AGP Executive Report

Food Safety & Health: The CDC says the Taco Bell/Taylor Farms cyclospora outbreak now totals 6,358 cases and has expanded to include New Hampshire, with officials noting new counts may reflect infections from before lettuce was removed. State Environment: The EPA has taken initial steps toward approving New Hampshire’s plan to end the vehicle inspection/emissions program, starting a public comment period even as lawsuits seek to reinstate inspections. Local Government: Residents in a New Durham village district say they weren’t adequately updated during a boil-water order, highlighting how small local governance can struggle with communication. Politics: A progressive Democrat’s Michigan primary win is fueling GOP attacks in New Hampshire’s Senate race, as candidates frame it as a “socialist surge.” Economy & Tourism: Canadian tourism is slowly rebounding in New Hampshire after a tough 2025, with the Canada-driven decline narrowing to about 5%. Public Policy: NH’s attorney general joined a push for Congress to expand states’ ability to investigate Medicaid fraud. Community & Business: Anna’s Taqueria is opening its first New Hampshire location in Concord.

Food Safety: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina; officials link the tainted lettuce to Taylor Farms and note cases and hospitalizations continue to climb. Energy Policy: A new New Hampshire report argues the state is unlikely to leave the regional electric grid, saying staying put is cheaper and urging reforms within ISO-NE and related oversight instead. Housing & Zoning: Kingston’s attempt to comply with a new “mixed use” housing law ran into a fast policy reversal—housing in commercial zones is now allowed “by right,” undercutting earlier local density and permit requirements. Local Government: Plymouth has hired a new town manager, Corey Davenport, who comes from New Hampton and starts Oct. 6. Politics: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is backing Maura Sullivan in NH’s 1st District Democratic primary as part of her first national endorsements slate. Veterans: Easterseals NH broke ground on Phase II of its Military & Veterans Campus in Franklin, adding new empowerment and equine recreation facilities.

Food Safety: The CDC says cyclospora linked to iceberg lettuce has now reached 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina; investigators are focused on Taylor Farms lettuce after earlier confusion over a false positive. Energy & Security: A New Hampshire refinery, Phoenix Tailings, is ramping up to cut reliance on China for critical minerals used in U.S. weapons, backed by a $500 million Pentagon loan. State Politics: New Hampshire lawmakers set Aug. 19 Veto Day to take up 31 of Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s 33 vetoes, including renewed “bathroom bills” and school-related measures. Healthcare Policy: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills announced a $400 million multi-state settlement in principle with Sandoz over a generic drug price-fixing conspiracy. Education: NH is seeking parents and community leaders to help shape multilingual education through a statewide English learner advisory committee. Community & Culture: Starr King Fellowship hosts Bob Cottrell on New Hampshire’s state dog, the Chinook; Squam Lakes Natural Science Center held its inaugural butterfly count; and Seth Meyers returns for a third benefit performance for CASA of New Hampshire and the Granite State Children’s Alliance.

Venezuela Election Push: U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Sen. Ted Cruz backed a bipartisan resolution urging free elections in Venezuela and accountability for officials who harm candidates, as talks move forward without top opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: NH Attorney General John Formally Jackley joined a coalition urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, expanding states’ ability to investigate and prosecute beneficiary fraud. Drug Pricing Antitrust: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition; NH is among the states tied to the broader enforcement push. Electricity Grid Reality Check: A new NH-focused analysis argues the state is unlikely to go it alone on ISO-NE and should instead pursue regulatory changes within the regional system. Cyclospora Update: The outbreak tied to food contamination now involves 15 states, including New Hampshire, with health officials reporting thousands of cases. Local Life & Health: Speare Memorial Hospital earned top honors in a Best of the Lakes Region competition, and Winnipesaukee Wellness Center received a grant to expand exercise and wellness programming.

