AGP Executive Report

NH Public Safety: A 64-year-old hiker, Richard Chateauneuf of Tyngsborough, died after being found unconscious on West Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness; CPR was attempted by other hikers and first responders. Elections 2026: With Election Day about a month away, New Hampshire is listed among key Senate races to watch as Democrats and Republicans fight over control of the chamber, while national reporting highlights GOP cash shifts and mounting anxiety in other states. Healthcare & Policy: Dartmouth Health faces scrutiny after announcing job cuts and canceling hundreds of vacant positions, raising questions about transparency and how affected workers were treated. State Government & Courts: A lawsuit could delay Hampton liquor store redevelopment projects after the state committee approved a bid, leaving questions about the case’s next steps. Environment & Transportation: New Hampshire’s vehicle emissions testing overhaul is under pressure as lawmakers ended the program without EPA permission, setting up a legal and compliance fight. Wildlife Crime: Three men pleaded guilty in federal court in New Hampshire to poaching and exporting more than 40 bobcats. Health Data Security: U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan joined passage of a bipartisan Senate cybersecurity bill aimed at protecting health data.

NH Politics & Courts: Top Democratic legislative leaders asked the state Judicial Conduct Committee to say whether any sitting NH Supreme Court justices are under investigation, warning uncertainty is hurting cases and public confidence. School Funding: The NH Supreme Court cleared a ballot question tied to the school budget cap after education advocates tried to block it. Housing & Cost of Living: A Pew study finds housing shortages are pushing poverty higher, and NH is among the states where poverty would be lower if housing costs matched the national average. Healthcare Policy: The AHA, NH Hospital Association, and 340B Health filed an amicus brief backing Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in its fight against Eli Lilly’s new 340B claims data policy. Community & Public Safety: Moultonborough will run a mock fire drill Oct. 7 at the transfer station focused on battery fire response. Local Recognition: Newbury police Officer John Baker received a 40 Under 40 award.

NH Supreme Court: Top Democrats are pressing for more transparency about possible ethics probes tied to three justices after Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald’s resignation over judicial conduct violations, with some candidates arguing the court should pause or step aside. Trans health care fight: Four NH families sued to block a Trump rule cutting Medicaid and CHIP coverage for transition-related care for low-income youth under 18, with the change set to take full effect Oct. 13. Public safety tech: A draft Wyoming bill would tightly restrict automatic license plate reader use—allowing only certain traffic violations and limiting data retention—mirroring NH’s recent approach. Health: NH confirmed its first human West Nile Virus case of the year, while UNH officials say reported rape cases are rising, arguing more survivors may be coming forward. Wildlife crime: Three men pleaded guilty in a bobcat poaching scheme that killed and shipped more than 40 protected animals to Canada. Weather & weekend plans: Cooler, sunny fall foliage weather is expected to kick off the weekend, with northern and mountain areas near peak.

Election Watch (NH): Democrats are clawing back voter registration losses in key states, with New Hampshire showing slowed decline after Republicans gained earlier—another sign Democrats may be tightening the map heading into midterms. U.S. Senate Race (NH): After winning NH’s Democratic primary, Rep. Chris Pappas highlighted a Cook Political Report shift of the state’s Senate contest to “Toss Up,” underscoring how competitive the race has become. Data Centers & Power Costs (NH): Opposition to hyperscale data centers is intensifying in New Hampshire, with residents protesting and lawmakers pushing for moratoriums as fights grow over who pays for electricity and grid upgrades. Energy & Nuclear (New England): New England governors are aligning on a regional nuclear roadmap, with NH officials saying no single state can pull off new nuclear alone. Public Health: The FDA says an E. coli and Salmonella sprout outbreak now involves more patients and includes New Hampshire among affected states. Business (NH): Industrial real estate deals keep moving—Marcus Partners bought a 155,000 s/f warehouse in Salem, and Colliers handled an 18,000 s/f lease in Concord.

