AGP Executive Report

Obamacare Refunds in NH: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including New Hampshire—will get $500 refunds for alleged Obamacare “overcharges” tied to federal exchange “user fees,” with the administration blaming Biden-era mismanagement. NH Immigration Enforcement: Federal data reviewed by NHPR finds local police played a major role in New Hampshire’s summer ICE surge, with 287(g) agreements accounting for nearly half of detainees from May to July. State Budget Watch: New Hampshire’s fiscal-year revenues ended above target, but a big chunk of the surplus came from a one-time tax amnesty, raising questions about what’s sustainable for the next budget. Manufacturing Expansion: Vicor plans major New Hampshire growth for its ChiP power-module fabs, buying sites in Merrimack and Hooksett to expand capacity. Local Business Growth: Watsco agreed to acquire Concord-based The Granite Group, a Northeast plumbing/HVAC distributor with about $500 million in sales. Copyright Fight: ASCAP is seeking $315,000 from a New Hampshire radio group and asking a judge to bar stations from playing ASCAP music without a license. Politics & Money: Fundraising and outside spending are shaping the NH Senate race as Chris Pappas and John Sununu battle toward Nov. 3. Community News: Dover’s Cocheco Mills is set to get Riddlehaven Escape Rooms, with two themed rooms planned for a May 2027 opening.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 refunds tied to alleged Biden-era Obamacare “user fee” overcharges. Election Fight in NH: The Trump administration is pushing legal appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court over new mail-ballot rules, with a key ruling expected this week as states face a September 19 deadline. Midterm Money Surge: A Trump-linked GOP super PAC reserved more than $74 million in TV ad time across battleground races that include New Hampshire, as Republicans try to defend control of Congress. NH Workforce: New Hampshire is leaning into a “toolbelt generation” push—apprenticeships and trades training—to fill labor gaps as retirements surge in construction and skilled trades. Public Safety: A three-alarm fire at the Sig Sauer facility in Epping injured one firefighter and drew mutual aid from nearby departments. Outdoors & Health: New Hampshire’s Hike Safe Card is back in focus after a costly Franconia Ridge rescue, while drivers complain gas prices are climbing amid the Iran war. Local Tragedy: Three people died in a violent motorcycle crash near Laconia, with a fourth seriously injured.

Obamacare refunds in NH: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 refunds for “overcharges” tied to Biden-era Obamacare exchange user fees. Gubernatorial focus: WMUR’s “Conversation with the Candidate” features Democrat Cinde Warmington answering voters on housing, health care, child care, food and gas, plus cannabis and juvenile justice. Energy on capped landfill: Derry is turning a closed municipal landfill into a 2.25-megawatt solar site, aiming to cut electricity costs and give new life to “dead land.” Election watch: A CBS battleground roundup highlights key 2026 Senate races and notes Republicans’ vulnerabilities amid cost-of-living pressure and the Iran war. NH politics debate: A Portsmouth City Council term-limits op-ed argues limiting council terms would take away voters’ choice. Wildfire management: NH’s business coverage spotlights how the state monitors and manages wildfires. Midterm money surge: Reporting says Trump and Elon Musk super PACs are pouring tens of millions into competitive races, including New Hampshire.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says the federal government will return hundreds of millions in Obamacare “overcharges,” issuing $500 refunds to nearly 1 million people in 30 states using the federal exchange, including New Hampshire, tied to alleged excess user fees collected during the Biden years. Public Safety: New Hampshire State Police are investigating after a body was found in the Merrimack River in Bedford; an autopsy is planned and officials say it doesn’t appear suspicious. Local Colleges: Keene State College’s search committee says the job profile for its next president will be finalized next month, with an online survey and listening sessions planned to shape the role. NH Politics & Transparency: A Concord Monitor op-ed argues New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Ombudsman seat being vacant is leaving residents with “an empty chair” when public records requests stall. Data Centers: Nottingham voters approved a moratorium on data centers with more than 90% support, setting up a study and new zoning rules amid energy and water concerns. Community Events: Hampton Beach Seafood Festival returns Sept. 11–13, with Ocean Boulevard closed to traffic for the Seacoast’s signature fall food and entertainment weekend.

