AGP Executive Report

Veto Day Watch: Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s record veto streak is setting up a busy Aug. 19 Veto Day, with the House taking up 22 bills and the Senate 9—spanning issues from marijuana and student questioning to farmers’ and animal-rights turf fights, plus a veto tied to the state’s transportation plan. Local Outdoors: A Pennsylvania hiker was airlifted from Mount Monadnock after a medical emergency near the White Dot/White Cross junction, with NH Fish and Game and the Army National Guard responding. Community & Culture: Hinsdale opened a new storybook-themed river walk at the Hinsdale Historical Society, pairing children’s literature with real wildlife sights along the Connecticut River. Housing Progress: Lebanon’s Planning Board heard plans for “The Muse,” an 80-unit affordable housing complex expected to start construction within six months. Democrats’ 2028 Calendar: The DNC approved a new primary lineup putting South Carolina first, with New Hampshire scheduled for Feb. 8—shifting early influence toward Black, Latino and union voters.

Democratic Primary Shakeup: The DNC approved a new 2028 presidential primary calendar that puts South Carolina first (Jan. 22) and Nevada second (Feb. 1), with New Hampshire moving to Feb. 8 and Iowa pushed out of the early lineup—prompting pushback from NH Democrats who say Granite Staters will lose a meaningful voice. Food Insecurity in NH: A Feeding America report finds food insecurity is rising in New Hampshire, with child food insecurity up to 38,430 kids (about 6% higher than last year), underscoring pressure on SNAP and other safety-net programs. Affordable Housing Progress: After years of false starts, Lebanon’s “The Muse” affordable housing project is moving forward, aiming to start construction on an 80-unit complex for households earning 30% to 80% of area median income. Clean Energy Research: Engineers are testing stimulated geologic hydrogen, a method that could generate hydrogen by fracturing rock and injecting water—an approach that’s drawing ARPA-E interest. NH Politics & Courts: A federal judge is reportedly fuming over a “smoking-gun” email tied to Trump’s Colorado fight, as legal teams press for records.

Democratic Presidential Calendar: The DNC approved a 2028 primary lineup that puts South Carolina first (Jan. 22), Nevada second (Feb. 1), and New Hampshire next (Feb. 8), while removing Iowa from the early window—prompting pushback from NH and Iowa officials and highlighting the party’s push to court Black and Latino voters and union members early. Food Insecurity in NH: A Feeding America study says child food insecurity in New Hampshire rose to 38,430 in 2026 (up from 36,160 in 2025), with overall food insecurity at 11.2%—and estimates $115.1 million needed to meet food needs. Birthright Citizenship Fight: Coverage continues on Trump’s renewed efforts after a Supreme Court ruling upholding birthright citizenship, with legal challenges and new executive actions in the spotlight. Medicare Advantage Shrinking: KFF research flags New Hampshire among states where Medicare Advantage plan terminations are hitting seniors hard. Local Outdoors & Community: The Society for the Protection of NH Forests and UNH Cooperative Extension host a timber harvest tour on Mount Monadnock Aug. 19. Food Safety: Reports track the expanding cyclospora and jalapeño-related recall fallout affecting regional shoppers.

Public Health: The USDA is dropping 1.1 million oral rabies vaccine baits over Vermont, New Hampshire and New York to curb rabies spread in wildlife, as NH and VT report ongoing cases in raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Food Safety: The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce keeps widening, with the CDC reporting thousands of lab-confirmed cases nationwide and New Hampshire among the affected states as FDA continues its Mexico investigation of the suspected processing source. Housing & Development: A Utah-based developer is seeking approval for a nearly 200-unit manufactured home park in Kennebunk, raising questions about environmental impacts, road access and affordability. Local Culture & Community: The New Hampshire Boat Museum’s Junior Skippers program returns for kids to build and race foam boats at its “rain gutter” event, and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s Barn Bash raised more than $165,000 for its education programs. Politics & Elections: A federal court fight over New Hampshire’s student ID voter rules is back in the spotlight, while national Democrats set an early 2028 primary calendar that includes New Hampshire.

