AGP Executive Report

Fatal Crash in Lakes Region: Three motorcyclists were killed Saturday night in a violent head-on crash on Route 3 near the Looney Bin Bar & Grill in Weirs Beach, Laconia; a fourth rider was flown with life-threatening injuries. Police Chief Matthew Canfield said speed or impairment remains under investigation and noted there’s no indication the crash was tied to Biketemberfest. Major Fire at Sig Sauer: A three-alarm blaze at Sig Sauer’s Exeter Road facility in Epping injured one firefighter and triggered mutual aid; crews shifted to defensive operations before regaining an interior attack and declaring the fire under control around 12:07 p.m. Energy & Local Savings: Derry is turning a capped municipal landfill into a 2.25-megawatt solar site, expected to cut electricity costs for taxpayers by about $4 million over 25 years. State Politics & Cost of Living: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cinde Warmington told WMUR voters are ready for a new direction, pointing to housing, health care, child care, food and gas costs. NH in the National Housing Mix: A VA home-loan index ranks New Hampshire 12th for average VA loan amount in Q2 2026 at about $471,632.

Healthcare & Cost Relief: The White House says President Trump will issue $500 Obamacare overcharge refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, tied to alleged Biden-era “user fees” on federal exchange plans. Politics & Outside Money: A New Hampshire Democratic primary is drawing scrutiny over a dark-money super PAC, with newly filed federal reports showing Future Progress spent $1.2 million on ads in the final stretch of the Stefany Shaheen–Maura Sullivan contest—while donor details remain unclear. Campaign Weather: WMUR previews “Conversation with the Candidate” on Sunday with Democrat Cinde Warmington running for governor. Public Safety & Local News: Firefighters battled a three-alarm blaze at Sig Sauer in Epping, and separate reports say a death investigation is underway after a body was found in the Merrimack River in Bedford. Weather: Rain moves through Sunday morning into early afternoon, then drier conditions return Monday with a cooler, sunny Tuesday.

Fire & Safety: Firefighters knocked down a three-alarm blaze at a Sig Sauer facility in Epping; no civilians were inside and one firefighter was treated for minor injuries, with the NH State Fire Marshal investigating. Public Health & Fraud Prevention: NH Attorney General John Formella joined other attorneys general urging the FCC to tighten rules against illegal robocalls, pushing for stronger caller ID protections and tougher provider checks. Healthcare Costs: President Trump announced $500 Obamacare refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, tied to alleged federal “user fee” overcharges. Politics & Money: Trump and Elon Musk-linked groups are pouring tens of millions into key races, with a Trump-affiliated PAC reserving more than $74 million in ad time that includes New Hampshire. Weather: A rainy Sunday is expected across parts of central and southern NH, with possible downpours and a slight thunder chance, then drier conditions Monday. Community & Local Life: Keene State College’s next president search is moving toward a finalized job description after community input sessions.

Healthcare Refunds: 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. Local Governance: Nottingham voters approved a data-center moratorium with more than 90% support, setting up a yearlong study before new zoning rules. Weather & Outdoors: A pleasant weekend turns wetter Sunday morning, with showers and a slight thunder chance, then mostly dry Monday. Community & Culture: Conway Public Library highlights its century-old clock tower and ongoing programs as part of Give Back NH’s library series. Public Safety & Remembrance: Mount Washington’s 9/11 tribute beams are set for the weekend, but New Hampshire Audubon is watching for impacts on migrating birds. Sports: New Hampshire’s high school and college sports scene keeps rolling, with local roundups and game previews filling the weekend slate.

Health Care & Cost Relief: The White House says nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 refunds for “Obamacare” overcharges tied to federal exchange “user fees,” with checks expected to start in October. 9/11 Remembrance: As the U.S. marks the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, New Hampshire and the region are holding memorials and tributes, including Mount Washington’s 9/11 light display and Upper Valley community events. Local Justice: A Portsmouth, N.H., man accused in a 1993 Kittery murder remains jailed after a Maine judge denied bail, citing later DNA testing tied to the case. Education & Free Speech: Dartmouth’s Dartmouth Dialogues program is training students and faculty to handle polarizing conversations, with the college pointing to improved campus debate and reputation. Housing & Seniors: Eastern Bank is financing affordable senior housing across four NH communities, supporting rehab and new units through tax-exempt bonds and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Environment: Conservationists are pushing back on a proposed rollback of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, warning it could threaten a rare stretch of New England forest.

U.S. Senate & NH politics: Democrats launched a “Stop Sununu Tour” in Manchester after John E. Sununu won the GOP nomination, arguing he’ll back Trump on tariffs, Iran and Medicaid—while a UNH poll shows tight Senate dynamics with Chris Pappas vs. Sununu. Election administration: The DOJ told New Hampshire to keep preserving old 2024 ballots beyond the usual shredding window, citing “ongoing litigation,” as federal monitors recently observed NH primary voting with no major issues found. Healthcare costs: Trump announced about 1 million Obamacare enrollees in 30 states will get $500 rebate checks starting in October, including New Hampshire, tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Tech & privacy: Apple Watch features that summarize recent conversations are drawing New Hampshire privacy and legal concerns, especially where consent laws require all-party agreement. Internet outage: Fidium Fiber restored service after a Thursday outage hit customers across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Public safety & courts: A Kingston, N.H. man was arrested and charged in a Maine case alleging sexual assault of a child at a Naples campground over several years.

