AGP Executive Report

Social Security Crunch: A new fiscal analysis warns Social Security’s trust fund could be exhausted by 2032, triggering an automatic 24% benefit cut—about $500 a month on average—with New Hampshire among the hardest hit states. Federal Policy & Rights: A federal lawsuit challenges Pentagon actions targeting Stars and Stripes, arguing they undermine the paper’s editorial independence and First Amendment protections. NH Politics (1st District): Three Republicans filed for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, leaning on resumes and “affordability” messaging rather than Trump talk as the filing window opens. Healthcare & Aging: CMS data highlights mixed nursing-home performance across NH—Glencliff Home for the Elderly ranks No. 2 in Grafton County size with a below-average rating, while Saint Ann Rehabilitation and Nursing Center earns a top CMS score in Strafford County and Hillsboro House shows a higher rating but also substantial fines. Military & Local Impact: A major training exercise will take over the former Loring Air Force Base next week, bringing multiple units and aircraft to Limestone for six days. Business Growth: Flamingos Coffee Bar appears set to open a third New Hampshire location, teasing a move to Dover.

Social Security Funding Crunch: A new analysis warns Social Security’s retirement trust fund could run out in 2032, triggering an automatic 24% benefit cut—about $500 a month on average—with New Hampshire among the hardest-hit states. State Budget & Business Taxes: New Hampshire lawmakers’ final 2026 compromises include a deal on business enterprise tax changes, shifting the threshold for which firms pay the tax. Local Development Watch: Stewart’s Shops is planning a larger convenience store at a West Lebanon site, with a proposal headed to the planning board. Banking & Markets: Community Bancorp was selected to join the ABA Nasdaq Community Bank Index, a move aimed at boosting visibility for community lenders. NH Policy & Energy: A data center proposal in Nottingham sparked major backlash and was withdrawn “for now,” as residents and officials pushed back on impacts. Public Media Funding: NHPR is asking for support on Protect My Public Media Day as it continues relying on community funding. Visa Court Win: A federal court preliminary injunction blocks a “nationality-based pause” affecting immigrant visas, in a case tied to a client’s long-running effort to reunite with family. Insurance Deal: King Risk Partners acquired a construction-focused insurance agency, expanding regional construction insurance and surety bonding coverage.

College Sports Regulation: The Senate is moving to rein in the messy revenue-sharing landscape in college athletics, but experts doubt Congress can pass a workable national framework before year’s end. Iran Sanctions: Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers Trump’s team is not offering sanctions relief for reopening the Strait of Hormuz unless Iran makes nuclear concessions. NH Nursing Home Watch: CMS data shows mixed results across New Hampshire facilities: Jaffrey Rehabilitation and Nursing Center earned a 1-star overall rating in Q1 2026, while Langdon Place of Dover hit 4 stars and Colonial Poplin Nursing Home in Fremont posted a 5-star rating. Immigration & Higher Ed: New England College in NH could lose up to 2,000 international graduate students if DHS doesn’t approve a new doctoral program by July 1. Local Government Real Estate: Lawrence city commissioners approved a $2.1M purchase of the former Journal-World printing plant for a City Hall annex, with renovations estimated far higher. NH Budget Literacy: The NH Fiscal Policy Institute’s budget forum tour drew residents in Laconia to break down how the biennial state budget works. PFAS & Public Health: A New Hampshire Public Radio report highlights how “forever chemicals” show up in drinking water and what that means for health. Energy & Storm Prep: Eversource says it’s strengthening storm readiness for hurricane season, pointing to vegetation as the biggest outage driver.

Teen Takeovers: Police and legal experts are warning New Hampshire residents to take “teen takeover” events seriously after incidents in other states drew crowds, fights, and even shootings—authorities say the gatherings can disrupt neighborhoods and pull police resources. EV Insurance Costs: New Hampshire drivers weighing EVs are facing a major affordability hit: EVs cost about 42% more to insure than gas cars, though the gap is shrinking for newer models. PFAS Exposure: A New Hampshire Public Radio report highlights how “forever chemicals” show up in drinking water and everyday products, with Dartmouth research pointing to widespread exposure and health concerns. Gas Prices & Politics: New Hampshire poll results show most residents blame President Trump for higher gas prices, while Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s response to an RFK Jr. visit drew scrutiny. Child Care Crunch: A new NHFPI report says families are paying more for childcare while quality options shrink, pushing costs far above federal affordability targets. Waste Policy Update: New Hampshire’s new disposal surcharge raised more than $1.2M in Q1, with organics and recycling funding planned next year. Local Business & Jobs: Gov. Ayotte visited Milford’s Cirtronics to spotlight New Hampshire manufacturing and its workforce pipeline. Energy Grid Oversight: New England states urged FERC to reform how utilities review “asset condition” transmission projects, citing Eversource’s NH work. Healthcare Governance: The AG’s Charitable Trusts Unit found North Country Healthcare breached fiduciary duties and ordered corrective steps. Sports & Gaming: A gambling boom is reshaping New Hampshire’s casino landscape as charitable gaming expands and new facilities draw crowds.

