AGP Executive Report

NH Courts & Ethics: House and Senate Democratic leaders asked the state Judicial Conduct Committee to publicly disclose any ongoing investigations into sitting New Hampshire Supreme Court justices, amid fallout from the MacDonald ethics scandal and questions about whether other judges could be implicated. Health Care Policy: Transgender teens and families urged a federal court to block the Trump administration’s plan to cut off Medicaid funding for minors’ gender-affirming care, arguing it’s unconstitutional and violates federal law. NH Elections & Campaigns: Incoming national heavyweight Pete Buttigieg is set to campaign in New Hampshire with Democrats Chris Pappas and Stefany Shaheen, with health care policy—public option vs. single-payer—likely to be a flashpoint. Energy & Housing Cost Pressure: In a “Conversation with the Candidate” stop, U.S. Senate hopeful John Sununu fielded voter questions on diesel prices, energy supply, and housing affordability. Education Affordability: The University System of New Hampshire announced the New Hampshire Promise, offering free in-state tuition for first-time students from families earning up to $100,000. School Tax Cap Ballot Question: A guide to the statewide school tax cap measure explains what a “yes” vote could mean for local school property taxes and SAU central office spending, plus a legal challenge over whether classroom services are truly protected. Federal Spending & Messaging: Democrats highlighted claims that Trump used $20 million in Homeland Security funds for taxpayer-funded TV ads ahead of the midterms.

U.S. Senate Midterm Exit: The Senate adjourned without resolving major items voters care about—farm policy, AI, mass surveillance, and especially electricity costs tied to data centers—after Democrats blocked the GOP-backed Ratepayer Protection Act, a move that could shape competitive Senate races. New Hampshire Energy Policy: In Manchester, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said New Hampshire is on track to permanently end mandatory vehicle emissions and safety inspections, while critics warn the change could leave street-level air quality unaddressed. Nuclear Debate in the Granite State Region: At UMass Lowell, regional experts framed nuclear as a “transition” toward small modular reactors, microreactors, and fusion, as protesters renewed opposition. School Choice Push: Federal guidance advanced a new nationwide K-12 scholarship tax credit that would let most children in 30+ states apply for funds usable for private school or homeschooling, with Treasury laying out how states and scholarship-granting organizations will participate. NH Politics & Elections: A candidate forum is set for Oct. 6 in NH-01 featuring Anthony DiLorenzo and Stefany Shaheen. Statehouse Watch: New Hampshire’s online casino bill (SB 104) moved forward after a narrow Senate vote, sending it to the Finance Committee.

ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration has started mailing $500 Affordable Care Act rebate checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states who bought coverage on the federal exchange without premium help, with payments tied to alleged Biden-era “user fee” overcharges. Data Center Cost Fight: In Washington, Senate Democrats blocked a GOP-backed Ratepayer Protection Act aimed at steering grid-upgrade costs from households to large data centers, arguing the bill is “toothless” because it doesn’t require payment. NH Housing Consensus: A New Hampshire Forum civic assembly found broad agreement on housing fixes—boosting water/sewer and transit capacity, expanding manufactured homes, and increasing overall supply—setting up the next fight over turning that consensus into law. NH Privacy/Surveillance: A debate over Flock license-plate cameras continues as officials and advocates question how much location data is collected and how it’s used. NH Courts/Health Coverage: A federal judge ruled Turbocam must face a transgender employee’s sex-discrimination lawsuit over refusing coverage for gender-transition care, rejecting the company’s religious-freedom defenses. NH Education: A new educator survey says student behavior, mental health needs, and underfunding limit quality, while 95% stress stronger parent-community relationships. NH Environment/Emissions: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin met with NH lawmakers as the state seeks to end vehicle emissions testing and reduce federal Clean Air Act burdens.

