AGP Executive Report

NH Politics: New Hampshire’s Democratic registration jumped by more than 8,000 since Aug. 3, after a primary that drew far more Democrats than expected—155,634 Democrats vs. 113,605 Republicans—while undeclared voters fell by over 30,000, a sign Democrats are banking on for November. Political Violence Controversy: The NH Democratic Party condemned Free Staters’ calls to assassinate elected Democrats, while the NH Libertarian Party again posted support for political killings, prompting attention from state law enforcement. Court Watch: A federal judge in New Hampshire questioned whether ACLU birthright-citizenship litigation can be reused to challenge Trump’s latest executive orders, suggesting a new lawsuit may be needed. Local Impact: Manchester’s Queen City Bridge stayed closed for a second day as officials investigate possible structural deficiencies, worrying nearby businesses about lost customers. 2028/Presidential Buzz: Former NJ Gov. Chris Christie said he’s considering a third White House run in 2028, while Democrats continue setting up a “shadow” presidential primary.

NH Politics & Elections: The New Hampshire Supreme Court cleared the way for voters to decide this fall on a statewide school spending cap ballot question—creating the first statewide chance to cap local property tax growth. Campaign Trail: Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced a 42-member “Manchester for Kelly” coalition, while Democrats and Republicans keep sharpening contrasts ahead of midterms. Affordability & Taxes: Letters to the editor debate what “affordability” should mean—property taxes, education funding, and whether state spending discipline can lower costs. Cost of Living: WMUR reports home-heating oil could jump about 31% this winter, tied to higher diesel prices amid the Iran conflict. Courts & Governance: The NH Supreme Court delayed arguments after an ethics-related motion, as fallout continues from an ethics probe involving top judicial leadership. Business & Jobs: GKN Aerospace broke ground on a North Charlestown expansion expected to add about 30 jobs, while a labor-market update points to partial recovery but ongoing wage-pressure concerns. Public Safety: A teenage driver died after a weekend crash in Warren, and police continue seeking information.

Generic Drug Claims: New Hampshire residents are being urged to check eligibility and file claims after a multistate deal won preliminary court approval over alleged price-fixing of generic drugs, with purchases between 2009 and 2019 potentially covered. NH Politics: Karishma Manzur has backed Rep. Chris Pappas in New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate race, after previously holding back on an endorsement. First Amendment & 2028: Pete Buttigieg told a New Hampshire audience he’s focused on helping Democrats on the ballot, while also weighing the state’s role in the presidential primary and recent White House media restrictions. Housing Preferences: A new St. Anselm survey finds Granite Staters increasingly support allowing single-family homes on smaller lots, a shift that could reshape local zoning debates. Public Safety: Tyngsboro police are searching for a Nashua arson suspect, warning residents not to approach him and to call 911. Healthcare Cost Relief: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is pushing the INSULIN Act to cap insulin out-of-pocket costs at $35, seeking a floor vote before she leaves office. STEM Spotlight: NASA astronaut Anil Menon will answer prerecorded questions from New Hampshire students from the International Space Station. Local Business: An entrepreneur launched Hidden Local NH to spotlight small businesses and events across the state.

NH Politics & Elections: New England College canceled its planned U.S. Senate debate between Rep. Chris Pappas and John Sununu after Pappas declined to show, adding another twist to a race now rated a “toss-up” by major forecasters. Campaign Finance: Democrats say they’re running short on cash to match GOP ad spending, with GOP groups booking more ad time in New Hampshire than Democrats. First Amendment & Media: Pete Buttigieg visited New Hampshire to argue against attacks on independent news outlets, pointing to the White House deactivating credentials for major outlets. Local Government & Transit: A Montgomery County councilmember is set to return to in-person duties after a heart attack, with a public hearing on bus rapid transit options on New Hampshire Avenue. Community & Culture: Bank of New Hampshire is the title sponsor of the 2026 Laconia Pumpkin Festival, bringing a downtown stage and more fall programming. Public Health & Safety: Laconia Public Library is offering a FluoroSpec lead testing kit for check-out to help residents screen older homes.