Higher Ed Access: The University System of New Hampshire launched the “New Hampshire Promise,” offering free tuition at UNH, Keene State, and Plymouth State for first-time students from families earning up to $100,000, starting fall 2027. Public Health & Safety: New Hampshire Medicaid premium implementation is on hold while the state waits for federal guidance, after concerns about how a new federal cost-sharing law could interact with the state’s premium system. State Politics & Taxes: A statewide school tax cap question is on every NH ballot, limiting local school property tax growth and SAU central office spending, with a lawsuit challenging whether classroom and student services are truly protected. Environment & Water: Salem officials are moving toward a watershed management plan for Arlington Mill Reservoir after recurring cyanobacteria blooms, with phosphorus runoff identified as a key driver. Energy & Cost of Living: In the Senate race, John Sununu faced voter questions on diesel prices, energy supply, and housing costs during a “Conversation with the Candidate” taping. Legal/Consumer Protection: A major multistate push is underway over a $400 million Sandoz settlement tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition.

Generic Drug Settlement: Michigan AG Dana Nessel urges consumers to check eligibility and file claims tied to a multistate settlement over inflated generic drug prices. U.S. Politics: Sen. Andy Kim says Asian American voters in 2024 felt neither party was listening, and he’s making New Hampshire and other states part of a push to win them back. NH Weather & Fall: A wet, misty start gives way to calmer lake conditions and cooler temps, while the Monadnock Region sees early fall color spreading. Local Tourism: Leaf-peeping is expected to rebound, with 3.9 million visitors projected to come to New Hampshire this fall. NH Policy & Economy: New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection program is effectively over as the EPA moves toward exempting the state from emissions testing. Housing Costs: A new report highlights how housing costs are outpacing pay, driving longer commutes in cities like Lebanon. Sports & Community: NH sports handle dipped in August; meanwhile, the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire is seeking volunteers and the G.A.R. Memorial Library lists October events.

EPA & Clean Air: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin met with New Hampshire lawmakers on the state’s push to end vehicle emissions testing after NH repealed its inspection program, with the state asking to be removed from an ozone transport requirement. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration began mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, tied to claims about federal exchange “user fees,” with New Hampshire included among eligible states. Data Center Backlash: Senate Democrats blocked the Ratepayer Protection Act, arguing it’s “toothless” on shifting data-center grid upgrade costs, while Sen. Maggie Hassan of NH voted against advancing it. Broadband Funding: Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Susan Collins urged NTIA to issue long-delayed guidance on how states can use BEAD money for non-deployment activities. Education: A new NH educator survey says student behavior, staffing and funding gaps are limiting quality, but 95% say stronger parent/community relationships are key. Local Economy: Hometap expanded its home equity investment product into New Hampshire and five other states.

Housing & Poverty: A new Pew analysis says high housing costs are pushing poverty higher across the country, with New Hampshire among the hardest hit—its poverty rate is estimated at 16% higher than it would be at the national average. Local Economy: A separate NH Housing report finds the wage needed to afford median rent is far above what many workers earn, with Lebanon, Portsmouth, Nashua and Dover all requiring hourly pay well beyond the state median. Politics & Campaigns: Five weeks before Election Day, Democrats are warning that New Hampshire could be a weak spot for their “blue wave,” citing GOP money dominance and limited room for error. AI & Federal Policy: President Trump says major AI firms signed a voluntary “self-policing” accord, even as AI leaders have urged delays. NH Public Health: Laconia Public Library is offering free lead-detection kits for residents, using fluorospec tests to flag possible lead exposure. Education: SNHU announced its Summer 2026 President’s and Dean’s List honorees.

