AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: A 54-year-old Sandown woman was arrested in Exeter on a warrant tied to a Haverhill shooting. She faces charges including armed assault to murder and illegal firearm possession. Election Security: New Hampshire offices received suspicious letters as the FBI investigates more than 100 mailings nationwide; some contained unknown substances. Voting Rights: New Hampshire is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to bar election officials from considering student IDs even as backup identification. Senate Race: Former Republican Senate nominee Don Bolduc endorsed Democrat Chris Pappas, citing his work supporting veterans. Medicare: CVS Health and BMC Health System are leaving New Hampshire’s Medicare Advantage market for 2027, and Coos County will have no plans available. Police Shooting: The attorney general ruled five state troopers were justified in fatally shooting Keene resident David Ward after a 2025 standoff.

Voting Rights: A federal judge says New Hampshire voters may use school IDs as backup identification at the polls, though the state has appealed. The ruling comes three weeks before Election Day. Campaign Trail: Senate candidates Chris Pappas and John Sununu sparred over Social Security at an AARP forum, while housing costs are a central issue in the governor’s race. Housing and Schools: School leaders warn a proposed tax-cap ballot question could force budget cuts. Candidates for governor offer sharply different plans to address housing affordability. College Access: Gov. Kelly Ayotte has proposed tuition assistance for community-college students from families earning up to $100,000, but the plan still needs legislative funding. Local Economy: A California aerospace supplier has opened a Salem plant, with plans to grow from 12 workers to as many as 35. UNH also reports enrollment up nearly 5%, with record financial aid for new students. Community Concerns: Bethlehem is preparing for the year-end closure of its landfill, which will end free trash service for residents and leave future costs uncertain. A fatal crash on Route 12 in Marlborough also drew attention.

Election Watch: New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate race is drawing national campaign visits, while Chris Pappas and John Sununu clashed over Social Security at an AARP forum. Absentee ballots are available, and a legal fight over student voter IDs continues. Schools and Tuition: School leaders warn the proposed tax cap could force budget cuts; Bedford’s superintendent estimated a $1.4 million hit. Gov. Kelly Ayotte also proposed free community-college tuition for eligible families, but lawmakers would need to approve funding. Rural Health: A $20 million gift to Dartmouth Health will launch at-home care and a caregiver institute, with a focus on rural needs. Winter Readiness: A new New Hampshire-led regional project will expand snowpack monitoring to improve data on water supplies, flood risk and conditions for ski areas and farmers. Public Safety: An 80-year-old man died in a fiery crash on Route 12 in Marlborough. In Bath, the mother of a woman fatally shot by police is questioning how officers handled the encounter.

Senate Race: Kamala Harris plans to visit New Hampshire Oct. 24 to campaign for Chris Pappas, whose first Senate debate with John Sununu featured sharp attacks. Public Safety: A 46-year-old Portsmouth hiker died Sunday after collapsing on Mount Major; rescuers used an off-road vehicle to bring him down. Schools: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute report warns teacher recruitment and retention are worsening, citing falling teacher numbers, fewer future educators, low pay and high housing costs. Voting Rules: New Hampshire’s student-ID voting law remains tied up in court, with the state seeking to bar student IDs and critics warning the rules could confuse or deter young voters. Lake Winnipesaukee: The proposed $18 million sale of Camp Menotomy is not settled: appeals are pending, and the state Department of Justice is investigating.

Senate Race: Chris Pappas and John Sununu sparred over Trump, Social Security and their records in their first general-election debate in North Conway. Schools: A new report warns New Hampshire faces teacher shortages as retirements rise and fewer college graduates enter education. UNH, meanwhile, reports first-year enrollment up nearly 5%. Health Care: A $20 million gift will launch Dartmouth Health’s home-health program. Separately, a New Hampshire woman says urgent-care staff left her alone in an exam room after the clinic closed. Washington: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined a bipartisan group urging Trump to reverse his Russian diesel deal, arguing it could help fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. On the Roads: Spaulding Turnpike lane closures are underway in Dover as crews remove the General Sullivan Bridge’s center span; daily southbound closures are scheduled through Nov. 16.