New Hampshire Economy & Jobs: New Hampshire’s labor market is showing early recovery in 2026, with nonfarm employment up 1.1% through July and unemployment dipping below 3%, but wage growth is still lagging inflation and workers face ongoing pressure from shifting technology and demographics. Tourism & Local Business: NH tourism officials are forecasting a strong fall season—about 3.9 million visitors and roughly $2 billion in spending—pointing to foliage, outdoor recreation, and local shopping as key drivers. Elections & Political Climate: National midterm coverage highlights a growing focus on corruption in campaign ads, with New Hampshire races featuring scrutiny of figures tied to lobbying and big business. U.S. Senate Watch (NH): GOP strategists are reportedly looking to northern-state upsets—including New Hampshire—to protect Senate control as polls tighten. Right-to-Know in NH: A Concord-area community spotlight shows how Hopkinton is handling right-to-know requests as a customer-service issue, aiming to reduce friction for residents seeking records. Tech, Data Centers & Power: New Hampshire is in the middle of a broader data-center debate, with proposals and policy moves aimed at managing electricity demand and grid strain. Public Safety Tech: Florida’s move to pull back Flock-style license plate readers is being watched, and NH lawmakers say the state could offer a model for tighter rules. Community & Culture: A rare local story from the region: a Vermont town time capsule is set to open in 2076, packed with everything from old books to COVID-era items.

NH Politics & Elections: Republicans in New Hampshire are trying to keep Trump “at arm’s length” even as he pulls them close, with Sen. Rick Scott pitching the state as the GOP’s best shot for a 2026 Senate pickup and polling talk fueling a possible “blue wave” narrative. 1st District Race: WMUR’s “Conversation with the Candidate” spotlighted Portsmouth-based contenders Anthony DiLorenzo (R) and Stefany Shaheen (D), as they sparred over immigration, housing costs, healthcare funding, and energy policy. Campaign & Voter Mood: A new NBC News poll finds 43% of voters say the midterm vote is meant to oppose Trump, the highest in decades, while other polling coverage suggests Democrats may be stronger than “expert ratings” imply. Energy & Data Centers: Gov. Ayotte’s proposed moratorium on new data centers is drawing fresh attention amid arguments that the projects strain the grid and raise costs for households. Charitable Gaming: Poker Stars is coming to New Hampshire as charitable gaming grows, with proceeds tied to local childcare and education nonprofits. Local Tech/Science: Nashua teen Ameya Kharade’s low-cost brain-reading system aims to turn brain activity into speech without surgery. Community & Culture: A klezmer concert in support of Ukraine’s children of war is set for Oct. 11.

Midterms Mood: A new NBC News poll finds 43% of registered voters say their midterm vote is meant to oppose President Donald Trump—the highest “signal of opposition” in decades—while economic worries and the Iran war are weighing on support. NH Politics: At a Concord “Unity Breakfast,” top New Hampshire Republicans largely avoided mentioning Trump, even as polling shows him still shaping the race. 1st District Race: WMUR’s “Conversation with the Candidate” puts Republican Anthony DiLorenzo and Democrat Stefany Shaheen in focus ahead of November, with Shaheen pressing that healthcare funding isn’t a resources problem and DiLorenzo pitching his business-and-jobs record. Healthcare Access: Dartmouth Health coverage highlights how rural adults in New Hampshire and Vermont navigate care. Local Courts: Dover daycare Kid’s Culture is appealing a license revocation after state officials said it withheld requested surveillance video. Tech & Science: Nashua teen Ameya Kharade’s $1,800 brain-reading system aims to turn brain activity into speech without surgery.

NH Politics & Elections: U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin headlined a Hampton Democrats’ picnic, urging turnout for the 2026 midterms and framing the fight as bigger than New Hampshire. Voting Rights & Federal Power: The NAACP sued to block the Trump administration from deploying federal agents to polling places, arguing it violates the Voting Rights Act through intimidation. Arms Sale Watch (NH): Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is withholding consent on a proposed $2.8B sale of 60,000 one-ton bombs to Israel, citing insufficient assurances about civilian protection. NH Courts/Transparency: A report on the resignation of New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald raises questions about what the public won’t see after a complaint was resolved without a public hearing. Public Health: Health officials warned a person with measles traveled from Chicago to Los Angeles by train, potentially exposing riders and communities along the route. Local Community: Meredith is honoring “Rusty” McLear as grand marshal of Old Home Day 2026, celebrating his role in shaping the town.