Health Care Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 Obamacare refunds after the Biden administration allegedly overcharged consumers through federal exchange “user fees,” with payments expected to start in October. State Transparency: New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Ombudsman job is vacant, leaving residents with fewer options than court when public bodies ignore records requests. Local Safety: A pedestrian was left unresponsive after being struck on New Hampshire Avenue near Valley Brook Drive in Silver Spring; the corridor has been flagged as high-risk and a pedestrian safety project is underway. Higher Ed Leadership: Keene State College’s search committee will finalize the job profile for its next president next month, then begin a nationwide candidate search with community input sessions. Community & Culture: Upper Valley Haven dedicated a new year-round 20-bed shelter and resource center in White River Junction, and Hampton Beach’s Seafood Festival returns Sept. 11–13. Public Policy Watch: Nottingham voters approved a moratorium on data centers, with the town studying impacts before zoning changes.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says it will send $500 health care rebate checks to nearly 1 million Affordable Care Act enrollees in 30 states, including New Hampshire, after claiming Biden-era “user fees” overcharged consumers. State Budget Planning: NH Fiscal Policy Institute will host a Dec. 4 conference in Concord focused on the fiscal and economic trends shaping the next two-year state budget, with sessions on health care, education, housing, childcare, and property taxes. NH Politics: Democrats reported a turnout surge in New Hampshire’s primary, with about 40,000 more voters casting Democratic ballots than Republican ones, setting up a high-stakes U.S. Senate fight between Chris Pappas and John Sununu. Local Governance: Nottingham voters approved a data center moratorium by more than 90%, with a year-long study aimed at shaping future zoning rules. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge tossed out a DOJ lawsuit seeking Minnesota voter data, while New Hampshire’s own election-related legal disputes continue to draw attention. Energy Costs: Diesel prices hit a new national record, pushing up operating costs for trucking and potentially raising prices on everyday goods.

Health Care Refunds: The White House says it will send $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, after it blamed Biden-era “user fees” for overcharging premiums. 9/11 Remembrance in NH: New Hampshire flags are at half-staff for the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, with Gov. Kelly Ayotte urging residents to remember victims and first responders. Public Health Alert: CDC warns of a jump in human rabies exposures and mistakes in preventive treatment, including a suspected rabid animal attack in Lebanon, N.H. Local Economy & Jobs: A Q&A with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Maria Proulx looks at how NH employers can tackle rising healthcare costs by steering employees to the right care settings. Childcare Solutions: A feature highlights how New Hampshire businesses are helping expand childcare capacity, including a Henniker project adding infant slots. NH Business/Industry: Vicor plans major new ChiP fab sites in Merrimack and Hooksett to expand capacity for AI power components. Environment: Harpswell harvesters report a shellfish die-off tied to an algae bloom, with possible spread noted toward New Hampshire waters.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 checks starting in October after Biden-era “user fees” allegedly drove up premiums. U.S. Senate Race in NH: In the opening stretch of the fall campaign, Republican John Sununu and Democrat Chris Pappas trade attacks on records and “independence,” while Democrats launch a “Stop Sununu Tour” tying him to Trump on tariffs, Iran, and health care. Election Rules Fight: Republican election officials urge the Supreme Court to block a Trump mail-ballot rule before November, warning it could cause confusion and delays; New Hampshire is also dealing with federal demands to preserve old ballots. Privacy in NH Housing: A lawsuit targets Concord Housing and Redevelopment Authority’s use of Mînut monitors in apartments, with residents saying the government-funded tracking violates privacy. 9/11 Remembered: New Hampshire coverage looks at how a generation without firsthand memory is learning about Sept. 11, plus local memorial efforts like “Flags on the 46.” Energy & Utilities: Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander wins intervening status in a PUC hearing over Liberty Utilities rate hikes; Eversource also announces a quarterly dividend.

