AGP Executive Report

New Hampshire Politics & Business Climate: Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed a bill that would have let medical-marijuana dispensaries grow their own cannabis via on-site greenhouses, a move supporters said could expand supply and lower prices. Local Economic Development: A Granite Post report says the developer behind a failed Nottingham data center proposal donated to Ayotte’s campaign, underscoring how quickly projects can stall without statewide guardrails. Housing Affordability Pressure: Zillow found 242 U.S. cities now have “starter homes” costing at least $1 million, a sign of how affordability strain is spreading beyond coastal markets—New Hampshire is among the states seeing big price gains. Child Well-Being & Workforce Impacts: The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report says child well-being deteriorated in 29 states from 2021 to 2025, with education and health metrics worsening; New Hampshire ranks highest overall. Consumer Privacy Policy: Hawaiʻi’s consumer protection office joined a coalition opposing the federal SECURE Data Act, arguing it would cap stronger state privacy protections. UNH & Seafood Supply: UNH was selected by NOAA to lead a five-year effort to boost sustainable domestic seafood production, aiming to narrow the U.S. seafood trade deficit. Gambling & State Revenue: New Hampshire Lottery officials say gaming returns are rising fast, even as lawmakers face growing concerns about addiction and revenue volatility.

Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to a Class I, highest-risk category, tied to possible Salmonella contamination from a dry milk powder ingredient; the recall covers 913 cases distributed to 41 states, including New Hampshire, with “best by” dates spanning early 2028. Gambling & State Revenue: A new report on how New Hampshire’s gambling expansion is playing out highlights rising revenue reliance and the growing need for problem-gambling help as options multiply. Child Health & Policy: The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report says child well-being deteriorated in 29 states from 2021 to 2025, with education and health metrics worsening and more kids lacking insurance; New Hampshire ranks highest nationally in one state scorecard. Local Economy & Tourism: World Cup buzz is boosting sales for Manchester’s Suley’s Soccer Center, with merchandise sales up about 50% as shoppers look for jerseys, stickers and gear. Environment & Recreation: NH is restarting cyanobacteria “response-based monitoring,” listing several southern lakes/ponds with reported blooms and warning conditions may worsen after heavy rain and warm weather. Business & Workforce: Analogic’s HQ move to Salem is expected to bring more than 500 jobs, adding momentum to the state’s tech and manufacturing ecosystem. Community & Culture: Super Secret Ice Cream in Bethlehem earned a James Beard nomination, underscoring how small NH brands are breaking out nationally.

Economic Development: Analogic is moving its headquarters to Salem, a shift highlighted by Rep. Brian Labrie that’s expected to bring more than 500 jobs and boost local hiring. Manufacturing Watch: A new NH Business segment flags pressure on the state’s manufacturing employment, citing rising costs and weaker investment signals even as NH still counts about 1,700 manufacturers and $9.8B in annual output. Public Health & Food Safety: NH DHHS warned parents not to use recalled Nara Organics whole milk infant formula tied to a multistate botulism outbreak; separately, the FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to Class I, affecting 913 cases distributed across 41 states including New Hampshire. Workforce & Child Well-Being: The Annie E. Casey Foundation reports child well-being deteriorated in 29 states from 2021-2025, with education declines and ongoing mental health strain. Research & Industry: UNH leads a NOAA-backed seafood aquaculture effort to expand domestic fish supply using new technologies and AI. Policy/Tech: NH Rep. Keith Ammon shared posts promoting private AI platforms and linking AI to gene programming. Local Business/Community: Hills House in New Hampshire is undergoing a preservation project, starting with window restoration work funded through a state heritage grant.

Child Well-Being Watch: A new Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count report says child well-being worsened in 29 states from 2021 to 2025, with steep education declines and rising mental health strain. Sports Betting & Youth Risk: As mobile sports betting expands, advocates warn about problem gambling risks for young adults, including “easy” app-based temptations. Gas Prices Ease: AAA reports pump prices falling for a third straight week, with California down 10 cents to $5.97 and the national average at $4.24. NH Economy Snapshot: WalletHub ranks New Hampshire 13th for economic strength/innovation potential in 2026, behind Massachusetts and Washington. Housing Heat Map: Realtor.com’s “Market Hotness” puts Hartford atop the nation, underscoring how fast-moving demand is reshaping regional home markets. Utility Transparency: Rep. Maggie Goodlander presses Liberty Utilities for answers after a Lakes Region natural gas moratorium limited new customers. NHRS Office Update: The New Hampshire Retirement System keeps its Concord office closed to visitors through June 15, with a drop box for forms. Court Update: A judge denies Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his Concord double-murder trial.