Hospice Fundraising: Granite VNA kicked off the community phase of its $2 million Legacy & Promise campaign to renovate and refresh Hospice House and strengthen its endowment, after reaching 80% of the goal with private leadership gifts. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Gov. Kelly Ayotte marked September as Suicide Prevention Month with NAMI New Hampshire, urging people struggling to reach out and share their stories to cut stigma. Health Care Access: Dartmouth Health launched Dartmouth Health at Home, an at-home primary and palliative care program plus a Family Caregiver Institute, backed by a $20 million donation aimed at rural New Hampshire and Vermont. Election Watch (NH-1): Democrats renewed attacks on Republican Anthony DiLorenzo over alleged gaps in his federal financial disclosures, arguing his reported wealth doesn’t match state records. Public Safety/Health: DHHS reminded Granite Staters to get vaccinated for seasonal respiratory viruses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19 as fall ramps up. Community Events: Mile for Mentoring returns to Gunstock Mountain Resort Oct. 4 to support youth mentoring statewide. Weather: The National Weather Service published town-by-town New Hampshire rain totals from the Sept. 29 nor’easter.

Drug Pricing Relief: NH Attorney General Alan Wilson is urging consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over allegedly inflated generic drug prices, after a federal court gave preliminary approval to a distribution plan. Emergency Services Funding: Salem is set to receive $281,636 in FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant money for paramedic training, part of $3.6 million going to NH first responders. Vehicle Inspections Fight: A company and an NH resident are challenging EPA actions that would let the state end vehicle emissions testing, arguing the state’s emissions modeling overstated pollution impacts. Governor’s Race Watch: A new UNH poll shows Gov. Maura Healey leading Mike Minogue, though the gap has tightened slightly. Disability System Reform: NH disability advocates say a state review committee finalized recommendations after reports of abuse and neglect in the developmental-disabilities care system. Nor’easter Aftermath: The weekend storm brought flooding, damage, and widespread power outages across the Northeast, including thousands without power in NH. Local Safety: A Hooksett woman faces DUI charges after crashing a Jeep into a pond. Energy Costs Politics: NH energy summit coverage highlights GOP push for more natural gas pipeline capacity to lower bills, with Democrats blaming the Iran-related fuel shock.

NH Politics & Elections: With five weeks to go, a Warmington campaign memo says the governor’s race is tightening and frames it as a “persuadable electorate,” while local letters press themes of property tax relief, education funding, and candidates’ records in Laconia and beyond. U.S. Senate Attack Ads: A 2020 WMUR debate moment is being reused in 2026 ads targeting Chris Pappas, reigniting scrutiny over his past ties to corporate lobbying. Courts & Schools: The New Hampshire Supreme Court rejected a bid to block a November school tax cap question, clearing the ballot measure that would limit local school spending growth. Public Safety: Manchester police say they used more than two dozen surveillance cameras to arrest a man accused of racist graffiti at a coffee shop. State Services: NH DMV has joined a national driver-record system, sending notices to Granite Staters about unresolved out-of-state tickets or orders. Environment & Health: A Pike Industries settlement fines the company $100,000 over hazardous waste violations; and an NH summit highlights local climate advocacy and voter outreach.

Weather & Safety: A deadly nor’easter is weakening but still bringing light rain, gusty winds, rough surf, and coastal flood concerns into Monday, with scattered power outages reported across New Hampshire. Governor Race: A new UNH Survey Center poll shows Maura Healey leading Mike Minogue 54% to 38%, while a separate Granite State Poll finds Kelly Ayotte at 47% and Cinde Warmington at 43% with 7% undecided. U.S. Senate & Outside Money: New Hampshire’s Senate race is tightening as outside groups pour dark money into ads aimed at Chris Pappas and John Sununu. Cost of Living: Credit card delinquency in New Hampshire is rising, with nearly 10% of borrowers severely delinquent—levels not seen since the Great Recession. Early Childhood: Proposed federal Head Start rule changes could reshape how the program operates in New Hampshire. Privacy & Tech: A look at automated license-plate readers highlights how data can travel farther than local policies allow. Local Spotlight: UNH is hosting a free New England Fall Astronomy Festival with a NASA keynote speaker.

