AGP Executive Report

Utility Merger Watch: Maine Gov. Janet Mills joined New England governors in urging “highest level” scrutiny of NextEra’s proposed acquisition of Dominion, warning it could concentrate control, weaken competition, and raise power costs across the region. NH Courts & Governance: The New Hampshire Supreme Court is now fully Republican, with the shift drawing fresh scrutiny as legal fights and election-related disputes continue to play out. Local Legal Battle: The Northern Rail Trail dispute in Andover is back in court, with a landowner seeking ownership or access rights and alleging trail misuse and safety problems. Community & Public Service: Upper Valley Aquatic Center named Wendy Bordeau its new executive director starting Oct. 1, as outgoing leader Joe Major shifts to consulting. History, Finally Solved: Remains from the 1971 Tonti train wreck have been identified as two family members, ending decades of uncertainty for survivors. Business: Needham Bank opened a new branch in Boston’s Prudential Center, expanding its footprint into southeast New Hampshire.

NH Supreme Court Shake-Up: Gov. Sununu and former Gov. Kelly Ayotte have moved to make the New Hampshire Supreme Court fully Republican, ending the prior bipartisan balance as Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald is on indefinite medical leave and the court faces fresh public scrutiny. Education Funding Fight: Attorney General John Formella is asking the NH Supreme Court to overturn the Claremont education-funding decisions, arguing they’re unconstitutional and have produced an unworkable system. Congressional Primary Attack Ads: In NH-01, Stefany Shaheen’s first negative TV ad targets Maura Sullivan over pro-Israel donor overlap tied to AIPAC and NORPAC, as the Democratic field tightens ahead of the Sept. 8 primary. Energy Merger Pressure: Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and AG William Tong are intervening in the NextEra-Dominion merger review at FERC, warning it could raise rates and reduce competition—Seabrook’s role in the deal keeps NH in the spotlight. Local Government & Growth: Rochester’s new ordinance is now in effect after a public meeting, effectively banning data centers in most zoning districts. Public Health: Lebanon airport PFAS contamination has been confirmed, and a city hearing will consider funding a state-mandated investigation into the full extent. Community & Culture: Girls Inc. campers in the Lakes Region got hands-on leadership training with Lakes Region Community College’s automotive team, and the Ashland Historical Society received a matching grant to repair the Whipple House Museum roof.

ICE in Keene: Nearly 200 residents packed Keene City Hall to protest recent ICE arrests, with officials warning about risks to local funding and lawsuits under new state rules. Workforce housing fight in North Hampton: A proposed 27-unit condo project would set 15% workforce units, but the Planning Board is pushing for closer to 30–33% before seeking legal and financial advice. First-in-the-nation primary shakeup: Former Sen. John Sununu blasted the DNC for moving New Hampshire down the 2028 Democratic primary calendar, arguing the state’s engaged voters are being sidelined. Election monitoring: The Justice Department said it will send election agents to polling places in Florida and Wyoming, continuing a broader push for federal oversight. Local business & culture: Dover’s food scene keeps growing after a James Beard win, while New Hampshire Fish and Game highlighted conservation work and the eel migration story. Crime: Raynham police say a man allegedly used a fraudulent card to buy five Pokémon cards worth more than $11,000.

Housing & Cost Pressure: NH’s median single-family home price hit a new July record of $580,000 even as listings rose to a post-COVID high—because supply is still far too low to catch up with demand. Education Funding Fight: The state is asking the NH Supreme Court to overturn the Claremont education rulings, arguing the current system is unconstitutional and has created “judicial chaos” risk. Public Safety & Victims: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a package of bipartisan laws strengthening protections for domestic and sexual violence survivors, including new options for protective orders and restitution enforcement. Immigration Tensions in Keene: Keene held a public workshop after reported ICE activity, with residents demanding clarity on what local government can and can’t do under federal law. Local Government & Water Infrastructure: Belmont and other Winnipesaukee River Basin communities backed a move toward a regional wastewater authority, aiming to shift control from state oversight to member communities. Wildfire Update: The Rattlesnake Mountain fire in Rumney is now 100% contained, though crews expect smoldering to continue. Child Care Boost: A new NH child care creation tax credit program is set to start in 2027, offering businesses incentives to add licensed slots. Environment & Youth: Squam Lakes Connected Learning’s Earth Camp wrapped up with hands-on conservation projects and stewardship training for NH youth.