Energy & Consumer Confidence: A new UNH/BIA consumer confidence survey finds 6 in 10 Granite Staters are worried about gas prices, with many blaming President Trump; nearly half expect the economy to worsen, and many say they’ve cut non-essentials or driven less. Workforce & Education: The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire is seeking a new high school to host its student airplane-building program for the 2027-28 school year, expanding a model that’s already running in Manchester, Lebanon, and Farmington. Business & Privacy Compliance: A guide looks at whether New Hampshire businesses recording customer calls need to do CCPA risk assessments, especially when AI is used beyond basic storage. Health & Environment: NH DES is flagging fresh cyanobacteria blooms on multiple southern lakes/ponds, urging residents to check the Healthy Swimmer map before entering water. Local Economy & Growth: Lakes Region Community College held its 57th commencement, highlighting workforce-focused programs like early childhood education through early college. Community Finance: Meredith Village Savings Bank promoted Jami Bourdeau to assistant vice president, branch and business development manager.

CPA Consolidation: Five state CPA societies in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont are merging into the New England Society of CPAs, effective July 1, aiming to pool resources and tackle workforce, tech and regulatory change; the new group is expected to reach about 14,500 members and will be led by Massachusetts Society of CPAs CEO Zach Donah. Distracted Driving Crackdown: New Hampshire signed a law raising penalties for repeat hand-held electronic device use while driving, with higher fines and potential license suspensions for repeat offenders, and it takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Local Banking Move: Meredith Village Savings Bank promoted Jami Bourdeau to assistant vice president, branch and business development manager for its Wolfeboro and Melvin Village offices. Energy Costs Watch: A new national map shows electricity prices jumping fastest in some states, with Maryland up sharply year over year and Northeastern increases standing out—an affordability pressure that also ties into grid investment and demand. Tech for Aging at Home: A UNH-funded caregiver robot is helping an aging couple with daily tasks, highlighting how home-care shortages are pushing more support toward in-home automation.

Lyme Fight in NH: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a multimillion-dollar federal initiative in Concord aimed at Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, including prevention, diagnostics, research, and better access to experienced clinicians. Tech & Jobs: Midrange Dynamics, based in Peterborough, says AI tools are nudging Git adoption in the IBM i community, helping shops modernize without forcing older RPG code off the server. Insurance & Housing Costs: Verisk reports hail volatility and aging roofs are worsening residential replacement costs nationwide, with 2025 roof replacement costs up sharply even as overall claims fell. Local Economy & Growth: A UNH-linked robot is giving an aging couple extra help at home, a sign of how labor shortages in care could accelerate home-assist tech. Energy Watch: AAA says New Hampshire gas prices are easing as crude oil drops, with regular averaging $4.38 and diesel $5.64. Statehouse Deadline: NH lawmakers are down to last votes this week, including bills tied to nursing facilities funding and net metering for municipal energy projects.

Lyme fight in NH: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a multimillion-dollar federal pilot in Concord to cut Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, including earlier tick-control work, expanded Alpha-gal efforts, and new patient-care and clinician-access initiatives. Data center backlash: In Nottingham, a proposed data center sparked a fast-moving public outcry and a petition drive that helped push the applicant to withdraw the plan “for now,” while officials and residents continue debating how NH should handle data-center growth. Local housing rules in Concord: A dispute over duplex regulations is heating up as lawmakers consider changes that could loosen local control over lot and building standards—an issue residents say could reshape historic neighborhoods. Aerospace & defense spotlight: NH’s aerospace and defense sector is highlighted as a growing economic engine, with a consortium aiming to connect manufacturers and suppliers across New England and beyond. Meteor boom: NASA confirmed a meteor breakup over northeast Massachusetts and southeast New Hampshire caused a loud boom, estimated at energy equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT. Business & labor angle: Delivery drivers say more customers are asking whether tips actually reach them, after recent settlements and FTC-related claims about tip handling.