NH Elections & Messaging: Democrats are warning that New Hampshire is “Exhibit A” for why a national blue wave may stall, pointing to Republicans’ money advantage and the tight Senate race involving Rep. Chris Pappas. Federal Spending Scrutiny: Lawmakers are demanding answers after DHS reportedly used $20M in Homeland Security funds for TV ads featuring Trump, drawing bipartisan claims the promos are taxpayer-funded campaign propaganda. Housing Affordability: A new NH Housing report finds a widening gap between home costs and pay—Lebanon renters need $47.06/hour to afford median rent, far above the state’s $25.29 median wage—fueling longer commutes and poverty pressure. Cybersecurity & Consumer Protection: Michigan AG Nessel announced a $2.3M multistate settlement with Labcorp over the 2019 AMCA data breach that exposed sensitive patient data tied to millions of people. NH Policy Watch: The Senate narrowly advanced SB 104 to legalize regulated online casino gaming, sending it to the Finance Committee. Military Tech: JTNC and NSA leaders met in NH-area defense circles to push modernization of secure military communications, including post-quantum resiliency.

Vehicle Inspection Fight: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the federal review needed to end New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection mandate is still on track to be finished by year’s end, after the public comment period closed and the agency is now sifting through about 400 submissions. School Budget Cap: The New Hampshire Supreme Court cleared the way for a November ballot question on capping school budgets, rejecting a bid to block it and allowing overseas ballots to proceed. Hampton Liquor Store Redevelopment: A committee approved a Hampton I-95 liquor store project, but a lawsuit from a losing bidder remains a live issue that could affect timing. 1st District Financial Disclosures: Democrats are pressing Republican Anthony DiLorenzo over alleged gaps in his personal financial disclosures ahead of the Nov. contest. AI Guardrails Politics: A new map shows candidates breaking with Trump on AI safety rules, as the midterm debate increasingly turns on whether to rely on industry self-policing or tougher government oversight. Data Privacy & Consumer Protection: New Hampshire’s contractor oversight debate continues as officials weigh whether registration is the answer, while a multistate settlement over a major Labcorp-related data breach underscores vendor accountability. Mental Health Push: Gov. Kelly Ayotte marked Suicide Prevention Month, urging Granite Staters to seek help and reduce stigma. PFAS Lawsuit: Keene and Londonderry are suing major chemical makers over PFAS exposure claims tied to firefighting gear.

Immigration & Courts: Immigrants’ rights groups, including the ACLU of New Hampshire, filed a new federal lawsuit challenging President Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order, arguing the Supreme Court already settled the issue “once and forever.” State Politics & Violence Rhetoric: Portsmouth Rep. Ned Raynolds refused to resign after House Republicans demanded action over a message to House Majority Leader Jason Osborne that included a “rub gravel in your face” invitation. Public Safety & Policy: UNH named former Hampton police chief David Hobbs as its new police chief, following the resignation of former chief Steven Lee after a DUI arrest. Driver Enforcement: NH DMV joined a national driver history system, meaning out-of-state violations and suspensions can trigger NH license revocation unless hearings are completed within 30 days. Environment & Federalism: Two filings challenge the EPA’s move to let NH end vehicle emissions testing, arguing state modeling overstated pollution impacts from buses and trucks. Elections & National Spotlight: A UNH poll cited by Boston 25 News shows Chris Pappas leading John Sununu in the NH Senate race, with outside groups spending about $50 million so far. Health & Consumer Protection: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson urged consumers to claim compensation from a multistate settlement over alleged generic drug price inflation. AI & Risk: Anthropic warned advanced AI could pose “catastrophic or existential risks,” as questions swirl over safety practices across major AI labs.

