AGP Executive Report

Tech: Bedford-based SilverTech brought Jon Bisbing back as sales director to strengthen client and technology-partner relationships. Energy & Mobility: New Hampshire opened $1 million in grants for public EV chargers at tourism destinations, covering up to 80% of project costs. The state has the region’s fewest charging ports. Heating Costs: Oil-heated households could spend about $2,625 this winter, roughly $875 more than last year, as providers warn that assistance may fall short. Advanced Manufacturing: Hudson-based G5 Infrared’s parent, LightPath Technologies, named Scott Payette vice president and general manager to help scale its cooled infrared camera business. Business Support: New Hampshire APEX Accelerators marked National APEX Day, highlighting free guidance for businesses pursuing government contracts. Housing & Workforce: The state’s median home price reached $575,000, with an estimated $189,000 income needed to afford one. Childcare shortages also remain a hurdle for families and employers as new programs face staffing and cost pressures.

Advanced Manufacturing: Hudson-based G5 Infrared has named Scott Payette general manager as parent company LightPath looks to grow its cooled infrared camera business, including defense and security systems. Business Support: New Hampshire companies can get free, one-on-one help pursuing government contracts through APEX Accelerators, which marked National APEX Day on Oct. 8. Defense Production: BAE Systems won a new contract for F-35 electronic warfare systems and upgrades, extending work at its Manchester, Merrimack and Nashua facilities. Household Costs: New data show New Hampshire water bills rose about twice as fast as household incomes over the past decade. Oil-heated households face another costly winter, with national projections pointing to a 21% increase in spending. Housing and Infrastructure: Housing costs are a major driver of poverty in New Hampshire, while scheduled ramp closures in West Lebanon and White River Junction will bring construction delays as crews work toward a November finish.

Energy Costs: New Hampshire residents are bracing for higher heating bills: oil heat is forecast to cost 31% more than last year, and more than 6,000 households have already applied for assistance. Clean-Energy Infrastructure: The state announced a $1 million program to expand its patchy EV-charging network. New Hampshire is also among nine states to legalize plug-in balcony solar, though safety standards have yet to catch up. Technology and Power: Debate over data centers is intensifying as opponents raise concerns about electricity demand and the industry’s impact on New Hampshire’s power system. Business and Innovation: ePropelled CEO Nick Grewal received the New Hampshire Tech Alliance’s 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year award for his work in electric propulsion and autonomous systems. Local Projects: Belmont leaders are renewing support for transportation priorities, including nearly $1 million in Route 140/Main Street safety work and a $1.9 million Union Road bridge replacement. The projects still need state and federal funding.

Heating Costs & Assistance: New Hampshire officials are urging residents to apply early for home heating help as heating oil and other fuel costs rise, with Community Action Partnership of NH noting applications already topping 6,000 this year and benefits available starting Dec. 1. Energy Policy Pressure: A multistate letter to the U.S. Energy Secretary links soaring heating oil prices to Trump-era policies and the Iran conflict, as New England households brace for winter bills. EV Charging Buildout: NH is launching a roughly $1M grant program to expand public Level 2 EV chargers at tourism-focused sites, covering up to 80% of costs per port. Water Affordability: A new national report finds U.S. drinking water bills jumped 62% over the past decade, with NH among states seeing faster-than-income increases—fueling calls to curb privatization. AI in Healthcare: NH has cleared the way for an AI system to act as a licensed medical provider for mild acne diagnosis and prescriptions, with referrals required outside the narrow scope. Local Housing/Taxes: Wilton is considering a prorated tax exemption model for new commercial construction to grow its tax base and compete with Milford. Gaming Oversight: NH’s charitable gaming rules are drawing renewed scrutiny as critics say oversight of how casino-linked charity money is used isn’t tight enough. Politics & Midterms: Cook Political Report shifts New Hampshire’s Senate race toward Democrats, while national polling continues to show Democrats gaining with key voter groups. BRESCO Incinerator Testing: Maryland’s MDE abruptly canceled a planned independent ash sampling effort tied to a New Hampshire-based incinerator operator, reigniting public health concerns.