Venezuela Elections Push: Sen. Rick Scott?—no, it’s Sen. Ted Cruz and NH’s Jeanne Shaheen leading a bipartisan push for free, fair elections in Venezuela, calling for release of political prisoners and consequences for officials who block candidates. Healthcare & Access: A new NH Insurance Department study finds women face provider shortages, affordability worries, and confusion about coverage when trying to get appropriate care. Medicaid Fraud: NH Attorney General Tim Griffin joined a coalition urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, expanding Medicaid Fraud Control Units to pursue beneficiary and recipient fraud. Privacy Cooperation: Vermont joined a multistate privacy regulators consortium, including NH, to enforce newer state data privacy laws. Local Governance & Public Safety: Loudon’s police chief floated exploring an ICE contract, while a federal lawsuit challenges NH’s loitering enforcement against people experiencing homelessness. Community & Culture: Speare Memorial Hospital won gold as Best Hospital in the Lakes Region; Winnipesaukee Wellness Center received a grant; and Meredith Public Library hosts Ana Hebra Flaster Aug. 6.

Election Integrity & Federal Oversight: New Hampshire election officials say they’re unfazed by the Trump DOJ’s plan to send monitors to September primaries in Manchester and Nashua, calling it routine and aimed at helping voters with disabilities and language barriers. Early Education: A WalletHub study ranks New Hampshire 48th for early education, citing weak access, quality, and resources for pre-K and Head Start. Disability Rights: A new DOJ legal opinion questions whether federal disability protections require states to keep people with disabilities at home, setting up a likely legal fight with advocates warning of a return to institutionalization. Healthcare Fraud Enforcement: Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway joins other AGs urging Congress to pass a bill expanding states’ power to investigate and prosecute Medicaid fraud beyond provider misconduct. Drugs Settlement Watch: New Hampshire is among states reaching a possible $400 million settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition, pending judge approval. Education Policy in Practice: Manchester’s “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban is getting early validation from a state survey showing most teachers report rare or no classroom cellphone use. Business & Economy: Portsmouth-based Albany International reports Q2 results and forecasts steady earnings and revenue for the next quarter. Defense Supply Chain: A New Hampshire critical-minerals refinery, Phoenix Tailings, is positioned to help reduce reliance on China, but expansion timelines could stretch 14–18 months. Local Culture & Community: A ConVal teacher mentorship initiative is getting grant support, and the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center marks its 60th anniversary with local sponsorship backing.

Public Safety & Community Education: The Lake Winnipesaukee Museum will host NH State Police Bomb Squad Trooper Neil Chapdelaine for a free Aug. 5 session on spotting dangerous explosive objects—especially relevant for anyone with inherited military memorabilia. Local Governance & Civic Pride: The Lakes Region Planning Commission honored volunteers at its annual meeting, spotlighting community-driven planning and environmental stewardship. State House Watch: NH Senate clerk Tammy Wright retired after decades running Senate process, marking a major transition in Concord. Health & Consumer Protection: Attorney General Marty Jackley backed federal action to expand states’ ability to pursue Medicaid fraud, urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act. Economy & Jobs: GKN Aerospace is expanding its North Charlestown facility to boost production of aero-engine components, adding skilled manufacturing work. Business & Growth: CDFA awarded $5.54M in tax credits to nonprofits statewide, including Lakes Region groups focused on housing, child care, and downtown revitalization. Manufacturing Update: Pitco scrapped its planned Concord factory expansion and will instead focus on improving existing sites. Politics & Polling: A UNH survey says Trump’s approval in New Hampshire hit a new low, with Kelly Ayotte tied to the slide. Arts & Culture: Barnstormers Theatre brings Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” to Tamworth Aug. 6-15.

Critical Minerals & Defense Supply Chain: AP reports Phoenix Tailings’ Exeter, N.H. refinery could help the U.S. process “mines-to-magnets” critical minerals away from China, with a Pentagon-backed $500 million expansion still months away. Energy & Affordability Politics: Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s landfill-siting push is now law via a new evaluation committee, while Democratic challenger Cinde Warmington doubles down on opposing “all-of-the-above” natural gas plans despite affordability pressure. Housing Policy: New Hampshire’s new no-fault eviction law is now in effect, raising alarms for renters as assessments roll out and tax bills loom. Education & Community Input: NH is seeking parents and community leaders for a statewide English learner advisory committee, with an application deadline of Sept. 1. Local Business & Jobs: BAE Systems’ Nashua engineering hub earned a top Northeast ranking, and a Manchester-area medical cannabis milestone marks 10 years of the state program. Tech & Elections: A national debate over deepfakes and election misinformation continues, with New Hampshire’s past robocall incident still shaping the conversation. Weather Watch: NOAA’s “super El Niño” outlook flags New Hampshire for a snowier winter.

