AGP Executive Report

Health Policy & Consumer Relief: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get $500 refunds for Affordable Care Act “overcharges,” with checks starting in October, tied to federal exchange “user fees” collected during the Biden years. Defense & Manufacturing: SIG Sauer is pitching its M8 and other rifles as potential replacements for the UK’s SA80 under the Ministry of Defence’s Project Grayburn, with testing done in New Hampshire. Tech & Workforce Management: Insygna, based in Merrimack, was named a finalist for a 2026 TIARA award for its agentic workforce management platform aimed at HR, procurement, and finance teams. Energy & Industry: A New Hampshire-focused piece argues small nuclear reactors could serve factories and communities without relying on the grid, as next-gen nuclear costs and manufacturing plans heat up. Local Business & Real Estate: Eastern Bank is financing affordable senior housing across four NH communities, while JLL arranged major industrial and advanced-manufacturing financing deals in the region. NH Economy & Infrastructure: Pease Tradeport’s executive director points to a new report on the facility’s “uniquely important” role as life-science users plan for “retooling.” Environment: Conservationists warn a proposed rollback of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule could threaten a rare stretch of New England forest. Food & Safety: FDA/CDC-linked cyclosporiasis cases are tied to iceberg lettuce from Mexico processed by Taylor Farms, with New Hampshire among affected states.

Healthcare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, will get one-time $500 checks in October for “Obamacare” overcharges tied to federal Healthcare.gov exchange “user fees,” aimed at people who bought coverage without premium assistance. NH Politics: In the opening stretch of the U.S. Senate race, Democrats launched a “Stop Sununu Tour” in Manchester, attacking GOP nominee John E. Sununu over tariffs, Iran policy, and healthcare costs, while Sununu highlights his private-sector and engineering background. Public Safety Tech: Wisconsin and a coalition of attorneys general are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls, arguing current gatekeeping isn’t enough. Food Safety: De Todito mixed chip snacks are recalled again after pork cracklings were traced to Colombia, which U.S. regulators say isn’t eligible to export meat products to the U.S. Energy & Business: Eversource’s board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.7875 per share for shareholders, payable Sept. 30. Community & Lifestyle: A Manchester-area women’s shooting club launched an online “Rose Garden” community to connect learners with instructors and ranges nationwide.

Geothermal & Manufacturing: Dig Energy says it has completed its first commercial geothermal drilling project in New Hampshire, using a lower-noise, lower-water rig to cut drilling costs and speed up adoption for building heating and cooling. Shop-Floor Software: Datanomix and Hexagon expanded a cloud-to-machine link that ties revision control and NC program delivery to the shop floor, aiming to reduce “which version is running” confusion. Aquaculture in Portsmouth: UNH’s offshore floating fish farm is producing steelhead trout as a model for scaling domestic seafood, with researchers feeding by hand to closely monitor growth. Public Safety & Health: A new analysis reports motor-vehicle crash deaths down slightly in the first half of 2026, while a Cyclospora outbreak tally keeps climbing nationwide. Climate Resilience: NH Healthy Climate says it tried to meet with Gov. Ayotte on resilience planning but got no follow-up, as New England faces worsening heat and tick/ozone pressures. Local Economy & Housing: NH Housing leaders warn the state still needs tens of thousands more homes by 2030 and 2040 as affordability squeezes workers and businesses. Policy & Privacy: Pennsylvania lawmakers move to restrict “Flock” cameras and automated license plate readers amid growing surveillance backlash. Environment & Industry: New England forests are under strain from invasive pests and disease, reshaping timber and land stewardship realities.

NH Politics: After New Hampshire’s primary, GOP leaders are pointing to turnout and vote totals to argue the Democratic Party is shifting left, citing claims that a large share of NH Democrats backed “socialist” candidates and single-payer health platforms. Regional Governance: In Rhode Island, CNN projects Helena Foulkes defeats Gov. Dan McKee in a rare incumbent primary loss, with the Washington Bridge repair and traffic chaos a central issue. Public Safety & Local Business: In New Ipswich, a blueberry farm dispute is escalating into an “existential struggle,” with the farmer alleging retaliation tied to a long-running property fight. Manufacturing Workforce: Gov. Kelly Ayotte toured EPTAC’s Salem training facility to spotlight employer-driven manufacturing skills. Consumer & Tech Policy: Attorney General coalitions are urging the FCC to tighten “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Energy & Housing Costs: Commentary and campaign messaging in NH continues to frame housing, health care, and energy prices as key drivers heading into November. Environment & Industry Compliance: Pike Industries in Portsmouth agreed to a hazardous waste penalty after state claims of rule violations.

