AGP Executive Report

Attorney General confirmation fight: Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general squeaked through the U.S. Senate on a 50-49 vote, with all Democrats and independents voting no, including Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire. Russia sanctions: The Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 86-11, targeting countries that buy Russian oil and gas and setting up major tariff pressure on top buyers like China and India. Voter-roll lawsuit pushback: After dozens of court losses, the Trump DOJ kept pressing its bid to force states to turn over unredacted voter registration lists, with judges repeatedly rejecting the government’s theory. NH vehicle inspection update: The EPA moved to speed up approval of New Hampshire’s plan to end mandatory vehicle inspections, potentially clearing the state’s Clean Air Act compliance path. NH politics & campaigns: Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s campaign sent a rolling billboard into Massachusetts to tout New Hampshire’s lack of a sales tax ahead of the Bay State’s sales-tax holiday. NH health care access: A new state study finds women in New Hampshire face delays in care due to provider shortages, affordability issues, and confusion about insurance coverage. Public safety and courts: A federal jury in Maine ruled for Sig Sauer in a lawsuit over a holstered P320 discharge that injured a Somerset County deputy. Foreign policy with NH ties: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Sen. James Lankford introduced Lebanon security legislation tied to countering Hezbollah. Local governance & environment: The Atlantic menhaden board advanced proposed changes to Chesapeake Bay harvests, with public comment now open.

U.S. Senate Sanctions: The Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an 86-11 vote, ratcheting pressure on Russia’s war economy and expanding Iran sanctions, with House action next and tariff provisions likely to draw scrutiny. NH Health Access: A new New Hampshire Insurance Department study says women are delaying care due to provider shortages, affordability problems, and confusion over what insurance covers—barriers that compound into longer waits. NH Politics & Campaigns: U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and challenger Karishma Manzur are set for a Democratic Senate primary clash, with Manzur leaning left on issues while trying to avoid labels; meanwhile Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s campaign sent a billboard truck into Massachusetts to mock its sales-tax holiday and tout New Hampshire’s year-round tax-free status. Education Aid: NH expects fewer students to qualify for free and reduced-price lunch next year as federal SNAP eligibility changes reduce automatic enrollment. Local Immigration Fight: Manchester again declined to sign an ICE 287(g) agreement, arguing it’s unnecessary and that staffing limits make it a poor use of local resources. Courts & Public Safety: A federal jury sided with Sig Sauer in a lawsuit over a P320 handgun that fired while holstered, rejecting claims of inadequate warnings or a defect.

EPA Vehicle Inspection Repeal: The EPA took initial steps that would let New Hampshire end mandatory vehicle emissions inspections, clearing a key federal hurdle—though the proposals aren’t final and will face public comment. State Courts & Accountability: The NH Supreme Court said Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald is unable to work on medical leave, while NHJournal raises questions about transparency and competence amid the broader MacDonald-related controversy. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: A former NH state trooper, James Lamoureux, pleaded guilty to making a false report after GPS-tracking allegations involving his girlfriend; his law-enforcement future is barred. Judicial Conduct Fallout: Former associate justice Hantz Marconi faces formal judicial conduct charges tied to her husband Geno Marconi’s scandal, arguing the process is unnecessary despite acknowledging a rule violation. Federal Policy Watch: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen opened a hearing on online scam operations, urging passage of the bipartisan SCAM Act. Health & Food Safety: The CDC expanded the cyclospora/iceberg lettuce outbreak list to include New Hampshire among 15 states, as investigators continue to track the source. Housing Policy: NH lawmakers clarified that multifamily housing must be allowed by right in commercial zones, limiting how local rules can be used to block projects.

Federal EPA Action on NH Vehicle Inspections: EPA has proposed steps that would let New Hampshire end its vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance requirements and withdraw from the Ozone Transport Region obligations, kicking off a public comment period; the state ended the program earlier this year and faces Clean Air Act lawsuits. Local Government & Public Health Communication: In New Durham’s Copple Crown Village, residents say they weren’t adequately updated during a boil-water order, even as officials cite door-to-door notices and multiple emails—highlighting how small municipal districts handle emergencies. NH Politics, National Echoes: Republican Senate candidates in New Hampshire are using a progressive Democrat’s Michigan primary win to argue the party is shifting left, tying it to their messaging about “socialist” priorities. Healthcare Fraud Push (AGs): South Carolina AG Alan Wilson and other attorneys general urged Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, seeking expanded authority to pursue Medicaid recipient fraud. Public Health Outbreaks: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has surged nationwide, with New Hampshire newly listed among affected states.