Food Safety & Public Health: The FDA and CDC have begun onsite inspections and sampling at Taylor Farms de Mexico in Guanajuato as the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce keeps widening, with 13,895 lab-confirmed cases reported across 47 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, and new additions including New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Local Environment & Accountability: Old Dutch Mustard Co. agreed to a comprehensive water pollution compliance program in a Clean Water Act settlement after its president was sentenced for knowingly contaminating the Souhegan River tributary near the company’s Greenville facility. Politics & Courts: A federal magistrate recommended overturning New Hampshire’s ballot ban on libertarian-minded Aaron Day, arguing he should not be barred from the Nov. 3 general election. Education & Choice: New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Accounts enrollment rose 25% to 12,500 students, with 943 more on the waitlist, as the program expands payments that can be used for private school or homeschooling. Community & Culture: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center’s Nature for Everyone Barn Bash raised more than $165,000 for its education programs, and Alton’s Historical Society is hosting a lecture on the endangered timber rattlesnake.

Solar & Consumer Choice: A new NH law starting in 2027 lets homeowners use “balcony” plug-in solar panels, but experts warn it’s not truly plug-and-play and buyers need to vet safety and listings. Elections & Voting Rights: A Concord-based activist coalition sued to block NH’s ban on using student IDs to get a ballot, arguing it unlawfully burdens the right to vote. Courts & Public Safety: A federal judge is set to rule on a lawsuit challenging NH’s anti-loitering/anti-prowling law after an ACLU case on police discretion and standing. Housing & Growth: Seacoast Landing in Newington is moving toward a Costco approval; on the Seacoast, Somersworth celebrated completion of The Overlook apartments, and Rochester broke ground on Cedar Landing at the Ridge, a major mixed-use expansion. Environment & Health: The FDA says the cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce now affects 17 states, including NH, as recalls and investigations continue. Local Business: Old Dutch Mustard reached an agreement to address alleged Clean Water Act violations at its Greenville factory.

Regional Wastewater Oversight: Meredith’s selectboard backed a shift from the state-run Winnipesaukee River Basin Program to a regional wastewater authority, after local officials cited management problems at NH DES and about $1 million in “wasteful spending.” Clean Water Accountability: Old Dutch Mustard agreed to a consent decree and will add real-time stream monitoring and stricter discharge investigations after a federal case tied the company to Clean Water Act violations affecting the Souhegan River. Birthright Citizenship Fight in Court: The ACLU and other groups asked a New Hampshire federal judge to block Trump’s new birthright citizenship order, arguing it can’t override the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. Student Voting ID Lawsuit: A federal lawsuit challenges NH’s ban on using student IDs to vote, saying the rule burdens young voters and was improperly extended by the secretary of state. Housing Transparency Pressure: Granite State leaders demanded transparency from Kelly Ayotte about Blackstone investments amid worsening housing costs. Local Immigration Reality Check: Keene Mayor Jay Kahn said ICE activity happened without advance details to the city, highlighting limited local control over federal enforcement. Community & Culture: Keene will unveil a Black Heritage Trail marker honoring pioneering physician Dr. Albert C. Johnston, and the Inn at Hancock reopened after a major renovation.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its jalapeño-linked salmonella recall, pulling salsa and other jalapeño products sold at Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s and more, including items distributed in New Hampshire; the CDC says hundreds were sickened across dozens of states. Critical Infrastructure: Salem is using a $30,000 state grant to upgrade water-system cybersecurity after an audit flagged ongoing risks. Defense & Tech: ePropelled secured $60 million in U.S. government funding to expand drone propulsion manufacturing in Laconia, boosting capacity and adding production and testing for uncrewed aircraft components. Health Insurance Accountability: New Hampshire regulators fined Anthem $520,000 over “hundreds of violations,” including problems with provider credentialing, directory accuracy, and mental health parity—issues that can affect whether patients get in-network care. Courts & Citizenship: Civil rights groups asked a New Hampshire federal court to block Trump’s latest birthright citizenship executive order, arguing it conflicts with the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling. Politics: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced she’ll step down at month’s end, setting up speculation about who replaces her. Local Outdoors & Community: Londonderry’s free Blues Festival on Aug. 26 will benefit veterans groups, and Hampton’s whale-watching season continues to draw visitors from the seacoast.

