AGP Executive Report

NH Politics (CD1 Democratic primary): In New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, Stefany Shaheen is making a final push for Tuesday’s vote, boosted by last-minute endorsements including former Rep. Carol Shea-Porter and Christian Urrutia backing her as the “most progressive” winner. Elections & Senate stakes: A Nate Silver forecast flags Democrats leading in New Hampshire and several other competitive Senate races, adding pressure to Republicans heading into November. Local culture & community: Exeter’s UFO Festival brings lectures, costumes, and family-friendly fun to Labor Day weekend, while a separate spotlight on Bretton Woods highlights astronomer Doug Arion’s handcrafted telescope stargazing programs. STEM for the next generation: Titeflex Aerospace donated $24,000+ to WinnAero in the Lakes Region to fund STEM scholarships and hands-on ACE Academies camps. Arts & entertainment (region-wide): Pride Vermont’s parade and festival, plus jazz at Chester Town Hall, round out a busy weekend of visibility and live music. Public health & recovery: New Hampshire Humanities’ Connections program received $25,000 to expand book-based support for people in recovery, incarcerated residents, and families. Labor & workplace rights: A Labor Day piece argues workers can fight back as protections roll back, pointing to rising organizing and state-level worker-rights efforts.

NFL & Fantasy: Week 1 of the 2026-27 NFL season is days away, and local fans are already scouting the best DFS apps for Pick’Em, Best Ball, and lineup prep—plus early buzz around big offseason moves like the Rams’ Myles Garrett trade. Arts & Community: Jazz returns to Chester Town Hall on Sept. 26 with pianist Eugene Uman and the “Family Band,” with free admission and donations supporting Upstairs at Town Hall. Health & Recovery: New Hampshire Humanities’ Connections book program just landed $25,000 to expand services tied to opioid recovery, including book access for parents and people in treatment or incarceration. Local Business Leadership: Peckham Industries names John R. Peckham interim CEO, promising continuity as the company transitions leadership. Politics (NH): With Tuesday primaries ahead, coverage highlights the NH Senate race matchup (Pappas vs. Manzur on the Democratic side; Sununu vs. Brown on the GOP side) and the crowded 1st and 2nd Congressional District contests shaping November. Workplace & Lifestyle: A Forbes/Statista “Best Employers by State” list puts DeMoulas Super Markets at No. 1 in New Hampshire, followed by Fidelity, Liberty Mutual, and others.

Local Politics & Elections: Hudson’s primary looks quiet for local races, but the Sept. 8 state contests could still shape who represents the town in Concord. School Board Watch: Concord’s school board filing period has incumbents weighing whether to run again, with budget and community tensions still in the mix. Public Health & Immigration: Nearly 300 people in New Hampshire are set to lose Medicaid coverage, including an 86-year-old Ukrainian woman in a nursing facility—raising urgent questions about what happens next. Education & Community Life: A new Science Cafe returns with a casual, community discussion on artificial intelligence—plus pizza and conversation. STEM & Youth Culture: Merrimack’s FIRST Robotics team held its third annual Cars, Robots and Coffee, drawing 100+ vehicles and hundreds of spectators. Sports (College & Local): Multiple New Hampshire-area athletes are listed on college rosters for the week ending Sept. 6, and Friday’s high school football opener featured Pelham and Alvirne getting wins under the lights. Arts & Hobbies: Yes Arts will host a reception tied to a quilt guild and stained glass artist Don Blue.

Health Coverage Shift: Nearly 300 people in New Hampshire are expected to lose Medicaid coverage under upcoming federal changes, including an 86-year-old Ukrainian woman now living in a nursing facility. Local Public Safety & Tech: New Hampshire water systems are being probed by cyberattackers nationwide, and operators say AI is making the threat harder—especially for smaller utilities. Culture for Kids: NHPR and the Harris Center launch “Wild at Home,” a new series for curious kids featuring insects, native pollinators, and hands-on activities. Community & Learning: Back-to-school anxiety is common; therapists recommend students set small, realistic goals for week one and practice self-advocacy. Sports (NH): Friday Night Football kicked off with big Granite State wins, including Salem over Pinkerton, Bedford over Nashua South, and Exeter shutting out Memorial. Lifestyle & Home: A guide on the best time to do laundry points to avoiding peak electricity-rate hours when possible. Obituary: Cynthia Ann (Bockus) Matthews, 64, died Aug. 9, 2026.

