AGP Executive Report

Public Health: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a CDC-led New Hampshire pilot to cut tick populations on key wildlife hosts like deer and mice, aiming to reduce Lyme disease cases by 2035. Courts & Public Safety: A trans nonbinary suspect accused of attempting to murder a Border Patrol agent in Stewartstown was granted a medical furlough for a traumatic brain injury, with trial delayed about nine months. Elections: The filing period is over, setting up New Hampshire’s Sept. 8 primaries, including competitive U.S. Senate and House races and a gubernatorial primary where Cinde Warmington is unopposed. Energy & Local Control: Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed a bill that would have let medicinal marijuana dispensaries grow in on-site greenhouses, and separate reporting highlights ongoing fights over data centers and electricity impacts. Statehouse Watch: NHRS will close to visitors June 2–15 for construction, with a drop box for forms. Community & Culture: A traveling Holocaust exhibit (“Americans and the Holocaust”) is headed to a New Hampshire library as part of a national tour.

Marijuana Policy: Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed SB 468, killing a plan that would let New Hampshire’s medicinal marijuana dispensaries grow in-state via an on-site greenhouse to boost supply and lower prices. Utility & Housing: Rep. Maggie Goodlander pressed Liberty Utilities for answers after the company’s Lakes Region gas moratorium stalled local development, asking for transparency on why new customers can’t be served. Energy & Local Control: A new column argues NH Republicans are rolling out a “red carpet” for data centers, pushing legislation that would limit towns’ ability to block projects and allow them “by right” in commercial zones. Elections & Voting Rules: After a court ruling paused New Hampshire’s proof-of-citizenship voter registration requirement, the state is moving forward with voting changes tied to how voters submit affidavits. Public Safety: A trans nonbinary suspect in a New Hampshire case involving an alleged attempted murder of a Border Patrol agent was granted medical furlough while awaiting trial. Disaster Prep: State emergency officials requested FEMA conduct a preliminary damage assessment after flooding in Madison to determine whether a disaster declaration is needed. NH Politics & Campaigns: Rep. James Spillane urged supporters ahead of a June 17 campaign finance filing deadline.

Statehouse & Courts: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed 18 bills and vetoed three, including a medicinal marijuana bill that would have let dispensaries grow in on-site greenhouses, while lawmakers also advanced housing bills aimed at easing local zoning limits and pushing more multifamily development. Disaster Response: After storms hit Madison and nearby towns, the state requested FEMA’s help with a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment to support a possible federal disaster declaration. Public Safety: NH police will run distracted-driving patrols statewide as graduation season and Laconia Motorcycle Week kick off. Legal Fight Over Evidence: In the Logan Clegg double-murder case, a judge again ruled that key evidence from an unconstitutional cellphone location search can be used under “inevitable discovery.” Energy & Nuclear: Nuclear power stayed front and center as Ayotte weighed vetoes and lawmakers pursued a compromise package to keep energy funding and generation options moving. Local Politics & Community: Laconia Motorcycle Week opened with Ayotte at the podium; elsewhere, Manchester school funding shortfalls are forcing cuts and fewer teacher replacements, and a Portsmouth forum is set to address nuclear threats and global security.

Nuclear & Global Security: Portsmouth will host a June 14 public forum, “Nuclear Weapons Now: The Threat and Opportunity,” featuring nuclear abolition physician Ira Helfand and Hampton Select Board chair Carleigh Beriont. Public Safety & Traffic Enforcement: NH police will run statewide distracted driving patrols Monday, alongside graduation-season and Laconia Motorcycle Week safety coverage. Courts & Criminal Justice: A judge ruled Friday that key evidence in Logan Clegg’s double-murder case can be used even after the NH Supreme Court found the cellphone location ping unconstitutional. Local Governance: Wallingford select board heard public pushback on a proposal to allow ATVs on certain town roads, with no ordinance drafted yet. Energy Policy: Nuclear power dominated NH’s legislative session; a pair of bills now head to Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s desk after vetoes and compromise talk. Economic Development: Northern Border Regional Commission announced 16 NH projects receiving $8.1M in federal grants for rural housing, workforce, infrastructure, and business growth. Health Policy: New Hampshire’s therapeutic cannabis program shows rising participation, especially among adults 56-75. Crime & Community: Police are investigating a suspicious death at Eastman Pond in Grantham. Housing & Incentives: A developer is seeking Lawrence city incentives for a 131-unit multifamily project near Wakarusa and Queens.

