AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Recall: USDA/FDA flagged a Class I recall of nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products shipped to foodservice sites across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont after false inspection marks were found on items produced without valid federal inspection. Public Health: The cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded to 20 states, with FDA adding Georgia, Tennessee and Texas and reporting 11,458 illnesses and 495 hospitalizations; New Hampshire is on the affected list. Energy & Cost Pressures: AAA says August gas prices are poised to set a new record, with the national average around $4.09 and crude still volatile; locally, some New Hampshire heating-oil customers can’t lock in rates as suppliers cite risk amid low inventories. Tech & Education: MIT and Lakes Region Community College launched a “Gateway to AI” pilot for 16 New Hampshire high school students, aiming to boost rural access to advanced math and AI skills. Broadband Buildout: GoNetspeed is expanding in the Northeast, with new service availability in Norwich, NY and construction underway in New Jersey. Local Environment: New Hampshire confirmed the first spotted lanternfly detection in Salem, with surveys underway to gauge whether it’s established. Business/Real Estate: Applied ABC is opening a Woburn, MA center and leasing 5,100 s/f at Gill St., signaling continued growth in regional healthcare services.

Meta Settlement for Child Safety: Meta agreed to a landmark multistate deal worth up to $17.1B, with states including Pennsylvania and Nebraska set to receive hundreds of millions, and sweeping new limits on Instagram/Facebook use for kids plus “productive pauses” and nighttime blocks. Food Safety in NH: A Cheshire Medical Center-linked Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled Taylor Farms lettuce is declared over locally, though the broader multi-state outbreak has now reached 20 states and 11,458+ illnesses. USDA Recall Hits New England: Shanghai Ravioli Corp. recalled about 24,900 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products made without federal inspection, distributed to Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Housing Construction in Manchester: NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire is building 126+ affordable units in downtown Manchester, with rents targeted from $1,100 to $1,800 and move-in expected in late 2027. Local Business/Banking: Community National Bank promoted David Rubel to Regional VP of Commercial Banking, expanding commercial lending across Vermont and New Hampshire. Tech/Automation: Miller Electric launched a Copilot Builder with Blue iQ to help fabricators adapt robotic welding to variable parts without extensive reprogramming. Energy/Politics: A new report renews scrutiny of Sununu’s ties to energy profits amid high gas prices tied to the Iran war. Public Safety: Hooksett police reported a 3-year-old suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a parked vehicle.

Meta Settlement for NH: New Hampshire will receive up to $224.3M from a landmark multistate deal with Meta, with required child-safety changes for Instagram and Facebook, after NH pursued its own case in state court. Food Safety: Boston-based Shanghai Ravioli is recalling nearly 25,000 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products shipped to Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont after they were produced without federal inspection. Research & Workforce: UVM leads a $5.9M NSF project, with UNH as a collaborator, to expand northern New England snow monitoring and link winter weather to the outdoor economy across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Aviation & Logistics: Port City Air at Pease is weighing upgrades to its jet center and fuel farm to stay competitive in the Northeast. Energy Policy: NH’s energy leadership is leaning into nuclear as a key path forward amid rising electricity costs and shifting policy debates. Finance Tech: 39 state bankers associations formed the BankChain Alliance to build a bank-owned blockchain network targeting a 2027 launch. Local Housing Pressure: Seacoast communities are feeling the ripple effects of persistent housing crunches, with renters and families squeezed by high costs.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: New Hampshire will receive up to $224 million from Meta as part of a $17.1B multistate settlement over claims Facebook and Instagram were built to be addictive for teens, with sweeping default limits (including nighttime blocks and daily caps) and stronger parent controls. Food Safety: A Boston-area company recalled 24,900 pounds of frozen buffalo chicken products shipped to NH and other states after FSIS found items were produced without federal inspection. Local Agriculture: Hannaford pledged $500,000 to help fund regenerative farming through the Wolfe’s Neck Center’s Northeast Farmers Fund, supporting suppliers across the region. Energy & Costs: Diesel prices in Belknap County hit a low of $5.19/gal for the week ending Aug. 15, with the statewide average at $5.36. Politics & Policy: NH’s education reform push heats up as a former Laconia math teacher launches a Statehouse bid focused on workforce development and lower energy costs. Community & Business: A new curated antique shop, Brick & Mortar on Main, is set to open in Charlestown.