Water Affordability: A new 10-year national study finds U.S. households are paying 62% more for drinking water than a decade ago, with water bills rising faster than inflation, groceries, and incomes—pressuring families and widening gaps between public and private water systems. Heating Costs in NH: As oil prices stay high, NH residents are falling behind on winter heating bills; advocates say LIHEAP and other assistance may not keep up with projected seasonal costs. NH Housing & Construction: WalletHub reports New Hampshire mortgage rates jumped about a full point in mid-2026, adding to housing strain. In Bedford, a construction worker died after being injured by a steamroller; OSHA and police are investigating. Energy & Grid: At a UNH forum, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen shifted left on energy policy, criticizing GOP-backed natural gas pipeline expansion and arguing for restoring wind/solar incentives. Regional Nuclear Push: New England governors and officials are aligning on a regional nuclear roadmap, with NH’s energy commissioner saying no single state can build new nuclear alone. Defense/Tech: Leidos completed a joint venture with Altaris, keeping a 41.5% stake, to run Analogic-branded airport and border security screening operations from Salem, NH. Healthcare Access: Dana-Farber joined US Family Health Plan of Southern New England, expanding in-network cancer care for TRICARE Prime beneficiaries in NH and nearby states. Politics & Cost of Living: Trump’s $500 ACA refund checks are going heavily to midterm battleground states, while SNAP benefit rules tighten and NH providers report rising food insecurity.

Housing & Finance: New Hampshire’s mortgage rates climbed sharply, with WalletHub ranking the state No. 9 for the fastest residential rate increases, adding pressure to an already tight housing market. Healthcare Costs & Food Security: SNAP benefits rise slightly for recipients, but new federal rules also shift more eligibility burdens onto people and reduce state funding—raising fears of benefit cuts and added costs for NH. Politics & Campaign Economics: Trump says he’ll sign $5,000 “dividend” checks for adult citizens if Republicans keep Congress in November, while separate reporting says ACA refund checks are going out to nearly 1 million enrollees. Local Business & Industry: Leidos completed its Analogic joint venture, keeping a 41.5% stake while expanding airport and border security screening operations from Salem, NH. Energy Grid Tech: Eversource and Dartmouth’s Thayer School are moving ahead with dynamic line rating across thousands of miles to safely boost transmission capacity and potentially delay costly upgrades. Waste & Disposal: Casella is moving up the closure of its Bethlehem landfill to Dec. 31, 2026, citing air space and zoning hurdles. Public Safety: A construction worker died after being injured by a steamroller in Bedford, and a Dunbarton man died after being pinned under a vehicle. Media & Influence: Former NH-linked Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt is joining Fox News as an on-air contributor starting Nov. 1.

Solar & Property Dispute: A Rockingham County solar project hit a snag when tree-clearing workers cut 30+ trees on the wrong property; after failed insurance demands and months of litigation and mediation, the matter settled for $100,000. Construction & Commuter Impact: New Hampshire DOT plans overnight rolling roadblocks on I-89 (Exit 20 to the I-89/I-91 interchange) and a temporary I-91 north Exit 10 off-ramp closure for bridge work, with detours and sign changes. Energy Policy & Consumer Tech: States are moving to allow balcony “plug-in” solar, but safety rules and standards still lag behind the easy, permit-light setup. Workforce & Cost Pressure: September job growth came in weak (29,000), with earnings not keeping up with inflation—another reminder that affordability is driving voter mood. Local Housing: Warner, NH is weighing zoning changes to boost affordable housing, with residents and planners debating how local rules shape who can live there. Public Safety: NH Fish and Game reported a serious-but-non-life-threatening trail bike injury on Cobb Hill and a juvenile ATV rollover in Exeter tied to reckless driving.

Climate Litigation Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a climate-change lawsuit that could reshape whether state and local governments can sue oil companies, with private contingency-fee lawyers playing a major role. Upper Valley Education: New London families are getting a new Montessori option as Strawberry Blossom Montessori opens, using a personalized tuition model aimed at keeping access equitable. NH Transportation Planning: The NHDOT is updating its five-year public input process for transportation projects in nonmetropolitan areas, including more remote and hybrid hearings. Public Health/Ag Safety: An alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to a single seed lot has grown to 76 illnesses across 16 states, prompting wider recalls that now reach home sprouting. NH Wildlife Crime: Three New Hampshire men pleaded guilty in federal court for poaching and exporting more than 40 bobcats to Canada, with sentencing set for January. Energy Costs: A new report warns LIHEAP heat benefits may fall short this winter as heating costs rise. Healthcare Coverage: ACA marketplace enrollment fell and premiums jumped heading into 2026, with fewer people choosing plans and more gravitating to the cheapest tiers. Midterms Politics: With one month to go, Democrats and Republicans are trading warnings and campaign energy as cost-of-living concerns stay front and center.