Retail Real Estate: JCPenney is suing over its removal from Steeplegate Mall’s redevelopment in Concord, with a June 23 court hearing looming as the plan shifts much of its former space to parking while Costco and other tenants stay. Public Health: HHS rolled out a Lyme disease and tick-borne illness push in New Hampshire, including a multi-million-dollar CDC-led pilot targeting ticks on wildlife, plus innovation challenges and new care connections. Energy & Local Politics: Both NH governor candidates are leaning into voter backlash against data centers; in Nottingham, a proposed project sparked protests and was withdrawn “without prejudice,” while officials cite power, water, and rate impacts. State Tax & Business Climate: NH House and Senate negotiators reached a deal on a local property tax cap vote for cities and towns, plus a last-minute change raising the filing threshold on a key business tax. Weather Disruption: A storm is knocking out power across New England, with more than 18,000 NH customers reported without electricity early Saturday. Food & Agriculture: China lifted HPAI poultry import restrictions for 17 U.S. states, potentially reopening export access for U.S. chicken producers. Workforce & Cost Pressure: A new look at unemployment shows widening gaps by geography, with some coastal economies weakening while other regions stay tight. Community & Tourism: Lakes Region tourism leaders met Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, warning that higher gas prices and weaker foreign travel could weigh on the summer season.

Local Tax Policy: New Hampshire House and Senate negotiators reached a deal on legislation requiring every city and town to vote on whether to cap local property taxes for schools and limit district administrative costs, plus a last-minute change to raise the filing threshold on a key state business tax. Elections & Voting Rights: A federal judge struck down New Hampshire’s hard-copy proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration, ordering the state to stop enforcing it while the case could affect upcoming elections. Public Health & Grants: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Concord to announce new federal Lyme disease efforts, including more than $2 million in LymeX grants aimed at prevention, treatment, education, and even AI-enabled tools. Energy & Tourism Costs: Lakes Region tourism leaders met Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, warning that higher gas prices and fewer Canadian visitors are pressuring summer bookings and seasonal staffing. Business & Community Development: Laconia’s new social district law is set to test whether allowing outdoor alcohol service can boost downtown foot traffic and local spending. Politics Watch: Both major NH governor candidates say they oppose data centers; Nottingham’s proposal was withdrawn after intense community backlash. Statehouse Lawmaking: Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a package of bills into law, including measures affecting town meeting warrants, marine patrol, and veterans’ tax credits. Local Economy & Real Estate: The Lakes Region land market remains strong with higher prices and tighter inventory, even as properties are taking longer to sell.

Local Housing & Rent Pressure (Maine): Maine Democratic governor candidates faced questions on how they’ll stabilize renters, with proposals ranging from rent relief and eviction prevention to tenant-rights enforcement as the state’s renter burden stays high. New Hampshire Immigration Courts: A federal judge ordered an ICE detainee’s release in a due-process ruling, criticizing how detainees with pending criminal cases can get stuck in prolonged detention. NH Business Expansion: Gibson Sotheby’s is opening in Portsmouth via its acquisition of the Madden Group, signaling continued Seacoast demand pull from Boston-area real estate. Public Works & Municipal Finance (Keene/Jay): Keene’s committee advanced bond and budget moves including fire staffing expansion and downtown infrastructure funding, while Jay approved nearly $500,000 in trash and paving contracts. Healthcare Contracting (UHC/Synapse): UnitedHealthcare will expand Synapse Health’s role managing durable medical equipment orders across multiple states, including New Hampshire, starting Sept. 1, 2026. Energy & Cost Watch: AAA reported gas prices falling nationally, while the broader oil market remains sensitive to geopolitical risk. Defense Industry: BAE Systems won a U.S. Army soft-kill active protection contract for ROOK, aiming to disrupt drones and guided-missile threats. Tech & Local Backlash (Nottingham data center): A proposed Nottingham data center application was withdrawn after community opposition surged, highlighting how local pushback can quickly derail development plans. Childcare Policy (NH): New Hampshire officials say federal childcare rollbacks will have limited impact on state operations, even as rules shift toward parental choice.

Housing affordability crunch: A New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute analysis says renters statewide earn an average $4,666 a month—too little to cover rent plus basics—while the average apartment rent is $1,875, leaving few options near $1,200. Local tax policy: House and Senate negotiators reached a deal on a local property tax cap vote for NH cities and towns, with caps tied to school funding growth and a higher filing threshold for a key business tax. Affordable housing development: Manchester is moving ahead with a project to create 126 affordable units for households priced out of the market, with federal lawmakers pointing to efforts to cut red tape. Data centers and regulation: A push to oppose Senate Bill 439—aimed at limiting towns’ ability to regulate data centers—was effectively stopped after the NH House tabled it 304–11. Public safety: Concord police and multiple agencies searched downtown for a missing 44-year-old man, with officials saying there’s no suspicious activity or public danger. Cybersecurity training: Cympire and Cyberspace Knowledge Group delivered live-fire enterprise defense training at Cyber Yankee 2026. Health care spending: New Hampshire’s Medicaid “Procedures / Professional Services” payments in Franklin hit $919,315 in 2024, up sharply from 2023.