NH Housing & Zoning: Kingston’s compliance with a 2026 state housing law got undercut when Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed HB 1588 on July 15, shifting commercial-zone multi-family from “conditional use” with density and buffer limits to “by right,” leaving towns to rethink local rules. NH Energy Policy: A new report says New Hampshire shouldn’t try to leave the regional grid; consultants argue staying in ISO-NE is cheaper, and the real fight is over transmission spending and regulatory structure. NH Courts & Accountability: A dispute over the Sununu Youth Services Center continues after the Office of the Child Advocate alleged illegal restraints and neglect; the AG found “chronic dysfunction” but said abuse claims weren’t supported, while advocates push back. NH Federal Politics: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill endorsed Maura Sullivan in NH-01, adding another veteran to a crowded Democratic primary. Public Health: The FDA expanded its Cyclospora outbreak investigation, adding New Hampshire among newly affected states as confirmed cases top 6,000. Weather & Safety: Heat advisories and severe storm warnings stretch into New Hampshire as officials prepare for flash flooding and power outages.

Energy & Grid Policy: New Hampshire’s bid to leave the regional electric grid is looking unlikely after a 2025-backed study concluded staying put would save ratepayers money, with lawmakers now focusing on pushing reforms inside ISO-NE instead. State Government & Elections: The NH House and Senate set Aug. 19 Veto Day to consider 31 of Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s 33 vetoes, including renewed “bathroom bills” and other culture-war fights. Public Safety & Courts: A Chesterfield Police chief’s internal affairs timeline is under scrutiny after a document obtained by InDepthNH.org raises questions about when an investigation was actually completed. Healthcare & Law Enforcement: Acting Alaska AG Cori Mills joined a 43-state coalition announcing a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, including New Hampshire, as Michigan reports rising case counts and two deaths. Child Welfare & Oversight: Rep. Maggie Goodlander asked for a federal review of conditions at the Sununu Youth Services Center amid renewed concerns about abuse and neglect. Local Notes: A Mount Washington rescue ended safely for an 18-year-old hiker who injured his leg near the summit and was carried down after treatment.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: Maine and New Hampshire lawmakers are pushing back on proposed federal disciplinary review changes they say would harm workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Antitrust & drug pricing: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 43 states in announcing a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition-limiting conduct, with a 2027 trial anticipated if finalized. Medicaid fraud crackdown: AG Marty Jackley joined a bipartisan letter urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, arguing current rules limit states’ ability to pursue beneficiary fraud. NH SNAP administration: A new report highlights SNAP payment error rates, noting New Hampshire’s rate is above the penalty threshold—another pressure point for state program management. Energy grid debate: A new look at New Hampshire’s electricity options finds leaving the regional grid would raise costs, shifting the focus to regulatory and ISO-NE reforms. NH politics & culture: A separate controversy in NH-01 politics centers on Rep. Heath Howard and allegations tied to trans-candidate viability claims.

Venezuela Elections Push: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Sen. Ted Cruz backed a bipartisan resolution calling for free and fair elections in Venezuela, urging release of political prisoners and consequences for officials who harm candidates. Medicaid Fraud Fight: NH AG Tim Griffin joined a coalition urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, which would expand Medicaid Fraud Control Units to pursue beneficiary and recipient fraud. Youth Detention Scrutiny: Rep. Maggie Goodlander asked the U.S. attorney’s office for a federal investigation into conditions at the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester, citing decades of abuse allegations and state findings of dysfunction. Election Integrity Clash: DOJ sent federal monitors to Michigan primaries as critics warn the program could be used for partisan purposes. Loitering Lawsuit: A federal judge heard arguments in a case challenging NH’s loitering enforcement against people experiencing homelessness. Health Watch: Confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in NH more than doubled to 69, with many linked to recalled lettuce and others still under investigation. Local Politics: Laconia Rep. Mike Bordes filed for his final term as he balances statehouse work and mayoral duties. Education Voucher Backlash: A columnist argues the Legislature’s Education Freedom Account program is draining money from public schools. Community & Grants: Winnipesaukee Wellness Center received a grant from the NH Charitable Foundation.