UNH Oversight: With enrollment down and costs up, a bipartisan group of New Hampshire senators is asking for an independent performance audit of the University System of New Hampshire, including staffing and proposed UNH administrative consolidation. Voter Access Fight: A federal lawsuit targets New Hampshire’s ban on using student IDs to register and vote, arguing it discriminates against young voters and that the secretary of state went beyond the law. Healthcare Tech Skepticism: Rural patients and providers are wary of government and company pushes to use AI in healthcare, with concerns about whether it improves outcomes. Public Health: A major jalapeño recall tied to Salmonella has expanded to hundreds of illnesses, with products sold at major retailers including Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Target, and Hannaford. White House Shake-Up: Karoline Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, is stepping down as White House press secretary at month’s end, with attention turning to who could replace her. Local Economy: Roy’s Market in Peterborough is set to expand, with plans reviewed by the planning board.

Birthright citizenship fight: Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, asked a New Hampshire federal court to clarify that President Trump’s latest executive order can’t override the Supreme Court’s ruling protecting citizenship for babies born in the U.S. Voter access in the Granite State: An op-ed argues New Hampshire’s rules make it unusually hard for young adults to register, pointing to low registration rates and barriers like in-person signups and document access. Public health: NH doctors say measles risk is real as vaccine hesitancy rises, even though there are no reported cases in the state. Local government transparency: Laconia city leaders and volunteers got Right-to-Know training after complaints about improper public records communications. Tech and misinformation: A guide explains how to spot AI-generated video before sharing. Space for the community: A library added a telescope to its “Library of Things” collection. Energy and growth: A report warns Texas’s data-center grid pause could delay a big chunk of U.S. data center projects. Elections fact-checking: PolitiFact announced a nationwide partnership network, including NH coverage with WMUR for the open Shaheen Senate seat.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: ACLU and other civil rights groups are back in federal court in New Hampshire asking a judge to block Trump’s latest executive order aimed at narrowing birthright citizenship after the Supreme Court’s June ruling. Food Safety in NH: Hannaford is warning customers not to eat certain recalled wraps and burritos tied to a broader salmonella alert involving jalapeno products. Women’s Health Access: A New Hampshire study highlights growing “maternity deserts,” with rural women facing provider shortages and confusing insurance coverage, prompting calls for stronger oversight and clearer cost information. Cybersecurity for Retirees: NH Retirement System launched “Digital Sunscreen,” a summer series with practical tips to spot scams and protect retirement accounts. NH’s Economy & Daily Life: Feeding America reports childhood food insecurity rose again in New Hampshire, reaching 15.5% in 2024. Politics & Voting: A New Hampshire lawmaker story flags a voter ID “about-face” tied to a stock-trading bill, underscoring how election rules keep colliding with campaign politics.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall into more prepared foods sold nationwide, including New Hampshire stores, with “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 16—consumers are urged to check fridges and freezers. Public Health & Supply Chains: Sysco says it has stopped buying iceberg lettuce from Mexico amid the cyclosporiasis outbreak, a move that could further disrupt leafy-greens sourcing tied to the investigation. State Policy & Costs: A new New Hampshire property tax “Taxpayer Protection Act” would put local property tax limits on 2026 and 2028 ballots, shaping the next round of tax fights. Healthcare Access: Feeding America reports child food insecurity in New Hampshire rose more than 6% from 2023 to 2024, reaching about 1 in 6 children. Local Politics: New Hampshire’s opioid lobbying past stays in the spotlight as a gubernatorial candidate tries to reset the race. Community & Culture: Gov. Kelly Ayotte visited the Manchester Bookmobile, a summer partnership that gets kids books to take home. Business & Manufacturing: ePropelled plans a $60M-backed expansion to boost U.S.-made electric propulsion capacity for drones and defense uses. Elections Watch: Vermont and other states hold primaries Tuesday, with key Democratic contests shaping November matchups.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled 20 jalapeño products tied to a Salmonella outbreak, with items sold at major retailers including Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Kroger across 26 states—New Hampshire included—after jalapeños from Mexico were linked to hundreds of illnesses; Public Health & Policy: The EPA signaled preliminary support for ending New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection and emissions testing program, a move that could align federal air-quality requirements with state law; Courts & Governance: NH Supreme Court coverage turns unusual as ethics charges hit former Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi while Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald remains out on medical leave, leaving court operations and next steps in question; Elections & Federal Oversight: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen pressed the Trump administration over plans to deploy election monitors in New Hampshire, warning against partisan interference with voting administration; Corrections & Local Land Use: The state is exploring a land swap with Concord to secure a site for a new men’s prison; Business/Community: Bangor Savings Bank named Yolanda “Lannie” Moffatt as its next president and CEO, and ReVision Energy earned top solar installer rankings in Maine and New Hampshire.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products over possible Salmonella contamination, including items sold in New Hampshire at Hannaford and other major retailers; the “best if used by” dates run through mid-August and the company says it’s no longer sourcing from a Mexico farm identified as a potential source. Local Housing: Strafford County commissioners are exploring using county-owned land in Dover to pursue affordable housing, with a private or nonprofit partner and delegation approval still needed. Workforce & Economy: New Hampshire’s unemployment insurance claims data point to a rising jobless rate for the third straight month. Elections & Voting: Ahead of 2026 contests, a guide lays out how to register in New Hampshire, what documents to bring, and key rules for new voters. Community & Culture: Rochester’s Harvest Market returns with local vendors and farm demos, including Nerdy Turnip Farm. State Policy Watch: Executive Councilors defended rejecting a childcare quality contract in favor of a workforce grant, citing new information about funding limits.