Energy & Cost-of-Living: Republicans are leaning into an “all of the above” energy pitch, arguing New Hampshire needs more natural gas pipeline capacity to lower bills as Democrats blame Trump-era conflicts for higher fuel costs. Elections & Messaging: A 2020 WMUR debate clip is being recycled into a new anti-Chris Pappas Senate attack ad, while outside spending and turnout arguments intensify heading into November. NH Courts & Ethics: The New Hampshire Supreme Court rejected a bid to block a November school tax cap question, and separate coverage highlights calls for more transparency after Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald’s ethics-driven resignation. Education Funding Fight: A fact check pushes back on claims that Education Freedom Accounts raise property taxes, while local candidate letters keep the EFA/property-tax debate front and center. Public Safety & Privacy: New Hampshire’s license-violation sharing system expands, and national scrutiny of automatic license plate readers continues as states weigh limits. Environment & Enforcement: Pike Industries faces a $100K fine over hazardous waste management violations. Law Enforcement Recognition: Two Lakes Region officers received Congressional Law Enforcement Awards for lifesaving actions. Politics Beyond NH: Polling and campaign ads in Vermont and North Carolina show how quickly races can swing, with energy and crime messaging featuring prominently.

UNH Police Leadership: David Hobbs, a former Hampton police chief, starts as the University of New Hampshire’s new police chief today, overseeing campus safety across Durham, Manchester and Concord. Governor’s Race Tightens: A new UNH Granite State Poll shows Gov. Kelly Ayotte at 47% and Democrat Cinde Warmington at 43%, with the gap narrowing as Warmington consolidates support. U.S. Senate Money & Messaging: A look at how outside spending and negative ads are shaping the NH Senate race between Chris Pappas and John Sununu, with dark-money groups pouring in as voters get bombarded. Air Quality Rule Fight: New Hampshire’s bid to leave the Northeast vehicle emissions testing program is up for final EPA action after public comments closed. Privacy vs. Surveillance: Coverage highlights how license-plate reader data can travel beyond local departments, renewing calls for stronger rules—an issue NH has been watching closely. Storm Aftermath: A nor’easter is weakening after flooding and outages across the Northeast, including impacts in New Hampshire. Child Care Policy: Reporting explains proposed federal Head Start rule changes and what they could mean for early learning providers and families.

Nor’easter Aftermath: A powerful nor’easter battered the Northeast for a second day, bringing tidal flooding to low-lying areas in New Jersey and parts of New York City, knocking out power to tens of thousands, and leaving officials warning of more flooding at late Monday high tide. Statehouse Transparency: InDepthNH reporter Damien Fisher was honored with a Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award for aggressive use of New Hampshire’s Right to Know law. NH Politics—Campaign Framing: Anthony DiLorenzo is leaning hard into a “working-class vs. political pedigree” contrast against Stefany Shaheen in the NH01 race. U.S. Senate—Hassan Spotlight: Maggie Hassan was named the nation’s most effective senator by a nonpartisan grading group, with Jeanne Shaheen also ranking in the top tier. Ballot & Budget Rules: A new state law will put property tax cap questions on November ballots, and local officials are working through what the measures mean for school and administrative budgets. Health Policy: As Medicaid work requirements begin, multiple states—including New Hampshire—are moving away from self-attesting medical frailty exemptions toward documentation. Energy Costs: New Hampshire’s plug-in solar law takes effect in January, aiming to help renters and homeowners cut electricity bills. Local Governance Tech: Privacy and oversight concerns around Flock license plate cameras continue to spread, with Lowell pausing use while it reviews policy and data handling.

U.S. Senate & PFAS: Sen. Maggie Hassan was named the nation’s most effective senator, and she’s also reviving a bipartisan push to strip PFAS “forever chemicals” from New Hampshire food wrappers and packaging. Energy Affordability: A new state law legalizing plug-in solar is set to take effect in January, aiming to cut power bills for both homeowners and renters with cheaper, socket-based solar units. Medicaid Work Rules: As federal Medicaid work requirements begin in January, at least six states—including New Hampshire—will require medical documentation for exemptions instead of allowing self-attestation, raising stakes for people who can’t afford care. Privacy & Surveillance: Lowell’s City Council voted to indefinitely suspend Flock license-plate camera use while it reviews policy, data handling, and audits—part of a broader backlash against automated surveillance. Midterms Context: National GOP groups are pouring money into Senate races, but reporting disputes whether they’re “abandoning” Georgia and North Carolina, with NRSC leadership calling the claims “hogwash.” Storm Disruptions: A nor’easter battered the Northeast with flooding, power outages, and widespread travel disruptions.