Election Security Fight: The NAACP sued the Trump administration, asking a judge to block federal agents from being deployed to polling places in November, arguing it violates the Voting Rights Act by intimidating voters. NH Weather & Daily Life: Sunday in New Hampshire looks wet, with scattered showers turning steadier—especially in the south—plus rain likely for the Patriots’ home opener. State Politics & Power Shifts: New polling and prediction-market chatter suggest House control is slipping for Republicans as gas prices and voter anger weigh in, while the Senate remains in play. Local Governance: Alton officials are exploring legal action over the Wentworth Pond drawdown tied to the Alton Power Dam, citing environmental, property-value, and well-water concerns. Health Care Coverage: A lawsuit challenges a federal Medicaid rule that narrows “medical frailty” protections, putting medically frail enrollees at risk of losing coverage. Community & Culture: Dartmouth acquired a rare medieval Magna Carta manuscript, and Moultonborough’s library plans a free Oct. 6 screening of the 1926 “Scarlet Letter” with live music.

Child Care & Courts: A Dover daycare, Kid’s Culture Childcare & Learning Center, is appealing the state’s revocation of its childcare licenses after DHHS said the center failed to turn over requested surveillance video tied to a 2025 investigation. Health Policy: A new Alston & Bird health care roundup highlights Senate HELP/Finance confirmation hearings for HHS nominees and House Ways & Means movement on bills including Alzheimer’s screening, medically tailored meals, and more Medicare Advantage spending transparency. Elections: Early voting is underway for the Nov. 3 midterms, with campaigns focused on affordability and prices, while New Hampshire remains in the mix for competitive Senate and House races. State Politics: Sen. Rick Scott headlined the New Hampshire GOP Amos Tuck Dinner, signaling continued national attention on the Granite State. Cost of Living: Rep. Carrie Sorensen is pushing a bill to add diapers to New Hampshire’s Medicaid plan, aiming to use federal matching funds to ease rising costs for struggling parents. Energy Bills: NH utilities’ supply-rate hikes are driving big jumps for customers, but delivery charges may be nearly as painful. Higher Ed & AI: Dartmouth is hosting “AI at 70: What must remain human?” Oct. 29-31, reflecting growing debate over how AI should shape education and society.

Healthcare & Politics: Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged Biden-era “user fee” overcharges. Consumer Protection: DC and 40 states reached a $694 million settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, with restitution and debt relief for borrowers; the deal also targets dealer “packing” of add-ons. Environment: EPA rescinded 2022 PFAS wastewater-permitting guidance, saying it moved too fast by using NPDES rules before setting clearer PFAS limits. Local Economy: Watsco plans to acquire Concord-based Granite Group, expanding plumbing and HVAC distribution across the Northeast. Workplace & Business: Turner Group in Concord earned No. 17 on Business NH Magazine’s Best Companies to Work For list. Public Safety: State police arrested a man wanted on felony charges after an overnight search in Keene. Community Impact: The family of a Nashua Country Club shooting victim launched a scholarship to honor his legacy in trades. Health & Housing: A Seacoast report highlights how Portsmouth’s soaring costs are pushing city employees to live far away.

Courts & Justice: A Merrimack County judge dismissed Pamela Smart’s latest bid for a new trial, saying her arguments were already raised—or could have been—during earlier appeals in her 1990 accomplice-to-murder case. Public Safety & Community: Manchester police are investigating a hate-symbol vandalism at the Moka Pot, releasing surveillance images as the state DOJ Civil Rights Unit joins the probe. Politics & Campaigns: A report says Rep. Chris Pappas is revising his New Hampshire TV ad plan, pulling money from the Portland market amid a tighter-than-expected Senate race. Consumer Protection: New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella joined a $694 million multistate settlement with auto lender Credit Acceptance, aimed at cash and debt relief plus stronger consumer protections. State Policy & Elections: A judge cleared the way for New Hampshire’s school tax cap ballot question to appear in November after dismissing a lawsuit challenging how the measure is explained. Health Care: Dartmouth Health announced layoffs and canceled openings tied to telehealth program changes, citing unsustainable costs. Privacy & Surveillance: State Rep. Michael Granger says he’ll file legislation to ban Flock cameras and tighten highway surveillance rules. Energy & Business: A candidate forum in Manchester focused on heating costs, with Anthony DiLorenzo arguing New Hampshire’s energy supply constraints drive prices.

