Healthcare Policy: Connecticut Insurance Department set an Aug. 26 hearing on 2027 rate requests, with insurers seeking double-digit hikes—16.2% for individual plans and 17.8% for small groups—covering about 220,000 people, as AG William Tong and lawmakers call the increases unaffordable and unsupported. Energy & Grid: Tigo Energy expanded eligibility for its virtual power plant program across the Mid-Atlantic, building on existing availability in Connecticut and other states to let more homeowners with solar-plus-storage tap utility incentive programs. Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. Navy awarded $76.6 billion in new submarine contracts, including record-setting work for Electric Boat in Connecticut, as part of a major recapitalization of the undersea fleet. Business Finance: Terex and Emcor both reported Q2 results that beat Wall Street expectations, while healthcare M&A deal volume dipped in Q2 even as total disclosed spending rose. Tech, Privacy & Consumer Protection: A new push targets cookie consent “dark patterns,” and Connecticut regulators also face broader scrutiny of data-driven practices as states move to rein in surveillance pricing and mass data collection. Local Economy: CT Foodshare broke ground on a new warehouse to meet growing demand for food assistance. Sports Business: With the WNBA trade deadline Sunday, teams weigh roster moves—especially around star Kelsey Plum—as the league’s new CBA reshapes what deals are possible.