AGP Executive Report

Health Care Refunds: The White House says it will send $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, after it blamed Biden-era “user fees” for overcharging premiums. 9/11 Remembrance in NH: New Hampshire flags are at half-staff for the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, with Gov. Kelly Ayotte urging residents to remember victims and first responders. Public Health Alert: CDC warns of a jump in human rabies exposures and mistakes in preventive treatment, including a suspected rabid animal attack in Lebanon, N.H. Local Economy & Jobs: A Q&A with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Maria Proulx looks at how NH employers can tackle rising healthcare costs by steering employees to the right care settings. Childcare Solutions: A feature highlights how New Hampshire businesses are helping expand childcare capacity, including a Henniker project adding infant slots. NH Business/Industry: Vicor plans major new ChiP fab sites in Merrimack and Hooksett to expand capacity for AI power components. Environment: Harpswell harvesters report a shellfish die-off tied to an algae bloom, with possible spread noted toward New Hampshire waters.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 checks starting in October after Biden-era “user fees” allegedly drove up premiums. U.S. Senate Race in NH: In the opening stretch of the fall campaign, Republican John Sununu and Democrat Chris Pappas trade attacks on records and “independence,” while Democrats launch a “Stop Sununu Tour” tying him to Trump on tariffs, Iran, and health care. Election Rules Fight: Republican election officials urge the Supreme Court to block a Trump mail-ballot rule before November, warning it could cause confusion and delays; New Hampshire is also dealing with federal demands to preserve old ballots. Privacy in NH Housing: A lawsuit targets Concord Housing and Redevelopment Authority’s use of Mînut monitors in apartments, with residents saying the government-funded tracking violates privacy. 9/11 Remembered: New Hampshire coverage looks at how a generation without firsthand memory is learning about Sept. 11, plus local memorial efforts like “Flags on the 46.” Energy & Utilities: Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander wins intervening status in a PUC hearing over Liberty Utilities rate hikes; Eversource also announces a quarterly dividend.

Immigration & Courts: Legal groups that won a Supreme Court birthright citizenship fight in “Trump v. Barbara” filed fresh motions in New Hampshire federal court, asking the judge to clearly protect the class despite a new Trump executive order targeting birthright citizenship. NH Politics: Belmont voters will choose between GOP Kevin Nugent and Democrat Liz Charlwood for an open state representative seat after Nugent advanced from the primary. Public Safety: Bow police, with federal help, executed a search warrant at Yihong Spa as part of a human-trafficking and prostitution crackdown; authorities say charges are pending and no arrests were reported. Health Care: The Trump administration announced $500 Obamacare refund checks for nearly 1 million Americans, including New Hampshire residents, with payments expected to start in October. Tech & Security: A new report warns quantum computing could reach “Q-Day” soon enough to threaten today’s cryptography, raising urgency for upgrades. Community & Culture: Laconia’s Belknap Mill Sock Hop is set for Sept. 11, with a temporary expansion of the city’s social district to Rotary Park.

NH Politics & Housing: New Hampshire’s housing crunch is still far from the mark, with the state needing roughly 60,000 more units by 2030 and nearly 90,000 by 2040, while rising prices keep pushing young workers and vulnerable residents out of the market. GOP Midterms in Dallas: President Trump used the first-ever GOP midterm convention to promise a $5,000 “dividend” for every adult if Republicans hold both chambers, while also insisting the Iran war will end after Election Day and tying energy prices to the midterms. NH Elections After Primaries: Democrats held a post-primary unity breakfast in Manchester, with nominees looking to carry momentum into November. NH Law Enforcement: Attorney General John Formella says a Bow spa is under an active human trafficking and prostitution-related investigation after a search warrant was executed. Local Notes: Holderness was highlighted as a top “hidden” Squam Lake destination by Travel + Leisure, and a free conservation forum is set for Tilton landowners.

