AGP Executive Report

DNC Primary Shake-Up: The Democratic National Committee moved to end New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary tradition, handing the early prize to South Carolina—another reminder that NH’s role in national politics is under pressure. UNH/USNH Restructure: The University System of New Hampshire board backed a plan to merge the UNH president and system chancellor roles, aiming to cut layers and costs as enrollment and funding tighten. Child Safety Oversight: NH’s child advocate says the final report on alleged abuse and neglect at the Sununu Youth Services Center could take weeks to months, with leadership transition raising questions about timing. Housing Crunch Reality Check: New Hampshire’s high home vacancy rate (14.3%) is largely driven by seasonal properties, leaving fewer year-round options and helping keep prices high. Local Health Funding Fight: Brattleboro, Vt., dropped a proposed special tax hike after concerns it would be divisive, as its hospital’s birthing center faces closure without new money. Tech + Education: A group of teens drafted school-focused AI “legislation,” pushing for clearer rules on how AI should be used in K-12 classrooms. Politics Watch: A Reuters report says Democratic senators urged the Trump administration to revive the Harriet Tubman $20 bill plan.

Crash & Public Safety: A woman died after her 2017 Toyota Corolla collided with a 1998 Peterbilt dump truck in Derry at Hampstead Road and Nutmeadow Lane; Hampstead Road was closed as police investigated. COVID Hearing Fallout: Dr. Anthony Fauci again invoked the Fifth Amendment, refusing to answer dozens of questions in a GOP-led Senate hearing; the committee is weighing next steps after Republicans push for contempt. NH Politics & Scrutiny: A new wave of attention is hitting state Senate candidate Bobbi Boudman after reports of racially and sexually offensive social media posts. Housing Policy Test: New Hampshire’s mixed-use housing law is facing its first real-world hurdles as towns adjust zoning rules and residents watch for impacts on density and costs. Energy & Bills: A debate is heating up over why Northeast electricity prices are rising, with arguments centered on how natural gas factors into the region’s power costs. Manufactured Housing: Sen. Maggie Hassan is pressing a corporate owner over steep rent increases at Hopkinton manufactured housing parks, asking for details on business practices. Local Life & Culture: Squam Lake’s “Cruise with a Naturalist” is back for the season, and Plymouth’s Flying Monkey is set to screen Buster Keaton’s “Steamboat Bill Jr.” with live music.

COVID Oversight Clash: Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during a Senate hearing on COVID-19, refusing to answer questions as Republicans pushed for contempt and possible prosecution. Robocall Crackdown Push: New York AG Letitia James and dozens of AGs urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls. NH Politics & the DNC: Republicans in New Hampshire are drafting a response to the DNC’s 2028 primary calendar plans that would sideline the state’s first-in-the-nation status in favor of South Carolina. Socialism in the Spotlight: A UNH poll finds nearly 4 in 10 Mainers view socialism positively, fueling a key debate in the Maine Senate race that echoes into NH’s broader Democratic messaging. Local Immigration Enforcement: A Troy, N.H., police department’s ICE partnership is highlighted as one of the most active in the state, raising fresh questions about local roles in federal immigration enforcement. State Tech & Safety: New Hampshire DOT is rolling out Geotab telematics and AI cameras across its fleet to improve maintenance and safety.

FITN Fight: Republican lawmakers are drafting a plan to pressure the DNC after it moved New Hampshire’s First-in-the-Nation presidential primary, including requiring national party chairs to certify whether they recognize NH’s primary or face ballot penalties. Healthcare & Cost of Care: A new report highlights New Hampshire’s strong national standing in healthcare access and outcomes, while another story shows Medicaid cuts are slashing home nursing hours for medically complex children, putting families in a bind. Schools & Cellphones: NH’s “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban is getting high marks from teachers and administrators, with most saying it reduces distractions without disrupting learning. Public Safety Tech: Attorney generals, including NH’s, are pushing the FCC to tighten “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Regional Economy & Power: ISO-New England is backing a $2.2B transmission upgrade linking southern NH to Pittsfield, Maine, to ease grid congestion and support future wind power. Local Life: Meredith’s mill history gets a new spotlight, and a Lakes Region STEM program is expanding aviation and aerospace opportunities for students.