NH Wildlife & Courts: Three New Hampshire men pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally poaching bobcats and exporting pelts to Canada, with sentencing set for January. Energy Assistance: LIHEAP heat benefits may fall short this winter as projected heating costs rise, prompting calls to boost funding. Healthcare Policy: Rhode Island Medicaid ended coverage of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs starting Oct. 1, joining other states cutting obesity benefits. Hospital Finance: The AHA, NH Hospital Association, and 340B Health filed an amicus brief backing Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in its fight against Eli Lilly’s 340B claims data policy. Data Centers & Power: A national debate over data-center electricity costs and ratepayer protection continues, with states weighing guardrails as AI demand grows. Local Infrastructure: A crack in a steel support girder led Hudson to close one lane on the Veterans Memorial Bridge while repairs are planned. Politics & Labor: Pete Buttigieg rallied NH Democrats in Concord ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, while campaigns push door-knocking and turnout.

Bridge Repair Disruption: A routine inspection found a crack in a steel support girder on Hudson’s Veterans Memorial Bridge, closing one westbound lane between Hudson and Nashua while town officials and DOT coordinate repairs and set aside about $100,000 for emergency work. Wildlife Crime in NH: Three men pleaded guilty in federal court to poaching and exporting more than 40 bobcats from New Hampshire under the Lacey Act, with sentencing set for January 2027. Healthcare Costs & Coverage: A ValuePenguin study says ACA marketplace plan selections fell 4.9% for 2026 as premiums rose 19.7%, while Rhode Island ended Medicaid coverage of weight-loss GLP-1 drugs starting Oct. 1 (diabetes uses remain covered). Hospital Policy Fight: The AHA and NH Hospital Association filed an amicus brief backing Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in its challenge to Eli Lilly’s 340B claims data policy. Local Politics & Housing: In NH Senate District 8, Democrat David Trumble (an organic farmer) faces Republican James Creighton, with both campaigns spotlighting affordability, education, and housing. Energy & Transportation: The national gas average dropped nearly 7 cents to $4.41 after a record September, reflecting lower crude prices.

Wildlife & Trade: Three men pleaded guilty in federal court in New Hampshire to poaching more than 40 bobcats and shipping pelts to Canada, using bait piles and false tags to make the kills look legal. Healthcare Policy: Rhode Island Medicaid ended coverage of Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda and Foundayo for weight-loss-only use starting Oct. 1, while GLP-1s for Type 2 diabetes remain covered. NH Gambling Oversight: As New Hampshire’s casino charity-gaming system grows, watchdogs and some lawmakers are pushing for more oversight, citing weak vetting and limited proof that donations are used as intended. Hospital & Drug Pricing: The AHA, the New Hampshire Hospital Association and 340B Health filed an amicus brief backing Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in its challenge to Eli Lilly’s new 340B claims data policy. Education Ballot Watch: Opinion coverage urges voters to look closely at HB 1300’s school budget caps, warning the ballot language may not fully protect classroom services. Energy: New England governors and officials met in Lowell on a regional nuclear roadmap, with New Hampshire moving from preliminary talks toward a later roadmap phase. Public Safety at Waste Facilities: Moultonborough will hold a mock fire drill Oct. 7 at its transfer station focused on battery-related fires.

Data Privacy: Atlantic Digestive Specialists, a New Hampshire gastroenterology practice, is tied to a reported breach investigated through a class action probe, with Edelson Lechtzin LLP offering free case evaluations for patients who received notices. Wildlife & Courts: Three men pleaded guilty in federal court for illegally killing at least 41 bobcats in New Hampshire and shipping pelts to Canada, using false tags and bait piles to skirt the Lacey Act. Healthcare Costs & Antitrust: Iowa joined a 43-state coalition seeking court approval of a $400M settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic drug price manipulation, with New Hampshire listed among states in the broader action. Public Safety Tech: Wyoming lawmakers are drafting limits on automatic license plate readers, including narrow permitted uses and short retention rules—mirroring New Hampshire’s recent approach. Consumer Safety: Stewart’s Shops recalled two half-gallon ice cream flavors sold in New Hampshire after a metal object was found in a carton. Energy Policy: New England leaders met on a nuclear “renaissance” summit, with New Hampshire officials saying the state is moving from early discussions toward a roadmap phase. Local Economy/Real Estate: New Hampshire gaming revenue nears $48M in August as lawmakers debate oversight of charitable gaming payouts.

