AGP Executive Report

Obamacare Refunds: The Trump administration says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 checks after Biden-era “user fees” allegedly inflated premiums for the federal exchange; payments are expected to start in October. NH Politics: A new InDepthNH.org look at Tuesday’s primaries says Democrats outvoted Republicans in New Hampshire by more than 40,000, a sign of momentum heading into November. US Senate Race: In the early sprint of the Sununu vs. Pappas contest, both sides sharpen attacks—Pappas ties Sununu to corporate interests and Trump’s agenda, while Sununu leans on his private-sector record. Election Rules Fight: Republican election officials urged the Supreme Court not to let Trump’s mail-ballot changes take effect before the midterms, warning of confusion and delays. Utilities & Internet: Goodlander secured a spot in a PUC hearing over Liberty Utilities rate hikes, while Fidium Fiber outages hit parts of New England, including NH, before service was restored. 9/11 Remembered in NH: Multiple local stories mark the 25th anniversary, from NH airport-security evolution to memorial naming of athletic fields and personal accounts from survivors and families.

U.S. Senate showdown set in New Hampshire: Former Sen. John E. Sununu and Rep. Chris Pappas both won their primaries, setting up a high-stakes fall race that could shape Senate control. Healthcare and cost relief: The federal government says it will send $500 Obamacare refunds to nearly a million Americans in states using the federal exchange, including New Hampshire. Planned Parenthood targets Executive Council races: The Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund is backing Democratic candidates seeking to flip the GOP-controlled Executive Council, where contracts tied to healthcare have been repeatedly rejected. Climate resilience push: NH Healthy Climate members say they tried to meet Gov. Ayotte about statewide adaptation planning but were left waiting. Local 9/11 remembrance: Two “towers of light” will shine over Mount Washington nightly through Saturday for the 25th anniversary. Business and jobs: Dig Energy says it completed its first commercial geothermal drilling project in partnership with Suffolk Construction. Education: National Merit officials named more than 16,000 semifinalists, including students from the NH Seacoast and southern Maine.

Local Arts & Culture: Wolfeboro’s Friends of Music kicks off its 91st season with Grammy-winning violinist Mads Tolling & the Mads Men. Community Screenings: Plymouth’s Pease Public Library hosts a community screening of “Saving Walden’s World” on Oct. 26, tying sustainability stories to New Hampshire roots. Public Art: Lawrence artist Mona Cliff’s native-plants mural won city board support for the Midco building downtown, designed to echo the nearby prairie and river. Civic Education: Tilton’s Conservation Commission is running a free land-conservation forum Sept. 14, and Plymouth Historical Society’s “Portraits of a Revolution” program returns Sept. 16. Democratic Party Math: After NH primaries, party leaders point to vote totals they say show a leftward shift among Democrats. Election Aftermath: NH Democrats held a post-primary breakfast in Manchester as the general-election fight lines up. National Politics: Republicans launch their first-ever midterm convention in Dallas as Trump leans into the spotlight, while 9/11 commemorations continue nationwide.

NH Senate set for November rematch: New Hampshire voters picked former Sen. John E. Sununu (R) and Rep. Chris Pappas (D) to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, setting up a high-stakes, potentially close open-seat fight for control of the U.S. Senate. Democrats’ House and GOP primary wins: In the 1st District House race, Stefany Shaheen won the Democratic nomination, while Republicans chose Anthony DiLorenzo; in the 2nd District, Maggie Goodlander will face Lily Tang Williams. Governor primary outcome: Gov. Kelly Ayotte won the GOP nomination and will face Democrat Cinde Warmington in November. Local politics beyond Congress: Portsmouth housing policy is back in focus as the city’s draft Housing Action Plan heads to public review and committee meetings. Community and culture: Dover will unveil its permanent 9/11 memorial on Sept. 11, and Patrick Branstetter’s restoration of Grace Coolidge’s piano is set to be showcased. Business notes: VIVE Collision expanded in the Upper Valley with its acquisition of Jasmin Auto Body.