New Hampshire Senate showdown set: After Tuesday’s primaries, former Sen. John E. Sununu won the GOP nod and will face Rep. Chris Pappas in November for the open seat left by retiring Jeanne Shaheen. Pappas beat progressive challenger Karishma Manzur, while Sununu cleared his Republican field—setting up a high-stakes, control-of-the-Senate race that both parties are already treating as a must-win. Statehouse politics & local stakes: In the 1st Congressional District, Stefany Shaheen won the Democratic primary and will take on Anthony DiLorenzo; in the 2nd District, Maggie Goodlander advanced on the Democratic side. Cost-of-living pressure: Granite Staters are increasingly worried about tariffs and prices, with a UNH poll citing sharp concerns about gasoline, groceries, and energy. Robocall crackdown: NH’s attorney general joined a broader push to strengthen FCC rules aimed at stopping illegal robocalls. Business & growth: Durham is weighing a major Technology Drive expansion that could add up to 1,500 jobs, while Nottingham voters approved a 12-month moratorium on new data centers.

U.S. Senate showdown set in New Hampshire: Tuesday’s primaries cleared the way for an open-seat battle to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, with Democrat Chris Pappas winning his nomination over Karishma Manzur and Republican John E. Sununu taking the GOP nod over Scott Brown—both races called quickly after polls closed, setting up a high-stakes, closely watched general election. GOP House nomination in play: In NH-01, Trump-endorsed businessman Anthony DiLorenzo won the Republican primary, beating Hollie Noveletsky and state Rep. Brian Cole; the Democratic side was still too close to call late Tuesday. Governor’s race locked: Incumbent Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte won her primary and will face Democrat Cinde Warmington, who ran unopposed. Local enforcement: Bow police raided a spa tied to alleged human trafficking/prostitution as part of a statewide crackdown. Public health watch: A measles outbreak was reported in Illinois’s Douglas County, with officials working to identify exposures and push immunizations.

New Hampshire Primary Day: Voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose nominees for a high-stakes U.S. Senate seat and other top races, with Democrats trying to defend the Shaheen-open seat and Republicans aiming to keep control as the national Senate fight tightens. U.S. Senate Spotlight (NH): On the Democratic side, Rep. Chris Pappas faces progressive challenger Karishma Manzur in a race that’s narrowed late; on the GOP side, former Sen. John Sununu takes on former Sen. Scott Brown for the nomination. Local Politics: Claremont City Council heard concerns about procedural irregularities tied to Tolles Home Board meetings. Energy & Local Economy: Derry cut the ribbon on a completed landfill solar array expected to save taxpayers about $4 million over 25 years. Community & Business: A Keene student’s push for a Trader Joe’s gained momentum after appearing on local radio. Everyday Costs: Gas prices surged, with diesel hitting a record high. National Context: A new forecast says the U.S. Senate battle is now a near-even toss-up.

New Hampshire Primary Countdown: Voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose nominees for Congress, governor, and the state Legislature, with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement triggering a scramble—especially in the race to replace her seat. U.S. Senate Spotlight (NH): Democrats are split in the NH-01 primary as Rep. Chris Pappas faces Democratic socialist Karishma Manzur, while Republicans choose between former Sen. John Sununu and former Sen. Scott Brown, setting up a high-stakes general election. Dynasty Politics: Shaheen is leaning hard on her network for daughter Stefany Shaheen, drawing “nepo baby” backlash and scrutiny over outreach to key groups. Outside Money: Elon Musk’s America PAC has spent tens of thousands in New Hampshire, including $91k-plus aimed at boosting Sununu. Labor & 2028 Buzz: At the AFL-CIO Labor Day breakfast, Mark Kelly and Ro Khanna pushed pro-union messages while both left the door open to future White House runs. Healthcare Access: A new analysis warns rural hospital obstetrics closures could force long drives for pregnant Medicaid patients. Crash Update: Three people were hospitalized after a Monday crash in Manchester.

