AGP Executive Report

Gubernatorial politics: Even Republicans are reportedly looking for an alternative to Gov. Kelly Ayotte, with critics pointing to weak job approval and housing funding cuts as home prices keep climbing. Housing & childcare access: A North Country childcare story shows how families in Bethlehem and Colebrook can face hour-plus drives for early education, highlighting the gap between need and local options. Medical marijuana: Ayotte vetoed a bill that would have let medicinal marijuana dispensaries grow in-house via their own greenhouses, arguing against expanding cultivation. UNH & seafood: UNH was selected by NOAA to lead a five-year effort to boost sustainable domestic seafood production, aiming to reduce the U.S. seafood trade deficit. NH business climate: Executive Councilor John Stephen touted a local cigar maker’s decision to stay in New Hampshire as proof the state is “business-friendly.” Public safety & outdoors: A 20-year-old Massachusetts man died after a medical incident while hiking on the Cascade Link Trail at Monadnock State Park. Food recall: An Alfredo sauce recall tied to Salmonella risk was upgraded to the highest-risk level and includes distribution in New Hampshire. America 250: New Hampshire’s role in the Revolution is being marked with events and fireworks listings statewide, as communities gear up for July 4 celebrations.

Gambling Watch: New Hampshire’s push to expand gambling is paying off for state coffers, but it’s also bringing more people seeking help for problem gambling as revenues become harder to predict. Public Health: DHHS warned parents not to use Nara Organics whole milk powdered infant formula after a multistate botulism-linked recall; officials say no NH illnesses have been reported so far. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to its highest-risk Class I category after potential salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient; the recall covers 41 states including New Hampshire. Politics & Elections: NH House Republicans are pitching tax relief as they pivot into campaign season, while in NH-01 GOP candidates spar over what counts as a “MAGA candidate.” Local News: A man died after being pulled from Wilson Pond in Swanzey; investigators say there’s no indication of foul play. Education: Hudson School Board adopted updated advanced coursework/AP policy to broaden access and clarify responsibilities for dual and concurrent enrollment. Business & Jobs: Analogic’s move of its HQ to Salem is highlighted as a major local economic boost tied to hundreds of jobs. Community & Culture: Dartmouth’s Class of 2026 commencement featured comedian Rachel Dratch delivering the address.

NH Elections Watch: Filings set up competitive 2026 primaries, with Rep. Chris Pappas seeking Shaheen’s Senate seat and Republicans lining up behind Scott Brown and John Sununu, plus House and Senate races shaping Concord’s next power balance. Public Safety & Health: NH DHHS warned parents not to use recalled Nara Organics powdered infant formula tied to botulism risk, and the FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to its highest-risk “Class I” level after salmonella concerns spread across 41 states including New Hampshire. Education Policy: Hudson School Board approved a revised advanced coursework/AP policy to broaden access and clarify how students can earn credit when classes aren’t available locally. Local Preservation: The Hudson Historical Society began restoring the historic Hills House, starting with window work funded through a state heritage grant. Business & Jobs: Salem’s economy gets a boost as Analogic moves its HQ to New Hampshire, with more than 500 jobs expected. Community & Culture: Dartmouth’s Class of 2026 celebrated commencement with comedian Rachel Dratch delivering the address.

Lyme Prevention Push: HHS announced a CDC-led tick-control pilot in New Hampshire aimed at cutting Lyme disease by reducing ticks on key wildlife hosts like deer and mice, moving beyond personal repellents and residential spraying. Gambling Worries for Young Adults: As sports betting expands, advocates are raising alarms about problem gambling risks among younger players, including those drawn in by app-based betting. Marijuana Policy: Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed a bill that would have let medical marijuana dispensaries grow in on-site greenhouses, arguing against expanding cultivation. Energy & Local Control: A Liberty Utilities moratorium on new natural gas service in the Lakes Region is drawing fresh pressure for answers and transparency from Rep. Maggie Goodlander. Courts in a Murder Case: A judge denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his Concord double-murder trial, backing prosecutors and police. Election Filing Set: New Hampshire’s candidate filing period is over, setting up GOP and Democratic primaries this fall, including a governor race where Cinde Warmington is unopposed. Community & Culture: Warsaw Community Public Library is set to host the Holocaust Memorial Museum’s “Americans and the Holocaust” exhibit this summer.