Big Tech & Consumer Protection: Georgia AG Chris Carr announced a record $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta over Instagram/Facebook child-safety and “addictive” design claims, with required reforms like daily time limits and nighttime protections. Statehouse & Housing: In New Hampshire politics, Laconia’s Paul Rossi is pushing education reform and lower energy costs, while Dana Silcock highlights affordable housing and his telecom-line background; meanwhile, Maggie Goodlander visited the River Center to spotlight family resources and federal funding needs. Insurer Digital Push: Co-operative Insurance (VT/NH) launched CI Connect, a ManageMy-powered self-service portal and mobile app for policy management, bill pay, and paperless options. Tech & Research Partnerships: Integer Technologies rolled out Integer Constellation Labs, including a hub at UNH, to speed applied research into national security tech. Local Economy & Costs: A MoneyLion housing-cost study says millennials pay more than Gen Z for shelter in every state, and a separate report shows U.S. consumer confidence dipped in August amid inflation worries. Environment & Food Markets: New Englanders are increasingly eating invasive green crabs, turning a damaging species into a premium seafood product. Legal/Real Estate: Comedian Jay Leno asked a New Hampshire court to recognize his wife’s conservatorship so he can sell co-owned property. Sports/Logistics: A. Duie Pyle won multiple categories in Logistics Management’s Quest for Quality Awards, underscoring ongoing supply-chain service strength.

Lake Winnipesaukee Development Fight: A New Hampshire group is urging courts and regulators to stop a potential luxury subdivision sale of the former Camp Menotomy, warning that more natural shoreline development could further undermine the lake’s water quality and the Lakes Region economy. Federal Health Policy Gap: A federal Medicaid drug-pricing plan for weight-loss medications still shows no participating states on its model page, leaving states and patients in limbo even as discounted prices were negotiated. Transportation Funding in Motion: New Hampshire lawmakers overrode Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s veto to move forward with the 10-year transportation plan, including higher tolls for drivers without E-ZPass starting Jan. 1, 2027. Invasive Species Watch: Officials confirmed spotted lanternflies in Salem, the first detection in New Hampshire, with reporting encouraged as teams monitor whether an established population takes hold. Ports & Fishing Infrastructure: Portsmouth officials and Gov. Ayotte cut the ribbon on a renovated commercial fishing pier at Peirce Island, funded with pandemic-era and state port money to support lobstermen. Election Administration: NH’s Secretary of State says his office is monitoring Supreme Court mail-in ballot litigation and will coordinate with the AG’s office ahead of the Sept. 8 primary. Energy Market Pressure: A new analysis highlights electricity prices rising across the U.S. since 2020, with New Hampshire among states seeing notable increases.

Energy & Utilities: NH leaders are again attacking Kelly Ayotte over data center policy, saying her past refusal to back a statewide moratorium helped drive higher electricity costs and could strain the grid. Public Safety: An OHRV crash in Weare sent a 31-year-old woman to Concord Hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries; Fish and Game stressed helmets and staying within riding ability. Aviation & Travel: Breeze Airways is suspending several Florida routes starting Sept. 2, leaving some small northeastern markets without nonstop service and offering cash refunds for affected passengers. Health & Medicine: Dartmouth researchers say alpha-gal syndrome may raise transfusion reaction risk for some patients receiving plasma or platelets from type B or AB donors. Business & Insurance: OpenRoad Insurance says it’s now licensed in 40 states, adding NH among recent expansions. Tech & Finance: A bank-led group is pushing to bring on-chain finance tools in-house, aiming to go live in 2027. Economy & Trade: New tariffs on Canadian goods could raise prices in NH, including hockey equipment, paper products, alcohol, and dairy. Education & Staffing: Many NH communities report school bus routes are fully staffed for the new year.

Health & Safety: Dartmouth Health researchers say tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome may also raise the risk of severe allergic reactions during blood plasma or platelet transfusions, especially for type O patients receiving B or AB units. Workforce & Education: New Hampshire school bus routes are starting the year fully staffed in many communities, with Student Transportation of America reporting steady hiring progress and drivers finding the job more appealing. Public Policy & Tech: A New Zealand group is pushing an App Store Accountability Bill that would require age checks and parent/caregiver consent for underage users, aiming to curb unsafe content and privacy risks. Politics & Federal Spending: Nearly 50 House Democrats are demanding a full accounting of U.S. war costs tied to Iran, arguing the price is far higher than early estimates. Immigration Enforcement: ICE staffing in New Hampshire rose 38% over the past year as the Trump administration expands enforcement nationwide. Energy & Industry: Tariffs on Canadian goods could lift prices for items including paper products, alcohol, dairy—and even hockey equipment. Business & Growth: Albany Engineered Composites will showcase advanced composite solutions at CAMX 2026, targeting aerospace and defense manufacturing. NH Economy & Talent: The New Hampshire Entrepreneurship Exchange is building a peer network to keep mentorship and networking closer to home.