College Football Buzz: Oregon rallied from an early deficit to beat Boise State 34-27, with Dante Moore throwing for 388 yards and three TDs—one a late 62-yard score that flipped the game. Local High School Sports: Pelham and Alvirne opened the NH season with defensive-led wins under the lights, while Friday Night Football roundup highlighted Salem’s upset of Pinkerton and Bedford’s big win over Nashua South. NH Politics & Community Life: A WMUR Democratic Senate debate between Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur centered on immigration reform, support for Israel, and funding police—plus childcare costs as a key pocketbook issue. Cyber & Water Safety: New Hampshire water systems are being probed by hackers nationwide, and officials warn AI is making attacks easier to launch—small operators say they need more help to stay ready. Lakes Region Growth: The Lakes Region’s shift from cottage colonies to a booming real estate market is raising the question of how to balance development with keeping the area’s “serenity” intact. Back-to-School Support: Therapists recommend students set reasonable first-week goals and practice self-advocacy to ease return-to-class anxiety. Health & Science: A genetically engineered pig kidney helped a Concord man avoid dialysis for months, a major step toward solving the organ shortage. Weekend Practical Tip: Laundry is cheapest when electricity demand is lower—often avoiding weekday evenings when rates spike.

High School Sports: Week 1 of New Hampshire Friday Night Football delivered big statements, including Salem’s 28-7 upset of defending champ Pinkerton, Bedford’s 48-14 rout of Nashua South, and Exeter’s 28-0 shutout of Memorial. Back-to-School Support: A Manchester therapist shares practical ways to ease the first-week jitters—set realistic goals, help kids advocate for themselves, and keep expectations grounded. Election Prep in NH: With the Sept. 8 primary coming up, Secretary of State David Scanlan urges voters to check registration and bring proper photo ID to the polls. Student Safety Law: New Hampshire is tightening penalties for drivers who ignore school bus stop-sign warnings, including a Class B misdemeanor and a mandatory seven-day license suspension for a first offense. Cybersecurity for Water: NH water systems face constant probing from hackers, and officials warn that AI is making threats harder—especially for smaller operators. Lakes Region Lifestyle: The Lakes Region’s transformation—from railroad-era tourism to today’s development pressure—raises the ongoing question of how to grow without losing the calm that draws people back. Health Breakthrough: A genetically engineered pig kidney helped a Concord man stay off dialysis for months, a milestone that could reshape the transplant shortage conversation.

School Safety Law: New Hampshire is tightening penalties for drivers who pass a school bus when stop-sign warning lights are flashing—first offense becomes a Class B misdemeanor with a fine and a mandatory seven-day license suspension. Elections & Voting Access: NH Secretary of State David Scanlan says a federal executive order requiring mail-ballot recipient lists and barcodes would be “problematic” to follow in New Hampshire’s absentee system, and likely won’t be feasible on the Sept. 8 primary timeline. Health Coverage Shift: Nearly 300 people in New Hampshire are set to lose Medicaid coverage as eligibility rules change, including an 86-year-old Ukrainian woman. Local Culture & Community: Salem, NH’s region-wide history spotlight continues with Salem’s 400th anniversary celebrations, including events that trace the city’s deeper Indigenous roots. Business & Growth: Caliber expands across New England by acquiring Key Collision, adding multiple NH locations to its repair network. Education Behind Bars: UNH and partners are offering business administration degrees to students inside New Hampshire prisons, aiming to support successful reentry. Wildlife Alert: Lebanon police report three attacks by a mystery animal described as possibly a gray fox or fisher, and urge caution near wooded areas.

Election Endorsements: Martha Fuller Clark backs Maura Sullivan in NH’s CD-1, arguing Sullivan’s Marine Corps and public service experience make her best positioned to govern. Traffic Safety: A man was seriously injured in Berwick, Maine after police say he nearly caused a crash before being hit by a vehicle. Local Loss: Henry Paul “Hank” Hanson, 81, died Aug. 24, with a life spanning the Lakes Region and Florida and a career in vending. Campus & Culture: Dartmouth’s “Dear Old Dartmouth” history gets a spotlight through Nicole Sakowitz ’88, the first to conduct the modern version at Commencement. Arts & History: Folk singer Charlie Zahm brings Civil War-era and 19th-century American songs to Neumann University Sept. 10. Immigration Courts: A ProPublica report finds judges can take months to rule on migrants’ habeas petitions, with delays varying widely by location. Tech & Daily Life: New Hampshire water systems face ongoing cyber probing, with officials warning AI is making threats harder for small operators. Sports Preview: High school football kicks off Friday with Alvirne and Pelham starting the season on the road.

