AGP Executive Report

NH Politics & Elections: Pete Buttigieg returned to New Hampshire to rally Democrats and warn the U.S. Senate race isn’t a sure thing, while Democrats and Republicans both lean on midterm momentum and cost-of-living pressure. Governor Race & Courts: Cinde Warmington is making the NH Supreme Court and Michael Addison’s death-penalty fight campaign issues, saying she wouldn’t proceed with executions if the case reaches that stage. Housing: Warner residents and housing experts debated zoning changes that could unlock more affordable homes, with local rules still the biggest barrier. Energy & Environment: A solar-farm land-clearing job in Rockingham County cut 30+ trees on the wrong property, ending in a $100,000 settlement. Public Health & Food Costs: A new survey finds 62% of U.S. households are cutting back on meat and seafood as grocery prices rise. Local Community: Mountain bikers helped rescue a horse stuck in deep mud in Deerfield’s Bear Brook State Park. Media & National Politics: Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, from Atkinson, NH, is set to join Fox News as an on-air contributor starting Nov. 1.

Midterms in NH: Pete Buttigieg rallied Democrats in Concord and warned the Senate race is “tight,” urging voters not to assume the seat is safe. Campaign spotlight: Cinde Warmington made the NH Supreme Court and Michael Addison’s fate campaign issues, while John E. Sununu faced questions on immigration and affordability in a WMUR town hall. Voting access: A “Distant Dome” report says GOP changes now make college IDs invalid for voter identity, potentially complicating student voting. Local governance & infrastructure: Hudson closed a westbound lane on the Veterans Memorial Bridge after inspectors found a crack in a steel support girder; repairs are being planned with NH DOT. Public safety: Mountain bikers and multiple agencies helped rescue a horse stuck in deep mud in Deerfield’s Bear Brook State Park. Food safety: An alfalfa sprout outbreak linked to a seed lot has grown to 76 illnesses across 16 states, including cases reported in New Hampshire. Wildlife crime: Three NH men pleaded guilty in federal court for poaching bobcats and shipping pelts to Canada.

Midterms in NH: Pete Buttigieg rallied Democratic canvassers in Concord as the state heads into the final month, with local candidates urging voters to show up and turn out. Voting rights: A “Distant Dome” report says New Hampshire keeps chipping away at voting access, including changes that make college IDs less usable for proving identity—raising stakes for students and out-of-state residents. State infrastructure: A crack found during inspection led to a lane closure on the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Hudson, with officials working on repair plans and emergency funding. Wildlife crime: Three New Hampshire men pleaded guilty in federal court to poaching and exporting more than 40 bobcats to Canada, with sentencing set for January. Healthcare & costs: New Hampshire’s ACA marketplace saw fewer plan selections and higher premiums as enhanced federal subsidies fade, and Dartmouth Health faced scrutiny after layoffs and canceled positions. Higher ed independence: University leaders pushed back against federal pressure on campus priorities, arguing for protection of higher education’s independence.

Bridge Repair Disruption: A crack found in a steel support girder has closed one westbound lane on Hudson’s Veterans Memorial Bridge, with town officials coordinating with an engineering consultant and NHDOT on repairs. Voting Rights & Registration: A “Distant Dome” column says GOP changes now make it harder for college students to use campus IDs for identity when registering to vote, potentially forcing more students to meet stricter residency and licensing requirements. Healthcare & Hospital Policy: Dartmouth Health-related coverage includes an opinion on dignity and accountability amid Dartmouth Health workforce cuts, and a separate filing where the AHA and NH Hospital Association back Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in a fight over Eli Lilly’s 340B claims data policy. Elections Countdown: Multiple midterm-focused pieces highlight how Democrats are trying to build a “blue wave” while Republicans pour money into races they once considered safe, plus a Rochester event where Democratic candidates urged voters to turn out. Public Safety & Environment: Three men pleaded guilty in federal court to poaching and exporting more than 40 bobcats from New Hampshire, violating the Lacey Act. State Politics: A special Governor and Executive Council meeting drew questions about whether Attorney General John Formella should be appearing before the NH Supreme Court amid lingering ethics concerns.