Food Safety: Everything Sprouts recalled certain lots of alfalfa sprouts tied to a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak, with 55 illnesses reported across 15 states and four hospitalizations so far. Energy & Infrastructure: New Hampshire DOT began Route 9 paving from Center Street in Sullivan through Granite Lake Road and South Street in Stoddard, with work including Nelson ramps. Housing & Local Planning: A New Hampshire developer is seeking a zoning change for a housing project near Kittery Outlets, with a scaled plan now headed to the Town Council for final approval. Nuclear Policy: Connecticut will co-host a New England regional summit on advanced nuclear technologies at UMass Lowell on Sept. 30, with NH among participating states. Energy Costs: A North Country EV charging site in Gorham plans to shut down Tesla Superchargers after electricity costs outpaced revenue, highlighting the economics of public charging. Business & Real Estate: Accurate Title expands in New Hampshire by adding attorney Jacqueline Hudkins and growing its footprint in New London and Keene. Transportation & Logistics: Prep Partners Group released a peak-season fulfillment readiness guide for ecommerce teams, focusing on inventory, packaging, shipping rules, and returns planning. Public Safety: A Portsmouth-area Amazon Logistics crash case details catastrophic injuries tied to a drowsy driver, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of delivery operations.

NASCAR in Loudon: Tyler Reddick won the Dollar Tree 301 pole and leads a tight weekend as rain lingers over New Hampshire Motor Speedway, setting up a wet-to-dry strategy scramble for Sunday’s Cup race. Fuel & power costs: Gas prices keep climbing—national regular hit $4.10 as crude stays firm near $80/bbl—while New Hampshire’s spot-market electricity experience shows how volatile energy pricing can spike bills. EV charging reality check: A North Country site in Gorham plans to shut down Tesla Superchargers Oct. 25 after electricity costs outpaced revenue, highlighting the tough economics of public charging. Food safety: Alfalfa sprouts tied to a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak have been recalled; 55 illnesses and four hospitalizations are reported across 15 states, including New Hampshire. Local business & jobs: Accurate Title is expanding in New Hampshire with a new leadership hire, and Haley Ward named a first Northeast operations director to support growth across the region.

Food Safety: Everything Sprouts LLC recalled specific lots of alfalfa sprouts and related cups after a multistate E. coli/Salmonella outbreak sickened 55 people across 15 states, including New Hampshire; health officials urge consumers to throw out affected products and sanitize surfaces. Workforce & Training: Concord Regional Technical Center added a welding course after student demand and local industry feedback, expanding career options for teens from 30 towns. Transportation & Health Policy: Hospitals are bracing for major Medicaid/CHIP changes tied to H.R. 1, with leaders warning that guidance and enforcement timing could determine how much coverage is lost. Public Safety: New Hampshire State Police said an Epsom woman, Dawn Marquis, faced multiple charges after a pursuit and standoff shut down I-89 in Warner. Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. approved a $364M sale of APKWS-II guidance kits and related equipment to Italy, with BAE Systems in Nashua as prime contractor. Sports & Local Economy: NASCAR’s Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is set for Sunday with Tyler Reddick on pole, and weather could affect race conditions.

Public Safety: New Hampshire State Police say an Epsom woman, Dawn Marquis, was arrested after a pursuit and standoff that shut down I-89 near Warner; troopers used tire deflation devices and a K-9 before she was taken into custody and arraignment is set for Aug. 24. Food Safety: The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts distributed by Minnesota’s Everything Sprouts LLC; 55 people in 15 states are sick, including at least one case in New Hampshire, and consumers are urged to discard recalled Calco and Everything Sprouts products. Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. approved a $364M sale to Italy of 5,031 APKWS-II guidance kits, with BAE Systems in Nashua as prime contractor—laser-guided upgrades aimed at countering drones. Energy & Industry: AAA reports crude-driven fuel pressure pushing the national gas average higher, with Alaska holding steady while the U.S. average rises. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Laconia’s council will discuss shifting a wastewater program to a regional authority and consider a grant request for solar pole cameras. Business & Tech: A feature looks at AI data centers as “factories of the intelligence age,” framing them as the next major infrastructure buildout. Sports & Tourism: NASCAR’s Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is set for Sunday with Tyler Reddick on the pole, while race-weekend coverage highlights traffic and local traditions.

