AGP Executive Report

AI in Rural Care: KFF Health News reports federal leaders are pushing AI “nurses” and avatar-style tools into rural health, but patients and advocates worry about weak results and unclear tracking of outcomes. White House Shakeup: President Trump says NH native Karoline Leavitt will step down as press secretary at the end of August to spend more time with her family, shifting her to an outside-adviser role. Voting Rights Fight in NH: A Concord-based coalition sued in federal court to block HB 323, arguing New Hampshire’s ban on student IDs for voting registration unfairly targets young voters and that the secretary of state exceeded authority. Childcare Pressure in NH: A Stay Work Play summit highlights families struggling with rising childcare costs and long daycare waitlists, with one student saying she plans to leave after graduation because support isn’t there. Public Health Watch: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases tied to shredded iceberg lettuce are still climbing but appear to be slowing, with New Hampshire among affected states. Local Quality of Life: Surry Mountain Lake Beach in Surry reopens after water tests show bacteria levels are back to safe swimming standards.

ACLU vs. Trump on birthright citizenship: The ACLU filed its first federal challenge in New Hampshire over Trump’s Aug. 6 executive orders aimed at limiting birthright citizenship, arguing the moves violate the Constitution and asking a judge to clarify the orders can’t override the Supreme Court’s ruling. Public safety funding: New Hampshire received more than $12 million from the DOJ for victim services and safety upgrades, including $5M for victim compensation and $600,000 to expand DNA testing. Health watch: NH doctors are urging families to stick with MMR as measles cases rise nationally, warning that low vaccination rates can quickly turn into outbreaks. Local government transparency: Dozens of Concord-area city leaders and volunteers attended public records law training after council communication missteps raised concerns about right-to-know compliance. State politics ripple effects: A national Senate-control analysis flags New Hampshire as a key 2026 battleground, with Democrats needing to protect competitive seats and flip GOP-held races. Community notes: The Loon Center announced free owl nature talks in Moultonborough, with the next session set for Aug. 13.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: The ACLU and other civil rights groups asked a federal judge in New Hampshire to block or clarify President Trump’s latest executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship, arguing the move tries to sidestep the U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling that protected automatic citizenship under the 14th Amendment. Cybersecurity for Public Workers: The New Hampshire Retirement System launched “Digital Sunscreen,” a summer cybersecurity series offering practical tips to help members and retirees spot scams and protect retirement accounts. Flood Safety in the Lakes Region: Silver Jackets unveiled new flood warning signs at Conway’s Davis Park and other recreation sites statewide, urging visitors to prepare for flash-flood risks. Housing Market Watch: New Hampshire home prices hit another record in July, with the median single-family sale price reaching $580,000 as inventory rises but remains tight. Food Insecurity: Feeding America data shows childhood food insecurity in New Hampshire climbed for a third straight year, reaching 15.5% in 2024. Public Safety/Crime: A man convicted of killing his girlfriend and their unborn child in Ossipee was sentenced to at least 80 years in prison.

Housing Watch: New Hampshire home prices hit a new record, with the median single-family sale price reaching $580,000 in July as limited supply keeps pressure on affordability. Public Safety & Courts: William Kelly, the first person convicted under NH’s fetal-homicide law, was sentenced to two consecutive 40-years-to-life terms for killing his pregnant girlfriend and her unborn child. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-linked dips, salsas, and prepared foods sold nationwide, including in New Hampshire, after a Salmonella outbreak tied to peppers imported from Mexico sickened hundreds. Local Events: Hampton Beach’s Children’s Festival returns Aug. 17–21 with free daily family programming at the Seashell Stage. Community & Recreation: The partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will be visible across much of North America, with the deepest view in northern Maine; NH residents can still catch a partial show. Politics: A NH GOP-linked push continues around the Jones Act energy waiver, raising questions about where state Democrats stand on energy costs.