Local Philanthropy: Meredith Village Savings Bank backed Carroll County Adult Education in Tamworth as the $5,000 premier sponsor of a community fundraiser, supporting adult learners pursuing high school completion, HiSET prep, and English instruction. Business & Jobs: Arsenal Capital Partners agreed to buy a majority stake in Velcro Companies, with the Cripps Foundation staying a minority owner; Velcro employs about 400 in Manchester and nearly 200 in Somersworth, and the deal is expected to close in Q4 2026. Courts & Consumer Safety: Sig Sauer must face a product liability lawsuit from a New York detective who says a P320 fired while holstered during training, with a federal appeals court reviving claims over alleged safety design issues. Tech & Workforce: Cloudflare laid off about 1,100 employees (roughly 20%) as it shifts deeper into agentic AI. Community & Culture: Flatwater Tales returns to Oak Ridge June 5-6 for its 10th anniversary, with multiple storytellers and a June 6 finale tied to America’s 250th. Small Business/Local Economy: Airstream announced new Five Rivet dealer status and a new dealership/service center in Rapid City, expanding its retail footprint.

Data Center Backlash: A proposed Nottingham data center on Route 4 was withdrawn hours before a packed planning-board meeting, after residents raised concerns about environmental harm and heavy water/electricity use. Public Health & Policy: New Hampshire lawmakers failed to reach agreement on a children’s behavioral health bill, effectively ending the measure for this session. Federal Courts/Politics: The Trump administration reportedly told Miami prosecutors to “stand down” on criminal investigations into Venezuela acting President Delcy Rodríguez, signaling warmer ties as the U.S. seeks stability and investment. Economy & Growth: A new national report finds population growth slowed across most states in 2025 as international migration declined, raising fiscal risks for aging states. Energy Reliability: A new warning flags an electricity crisis risk as data-center demand surges and reliable power plants retire, urging state action. Local Business: Milford realty firm Lamacchia acquired a local competitor, underscoring ongoing consolidation in NH services. Housing/Community: A Meredith couple’s free outdoor “Music by the Lake” open-mic series returns for a sixth summer, continuing a local draw for residents and small performers.

Childcare Capacity & Business Tax Credit: New Hampshire’s new Child Day Care Tax Credit Program is headed to Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s desk, but providers say the credit may not add enough spots to meaningfully expand childcare capacity. Coastal Research Funding: NH Sea Grant awarded about $1.2M for six coastal and marine projects tackling PFAS, flooding, seafood safety, salt marsh restoration and shifting marine species. Manufactured Home Communities: A 1983 NH law giving residents a chance to buy their manufactured home community is facing new pressure as for-profit investors snap up properties, raising concerns about rent hikes and resident stability. Unemployment Fraud Case: A West Lebanon couple was indicted on felony unemployment compensation fraud charges tied to alleged benefit claims while one partner was incarcerated. Mortgage Refinance Watch: A LendingTree analysis says NH leads the nation in potential refinance savings for 30-year fixed borrowers, even as rates have climbed back toward 7%. Energy Policy: New England governors, including Ayotte, urged federal regulators to reject a proposed transmission profit increase that could raise costs for households and businesses. Food Safety Recall: Raaw Energy expanded a listeria-related dog food recall after additional complaints and positive test results.

Local Business Spotlight: Mikros Technologies says it’s doubling down on New Hampshire as it grows—anchoring its “core center of excellence” in Claremont even after a Jabil acquisition and rising AI-driven demand for thermal management. Workforce Pipeline: CEDRR and partners launched Workforce In Motion’s second annual trade show and equipment rodeo, aiming to plug trades hiring gaps by getting middle- and high-school students face-to-face with employers and training paths. Retail Expansion: PopUp Bagels is opening its first Rhode Island location in Cranston on May 29, with plans that include future stops in NH and beyond. Public Safety & Costs: A rise in aviation fuel prices is straining Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, raising questions about how long fundraising can keep pace. Tourism Watch: New Hampshire communities are bracing for a summer that may look “different” as travel drops—especially with fewer Canadian visitors. Legal/Policy: Attorney General Brown and a coalition oppose the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for children online. NH Crime & Courts: Former Concord Casino owner Andy Sanborn faces a federal theft-of-government-funds charge tied to COVID relief misuse, as lawmakers race to settle nearly 60 disputed bills before deadlines.