Connecticut Energy Costs: Gov. Ned Lamont says Eversource and United Illuminating should “earn” their monopoly franchise rights, proposing PURA reviews every 15 years plus penalties if utilities don’t deploy cost-control tech like smarter meters—aimed at curbing double-digit rate hikes. Regional Power Market Fight: New England governors, including Lamont, urged federal regulators to reject a proposed transmission return increase, warning it would hit households and businesses and undermine reliability and affordability. Social Security Pressure Point: A new projection puts the retirement trust fund on track to run out in 2032, triggering an automatic 24% benefit cut unless Congress acts; Connecticut is cited among the hardest-hit states with an average monthly loss around $556. Wall Street Watch: Equities slid as Middle East tensions and inflation data kept investors on edge, with oil rising alongside renewed geopolitical risk. Wealth Management Deal: Steward Partners announced a major “breakaway” partnership with Zelniker Dorfman Private Wealth, adding $2.4B in assets and expanding its Northeast footprint. Privacy & Pricing: A federal FTC study previewed how firms can use online behavior to set personalized prices, fueling a growing state-by-state regulatory split. CT Business & Finance Legal: A Connecticut banking enforcement fight faces a court challenge from an Illinois debt-adjustment servicing firm seeking to block $100,000-per-violation penalties. Local Spotlight: Berlin’s girls golf team won its fifth straight CIAC Division II title, led by valedictorian Kaelin Rose and salutatorian Jada Overmoyer from Wheeler High’s small Class of 2026.