NHRS Office Access: The New Hampshire Retirement System will stay closed to visitors through Monday, June 15, with a drop box available for form submissions. Public Safety & Courts: A judge denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his Concord double-murder trial, backing prosecutors’ argument that police acted under exigent circumstances. Energy & Growth: Rep. Maggie Goodlander pressed Liberty Utilities for answers after the utility’s Lakes Region moratorium halted new natural gas service, affecting local development. Marijuana Policy: Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed a bill that would have let medical marijuana dispensaries grow in on-site greenhouses. State House Watch: Ayotte signed 18 bills and vetoed three more, including the greenhouse cultivation measure. Local Economy & Workforce: Winnisquam Career Center in Tilton completed an $11.2 million renovation to expand career and technical education. Disaster Prep: The state requested FEMA’s preliminary damage assessment after storms, seeking support for a possible disaster declaration. Community Grants: Bangor Savings Bank Foundation awarded 2026 Community Matters More grants to nonprofits across Maine and New Hampshire. Sports & Culture: Laconia Motorcycle Week kicked off, running through June 21.

Statehouse Watch: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed 18 bills and vetoed three, including a measure that would have let medicinal marijuana dispensaries grow in their own greenhouses to lower prices, plus vetoes tied to labor-investigation notice and guardian ad litem reporting. Housing & Growth: New Hampshire advanced housing bills aimed at easing local zoning barriers, pushing more multifamily development on commercially zoned land. Education & Workforce: The Winnisquam Career Center in Tilton wrapped an $11.2 million renovation to expand career and technical programs and credentials for students from eight sending schools. Courts & Public Safety: A judge denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his Concord double-murder trial, ruling police acted under “exigent circumstances” and that some evidence would have been found anyway. Local Community: Claremont’s youth baseball group asked City Council to adjust Monadnock Park field dimensions to meet Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken requirements. Energy & Resilience: The state requested FEMA’s preliminary damage assessment after storms, seeking support for a possible disaster declaration.

Courts: A judge denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his Concord double-murder trial, ruling police would have inevitably found items from his backpack and at a Burlington campsite. Local Roads: Wallingford selectmen heard public pushback over a proposal to let ATVs use some town roads, with residents warning it could threaten safety and privacy; no ordinance is on the table yet. Energy & Housing: Jaffrey is partnering with ReVision Energy to build a solar array on a capped municipal landfill, with the project expected online in early 2027. Nuclear Policy: Nuclear power dominated New Hampshire’s energy debate this session, and a pair of bills now head to Gov. Ayotte after lawmakers sought a compromise on ratepayer concerns. Rural Funding: 16 New Hampshire projects won Northern Border Regional Commission grants totaling $8.1M to support housing, workforce, infrastructure, and rural business growth. Economy Watch: New Hampshire’s private-sector jobs rose in summer 2025, but the seasonal bump was smaller than the prior decade’s average. Health Costs: Medicaid billing for enteral and parenteral therapy in Manchester totaled $1.43M in 2024, up 3.9% from 2023.

NH Politics & Courts: The New Hampshire Supreme Court overturned Adam Montgomery’s murder conviction in the death of 5-year-old Harmony Montgomery, saying his second-degree assault and murder charges should have been tried separately—setting up a retrial. Elections & Campaigns: With filing deadlines looming, NH’s U.S. Senate primary field is filling in fast, including multiple Democrats and Republicans already on the ballot. Education & Culture: Protesters staged a silent “read-in” outside Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s office against a bill critics say could enable book bans in schools, while supporters argue it protects local control. Business & Jobs: Winchester unveiled “Opportunity Drive,” a new access road to Stone Mountain Business Park that opens up more commercial lots for buyers. Community & Local Life: Juneteenth events across New Hampshire highlight Black history and culture, including Portsmouth’s multi-day celebration. Local Industry: Walter Bat Company in Hudson is crafting custom wooden bats, including newer “torpedo” styles.

