AGP Executive Report

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 refunds tied to alleged federal Obamacare “user fee” overcharges. Midterm Money: Trump and Elon Musk-linked groups are reserving tens of millions in TV ad time for tight 2026 races, with a Trump-affiliated PAC booking air time that includes New Hampshire. Manufacturing Expansion: GKN Aerospace has started a $16 million expansion at its North Charlestown plant to boost U.S. production of aero-engine components and add new in-house manufacturing capabilities. Local Energy & Costs: Derry is turning a capped municipal landfill into a 2.25-megawatt solar site, aiming to cut electricity costs for taxpayers over the next 25 years. Public Safety: A three-alarm fire at Sig Sauer in Epping injured a firefighter and triggered major mutual aid before crews brought it under control. Outdoor Safety: New Hampshire is urging fall hikers to use its $25 Hike Safe Card after a costly Franconia Ridge rescue where hikers reportedly lacked lights, proper supplies, and suitable clothing. Housing Finance Snapshot: VA home-loan data shows New Hampshire ranked 12th by average loan amount in Q2 2026.

Energy & Local Economy: Derry is turning a capped municipal landfill into a 2.25-megawatt solar site, with Encore Renewable Energy, aiming to cut electricity costs for taxpayers by about $4 million over 25 years. Healthcare Policy: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 refunds tied to Obamacare “user fee” overcharges from the Biden era. Tax Relief Watch: A bipartisan push to expand the Child Tax Credit would lower the earned-income threshold to $1, potentially helping more families qualify for refunds up to $1,700 per child; NH Rep. Chris Pappas is among the bill’s sponsors. Elections & Spending: A CBS battleground tracker highlights how a handful of House and Senate races could decide control of Congress, with cost-of-living and the Iran war cited as key voter pressures. Consumer Protection: NH joined a coalition of attorneys general urging the FCC to strengthen rules against illegal robocalls, including tougher provider due diligence and caller ID protections. Public Safety: Firefighters knocked down a three-alarm blaze at a Sig Sauer facility in Epping; the state fire marshal is investigating and says it’s not considered suspicious. Business Leadership: KeyBank named Mark Williams to lead New England business banking, including New Hampshire, citing tariff and uncertainty pressures on regional firms.

Public Safety & Telecom: New Hampshire joined a multistate push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls, calling for tougher provider vetting, stronger caller ID protections, and penalties. Health Care Policy: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including New Hampshire—will receive $500 Obamacare overcharge refunds tied to federal exchange “user fees” collected during the Biden administration. Local Business & Industry: Firefighters responded to a three-alarm blaze at a Sig Sauer facility in Epping; the fire is not considered suspicious, and the state fire marshal is investigating. Workforce & Higher Ed: Keene State College’s search for its next president is moving toward finalizing a job profile next month after community input sessions. Real Estate: A Lakes Region market check shows year-to-date single-family sales up versus last year, with higher median and average prices and a faster median time on market. Community & Economy: The Upper Valley Haven in White River Junction dedicated its new year-round shelter and resource center, adding a 20-bed emergency facility and daytime services.

Health Care Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged overcharged federal “user fees” collected during the Biden years. Federal Budgeting: NH Fiscal Policy Institute will hold a Dec. 4 conference in Concord focused on the state’s next two-year budget, with sessions on health care, education, housing, child care, property taxes and economic security. Politics & Spending: A Trump-linked PAC tied to Elon Musk reserved more than $74 million in TV ad time across close House and Senate races, including New Hampshire. NH Senate Race: With the November field set, national polling and coverage keep spotlighting the expensive, high-stakes matchup between Chris Pappas and John Sununu. Energy Costs: Diesel prices hit a new national record above $6 a gallon, raising operating costs for trucking and potentially feeding into consumer prices. Student Finance: NHBFA is set to issue about $234.9 million in student loan revenue bonds backed by Granite Edvance/EdvestinU loans. Public Safety/Health: CDC says a Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled lettuce is officially over, though FDA’s investigation continues. Community & Local Economy: Upper Valley Haven dedicated a new year-round 20-bed shelter and resource center; Bank of New Hampshire donated $5,000 to Family Promise of the Lakes Region.