Election Integrity & Federal Oversight: U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla and colleagues pressed the DOJ over its plan to send election monitors to places including New Hampshire, warning against partisan targeting of jurisdictions and interference with state election administration. Early Education: A WalletHub study ranks New Hampshire 48th for early education, citing weak access, quality, and resources. Statehouse/Schools: New Hampshire’s “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban is getting early validation, with a state Department of Education survey finding most teachers report rare or no classroom phone use since the law took effect. Democratic Primary Politics (2028): The DNC proposed the 2028 Democratic presidential calendar, placing New Hampshire on Feb. 8, 2028. Health Policy & Legal Risk: A DOJ disability-rights legal opinion is raising alarms that protections for people with disabilities could be narrowed, setting up likely court fights involving states. Campaign & Messaging: A new poll finds voters now rate Democrats better on the economy than Republicans for the first time in a decade. Local Crime/Justice: A Rye man pleaded guilty in a multimillion-dollar fraudulent international survey scheme. Economy/Industry: Portsmouth-based Albany International reported Q2 earnings and revenue updates.

NH Senate race: Democrats in the U.S. Senate primary are leaning hard into bread-and-butter issues and money-in-politics contrasts, with Karishma Manzur launching a 10-day county van tour and Chris Pappas centering Social Security in Manchester. Statehouse staffing: Tammy Wright, the Senate clerk who has run the chamber’s process for decades, announced her retirement—an end of an era in Concord. Federal health policy: Attorney General Marty Jackley backed the “STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act,” pushing Congress to let states pursue Medicaid beneficiary/recipient fraud, not just provider fraud. Medicaid/antitrust: Separate from NH, a coalition of attorneys general announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over generic drug price-fixing—an effort to curb anticompetitive conduct. Health cuts: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute analysis says “back-of-budget” reductions are hitting mental health, public health, and food assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services. Public safety: The Lake Winnipesaukee Museum will host NH State Police Bomb Squad Trooper Neil Chapdelaine on identifying dangerous explosive objects, especially relevant for military memorabilia. Elections backdrop: A UNH poll finds Trump’s approval in New Hampshire at a new low, a sign that could complicate GOP Senate prospects.

Federal Voting Fight: President Trump asked the U.S. Supreme Court to approve his order tightening vote-by-mail rules, after lower courts blocked parts of it—setting up a major legal showdown just before the Nov. 3 midterms. NH Housing Policy: New Hampshire’s new no-fault eviction law takes effect, letting landlords end tenancies at lease end without a fault-based reason, with a 60-day notice requirement. Disability Care in NH: Parents say New Hampshire’s managed care organizations are cutting private duty nursing and aide hours for medically fragile children, raising fears the Katie Beckett/APTD promise is being undermined. Energy & Campaign Contrast: Cinde Warmington doubles down on opposing “all-of-the-above” natural gas expansion while keeping net-zero goals, directly challenging Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s approach. Landfill Politics: Gov. Ayotte signed a landfill siting bill creating a new evaluation committee after a long fight at Forest Lake and a rejected Casella lawsuit. Civil Rights Enforcement: NH’s attorney general announced a settlement fining a neo-Nazi leader and ordering community service after a Concord drag story hour case. Local Public Safety: Rockingham Old Home Days organizers credited a coordinated police presence and arrests for DUI and other offenses with helping keep the event safe.

Medical Cannabis Milestone: A Manchester dispensary marked 10 years since New Hampshire launched its medical marijuana program, saying the state’s alternative treatment centers now serve about 18,000 patients. Cost-of-Living Politics: New Hampshire’s campaign backdrop is getting louder as gas, housing, healthcare, childcare, and groceries rise, with AAA Northern New England putting average gas at $4.09 and pointing to global conflict and tariffs. Fraud-Fighting Push: Lawmakers are backing a new website aimed at helping people report scams as New Hampshire faces rising fraud losses. Civil Rights Enforcement: New Hampshire’s attorney general announced a settlement against a New England neo-Nazi leader tied to a Concord drag story hour incident, including a $10,000 fine and 250 hours of community service. Privacy vs. Policing: A report highlights how states are adding automated license plate readers faster than laws govern them, with Rhode Island installing more readers under a federal-funded contract. Weather Watch: Forecasts call for late Sunday into Monday showers and heavy downpours, with isolated flash flooding possible in the region.

