AGP Executive Report

Veterans Health Expansion: Sen. Bernie Sanders announced new community-based VA outpatient clinics for Vermont veterans, including a West Chesterfield, N.H. site that will combine services with Brattleboro and start seeing patients in spring 2029. Public Health Watch: Cheshire Medical in Keene reported more cyclosporiasis cases tied to contaminated lettuce, with Michigan also reporting the first U.S. deaths this summer. Critical Minerals & Defense Supply: A New Hampshire-based refinery, Phoenix Tailings in Exeter, is poised to help reduce reliance on China for minerals used in weapons, but expansion timelines could stretch 14–18 months. Elections & Social Security: In the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, candidates are leaning hard on Social Security, with Karishma Manzur pushing limits on big money and Chris Pappas promising to protect benefits. Statehouse/Local Costs: New Hampshire is among states named in a possible $400 million settlement tied to Sandoz’s alleged generic drug price-fixing scheme, pending judge approval. Weather & Safety: Southern New Hampshire saw notable early-morning rain totals and a flash flood warning as storms moved through.

Cybersecurity & Utilities: New Hampshire water utilities are stepping up defenses after cyberattacks hit water systems in other states, with DES coordinating with federal and local partners and utilities warning that internet-connected equipment like pumps can be targeted. Public Safety & Weather: Severe thunderstorm warnings are active across parts of northern and western NH, with damaging wind gusts possible as heavy rain and storms move through. Manufacturing & Jobs: GKN Aerospace is expanding its North Charlestown facility, adding about 57,000 square feet to boost production of aero-engine components and create skilled manufacturing jobs. Local Business & Growth: SNHU will consolidate Millyard office and administrative operations to its main Manchester campus and put the Millyard building and adjacent garage up for sale. Politics & Polling: A new UNH Survey Center poll shows Donald Trump with a -25 net job approval rating in NH, a warning for Trump-backed Senate candidate John Sununu. Health & Antitrust: Attorney General Jeff Jackson and other states announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Culture: The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester is debuting two Picasso paintings on loan, alongside a Currier work, through October.

Education & Community Input: New Hampshire is recruiting parents, cultural leaders, and community partners for a statewide English Learner Advisory Committee, with Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Bosnian among the most common languages; the application deadline is Sept. 1. Housing Policy: A new “no-fault eviction” law that took effect July 1 is raising alarms for Granite Staters as landlords can end tenancies at lease end without a fault-based reason. Public Safety: Police say two men were stabbed at Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham; both are in stable condition, and investigators are looking for a White Honda CR-V with blue 1776 Massachusetts plates. Weather Watch: The Northeast faces another round of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with flash-flood risk returning into Monday. Health & Community: New Hampshire marked 10 years of its medical cannabis program, serving about 18,000 patients statewide. Sports: UNH football begins practice under new head coach Sean Goldrich, returning to his alma mater.

Weather Watch: Rain and possible thunderstorms roll back into New Hampshire late Sunday into Monday, with the wettest day expected Monday as humidity spikes and downpours raise the risk of localized street flooding. Community Spotlight: Rockingham’s Old Home Days fireworks returned for a 50th anniversary celebration, with organizers crediting a coordinated police, fire, and ambulance presence for keeping the night safe. Local Living Costs & Politics: Rising prices for gas, housing, healthcare, childcare, and groceries are shaping New Hampshire’s political debate, with candidates pointing to affordability pressures tied to national economic conditions. Housing Taxes: New Concord home assessments are driving sticker shock, and residents are waiting on what the new values will mean for upcoming tax bills. Public Safety Tech: Rhode Island is expanding license plate reader coverage with 39 new cameras under a federal-funded contract, adding to a network that currently isn’t governed by state law. Health & Pregnancy: A CDC study finds gestational hypertension rates rose in every state from 2016 to 2024, with New Hampshire among the higher-rate states. Medical Cannabis: New Hampshire marked 10 years of its medical marijuana program, with Graniteleaf saying it now serves about 18,000 patients.