NH Supreme Court: The court overturned Adam Montgomery’s second-degree murder conviction in Harmony Montgomery’s death, ruling his assault and murder charges should have been tried separately; prosecutors say they’ll seek a retrial, while other convictions and sentences tied to firearms and additional counts remain in place. Elections & filings: With New Hampshire’s candidate filing period nearing its end, multiple federal races are already crowded—Senate primaries and GOP U.S. Senate filings are drawing attention as campaigns prepare for the final paperwork deadline. Education & culture wars: A protest outside Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s office targeted a bill critics say would enable book bans through parent complaints, while supporters argue it preserves local control. Youth detention accountability: The state faces a second abuse trial tied to the Youth Development Center scandal, with a new lawsuit alleging abuse at a private facility used by the state. Local government & growth: Winchester unveiled “Opportunity Drive,” a new access road opening more business lots at Stone Mountain Business Park. Military & public safety: The National Guard staged “Operation Northern Phoenix” at the former Loring Air Force Base, bringing large-scale training back to the site.

NH Supreme Court & Public Safety: The New Hampshire Supreme Court overturned Adam Montgomery’s second-degree murder conviction in the death of his daughter, Harmony Montgomery, ruling his murder and earlier assault charges were improperly tried together and jeopardized his right to a fair trial; the court upheld other convictions, and prosecutors say they will pursue a retrial on the murder charge while Montgomery remains in prison. Law Enforcement Across State Lines: A man accused of dragging a Lawrence, Massachusetts officer during a traffic stop was captured in Plaistow, NH and is facing extradition as the officer remains in serious condition. Rural Health Funding: CMS approved New Hampshire’s spending plan for GO-NORTH, clearing the way for federal rural health transformation dollars to flow through regional “hubs.” Healthcare Expansion: Vermont regulators approved a freestanding multi-specialty surgery center in Hartford, a move aimed at expanding Upper Valley access to same-day procedures. Outdoor Economy: Granite Outdoor Industry Day highlighted New Hampshire’s $4.2 billion outdoor recreation sector and efforts to strengthen collaboration across the industry. Community & Civic Life: A “Big Watch” program is set for Pease Public Library in Plymouth ahead of America 250 discussions, and a ribbon cutting celebrated improvements at Glenn Cove Wildlife Management Area in Greenland.

Ayotte 2026 Campaign: Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s reelection pitch leans on her working relationship with GOP Senate President Sharon Carson, even as past budget fights show the ties can turn adversarial. U.S. Senate Filing: John Sununu officially filed for the U.S. Senate seat, drawing sharp NHDP attacks over his corporate ties and support for Trump’s agenda. CD-1 Democratic Race: Christian Urrutia filed for NH-01, using an 18-mile ruck march to spotlight veterans’ mental health and VA cuts, positioning himself as a progressive alternative to Stefany Shaheen. Maine Senate Fallout: National GOP strategist John Thune says Senate midterm messaging will contrast candidates with Maine Democrat Graham Platner. Federal Policy Impact: A new Social Security projection warns trust fund depletion could trigger a major benefit cut by 2032, with New Hampshire among the hardest-hit states. Defense & NH Industry: Lockheed Martin won a $154M F-35 production contract that includes work in Nashua, NH. Public Safety: A Lawrence, Mass. officer was dragged during a traffic stop; the suspect was captured in NH and the officer remains critically injured. Community & Statehouse: Special Olympics’ Law Enforcement Torch Run culminated at the Concord State House with the “Flame of Hope.”

MLK legacy clash: Rep. Jasmine Crockett sparred with Dr. Alveda King during a House hearing, only for King to respond by invoking MLK’s nonviolent temperament and pushing back on Crockett’s claims. Education & school policy: NH lawmakers largely rejected new public-school mandates this session, including proposals on required critical-thinking instruction and protections for recess, while Republicans focused on expanding education options. Nuclear power in Concord: Nuclear energy stayed a top legislative fight as two bills advanced to Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s desk, after earlier proposals stalled or were vetoed. Housing & zoning: A late-session package to remove housing barriers in commercial zones moved to Ayotte, setting up a final showdown over local control and “smart growth” guardrails. Local government operations: Pittsfield will pay Concord $260,000 for administrative services instead of hiring a new superintendent, a rare model that could spread as small districts strain budgets. Public safety: Authorities arrested Hector Rivera in Plaistow, NH, after he allegedly drove into and dragged a Lawrence, Mass., officer during a traffic stop. Copyright enforcement: ASCAP sued four radio groups, including a New Hampshire station, alleging continued music use after license terminations. Suicide trend: A new report says NH saw a 12% jump in suicide deaths from 2023 to 2024, even as the national rate fell. Immigration & World Cup: NH and Northeast advocates warned travelers about ICE presence and screening risks during the World Cup.