Election Integrity & Federal Power: A federal judge in Illinois threw out DOJ’s bid to force release of sensitive voter-roll data, saying the federal government lacked authority to compel the state to hand over registration information. Public Safety Tech & Privacy: Rhode Island is installing 39 automatic license plate readers under a federal grant, adding to a growing camera network that currently isn’t governed by clear state rules on retention or access. NH-Adjacent Civil Rights Enforcement: New Hampshire AG John Formella announced a civil rights settlement against a neo-Nazi leader tied to a 2023 Concord drag story hour incident, including a fine, community service, and a ban from the cafe area. Housing Policy Spillover: Massachusetts lawmakers advanced a plan that would allow duplexes by-right in most residential zones, a move housing advocates say could unlock thousands of homes—an issue NH voters will be watching as zoning debates heat up regionally. Democrats’ 2028 Primary Map: The DNC selected South Carolina to lead off the 2028 presidential nominating calendar, with Nevada next and New Hampshire expected to follow.

Election Integrity & Federal Power: A federal judge in Illinois shut down the Trump DOJ’s bid to force the state to hand over voter-roll data, ruling the federal government can’t compel release of sensitive registration information. Fraud Prevention in New Hampshire: As scam losses rise in the Granite State, lawmakers and advocates are pushing for a dedicated website to help residents report fraud and get support faster. 2028 Democratic Primary Calendar: The DNC moved South Carolina to lead off the 2028 presidential nominating schedule, with Nevada next and New Hampshire among the early states—an overhaul aimed at reshaping influence away from Iowa. Statehouse Watch—Landfill Law: Gov. Ayotte signed a landfill siting bill creating a new state final-say committee after a court rejected Casella’s lawsuit. NH Politics & Courts: New Hampshire’s AG reached a civil-rights settlement with a neo-Nazi leader tied to a Concord café protest targeting a children’s drag story hour. Higher Ed: UNH launched new three-year online bachelor programs for eligible students, using a 90-credit model. Public Safety: Marine Patrol rolled out “On The Ramp,” sending instructors to boat ramps as NH updates boating exam rules.

Fraud Watch: Concord Police detailed how a skimmer ring used cloned debit cards and cashback withdrawals, warning that scams are rising statewide and urging Granite Staters to stay alert. State Politics: U.S. News ranked New Hampshire No. 6 overall in its 2026 “Best States” report, with top marks for crime and corrections and natural environment but weaker scores on economic growth and long-term fiscal stability. Democratic Primary: Senate candidate Karishma Manzur launched a 10-county tour, pitching herself as a progressive alternative in the CD1/US Senate fight. Gubernatorial Race: Democrat Cinde Warmington said Gov. Kelly Ayotte is “vulnerable,” pointing to low approval numbers and attacking Ayotte’s record on opioid-related work. Courts & Accountability: A judge dismissed part of a Grafton County Sheriff lawsuit but let retaliation claims against a predecessor continue. Public Safety & Policy: Marine Patrol rolled out “On The Ramp” boating education at NH boat ramps after changes to the state’s boating safety exam rules. Civics & Community: Saint Philip Greek Orthodox Church in Nashua is partnering with Rise Against Hunger to package 10,000 meals in October.

Courts & Accountability: A judge dismissed Grafton County Sheriff Jillian Myers’ lawsuit against the county and her own department, but let her retaliation/whistle-blower claims against former Sheriff Jeff Stiegler continue. Election Administration: New Hampshire election officials say they’re unfazed by DOJ plans to send federal monitors to September primaries in Manchester and Nashua, calling it a routine observation practice. Public Safety & Rights: The NH attorney general announced a civil rights settlement with a neo-Nazi leader tied to intimidation outside a Concord drag story hour, with court-ordered bans and penalties. Environment & Local Control: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a landfill-siting overhaul creating a solid waste evaluation committee and a moratorium on capacity augmentations until at least July 1, 2027. Transportation: Work on I-93’s Exit 4A in Derry is progressing, but full completion is still projected for 2032. Campaign Trail: Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Karishma Manzur launched a 10-county tour; in the 1st District primary, Christian Urrutia is pitching a progressive, anti-establishment lane. Education: A state report says NH’s bell-to-bell cellphone ban is improving focus and reducing distractions, based on educator feedback. Defense & Economy: A Manchester firm says Patriot missile production plans could drive major growth as the U.S. and Europe expand stockpiles.