AGP Executive Report

Gubernatorial Politics: Even Republicans are looking for an alternative to Gov. Kelly Ayotte, with critics pointing to housing costs and slashed affordable-housing funding as her biggest weakness. Privacy Policy: Hawaiʻi’s Office of Consumer Protection joined a coalition opposing the federal SECURE Data Act, arguing it would cap and preempt stronger state privacy protections. NH Economy & Gambling: A look at how New Hampshire’s decision to double down on gambling is playing out, after years of disputes over casinos and Keno. NH Housing Snapshot: Zillow says “starter homes” costing at least $1 million now exist in 242 U.S. cities, underscoring how affordability pressure is spreading. Public Safety: A 20-year-old Mass. hiker died after a medical event on the Cascade Link trail in Monadnock State Park; CPR was started before responders arrived. Food Safety: Alfredo sauce recalled in 41 states was upgraded to the FDA’s highest-risk level for possible Salmonella contamination. UNH & Environment: UNH was selected for a new NOAA-backed, five-year project aimed at boosting sustainable domestic seafood production. America 250: The America250 time capsule has been sealed, with New Hampshire tied to local July 4th celebrations and fireworks listings.

Child Well-Being Watch: A new Kids Count report says child well-being worsened in 29 states from 2021 to 2025, with declines in education, health, and economic security—plus rising child poverty and more kids without health insurance. NH Politics: Sen. Maggie Hassan pressed Corey Lewandowski to “preserve records” for an investigation, while also declining to fully back Maine Senate candidate Graham Plater amid serious allegations. Statehouse & Campaigns: NH House Republicans are pivoting to November with a push on tax relief for small businesses, and GOP candidates in NH-01 are arguing over what “MAGA candidate” means. Environment: Cyanobacteria blooms are back on several southern NH lakes, with officials warning conditions could worsen after recent heavy rain. Local Economy & Culture: World Cup hype is boosting sales at a Manchester soccer shop, and Super Secret Ice Cream in Bethlehem earned a James Beard nomination. Weather: Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding are possible into early Monday.

NH Politics & Elections: Filings for the Sept. 8 primary are set, with competitive races for U.S. Senate and House and a shakeup expected in the NH legislature as lawmakers retire. School & Community Debate: Dozens rallied at the State House against a bill aimed at restricting “harmful to minors” materials in NH schools, after Gov. Kelly Ayotte previously vetoed a similar measure. Public Safety & Weather: A severe thunderstorm and flash-flood threat hangs over New Hampshire late Sunday, especially where earlier heavy rain left ground saturated. Local Economy & Jobs: Analogic’s move of its headquarters to Salem is expected to bring more than 500 jobs, while a new look at NH’s manufacturing sector points to employment struggles and asks what can reverse the trend. Health & Environment: A CDC-led pilot announced in NH targets ticks on wildlife hosts to cut Lyme disease cases by 2035, shifting prevention earlier in the transmission cycle. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to its highest risk level after possible salmonella contamination, affecting distribution across 41 states including New Hampshire. Sports & Culture: Dartmouth’s Class of 2026 heard commencement remarks from comedian Rachel Dratch, and the Lakes Region saw a suspicious early-morning blaze at the former Laconia State School property.

Public Safety & Courts: A judge denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his Concord double-murder trial, keeping prosecutors’ case intact after the NH Supreme Court ordered a fresh look at the warrantless search. State Politics: The filing period is over, setting up Sept. 8 primaries and Nov. 3 general elections, including a contested GOP race for governor and a crowded Democratic field for the open U.S. Senate seat. Energy & Housing: Rep. Maggie Goodlander pressed Liberty Utilities for answers after a Lakes Region moratorium blocked new natural gas service, saying the lack of transparency is stalling development. Health: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a CDC-led New Hampshire pilot to reduce ticks on deer and mice to cut Lyme disease cases by 2035. Consumer/Regulation: FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce in 41 states over possible salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk ingredient. Local Community: NHRS will close to visitors June 2–15 for construction, with a drop box available for forms. National Tech & Drugs: Senator Maggie Hassan’s probe helped force Spotify to remove 57,000 fake drug-promo podcast episodes.