Immigration & Courts: Legal groups that won a Supreme Court birthright citizenship fight in “Trump v. Barbara” filed fresh motions in New Hampshire federal court, asking the judge to clearly protect the class despite a new Trump executive order targeting birthright citizenship. NH Politics: Belmont voters will choose between GOP Kevin Nugent and Democrat Liz Charlwood for an open state representative seat after Nugent advanced from the primary. Public Safety: Bow police, with federal help, executed a search warrant at Yihong Spa as part of a human-trafficking and prostitution crackdown; authorities say charges are pending and no arrests were reported. Health Care: The Trump administration announced $500 Obamacare refund checks for nearly 1 million Americans, including New Hampshire residents, with payments expected to start in October. Tech & Security: A new report warns quantum computing could reach “Q-Day” soon enough to threaten today’s cryptography, raising urgency for upgrades. Community & Culture: Laconia’s Belknap Mill Sock Hop is set for Sept. 11, with a temporary expansion of the city’s social district to Rotary Park.

NH Politics & Housing: New Hampshire’s housing crunch is still far from the mark, with the state needing roughly 60,000 more units by 2030 and nearly 90,000 by 2040, while rising prices keep pushing young workers and vulnerable residents out of the market. GOP Midterms in Dallas: President Trump used the first-ever GOP midterm convention to promise a $5,000 “dividend” for every adult if Republicans hold both chambers, while also insisting the Iran war will end after Election Day and tying energy prices to the midterms. NH Elections After Primaries: Democrats held a post-primary unity breakfast in Manchester, with nominees looking to carry momentum into November. NH Law Enforcement: Attorney General John Formella says a Bow spa is under an active human trafficking and prostitution-related investigation after a search warrant was executed. Local Notes: Holderness was highlighted as a top “hidden” Squam Lake destination by Travel + Leisure, and a free conservation forum is set for Tilton landowners.

New Hampshire Senate showdown set: After Tuesday’s primaries, former Sen. John E. Sununu won the GOP nod and will face Rep. Chris Pappas in November for the open seat left by retiring Jeanne Shaheen. Pappas beat progressive challenger Karishma Manzur, while Sununu cleared his Republican field—setting up a high-stakes, control-of-the-Senate race that both parties are already treating as a must-win. Statehouse politics & local stakes: In the 1st Congressional District, Stefany Shaheen won the Democratic primary and will take on Anthony DiLorenzo; in the 2nd District, Maggie Goodlander advanced on the Democratic side. Cost-of-living pressure: Granite Staters are increasingly worried about tariffs and prices, with a UNH poll citing sharp concerns about gasoline, groceries, and energy. Robocall crackdown: NH’s attorney general joined a broader push to strengthen FCC rules aimed at stopping illegal robocalls. Business & growth: Durham is weighing a major Technology Drive expansion that could add up to 1,500 jobs, while Nottingham voters approved a 12-month moratorium on new data centers.

U.S. Senate showdown set in New Hampshire: Tuesday’s primaries cleared the way for an open-seat battle to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, with Democrat Chris Pappas winning his nomination over Karishma Manzur and Republican John E. Sununu taking the GOP nod over Scott Brown—both races called quickly after polls closed, setting up a high-stakes, closely watched general election. GOP House nomination in play: In NH-01, Trump-endorsed businessman Anthony DiLorenzo won the Republican primary, beating Hollie Noveletsky and state Rep. Brian Cole; the Democratic side was still too close to call late Tuesday. Governor’s race locked: Incumbent Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte won her primary and will face Democrat Cinde Warmington, who ran unopposed. Local enforcement: Bow police raided a spa tied to alleged human trafficking/prostitution as part of a statewide crackdown. Public health watch: A measles outbreak was reported in Illinois’s Douglas County, with officials working to identify exposures and push immunizations.