Bobcat Poaching Case: Three men pleaded guilty in federal court in New Hampshire to killing more than 40 bobcats and shipping pelts for trade, violating the Lacey Act; prosecutors say baiting and poaching broke state hunting rules and crossed state lines for profit. Charitable Gaming Oversight: As New Hampshire’s casino revenue grows, lawmakers and watchdogs are debating whether the state needs stronger oversight of how casinos route money to charities, citing concerns about weak vetting and limited proof funds are used as intended. Healthcare & Drug Policy: The AHA, the New Hampshire Hospital Association, and 340B Health filed an amicus brief backing Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in its fight against Eli Lilly’s new 340B claims data policy, arguing it could add burdens and threaten access to discount savings. Courts & Ethics: A New Hampshire Executive Councilor pressed Attorney General John Formella about whether it’s appropriate to argue before the state Supreme Court amid ongoing scrutiny after the chief justice’s resignation. Trans Youth Care Lawsuit: Four New Hampshire families sued to block a Trump administration rule ending Medicaid/CHIP funding for transition-related care for some low-income youth, arguing it violates equal protection. Election Politics: With about a month left, coverage highlights tight Senate and gubernatorial races where New Hampshire is described as a key battleground.

Healthcare & Politics: A federal judge kept a transgender workplace discrimination case alive against a Christian-owned New Hampshire manufacturer, rejecting a bid to dismiss the claim and leaving a Title VII dispute for trial. Medicaid Shock: Roughly 15,000 documented immigrants across New England are set to lose full Medicaid coverage in the latest federal purge, with NH among the affected states. Housing & Zoning: A Saint Anselm statewide survey finds support for changing zoning to build more housing has surged, but residents are still less willing to see it in their own neighborhoods. Courts & Safety: AG Jeff Jackson leads a bipartisan push to fully fund U.S. Supreme Court security after a spike in serious incidents. Local Environment: Casella says it will close its Bethlehem landfill subsidiary a year early, raising new questions about where waste will go next. Economy & Housing Costs: Mortgage rates jumped to a three-year high, worsening affordability for homebuyers. Sports & Outdoors: NH Fish and Game reminds hunters that the 7-day fall wild turkey shotgun season opens Oct. 12. Business: NH gaming revenue rose to about $47.9M in August.

Medicaid & health care: New Hampshire is delaying its Medicaid premium plan, saying it’s still waiting on federal guidance tied to the new federal cost-sharing law. Trans health fight: NH Families are seeking to block a Medicaid ban on youth trans care in federal court. Higher ed affordability: The University System of NH announced the New Hampshire Promise, offering free tuition for first-time students from families earning up to $100,000. Politics & campaigning: Pete Buttigieg is set to campaign in NH with top Democrats, with debate questions hanging over Medicare-for-all vs public-option differences. Energy & housing: John Sununu fielded voter questions on diesel prices, energy policy, and housing costs. Local governance: Franklin will hold city council and school board elections on Oct. 6. Business & accountability: A major Sandoz generic-drug price-fixing settlement heads to court, with NH’s Jeanne Shaheen among the political backdrop. PFAS: States also moved to block asset-shuffling tied to PFAS liabilities in the Corteva spinoff.

Midterm Countdown in Washington: The U.S. Senate left town without tackling big voter issues like the farm bill, AI, mass surveillance, and data-center electricity costs, with Democrats blocking the Ratepayer Protection Act. Nuclear Debate in New England: At UMass Lowell, regional energy experts said nuclear is in a “transition” as states weigh advanced reactors, fusion, and winter power demand—while protesters kept pressure on. New Hampshire Vehicle Inspections: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin told NH officials the administration is on track to permanently end mandatory car inspections, a move critics warn could raise street-level air-quality concerns. School Choice Push: Proposed federal rules would let nearly all students in 30-plus states apply for a new scholarship tax credit starting Jan. 1, with Treasury guidance outlining how states and scholarship groups will plug in. ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration began mailing $500 “Obamacare overcharge” refunds to nearly 1 million people in 30 states. NH Fall Tourism: New Hampshire is forecasting about 3.9 million visitors and $2 billion in fall spending, driven by foliage and events. Whale Entanglements: NOAA reported 76 confirmed large whale entanglements nationwide, including cases off New Hampshire’s coast. Local Arts & Community: October ArtWalk highlights museums, galleries, and meet-and-greets across the region.