Obamacare Refunds: The Trump administration says it will send $500 rebate checks to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees in 30 states, including New Hampshire, after claiming Biden-era “user fees” overcharged consumers. NH Budget Planning: The New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute will hold its Dec. 4 budget and policy conference in Concord, focusing on health care, education, housing, child care, property taxes and economic security. State Politics & Turnout: New Hampshire’s Secretary of State David Scanlan acknowledged Democrats outperformed expectations, with Democrats casting about 40,000 more ballots statewide in the latest primary cycle. NH Senate Race Watch: A new Rasmussen survey shows Democrat Chris Pappas leading Republican John Sununu in the race for Jeanne Shaheen’s seat, underscoring how costly and competitive the general election could be. Local Housing Support: Bank of New Hampshire donated $5,000 to Family Promise of the Lakes Region to support homelessness prevention and stabilization. Student Finance: NHBFA is set to issue revenue bonds backed by student loan assets from EdvestinU, targeting about $234.9 million in financing. Business & Energy: Diesel prices hit a new national record above $6 a gallon, raising operating costs for trucking and potentially pushing up prices for everyday goods. Tech Manufacturing: Vicor shares jumped after it announced new ChiP fab sites in Merrimack and Hooksett to expand capacity. Public Health: The CDC and FDA declared the Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled lettuce over, with 12,883 illnesses reported across 21 states.

Health Care Finance: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 refunds for “Obamacare overcharges,” tied to federal exchange “user fees” collected during the Biden administration; checks are expected to start in October. Local Business & Economy: Pease Tradeport’s executive director points to the airport’s post–Air Force BRAC rebound as an “economic engine,” with a new report highlighting its role in New Hampshire’s aviation and life-science ecosystem. Tech & Talent: Insygna, a Merrimack-based agentic workforce management platform, was named a finalist for a 2026 TIARA Enterprise Tech Solution award. Energy Policy: A New Hampshire-focused discussion on next-generation nuclear centers on “small” reactors for local power and industrial heat, with federal energy leadership weighing in. Community & Workforce: Earth Sky + Water in Wilton shifts to an employee co-op model as the founder retires, aiming to preserve jobs and keep the publishing business locally owned. Business Leadership Profiles: Q&As spotlight First Factory COO Don Gregori and Northeast Delta Dental VP Courtney Morin, both reflecting on leadership paths and workplace growth.

Obamacare refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 checks after the Biden administration allegedly overcharged consumers via Obamacare exchange “user fees,” with payments expected to start in October. NH housing finance: Waltham Housing Authority approved new Section 8 payment standards tied to federal Fair Market Rents, keeping its benchmark at 110% for the Nov. 1, 2025–Oct. 31, 2027 period, a move that could still strain voucher budgets as costs rise. Broadband disruption: Fidium Fiber reported a network outage that hit customers across New England, including Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, with service restored after traffic rerouting and website/phone access issues. NH politics and the Senate race: As the U.S. Senate campaign kicks off, Chris Pappas and John Sununu trade attacks on tariffs, healthcare and Sununu’s private-sector record, while Democrats push a “Stop Sununu” message. Public-sector privacy fight: Residents in Concord’s government-subsidized housing are suing to remove Mînut monitors, arguing the devices violate privacy by tracking daily life. Local business/consumer impact: A recall of De Todito mixed chip snacks continues after pork cracklings were traced to Colombia, which is barred from exporting meat products to the U.S.

Geothermal Breakthrough: Dig Energy says it has completed its first commercial geothermal project in New Hampshire—drilling seven boreholes for Suffolk Construction’s HQ—aiming to cut geothermal drilling costs by up to 80% with a quieter, lower-water rig. Manufacturing Tech: Datanomix and Hexagon expanded their shop-floor software link, automating revision control and delivery of NC program “production bundles” from programming to the machine to reduce mix-ups. NH Senate Race: With primaries set, Republican John Sununu and Democrat Chris Pappas are headed for the U.S. Senate showdown, as campaigns frame the contest around affordability and the Trump economy. Healthcare & Policy: Planned Parenthood of Northern New England is backing Democratic candidates for New Hampshire’s Executive Council, targeting a GOP-controlled panel that has repeatedly rejected healthcare contracts. Local Business & Community: Aroma Joe’s opened a new Rochester shop at its original location, replacing a tiny kiosk as the brand expands; and Patrick’s Pub & Eatery launched a Best Buddies fundraiser with 25% of sales donated. Climate & Resilience: UNH is testing offshore aquaculture near Portsmouth to boost domestic seafood supply, while a drought update notes worsening dryness in parts of New England and the central U.S.