NH Primary Preview: With the Sept. 8 vote Tuesday, New Hampshire’s marquee U.S. Senate race could swing control of the chamber, and the AP notes what to expect as former Sens. John Sununu and Scott Brown face off in the GOP primary while Democrats choose between Chris Pappas and a more left-leaning challenger. CD1 Democratic Race: In the 1st District, the Democratic primary is tightening as Maura Sullivan and Stefany Shaheen battle for the nomination, with outside endorsements and last-minute momentum shaping the final sprint. CD2 Congressional Focus: In the 2nd District, voters pick among Paige Beauchemin, Lily Tang Williams, and Victor Orlando, with housing, immigration, and data centers showing up as key themes. Cyber & Water Security: A national spate of cyberattacks on water systems has raised alarms; New Hampshire officials say they’re not aware of impacts locally, but warn systems are always being probed. Local Energy Savings: Jaffrey homeowners say NHSaves weatherization rebates helped cut drafts and energy costs, highlighting how state utility programs can deliver real household relief. Flock Camera Backlash: Commentary and reporting keep spotlighting growing public anger over Flock-style surveillance cameras and the push for regulation. Labor Day Politics: A pro-labor rally in Concord put jobs and housing affordability front and center for voters heading into the primary.

1st District Democratic race tightens: Christian Urrutia dropped out Sunday and endorsed Stefany Shaheen, framing the contest as a choice between Shaheen and Maura Sullivan and highlighting fights over Medicare for All, data centers, and the war in Gaza. Labor Day politics & jobs: NHJournal asked candidates to make their case for workers as the state’s unemployment stays low but wages lag inflation and employment growth remains uneven. State primary guide for Sept. 8: A full rundown of key races on the ballot, including the Senate matchup (Pappas vs. Manzur; Sununu vs. Brown) and other contested state races. PFAS payout update: NH received another $7.3 million from 3M tied to forever-chemical settlements, feeding the Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund. Education funding debate: A new analysis says NH still ranks last nationally for state support of public education, putting more pressure on property taxpayers. Business & local economy: United Therapeutics bought the former Merrimack Anheuser-Busch brewery site for $47 million, setting up major job growth plans. Public safety: Police seized about 1.225 kilograms of fentanyl after a chase and arrests in Lawrence and Haverhill.

Merrimack Economic Shift: United Therapeutics is buying the former Anheuser-Busch brewery site in Merrimack for $47 million, securing a major Southern NH industrial parcel of nearly 300 acres and setting up hundreds of high-paying jobs as the old operation winds down. PFAS Fallout: New Hampshire is set to receive another $7.3 million from 3M tied to forever-chemical contamination, bringing total PFAS settlement money to more than $43 million for drinking-water cleanup. Labor Market Reality Check: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute study says job growth has improved, but wages still lag inflation and unemployment claims remain a concern. State Politics, Next Tuesday: The Sept. 8 primary is packed, with Seacoast voters choosing among crowded races for U.S. Senate and House, plus state and local contests. Public Safety & Crime: A fentanyl chase in the Merrimack Valley ended with two arrests and about 1,225 grams seized after the suspect discarded a kilogram from his vehicle. Local Scams: Milan logged one BBB scam report in July, tying it for 23rd among NH cities. Affordability & Education: NH still ranks last nationally for state support of public education, with property taxpayers covering a large share of costs.

1st District Primary Sprint: New Hampshire’s Democratic candidates for CD1 are in a last-weekend push ahead of Tuesday’s primary, with Maura Sullivan leading in recent polling over Stefany Shaheen as campaigns focus on turnout and kitchen-table issues. WMUR Senate Debate: In the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur clashed on childcare costs, immigration, support for Israel, and police funding, with Manzur repeatedly invoking Netanyahu in a hardline foreign-policy message. Outside Money & “Red Boxes”: The CD1 race is drawing outside spending and sharper attacks, while both Sullivan and Shaheen use “red boxes” to steer outside groups’ ad messaging. Election Readiness: NH election officials are reminding voters about recent ID and absentee voting rules ahead of the primaries. Federal Case in Chichester: A New Hampshire resident was indicted over an alleged $25 million hawala operation moving money between the U.S. and Yemen. Local Housing Data: Coos County public housing units stayed at 55 in 2025, with HUD reporting 96% occupancy. Tariffs & Prices: Businesses are bracing for tariff impacts that could hit consumer costs, including seasonal products. Sports: Syracuse routed New Hampshire 66-3 in the season opener, highlighted by Shavane Anderson Jr.’s three-touchdown debut.