U.S. Senate & Midterms: Post–Labor Day polling shows Democrats holding an 8.6-point generic lead and Trump approval hitting a record low, with GOP Senate candidates trailing in multiple battlegrounds—raising the odds of a Senate shift. NH Politics: Jeanne Shaheen is making a last-minute push on insulin prices, spotlighting her INSULIN Act as she prepares to leave the Senate. Medicaid Work Requirements: Starting in January, Medicaid work mandates begin nationwide, but some Republican-led states are tightening proof rules for people deemed “medically frail,” prompting lawsuits and fears some patients can’t afford the documentation needed to stay covered. Election Strategy Watch: Republicans are publicly dismissing claims they’re “abandoning” Georgia and North Carolina Senate races, even as internal spending and polling worries fuel uncertainty. Privacy & Tech: New Hampshire’s decade-ahead approach to regulating license plate readers is being cited as a model as other states move to rein in Flock-style camera systems. Local Security: Manchester police arrested a 20-year-old in connection with white supremacist graffiti vandalism at the Moka Pot. Weather: A powerful nor’easter is driving flooding and power outages across the Northeast, with officials urging residents to stay out of inundated areas.

Hate Crime Case: Manchester police arrested 20-year-old Tyler Inman of Allenstown for vandalizing The Moka Pot with swastikas and “White Power” graffiti last month, charging him with criminal mischief and falsifying evidence. NH Politics & Health Care: With her Senate term ending in January, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is making a last-minute push to cap insulin costs at $35 through the INSULIN Act. Midterms & Senate Strategy: National Republicans are reportedly shifting focus away from Georgia as GOP leaders worry two key Senate races are slipping, while Democrats keep narrowing GOP voter registration advantages in competitive states. Statehouse Watch: A WMUR debate between NH party chairs framed the U.S. Senate race as a referendum on gas prices, inflation, and “do-nothing” attacks. Local Governance: Laconia City Council will hold a public hearing on using InvestNH Municipal Grant funds to rewrite zoning, plus separate safety and fire grants. Energy & Cost of Living: GasBuddy data shows Rockingham County’s lowest midgrade price at $4.45 for the week ending Sept. 19, with statewide averages rising. Public Safety & Environment: Alton officials are monitoring Wentworth Pond drawdown work, while a Belmont group is pushing for tougher pesticide controls to protect Lakes Region pollinators.

Governor Race Polling: A new UNH poll finds Democratic Gov. Maura Healey leading Republican Mike Minogue 54%-38%, with 7% undecided, as the race tightens six weeks out. School Tax Cap Debate: A Laconia voter urges a “no” vote on the statewide school property tax cap question, arguing HB 1300 forces one formula on every district. Statehouse Revenue Watch: New Hampshire’s September collections are running ahead of forecast, with room-and-meals, real estate, and business taxes all cited as key drivers. GOP-Dem Party Clash: WMUR’s CloseUp has NH party chairs spar over inflation, costs, and what it means for the November midterms, including the U.S. Senate race. Lakes Region Economy: Rep. Chris Pappas hears from Lakes Region business owners that diesel prices, tariffs, and fewer Canadian visitors are squeezing sales and staffing. Campaign Finance/Media Fight: National GOP leaders and allies trade blows over a Politico report about Senate spending plans, with Sen. Tim Scott calling it “hogwash.” Privacy & Surveillance: A new push for ALPR oversight elsewhere points to New Hampshire’s earlier restrictions as a model, while some lawmakers want tighter rules. Legal/Justice: Manchester police arrest a 20-year-old over swastikas and “White Power” graffiti at Moka Pot, with the AG’s civil rights unit coordinating prosecution. Data Security: Attorney General Ford announces multistate settlements with Credit Acceptance and Labcorp tied to consumer and patient data breaches. Climate/Environment: A study using decades of satellite imagery finds alpine zones across the Northeast are greening—raising concerns about crowding out rare plants.