NH Politics: New Hampshire’s Senate matchup is set after Tuesday primaries: Republican John Sununu will face Democrat Chris Pappas, with the state’s 1st District House seat also decided as Anthony DiLorenzo won the GOP nod and Stefany Shaheen edged Maura Sullivan for the Democratic nomination. Local Governance/Data Centers: Nottingham voters approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center development (1,335-143), giving the town time to study zoning, environmental impacts, and fiscal effects. Energy/Industry: The Trump administration escalated its trade war with Canada, banning dairy products, most alcohol, and some motorcycles starting Sept. 29—moves that could ripple into regional supply chains and prices. Healthcare Policy: A federal “Learning Agenda Playbook” is being promoted as the Education Department helps states measure outcomes, even as the administration continues pushing to shrink the department’s role. Nuclear Oversight: New Hampshire and regional watchdogs joined attorneys general urging the NRC to reject a proposed rollback of radiation protection standards at Seabrook Station. Business Expansion: Helix Sleep keeps expanding retail presence via a new partnership with Cardi’s Furniture & Mattress across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

NH Politics & Jobs: New Hampshire’s key primaries are set for November after Republicans and Democrats locked in their Senate and congressional matchups: GOP Gov. Kelly Ayotte won easily and will face unopposed Dem nominee Cinde Warmington; for the open U.S. Senate seat, CNN/Decision Desk projects Republican John E. Sununu vs. Democrat Chris Pappas; and in the 1st District House primary, Trump-backed businessman Anthony DiLorenzo beat Hollie Noveletsky. Trade & Manufacturing Risk: A Canada–U.S. tariff fight is escalating, with the U.S. banning dairy, most alcohol and some motorcycles from Canada and Trump threatening to block Bombardier aircraft sales—raising alarms for NH aerospace supply chains. Local Development: Berlin planners approved a Revo Casino plan at the former Northland Dairy Bar site, including restaurant and charitable gaming space. Business/Investors: Planet Fitness faces a new investor class-action filing tied to membership-growth and rollout expectations, with a Sept. 14 lead-plaintiff deadline. Community & Food Access: A new report ranks Vermont No. 1 for school meals in 2026, with New Hampshire also highlighted for school lunch reach and participation efforts.

NH Politics & Elections: New Hampshire’s Sept. 8 primary is underway, with voters choosing nominees for the open U.S. Senate seat and the 1st House district after Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement, plus GOP Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s reelection bid and other state races. Democratic Senate Primary: Reuters reports a late surge by progressive scientist Karishma Manzur is tightening the race against Rep. Chris Pappas, cutting his lead to about 13 points in a recent UNH poll. GOP Senate Primary: Trump’s preferred candidate, former Sen. John Sununu, faces former Sen. Scott Brown in the Republican contest. Infrastructure & Development: NH’s troubled I-95 service plaza rebuild in Hampton is stuck in procurement trouble—one bid was canceled, and the latest process is now headed to court. Gaming & Local Economy: Berlin approved a Revo Casino and Social House at the former Northland Dairy Bar site, aiming to bring dining and entertainment back to a long-vacant property. Energy & Cost Pressure: Diesel prices are hitting record highs, a kitchen-table issue that could shape midterm politics. Business & Lifestyle: Manchester’s Rumi Kabob House is leaning into the alcohol-free trend with late-night nonalcoholic hangouts. Public Safety: An injured hiker was rescued from Mount Cardigan after a night fall, with transport to Dartmouth-Hitchcock.

NH Politics (CD1): With the Sept. 8 primary Tuesday, 1st District Democratic candidates made a final push in a crowded, endorsement-heavy sprint, including last-minute support moves for Stefany Shaheen. Labor & Wages: U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Ro Khanna rallied at an AFL-CIO breakfast in Manchester, arguing unions and hard-work protections are key to tackling cost-of-living pressure. Trade & Prices: Canada’s tariff plan targeting U.S. goods is framed as political pressure ahead of the U.S. midterms—raising fresh concerns for New Hampshire businesses already bracing for tariff impacts. Manufacturing/Workforce: A Labor Day labor-focused piece points to organizing momentum and state-level worker-rights enforcement as a counterweight to federal rollbacks. Local Infrastructure: Francestown’s Old County Road North bridge repair is set for summer 2027 after delays, with a long detour planned during the closure. Aerospace STEM: Titeflex Aerospace (Smiths) donated $24,000+ to WinnAero to expand aviation and robotics STEM scholarships in the Lakes Region. Energy Savings: A Jaffrey couple highlighted how NHSaves weatherization rebates helped cut drafts and energy costs. Weather/Outdoors: Labor Day looks sunny and mild, then turns cooler midweek with rain chances. Public Safety: Lebanon police are investigating multiple attacks in Centerra Park and are urging caution while officials try to identify the animal.