Transportation & Infrastructure: New Hampshire DOT is set to demolish the Bedford Toll Plaza on the F.E. Everett Turnpike over the next three months as part of the shift to all-electronic tolling. Local Sports: Portsmouth Little League bounced back in Game 2 of the NH championship series after a tough Game 1 loss to Bedford. Statewide Public Safety & Weather: Heavy downpours are expected late Sunday through Monday, with isolated flash flooding possible across parts of New Hampshire and nearby areas. Health & Community: New Hampshire conservation districts announced $396,773 in 2026 Climate Resilience Grant awards to 49 farms statewide. Politics & Elections: A federal judge dismissed DOJ’s effort to force Illinois to turn over voter-roll data, underscoring limits on federal demands for sensitive election information. Sports Spotlight: Bedford’s Maggie Foxx made history in the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League season. Sports Rivalry: Vermont routed New Hampshire 42-12 in the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, extending Vermont’s winning streak to four straight.

DNC Primary Overhaul: South Carolina will lead Democrats’ 2028 presidential nominating calendar, with Nevada next and New Hampshire among the early states—cementing a break from the Iowa/New Hampshire tradition. NH Transportation: NHDOT unveiled three options for rebuilding a steep stretch of Route 3 in Whitefield, with residents pushing back hard against the least disruptive plan that avoids taking homes. Courts & Health: New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald is on immediate medical leave, with no extra details released. UNH Updates: UNH launched new three-year online bachelor’s programs and UNH faculty contract talks hit an impasse after 490 days, moving toward mediation. Public Safety & Justice: A Hudson woman faces a felony charge after police say she shared a private sexual image of another person on Facebook. Local Life: Northfield’s Dipsy Doodle Dairy Bar has new owners who say they’re keeping the long-running family feel.

State Politics & Courts: A New Hampshire attorney general settlement resolves a civil rights case against neo-Nazi leader Christopher Hood and NSC-131 after a 2023 Concord café protest, with the group agreeing to a fine and community service. Local Government: Belmont’s selectboard meeting Wednesday will tackle the school tax cap and public works updates, including fallout from a July 16 Main Street water main break and possible water/sewer rate changes. Education & Higher Ed: SNHU plans to consolidate Manchester operations by moving offices and administration from its Millyard headquarters to its main campus, with the downtown building and garage slated for sale. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Weirs Boulevard Bridge reconstruction starts Sept. 8, closing the bridge until late November and routing local traffic. Community Service: AmeriCorps grants totaling $3.2 million restore Volunteer New Hampshire’s statewide programs, supporting more than 120 members and conservation work in the Lakes Region. Boating Safety: Marine Patrol launches “On The Ramp” instructors at public boat ramps after a law change allows the final boating safety exam online for adults.

Election 2026 (NC): A Fox News poll says Republican Michael Whatley trails Democrat Roy Cooper 53%-44%, and warns Whatley must “stop the bleeding” with non-MAGA Republicans ahead of September absentee voting. Landfills & Environment: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a new NH landfill law creating a seven-person siting evaluation committee and a moratorium on expanding landfill capacity until at least July 1, 2027, after years of North Country fights. Courts & Civil Rights: NH’s attorney general says a neo-Nazi leader behind intimidation at a Concord drag story hour has agreed to a civil rights settlement, with a permanent bar and penalties. Public Health: Vermont confirmed five cyclosporiasis cases, stressing the risk appears low and may be tied to travel; meanwhile, NH continues to track the broader outbreak. Economy & Defense: A Manchester tech firm, Vibrac Precision Test Systems, says Patriot missile demand could drive $100M+ in orders as the U.S. and Europe expand stockpiles. Education & Youth: NH teachers report improved focus and fewer problems after a statewide “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban. Higher Ed: UNH launched new three-year bachelor options, and the USNH board voted to merge the chancellor and UNH president roles pending legislative approval.