U.S. Senate Showdown: New Hampshire’s open Senate seat is set for November as Republican John Sununu and Democrat Chris Pappas win their primaries, setting up a high-stakes race over the economy, Trump’s influence, and the direction of the chamber. Executive Council & Health Care: Planned Parenthood of Northern New England is backing Democratic candidates for the state Executive Council, aiming to change a GOP-controlled board that has repeatedly rejected certain state contracts tied to screenings and reproductive health. Public Safety & Courts: A Salem, Massachusetts man accused of murder is expected to be arraigned in Portsmouth after being arrested in New Hampshire as a fugitive from justice. Health Policy: The American Gastroenterological Association updated guidance on cancer surveillance for older adults, emphasizing individualized decisions based on comorbidities, life expectancy, and patient preferences. Community & Culture: A “twin towers of light” tribute will shine over Mount Washington nightly this week to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Local Life: Durham’s longtime police chief Rene Kelley has retired after more than 40 years in law enforcement.

Happiest/least happy snapshot: A WalletHub study put New Hampshire among the top 10 happiest states (No. 10), ranking it alongside several Northeast states while West Virginia topped the “least happy” list. NH politics—general election kickoff: After Tuesday’s primaries, New Hampshire Democrats moved to unify for November, but Karishma Manzur stayed out of the party’s unity breakfast, leaving a key question hanging for the Senate race. Marquee Senate matchup set: The open-seat fight is now Chris Pappas vs. John Sununu, with Democrats already launching contrast messaging about Sununu’s ties and lobbying career. Governor race: Kelly Ayotte secured the GOP nomination for governor, setting up a November faceoff with Cinde Warmington. 9/11 remembrance in NH: Mount Washington’s Honor Summit begins Wednesday night with the “pillars of light” tribute running through Saturday. Public safety/justice: A woman found dead in Salem, Mass. led to a suspect’s arrest in Portsmouth, NH, with murder charges pending.

New Hampshire Senate showdown set: Rep. Chris Pappas (D) won the Democratic Senate primary, beating Karishma Manzur, and former Sen. John E. Sununu (R) won the GOP nomination, defeating Scott Brown. They’ll face off in November to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. Congressional primaries: In NH-1, Stefany Shaheen won the Democratic nod and Trump-backed Anthony DiLorenzo won the GOP primary; in NH-2, Maggie Goodlander and Lily Tang Williams won their primaries, setting up a rematch. Local 9/11 remembrance: Dover will unveil a permanent 9/11 memorial on the 25th anniversary with a ceremony Friday. Business/legal: Planet Fitness investors face a securities-fraud class action with a Sept. 14 lead-plaintiff deadline. Community & culture: A bobwhite sighting in New England highlights how rare the game bird is in NH, often tied to escapes from preserves or farms.

New Hampshire Primary: Voters headed to the polls Tuesday for a key U.S. Senate nomination to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, with Democrats choosing between Rep. Chris Pappas and left-leaning challenger Karishma Manzur, and Republicans facing a crowded field including John Sununu and former Sen. Scott Brown. Campaign Watch: In the 1st Congressional District, Republicans made a last push in the open-seat race, while Democrats battled in a tighter, more personal contest that could take longer to settle on primary night. Election Integrity: The U.S. Justice Department sent federal monitors to polling sites in Manchester and Nashua to support ballot security and compliance. Cost of Living: Gas prices in New Hampshire climbed again, with Labor Day averages topping $4 a gallon and diesel surging nationwide. Local Politics/Projects: Concord’s new legislative parking garage drew social media buzz after its lighting created an eerie sky projection. Business & Courts: A Planet Fitness investor lawsuit hit a Sept. 14 lead-plaintiff deadline, while Temple University moved to terminate a $55 million gift tied to a federal investigation.

Democratic Senate Primary: New Hampshire voters head to the polls Tuesday to pick nominees for retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s open seat, with Rep. Chris Pappas facing a late surge from progressive challenger Karishma Manzur, a scientist and DSA member, as polls show Pappas’ lead shrinking. GOP Senate Primary: On the Republican side, former Sen. John E. Sununu and former Sen. Scott Brown are battling for the nomination, setting up a high-stakes general-election matchup. Election Guide: Coverage highlights what races are on the ballot and when polls close across the state, with the Senate contest and House primaries drawing the most attention. Local Housing: In Dover, a couple who fought a multi-home development sold their home to the developer, clearing the way for a merged plan totaling 10 homes. Schools: Ipswich Public Schools is making major staffing changes in its music department, including leadership shifts in elementary bands and choral programs. Business & Culture: A Manchester Afghan restaurant is leaning into the alcohol-free trend with late-night cafe-style hangouts, reflecting broader changes in drinking habits.