Democratic primary shakeup: The DNC approved its 2028 presidential calendar, putting South Carolina first, Nevada second, and New Hampshire later—prompting fresh friction with NH Democrats and state officials. NH housing policy: A new federal 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is expected to ease some housing red tape in New Hampshire, including changes that could lower costs for manufactured homes. Veto override fight in Concord: 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 (with a narrow DNA exception). Election integrity push: Across states, officials are moving to fortify election processes as concerns grow about federal interference. Local accountability: A Monitor investigation says a former NH House speaker’s inactive nonprofit took $274,000 from casino charitable gaming with little public activity. Business & travel: Allegiant announced nine new routes, including a Portsmouth-to-Fort Lauderdale seasonal nonstop. Sports/markets: A Planet Fitness securities-fraud class action was filed in New Hampshire federal court after a sharp stock drop.

Education & Families: New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Accounts hit the 12,500-student cap, with 943 more eligible students waiting—another sign families are driving school choices at the local level, even as the program stays politically contentious. Democrats & NH’s Place in 2028: The DNC approved a new 2028 presidential primary calendar that keeps South Carolina first and pushes Iowa and New Hampshire out of the lead-off window, setting South Carolina (Jan. 22) and Nevada (Feb. 1) before NH (Feb. 8). Politics & the Economy: A Financial Times poll says most U.S. voters feel worse off under Trump, with inflation and cost-of-living pressures still driving dissatisfaction. NH Courts & Public Safety: Defense attorneys are seeking dismissal of a sweeping racketeering indictment in a Rhode Island case, arguing the U.S. attorney’s authority was invalid after an interim term expired. Local Life: A storybook river walk opened in Hinsdale, adding a new family-friendly trail along the Connecticut River. Crime: A Roxbury man faces charges after police say he stole thousands of dollars in silver from a Berlin business.

Democratic Primary Shakeup: The DNC approved a new 2028 presidential primary calendar that puts South Carolina first on Jan. 22, followed by Nevada (Feb. 1), New Hampshire (Feb. 8), New Mexico (Feb. 15), Michigan (Feb. 22) and Virginia (Feb. 29), replacing Iowa’s early spot and aiming to boost influence from Black, Latino and union voters. Local Immigration Tensions: In Keene, dozens protested reported ICE activity after the city confirmed an operation Aug. 10; organizers say local police weren’t involved. NH Politics & Voting Rules: With the NH primary season approaching, a Concord-area explainer revisits where campaign signs can legally go and warns against placing them on public property without permission. NH Community Safety: Police and the Rodgers Memorial Library teamed up for National Night Out in Hudson, featuring demonstrations, family activities and local partners. Roads & Construction: A NH business segment looks at the future of road and highway projects across the state. Sports: Mt. Washington Hillclimb saw major record-setting performances, including a new historical record on the climb.

Democratic primary shakeup: The DNC approved a new 2028 presidential primary calendar, putting South Carolina first on Jan. 22, then Nevada (Feb. 1), New Hampshire (Feb. 8), New Mexico (Feb. 15), Michigan (Feb. 22) and Virginia (Feb. 29), a move meant to boost Black, Latino and union voters and sideline Iowa and New Hampshire’s traditional early role. Local immigration tensions: In Keene, crowds protested reports of ICE activity after the city’s mayor confirmed an operation Aug. 10, with local officials saying they weren’t notified and residents venting anger at federal enforcement. NH public health and safety net: A new Feeding America study finds food insecurity is rising in New Hampshire, with child hunger up to 38,430 kids and an estimated $115.1 million needed to meet needs. Courts: A Manchester home contractor, Ricky Southers, was convicted of theft and Consumer Protection Act violations tied to more than $60,000 meant for a home improvement project. Community: The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and UNH Cooperative Extension plan a guided timber harvest tour on Mount Monadnock Aug. 19.