Landfill Fight in the North Country: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed HB 707, creating a new solid waste site evaluation committee and expanding what the state weighs for landfill permits—after a judge rejected Casella Waste Systems’ lawsuit over a proposed landfill near Forest Lake State Park in Dalton. Local Infrastructure: The Bedford Toll Plaza demolition is set to start Monday, with lane closures and rolling roadblocks during daytime work; the $16 million project is expected to wrap up in 2027. Civil Rights Enforcement: New Hampshire AG John Formella announced a settlement with neo-Nazi group NSC-131 after a Concord drag story hour harassment case; leader Christopher Hood will pay a reduced fine, complete community service, and face restrictions on proximity and contact. Housing Pressure: A LendingTree analysis says New Hampshire has the 9th-highest home vacancy rate (14.3%), but much of it is seasonal—leaving fewer year-round options despite a tight market. Wildlife Watch: Fish and Game reports more bear and bobcat sightings as animals search for food, urging residents to keep distance and report problems. Community & Health: Blue Circle Health was named a New Hampshire finalist for the Red Sox Foundation’s IMPACT Awards, with voting open through Aug. 14.

Health Care & Politics: New Hampshire’s leaders are again in the spotlight over Trump-era health cuts, with criticism that U.S. Senate candidates John Sununu and Scott Brown backed a “Big Ugly Bill” tied to billions in reduced funding and potential coverage losses. Medicaid Watch: After parents pushed back, New Hampshire’s Medicaid managed care organizations agreed to restore home-care hours for medically complex children, reversing some reductions tied to the Katie Beckett program. Public Safety & Rankings: New Hampshire celebrated a top national “Best States” healthcare ranking and also scored No. 1 for public safety in WalletHub’s healthcare report. Youth Detention Scrutiny: The state’s child advocate investigation into alleged abuse at the Sununu Youth Services Center could take weeks or months, as multiple agencies continue looking into claims. State Politics & Voters: A new UNH poll shows Trump’s job approval slipping in New Hampshire (37% approve, 62% disapprove). Community & Local Government: Laconia councilors moved to apply for grant funding to expand a mobile integrated health program, while Meredith selectboard froze economic development spending amid consultant questions. Sports & Education: UNH named Ryan Colton its next athletics director, and a Dover 8U team advanced to New England regionals.

NH Politics & Elections: New Hampshire Democrats and allies are pushing back after the DNC moved the first-in-the-nation 2028 presidential primary to South Carolina, with NH officials saying the state will still hold its own early contest. Federal Courts & Voting Rules: A federal judge blocked New Hampshire’s proof-of-citizenship voter ID law, a major test for election rules. Public Safety & Health: DHHS reports 33 cyclosporiasis cases in New Hampshire this year, with most tied to recalled lettuce; two hospitalizations reported. COVID Accountability: Dr. Anthony Fauci again invoked the Fifth Amendment in a GOP-led Senate hearing, refusing to answer questions about COVID-19 decisions and origins. Consumer Protection: Attorneys general are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to crack down on illegal robocalls. Local News: A fatal crash in Derry involved a car and dump truck; Route 101 traffic cleared after a separate tractor-trailer crash. Community & Culture: Seth Meyers is set for a Granite State comedy fundraiser Aug. 7 at SNHU Arena.

Flood Watch/Flash Flood Risk: Heavy rain continues to threaten parts of New England, with NOAA flagging a level two risk across New Hampshire and a level three risk in nearby states, and local road closures and “not passable” warnings popping up as soils get saturated. Local Governance & Housing: New Hampshire’s mixed-use housing law is facing its first real test, with towns and developers sorting out what the rules mean in practice after recent changes. Public Safety & Community: U.S. Marshals and New Hampshire task forces wrapped up Operation Adam’s Watch, targeting sex-offender registration compliance and issuing warrants and arrests. State Politics: The death of former Salem lawmaker and retired fire lieutenant Fred Doucette—now a FEMA regional administrator—prompted tributes from NH GOP leaders and Gov. Kelly Ayotte. Health & Education: UNH system trustees backed a plan to combine the system chancellor and UNH president roles, aiming to streamline costs as enrollment and funding pressures mount. National Politics: Dr. Anthony Fauci again invoked the Fifth Amendment in a GOP-led Senate COVID hearing, while Republicans moved toward a contempt vote.