Housing & Cost Pressures: New Hampshire home prices hit another record high, with the median single-family price now at $580,000—fueling renewed debate over supply and affordability. Transportation: Expect delays on I-89 North near Exit 20 in West Lebanon through Thursday as crews reroute lanes for bridge work over the Connecticut River. Public Safety & Courts: An Ossipee man, William Kelly, was sentenced to two consecutive 40-years-to-life terms for murdering his pregnant girlfriend and her unborn child under New Hampshire’s fetal homicide law. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsa, guacamole and related products tied to a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños from Mexico; the recall includes distribution to New Hampshire stores. Local Community & Culture: Concord will unveil a historic marker honoring baseball pioneer Bill Thompson at White Park. Weather Watch: A partial solar eclipse will be visible Wednesday afternoon in the Concord area, with peak coverage around 1:52 p.m.

Public Health: A Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has triggered recalls reaching major chains like Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, Hannaford, Kroger and Trader Joe’s, with FDA/FSIS alerts expanding to at least 18 ready-to-eat meat and poultry products; Food Safety: A separate FDA update on the Taylor Farms lettuce recall linked to possible Cyclospora contamination lists 236,192 cases and names retailers including Walmart’s Marketside and Subway; NH Politics: WMUR reports Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Chris Pappas dodged a clear answer on whether he’ll fight or follow the party’s progressive “leftward lurch,” while Rep. Maggie Goodlander voted for a measure blocking U.S. military aid to Israel; Healthcare Research: Dartmouth Health won an $11.8 million NIH grant to build a Center for Aging with Serious Illness, aiming to improve care for rural patients; State Economy/Quality of Life: U.S. News rankings put New Hampshire near the top for child well-being and crime/corrections, but last for state support of public higher education and low marks on affordability; Local Sports & Community: “Climb to the Clouds” returned to Mount Washington after a five-year break, and a New Hampshire runner, Gabby DeAngelis, will represent the U.S. at the World Skyrunning Championships in Spain.

High-Speed Pursuit: New Hampshire State Police say a trooper tried to stop a Hyundai Elantra doing more than 100 mph on I-95 in Greenland; the driver refused, exited into Portsmouth, and the chase restarted before tire deflation devices ended it. Court Fallout: The driver, Justin Jedrey, 18, of Belmont, faces felony reckless conduct with a deadly weapon and other charges; passenger Nikol Muka, 18, is charged with unlawful possession and intoxication. Politics 2028: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told ABC she hasn’t ruled out a 2028 presidential bid, while a UNH Granite State Poll shows her leading likely Democratic primary voters in New Hampshire. Local Sports: Concord runner Gabby DeAngelis will represent Team USA at the 2026 World Skyrunning Championships in Spain. Public Safety & Health: A former NH state trooper, James Lamoureux, pleaded guilty to false GPS reports about tracking his girlfriend and will face a suspended prison sentence. Food Safety: USDA issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products with FDA-regulated jalapeños potentially contaminated with Salmonella, including distribution in New Hampshire.

Executive Council: A candidate for NH’s District 3 seat is spotlighting how the state’s little-known Executive Council can make or break major contracts and federal funding—citing repeated rejections of money tied to health and early childhood programs. US House primary: NHPR reports Democratic voters in US House District 1 are still undecided, with a crowded field and door-to-door push in Manchester, Portsmouth, and the Lakes Region. Public safety: New Hampshire State Police are investigating an apparent drowning on Ossipee Lake in Freedom that killed Shawn Meader, 45, and a separate fatal crash story highlights the dangers of repeat DUI offenders. Weather: A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for parts of northern NH, while a severe thunderstorm warning hit areas including North Central Strafford and parts of Carroll County. Health: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak linked to produce is expanding, with more states reporting cases and officials warning numbers may rise. Local government: NH State Parks denied a permit for the Reach the Beach relay over unpaid bills, putting the Sept. 18 event in doubt. Community: Benson Park may tighten rules on large gatherings after complaints about trash, noise, and wildlife risks.