NH Primary Countdown: Granite Staters head to the polls Tuesday for key Senate and House nominations, with voters required to bring ID and follow party-ballot rules at the booth. U.S. Senate Race: Democrats are watching the Pappas vs. Manzur contest tighten, while Republicans face their own primary with John Sununu as a central figure. Outside Money: Elon Musk’s America PAC disclosed more than $91,000 aimed at New Hampshire’s Senate fight tied to Sununu, adding to the already heavy national spending. Labor Day Politics: The NH AFL-CIO Labor Day Breakfast put affordability and anti-billionaire themes front and center right before primary day. Campaign 2028 Buzz: Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Ro Khanna told Granite State audiences they’re weighing White House ambitions, including checking in with family. Local Life & Weather: A weak earthquake rattled central NH near Center Sandwich, and Labor Day travel brought heavy traffic and record-high gas prices. Community Notes: A Cruisin’ for Breast Cancer Survivors car show fundraiser is set for Sept. 27 in Merrimack.

NH Politics—Primary Countdown: With Tuesday’s New Hampshire primaries looming, Democrats and Republicans are crisscrossing the state for the open U.S. Senate seat and the 1st Congressional District. U.S. Senate: Rep. Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur face off in the Democratic primary, while GOP candidates include former Sens. John Sununu and Scott Brown; Pappas is warning Democrats they can’t afford to lose the seat. CD1: In the 1st District GOP primary, Hollie Noveletsky, Anthony DiLorenzo, and Brian Cole are battling for the nomination to replace Maggie Goodlander. Labor & Cost of Living: At a Labor Day rally in Concord, voters said jobs and housing affordability are driving anxiety and turnout. Public Health & Community: New Hampshire Humanities’ Connections program received a $25,000 grant to expand book-based recovery support and fight the opioid epidemic. Cybersecurity: State officials say NH water systems haven’t seen impacts from recent cyberattacks elsewhere, but systems are being probed. Local Notes: Ocean rescues at NH beaches declined in 2026, and the Hopkinton State Fair drew Labor Day crowds.

Democratic CD1 Shake-Up: Christian Urrutia dropped out of New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District Democratic primary and backed Stefany Shaheen, framing the race as a choice between Shaheen and Maura Sullivan. Seacoast Marine Update: A minke whale washed up on Rocky Neck; the Seacoast Science Center is coordinating a necropsy. Local Public Safety: New Hampshire fire departments held a dignified transfer for Raymond firefighter Eric Phillips, who died after a medical emergency on a call. State Politics & Voting: An appeals court kept a block on New Hampshire voting restrictions, while the state’s secretary of state expects about 28% turnout for the primary. Education & Community: Hancock poet Jeanne Bartlett and writer Jarvis Coffin will host readings at Bob’s Chocolate Café in Francestown, and Merrimack’s Chop Shop 166 drew 400 spectators for its Cars, Robots and Coffee event. Business: United Therapeutics bought the former Anheuser-Busch Merrimack brewery site for $47 million, setting up major job growth.

Election Countdown: New Hampshire’s Sept. 8 primary is Tuesday, with competitive races across the ballot and a key focus on the open U.S. Senate seat and the 1st District House seat. 1st District Politics: Democratic candidates are making a weekend push, with polling showing Maura Sullivan narrowly ahead of Stefany Shaheen. Local Campaign Logistics: Voter guides and “know before you go” coverage are circulating as residents prepare to vote. Public Health & Food: A Concord farm says demand for local greens is surging after cyclospora-driven lettuce recalls. Science & Learning: NHPR and the Harris Center launch “Wild at Home” for kids, spotlighting insects and pollinators. Space Watch: UNH’s John Gianforte discusses Webb Telescope findings on gases detected on exoplanet K2-18b. Sports (NH): Syracuse routed New Hampshire 66-3 in the season opener, while NH college volleyball and local high school football results rolled in across the weekend. Community Events: Manchester’s Cruisin’ Downtown car show returns for its 25th year to support leukemia and stem cell donations.

NH Politics & Primaries: Former U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter is backing Stefany Shaheen in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District Democratic primary, calling it a two-person race as voters head to Tuesday. U.S. Senate Race: A WMUR debate between Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur focused on ICE reform, support for Israel, and funding police, with childcare costs also front and center. Economy & Cost of Living: A Granite State Poll finds many Granite Staters blame Trump’s tariffs for higher prices and say their finances are worse than a year ago. Elections Logistics: The Secretary of State’s office is urging voters to check polling places and registration status ahead of Tuesday’s party primaries. Public Safety: A New Hampshire resident was indicted for allegedly running an unlicensed hawala operation moving more than $25 million between the U.S. and Yemen. Sports (NH vs. Syracuse): Syracuse routed New Hampshire 66-3 in the season opener, with Steve Angeli throwing three TDs and Shavane Anderson Jr. scoring three times in his debut.