Medicare Advantage Crunch: Humana and UnitedHealthcare are cutting or exiting plans, leaving many seniors to scramble for new coverage; KFF says New Hampshire is among states where 60%+ of enrollees faced terminated plans. NH Politics & Elections: The DSCC’s $40 million Senate push includes New Hampshire, while local 1st District GOP contenders trade Trump endorsement angles in interviews. Courtroom Update: A federal magistrate is weighing whether libertarian-leaning Aaron Day can stay on the NH ballot, after a dispute over voter registration. Housing & Agriculture: Opinion pieces warn NH’s housing push is squeezing farms and local food safety, as produce-borne illness fears grow. Local Community: The New Hampshire Boat Museum’s Junior Skippers program returns for kids to build and race foam boats. Weather: Weekend stays mild with 70s/80s and low humidity, with rain more likely late Sunday into Monday. Scam Fallout: A Georgia man was convicted in a $2.7M romance-scam laundering case that included a Concord victim.

DNC Primary Push: Democrats are set to approve a 2028 presidential primary calendar that would kick off with South Carolina Jan. 22, then Nevada Feb. 1, with New Hampshire among the early states in February—aimed at boosting outreach to Black and Latino voters and organized labor. NH Politics: In the 1st District GOP primary, Anthony DiLorenzo says he’s grateful for President Trump’s endorsement but insists he owes only New Hampshire voters; Hollie Noveletsky also argues she still has a path to win despite Trump backing DiLorenzo. Public Safety & Local Government: Vail Fire & Emergency Services is interviewing three finalists for its next fire chief, with a community open house planned. Health Watch: FDA and CDC have begun inspections at Taylor Farms’ Mexican plant tied to the cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has now reached nearly 14,000 lab-confirmed cases across 17 states including New Hampshire. Crime & Courts: A Georgia man was convicted of laundering more than $2.7 million from online scams, including a Concord woman among the victims. Environment & Energy: Appledore Island’s green microgrid at Shoals Marine Laboratory is being showcased as a preview of New Hampshire’s energy future. Housing & Cost of Living: A new living-wage study ranks New Hampshire among the more expensive states for single people, underscoring ongoing affordability pressure.

Voter Access Fight in NH: A Concord-based coalition is suing to block New Hampshire’s student-ID voting ban, arguing HB 323 unlawfully burdens the right to vote and that the Secretary of State went too far with guidance. Medicaid Pressure on the Horizon: A new American Diabetes Association report warns nearly half a million people with diabetes could lose Medicaid coverage as federal Medicaid and ACA changes tighten eligibility and enrollment. Transportation Funding Showdown: Lawmakers are lining up to try to override Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s veto of the state’s 10-year transportation improvement plan, a fight tied to toll policy and affordability. Housing & Consumer Protections: Manufactured home park tenants say they often face new fees and weak protections when ownership changes, while a new NH law starting in 2027 expands “balcony solar” options for homeowners. Civil Liberties in Court: A federal judge is set to rule on a lawsuit challenging New Hampshire’s anti-loitering/anti-prowling law. Local Business: C&S Wholesale Grocers moves toward majority ownership of Winn-Dixie, and Seacoast developers keep pushing new apartment and mixed-use projects.

White House Shake-Up: Karoline Leavitt will step down as Trump’s press secretary at the end of August, with briefings expected to continue without a permanent replacement. NH Politics & Courts: A federal magistrate says New Hampshire may have violated the Constitution by rejecting independent Senate candidate Aaron Day’s ballot bid over voter-registration status, leaving his spot uncertain. Labor in NH-02: The State Employees’ Association (SEIU 1984) endorsed Republican Victor Orlando in the NH-02 GOP primary, highlighting support for collective bargaining and public services. Dem Primary Climate Fight: Stefany Shaheen won backing from the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, though she dodged talk of strict net-zero targets. Education & Tech: New Hampshire’s “School Screen Time Task Force” is reviewing classroom device use after the state’s bell-to-bell cellphone ban. Environment & Water: Meredith backed a shift from the state-run Winnipesaukee River Basin wastewater program to a regional wastewater authority. Clean Water Accountability: Old Dutch Mustard agreed to a consent decree and monitoring plan after a Clean Water Act case tied to pollution of the Souhegan River. Voting Rights: Groups asked a federal court in New Hampshire to block Trump’s birthright citizenship restrictions.