N.H. Education Funding: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute analysis says property taxpayers cover more than 7 in 10 dollars spent on public schools, while New Hampshire ranks last for state-funded share of education revenue. Corrections Cost Shock: New Hampshire’s planned replacement for the 1,500-bed Concord men’s prison is now projected to cost at least $750 million, up from $600 million two years ago. Public Safety—Animal Cruelty Case: A Vermont woman was charged after a dog was found in a sealed New Hampshire Walmart car with temperatures reaching 114 degrees; the dog was treated after showing heat-stroke signs. Sports—Little League: Beaver Meadow’s Andrew Surprenant won the NH Stroke Play Championship by four shots; in Little League, Camels Hump shut out Portsmouth 1-0 in the New England Region opener. Health & Food Safety: FDA-linked recalls include cyclospora-related iceberg lettuce and other products; shoppers are urged to check current recall lists. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Rockingham County hit $4.49 in the week ending Aug. 1, with NH’s premium average around $5.05.

EPA Action on NH Vehicle Inspections: The EPA proposed steps that would let New Hampshire fully end its vehicle inspection program, moving to approve the state’s plan and speed up the process so the state is no longer in violation of the Clean Air Act. Local Housing & Short-Term Rentals: Meredith’s selectboard will hold a hearing on short-term rental licensing tweaks, including removing a plot plan requirement, dropping a state meals-and-room-tax license requirement, and setting a $200 fee for “owners in residence.” Public Health Watch: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to imported iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with New Hampshire among those reporting cases. Flood Relief Denied: FEMA rejected New Hampshire’s request for help cleaning up June flood damage in Madison, and the state says it will appeal. Healthcare Access: A new NH study finds women face delays due to provider shortages, affordability issues, and confusion about insurance coverage. Politics & Primaries: U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and challenger Karishma Manzur are set for a Democratic Senate primary clash, with Israel policy a major fault line.

Food Safety: A lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms continues to spread, with the CDC reporting nearly 23,000 cases nationwide and the parasite now showing up in 47 states; New Hampshire is among the states reporting new infections as officials warn the real total is likely higher. Public Health & Access: A new New Hampshire report points to a shrinking maternity safety net, saying 11 hospital labor-and-delivery units and five freestanding birth centers have closed since 2000, adding pressure on remaining providers. Immigration Enforcement: Manchester again declined to sign an ICE 287(g) agreement, with city leaders saying local officers are already stretched and federal enforcement is already present. Politics: Jon Kiper’s independent bid for governor is over after he failed to collect enough signatures for the ballot. Weather: Heat advisories are in effect in parts of New Hampshire, with hot, humid conditions and only limited storm chances through the weekend. Federal Policy: The U.S. Senate passed sweeping Russia sanctions legislation backed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, sending it to the House next.

Northern Border Security: The Senate passed a bipartisan bill led by GOP Sen. Kevin Cramer and NH Sen. Maggie Hassan to tighten northern border threat reviews every five years. Online Scams: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen opened a Foreign Relations hearing on global online scam operations, pushing the bipartisan SCAM Act to hit overseas “scam compounds” that drain billions from Americans. PFAS in NH: Regulators said they won’t require PFAS air testing at Casella’s experimental Coventry facility, drawing fresh criticism from environmental advocates. Housing Policy: NH lawmakers reaffirmed that multifamily housing must be allowed by right in commercial zones, limiting how towns can block projects under infrastructure-only grounds. Public Safety & Courts: A former NH state trooper, James Lamoureux, pleaded guilty to making a false report involving a GPS tracker, and NH’s Supreme Court chief justice Gordon MacDonald stepped away on medical leave. Health Alert: The CDC says the cyclospora/iceberg lettuce outbreak now involves 15 states, including NH, with thousands of cases nationwide.