Healthcare & Access: CMS approved New Hampshire’s spending plan for GO-NORTH, clearing the way for roughly $205M a year in federal rural health funding through 2030. Local Government & Growth: Salem unveiled an Open Spaces Master Plan aimed at protecting land as population and development pressures rise. Outdoor Economy: Granite Outdoor Industry Day highlighted NH’s $4.2B outdoor recreation sector and the push to strengthen collaboration across the industry. Wildlife & Research: Greenland dedicated improvements at the Glenn Cove Wildlife Management Area, expanding public recreation and NOAA-linked research housing. Education & Community: UNH is seeking a 4-H program manager for Merrimack County to grow youth programs and coordinate about 110 volunteers. Civic Debate in Schools: An ACLU-NH “Read-in” drew opposition to SB 434, arguing it could broaden censorship beyond books. Tech & Safety: Spotify removed tens of thousands of phony podcasts promoting illegal online pharmacy sales, prompting renewed calls for stronger platform enforcement.

State Politics & Campaigns: Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s reelection pitch leans on her work with lawmakers, but coverage notes her GOP relationships have swung between adversarial, aloof, and agreeable as she navigates a split-by-chamber Legislature. U.S. Senate Race: The NH Democratic Party is attacking John Sununu’s filing for Senate as a “corporate sellout,” while Sununu’s campaign framing is met with fresh criticism. Energy & Grid Costs: New England governors, including Ayotte, urged federal regulators to reject a proposed transmission profit increase, warning it could raise bills and hurt competitiveness. Public Safety: Police say an 18-year-old brother is charged in the fatal shooting of his 21-year-old sister in Thornton; an autopsy is scheduled. Local Economy & Community: Franklin Savings Bank donated $1,000 to CASA of NH to support court-appointed advocates for abused or neglected children. Culture & Tourism: Laconia Motorcycle Week gears up for its 103rd run, with vendors and businesses preparing for the rush. Business/Industry: Analogic opened a new Salem, NH global headquarters, touting 500 jobs tied to the move. Health & Youth: A new report ranks NH high on children’s wellbeing but flags youth depression as a major concern. Arts: “Come From Away” brings the 9/11 rerouting story to the Winnipesaukee Playhouse through June 27.

Nuclear policy: New Hampshire’s nuclear debate is still moving, with a compromise bill now headed to Gov. Kelly Ayotte after she vetoed an earlier measure over ratepayer concerns, while another nuclear-and-gas proposal has lawmakers split. Education admin shake-up: Pittsfield won’t hire a new superintendent; instead it will pay Concord $260,000 for a menu of administrative services, a potential model for other small districts. Copyright fight hits NH airwaves: ASCAP sued four radio groups, including White Mountains Broadcasting in New Hampshire, alleging they kept playing music after licenses were terminated for nonpayment. Suicide trend diverges: A new report finds New Hampshire bucked the national decline, with suicide deaths up 12% from 2023 to 2024. Immigration enforcement at World Cup: NH and Northeast advocates warned travelers about ICE presence and device screening, especially for visitors passing through NH. Energy grid uncertainty: Net metering’s future remains murky as the session nears the finish line. Local business/industry: Analogic opened its Salem, NH global headquarters with hundreds of jobs, and Cobble Pond Farms is reviving a Canterbury convenience store after years of vacancy.

Lawsuit Watch: A Gilford couple is suing police and the town in federal court, alleging officers violated constitutional rights during an underage drinking investigation—claims include unlawful entry, false reports, and excessive force. Politics & Primaries: Carleigh Beriont has officially filed for NH-01, saying Democratic insiders tried to push her out, while Windham-3 voters head to an Aug. 11 primary with five candidates on the ballot. Maine Spillover: Scandal-plagued Democrat Graham Platner won Maine’s Senate primary, setting up a November matchup with Sen. Susan Collins and raising new stakes for Democrats in neighboring New Hampshire. Local Housing: Lawrence city commissioners postponed a decision on selling a downtown parking lot for 55+ affordable apartments. Business in NH: Analogic opened a new Salem HQ, consolidating operations and bringing about 500 jobs. Community & Culture: New Hampshire Gives kicks off, and a Smithsonian traveling exhibit (“Spark! Places of Innovation”) is set to land in Bellows Falls.