Food Safety: The Taylor Farms lettuce recall is back in the spotlight with an FDA report detailing 236,192 cases tied to “Potential Cyclospora contamination,” including major retailers like Walmart’s Marketside and chains such as Subway and Taco Bell. Public Health: A separate USDA FSIS alert flags meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella, with New Hampshire included among affected states. Local Government: New Hampshire’s Executive Council gets a closer look, with reporting on how the five-member body can approve or reject major state contracts and federal money. State Parks: Ragnar’s “Reach the Beach” relay in September was denied a New Hampshire State Parks permit after unpaid bills from last year. Municipal Leadership: In Canaan, Police Chief Ryan Porter begins a transition toward becoming town administrator, starting a two-year training period. Business/Industry: Algonquin Power plans to move its headquarters to Chicago as part of a U.S. redomiciliation plan. Politics/National: AOC says she hasn’t ruled out a 2028 presidential run, while Democrats weigh a new primary calendar that would replace early NH and Iowa with South Carolina and Nevada.

Food Safety: A new FDA report adds detail to the July Taylor Farms lettuce recall, listing “potential Cyclospora contamination” and naming brands and retailers tied to the outbreak, including Walmart’s Marketside and Subway, plus distributors like Sysco. Public Health: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak has surged to 15 states, with more than 25,000 confirmed/probable cases and hundreds hospitalized, as officials urge people to watch for prolonged watery diarrhea. State Government: New Hampshire’s Executive Council is getting attention for how its low-profile votes can block or approve major contracts and federal funding. Local Governance: In Canaan, Police Chief Ryan Porter has started training to become the town administrator, beginning a transition after prior administrators resigned. Community & Safety: NH State Parks denied a permit for the Reach the Beach relay over unpaid bills, putting the Sept. 18 event in doubt. Weather: A severe thunderstorm warning hit parts of New Hampshire with forecasts of damaging wind gusts and hail. Tech & Services: Verizon acknowledged a nationwide voice-service outage that included reports from New Hampshire. Law & Order: A fired USDA employee in Concord faces federal charges for allegedly sending threatening emails to an investigator.