Housing Heat Check: Realtor.com’s May “Market Hotness” ranking put Hartford, Conn. at the top, with faster sales and heavy buyer views—useful context for New Hampshire’s own tight inventory and price pressure. Retirement System Update: The New Hampshire Retirement System will keep its Concord office closed to visitors through June 15, with a drop box for forms and phone/email support continuing. Energy & Growth Pressure: Rep. Maggie Goodlander is pressing Liberty Utilities for answers after the utility’s Lakes Region moratorium limited new natural gas service, citing impacts on downtown development and housing projects. Courtroom Watch: A judge denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his Concord double-murder trial, backing prosecutors’ “exigent circumstances” rationale. Local Business Spotlight: PC Construction added a third major award for its University of Maine hockey facility renovation, underscoring continued investment in NH-area higher-ed infrastructure. Community Grants: Bangor Savings Bank Foundation’s 2026 Community Matters More program named multiple Maine and New Hampshire nonprofit recipients. Public Health & Kids: A national Kids Count report found child well-being deteriorated in 29 states from 2021 to 2025, with education and mental health among the biggest drags.

Housing & Growth: New Hampshire lawmakers sent Ayotte three housing bills aimed at easing local barriers, including requiring cities to allow multifamily development on commercially zoned land—an effort tied to soaring prices and affordability gaps. Real Estate: The median price of a New Hampshire single-family home hit a new record of $576,000 in May, up from $560,000 in April, while pending sales stayed strong. Energy & Utilities: A Jaffrey community solar project on a capped landfill is moving forward with ReVision Energy, expected online in early 2027. Statehouse Watch: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed 18 bills and vetoed three, including a measure that would have let medicinal marijuana dispensaries grow cannabis in on-site greenhouses. Local Economy & Tourism: Laconia Motorcycle Week kicks off with organizers expecting big crowds and a major boost for the state’s visitor economy. Business & Courts: A judge denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his Concord double-murder trial, keeping key evidence in play. Finance & Development: Colliers reported the sale of a Nashua five-unit multifamily property for $875,000 and a Hooksett retail space deal exceeding 30,000 square feet.

Housing & Real Estate: New Hampshire’s home market is still running hot: the median single-family price hit a new record $576,000 in May (up from $560,000 in April), while pending sales climbed to the highest monthly total in four years—another affordability stress test for buyers. Child & Family Policy: A new Kids Count Data Book finds child well-being deteriorated in 29 states from 2021 to 2025, with education taking the biggest hit and mental health concerns rising nationwide. Energy & Infrastructure: Jaffrey is moving ahead with a community solar project on a capped municipal landfill, with ReVision Energy leading construction and the array expected online in early 2027. Business & Jobs: New Hampshire’s private-sector employment grew in summer 2025, but the seasonal bump was smaller than the long-run average—suggesting expansion continues, just with less hiring lift. Public Safety & Courts: A judge denied Logan Clegg’s bid to suppress evidence in his Concord double-murder trial, ruling police acted under exigent circumstances. Local Economy & Tourism: Laconia Motorcycle Week is set to draw big crowds, with organizers targeting up to 300,000 visitors over 10 days. Commercial Real Estate Deals: Colliers brokered a Nashua five-unit multifamily sale for $875,000, and NAI Norwood Group completed a 30,000+ s/f Hooksett retail space transaction.

Affordability & Talent Pipeline: A New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute analysis warns that high housing costs are pushing young adults out of the state, threatening future workforce growth. Legal & Public Safety: The New Hampshire Supreme Court overturned Adam Montgomery’s murder conviction in the death of 5-year-old Harmony Montgomery, citing a flawed trial setup. Business Growth: Winchester Economic Development Corp. opened Opportunity Drive, a new access road to Stone Mountain Business Park, unlocking more land for companies. Energy & Utilities: Eversource says the electric grid is ready for summer heat demand and urges customers to cut usage to manage bills. Outdoor Economy: Granite Outdoor Industry Day highlighted New Hampshire’s $4.2 billion outdoor recreation sector and the need for better coordination. Local Deals & Development: Regulators approved a new Upper Valley surgery center in Vermont, aiming to reduce wait times with a cheaper outpatient option. Corporate/Legal Recognition: Sheehan Phinney earned top Chambers USA rankings for 2026, with multiple practice areas and attorneys honored. Community & Preservation: PROCON and Easterseals NH received a Preservation Achievement Award for the restored Veterans Campus at Daniel Webster Farm.