Nor’easter Recovery: A powerful nor’easter kept pounding the Northeast for a second day, bringing flooding and knocking out power across New Hampshire, with thousands still without electricity Sunday and crews urging residents to report outages. Weather Watch: Forecasts call for rain to continue into Monday with gusty winds and rough coastal surf, plus beach erosion risk during high tides. Infrastructure Update: Manchester’s Queen City Bridge reopened after nearly four days of closure for structural inspection, while Hudson’s Veterans Memorial Bridge remained partially closed after a cracked girder was found. State Politics: New Hampshire party chairs sparred on key statewide races, and U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan highlighted her PFAS push to strip “forever chemicals” from food wrappers. Cost of Living & Policy: A property tax cap question is set to appear on the November ballot, and Medicaid work rules are tightening in several states, including NH, with more medical proof required. Local Life: NH officials project about 3% more visitors during leaf-peeping season, and a plug-in solar law signed earlier this year is set to take effect in January.

Nor’easter Watch: A powerful storm is battering New Hampshire and the region with strong winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding, and power outages, with Seacoast communities hunkering down as conditions worsen and crews respond to downed lines and flooded roads. U.S. Senate Politics: National Republicans are leaning into the idea that they can flip New Hampshire’s Senate seat, pointing to tight polling and the Sununu family’s popularity, even as Trump’s record-low approval hangs over the GOP map. Medicaid Work Rules: As Medicaid work requirements roll out, some states are tightening rules on proving someone is too medically frail to work—raising concerns that people who can’t afford care may be forced to document it anyway. Privacy & Surveillance: Lowell, Massachusetts is debating Flock license plate cameras, with the company pushing back after the city voted to pause use pending a policy review and audit. Local Public Safety: Four names were added to the New Hampshire Fallen Firefighters Memorial, including a Nashua firefighter from 1909. Sports: UNH football fell 20-13 to Sacred Heart in strong winds and rain, while the UNH women’s hockey team lost 3-1 to St. Thomas. Community & Culture: A Norwich-based nonprofit is spotlighted for Vermont Week of Gleaning, using volunteers to recover surplus food and fight hunger.

Nor’easter Impacts: A powerful nor’easter is battering the Northeast, with flooding risk and power outages reported across the region, including New Hampshire’s Seacoast where gusts up to 40 mph and minor coastal flooding are possible. Coastal Watch: Officials are urging people to stay away from flooded areas and beaches as high tides and rough surf continue. Privacy & Tech: New Hampshire is being cited as a model for how to rein in Flock-style license plate readers, even as other states move to restrict the cameras further. Local Crime: Manchester police arrested a 20-year-old man tied to white supremacist graffiti and vandalism at a downtown coffee shop. Education Wins: Southern New Hampshire University named students to its Summer 2026 Dean’s List, and UNH athletics reported results from recent games. Gas Prices: Fuel costs remain volatile, with GasBuddy reporting some of the lowest local premium and diesel prices in parts of New Hampshire for the week ending Sept. 19.

NH Politics & Elections: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is making a last-minute push to cap insulin costs at $35 under her INSULIN Act as she prepares to leave the Senate in January. Statewide Health Policy: Medicaid work requirements are starting in January, and some Republican-led states are demanding documentation sooner than federal rules require—prompting lawsuits from Democrats in multiple states. Local Governance & Community: Laconia City Council will consider zoning overhaul funding and public safety grants, including speed enforcement and thermal imaging cameras. Environment & Public Health: A costly cyanobacteria treatment for Lake Kanasatka is still holding up after years of bloom trouble, but experts warn it isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. Weather: A nor’easter is bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding risk to New Hampshire’s Seacoast this weekend. Public Safety: A Gilford motorcyclist died in a single-bike crash on Lake Shore Road; investigators will look at speed and impairment. Education & Community: SNHU released its Summer 2026 President’s List for local students.