First-in-the-nation fight: A New Hampshire opinion piece argues the state’s political elites have failed to defend its early presidential primary role after the DNC voted to strip FITN status, raising questions about whether NH’s primary still matters. Local philanthropy: Service Credit Union became a founding partner of Folds of Honor New England, funding scholarships for first responder families across the region. Medicaid court clash: A federal case kicks off over new Medicaid work requirements, with a judge in Boston set to decide who counts as “medically frail.” Health policy & fraud crackdown: A New Hampshire denaturalization case was filed against a mother accused of citizenship fraud, as USCIS says it has “zero tolerance” for lies in the naturalization process. Housing rules: Municipalities and housing advocates are grappling with how a new mixed-use/multi-family approach is being implemented, with NH towns navigating shifting requirements. Business & jobs: NBT Bancorp reported stronger quarterly earnings, while Bangor Savings Bank named Yolanda “Lannie” Moffatt as its next president and CEO.

DNC Primary Fight: The DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee again stripped New Hampshire of its “first-in-the-nation” presidential primary status for 2028, putting South Carolina first and leaving NH Democrats scrambling over what happens next. Local Governance: Gov. Kelly Ayotte tapped former Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg as acting New Hampshire child advocate, but critics worry his law-enforcement background could chill families from calling for help. Public Safety: Investigators say a kitchen fire destroyed the floating Lake Winnipesaukee restaurant “The Dive” in Alton; no injuries reported and the fire is not considered suspicious. Immigration Enforcement: A statewide petition urges NH law enforcement to end 287(g) partnerships with ICE, arguing it expands federal reach into local policing. Weather: Flash flooding is possible this week as heavy rain and storms move through New Hampshire. Community & Health: Keene air-quality expert Dr. Nora Traviss recommends practical steps like HEPA filtration during smoky conditions.

Child Advocate Shake-Up: Gov. Kelly Ayotte named retired Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg as acting head of the Office of the Child Advocate, replacing Cassandra Sanches and sending the nomination to the Executive Council. Lake Winnipesaukee Fire: Investigators are probing a kitchen-area fire aboard the floating bar and restaurant “The Dive” in Alton; officials say it’s not suspicious, no injuries were reported, and the boat is a total loss. Manufacturing Boost: GKN Aerospace will expand its North Charlestown facility by 57,000 square feet—tripling its size—with a $16 million investment aimed at compressor blade and vane production and new skilled jobs. Food Assistance Pressure: New Hampshire SNAP enrollment fell about 3% from June 2025 to June 2026, and providers report a surge in pantry demand as families feel the impact of recent federal changes. Politics Watch: A New Hampshire poll finds AOC leading the 2028 Democratic field, while national Democrats keep pushing South Carolina to stay first in the 2028 primary calendar. Public Safety Tech Debate: Communities continue to question Flock Safety’s license plate reader cameras and what data is collected and how it’s used.

Democratic Politics: The DNC’s decision to move the First in the Nation primary away from New Hampshire is still reverberating, with NH Democrats accused of not pushing back hard enough while national Democrats rally around South Carolina and a reshaped 2028 calendar. Election Energy: Republicans are also sounding alarms ahead of the midterms, pointing to “scary” signs their base— including in New Hampshire—may be less motivated to show up. Local Fire Safety: Investigators released new details on the Lake Winnipesaukee fire that destroyed the floating Alton restaurant “The Dive,” saying it likely started in the kitchen and was not suspicious; no civilian injuries were reported. Courts & Rights: A New Hampshire teen and her mother sued Snap Inc. over alleged leaks tied to Snapchat’s “My Eyes Only” feature. Public Health: Federal and state officials widened a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to recalled lettuce, including nine cases linked to a New Hampshire hospital cafeteria. Cost of Living: A New Hampshire energy assistance story highlights gaps as fuel and electricity costs strain fixed-income residents.