Healthcare & Cost of Living: The Trump administration has started mailing $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, targeting people who bought coverage on the federal exchange without premium help. NH Courts & Rights: A federal judge ruled Turbocam, a Barrington-based manufacturer, must face a transgender employee’s sex-discrimination lawsuit after rejecting the company’s religious-freedom defenses. Privacy & Surveillance: A new explainer takes on Flock license-plate cameras, raising alarms about how much data is collected and how it can be linked to people. Energy & Regulation: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin met with New Hampshire lawmakers about ending the state’s vehicle emissions testing and removing NH from certain Clean Air Act requirements. Data Centers & Power Costs: Senate Democrats blocked a bill meant to protect ratepayers from data-center grid costs, arguing it’s “toothless.” Business & Politics: The Business and Industry Association’s 2026 session rankings suggest Democrats aligned more with its agenda than Republicans. Local Growth: Claremont and Newport are finding new life in former textile mills through housing and redevelopment. Community Calendar: Apple Harvest Day, Deerfield Fair, and other fall events are set to pack the weekend.

Election/Politics: Democrats are pointing to New Hampshire as a key test case for whether a “blue wave” can hold, warning that Rep. Chris Pappas’ Senate bid faces vulnerabilities like GOP spending dominance and weak Democratic brand momentum. Campaign Finance/Ads: Democrats also seized on reports that Trump is using $20M in Homeland Security funds to pay for TV ads featuring him, drawing bipartisan criticism and legal pushback. Cybersecurity/Health Data: A multistate settlement reached with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach totals $2.3M, with the breach potentially exposing data tied to more than 27.5M people nationwide. Housing & Poverty: A Pew report says high housing costs drive poverty in New Hampshire and other states, arguing that more housing supply could reduce both rents and poverty rates. Energy/Local Policy: States are moving toward balcony “plug-in” solar, but safety and legal standards lag behind the fast-growing market. Business/Industry in NH: Onshore Technologies opened a new Salem, N.H. manufacturing site, expanding domestic production for space, defense, and other quality-critical sectors. Local Land Conservation: Monadnock Conservancy added Michael George and Tom Masland to its board of trustees.

Vehicle Inspections: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the federal review to end New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection mandate is still on track to be wrapped up by year’s end, after the agency reviewed about 400 public comments. Energy & Competition: A Senate-led push led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen urges Rubio to intervene in Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict as aid routes face disruption, while NH also gets attention in a NextEra-Dominion merger fight at FERC over Seabrook’s role and potential ratepayer harm. Community Power: A new report card looks at the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire’s first five years, including procurement, structure, and transparency after customer cost promises unraveled. Hospice Fundraising: Granite VNA launched the community phase of its $2M Legacy & Promise campaign to renovate Hospice House and strengthen its endowment. Health Alerts: DHHS reminds Granite Staters to get flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines ahead of respiratory virus season. Politics & Ethics: Democrats accuse Rep. Anthony DiLorenzo of not fully disclosing finances in NH’s 1st District race. Consumer Data: A multistate settlement over the Labcorp/AMCA breach highlights vendor-management expectations for patient privacy. Local Events: Mile for Mentoring returns Oct. 4 at Gunstock; the NH Book Festival brings Jodi Picoult to Concord Oct. 2-3.

Immigration & Courts: Immigrants’ rights groups, including the ACLU of New Hampshire, filed a new federal lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship, arguing the Supreme Court already settled the issue “once and forever.” Disability Services: New Hampshire’s System Review Committee finalized recommendations after prior reporting found hundreds of abuse and neglect incidents in the state’s developmental-disability care system, calling for stronger safeguards and better oversight across DHHS and providers. Environment & Enforcement: A vendor challenge is pushing back on the EPA plan letting New Hampshire end vehicle emissions testing, with objections citing claims that state emissions modeling overstated pollution impacts from buses and trucks. Energy Politics: Republicans are leaning into natural gas pipeline expansion as a way to lower New England energy costs, a message that’s resonating in New Hampshire’s energy debate ahead of November. Local Business: Plymouth Rock Home Assurance named Jared Stuckey VP of customer service and underwriting, expanding his role across the home insurance operation.