Voting Rights: The NH Secretary of State says a federal judge struck down HB 1569’s proof-of-citizenship affidavit repeal, so voters can still use affidavits to prove citizenship at the polls. Courts & Civil Rights: A Gilford couple is suing police and the town in federal court, alleging officers violated constitutional rights during an underage drinking investigation that led to arrests and injuries. Congressional Filing: Carleigh Beriont filed for NH-01, saying Dem insiders tried to push her out and arguing she’s running a progressive, policy-focused campaign. Local Housing: Lawrence commissioners deferred a decision on selling a downtown parking lot for senior affordable housing, citing unanswered questions about parking and deal terms. Public Safety & Justice: Federal prosecutors announced charges tied to a major New England gun and drug trafficking operation, including three NH residents. State Policy & Money: A bill would route proceeds from selling the former youth detention facility to the state general fund, amid ongoing disputes over abuse-claim payouts. Business & Jobs: Analogic opened a new Salem HQ, consolidating operations and bringing about 500 jobs. Energy/Permitting: A solar permitting update discusses how stormwater rules can treat solar as “impervious cover,” raising costs for some projects. Elections Watch: Windham-3 has five candidates on the Aug. 11 primary ballot.

Nonprofit Push: Gov. Kelly Ayotte is urging Granite Staters to back their favorite charities as New Hampshire Gives kicks off, a decade-old campaign that has raised about $22 million for local nonprofits. Federal Crime Crackdown: Three New Hampshire residents are among people charged in a multistate gun-and-drug trafficking case tied to the Trinitarios, with prosecutors also announcing a separate RICO indictment of 26 alleged Trinitarios members linked to murders and attempted murders. Youth Detention Fight: Lawmakers are debating a bill that would send proceeds from selling the state’s youth detention facility to the general fund, even as critics argue the money should go to victims amid ongoing abuse allegations at the Sununu Youth Services Center. Public Health & Policy: A new federal school scholarship tax credit program has 27 states signed up, including New Hampshire. Immigration Enforcement: Weare and Hillsborough police have joined ICE’s 287(g) agreements, expanding local involvement in immigration arrests and detentions. Housing Pressure: New Hampshire home prices keep climbing, with the single-family median hitting a new record near $580,000.

NH Politics & Elections: U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas officially filed for the open U.S. Senate seat, but dodged direct questions about whether he’ll campaign with Maine Democratic nominee Graham Platner amid allegations that have roiled his race. Maine Impact on Power: A new Maine Senate primary poll shows Platner narrowly ahead of Susan Collins in the general-election matchup, keeping the seat in play for Democrats. Public Safety & Justice: A Northwood man, Anthony Savinelli, was sentenced to 20 to 60 years for child sexual exploitation after an undercover investigation and searches that turned up firearms and child sexual abuse material. Statehouse & Policy: House Republicans highlighted session wins on taxes, including the Small Business Relief Act and a bill putting local property tax caps to statewide votes, while Democrats criticized the broader housing and education record. Community & Governance: NH Gives kicked off Tuesday, with Gov. Kelly Ayotte urging Granite Staters to support nonprofits—and local news—over the two-day giving stretch. Energy & Cost of Living: Coverage continues on regional energy-cost pressure, including debates over emissions rules and new supply projects as households and businesses feel higher prices. Tourism: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen met Lakes Region tourism leaders to discuss gas prices and visitor trends heading into summer.

Statehouse & Elections: NH Secretary of State guidance clarifies that a federal court ruling restoring citizenship affidavits applies only to voters using affidavits to prove citizenship, while other parts of HB 1569 still aim to bolster confidence in eligibility. Voter Confidence: A Community Conversations event in New Hampshire pushed back on election-skepticism, with local officials and Democracy Defense Project leaders arguing the state’s process hasn’t changed even as national distrust grows. Campaign Trail: Republican Jim Creighton filed for the NH Senate District 8 seat, pitching opposition to an income/sales tax, property-tax relief, and environmental stewardship as he seeks to build on retiring Sen. Ruth Ward’s legacy. Public Safety & Community: Summer beach crowds in the Boston area triggered heightened local law enforcement attention, a reminder that visible patrols and social-media monitoring are becoming part of how agencies prepare for disorderly gatherings. Energy & Policy Debate: An opinion piece argues offshore wind could help New Hampshire diversify away from volatile LNG and lower long-term power costs. Local Government & Planning: A look at how communities can’t afford “passive” business engagement ties into broader questions about how towns manage growth before problems boil over.