NH Politics After Primaries: Democrats kicked off the general-election push at a Manchester breakfast, but one big holdout remains—Karishma Manzur skipped the event and hasn’t said whether she’ll back U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas in November. NH Senate Race Money: A Democratic super PAC, WinSenate, launched an early general-election attack ad on John Sununu, tying his lobbying career to “Big Pharma and Big Oil” while Granite Staters face higher everyday costs. Rhode Island Incumbent Loss: Helena Foulkes defeated Gov. Dan McKee in Rhode Island’s Democratic governor primary, a rare case of an incumbent governor losing renomination, driven by voter anger over the Washington Bridge repair fallout. Local Business & Community: Bank of New Hampshire donated $50,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern NH. Public Safety/Enforcement: NH Attorney General Formella said state and federal investigators executed a search warrant at Yihong Spa in Bow as part of an active human trafficking and prostitution-related investigation. Workforce & Industry: Gov. Kelly Ayotte toured EPTAC’s Salem training facility, highlighting employer-driven manufacturing workforce development. Consumer Trend: NH businesses are leaning into the alcohol-free trend, with venues creating social spaces that don’t center on drinking.

NH Senate showdown set: New Hampshire voters picked former Sen. John Sununu (R) and Rep. Chris Pappas (D) to face off in the open U.S. Senate seat after Tuesday’s primaries, a contest Democrats see as key to retaking the chamber and Republicans see as a rare pickup chance in a purple state. Local politics with national stakes: The same night, Stefany Shaheen won the Democratic nod for NH-01, while Anthony DiLorenzo took the GOP primary—setting up another high-profile fall race. Trade war pressure: The U.S. escalated its fight with Canada by banning certain Canadian dairy, most alcohol, and some motorcycles starting Sept. 29, after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs hit $20 billion in U.S. imports—raising fresh concerns for prices and supply chains. Business/tech governance: Insygna named WorkTech founder George LaRocque to its advisory board as companies push to manage and govern AI agents like other enterprise workforces. Consumer/real economy: VIVE Collision expanded in the Northeast by acquiring Jasmin Auto Body, adding to its multi-site footprint. Legal/markets: Planet Fitness faces a securities-fraud class action tied to concerns about membership growth. Community note: Dover will unveil its permanent 9/11 memorial on Sept. 11.

U.S. Senate showdown set in New Hampshire: Former Sen. John E. Sununu won the GOP nomination and will face Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas in November for the seat being vacated by Jeanne Shaheen, a race both parties see as pivotal for control of the chamber. Primary results reshape NH politics: Pappas beat progressive scientist Karishma Manzur for the Democratic nod, while Republicans also advanced other key matchups, including Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s easy path to renomination and a Trump-backed win in NH’s 1st District GOP primary for Anthony DiLorenzo. Trade war risk for NH jobs: With Canada’s retaliatory tariffs now in effect and the U.S. threatening broader restrictions, a potential hit to Bombardier aircraft sales is raising concerns about downstream manufacturing work tied to the aerospace supply chain. Local enforcement spotlight: Bow police raided a spa in a human trafficking and prostitution investigation, underscoring ongoing state and federal pressure on illicit massage businesses. Voter mood check: At the polls, some Granite Staters voiced disgust and distrust toward candidates, with several saying they’re showing up out of civic duty rather than enthusiasm. School meals ranking: A new national report puts Vermont No. 1 for school lunch access, with New Hampshire among the states being measured on reach, participation, and barriers for families.

NH Primaries Set the Stage for Senate Control: New Hampshire voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose nominees for an open U.S. Senate seat after Sen. Jeanne Shaheen retires, with Rep. Chris Pappas holding a fundraising edge but facing a late surge from progressive scientist Karishma Manzur; on the GOP side, former Sen. John E. Sununu is the favorite against former Sen. Scott Brown, and the winner will shape Democrats’ chances of flipping the chamber. I-95 Service Plaza Project Hits Legal Snags: The state’s troubled effort to replace aging I-95 service plazas in Hampton is tangled in a canceled procurement, a court challenge to the latest process, and secrecy over the shortlisted developer. Berlin Casino Expansion Moves Forward: Berlin’s planning board approved converting the former Northland Dairy Bar into a Revo Casino and Social House, adding dining and outdoor space and extending Revo’s growing footprint across New Hampshire. Outdoor Safety Spotlight: NH Fish and Game reported a serious-but-non-life-threatening rescue on Mount Monadnock, funded through the NH Hike Safe Card and Search and Rescue Fund. Local Business Trend: Several NH restaurants are leaning into alcohol-free options as national drinking rates fall, including a Manchester spot adding late-night nonalcoholic hangout programming.