Local Culture & Economy: New Hampshire moviegoers are getting a real summer boost as local theaters ride a record-breaking national box office, with major releases like “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” driving big ticket sales and helping theaters rebound from the pandemic slump. Housing & Taxes (Concord): New Concord home assessments are sparking sticker shock, with residents seeing major value jumps and questions about what that means for upcoming property tax bills—answers are still weeks away. Public Safety & Privacy: A Rhode Island report highlights how license plate readers are expanding faster than state rules, raising concerns about data retention and who can search it. Medical Cannabis: New Hampshire marked 10 years of its medical marijuana program, with dispensary leaders saying the program is serving about 18,000 patients and continues to grow. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: New Hampshire conservation districts announced nearly $397,000 in 2026 Climate Resilience Grant awards to 49 farms statewide, targeting drought-proofing, soil health, and energy improvements. Politics (Presidential Primary): Democrats moved to reshape the 2028 primary calendar, with New Hampshire expected to remain an early state after South Carolina leads off.

Housing Policy: Massachusetts is advancing a plan that would let duplexes be built by-right across most residential zones, a move housing advocates say could unlock “thousands” of new homes and ease pressure felt on places like Cape Cod. Public Safety & Privacy: Rhode Island is adding 39 automatic license plate readers under a federal grant, joining a fast-growing camera network with little state law guidance on retention and searches. Election Rules: A federal judge rejected the U.S. Justice Department’s push to force Illinois to hand over voter-roll data, saying the federal government lacks authority to demand it. NH Agriculture & Resilience: New Hampshire conservation districts announced 2026 Climate Resilience Grant awards totaling more than $396,773 for 49 farms statewide, including projects aimed at drought-proof irrigation and soil-health improvements. Community & Culture: Orford, N.H., is looking back on a decades-old community celebration tied to a record-setting dairy cow, Maxima, and the local pride it sparked. Local Life: A Concord summer basketball league story highlights efforts to rebuild momentum for city teams as they chase progress toward winter NHIAA competition.

Election Law: A federal judge in Illinois dismissed DOJ’s bid to force the state to hand over sensitive voter-roll data, saying the federal government lacks authority to compel the release. 2028 Primary Calendar: The DNC chose South Carolina to lead the 2028 presidential nominating schedule, with Nevada next and New Hampshire among the early states—reshaping how much influence Granite State voters will have before Super Tuesday. Energy & EVs: Massachusetts is looking to expand its EV “virtual power plant” program so more drivers could participate in sending power from home EV batteries back to the grid, with New Hampshire included in the ConnectedSolutions effort. Local Agriculture: New Hampshire conservation districts announced 2026 Climate Resilience Grant awards totaling about $396,773 for 49 farms statewide, targeting drought-proof irrigation, soil health, and energy improvements. Public Safety & Fraud: Concord police highlighted rising skimmer and scam activity after a case involving cloned debit cards found in a Hannaford parking lot. Business/Rankings: U.S. News ranked New Hampshire No. 6 overall for 2026, topping the state list for crime and corrections and scoring well on natural environment and opportunity.

Best States Buzz: U.S. News ranked New Hampshire No. 6 overall in its 2026 “Best States” report, with standout scores for crime and corrections (No. 1) and natural environment (No. 3), while lagging on economy (No. 32) and fiscal stability (No. 36). Fraud Watch: Concord police described a skimming scheme involving cloned debit cards and cash withdrawals, part of a broader statewide rise in scams and fraud. AI Roots in NH: A Dartmouth series looks back at early “AI before AI,” including how a Rockefeller Foundation workshop request was rejected in 1955—an early chapter in the field’s growth. Governor Politics: Democrat Cinde Warmington says Gov. Kelly Ayotte is “vulnerable” and argues she can win this fall, pointing to low approval numbers and pushing back on past work tied to opioid litigation. Community & Culture: Nashua’s Saint Philip Greek Orthodox Church plans a Rise Against Hunger meal-pack event in October, and Kevin Nealon headlines local comedy stops including Portsmouth.