Local Industry & Defense: ePropelled says it’s expanding its Laconia, N.H. manufacturing footprint from 20,000 to 80,000 square feet with $60 million in U.S. government funding to boost production of electric motors, controllers, and complete drone propulsion systems. Energy Prices: After a week of declines, the national average gas price is climbing again, now at $4.07 a gallon, with New Hampshire averaging $3.98. Healthcare Consumer Protection: New Hampshire’s Insurance Department fined Anthem $520,000 over “hundreds of violations,” including problems with provider credentialing, directory accuracy, and mental health parity compliance that could affect patients’ coverage. Courts & Citizenship: Civil rights groups are asking a federal court in New Hampshire to keep protections for U.S.-born children after Trump’s latest birthright citizenship order. State Politics: Lawmakers are lining up to try to override Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s veto of the 10-year transportation plan, including a fight over toll increases for out-of-state drivers. White House Watch: Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretary at month’s end, staying on as a senior outside adviser.

White House Shakeup: President Donald Trump says Karoline Leavitt, the youngest-ever White House press secretary and a New Hampshire native, will step down at month’s end to spend more time with her two young children, while staying on as a senior outside adviser; no replacement has been named yet. Higher Ed Watch: Bipartisan New Hampshire state senators are pushing for an independent performance audit of the University System of New Hampshire, citing enrollment declines, rising costs, and concerns about how money is being spent, including proposed administrative consolidation. Voting Rights Fight: An activist group is asking a federal court to block New Hampshire’s student ID voter law, arguing it strips a long-used option for students to prove identity at the polls and could suppress young voters. Public Health & Food Safety: A major jalapeño recall has expanded after hundreds of illnesses tied to Salmonella, with products sold through major retailers including Hannaford and Walmart. Community & Health: A local Parkinson’s benefit event, “Taking Parkinson’s to the Mat,” raised support for research and will be followed by a September bike ride.

Voter Rights Fight in NH: Civil rights groups are asking a federal court in New Hampshire to keep protections for birthright citizenship after Trump signed another executive order challenging it, arguing the Supreme Court already settled that citizenship is based on where a child is born. AI in Rural Health: Health leaders say AI could help rural care, but a new review finds only a small pile of studies—and little on real patient outcomes—raising questions as states spend federal rural health money on AI tools. Election Integrity Watch: A New Hampshire legal scholar warns that Trump allies could interfere with state elections, pushing back on claims that federal “observation” is harmless. Local Food Security: Hartford Community Coalition is on track to distribute a record 35,000 summer meals, expanding delivery sites as costs rise. Tech and Defense: ePropelled is expanding drone propulsion manufacturing with $60 million in federal support, while Lockheed and Albany Engineered Composites team up to speed hypersonic production. NH Public Health: Dartmouth pediatricians say measles risk grows as vaccine hesitancy spreads, even though there are no reported cases in New Hampshire.

Birthright citizenship fight: Multiple civil rights groups, including the ACLU, returned to federal court in New Hampshire asking a judge to block Trump’s latest executive orders aimed at narrowing citizenship for some children born in the U.S., arguing the moves dodge the Supreme Court’s June ruling. Health & safety: As measles cases rise nationally, NH pediatricians say MMR vaccination remains key; Dartmouth Health doctors warn lower vaccine rates can quickly turn into local outbreaks. Voter access in NH: New Hampshire absentee ballots are available for the Sept. 8 primary, but new ID rules add steps for requesting ballots. Local government transparency: Laconia city leaders and volunteers took public records law training after councilors faced criticism over improper appointment communications. Cybersecurity for retirees: NH Retirement System launched “Digital Sunscreen,” a summer series offering practical scam-spotting and account-protection tips. Public health recall: Hannaford shoppers were warned about certain Taylor Farms wraps and burritos tied to a salmonella outbreak. Community & culture: Belmont’s Heritage Commission plans an America250 celebration concert with the Newmont Military Band.