AGP Executive Report

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.

Vehicle & public safety: The EPA moved toward approving New Hampshire’s plan to end the state vehicle inspection program, a step that could clear the state’s Clean Air Act violation and make it easier for drivers to stop replacing inspection decals. Weather: A severe thunderstorm warning hit parts of New Hampshire (including Strafford and Carroll counties) with threats of damaging winds and hail. Health: The cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce keeps widening; CDC says cases are now in 15 states, including New Hampshire, with recalls already underway. Corrections & costs: A state-commissioned study says replacing Concord’s men’s prison could cost at least about $750 million for a 1,500-bed facility, raising pressure for faster decisions. Politics & governance: “Veto Day” is coming as lawmakers return to Concord to take up bills Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed this year. Justice & courts: A fired USDA employee was indicted for allegedly sending threatening emails to a USDA investigator. Sports & community: Otherland boutique hotel opened in Newfane, and NH’s Ultimate Cow Experience highlighted inclusive farm tourism.

Attorney General Fight: Todd Blanche won a 50-49 Senate confirmation vote for attorney general, with Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire among Democrats voting no. Car Inspections: The EPA moved to speed up approval of New Hampshire’s plan to end the vehicle inspection mandate, potentially clearing the state from Clean Air Act violations. Flood Response: FEMA denied New Hampshire funding for Madison flood-damage cleanup, and the state says it will appeal. Women’s Health Access: A new NH Insurance Department study finds women face provider shortages, affordability issues, and confusion about what insurance covers, delaying care. Education Funding: An opinion piece argues New Hampshire’s state share of special education costs is far too low, pushing most costs onto property taxes. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, including New Hampshire. Local Environment: Regulators advanced proposed changes to Chesapeake Bay menhaden harvests, with public comment now open. Politics & Israel: A report says a leading NH House candidate, Maura Sullivan, drew heavy AIPAC-linked donations.

Women’s Health Access: A new NH Insurance Department study says women are delaying care due to provider shortages, affordability problems, and confusion about what insurance covers. Food Safety: The CDC-linked cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has spread to 15 states, including NH, as health officials urge caution while contaminated products are pulled. Public Health & Families: NH estimates a 4.5% drop in students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch next year as federal SNAP restrictions tighten. Local Immigration Policy: Manchester voted not to sign a 287(g) agreement with ICE, arguing it’s unnecessary and would strain already understaffed police resources. Gun Litigation: A federal jury sided with Sig Sauer in a lawsuit from a Maine detective who alleged a P320 fired while holstered. Politics & Policy: The U.S. Senate passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill backed by the late Lindsey Graham, and NH Gov. Kelly Ayotte is using a billboard truck in Massachusetts to mock its sales-tax holiday. History & Community: New Revolutionary War-era sites were added to the NH Register of Historic Places, including a Raymond tavern and a Milford abolitionist home.

Vehicle Inspections: The EPA took initial steps that would let New Hampshire end mandatory vehicle emissions testing under the Clean Air Act, following Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s 2025 repeal; the proposals aren’t final yet and will face public comment. Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, including New Hampshire, with CDC reporting thousands of confirmed cases and hundreds of hospitalizations; Michigan later eased its broad lettuce warning as cases declined. Public Health & Accountability: A class action securities fraud lawsuit was filed in federal court in New Hampshire over Planet Fitness’s alleged misstatements about membership growth, with a Sept. 14 lead-plaintiff deadline. Courts & Governance: New Hampshire’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald stepped away on medical leave, and the Judicial Conduct Committee is pursuing ethics charges against former justice Hantz Marconi. Local Services: Londonderry is weighing a dispatch and ambulance partnership with Litchfield that would add firefighters and EMT-trained staff. Environment: Regulators in Vermont won’t require PFAS emission testing at a Coventry landfill pilot, drawing fresh criticism from advocates.

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.