Housing & Cost Pressures: New Hampshire’s median single-family home price hit a new record of $576,000 under Kelly Ayotte, with first-time buyers “getting hurt the most” as summer demand could push prices even higher. Inflation Politics: A new inflation report (4.2% annual rate) is fueling fresh attacks on Ayotte over whether she “loves inflation,” as families juggle gas, food, and health-care costs. Social Security Risk: A new analysis warns Social Security benefits could be cut by about $500 per month on average if the retirement trust fund is depleted as projected in 2032. Outdoor Economy: Granite Outdoor Industry Day highlighted New Hampshire’s $4.2 billion outdoor recreation sector and its jobs impact, with leaders pointing to growth opportunities and collaboration needs. Water & Drought: Severe drought in parts of NH is triggering tougher water restrictions, including Level 4 limits in Exeter. Tech & Health: Spotify removed tens of thousands of phony podcasts promoting illegal online pharmacies, drawing renewed scrutiny on platform enforcement. Local Development: Salem planners advanced an Open Spaces Master Plan aimed at preserving natural resources amid population growth and development pressure.

Housing & Cost of Living: New Hampshire’s single-family home median hit a new record of about $576,000 in May, with Rockingham County topping $717,500—pushing first-time buyers further out as supply stays tight. Child Well-Being: NH again ranked No. 1 nationally in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count for child well-being, scoring highest overall for the fourth straight year. Workforce & Migration: A growing number of newcomers say NH’s outdoor lifestyle and work-life balance are helping employers compete for younger talent. Local Business & Community Giving: Franklin Savings Bank donated $1,000 to CASA of New Hampshire to support volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children. Energy Policy: New England governors urged federal regulators to reject a proposed transmission profit increase, warning it could raise costs for households and businesses. Public Safety: Police say an 18-year-old brother was charged in the fatal shooting of his 21-year-old sister in Thornton. Politics & Business Climate: Gov. Kelly Ayotte highlighted Analogic’s Salem HQ opening and relocation of 500 jobs as proof of NH’s pro-business pull. Nonprofit Pressure: Mary’s Dogs Rescue is seeking a new home after a reported 90% rent increase threatens its Northwood facility.

Education & Workforce Policy: As New Hampshire’s legislative session winds down, education debates stayed front and center, but lawmakers largely rejected new public school mandates—Republicans and Democrats both failed to advance major curriculum and school-experience proposals. Nuclear Power & Energy Markets: Nuclear power drove the energy fight in Concord, with two bills now headed to Gov. Kelly Ayotte after earlier setbacks and veto concerns tied to ratepayer impacts. Local Government & School Administration: Pittsfield will pay the Concord School District $260,000 to handle more than 20 administrative categories instead of hiring a new superintendent—an unusual model that could spread as budgets tighten. Clean Energy Uncertainty: Net metering’s future remains murky, raising questions about how long-term policy stability will affect solar investment. Business Moves & Jobs: Gov. Ayotte welcomed Analogic’s new Salem HQ, bringing hundreds of jobs; TerraCycle Commercial also acquired NLR Inc., expanding regulated waste recycling capacity across the Northeast. Legal & Media: ASCAP sued four radio groups over alleged continued music airing after license terminations. Public Safety & Health: A new report says suicide deaths fell nationally but rose in New Hampshire (up 12% from 2023-2024), while the NH Army National Guard prepares a Middle East deployment. Community & Economy: Laconia extended its downtown social district drinking hours to 9 p.m. to support local businesses during summer events.

Child Well-Being: New Hampshire again ranks No. 1 in the KIDS COUNT Data Book, scoring 838/1,000 as poverty and parents lacking secure employment improve, even as education and other gaps remain. Banking & Housing Finance: Bank of NH leaders warn that fast, unpredictable interest-rate swings are making lending harder for community banks, with knock-on effects for business borrowing and affordability strategies like manufactured homes and ADUs. Local Housing Development: Lawrence city commissioners deferred a decision on selling a downtown parking lot for senior affordable housing, citing unanswered questions—especially around parking and timing for LIHTC funding. Energy & Power Costs: National Grid is starting a major Massachusetts transmission upgrade that will be paid by ratepayers across New England, raising questions about when bills could change. Tech & Jobs: Analogic opened a new Salem, N.H. global headquarters, consolidating operations and bringing about 500 jobs. Compliance & AI Risk: A legal alert flags growing use of AI call transcription tools by RIAs, warning of wiretapping, privacy, and SEC recordkeeping exposure. Child Care & Education Costs: Concord teachers’ pay increases in a new contract are relatively low compared with police and fire, amid a reported school budget shortfall. Business & Community: The NH Soccer Project and local bars are hosting World Cup watch parties statewide, betting on match-day crowds for local businesses.