Local Politics: Republicans in Concord are drafting a bill to counter the DNC’s move to sideline New Hampshire’s First-in-the-Nation presidential primary, with Deputy House Majority Leader Joe Sweeney saying the state’s primary is “New Hampshire law” and shouldn’t be treated like a Washington courtesy. Public Safety & Health: New Hampshire is seeing storm-driven flood concerns, with officials preparing for possible flash flooding and heavy rain impacts. Education: A statewide survey finds teachers and administrators largely approve of New Hampshire’s “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban, saying it’s cutting distractions without turning classrooms into confiscation zones. Consumer Protection: Compacom published new guidance on “guaranteed approval” and “no credit check” language in tribal loan ads, urging borrowers to verify APRs, fees, and total repayment before signing. Wildlife: Bristol police helped free a black bear cub after it got its head stuck in a plastic jug. Business & Community: The Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce hired Grace McNamara as its new executive director, focused on connecting businesses and building partnerships.

Public Health: New Hampshire has 33 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases, including 17 tied to recalled Taylor Farms lettuce served at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene; two patients are hospitalized as DHHS treats it as part of a larger nationwide outbreak. Education & Youth: Teachers and educators say New Hampshire’s statewide “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban is improving focus and reducing classroom anxiety, with many students returning to lunch without screens. Environment: Lake Sunapee is under monitoring after two hazardous spills Saturday; officials say the material is contained and testing is ongoing. Weather: A severe thunderstorm warning is out for parts of southern NH, with flash flooding possible midweek as heavy rain moves in. Local Government: Franklin’s city council voted 7-1 to rehabilitate the historic Trestle Bridge, despite an estimated $1 million cost. Politics & Accountability: A judge granted Adam Montgomery’s request to revive review of his weapons sentence as prosecutors pursue a retrial for murder.

Rabies Watch: Vermont plans an Aug. 1 wildlife rabies vaccine bait drop, with baiting areas that include parts of New Hampshire, aiming to slow rising rabies activity in wildlife. UNH Leadership: UNH named Ryan Colton as its new Athletic Director, bringing experience from his prior Richmond deputy AD role. NH Golf: Mady Savary opened the NH Women’s State Am at Abenqui in Rye with a nine-shot lead after day one. Legion Baseball: Nashua’s Coffey Post advanced to the Senior Legion finals after a walk-off win, setting up the next round. Lakes Region Fire: Alton’s floating restaurant The Dive was destroyed by fire Saturday; officials say there were no injuries and the cause is under investigation. Community Reading: Weirs Community Park Association launched an outdoor Children’s Story Book Walk, turning a local children’s book into a trail reading adventure. Education & Access: The Children’s Literacy Foundation handed out 330 books at Pleasant Street School in Laconia, with an author talk and giveaways. Local Politics/Policy: A new push in NH debates healthcare access and coverage impacts, including concerns about Medicaid work rules and what they could mean for Granite Staters.

Healthcare & Costs: A new WalletHub study ranks New Hampshire as the best state for healthcare again, while Florida climbs but still lands in the lower half; separate research also estimates the cost of raising a child to age 18 is far lower in NH than in neighboring states. Energy & Utilities: A report says New Hampshire ratepayers would face higher costs if the state left the regional electricity grid, with separation costs pegged around $148 million. Public Health: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have topped 4,000 nationwide, with Georgia now reporting fewer than 80 confirmed cases as the outbreak linked to lettuce continues to expand. Environment & Safety: Vermont will run an August rabies vaccine bait drop that includes parts of New Hampshire; in NH, officials are monitoring Lake Sunapee after two hazardous materials spills. Local Life: UNH named Ryan Colton its next athletics director, and Bedford’s historic toll plaza is being decommissioned as electronic tolling takes over. Sports & Community: Keene leaders discussed major park projects, including a Robin Hood Park pool renovation, and St. Joseph Hospital’s Health Careers Academy is expanding youth healthcare training.