U.S. Senate: New Hampshire’s open-seat showdown is set: John E. Sununu won the GOP primary and will face Chris Pappas, who beat Karishma Manzur for the Democratic nod—both races now tee up a November contest that could swing control of the Senate. Governor: Kelly Ayotte cruised to the Republican nomination and will face Cinde Warmington, who ran unopposed for Democrats. 1st District Congress: Anthony DiLorenzo—backed by Donald Trump—won the GOP primary for the open House seat, setting up a general-election fight after Pappas leaves the district for the Senate bid. Party reaction: The NH Democratic Party hit Sununu as a “pro-Trump puppet,” while Republicans framed the matchup around affordability and cost-of-living. Public safety: In Bow, police raided a spa tied to an ongoing statewide crackdown on suspected human trafficking and prostitution. Trade ripple: A broader U.S.-Canada trade escalation includes new U.S. bans on Canadian dairy, most alcohol, and some motorcycles, with effects likely to be felt in the region.

New Hampshire Primaries (Sept. 8): Voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose nominees for an open U.S. Senate seat after Sen. Jeanne Shaheen retires, plus races for governor, both House seats, and state legislative posts. The Senate spotlight is on Chris Pappas vs. Karishma Manzur in the Democratic primary, with Pappas still favored but his lead narrowing in recent polling. On the GOP side, John E. Sununu is positioned as the frontrunner in the nomination fight to face the winner in November. National Stakes: Multiple forecasts and national coverage frame NH as a key test for whether Democrats can flip the Senate, with control now described as a tighter, more competitive fight than earlier in the year. Local Watch: In Berlin, the planning board approved converting the former Northland Dairy Bar into a Revo Casino and Social House, bringing dining and entertainment back to a long-vacant site. Community Notes: A hiker was rescued on Mount Monadnock, and Ipswich schools announced staffing changes in the music department.

Democratic Senate primary: With Sen. Jeanne Shaheen retiring, New Hampshire voters head to the Sept. 8 primary Tuesday to choose a nominee to replace her, and the Democratic contest is getting sharper: Rep. Chris Pappas holds a lead over Exeter scientist Karishma Manzur, but a UNH poll shows Manzur closing and progressives betting on a late surge. GOP Senate primary: On the Republican side, former Sen. John Sununu faces a crowded field that includes former Sen. Scott Brown, with national attention focused on whether Sununu can keep the seat in GOP hands. Outside money: Elon Musk’s America PAC has disclosed more than $91,000 in New Hampshire spending aimed at boosting Sununu. Labor Day politics: The NH AFL-CIO Labor Day Breakfast put affordability and anti-billionaire themes front and center ahead of voting. Voter logistics: Coverage also focused on what to expect at the polls Tuesday, including ID rules and how undeclared voters can choose a ballot. Housing data: A new snapshot of Coos County public housing shows 55 units in 2025, with households paying about $414 a month on average. Local culture: The Exeter UFO Festival returns as a Labor Day weekend staple, blending local fundraising with the state’s famous UFO lore.

NH Primary Preview: The AP lays out what to expect Tuesday in New Hampshire’s state primary, with the U.S. Senate race at the center: Democrats choose between Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur, while Republicans pick from a crowded field that includes former Sens. John Sununu and Scott Brown. Labor Day Politics: A Concord rally put jobs and cost-of-living anxiety front and center, with voters pressing candidates on wages, housing, and opportunity. Cyber & Water Security: New Hampshire is watching a broader wave of cyberattacks targeting water systems, even as state officials say they’re not aware of impacts locally. Agriculture After Extreme Weather: UNH Extension data highlights how catastrophic wet weather in 2023 hit vegetable and fruit growers hard, with major revenue losses. Local Business/Community: Chester, Vt. hosts a free jazz return at Town Hall Sept. 26, and Peckham Industries names John Peckham interim CEO as leadership transitions.

New Hampshire politics: With the Sept. 8 primary looming, New Hampshire’s GOP U.S. Senate race is drawing “back-to-the-future” comfort: former Sen. John Sununu faces former Sen. Scott Brown, and voters in the Granite State GOP primary appear ready to pick familiar names over newcomers. Democratic primary watch: On the Democratic side, the U.S. Senate contest pits Rep. Chris Pappas against scientist Karishma Manzur, with other candidates also on the ballot. PFAS cleanup: New Hampshire is set to receive another $7.3 million from 3M tied to “forever chemical” settlements, adding to more than $43 million already collected for drinking-water help. Local economy: United Therapeutics is buying the former Anheuser-Busch brewery property in Merrimack for $47 million, a major shift that could bring hundreds of jobs. Work and wages: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute study says job growth has improved, but wages still lag inflation and productivity. Public safety: A fentanyl chase and coordinated arrests in the Lawrence/Haverhill area ended with more than 1,225 grams seized.