School Safety: An 8-year-old was taken to the hospital after being hit by a Manchester school bus on Second Street; police say injuries aren’t life-threatening and the case is under investigation. Back to School Tech: Pelham police issued an e-bike safety reminder, breaking down New Hampshire’s e-bike classes and when other motor-vehicle rules apply. Culture for Families: NHPR and the Harris Center are launching “Wild at Home,” a new kids’ outdoor series starting Sept. 6, with episodes and at-home activities. Local Business/Jobs: United Therapeutics bought the former Anheuser-Busch site in Merrimack for $47.5 million, expanding its organ-transplant research footprint. Community & Learning: September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, with Derry Public Library highlighting passes, digital resources, and “unusual items” available to cardholders. Politics & Rights: The 1st Circuit remanded a New Hampshire First Amendment case after students were sanctioned for wearing pink “XX” wristbands at a girls’ soccer game involving a transgender player. Immigration Accountability: In Danbury, Sen. Richard Blumenthal gathered testimony alleging ICE “brutality,” aiming to build a record for possible accountability steps.

Immigration & Courts: A federal judge in Maryland blocked President Trump’s newest birthright citizenship limits, saying the policy is likely unconstitutional and barring federal agencies from interfering with citizenship for the court’s certified class. Education & Rights: The First Circuit ruled New Hampshire school officials likely violated the First Amendment when they punished a silent “XX” wristband protest at a girls’ soccer game. Local Schools Under Pressure: Parents sued to stop a November ballot question that would cap school budgets, arguing it’s misleading and confusing. Workplace & Health: A Portsmouth-area teacher filed a federal lawsuit alleging disability discrimination and retaliation tied to delayed accommodation requests for fragrance sensitivity. Lifestyle & Community: Londonderry’s PoutineFest ’26 drew thousands for French-Canadian food, music, and family fun. Health Care Access: A new report highlights a severe ifosfamide chemotherapy shortage, raising concerns about treatment delays. Culture & Learning: Meredith Public Library hosts “The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence” with a local professor, focusing on AI’s real-world moral questions.

First Amendment in Schools: The First Circuit says Bow School District likely violated parents’ rights by banning a silent “XX” wristband protest at a girls’ soccer game, rejecting claims it was harassment when there was no disruption. Birthright Citizenship Fight: A federal judge partially blocks Trump’s latest executive order narrowing birthright citizenship, saying it’s likely unconstitutional while agencies can still draft guidance. NH Politics & Taxes: Opponents sue to stop a November ballot question that would cap local school district property taxes, arguing the wording is confusing and violates voters’ rights. Energy & Local Savings: Derry cuts the ribbon on a 2.25-megawatt solar array on a capped landfill, aiming to save taxpayers about $4 million over 25 years. Culture & Community: Orange’s Boiler Bar & Grille hosts filming for a local music project blending three songs into one “act of an opera,” with samples planned for YouTube. Health & Recovery: Heartfelt Recovery Centers opens a new outpatient center in Laconia for substance use and mental health care, including PHP and IOP. Arts Education: JAM’s teen film crew wraps “Valley Transit,” a community feature film intensive built around mentorship.

Massachusetts Politics: Sen. Ed Markey, 80, cruised to victory over Rep. Seth Moulton in the Democratic Senate primary, with voters largely shrugging off the “generational change” pitch and keeping the state’s long-tenured incumbents in place. NH Education & Families: A new push to redefine “high-quality childcare” is urging New Hampshire to measure what families actually feel—safety, relationships, belonging, and affordability—rather than only credentials and checklists. Local Culture & Community: Waterville Valley is set to debut a new Outdoor Adventure Zone in 2027, aiming to boost year-round tourism with activities for all ages. Health & Safety: Dartmouth researchers highlight how alpha-gal syndrome can raise allergic transfusion reactions in high-prevalence areas, urging clinicians and blood banks to flag patients before transfusions. Civic Life: Moultonborough Library hosts a constitutional scholar talk on free speech and hate speech codes, exploring how communities can respond without eroding rights.