Marijuana Policy: Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed a bill that would have let New Hampshire medicinal marijuana dispensaries grow in their own on-site greenhouses, saying she doesn’t support expanding cultivation. Housing & Local Power: A major push to make data centers easier to approve cleared key hurdles in Concord, raising alarms after Nottingham residents rallied against a proposed project. Public Safety & Courts: The New Hampshire Supreme Court denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his Concord double-murder case, keeping prosecutors’ evidence in play. Elections & Voting Rules: A federal court ruling struck down New Hampshire’s proof-of-citizenship voter registration requirement, with both parties reacting sharply. State Government Ops: The NH Retirement System will keep its Concord office closed to visitors through June 15 due to construction, but will accept drop-offs. Education & Workforce: Winnisquam Career Center in Tilton completed an $11.2 million renovation to expand career and technical programs. Community Grants: Bangor Savings Bank Foundation awarded more than $155,000 in Community Matters More grants across Maine and New Hampshire, including local nonprofits.

Elections & Courts: New Hampshire’s Supreme Court overturned Adam Montgomery’s murder conviction, sending the murder charge back for a retrial while leaving other convictions in place. Voting Rules: After a court ruling, voting changes are set to take effect, reshaping how Granite Staters register. Statehouse & Housing: Lawmakers advanced housing bills aimed at easing local barriers to multifamily development, sending major measures to Gov. Kelly Ayotte. Gov. Ayotte’s Agenda: Ayotte vetoed three bills and signed 18 others, including action tied to expedited court hearings and animal procedures. Public Safety & Justice: A judge denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his double-murder trial, keeping key material in play. Education & Workforce: Winnisquam Career Center in Tilton completed an $11.2 million renovation to expand career and technical programs. Storm Recovery: The state requested FEMA’s preliminary damage assessment after recent storms, seeking a path to federal disaster help. Community Life: Laconia Motorcycle Week kicked off with officials touting its long-running economic impact.

NH Politics & Elections: Democrat Sarah Chadzynski became the final 1st District candidate to file, pitching a “working-class” campaign and criticizing opponents for spending big while families choose between groceries and medication. Congress Race Watch: Heath Howard also filed for the 1st District, arguing he can bring progressive change to Washington and highlighting his own disability and chronic pain experience. Local Government: Manchester school leaders warn the FY27 budget leaves schools more than $12 million short, meaning fewer teachers in classrooms and retirements not being replaced. Courts & Public Safety: A judge denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in the Concord double-murder case, ruling police would have inevitably found key items. Weather & Health: Heat waves hit parts of New Hampshire with 90+ temperatures and humidity; forecasters also warn of possible storms before a weekend cooldown. Energy & Policy: Nuclear power remains a live issue in Concord as lawmakers push bills to Ayotte’s desk, aiming to secure energy funding while negotiating ratepayer concerns. Community & Culture: Laconia Motorcycle Week kicks off Saturday, with organizers expecting up to 300,000 visitors. Economy & Jobs: NH’s private-sector employment rose in summer 2025, but the seasonal hiring bump was smaller than the long-term average. Grants: Northern Border Regional Commission funding is sending more than $8.1M to rural NH counties for housing, childcare, workforce, and infrastructure.

Legal Update: The New Hampshire Supreme Court overturned Adam Montgomery’s second-degree murder conviction in the death of his 5-year-old daughter, sending the case back for further proceedings while investigators say they expect prosecutors to seek justice again. Public Safety & Health: A NOTUS analysis says the Pentagon has quietly delayed PFAS cleanup timelines at nearly 200 military sites, pushing some work out by about a decade and affecting drinking-water contamination. Affordability & Workforce: A New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute analysis warns affordability is driving young adults out of the state, making it harder to attract and keep future generations. Child Care & Summer Programs: A New Hampshire Afterschool Network report says tens of thousands of children who want summer programs can’t access them, leaving working parents scrambling. Local Business Growth: Winchester unveiled “Opportunity Drive,” a new access road opening up remaining lots at Stone Mountain Business Park. Food & Research: UNH will help lead a federally funded effort to expand responsibly harvested, local seafood production, including finfish aquaculture research. Weather: Heat and humidity continue Friday, with thunderstorms possible.