NH GOP Senate primary: New Hampshire Republicans head to the polls Tuesday for an open U.S. Senate seat, with the race framed as a “back-to-the-future” matchup between former Sen. John Sununu and former Sen. Scott Brown, both longtime names that voters seem comfortable backing. Democratic Senate race: On the Democratic side, Rep. Chris Pappas faces a tightening challenge from scientist Karishma Manzur, with the contest also drawing national attention. Local primaries with state stakes: In Hudson, local legislative races look quiet, but the Sept. 8 state primary still determines who advances to November for state House and Senate seats. Election logistics: A practical guide lays out where to vote, how to check registration, and what to bring—plus reminders that party primaries matter. Cost-of-living politics: A Granite State Poll finds residents blame Trump’s tariffs for higher prices and expect little improvement, a mood that could shape November. Jobs and wages: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute study says employment has improved since 2025, but wage growth still lags inflation and challenges remain. Public safety: A fentanyl chase ending in Haverhill led to two arrests and the seizure of more than 1,225 grams. Consumer/finance: NH’s auto insurance approach—no requirement to carry coverage, with a self-insurance bond option—helps explain why the state is among the nation’s cheapest markets. Scams: Milan logged one BBB Scam Tracker report in July, tying it for 23rd among NH cities.

U.S. Senate primary spotlight: New Hampshire Democrats are heading into Tuesday’s Sept. 8 vote with WMUR’s debate putting pocketbook issues and foreign policy front and center, as Karishma Manzur repeatedly tied her opponent Chris Pappas to Benjamin Netanyahu while Pappas emphasized affordability and health care. Polling and tariffs: A new Granite State Poll finds NH residents blame Trump’s tariffs for higher prices and expect little relief ahead, a warning sign for Republicans trying to run on the economy. Election logistics: Secretary of State David Scanlan urged voters to check registration and polling locations online and reminded them what photo ID is accepted for voting. Cybersecurity for utilities: A New Hampshire-focused report says water systems are being probed by hackers and that AI is making the threat harder for small operators to defend against. Public housing snapshot: HUD data shows Coos County’s public housing units held steady at 55 in 2025, with most residents paying about 27% of income toward rent. Federal case: A Chichester man was indicted for allegedly running an unlicensed hawala operation moving more than $25 million between the U.S. and Yemen. Local development: Enfield’s zoning board will hear a developer’s revised plan for a wetland-crossing road tied to a downtown housing proposal.

New Hampshire primaries (Sept. 8): Secretary of State David Scanlan is urging voters to double-check registration and polling places online, and to bring proper photo ID to the polls. U.S. Senate race: With Democrats trying to hold New Hampshire’s open seat, coverage highlights the Democratic primary between Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur, plus the GOP contest featuring familiar names like John Sununu and Scott Brown. Cybersecurity for water systems: NH officials say they’re not aware of impacts from recent national water-system cyberattacks, but warn that systems are constantly being probed—especially as AI makes attacks easier. Local governance: Enfield developer Adam Grounds is back before the zoning board seeking a wetland-crossing road permit for a revised subdivision plan. Community & safety: Gilford leaders want NH DOT to change a blinking left-turn light after a fatal crash and other accidents. Lakes Region: Communities mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with events across the region, including Laconia’s ceremony.

Cybersecurity & Courts: A Thomson Reuters breach exposed court “C-Track” files across at least 11 states, including New Hampshire, with possible access to names, Social Security numbers, and medical or insurance info. Money & Oversight: Sen. Maggie Hassan pressed Capital One for details after it closed Trump-linked accounts flagged by anti-money-laundering reviews. NH Senate Race: The NH GOP says Chris Pappas must answer questions after a New York Post report tied a Beijing-linked donor to his campaign. Primary Politics: A Democratic Senate debate featured Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur trading sharp contrasts on deficits, war, and the role of big money. Data Centers in Bow: Residents remain divided over a potential data center at the shuttered Merrimack Station site, with supporters pointing to tax relief and opponents raising concerns. Health Care: Gov. Kelly Ayotte marked Suicide Prevention Month, touting progress on crisis access and calling for better insurance coverage for kids. Local Life: Lebanon police warned of multiple attacks by a mystery aggressive animal, coordinating with Fish and Game.

Workers’ Comp: New Hampshire approved an average 2.9% cut to workers’ compensation rates for 2027, the 15th straight year of declining loss costs, a move officials say should help businesses control expenses. Housing & Privacy: Tenants in Concord are suing after a housing authority installed Minut sensors in apartments, arguing the tech amounts to surveillance despite claims it’s “camera-free” and non-audio. Public Housing Snapshot: HUD data shows Berlin kept 55 public housing units in 2025, with 96% occupancy and typical monthly rent of $414. Health & Science: A New Hampshire man, Tim Andrews, lived about nine months with a gene-edited pig kidney before switching to a human donor—an important milestone for xenotransplantation. Energy Costs: With heat and humidity rising, NH households are being urged to consider heat pumps over window units, with programs that can help cover upfront costs. Cybersecurity: New Hampshire water systems face ongoing probing and rising AI-enabled threats, even as officials say they’re not aware of impacts from a recent broader attack wave. Politics: In the Sept. 8 CD-1 Democratic primary, Maura Sullivan faced sharp attacks in a Granite State debate as the race turns increasingly bitter. Corrections Education: UNH and partners are expanding business degree options for inmates, including classes inside the Berlin prison.

NH-01 Democratic Primary: In the WMUR debate, five Democrats pushed far-left priorities like Medicare for All and impeachment, but all denied backing the party’s “socialism” push; Maura Sullivan emerged as the front-runner while Stefany Shaheen attacked her on health-care specifics. Israel & Campus Policy: Rep. Chris Pappas, once a pro-Israel Democrat, voted against an anti-boycott bill that would cut federal aid to universities discriminating against Israel-linked programs. Musk Money in NH Politics: Elon Musk’s America PAC disclosed its first spending, including about $91,458.50 in New Hampshire, as it ramps up direct outreach in competitive races. Election Anxiety in NH: New Hampshire voters are bracing for Tuesday’s primaries amid new laws, lawsuits, and planned DOJ monitors in Manchester and Nashua. Surveillance Lawsuit (Concord Housing): Tenants, backed by the ACLU and NH Legal Assistance, sued Concord Housing Authority over ceiling-mounted devices they say collect private data without meaningful opt-out. Bow Data Center Fight: Critics say Kelly Ayotte’s new opposition to a proposed 350-megawatt Bow data center is too late, pointing to prior legislation that loosened oversight and to her ties to the industry. Cybersecurity: NH Supreme Court systems were hit in a Thomson Reuters C-Track breach affecting court data across multiple jurisdictions, with officials saying no confirmed sensitive personal data exposure yet. Food Safety: A sprouts recall tied to an E. coli outbreak is raising questions because investigators say the implicated product was distributed to only two states, even as NH cases were reported. Wild at Home (Kids’ Nature Show): NHPR and the Harris Center launch a new series for kids starting Sept. 6, spotlighting backyard wildlife and seasonal outdoor learning.

Election Oversight: The Trump administration is sending DOJ poll observers to New Hampshire’s Sept. 8 primary in Manchester and Nashua, after a prior fight over non-public voter rolls ended in the state’s favor. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters confirmed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track court system, exposing sensitive court records across at least 12 U.S. jurisdictions including New Hampshire. Midterms Money: Elon Musk’s America PAC disclosed $800,000 in August spending, including about $91,458.50 in New Hampshire, as Trump ramps up a 35-race campaign push. Immigration Courts: A federal judge blocked Trump’s latest attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, calling it likely unconstitutional. Local Economy/Industry: United Therapeutics bought the former Anheuser-Busch plant in Merrimack for $47.5 million, signaling major biotech expansion in the state. Housing Pressure: A new report highlights how New Hampshire’s labor market is improving in 2026, but warns risks remain. Community & Culture: Hampton Beach’s Sept. 11-13 Seafood Festival and Londonderry’s PoutineFest drew big crowds, keeping summer traditions rolling into early fall.