NH Senate: Deputy House Democratic Leader Laura Telerski is running for the District 13 state Senate seat, setting up a fresh power shift in Nashua-area politics. NH Elections & Polling: New Hampshire’s Senate race remains tightly watched as national coverage highlights close matchups involving Chris Pappas and Don Bolduc-style Trump-era dynamics, while a separate UNH Survey Center poll shows Maine’s Susan Collins and Troy Jackson in a statistical tie. Campaign Money & Strategy: Republicans face “painful spending decisions” as midterm pressure mounts, with analysts pointing to tough Senate math that could force resources toward states like New Hampshire. Foreign Policy: Jeannie Shaheen and other senators press Trump to confront Xi over alleged Chinese support for Iran, a dispute that could shape how NH lawmakers frame national security and accountability. Housing & Cost: A NH housing discussion argues higher density is key to making new construction financially feasible, even as affordability remains the political battleground. Government Tech: The NH Judicial Branch is modernizing contract management with a Microsoft 365-native system. Public Safety: Barrington schools closed after an online threat prompted police investigation. Data Privacy: NH is among states tied to reported data-breach notices involving Health Access Network.

NH Senate watch: UNH polling shows Democrat Chris Pappas has flipped to a narrow lead over GOP Sen. John Sununu, 50% to 42%, after Sununu led in August—still a statistical tie once undecided/unknown voters are counted, and the seat remains a toss-up. NH politics & national mood: A separate UNH Survey Center poll finds record-low Trump approval in New Hampshire—32% approve, 67% disapprove—amid broad voter discontent with his handling of the economy and foreign affairs, including the Iran war. Federal confirmation fight: Trump’s FDA nominee, Dr. Heidi Overton, faced sharp GOP and Democratic questioning over vaccines and abortion-related claims during a Senate hearing, with senators pressing whether she’ll put science first. Campaign messaging controversy: A new Trump “Love Me” ad is airing on national networks and is reportedly taxpayer-paid, while the song’s artist says he didn’t authorize its use. Public safety: A fatal Nashua fire is reopening questions about an earlier 2019 arson case involving the same suspect, after prosecutors say the man intentionally set the earlier blaze. Local law enforcement: Police in Newport are seeking the operator of Harmony Wellness Spa after a human trafficking investigation, with prostitution-related charges expected. Everyday costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium and midgrade prices in parts of NH (including Rockingham and Coos counties) for the week ending Sept. 19.

Midterm politics: CBS reports NRSC chair Sen. Tim Scott told GOP lawmakers the party is in “the fight for our lives” with a record number of toss-up races, naming New Hampshire among opportunities to flip. Campaign finance: A report says retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s campaign received contributions from Martin Kao, the defense contractor tied to illegal donations that previously embarrassed Sen. Susan Collins—prompting NHGOP attacks. State election pressure: A Times/Siena poll shows Susan Collins leading Troy Jackson in Maine, even as GOP ads and a ProPublica corruption report swirl. NH governance & law: The Londonderry Times’ Chris Paul sues over a closed-door probe, alleging Right-to-Know violations. AI policy: State Senate President Sharon Carson says Republicans will pursue a legislative moratorium on large AI data centers, pushing developers to cover water, power, and infrastructure costs. Tech & safety: Hampton police charged a man under NH’s 2025 deepfake law after alleged AI deepfake harassment. Public safety & consumer protection: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a law adding protections for crypto ATM users, including limits and refund rules. Energy: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular price in Rockingham County hit $4.04 for the week ending Sept. 19. Culture/education: An astronaut on the ISS will answer NH students’ questions via NASA’s livestream. Libertarian controversy: Condemnation continues after NH Libertarians posted support for assassinating elected Democrats.