Catholic Abuse Claims: Gov. Dan McKee signed bills creating a “revival window” so victims of childhood sexual abuse can pursue previously expired civil claims against institutions and supervisors, extending the statute of limitations to 35 years after a victim’s 18th birthday. Rural Health Funding: CMS approved New Hampshire’s GO-NORTH spending plan, unlocking about $205 million annually from the Rural Health Transformation Program through 2030 to speed rural care improvements. Water Woes: Severe drought is driving restrictions in parts of New Hampshire, including Exeter’s Level 4 limits, as the state’s dry conditions persist. Outdoor Economy: Leaders gathered for Granite Outdoor Industry Day, highlighting the $4.2 billion outdoor recreation sector and pushing for better coordination across tourism, retail, manufacturing, and guiding. Local Government & Land Use: A ribbon cutting celebrated improvements at Glenn Cove Wildlife Management Area in Greenland, expanding public access and research space tied to Great Bay stewardship. Politics & Schools: An ACLU-NH “Read-in” drew attention to SB 434, which would expand what schools can restrict for minors, as Gov. Kelly Ayotte faces pressure on a potential signature. Courts: The New Hampshire Supreme Court overturned Adam Montgomery’s murder conviction in the death of his daughter, while keeping other felony convictions in place.

Maine politics with NH stakes: Former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu filed to run again for U.S. Senate and attacked Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas while also weighing in on Maine’s Graham Platner, setting up a high-profile contrast fight that could spill into New Hampshire’s political conversation. Child well-being spotlight: New Hampshire topped the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2026 Kids Count Data Book for the fourth straight year, scoring highest overall as the report tracks economic, education, health, and family/community indicators. Public safety and health tech: U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan says Spotify removed tens of thousands of phony opioid-promoting podcasts after her investigation, raising fresh questions about how fast platforms act and whether they alert law enforcement. Local community support: Franklin Savings Bank donated $1,000 to CASA of New Hampshire to help recruit and train volunteer advocates for children in abuse or neglect cases. Campaign trail next gen: UNH Class of 2026 graduate Matthew Brooks filed to run as a Republican for NH House District 9, pitching a younger voice for Sandown voters. Weekend in NH: Portsmouth’s Market Square Day and 10K race returns Saturday, with downtown vendor booths and a full music lineup.

Maine Politics: Graham Platner cruised to the Democratic Senate nomination in Maine, but Democrats are still weighing how his controversies could affect the general election. NH Housing: New Hampshire’s single-family median home price is inching toward $600,000, with May’s record at $579,900 and buyers increasingly priced out. Energy Policy: Nuclear power is still driving Concord’s legislative fight, with multiple bills now headed to Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s desk as lawmakers try to find workable compromises. Local Schools: Pittsfield won’t hire a new superintendent; instead it will pay Concord $260,000 for administrative services, a rare model that could spread as budgets tighten. Public Safety & Courts: A class-action lawsuit challenges Westchester County’s massive license-plate surveillance network as unconstitutional. Business & Jobs: Gov. Ayotte celebrated Analogic’s move to Salem, bringing 500 jobs to New Hampshire. Youth Mental Health: A new report ranks NH high on child well-being but worst for youth depression, with 22% of teens reporting a major depressive episode. Copyright: ASCAP sued four radio groups, alleging they kept playing music after licenses were terminated for nonpayment. Immigration & World Cup: Northeast advocates issued a travel advisory warning World Cup visitors about ICE presence and device screening concerns.

Child Well-Being: New Hampshire again tops the KIDS COUNT rankings, scoring 838/1,000 as child well-being declines in many states since 2019. Maine Politics: Graham Platner won Maine’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary and will face Sen. Susan Collins in November, setting up a high-stakes race amid controversy. Local Courts: A Gilford couple sued Gilford police and the town in federal court, alleging constitutional rights violations during an underage drinking investigation that led to arrests later dropped. Housing & Planning: Lawrence city commissioners deferred a decision on selling a downtown parking lot for senior affordable housing, citing unanswered questions about the deal. Seafood & Research: The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is joining a new NOAA-funded aquaculture consortium to strengthen the U.S. seafood supply. Banking Watch: NH community banks are bracing for lending uncertainty as interest rates swing faster than in decades. Business Growth: Analogic opened a new global headquarters in Salem, bringing about 500 jobs.