NH Agriculture: UNH Extension says 2023’s extreme wet weather crushed vegetable and fruit growers, with surveyed vegetable losses totaling $3.11M and the worst fruit crop damage in 50+ years after freezes. NH Energy/Industry: United Therapeutics bought the former Anheuser-Busch Merrimack brewery site for $47M, a nearly 300-acre industrial parcel expected to bring hundreds of jobs. NH Labor: NH Fiscal Policy Institute reports job growth improving since 2025, but wages still lag inflation and employment gains are uneven. NH Environment/Water: New Hampshire is set to receive another $7.3M from 3M tied to PFAS drinking-water settlements, feeding the state’s Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund. NH Tech/Privacy: A lawsuit alleges a New Hampshire housing authority used high-tech sensors in rentals as surveillance. NH Politics (Election): With Sept. 8 primaries near, coverage spotlights New Hampshire’s competitive Democratic Senate dynamics and crowded congressional races, including CD1 and CD2. National/Business: Planet Fitness shares fell after membership-growth concerns, as a securities-fraud class action was filed in the District of New Hampshire.

Industrial Leadership: Peckham Industries, with sites in Newport and Lyndonville, VT, named John R. Peckham interim CEO, replacing Damian J. Murphy, saying day-to-day operations and its growth plan will stay steady. Energy & Weather: A Labor Day forecast for New Hampshire calls for sunny 70s, then a cooler stretch with rain chances late Wednesday into Thursday. Local Industry Deal: United Therapeutics bought the former Anheuser-Busch brewery property in Merrimack for $47M, securing a nearly 300-acre industrial site and eyeing hundreds of jobs. Public Health & Water: New Hampshire received another $7.3M from 3M tied to PFAS “forever chemical” drinking-water settlements, bringing total collected funds past $43M. Workforce Watch: NH job growth improved in 2026, but a study flags wage growth lagging inflation and uneven gains. Affordability & Insurance: NH’s auto insurance model—no mandatory coverage, but strict financial responsibility after accidents—keeps it among the most affordable markets, according to a new insurance affordability ranking. Tech/Infrastructure Policy: A Hancock planning board rejected a cell tower proposal, with residents citing property-value impacts and concerns about broadband coverage. Safety & Crime: Lawrence-area fentanyl trafficking ended with two arrests and more than 1,225 grams seized after a chase. Business/Real Estate: A BBB Scam Tracker update put Milan among NH cities with scam reports in July, while a separate NH labor market and data-center debate continues to shape local planning.

NH Economy & Jobs: A new New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute study says employment is up (nonfarm jobs +1.1% in 2026 vs. 2025), but wages still lag inflation and unemployment claims remain a drag. Public Safety & Health: Lawrence police, with DEA help, ended a fentanyl trafficking case with two arrests and about 1,225 grams seized after a chase that crossed into Haverhill. Workforce & Pay: Sklar argues the federal minimum wage’s $7.25 level since 2009 is widening the affordability gap for workers. Cybersecurity for Utilities: NH DES says it hasn’t seen impacts from a recent multi-state water-system cyberattack wave, but warns systems are constantly probed and AI is raising the stakes for small operators. Energy & Grid Planning: Federal filings point to a potential 350-megawatt data-center connection study in Bow involving Eversource and Granite Shore Power. Local Business & Food Supply: A Concord farm says demand for local greens is surging as shoppers rethink lettuce after national recall fears. Community & Services: Raymond mourns Firefighter Eric Phillips, who died after a medical emergency during an active call. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data puts Milan among 44 NH cities tied for 23rd in July scam reports.

Cybersecurity for utilities: A New Hampshire DES-linked report highlights how cyberattacks on water systems are spreading nationwide, with NH operators saying systems are “always being probed” and AI is making threats harder to defend against. Energy & growth planning: Bow is in the spotlight again as FERC filings point to a preliminary study for connecting a 350-megawatt data center to the grid, with Eversource and Granite Shore Power tied to the next steps. Local development approvals: Enfield’s zoning board will revisit a wetland-crossing road request tied to a revised single-family subdivision plan after an earlier rejection. Infrastructure debate: Hampton and Seabrook are preparing to open a new bridge without overhead lighting, but officials are pushing for a workable lighting plan and maintenance agreement. NH politics with industry stakes: In the WMUR Democratic Senate debate, Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur clashed on affordability and policy priorities, with Manzur’s messaging heavily focused on Israel and Pappas emphasizing cost pressures and NH-focused programs. Workforce & business leadership: Peckham Industries (with Vermont sites) named John R. Peckham interim CEO, signaling continuity as leadership transitions.