Housing Market: New Hampshire’s median single-family home price hit a new record of $579,900 in May, up from $569,000 last year, with Rockingham County’s median reaching $717,500—pushing more first-time buyers out as supply stays tight. Social Security: A CBS report renews pressure on John Sununu’s record, warning Social Security could face insolvency by 2032 and cut typical benefits by about $500 a month in New Hampshire. Health Care Enforcement: New York AG Letitia James and DOJ secured a $36.5 million settlement from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling, with $2.25 million earmarked for New York’s Medicaid programs. Mental Health Access: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s New Hampshire president says demand for behavioral health care is rising, but families still struggle to find support quickly. Community & Nonprofits: Mary’s Dogs Rescue is scrambling after a 90% rent increase forces it out of its Northwood facility; it’s launching a capital campaign to buy a new site in Barrington. Workforce & Local Economy: A new national aquaculture push will include UNH as host, with UH as a core partner in a $13.5 million consortium aimed at strengthening U.S. seafood supply.

NH Gives & Local Nonprofits: New Hampshire’s statewide giving drive kicks off Tuesday, June 9, with a record 700+ nonprofits registered and a focus on filling gaps left by federal funding cuts—plus a reminder that local journalism underpins housing, schools, health, and public safety. Energy & Costs: A new report argues New England’s high power bills are tied to overreliance on LNG and calls for offshore wind and broader energy diversification to stabilize prices. First Responders & Community Support: Bank of New Hampshire backs Camp Resilience’s first responder retiree retreat and funds a Laconia regional training facility; Golden View Health Care Center is raising money for a wheelchair-accessible van through NH Gives. Tourism Watch: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen meets Lakes Region tourism leaders on gas prices and fewer Canadian visitors, with businesses split between concerns and optimism for summer. Politics & Business Climate: House GOP leaders tout tax and housing wins as the session ends, including small business tax relief and a plan to put property tax caps to a statewide vote. Workforce & Education: UMaine launches new doctoral nursing programs to address nurse educator shortages, with enrollment expected in 2027. Local Economy: Franklin Savings Bank becomes a legacy sponsor of the Belknap Mill Museum’s 2026 season.

Senior Living Leadership: Danielle Nickerson, a Bethel resident with nearly a decade in Vermont senior healthcare, was named executive director of The Village at White River Junction in Benchmark’s assisted living and mind & memory care community. Tourism & Recreation: New Hampshire’s ski industry logged its busiest season since 2011, with 2.28 million visits in 2025-26—helped by a colder-than-usual Dec–Feb and the “backyard effect” that pulls people onto slopes. Energy & Infrastructure: An opinion piece argues offshore wind is the best path to stabilize New England power costs as the region leans heavily on volatile LNG and faces rising demand. Child Care Costs: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute analysis says center-based infant and 4-year-old care hit about $30,000 in 2025, while licensed providers dropped 14%—raising pressure on working families. Local Governance & Elections: A Community Conversation event pushed back on voter-confidence fears, with speakers saying New Hampshire elections remain accurate and transparent. Workforce & Wages: Hitchiner Manufacturing raised its starting hourly wage to $25.77 as it shifts toward a living-wage model to attract and retain advanced manufacturing workers. Business & Community: A ShopRite soccer-themed promo tour is set to run across multiple East Coast markets, with brand partners supporting on-site activations. Crime & Finance: Federal authorities arrested suspects tied to a $500,000+ bank and wire fraud scheme that targeted financial institutions across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Construction Industry Recognition: O&G Industries was named ENR New England 2026 Contractor of the Year for transportation and high-performance civic building work. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reported Rockingham County’s lowest midgrade gas at $4.49 for the week ending May 30, with broader price volatility continuing nationwide.

NH Housing & Taxes: House Speaker Sherman Packard says the session’s housing push and a local tax cap vote are meant to help businesses find workers who can afford to live where they work. NH Politics & Candidates: The filing rush is setting up a busy 2026 ballot, with U.S. Senate contenders including Chris Pappas and John Sununu expected to file soon, plus multiple GOP and Executive Council races to watch. Business Tax Deal: A compromise on the Business Enterprise Tax cut adds revenue “triggers” and raises the filing threshold, aiming to address lawmakers’ revenue-loss concerns while still cutting taxes. Energy & Cost Pressure: AAA reports higher gas prices tied to Middle East tensions, with New Hampshire still below some neighbors but households feeling the squeeze. Local Economy & Workforce: A Northeast National Security Conference in Nashua highlights New Hampshire’s growing role in advanced manufacturing tied to defense and security. Community & Health: CMS data show NH Catholic Charities-owned Mount Carmel Rehabilitation and Nursing Center maintained a strong overall rating in Q1 2026, with no fines or penalties. Tech & AI Sentiment: A new poll finds Granite Staters both concerned about AI and increasingly using it.