Vehicle Inspections: The EPA has formally moved toward approving New Hampshire’s plan to end the state’s mandatory annual vehicle inspection program, launching a public comment period—though enforcement and the sticker requirement are already effectively off the table, leaving ongoing lawsuits as the main fight. Child Care Fallout: Federal officials rejected key TANF funding for New Hampshire’s child-care workforce grants, leaving providers in limbo after months of stalled progress and adding pressure as the state’s early childhood rankings remain near the bottom. Health & Public Safety: The Senate confirmed Erica Schwartz as CDC director, restoring a Senate-approved leader that shapes vaccine coverage rules; meanwhile, a national cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce continues to spread across states. Local Economy & Growth: Dartmouth Health filed plans to expand its Concord facility by about 36,000 square feet to meet growing Southern New Hampshire needs. Environment & Research: UNH won an $8 million NSF grant for a statewide initiative studying ticks, tick-borne diseases, and environmental impacts. Energy & Home Solar: A new 2027 state law will let Granite Staters install “balcony solar” panels, with experts warning it’s not always plug-and-play.