Housing & Parking Policy: States and cities are rolling back parking minimums as housing shortages push leaders to cut costs and speed projects, though critics warn it could worsen street congestion. NH Politics & Education: A look at New Hampshire’s university system reorganization and fresh debate over how the state funds public education and meets legal obligations. Lake Winnipesaukee Fire: “The Dive,” a celebrity-frequented floating bar and restaurant in Alton, was destroyed by a fire; no injuries were reported and the State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause. Cyber/Privacy Lawsuit: An NH teen and her mother sue Snap Inc. over alleged leaks of private images from the “My Eyes Only” feature, arguing the app misled users about safety. Public Health: The FDA and CDC widened a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with NH reporting nine linked cases. 2028 Democratic Primary Fight: South Carolina was set to lead the 2028 Democratic presidential calendar, sidelining New Hampshire and reshaping early-state influence. Midterms Watch: With 100 days to the 2026 midterms, analysts point to a handful of counties and states likely to decide control of Congress.

DNC Primary Shake-Up: South Carolina was picked to lead Democrats’ 2028 presidential primary calendar, with Nevada next and New Hampshire among the early states—an outcome that sidelines Iowa and reshapes the fight for influence before Super Tuesday. Maine Senate Race: Maine Democrats crowned Troy Jackson as their U.S. Senate nominee after Graham Platner withdrew amid sexual assault allegations; Jackson now faces Sen. Susan Collins in a race seen as pivotal for Senate control. NH Education Funding: A new look at New Hampshire’s education budget shows how Great Recession-era cuts and ongoing reliance on local property taxes have left districts more vulnerable, even as state aid formulas and Education Freedom Accounts add new pressures. NH Health Watch: Federal and state officials widened a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell; New Hampshire confirmed nine cases linked to a Cheshire Medical Center cafeteria. Consumer Safety: Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup was recalled in multiple states, including New Hampshire, over a spoilage risk tied to can pull tabs. Local Life: A fire destroyed “The Dive,” a floating bar and restaurant on Lake Winnipesaukee, with owners saying everyone escaped safely.

Democratic Primary Shake-Up: The DNC voted to put South Carolina first in the 2028 presidential primary calendar, pushing New Hampshire to third and leaving Iowa out—prompting backlash from NH Democrats and others who say the state should still lead. Maine Senate Race: Troy Jackson was crowned Maine’s Democratic U.S. Senate nominee after Graham Platner withdrew amid sexual-assault allegations; Jackson now faces Sen. Susan Collins, with a UNH poll showing a tight race. NH Education Costs: A new report says New Hampshire’s education funding surged during the Great Recession, then declined and stagnated, while local property-tax reliance keeps districts exposed to financial shocks. School Risk Pools: A year after NH school district risk pools crises, officials say there are still no clear answers for how districts manage assessments and coverage going forward. Public Safety & Health: A float plane crash near Washington’s Sucia Island injured 11 after the pilot changed course to avoid a storm; in NH, health officials confirmed cyclosporiasis cases tied to contaminated lettuce served at a Keene hospital cafeteria. Local Governance: Laconia’s Winni River Basin Program is moving toward a director and study commission after Ayotte signed SB 592, with wastewater authority options on the table.

Democratic Primary Fight: The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee voted to make South Carolina first in the 2028 presidential primary calendar, with Nevada second and New Hampshire pushed to Feb. 8—sparking immediate backlash from New Hampshire Democrats and officials who say state law requires the Granite State to go first. Local Governance: New Hampshire’s Secretary of State David Scanlan and Gov. Kelly Ayotte say the state will follow its own election rules even if the national party calendar differs. Public Health: Federal and state health officials expanded a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to recalled Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce, with New Hampshire confirming nine cases linked to lettuce served at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. Energy & Economy: The Trump administration acknowledged canceling $7.6 billion in clean-energy grants tied to political identity of recipient states, while New Hampshire lawmakers and others continue to debate how data centers and energy policy affect costs and communities.