New Hampshire Primary Day: Voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose nominees for a high-stakes U.S. Senate seat and other top races, with Democrats trying to defend the Shaheen-open seat and Republicans aiming to keep control as the national Senate fight tightens. U.S. Senate Spotlight (NH): On the Democratic side, Rep. Chris Pappas faces progressive challenger Karishma Manzur in a race that’s narrowed late; on the GOP side, former Sen. John Sununu takes on former Sen. Scott Brown for the nomination. Local Politics: Claremont City Council heard concerns about procedural irregularities tied to Tolles Home Board meetings. Energy & Local Economy: Derry cut the ribbon on a completed landfill solar array expected to save taxpayers about $4 million over 25 years. Community & Business: A Keene student’s push for a Trader Joe’s gained momentum after appearing on local radio. Everyday Costs: Gas prices surged, with diesel hitting a record high. National Context: A new forecast says the U.S. Senate battle is now a near-even toss-up.

New Hampshire Primary Countdown: Voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose nominees for Congress, governor, and the state Legislature, with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement triggering a scramble—especially in the race to replace her seat. U.S. Senate Spotlight (NH): Democrats are split in the NH-01 primary as Rep. Chris Pappas faces Democratic socialist Karishma Manzur, while Republicans choose between former Sen. John Sununu and former Sen. Scott Brown, setting up a high-stakes general election. Dynasty Politics: Shaheen is leaning hard on her network for daughter Stefany Shaheen, drawing “nepo baby” backlash and scrutiny over outreach to key groups. Outside Money: Elon Musk’s America PAC has spent tens of thousands in New Hampshire, including $91k-plus aimed at boosting Sununu. Labor & 2028 Buzz: At the AFL-CIO Labor Day breakfast, Mark Kelly and Ro Khanna pushed pro-union messages while both left the door open to future White House runs. Healthcare Access: A new analysis warns rural hospital obstetrics closures could force long drives for pregnant Medicaid patients. Crash Update: Three people were hospitalized after a Monday crash in Manchester.

NH Primary Preview: With the Sept. 8 vote Tuesday, New Hampshire’s marquee U.S. Senate race could swing control of the chamber, and the AP notes what to expect as former Sens. John Sununu and Scott Brown face off in the GOP primary while Democrats choose between Chris Pappas and a more left-leaning challenger. CD1 Democratic Race: In the 1st District, the Democratic primary is tightening as Maura Sullivan and Stefany Shaheen battle for the nomination, with outside endorsements and last-minute momentum shaping the final sprint. CD2 Congressional Focus: In the 2nd District, voters pick among Paige Beauchemin, Lily Tang Williams, and Victor Orlando, with housing, immigration, and data centers showing up as key themes. Cyber & Water Security: A national spate of cyberattacks on water systems has raised alarms; New Hampshire officials say they’re not aware of impacts locally, but warn systems are always being probed. Local Energy Savings: Jaffrey homeowners say NHSaves weatherization rebates helped cut drafts and energy costs, highlighting how state utility programs can deliver real household relief. Flock Camera Backlash: Commentary and reporting keep spotlighting growing public anger over Flock-style surveillance cameras and the push for regulation. Labor Day Politics: A pro-labor rally in Concord put jobs and housing affordability front and center for voters heading into the primary.

1st District Democratic race tightens: Christian Urrutia dropped out Sunday and endorsed Stefany Shaheen, framing the contest as a choice between Shaheen and Maura Sullivan and highlighting fights over Medicare for All, data centers, and the war in Gaza. Labor Day politics & jobs: NHJournal asked candidates to make their case for workers as the state’s unemployment stays low but wages lag inflation and employment growth remains uneven. State primary guide for Sept. 8: A full rundown of key races on the ballot, including the Senate matchup (Pappas vs. Manzur; Sununu vs. Brown) and other contested state races. PFAS payout update: NH received another $7.3 million from 3M tied to forever-chemical settlements, feeding the Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund. Education funding debate: A new analysis says NH still ranks last nationally for state support of public education, putting more pressure on property taxpayers. Business & local economy: United Therapeutics bought the former Merrimack Anheuser-Busch brewery site for $47 million, setting up major job growth plans. Public safety: Police seized about 1.225 kilograms of fentanyl after a chase and arrests in Lawrence and Haverhill.