Healthcare & Costs: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged overcharges from federal exchange “user fees.” Consumer Protection: Connecticut AG William Tong joined a multistate deal with Credit Acceptance for $694 million in cash and debt relief, with added rules aimed at risky lending and dealer “packing” of add-on products. New Hampshire Economy: Gov. Kelly Ayotte welcomed Vicor’s planned expansion, pitching it as a boost for advanced manufacturing jobs. Health Coverage in NH: KFF analysis finds ACA Marketplace enrollment in New Hampshire fell about 8% from 2025 to 2026 after enhanced premium tax credits expired. Politics (NH Senate): Former Sen. John Sununu attacks Rep. Chris Pappas as “anti-incumbent” Democrats’ case backfires, as the NH Senate race shifts toward a toss-up. Local Governance & Privacy: Portsmouth police say they’re not using fixed license plate reader cameras and have no plans to add them. Energy & Daily Life: Diesel and gas prices are spiking again, with experts warning it could get worse. Housing & PFAS: A Chester subdivision hearing for 34 homes was pushed after PFAS contamination concerns surfaced. Tech & Security: BAE Systems launched “Shadow EW” compact electronic-warfare systems, with software and design work centered in Nashua.

NH Courts & Elections: A Merrimack County judge rejected Democrats’ bid to block the Nov. 3 school property tax cap question, clearing the way for the ballot measure after plaintiffs failed to show they’d likely win or face irreparable harm. Judicial Ethics: New Hampshire Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald resigned after an ethics probe tied to a $50,000 payment to a longtime ally; Gov. Kelly Ayotte says she has no set timeline to name a replacement. Voting Rights Fight: The 1st Circuit refused to toss out the DOJ’s voter data lawsuit against New Hampshire, setting up the federal government’s next court explanation. Local Governance: Laconia councilors moved ahead on pole cameras despite public pushback, while Concord police say a missing psychiatric patient has been found and taken into custody. Statehouse Politics: Granite State Democrats and Republicans are also clashing over Russia sanctions, with NH Reps. Maggie Goodlander and Chris Pappas voting against a sanctions bill Shaheen urged. Community & Safety: Manchester police are investigating hate-symbol vandalism at a coffee shop as a hate crime. Energy & Economy: Hooksett is starting construction on a solar project at a former landfill, aiming to cut long-term energy costs for town and schools. Health & Policy: Dartmouth Health says layoffs targeted administrative and leadership roles to protect patient care amid a $60M deficit. Midterms Watch: Political coverage highlights shifting odds and turnout concerns as Election Day nears.

U.S. Politics & Health Care: The White House says it will refund about $500 per person in Obamacare “overcharges” to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, tied to federal exchange “user fees.” NH Courts & Leadership: New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald resigned after an ethics probe, and attention is now on Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s role and what comes next for the court. Immigration Enforcement: ICE announced arrests at travel stops and a New Hampshire commercial-vehicle inspection station as it targets truck drivers at checkpoints. NH Elections: The Cook Political Report moved the New Hampshire U.S. Senate race to “toss-up,” citing polling gains for GOP candidate John Sununu against Democrat Chris Pappas. Local Housing: Windsor approved a 57-unit office-to-apartment conversion, adding to a growing trend of turning underused office space into housing. Cost Pressures: C&J Bus Lines says diesel costs have more than doubled in a year, squeezing operations as Logan Airport traveler ridership declines. NH Economy & Workforce: A report says NH tourism, hospitality and landscaping rely heavily on seasonal foreign workers using H-2B visas. Portsmouth Parking: Portsmouth changed downtown parking rules, restricting free access in the Parrott Avenue lot to residents and downtown workers while raising non-resident rates.

U.S. Senate Watch (NH): The Cook Political Report moved New Hampshire’s Senate race to a toss-up, citing tighter polling between GOP former Sen. John Sununu and Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, with national Republicans pouring money into the contest. Impeachment Vote Drama: Pappas voted “present” on a House motion to table an impeachment effort against President Trump, a move critics say signals weakness on accountability. State Politics & Policy: The NH attorney general reminded Granite Staters about new propane fuel rules aimed at clearer contract disclosures and fewer switching-blocking fees. Energy & AI Costs: A bipartisan House push would require data centers to cover the full cost of electricity grid upgrades, targeting the idea that ratepayers shouldn’t subsidize AI expansion. Courts & Accountability: NH Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald resigned after a Judicial Conduct Committee investigation, prompting an explainer on how the committee works. Local Surveillance Debate: Laconia’s council voted 5-1 to replace pole cameras with a DHS-funded grant, while residents raised concerns about license plate reader tech. Health & Community: Dartmouth Health announced job cuts and canceled openings, while Mid-State Health hosted a community wellness event. Public Safety: Officials warned about cychlorphine, a synthetic drug described as up to ten times more potent than fentanyl, after a teen death.