Cybersecurity for utilities: New Hampshire water systems are being probed constantly, and operators say AI is making cyber threats harder to defend against, even though DES says it’s not aware of impacts from a recent multi-state attack wave. Data center push in Bow: Federal filings and a consumer advocate’s post point to a potential 350-megawatt data center study tied to Eversource grid work, reigniting local debate over power, taxes, and growth. Local infrastructure fights: Hampton and Seabrook’s new bridge is set to open without overhead lights, with officials trying to negotiate who maintains them. Road and transit updates: I-89 Exit 20 southbound ramp closures are being extended into next week for paving, and crews are also reshaping traffic patterns around the interchange. Energy and costs: Labor Day gas prices are on track for records, with AAA citing the Iran-related oil shock as a key driver. Workforce and research: UNH deployed a cabled ocean observing system near the Isles of Shoals, funded by the Office of Naval Research, to boost real-time Gulf of Maine monitoring. Elections prep: Secretary of State David Scanlan is urging voters—especially first-timers—to confirm registration and bring acceptable photo ID to the Sept. 8 polls. Agriculture and food safety: A sprout recall expanded to a radish mix in limited lots after an earlier alfalfa-related outbreak investigation.

Data Center Policy: Gov. Kelly Ayotte is pushing for a statewide data center moratorium, with Bow’s proposed hyperscale project still driving local and statewide backlash over taxes, power demand, and permitting. Local Infrastructure: A bridge linking Hampton and Seabrook is set to open without overhead lights, but town officials are pressing for a compromise on who installs and maintains lighting. Energy & Costs: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are on track for record highs, tied to volatile crude oil costs amid the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Maritime Research: UNH deployed a cabled ocean observing system near the Isles of Shoals, funded by the Office of Naval Research, to deliver real-time coastal monitoring for the Gulf of Maine. Workplace Risk: New Hampshire approved a 2.9% average workers’ compensation rate cut for 2027, continuing a long streak of declining loss costs. Business Expansion: Caliber’s acquisition of Key Collision expands the company’s repair footprint across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Food Safety: A sprout recall tied to Everything Sprouts expanded again to include a radish mix in limited lots and locations.

Medical Breakthrough: A New Hampshire man, Tim Andrews, lived 271 days on a genetically modified pig kidney before switching to a human donor—an unprecedented “bridge” that could ease kidney shortages. Energy & Housing Costs: New Hampshire households are being urged to swap window units for heat pumps as summer heat rises; mini-split users report lower bills and funding may help cover upfront costs. Cybersecurity for Utilities: New Hampshire water systems face constant probing by hackers, and operators say AI is making threats harder—state officials say they’re not aware of recent NH impacts from a broader national wave. Local Politics & Affordability: In NH’s CD1 Democratic primary debates, candidates spar over Medicare for All, campaign money, and affordability, with housing and immigration also in the mix. Data Center Fight in Bow: Critics say state leadership is moving too slowly on a proposed 350-megawatt data center, arguing earlier policy changes opened the door for more projects. Gas Prices: AAA reports Labor Day gas prices are on track for a record as crude stays volatile. Business/Finance: Planet Fitness faces a securities fraud class action tied to low membership growth, with a Sept. 14 lead-plaintiff deadline.

AI & Data Centers in Bow: New Hampshire’s governor says she wants an AI data center moratorium in the next budget as Bow talks intensify around a proposed 350-megawatt facility, while critics argue the state’s leadership is moving too slowly and that prior policy changes opened the door for data centers. Energy & Power Grid: Granite Shore Power has filed with federal officials to study connecting a 350 MW project to Eversource, keeping the data-center question front and center for local and state officials. Workforce & Growth: A new state snapshot says NH life sciences is outpacing overall job growth, with core life sciences employers up sharply since 2019. Food Safety: FDA recalls expand for sprouts tied to a multi-state outbreak and for tofu and rice products over possible contamination, including distribution reaching New Hampshire. Local Business & Infrastructure: TDS Telecom completed its acquisition of Granite State Communications’ fiber and voice operations, expanding TDS’s NH footprint. Housing & Privacy: Tenants sue Concord Housing Authority over home surveillance devices, alleging privacy violations. Public Safety: An 8-year-old was hospitalized after a Manchester school bus crash; a fatal motorcycle crash shut down an I-93 ramp in Concord.