Landfill Fight in the North Country: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed HB 707, tightening New Hampshire’s landfill-siting rules by creating a seven-member solid waste evaluation committee and putting a moratorium on expanding landfill capacity until at least July 1, 2027. Gubernatorial Politics: Democrat Cinde Warmington ramped up her case that she can beat Gov. Kelly Ayotte, pointing to low approval numbers and attacking Ayotte’s criticism over Warmington’s past legal work tied to opioid manufacturers. Energy & Industry: Eversource took another major financial hit tied to offshore wind delays, citing Trump-era stop-work orders affecting the Revolution Wind project. Defense & Local Business: A Manchester tech firm, Vibrac Precision Test Systems, says Patriot missile demand could drive more than $100 million in orders over four years, with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen at a Farnborough roundtable. Public Health: CDC data show babesiosis cases rising to 3,586 in 2023, with New Hampshire listed among the affected states as tick season peaks. Community & Culture: Portsmouth’s “Honor Summit” plans Mount Washington LED light beams to commemorate 9/11 and honor veterans, firefighters, and first responders.

Landfill Fight in Dalton: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a new landfill siting law creating a Solid Waste Site Evaluation Committee and expanding what the state must weigh beyond traditional environmental review, after a judge rejected Casella Waste Systems’ challenge over a proposed landfill near Forest Lake State Park. Election Rules Clash: The DNC voted to move the 2028 first Democratic presidential primary to South Carolina, putting it at odds with New Hampshire’s “first-in-the-nation” state law and raising fresh legal and political pressure on the secretary of state. Healthcare Access & AI Skepticism: A national report highlights rural patients’ wariness of AI “solutions” for care access, while New Hampshire’s own mental-health coverage points to structured options like partial hospitalization programs. Housing Reality Check: LendingTree analysis finds New Hampshire has a high home vacancy rate driven largely by seasonal properties, leaving fewer year-round options. Local Government: Wilton swore in John Frechette as police chief and discussed a federal grant for a mobile integrated health program. Business & Community: A new Great Greek Mediterranean Grill opened in Epping; Aldi is exploring additional New Hampshire store sites. Courts: Rochester’s new circuit courthouse is nearing completion with an expected fall 2026 opening. Energy Politics: A political attack alleges the Trump administration canceled NH clean-energy grant funding tied to voting.

Landfill Fight in the North Country: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a new law creating a Solid Waste Site Evaluation Committee, giving local communities more say and requiring broader factors like truck traffic, business impacts, and property values as New Hampshire moves to rewrite how major landfill sites get approved. Maternal Care & Formula Oversight: U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas pushed “Baby Brent’s Bill” to force tougher FTC action on how preterm infant formula is marketed, citing links to necrotizing enterocolitis risk for premature babies. Medicaid Home Nursing Restored: New Hampshire’s Medicaid Managed Care Organizations backed away from cuts to medically complex children’s home nursing hours after parent pressure, with DHHS reviewing 13 cases. Healthcare Spotlight: New Hampshire again topped WalletHub’s 2026 “Best & Worst States for Healthcare,” citing low premiums and low uninsured rates. Public Safety & Opportunity: A new U.S. News “Best States” ranking put New Hampshire sixth overall, with top marks for public safety and economic opportunity. Child Advocate Report Delayed: The state’s child advocate’s final report on alleged abuse at the Sununu Youth Services Center could take weeks or months to release. Cybersecurity: CareCloud began notifying hundreds of thousands after hackers stole medical records, with the breach tied to access of an electronic health record data store in March. Business & Growth: Cedar Landing at the Ridge, a $400 million mixed-use project in Rochester, unveiled its name and plans for housing, retail, entertainment, and healthcare.

Sununu Center Oversight: New Hampshire’s child advocate says the final report on potential abuse and neglect at the Sununu Youth Services Center could take weeks—or months—to land, as leadership transitions raise questions about how fast findings will be released. Public Safety & Community: Francestown residents toured the rebuilding of the historic Levi Woodbury estate after a January fire, with neighbors getting a close look at progress and timelines. Federal Health Fight: Dr. Anthony Fauci again invoked the Fifth Amendment in a contentious Senate COVID hearing, refusing to answer dozens of questions as Republicans push for contempt. State Policy Watch: New Hampshire’s mixed-use housing law faces its first real test, with municipalities and housing advocates grappling over how to make it work on the ground. Local Business & Jobs: NHTrust hired Christina Bradbury as senior vice president and senior wealth advisor in Concord. Arts Spotlight: Homer’s top artists were honored at the Homer Council on the Arts awards, including a lifetime achievement recognition for Dave Webster. Tech & Rules: Attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls.