AGP Executive Report

PFAS Fallout in NH: New Hampshire received another payment of more than $7 million from 3M in the state’s PFAS settlement, bringing total recovery to over $43 million, with money flowing into the Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund. School Funding Fight: The NH attorney general is asking the state Supreme Court to overturn the Claremont school funding rulings, arguing the landmark decisions were wrongly decided and should be revised. ICE Activity in the Upper Valley: Local immigrant advocates say ICE arrests increased in West Lebanon and nearby areas, with reports of multiple detentions over several days. Youth Detention Scrutiny: Lawmakers and watchdogs are renewing pressure on the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester, as reports allege abuse and staffing failures ahead of a planned move. Road Safety Watch: Weston police say drunk-driving arrests nearly doubled over three years, with most charges tied to overnight enforcement. Politics & Primaries: A Saint Anselm poll finds Democrats strong ahead of NH primaries, while debate continues over the DNC’s push to move early presidential primary dates. Housing Permitting Tech: Cities are turning to AI to speed up housing approvals by catching incomplete applications earlier, aiming to cut delays.

Election Watch: A new Saint Anselm poll finds Democrats holding an edge in New Hampshire ahead of state primaries, with Chris Pappas leading in the Senate primary and Maura Sullivan and Stefany Shaheen locked in a tight NH-01 Democratic race. Transportation & Costs: Lawmakers overrode Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s veto, setting new New Hampshire toll rates that take effect Jan. 1 as part of the 10-year transportation plan. PFAS Cleanup: New Hampshire received nearly $7.3 million from a 3M “forever chemical” settlement, adding to more than $43 million already returned to the state’s drinking water trust fund. Energy Debate: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited New Hampshire, arguing clean energy drives up prices, while local officials push back amid affordability concerns. Federal Forest Policy: The Trump administration moved to dismantle the Roadless Rule, with NH reactions mixed as White Mountain National Forest management and wildfire risk remain in focus. Local Culture & Community: Portsmouth marked Ona Judge Staines with a new mural unveiling, adding to the state’s growing push to spotlight local history.

Veto Day in Concord: New Hampshire lawmakers overrode seven Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoes, including a new 10-year transportation plan that raises tolls for non–New Hampshire drivers and expands projects like I-93 widening and I-293 exit overhauls. Election & courts: The same package also lets some convicted people seek a new trial after the state’s three-year deadline if new evidence emerges. Public safety politics: The Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire endorsed Stefany Shaheen in NH-01 and “acknowledged” Carleigh Beriont’s union support ahead of the primary. Food safety fallout: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have topped 15,000 nationwide, tied to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms; a Pennsylvania woman has filed suit against Taylor Farms and Taco Bell after hospitalization. Housing permitting tech: Cities are turning to AI to speed up housing applications by catching incomplete forms, supported by new federal funding for local permitting upgrades. Local economy: A new study says Pease Development Authority activity generated $2.3B in wages and supported 26,000-plus jobs in 2025. Community calendar: The Lakes Region Lantern Festival returns Sept. 6 on Lake Winnipesaukee, with personalized lanterns released at dusk.

Harvard Settlement: Harvard agreed to a proposed $53M settlement with families after a former morgue manager stole and sold donated body parts, with final approval set for Dec. 9. Statehouse Showdown: New Hampshire lawmakers held “Veto Day” and overrode Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s vetoes, including the 10-year transportation plan with toll changes and a bill expanding access to retrials when new evidence emerges. Ethics in Politics: The House censured Rep. James Spillane over offensive social media posts, voting 185-93. Courts & Schools: The state asked the NH Supreme Court to overturn long-running school funding precedents tied to Claremont. Environment & Health: Lakes Region residents packed a pesticide meeting as the Pesticide Control Board moved to restrict neonicotinoid use on non-agricultural turf. Public Safety: The FBI warned of government impersonation scams that have cost 148 Granite Staters more than $1.6M since 2025. Local Land Use: Rochester residents rallied against a zoning ordinance aimed at limiting data centers. Immigration Enforcement: Rindge signed an ICE agreement expanding local officers’ federal immigration enforcement role.

N.H. Courts & Education: New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella urged the state Supreme Court to overturn the long-running Claremont school-funding decisions, arguing they’re unconstitutional and have left the system “impractical and unworkable.” Utility Merger Watch: New England governors, including Maine Gov. Janet Mills, pushed back on the proposed NextEra–Dominion deal, warning it could raise rates and give one company too much leverage over regional power. Democratic Primary Politics: NH-01 Democrats are trading sharp attacks, with Stefany Shaheen’s first negative TV ad targeting Maura Sullivan’s donor ties. Healthcare Debate: Christian Urrutia is pitching Medicare-for-All in the NH-01 race, contrasting his stance with Sullivan and Shaheen’s positions. State Supreme Court Scrutiny: A report says the NH Supreme Court is now fully Republican, ending a bipartisan tradition as the court faces heightened public scrutiny. Local Business & Growth: Classic-car insurer OpenRoad expanded into New Hampshire as it now operates in 40 states. Community & Culture: Newburyport Choral Society announced fall rehearsal plans, and Southbury Public Library is hosting a free Zoom program on wild weather art. Sports: NASCAR’s Christopher Bell is framed as a strong bet to end a winless streak at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Utility Merger Fight: Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and AG William Tong moved to intervene in the federal review of NextEra–Dominion’s $67B deal, warning it could reduce competition and raise electricity costs across New England, including Seabrook’s role in NH. Housing & Local Planning: Rochester held a public meeting on a proposed data-center ordinance that would bar data centers in most zoning districts, with limited exceptions. Health Care Politics: NH-01 Democratic candidate Christian Urrutia is pushing Medicare-for-All and attacking Maura Sullivan and Stefany Shaheen over their positions. Campaign Trail: Veteran and nurse Hollie Noveletsky is seeking NH-01, pitching her mix of military service, dementia-focused healthcare work, and small-business leadership. Environment & Public Health: PFAS contamination was confirmed at the Lebanon airport, with a city hearing set on funding a state-mandated investigation. State Policy: The NH Pesticide Control Board advanced tighter rules for neonicotinoids, aiming to better protect biodiversity. Community Notes: Hanover is building an accessible Girl Brook path; Granite VNA’s Harleys for Hospice raffle is in its final stretch; and Ashland’s Whipple House Museum got a matching grant for a new roof.

First-in-the-nation fight: The DNC’s decision to drop New Hampshire’s early presidential primary status is drawing heat, with former Sen. John Sununu calling it a missed chance for a retail-campaign state where lesser-known candidates can still matter. Immigration enforcement in Keene: A packed Keene City Council meeting followed recent ICE arrests, with residents urging local leaders to protect immigrant families as officials weigh the risk of losing state funding under New Hampshire’s limits on “sanctuary” moves. Workforce housing debate (North Hampton): A proposed 27-unit condo project would set aside 15% for workforce housing, but the Planning Board is pushing for closer to 30–33% and is seeking legal and financial guidance. Public health pressure: The American Academy of Pediatrics and a broad coalition criticized a White House executive order that advises reducing or spacing childhood vaccines, warning it undermines protection as measles and respiratory season approach. Environment & regulation: The state Pesticide Control Board proposed updated limits on certain bee-toxic insecticides, including neonicotinoids, amid conservation concerns. Food safety: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has triggered expanding recalls of salsa, guacamole, dips, and other prepared foods sold nationwide. Local business: Modern Pest Services was named USA Today’s Best Pest Control Company for New England.

ICE in Keene: A public meeting is underway after reported ICE activity in the city, with Mayor Jay Kahn saying residents deserve transparency about what local government can and can’t do during federal operations. Victim protections in Concord: Gov. Kelly Ayotte ceremonially signed three bipartisan bills expanding rights and tools for domestic and sexual violence survivors, including stronger restitution processes and a new sexual assault protective order option. Child care tax credit: New Hampshire’s new child day care creation tax credit could let businesses claim 50% of qualifying costs to create or expand licensed programs, aiming to boost supply. Bees and neonics: NH regulators are set to consider restricting some bee-toxic insecticides, as lawmakers and advocates weigh pollinator declines against agricultural needs. Local zoning vs. data centers: Rochester is moving to steer data centers into a specific industrial zone via a zoning ordinance, with a public hearing scheduled. Elections and lawsuits: A federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s push for Minnesota voter data, calling it an improper “fishing expedition.” Politics and timing: The DNC approved a 2028 primary calendar that puts South Carolina first and leaves Iowa out of early contests, drawing pushback from NH and Iowa officials. Business/legal: NH is asking the state Supreme Court to overturn long-running school funding precedents, arguing the constitutional basis is incompatible with the state charter. Water pollution: Old Dutch Mustard agreed to a consent decree tied to Clean Water Act violations, requiring enhanced monitoring and compliance.

Labor Market Watch: New federal figures say U.S. employers cut 126,000 jobs over recent months, with July alone adding 23,000 more losses—raising fresh concerns about a stalling labor market. Outdoor Safety: A 49-year-old hiker, Thomas LaValley of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was airlifted from Mount Monadnock after a medical emergency; New Hampshire Fish and Game and DNCR staff coordinated with a New Hampshire Army National Guard Black Hawk to get him to Elliot Hospital. Housing Policy: The new federal 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is expected to reduce red tape and costs in New Hampshire, including changes that could lower expenses for manufactured homes. Elections & Parties: The DNC approved its 2028 early primary calendar, putting South Carolina first and pushing New Hampshire later—prompting pushback from NH officials. State Politics: New Hampshire lawmakers are weighing whether to override Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s veto of a bill that would let prisoners seek new trials after the current three-year deadline. Local Accountability: A Monitor investigation found a former NH House speaker’s nonprofit collected $274,000 from casinos without clear public charitable activity. Business & Travel: Allegiant announced nine new nonstop routes, expanding spring travel options. Sports: Joey Logano’s Richmond win reshuffled NASCAR power rankings.

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.