Youth Health & Safety: New Hampshire launched “Unlabeled,” a fentanyl prevention campaign aimed at young people on International Overdose Awareness Day, urging real conversations about counterfeit and unlabeled pills. Workforce & Education: UNH won a $250,000 Federal Highway Administration grant to train the highway construction workforce, building career paths for adults and high school students. Community & Culture: Nashua’s free 2026 Annual Multicultural Festival returns Sept. 26 with performances, food, and family activities. School Life: Back-to-school anxiety is getting attention, with expert tips on setting goals and building healthier sleep routines. Local Accountability: A lawsuit challenges a New Hampshire school tax cap ballot question, arguing the wording is confusing and misleading. Care System Scrutiny: New records show continued abuse and neglect in New Hampshire’s disability system in 2026, alongside deaths and reports marked “unknown.” Energy & Local Savings: Encore RE’s 2.25-MW solar project is now online atop a capped landfill in Derry, expected to cut Derry’s electricity costs by about $4 million over 25 years.

Local Politics & Campaigns: WMUR’s NH-02 GOP primary debate put newcomer Victor Orlando against frontrunner Lily Tang Williams, with Orlando stressing civil liberties and rejecting any move to suspend habeas corpus. Community & Culture: Team Trans keeps showing up for hockey without the noise—an all-trans rec team’s “no hiding” weekend highlights how sports can create belonging. Education & Tech: North Light AI and UNH Professional Development launched a fully asynchronous AI certificate for K–12 educators focused on judgment, assessment, and protecting student thinking. Public Safety & Privacy: A growing backlash to Flock-style license plate cameras continues, with vigilantes disabling units in dozens of states and critics warning about mass, indiscriminate surveillance. Health & Accountability: New state records obtained by the Bulletin say abuse and neglect continued in New Hampshire’s disability system in 2026, with deaths and “unknown” causes reported in the first half. Lifestyle & Local Life: Service Dogs NH marks September as Service Dog Awareness Month with proclamations from Dover, Portsmouth, and Rochester. Sports: Seacoast volleyball and Division I football previews spotlight players and teams to watch as fall seasons kick off. Business & Connectivity: Fidium reports top Ookla Speedtest rankings across New Hampshire, including statewide wins for download/upload, reliability, and gaming experience.

School Funding Fight: Two New Hampshire parents are suing to block a new school budget cap question from reaching the November ballot, arguing the measure is unclear and could reshape budgets for kids and taxpayers. Back-to-School & Community Culture: Bishop Brady kicked off the school year with a colonial-themed first-day celebration, while a Minot-Sleeper Library workshop in Bristol teaches families how to divide perennials for fall gardens. Youth Safety: Gov. Kelly Ayotte and DHHS launched “Unlabeled,” a youth-focused fentanyl prevention campaign aimed at helping young people recognize the risks of counterfeit and unlabeled pills. Local Business & Lifestyle: Arbella opened its first commercial lines office in Bedford, and a Wolfeboro-area author/wildlife photographer event brings new books to local readers. Health & Food Alerts: Lundberg Family Farms issued a recall warning for certain white jasmine rice lots distributed across New Hampshire. Politics & Housing: A UNH poll shows support for Chris Pappas in the U.S. Senate race may be slipping as housing costs keep shaping everyday decisions.

College Life in NH: UNH Durham welcomed its class of 2030 as more than 2,400 students made deposits, with first-years describing move-in as equal parts nerves and excitement. Family Budget Watch: New data shows the NH Child Care Scholarship Program is being used more than ever—average participation rose to 4,979 children in the past fiscal year, and state spending is up by more than $12 million year over year. Politics & Campaign Heat: In national coverage tied to NH’s Senate race chatter, Sen. Ted Cruz dismissed Sen. John Cornyn’s warnings about Ken Paxton as “hurt feelings,” while polls keep the GOP’s control of the Senate in play. Local Governance: Beacon Hill roll-call attendance shows many lawmakers missing at least some votes, with Rep. Tackey Chan reporting the highest number of missed roll calls. Culture/Media: Hulu’s “Furious” finale, “Hart Island,” leaned hard on forensic and neuroscience themes as the series heads toward a confirmed Season 2.