Public Health: New Hampshire DHHS confirmed nine cyclosporiasis cases tied to lettuce served at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, with officials urging anyone who ate the recalled product from early June through July 20 to seek testing if they develop severe or persistent watery diarrhea. Housing & Development: Manchester’s downtown “Rendezvous on Elm” is moving forward with a $10 million, 27-residence conversion at 967 Elm St., offering 27 different floor plans and leasing starting at $2,000/month. Energy Costs: A new state-commissioned report says New Hampshire could electrically isolate from ISO New England, but doing so would likely raise costs for ratepayers by about $148 million (roughly 14%). Politics 2028: New UNH polling shows Marco Rubio gaining among Granite State Republicans while AOC jumps ahead among Democrats, tightening the GOP race between Rubio and JD Vance. Elections & Voting: NH lawmakers say a New Jersey noncitizen voter-roll glitch couldn’t happen in New Hampshire, citing differences in DMV-based registration rules. Business & Jobs: UNH marked a milestone for a new $25M+ ocean mapping center in Durham, with construction led by Gilbane and designed by Stantec, targeting an opening in fall 2027.

First Amendment Fight: Civil liberties groups are threatening to sue the Los Angeles City Council over a rule banning the N-word and C-word during meetings, arguing it violates free speech. New Hampshire Politics: A Granite State Poll shows Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leading likely Democratic primary voters in New Hampshire’s 2028 race, edging out Pete Buttigieg, while Democrats also press John Sununu to “come clean” about alleged Epstein ties. State Government & Universities: New Hampshire’s USNH board is backing a plan that could merge the USNH chancellor and UNH president roles into one top job. Public Health: DHHS confirmed nine new cyclosporiasis cases in New Hampshire tied to lettuce served at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, as the national Taylor Farms recall continues. Economy & Costs: Diesel prices are rising, and Sen. Maggie Hassan and Sen. Amy Klobuchar say farmers spent $1.4B more on fuel this spring than last year. Energy & Data Centers: Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge is expanding with more governors and utilities, aiming to keep data-center upgrade costs off consumer bills.

Election Law: Thirteen House Democrats joined Republicans to pass a voter ID measure for federal elections, reviving debate over the SAVE America Act and highlighting GOP momentum on a signature election issue. NH Politics: A new UNH survey shows AOC leading in the early 2028 New Hampshire Democratic primary, while other polling finds GOP Secretary of State Marco Rubio gaining ground with Granite State Republicans. AI & Energy in NH: Growing demand for AI data centers is fueling a New Hampshire policy fight over electricity costs and reliability, with governors signing a Trump pledge aimed at ratepayer protection. Courts & Rights: Legal groups across ideologies urged the First Circuit to uphold a block on the Trump administration’s actions against Harvard over “ideological diversity” funding conditions. Public Safety: New Hampshire’s Blue Envelope Program is rolling out statewide to help drivers with autism or trauma-related disorders communicate during traffic stops. Local Justice: A New York man was sentenced in federal court for a 2025 armed robbery in Londonderry. Community: Peterborough earned a top FEMA flood rating, securing insurance discounts for residents.

FITN Fight in 2028: Democrats are bracing for a DNC decision that could strip New Hampshire of its first-in-the-nation primary again, with Nevada and South Carolina emerging as top contenders and local Democrats facing sharp criticism for staying quiet. GOP Senate Pressure: Republicans are tying the FITN fight to the U.S. Senate race, arguing Chris Pappas won’t defend NH’s status—while new polling shows the race tightening. Energy Costs Clash: A new argument in the debate over green energy points to state clean-energy mandates as a major driver of higher electricity prices, pushing affordability over ideology. School Risk Pools Still Unsettled: A year after a crisis in school district risk pools, many districts are still dealing with the fallout, even as some money is expected to flow back. SNAP Drops in NH: SNAP enrollment fell about 3% in New Hampshire after federal program cuts, with food pantries reporting rising demand. Local Government & Health: Concord keeps 16 mental health transitional beds after legislative changes and private foundation support. Business & Connectivity: TDS Telecom is buying Granite State Communications’ fiber and voice operations, expanding service addresses in NH. Politics on the Trail: A Belknap District 5 candidate launches a House run focused on listening, public safety, and economic opportunity.