NH Politics & Housing: House Speaker Sherman Packard framed the session’s housing push around a new, dedicated housing committee and a local tax cap vote as lawmakers head into the stretch toward November. NH Elections & Filing: A candidate filing update says key U.S. Senate and Executive Council races are filling in, with marquee names expected to file soon. NH Governor’s Race: The Monday Memo spotlights Democrats’ pressure on Cinde Warmington to confront the opioid lobbying issue head-on, arguing voters are still waiting for a clearer counter. Maine Senate Race Spillover: Graham Platner’s Maine town hall drew support but also fresh scrutiny after new reports about his past treatment of women, underscoring how personal allegations can complicate a high-stakes primary. Immigration Enforcement in NH: Weare and Hillsboro police departments joined ICE’s 287(g) task force contracts, expanding local involvement in immigration enforcement. Military & Industry: A Northeast National Security Conference in Nashua highlighted New Hampshire’s growing security-focused advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Weather: A brief cooldown Monday before another warm stretch later this week.

U.S. Senate Race: Rep. Chris Pappas pitches his bid for New Hampshire’s next Senate seat on restoring checks and balances, arguing Democrats must “stand up” as he seeks his party’s nomination. Gubernatorial Politics: Lt. Gov. Jay Collins presses for a Byron Donalds debate, calling him out for avoiding forums and warning voters “you can’t pull a Biden.” Campaign Nationalization: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear heads to Iowa to campaign with Rob Sand, underscoring his growing role in Democratic races and the 2028 chatter that’s already building. Immigration Enforcement in NH: Weare and Hillsboro police departments have joined ICE 287(g) “task force” contracts, allowing local officers to assist with immigration arrests and detentions. State Policy—Childcare: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed SB 608, removing work requirements for retired kinship caregivers to access New Hampshire’s childcare scholarship program. Local Governance & Housing: A Benson Park advisory committee reviews updated park rules after deed restrictions and noise concerns collide with changing recreation. Energy Costs: AAA reports Memorial Day gas prices are up sharply, with New Hampshire averaging slightly below the regional average as Middle East tensions keep pressure on fuel supplies. NH Economy & Defense: A Northeast National Security Conference in Nashua highlights New Hampshire’s growing defense and security manufacturing footprint. Maine Watch: Maine’s GOP and Democratic primaries are tightening, with polling spotlighting the crowded field for governor and the high-stakes Senate contest involving Susan Collins.

Statehouse Watch: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed SB 608, expanding NH Child Care Scholarship access so retired grandparents/kinship caregivers can use the program without the usual work requirement, while still meeting income eligibility. Local Government & Land Use: Nottingham’s planning board is set for a special meeting after a proposed data center sparked a backlash and a petition that reportedly topped 25,000 signatures; the developer withdrew the application just before the last meeting. Elections & Public Opinion: A new Granite State Poll finds nearly two-thirds of Granite Staters expect AI to have a negative impact overall, even as some use it more at home and work. Courts & Regulation: Gordon-Darby Holdings is pressing a lawsuit tied to New Hampshire’s vehicle emissions testing contract, arguing the state must keep the program under the Clean Air Act—an argument the company’s case has struggled to support. Nonprofit Governance: InDepthNH.org is recruiting for key roles, including a deputy managing editor and a development director, as it grows its nonprofit watchdog operation. Community & Services: C&J Bus Lines is adding late-night departures between Seacoast NH and Boston starting June 25, plus a 24-hour Portsmouth parking shuttle.

Childcare policy: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed SB 608, letting retired grandparents access the NH Child Care Scholarship Program by removing the work requirement for kinship caregivers at federal retirement age, while keeping income eligibility rules. Statehouse wrap-up: The NH House finished its last full voting session by moving key compromise bills from the Senate, signaling the endgame of the 2026 legislative push. AI politics: A new Granite State Poll finds nearly two-thirds of Granite Staters expect AI to hurt the U.S. economy overall, even as use continues. Local governance & planning: Nottingham’s planning board is holding a special meeting after backlash to a proposed data center, with residents citing water quality, electricity costs, and noise. Courts & environment: Gordon-Darby Holdings is pressing a lawsuit over New Hampshire’s emissions testing contract, arguing federal Clean Air Act obligations require the state to maintain the program. Transportation: C&J Bus Lines expands late-night service between Seacoast NH and Boston starting June 25, adding more frequent departures and a 24-hour Portsmouth parking shuttle. Veterans history: Rediscovered D-Day letters from a Wolfeboro soldier detail his final days in Cornwall before Normandy. Energy costs: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest premium prices in multiple counties, including Cheshire at $4.99 and Grafton at $4.69 for the week ending May 30.