Waste & Local Impact: Casella says it will close its Bethlehem landfill subsidiary, North Country Environmental Services, a year early with Dec. 31, 2026 as the final municipal waste day—raising questions about where 200+ NH communities will send waste next. Workplace & Manufacturing: A federal judge kept alive a transgender discrimination case against New Hampshire manufacturer Turbocam, ruling a jury could find discrimination tied to changes in its employee health plan. Energy & Grid Politics: New Hampshire data-center backlash keeps intensifying as lawmakers and utilities clash over power costs and ratepayer protection, while New England states push a more coordinated nuclear strategy. Real Estate & Logistics: Deals keep moving in Southern NH: Marcus Partners bought a 155,000 s/f warehouse/distribution site in Salem, and Colliers handled an 18,000 s/f industrial lease plus a $3.46m Nashua sale. Agriculture & Community: Berlin’s Richard H. Rosen, a longtime agriculture and energy entrepreneur behind American Ag Energy’s greenhouse vision, has died. Outdoor & Seasonal Ops: NH Fish and Game reminds hunters the 7-day fall wild turkey shotgun season opens Oct. 12, with eight WMUs available.

Medicaid Legal Fight: New Hampshire families and transgender youth asked a federal court to block a Trump plan to cut off Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care, arguing it’s unconstitutional and discriminatory. Drug Pricing Crackdown: State attorneys general, including Oregon and Illinois’ AG coalition, pushed for court approval of a $400M Sandoz settlement over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and reduced competition, with more than $469M total expected across states. PFAS Liability Battle: New Hampshire’s neighbors are watching as AGs sue DuPont/Corteva over a PFAS “forever chemicals” asset-shielding scheme tied to a Vylor spinoff, seeking to stop companies from dodging cleanup costs. NH Housing & School Costs: A ballot question would cap local school property tax growth and limit SAU central office spending, while a separate debate continues over housing growth pressures and longer commutes. Energy & Grid: Sununu faced NH voters on diesel prices, energy access, and housing costs, as federal and utility efforts target grid capacity upgrades. Local Business Scrutiny: A Hampton liquor store deal drew questions over whether the state is getting enough rent.

Tourism & Local Economy: New Hampshire’s Division of Travel and Tourism Development is forecasting a strong fall season: about 3.9 million visitors and roughly $2 billion in spending, up 3% and 5% respectively, with foliage and outdoor experiences driving demand. Energy & Regulation: New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection repeal appears to be sticking, with EPA moving toward exempting the state from emissions testing requirements after federal talks—an outcome that could reshape compliance costs for drivers and businesses. Housing & Construction: The NH Forum’s Civic Assembly says Granite Staters broadly agree on housing fixes, including expanding water/sewer and transit, and boosting manufactured and prefabricated homes—aimed at turning consensus into legislation. Tech & Manufacturing: ePropelled founder Nick Grewal was named 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year by the New Hampshire Tech Alliance, highlighting the state’s aerospace/defense and advanced manufacturing talent pipeline. Business Climate & Politics: The Business and Industry Association’s legislative rankings suggest Democrats backed more of the group’s priority bills in the completed 2026 session, while “job killer” measures largely stalled. Workforce & Health Policy: A federal judge ruled Turbocam must face a sex-discrimination lawsuit tied to transgender coverage exclusions in its health plan, keeping pressure on employer benefits decisions.

Data Center Power Fight: The Senate blocked the Ratepayer Protection Act (57-43), a GOP-backed bid to steer data-center grid upgrade costs away from households and small businesses; Democrats said it’s “toothless” because it only asks states to consider safeguards. Healthcare Rebates: Trump began mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million people in 30 states, tied to claims of Biden-era “user fee” overcharges for the federal exchange. NH Vehicle Emissions Testing: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin met with NH lawmakers as the state seeks approval to end emissions testing and exit an ozone transport requirement. Housing & Development: Claremont and Newport are repurposing former textile mills into housing, including affordable units in Newport. Home Equity Finance: Hometap expanded its home equity investment product into six states, including New Hampshire. Broadband Funding Push: Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Susan Collins urged NTIA to issue guidance on BEAD non-deployment spending. Privacy Tech Watch: A new explainer highlights growing concerns about Flock license-plate cameras and what they can collect.