Food Safety: The FDA and CDC say an E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts has grown to 55 sickened across 15 states, including New Hampshire; officials advise consumers to discard affected sprouts and sanitize contact areas. Local Government & Infrastructure: Laconia’s council will weigh a wastewater program ownership shift that could move oversight away from the state, plus a plan to add solar pole cameras after grant funding updates. Housing & Planning: Meredith’s selectboard meets Monday on the Prescott Park master plan and an EMS contract, with park upgrades expected to run into the millions. Energy & Utilities: Connecticut and other New England states are asking federal regulators to pause Dominion’s $67B deal with NextEra, warning it could raise electric bills and increase monopoly power in the region, including NextEra’s New Hampshire nuclear footprint. Aviation Safety: A New Hampshire pilot, John Hall of Lee, died after a small plane crash into Pemaquid Harbor in Bristol, Maine; his son survived with non-life-threatening injuries. Business/Regional Development: New Hampshire’s Governor and Council approved $1M for a Whitefield rail transport hub and $400K for a Littleton Army National Guard field maintenance shop, alongside other North Country funding. Sports/Local Economy: NASCAR’s return to Loudon is bringing familiar race-weekend traffic and traditions at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, with fans leaning into camping and local food.

Wastewater & public safety: Laconia’s council will weigh shifting the Winnipesaukee River Basin wastewater program from state oversight to a regional authority, while also discussing a Homeland Security grant for solar pole cameras. Local planning: Meredith’s selectboard will hear the Prescott Park Master Plan presentation and vote on an EMS contract with Stewart’s Ambulance. Food safety: The CDC says the multistate E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has reached 55 cases across 15 states; the FDA is urging a recall by Everything Sprouts/Calco. Aviation: A Bristol, Maine crash killed pilot John Hall of Lee, N.H.; his son Tyler survived with non-life-threatening injuries as investigators continue. Energy & utilities: New Hampshire lawmakers overrode Gov. Ayotte’s veto to raise tolls for out-of-state drivers, and New England governors are pushing back on a proposed NextEra-Dominion utility merger. Housing market: A new report highlights continued strength in New Hampshire home sales, with buyers now taking more time and negotiating harder after inspections. Broadband: Major ISPs are seeking FCC permission to retire copper service in parts of the country.

Aviation Safety: A small plane chartered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crashed near an Alaska radar site, killing all eight aboard, as the NTSB and FAA investigate foggy conditions. Housing & Wealth: LendingTree reports Americans hold a record $34.9T in home equity, with the biggest shares concentrated in a handful of states—New Hampshire readers will care as affordability pressures keep shaping local markets. NH Transportation Costs: New Hampshire lawmakers overrode Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s veto to raise turnpike tolls starting Jan. 1, with higher rates for cash users and drivers not on a funded NH E-ZPass account. Local Housing Permitting: Cities are turning to AI to speed up housing approvals by catching incomplete applications, supported by new federal funding for automated permitting. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases keep trending down nationally, with Ohio’s new cases declining week over week; officials urge careful produce washing and safe food handling. NH Business & Growth: King Risk Partners acquired Connecticut’s The Roberts Agency, expanding construction insurance and surety bonding across the region. Food & Hospitality: Manchester’s Red Arrow Diner remains open 24/7 as all-night dining fades, highlighting how local businesses adapt to changing customer patterns.

Transportation & Fees: New Hampshire lawmakers overrode Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s vetoes to raise out-of-state tolls under the 10-year transportation plan, with Hampton I-95 tolls set to jump from $2 to $4 and other turnpike charges doubling or rising starting Jan. 1, alongside higher state park fees for nonresidents. Energy Policy: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited a New Hampshire Electric Co-op site, arguing clean energy spending is pushing up prices, while co-op officials say local solar helped moderate bills; meanwhile, New England governors are lining up a Sept. 30 summit on advanced nuclear tech at UMass Lowell. Water & Environment: NH received another $7.3 million PFAS settlement payment from 3M, adding to more than $43 million total returned to the Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund. Health Care Growth: Imagen Technologies, operating across 28 states, says it hit 200 radiologists and is expanding C-suite leadership as it scales AI-enabled imaging services. Local Business: Sea Dog Brewing’s Lowell future is in doubt after the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission denied its liquor license application. Defense Industry: AeroVironment announced an industrial presence in Greece via AV Eagle, aiming for operational status in fiscal 2027. Economy & Labor: NH unemployment remains low at 2.8%, but employers still report worker shortages, especially in retail, manufacturing, and construction. Politics: Saint Anselm polling shows Democrats leading ahead of NH primaries, with Chris Pappas ahead in the Senate primary. Aviation Safety: A pilot died after a small plane crash into Maine’s Pemaquid Harbor; the passenger escaped with non-life-threatening injuries.