Maine Politics: National attention stays on embattled Democrat Senate nominee Graham Platner, with analysts saying how big his win is in Tuesday’s primary could shape whether party leaders try to replace him before the general election. Statehouse Power: The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee released a redistricting target list that includes New Hampshire, arguing control of state legislatures now matters for future map fights. Nonprofits & Community: Gov. Kelly Ayotte kicked off New Hampshire Gives, urging residents to support local nonprofits as the campaign runs for 24 hours and has raised about $22 million over the past decade. Energy & Permitting: A look at New Hampshire solar rules highlights how stormwater and “impervious cover” treatment can add unexpected costs for businesses, even when panel runoff is presumed to meet standards. Public Safety: Federal prosecutors indicted 26 alleged Trinitarios gang members tied to five murders and 19 attempted murders, including alleged links to trafficking involving New Hampshire and Maine. Child Welfare: A new report keeps New Hampshire near the top on child well-being, but critics point to serious abuse allegations at the Sununu Youth Services Center.

Maine Politics: Maine Democrats head to the polls Tuesday in a high-stakes Senate primary that could shape control of the U.S. House, with four left-leaning candidates chasing Rep. Jared Golden’s seat and facing a tough general-election path in a district rated “Likely R.” NH Politics & Elections: U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas filed for New Hampshire’s open Senate seat, dodging direct questions about whether he’ll campaign with Maine candidate Graham Platner amid fitness-to-serve concerns. Presidential Buzz in NH: Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is drawing attention with a rural New Hampshire bike tour and town halls, fueling speculation about a 2028 White House run. Health & Daily Life: Concord is ranked the 4th worst U.S. city for allergies, with pollen levels staying above 10+ for days. Community & Giving: NH Gives begins Tuesday, with a record number of nonprofits registered and local groups hoping to close funding gaps. Local Business & Tourism: Lakes Region leaders met with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen to discuss gas prices and a summer tourism rebound. Public Safety/Local: A Plymouth State student was found shot in Thornton, and NH first responders are getting support for training and retiree mental health retreats.

NH Politics & Elections: Rahm Emanuel wrapped up a 113-mile bike tour across New Hampshire with town halls, keeping 2028 presidential speculation in the spotlight. Voting Rules: The NH Secretary of State clarified that a federal court ruling on HB 1569 restores affidavits only for proof of citizenship, while other parts of the law still affect eligibility verification. Child Well-Being & Schools: New Hampshire again topped national child well-being rankings, but education scores remain a weak spot, with reading and math proficiency concerns highlighted in recent reporting. Child Care Costs: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute analysis says child care prices kept rising in 2025 as the number of licensed providers shrank, pushing costs toward about $30,000 a year for infant and 4-year-old center care. Outdoor Economy: A Granite Outdoor Alliance report argues NH’s outdoor economy is strong, but coordination across industry, workforce, and policy needs to catch up. Community Giving: Gov. Kelly Ayotte kicked off NH Gives, a 24-hour statewide fundraising push starting June 9, with hundreds of nonprofits participating. Business & Jobs: Town Fair Tire announced a new St. Albans, Vt. store opening this summer, part of broader regional retail expansion.

State Politics: NH House Speaker Sherman Packard highlighted the session’s local tax cap vote as lawmakers wrap up, while Rahm Emanuel pushed education reform and blamed both parties for the decline. NH Elections: A fresh face is set to file for NH House District 9—UNH Class of 2026 graduate Matthew Brooks—aiming to bring a younger voice to Concord-area politics. Governor Race Noise: The Cinde Warmington campaign keeps getting hit with “opioid lobbyist” attacks, and the back-and-forth shows no sign of cooling. Environment & Wildlife: UNH researchers are testing whether changes in forest logging could help moose survive the winter tick onslaught that’s been tied to long-term declines. Tech & Public Opinion: A Granite State Poll finds NH residents increasingly use AI at work, even as pessimism about AI’s overall impact remains high. Immigration Enforcement: Weare and Hillsboro police departments joined ICE 287(g) task force contracts, expanding local involvement in immigration arrests and detentions. Business & Economy: Gas prices are still pinching household budgets in New Hampshire, with analysts warning it could also squeeze state revenue. Weather: A pleasant start to the week is underway, with storm chances returning later.