Medicaid Fraud Push: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson and 16 other attorneys general urged Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, arguing states need authority to investigate and prosecute Medicaid recipient fraud. Child Marriage Debate: A new Ohio push to ban marriage before age 18 is gaining attention after a high-profile child endangerment case, as more states tighten rules while NH remains among those that already banned it. NH Health Care Rules: DHHS is requiring written notice before home care plan changes for medically complex children, after families saw hours reduced or eliminated under the Katie Beckett program. Food Safety in NH: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has spread to 15 states, including New Hampshire, with thousands of cases nationwide. Local Justice: Former NH State Police trooper James Lamoureux pleaded guilty to false reports after installing GPS trackers and lying to Keene police; he resigned and faces a suspended jail term. EPA vs. NH Cars: EPA proposed letting New Hampshire end vehicle tailpipe inspections and exit a regional smog-reduction group. Politics & NH CD1: With summer winding down, voters in NH’s 1st District face a crowded field and lingering undecided sentiment as campaigns intensify. Education Boost: UNH is using a $10 million grant to expand STEM tutoring for middle schools statewide.

Health Watch: The CDC says the iceberg-lettuce cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms has expanded to 15 states, with New Hampshire now included; officials report 6,358 illnesses, 278 hospitalizations, and two deaths in Michigan, and warn the total may keep rising as cases are confirmed. Local Government & Community: Atkinson’s Veterans Club is aiming to place wreaths on nearly 400 veterans’ graves this holiday season, with the Dec. 19 ceremony set for noon at Atkinson Cemetery. Veterans & Housing: Easterseals New Hampshire broke ground on Phase II of its Military & Veterans Campus in Franklin, adding a Solinsky Empowerment Center and equine recreation center, with completion expected next summer. Local Leadership: Plymouth has hired Corey Davenport as town manager, starting Oct. 6, after he serves as town administrator in New Hampton. Public Safety: A Pelham man was arrested after a crash in Hooksett, swimming in the Merrimack River for about an hour, and resisting arrest; he’s scheduled to appear in mid-September. Sports: The American Legion Northeast Regional in Worcester runs Aug. 6-9, with Bedford Post 54 representing New Hampshire.

Public Health: New Hampshire is now reporting 69 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases this year, with three hospitalizations, as the lettuce-linked outbreak tied to Cyclospora keeps widening nationally and the CDC has added more states to the cluster. Food Safety & Accountability: The outbreak has been traced to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico and linked to Taylor Farms, with federal scrutiny growing after Michigan reported two deaths tied to illnesses that began before the July 17 recall. Local Watch: Portsmouth Little League’s 10-12 all-star team is headed to the New England Regional in Bristol, Conn., with free admission and a Saturday opener vs. Vermont. State Politics: New Hampshire lawmakers are set for Aug. 19 Veto Day to take up 31 of Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s 33 vetoes, including renewed “bathroom bills” and school-related measures. Justice & Safety: A Jaffrey man faces five felony counts after an ICAC investigation found alleged child sexual abuse images. Healthcare Access: A new NH insurance study says women face provider shortages and affordability barriers when trying to get appropriate care. Energy & Growth: A solar code debate is sparked by wall-mounted panels on a New Hampshire home, while a national engineering firm KMB acquired an Amherst, NH renewables specialist to expand data-center and solar design capacity.

Public Safety & Health: New Hampshire’s nursing pipeline gets a boost as Elliot Hospital’s Granite State P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S. program uses grant money to cover the “hidden costs” that make students drop out, from uniforms and supplies to groceries and transportation. State Politics: U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire is among lawmakers pressing the Pentagon over how it counts and reports Iran-war casualties, after Democrats say numbers shifted around a key War Powers date. Food & Water Safety: The CDC reportedly expanded the cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, with New Hampshire among those newly added as confirmed cases climb. Local Government & Community: Peterborough Fire Chief Ed Walker retires after 12 years leading the department, ending a 40-plus-year career of responding to calls. Economy & Housing: A Salem, NH off-market deal closed for $1.678 million for School Street Apartments, highlighting continued demand for small multifamily buildings near I-93. Healthcare Quality: Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth earns multiple “Best of the Lakes Region” honors, including gold for Best Hospital.