Election 2026: Hakeem Jeffries campaigned in New Hampshire with House candidate Stefany Shaheen, while a new poll puts Chris Pappas narrowly ahead of John Sununu in the Senate race. The FCC is also considering loosening political robocall rules, including for AI-generated voices—a debate with local resonance after 2024’s fake Biden calls in New Hampshire. Teacher Shortage: A new state report projects schools will need to fill about 1,114 teaching jobs a year through 2034, as retirements, low pay and fewer education graduates strain recruitment. Health Care: Dartmouth Health plans a home-care program, backed by a $20 million gift, with a pilot near Lebanon expected to begin in early 2027. Public Safety: A hiker died after a medical emergency on Mount Major; meanwhile, a Keene woman says urgent-care staff left her locked inside after closing, prompting her to call 911. Energy Policy: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined a bipartisan group urging President Trump to reverse course on Russian diesel imports, which they say violate federal law.

Russia Diesel Dispute: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined a bipartisan group urging President Trump to reverse course on Russian diesel imports, saying the deal violates a 2022 law and could fund Russia’s war against Ukraine. Election 2026: New Hampshire candidates are debating property taxes and school funding, while former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg campaigned with Senate hopeful Chris Pappas. The FCC is also weighing looser rules for political robocalls, including AI-generated voices—a concern in a state targeted by fake Biden-voice calls in 2024. Household Costs: High fuel prices are pushing some Granite Staters to seek heating assistance for the first time, as voters confront affordability and utility costs. Public Safety: A hiker died after a medical emergency on Mount Major; recent foliage crowds and multiple mountain rescues are a reminder to prepare for trail conditions. Local Issues: A second unhoused Concord resident is challenging the state’s loitering law in federal court, and Portsmouth is considering green burials as cemetery space runs short.

Medicare Coverage: CVS Health and WellSense are leaving New Hampshire’s Medicare Advantage market in January, affecting more than 14,200 members. Residents must choose a replacement by Dec. 7 or risk losing supplemental coverage; just three organizations will offer plans statewide. Heating Costs: More Granite Staters are seeking fuel assistance for the first time as heating costs soar. One southwestern New Hampshire agency reports about 200 more new applicants than last year; the state’s maximum benefit has risen to $2,500. Washington: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined a bipartisan group urging President Trump to reverse his Russian diesel deal, arguing it conflicts with the 2022 ban on Russian energy imports. Public Safety: A 46-year-old Portsmouth man died after a medical emergency while hiking Mount Major in Alton on Sunday. Business: Watsco has completed its acquisition of Concord-based Granite Group, which will continue operating independently with its existing leadership. Weather: Widespread rain and possible downpours are forecast Tuesday, with about an inch expected in many towns and a chance of wet snow at higher elevations.

Mountain Rescue: A 28-year-old Massachusetts woman was injured by falling rock near Mount Stanton in Bartlett on Saturday. Fish and Game crews carried her to a hospital; her condition was not reported. Fuel Fight: New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined a bipartisan group urging President Trump to reverse his Russian diesel deal, arguing the imports violate a ban Congress passed in 2022. Local Roads: Merrimack pavement work at Route 101A and Continental Boulevard is expected to cause delays Tuesday and Wednesday. In Jaffrey, a new bridge opened to Route 202 traffic, with roundabout construction planned next year. UNH in the NFL: Former Wildcat Dylan Laube scored his first NFL touchdown in the Raiders’ loss to the Patriots. Election Access: New Hampshire students have raised concerns that confusion over voter ID rules could keep some from casting ballots; the state is also challenging student IDs’ use in voting.

Public Safety: A woman died after a police pursuit and shooting in Bath; authorities say she was reportedly armed and heading to confront a family member. Separately, a Peterborough officer involved in a fatal July shooting has returned to duty as the victim’s family seeks an outside review. Election 2026: UNH will shuttle students to polling places and host voter-registration drives. In Concord, a debate over the state Supreme Court has intensified, with critics questioning how officials handled a past scandal. Seabrook Watch: A local watchdog is urging federal regulators to intervene over deteriorating concrete at Seabrook nuclear plant, arguing nearby communities need stronger safety assurances. On the Road: New Hampshire troopers will join a regional crackdown on speeding, distracted and impaired driving Oct. 13–15. Local Notes: New Hampshire fishermen landed a 1,116-pound bluefin tuna, setting a state record; the New Hampshire Film Festival opens Oct. 15 in Portsmouth with more than 100 films.

Police Investigations: A woman died after a police pursuit in Bath; the New Hampshire attorney general says investigators are still determining who fired and when. In Peterborough, officer Douglas MacPherson has returned to duty after a separate deadly shooting. The family of Jack Hutchings is calling for an additional review, a request the attorney general disputes. Election 2026: UNH will shuttle students to polling places and host voter-registration drives. U.S. Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey also campaigned in Manchester for Democrats across the ballot. Arts & Culture: The New Hampshire Film Festival opens Thursday in Portsmouth, featuring more than 100 films and filmmaker events. Fall Foliage: Peak colors and the holiday weekend are expected to bring heavy traffic to popular routes and destinations, including the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch. Legal Accountability: Lebanon attorney Stephen Girdwood faces possible disbarment after a state investigation found he misused nearly $500,000 held in escrow for a divorcing couple.