NH Politics & Economy: With the Sept. 8 primary looming, New Hampshire voters are weighing a high-stakes U.S. Senate race that could shape control of the chamber, while national forecasts show Democrats gaining ground in competitive seats including NH. Labor & Cost of Living: At the NH AFL-CIO Labor Day Breakfast in Manchester, Sen. Maggie Hassan and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen joined union leaders and candidates like Mark Kelly and Ro Khanna to hammer affordability—housing, gas, healthcare, and groceries—along with a pro-union message. Trade & Tariffs: A Canada-U.S. tariff fight is framed as politically targeted ahead of midterms, with Ottawa signaling retaliation and warning of economic fallout that could hit New Hampshire businesses. Workplace & Wages: Hannaford agreed to pay nearly $9 million in an overtime settlement tied to how department managers were classified in Maine. Local Business & Community: Titeflex Aerospace backed WinnAero with a $24,000 STEM donation, and New Generation highlighted its transitional housing support for mothers and children facing homelessness in Manchester. Energy Efficiency: NHSaves weatherization support is spotlighted in Jaffrey as homeowners cut drafts and energy costs. Public Safety & Privacy: A Chesterfield police lieutenant lawsuit alleges an unfair termination after a one-man investigation, while separate reporting notes growing backlash to Flock-style surveillance cameras.

NH Politics & Economy: With the Sept. 8 primary Tuesday, the AP frames New Hampshire’s marquee U.S. Senate race as a potential control-of-the-Senate swing, pitting GOP former Sens. John Sununu and Scott Brown against Democrats Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur, while voters also pick nominees for House, governor and other state offices. Labor Day Politics: A Labor Day rally in Concord put affordability and jobs front and center, with attendees saying they feel state and federal leaders aren’t addressing housing and economic anxiety. Local Business Leadership: Peckham Industries names John Peckham interim CEO, aiming for continuity as the family-owned manufacturer transitions leadership. Healthcare & Consumer Impact: A federal food-recall system is under scrutiny after regulators can order recalls but rarely do, leaving gaps when a seed supplier stays silent—an issue with real downstream effects for growers and shoppers. Sports & Local Economy: A Merrimack Anheuser-Busch brewery site is sold to United Therapeutics for $47 million, signaling a major industrial shift and potential job growth. Data Centers & Growth Debate: NH’s data-center expansion conversation keeps heating up as residents and officials weigh broadband, energy, and water demands. Banking: Savings Bank of Walpole appoints Jeffrey Smith vice president and commercial portfolio manager.

Merrimack Deal: United Therapeutics is buying the former Anheuser-Busch brewery site in Merrimack for $47 million, a nearly 300-acre industrial prize that could bring hundreds of jobs and reshape a long-time local tax and wastewater footprint. PFAS Payouts: New Hampshire is set to receive another $7.3 million from 3M tied to forever-chemical drinking-water settlements, adding to more than $43 million already collected for utility cleanup work. Labor Market Watch: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute study says job growth has improved, but wages still lag inflation and unemployment claims remain a concern. Education Funding: NH still ranks last nationally for state support of public education, with property taxpayers covering a large share of costs. Medicaid Coverage Risk: Nearly 300 people in New Hampshire are expected to lose Medicaid coverage as eligibility shifts, including an 86-year-old Ukrainian woman in a nursing facility. Primary Election Countdown: With Sept. 8 races looming, NH’s competitive U.S. Senate and House Democratic primaries are tightening, while Republicans choose between former senators John Sununu and Scott Brown. Local Business Leadership: Savings Bank of Walpole named Jeffrey Smith vice president and commercial portfolio manager. Tech & Privacy: A lawsuit alleges Concord Housing Authority installed surveillance sensors in rentals, reigniting debate over tenant privacy. Insurance Angle: NH’s auto-insurance model—no mandatory coverage upfront—continues to support affordability rankings.

NH Economy Watch: A new study from the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute says the job picture has improved since 2025, with nonfarm employment up 1.1% this year, but wages are still lagging inflation and unemployment claims remain a concern. Health Coverage Impact: Nearly 300 people in New Hampshire are expected to lose Medicaid coverage as eligibility changes under federal law, including an 86-year-old Ukrainian woman now in a nursing facility. Auto Insurance & Consumer Costs: A new Insurance Information Institute affordability ranking highlights how New Hampshire’s “no mandatory auto insurance” rule still results in a relatively cheap market because most drivers voluntarily buy coverage, with penalties hitting after accidents. Election Countdown (NH): With the Sept. 8 primary Tuesday, Democrats and Republicans are lining up for the open U.S. Senate seat, including the Pappas vs. Manzur Democratic contest and the Sununu vs. Brown GOP matchup. Fraud & Financial Crime: A New Hampshire resident was indicted in a federal case alleging he ran an unlicensed hawala operation moving more than $25 million between the U.S. and Yemen. Local Business & Development: In Enfield, a developer is back before the zoning board seeking approval for a wetland-crossing road as he revises a proposed downtown housing project. Scam Signals: BBB Scam Tracker data puts Milan among the higher-report cities in New Hampshire for July, tied for 23rd statewide.