New Hampshire Gives: Gov. Kelly Ayotte kicked off the state’s annual New Hampshire Gives campaign, urging residents to support local nonprofits as the 5 p.m. Tuesday start runs through 5 p.m. Wednesday; the effort has raised about $22 million over the past decade. Child welfare scrutiny: Ayotte is also touting New Hampshire’s top child well-being ranking, but fresh allegations of abuse at the Sununu Youth Services Center are keeping the spotlight on how children are treated in state custody. Public safety and immigration: Weare and Hillsborough police departments joined ICE’s 287(g) “task force” contracts, expanding local officers’ ability to arrest and interrogate people for immigration violations. Gun policy update: State Rep. Sam Farrington says House and Senate Republicans reached agreement on legislation to enforce New Hampshire firearms preemption and protect state employees from being disarmed on the job. Community development: Partners broke ground in Portsmouth on a redevelopment of Christ Episcopal Church land that includes workforce housing, an early childhood center, and transitional housing for HAVEN. Aquaculture push: NOAA launched CIFARM, hosted by UNH, to strengthen U.S. seafood supply through aquaculture research and market partnerships.

U.S. Senate Filing Frenzy: Rep. Chris Pappas officially filed to run for New Hampshire’s open Senate seat, drawing a big crowd at the Secretary of State’s office and sidestepping direct questions about whether he’ll campaign alongside Maine Democrat Graham Platner amid allegations and controversy. Statehouse Tax & Housing Push: As the legislative session wrapped, House Republicans touted wins on taxes and housing, including the Small Business Relief Act and a bill putting property tax caps to statewide ballots. NH Gives Momentum: Gov. Kelly Ayotte kicked off NH Gives, with a record 701 nonprofits registered for the June 9-10 online giving drive as groups brace for federal funding cuts. Local Leadership & Community Life: The Village at White River Junction named Danielle Nickerson executive director, Franklin Savings Bank signed on as a legacy sponsor for the Belknap Mill Museum, and tourism leaders met with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen to discuss summer travel pressures and optimism. Energy & Infrastructure Debate: Commentary and reporting highlighted rising energy costs and the push-pull over emissions rules, grid capacity, and new power projects.

Ski Season Boost: New Hampshire logged its busiest ski season in 15 years, with 2.28 million visits in 2025-26 after a cold, snowy December-to-February. NOAA & Aquaculture: NOAA announced a new UNH-hosted institute, CIFARM, aimed at expanding aquaculture research and markets. Energy Debate: Two opinion pieces argue over offshore wind’s role in lowering power costs and the strain on local infrastructure as demand rises. Elections Clarity: The NH Secretary of State says a federal ruling restores citizenship affidavits only for voters using affidavits for proof of citizenship. Voter Confidence Talk: A Community Conversations event in Peterborough pushed back on election distrust, stressing NH voting is run with integrity. Workforce & Housing: A report finds summer hiring growth is slowing in NH, while another story highlights how data centers are fueling public backlash over electricity and local impacts. Community & Culture: Windsor VT co-valedictorians credited family and teachers; NH arts and festival coverage included Lowell Folk Festival additions and local culture picks.

Immigration Enforcement Expands in NH: Weare and Hillsboro police departments have joined ICE’s 287(g) “task force” contracts, letting local officers arrest and interrogate people for immigration warrants or suspected violations, with federal funding tied to the work. State Politics & Housing: NH House Speaker Sherman Packard says the session’s housing push—built around a dedicated housing committee—aimed to tackle the worker and affordability crunch. Education Reform Spotlight: Rahm Emanuel urged education changes and blamed both parties for the decline, while discussing NH outreach. Campaign Pressure in the U.S. Senate Race: Graham Platner drew fresh scrutiny after new reports about his past treatment of women, even as he held a supportive Portland town hall ahead of the Democratic primary. Energy Costs Hit Households: AAA reports gas prices are up across New England, including New Hampshire, adding pressure to already strained budgets. Local Economy & Industry: Ski New Hampshire says the 2025/26 season delivered 2.28 million skier/snowboard visits and strong tubing numbers.