Public Safety: A woman died after an officer-involved shooting in Bath following reported threats; authorities are investigating. Separately, New Hampshire’s domestic violence review panel proposed nearly a dozen changes, including tougher penalties for repeat offenders and dispatcher training. Seabrook: A watchdog is urging the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to require stronger assurances about crumbling concrete at the Seabrook nuclear plant, criticizing the testing process. Elections: New Hampshire students face barriers to voting, including confusion over ID requirements, as a federal judge upheld the state’s student voter-ID restrictions. Local News: A prison escapee was arrested in Londonderry after 14 months on the run, and mountain bikers helped keep a horse’s head above deep mud until rescue crews arrived. Consumer Alert: Alfalfa sprouts distributed in New Hampshire were recalled over possible E. coli contamination; the affected products’ expiration dates have passed.

Public Safety: A woman died after an officer-involved shooting in Bath; New Hampshire authorities are investigating. In Peterborough, Jack Hutchings’ family is seeking an independent review of the investigation into his fatal police shooting. Campus: Rivier University students say they are shocked and worried after a 20-year-old Connecticut man was charged with aggravated felonious sexual assault; the school says it is cooperating with police and offering support. Election 2026: New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District rematch is heating up, with Maggie Goodlander and Lily Tang Williams making their cases on housing, costs and trust. Separately, students face ballot-access hurdles, and a federal judge upheld state restrictions on student voter IDs. Local News: Madison can seek federal disaster aid for June flood repairs after a major disaster declaration opened FEMA funding for Carroll County communities. New Hampton has hired former state senator Jeanie Forrester as town administrator. On the Water: A New Hampshire fisherman’s 1,116-pound bluefin tuna would have topped the state record, but it was caught in federal rather than state waters.

Public Safety: A woman was killed in an officer-involved shooting in Bath; further details have not been released. New Hampshire troopers will join a regional traffic-safety operation Oct. 13–15 targeting dangerous driving. Voting Access: A federal judge upheld the state’s ban on student IDs as voter identification, a ruling with added weight for college students facing strict registration and absentee-ballot rules before Nov. 3. Election & Affordability: Senate candidate Chris Pappas says he would expand heating aid, suspend the federal gas tax and support housing construction. Pollsters say affordability is a top concern for Granite State voters, as more residents fall behind on heating bills. Around the State: A 1,116-pound bluefin tuna caught off Rye shattered New Hampshire’s record. Hooksett has also begun building a landfill solar array intended to reduce electricity costs for the town and school district.

Voting Rights: New Hampshire college students face uncertainty over whether campus IDs will be accepted at the polls. A federal judge upheld the state’s ban but said election officials may consider student IDs in some cases; the state is appealing, adding to confusion ahead of the midterms. Senate Race: Democrat Chris Pappas fielded questions on housing, immigration and socialism, calling housing affordability one of the state’s most pressing problems. Household Costs: Residents are falling behind on heating bills as winter approaches, while housing costs continue to strain Granite State families. Public Safety: Three former state corrections employees pleaded guilty to poaching more than 40 bobcats, a case Fish and Game says points to illegal hunting across New Hampshire. On the Water: Rye fishermen landed a 1,116-pound bluefin tuna, a catch reported as a new state record.

Campaign Trail: First District rivals Anthony DiLorenzo and Stefany Shaheen clashed over how to lower costs, while the Senate race between Chris Pappas and John Sununu could help decide control of the chamber. Voting Rules: A federal judge upheld New Hampshire’s ban on using student IDs to vote; Secretary of State David Scanlan plans to seek an emergency stay. Energy and Travel: The state is offering $1 million in grants to expand EV charging at tourism destinations, addressing New Hampshire’s regional shortage of chargers. Cost of Living: The median home price hit $575,000, and heating oil costs are climbing; federal heating aid is staying flat. Health and Childcare: CVS Health and WellSense are exiting the state’s Medicare Advantage market, while Coos County is set to have no such plans in 2027. New childcare programs are opening, but the state lost 14% of its providers from 2017 to 2025. Big Catch: A crew out of Rye Harbor landed a 1,116-pound bluefin tuna, shattering New Hampshire’s record by more than 150 pounds.