: Senators advanced a bill to curb AI companion chatbots for minors amid fears of manipulation and self-harm.

Student Loans Fight: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is suing the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that narrows what counts as a “professional degree,” potentially cutting federal loan access for advanced healthcare and other workforce programs. Higher Ed Pressure: The dispute lands as Connecticut also moves to protect UConn research after federal cuts, with Lamont announcing $35M to offset lost funding. Campus Leadership Shakeup: The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Board of Regents chair, Marty Guay, resigned amid an investigation tied to the system’s former interim chancellor. Workforce Policy Watch: Connecticut also expanded its “stay-or-pay” employment restrictions, tightening rules on repayment agreements tied to early separation. Community Culture: In Plainville, “Go Baby Go” returned—students and therapists refurbish ride-on cars for kids with special needs, turning accessibility into a hands-on event.

Democratic power shift: Gov. Ned Lamont just locked in the Democratic nomination for a third term at the state convention, with Rep. Josh Elliott qualifying for the ballot—setting up a Democratic primary later this summer. Higher ed shake-up: Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Board of Regents chair Marty Guay resigned abruptly as an investigation into former interim chancellor John Maduko’s alleged harassment continues. Courts and healthcare: A federal judge ordered Aetna to reconsider denials tied to transgender facial surgery, refusing to pause the insurer’s obligations while it appeals. Workforce policy: Lamont also signed sweeping employment-law updates, including expanded pay transparency and a broader “stay-or-pay” ban that takes effect Oct. 1, 2026. Community wins: Beacon Bank put nearly $600K into local nonprofits, while CCSU honored teaching excellence and celebrated 2,200+ graduates.

Mystic’s Cultural Pull: Mystic is getting a spotlight for food and history, with two James Beard finalists—Shipwright’s Daughter (chef David Standridge) and The Port of Call—strengthening the case for a shoreline weekend beyond the aquarium. Community Service in Action: Arvinas employees across Connecticut and beyond held their fourth Impact Day, volunteering on meal prep, blanket-making, and beautification projects tied to local hospital families. CT Politics, Now Official: Gov. Ned Lamont locked in the Democratic endorsement for a third term, while Sen. Ryan Fazio secured the Republican nod—setting up the November showdown. Healthcare Communication, Local Angle: A regional healthcare communications conference is heading to Burlington with a “Craft of Connection” theme, reflecting how trust and storytelling are becoming part of the culture of care. Culture & Learning: Norwalk Public Library brought literacy and makerspace demos to Norwalk Day at the Capitol, showing how hands-on learning is becoming a civic brand.