NH Senate primary stakes: New Hampshire voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose candidates for the open U.S. Senate seat, a race that could shape the balance of power in Washington. Democratic CD1 fight turns nasty: A WMUR debate among five Democrats for NH’s 1st Congressional District highlighted bitter attacks and “outside money” pressure as candidates sprint toward the Sept. 8 primary. Campaign messaging controversy: In the same CD1 race, candidates’ websites feature “red boxes” that hand pre-written attack and advocacy materials to outside groups. Election logistics: Secretary of State David Scanlan is urging voters to double-check registration and bring required photo ID to vote. Cybersecurity for water systems: NH officials say water utilities are being probed by hackers, with growing concern as AI makes attacks easier. Local governance: Bow may be in line for a major data center grid-connection study, while Gilford leaders are pushing to change a confusing left-turn light after crashes. Housing snapshot: Coos County public housing totals stayed flat at 55 units in 2025.

Election Prep in NH: Secretary of State David Scanlan is urging voters to get ready for the Sept. 8 primary by checking registration and polling info online and bringing proper photo ID to the polls. Local Governance & Public Safety: Moultonborough promoted longtime Lt. Mark Cavic to police chief, replacing Peter Beede Jr. Remembering 9/11: Lakes Region communities marked the 25th anniversary with ceremonies, including Laconia’s Main Street event and moment of silence. Community Planning: Meredith is burying a time capsule during Old Home Day as part of its 250th celebration. Traffic Concerns: Gilford leaders are pressing NH DOT to change a “dangerous” blinking left-turn light at Weirs and Lake Shore roads after a fatal crash. Politics & Transparency: A Franklin voter-record letter argues two state-levy candidates missed key votes, while a separate report highlights NH’s strict voting rules and what other states do to make voting easier. Cyber & Privacy: A Thomson Reuters breach exposed court files across multiple states, including New Hampshire, with sensitive personal data.

NH Politics & Elections: Democrats Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur face off tonight in the final WMUR debate before the Sept. 8 U.S. Senate primary, with Manzur pitching fresh leadership and Pappas touting his record and experience. NH Senate Race Watch: Inside Elections moved the GOP side toward a toss-up as John Sununu’s momentum grows, while the Democratic primary between Pappas and Manzur is tightening in polling. Data Centers & State Policy: A new push for statewide data center moratoriums is gaining traction, with New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte signaling she wants a pause and considering it for the 2027 budget. Marijuana Policy: Democrat Cinde Warmington says New Hampshire should legalize marijuana and stop sending tax revenue to neighboring states. Cost of Doing Business: The NH Insurance Department approved a 2.9% average workers’ comp rate cut for 2027. Housing & Privacy: Tenants in Concord are challenging surveillance-style “Minut” monitoring devices installed in public housing, arguing it violates privacy. Public Health & Safety: Lebanon police report at least three wild animal attacks this week, with witnesses describing a gray fox or fisher and warning signs that could include rabies. Education Behind Bars: UNH and partners are expanding business degree options for students inside New Hampshire prisons. National Money in Politics: Elon Musk’s America PAC has started spending about $800,000 across competitive races, including New Hampshire.

NH Voting Access Debate: New Hampshire’s voting rules are under fire again after readers weighed in on whether to expand early voting and loosen absentee limits, with critics pointing to witness requirements and ID changes that can block working people. Election Security & Process: State officials say federal DOJ monitors in Manchester and Nashua won’t be disruptive, even as voters worry about new laws, ballot-counting tech, and ongoing lawsuits. Dem Primary Heat (CD1): In the NH-01 Democratic debate, candidates clashed over Medicare for All and broader party direction, with Maura Sullivan and Stefany Shaheen trading sharp attacks as the race turns increasingly negative. Pappas Senate Fight Turns on Israel: A new flashpoint shows Chris Pappas voting against an anti-boycott bill despite earlier pro-Israel branding, while progressive challenger Karishma Manzur gains momentum. Big Money Midterms: Elon Musk’s America PAC has begun spending in close races, including New Hampshire, as Republicans fret about whether Trump will deploy his own super PAC funds. Surveillance Lawsuit in Concord: Tenants sued Concord Housing Authority over alleged apartment surveillance devices that they say collect private data without meaningful opt-out. Local Safety: An 8-year-old was hospitalized after being hit by a Manchester school bus; injuries were reported as not life-threatening.