Energy & Politics: Republicans are leaning on “all of the above” energy and pipeline expansion to cut New Hampshire utility costs, arguing the region lacks enough natural gas pipeline capacity and relies on pricier LNG. Election 2026: A 2020 Granite State debate clip is being repackaged into a new anti-Pappas Senate attack ad, while New Hampshire’s governor race remains in the spotlight as Democrats argue they’re closing the gap and independents could decide. Housing Costs: A new report says New Hampshire’s median home price hit a record $575,000 and rent affordability is still strained even as rent growth has slowed. Judiciary Transparency: NH leaders are calling for more transparency and accountability after the resignation of Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald amid an ethics investigation. Environment & Accountability: Pike Industries was fined $100K for hazardous waste management violations, and 350NH used its Environmentalist Summit to push for a cleaner energy transition. Tech & Privacy: Pennsylvania lawmakers grilled automatic license plate reader use as privacy concerns grow, with NH cited as a model for rethinking the tech. Local Business & Community: WorkReadyNH is partnering with Makers Mill for tuition-free workforce training in Wolfeboro, and Bank of New Hampshire added Tate Miller to its commercial lending team.

Governor Race Tightens: A new UNH Granite State Poll shows Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s job approval still above water, but her lead over Democrat Cinde Warmington has narrowed to 47%–43% among likely voters, with 7% undecided. Water Security: A New Hampshire official warned Portsmouth to prepare for cyberattacks on water systems, urging utilities to be ready to switch to manual operations. AI Accountability Push: Insygna joined the Open Secure AI Alliance, pitching tools that give AI agents verifiable identities, scoped permissions, and readable activity logs. Early Childhood Policy: New Hampshire is watching proposed federal Head Start rule changes that could shrink requirements from 130 pages to 13, raising concerns among state officials and childcare providers. Environment & Farming: Scientists are urging Congress to keep funding USDA Climate Hubs that help New England farmers adapt to volatile weather. Local Business: Ani’s Bagel Café plans a second location in Wells, Maine, expanding from Exeter and adding more than 15 jobs. Opinion/Policy: Commentary argues a data center moratorium is pro-New Hampshire, while another piece targets proposed reimbursement for shelved council reorganization plans.

Nor’easter Impacts New England: A powerful nor’easter brought flooding, downed trees and power outages across the Northeast, with tens of thousands without electricity and major travel disruptions, including canceled flights and events. State Politics & PFAS: U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ban PFAS chemicals from New Hampshire food wrappers and packaging, reviving a fight over “forever chemicals” linked to serious health risks. Medicaid Work Rules Tighten: As federal work requirements begin in January, at least six states—including New Hampshire—will require medical proof for Medicaid work exemptions instead of allowing self-attestation. Solar for Renters: New Hampshire legalized plug-in solar power, a lower-cost option that goes into effect in January and is aimed at helping homeowners and renters cut electricity bills. Election Watch: A new UNH poll shows Gov. Maura Healey leading Republican Mike Minogue 54% to 38%, with Minogue gaining ground but still trailing. Local Governance & Privacy: In Lowell, a surveillance license-plate camera company faced scrutiny after a city council vote to pause the system pending a policy review and audit. NH Spotlight: InDepthNH reporter Damien Fisher received a Freedom of Information award for dogged Right to Know reporting.

U.S. Senate: Maggie Hassan was named the nation’s most effective senator by Political Grades Project, with Jeanne Shaheen also ranking in the top tier. PFAS & Health: Hassan revived bipartisan legislation to strip PFAS “forever chemicals” from New Hampshire food wrappers and packaging. Medicaid Work Rules: Starting in January, at least six states—including New Hampshire—will require medical documentation for Medicaid work exemptions instead of accepting a recipient’s sworn statement, raising concerns for people who can’t afford care. Solar Savings: A new plug-in solar law takes effect in January, aiming to cut power bills for homeowners and renters with smaller, socket-based panels. Privacy & Surveillance: Lowell’s City Council voted to indefinitely suspend Flock license-plate cameras while it reviews data use and auditing. Tourism: New Hampshire expects about 3% more visitors during leaf-peeping season, but Canadian travel remains down amid trade tensions. Weather: A nor’easter battered the Northeast with flooding and power outages, disrupting flights and canceling events.