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New Hampshire (4 local stories):

• NH housing market showing signs of stabilizing (NHPR): New Hampshire’s housing market is showing early signs of stabilizing, with the median sales price for a single-family home reaching $530,000 in March 2026 (the smallest annual increase since May 2023) while homes are staying on the market longer (44 days vs. 32 days last year), though demand still outpaces supply. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-04-08/housing-market-cooling-nh-real-estate-data

• Dog electrocuted behind Portsmouth High School (NHPR): A dog named Frankie was electrocuted behind Portsmouth High School on February 28 while being walked by its owner, who later pleaded with the City Council on April 6 to address the safety issue in honor of her pet. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-04-08/dog-electrocuted-portsmouth-school-prompts-plea-to-city

• Franklin teachers get raises but salaries lag neighbors (Concord Monitor): Franklin teachers received 8.5% to 13% salary increases for the 2026-2027 school year under a new contract, but entry-level pay remains below neighboring districts and high turnover persists. Link: https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/04/08/franklin-teachers-salary-disparity/

• Manchester Hanover Street parking removal advances (Union Leader): Plans to remove about 25 on-street parking spots on Manchester’s Hanover Street are moving forward as part of a $1.8 million project to widen sidewalks and improve pedestrian access in downtown. Link: https://www.unionleader.com/news/local/manchester/plans-to-remove-parking-on-manchester-s-hanover-street-move-forward/article_ca5e3ffc-6c23-48ab-b88f-17387f275885.html

Maine (4 local stories):

• Portland schools consider giving up central office (Portland Press Herald): Portland Public Schools is considering closing its central office on Cumberland Avenue amid declining enrollment and a $4 million state funding cut, which could save $250,000, with the building eyed as a possible new family shelter. Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/08/portland-school-district-considers-giving-up-central-office-building/

• Bangor bus riders frustrated by cuts and upcoming fare hike (Bangor Daily News): Bangor’s Community Connector bus service has cut routes and Saturday service due to driver shortages, leading to rider frustration over longer waits and limited hours ahead of a fare increase to $2 next year. Link: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/04/08/bangor/bangor-health/bangor-bus-service-cuts-joam40zk0w/

• Arrest made in 2017 Portland murder of Tom Yamada (NewsCenterMaine): Portland police arrested 42-year-old Stephen Versluis Jr. on April 8 in the 2017 murder of Sunao “Tom” Yamada, following a nearly nine-year investigation by multiple agencies. Link: https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/portland/tom-yamada-murder-arrest-portland-maine-stephen-versluis-jr-junior/97-99caf909-dd1d-444e-8814-ba340a9432a6

• 10-unit affordable housing proposed for Skowhegan (Centralmaine.com): Community Housing of Maine proposes demolishing two vacant homes on Waterville Road in Skowhegan to build a three-story, 10-unit affordable apartment complex, with construction starting this fall and units available in about two years. Link: https://www.centralmaine.com/2026/04/09/affordable-housing-developer-proposes-10-unit-project-in-skowhegan/

Vermont (4 local stories):

• Burlington man sentenced in 2022 restaurant stabbing (VTDigger): Burlington man Von Simmonds was sentenced to at least 17½ years in prison for the second-degree murder of 23-year-old Abubakar Sharrif during a fight at Piesanos restaurant on Main Street in December 2022. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/04/08/burlington-man-sentenced-to-at-least-17½-years-in-prison-for-deadly-stabbing-in-restaurant/

• Franklin County sheriff won’t seek reelection (Vermont Public): Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore announced he will not seek a second term, citing challenges during his tenure including a 2022 assault charge that led to mistrials, dismissal, and revocation of his law enforcement credentials. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-04-06/franklin-county-sheriff-wont-seek-reelection

• Primary care funding concerns in state budget (VTDigger): Vermont’s House-approved budget increases funding for primary care provider scholarships and loan repayment but eliminates a $500,000 annual allocation for early-career pipeline programs, which advocates say is insufficient to expand the rural workforce. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/04/08/if-vermont-is-going-to-scale-up-primary-care-health-advocates-say-this-one-funding-priority-is-crucial/

• Lawmakers visit state prison but press excluded (VTDigger): Vermont House Corrections and Institutions Committee lawmakers visited the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, but the press was not allowed due to security and privacy concerns, sparking calls for greater transparency. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/04/08/lawmakers-visited-a-state-prison-but-press-wasnt-welcome/

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New Hampshire:

• NHPR: Bill proposes toll increase for out-of-state drivers to help fund NH highway upgrades. A bill would raise toll rates on the New Hampshire turnpike system for cash-paying and non-NH E-ZPass users to support projects in the state’s 10-year transportation improvement plan. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-04-02/toll-increase-proposed-nh-out-of-state-drivers Source: NHPR

• New Hampshire Bulletin: Disability care providers: New Hampshire needs more abuse and neglect investigators. Disability care providers are calling for additional investigators to handle cases of abuse and neglect in the state’s care system. Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/04/01/disability-care-providers-new-hampshire-needs-more-abuse-and-neglect-investigators/ Source: New Hampshire Bulletin

• NH Journal: Disbarred Attorney Nadeau Found Guilty of Stealing From Impaired Client. Disbarred Portsmouth attorney Justin P. Nadeau was convicted of stealing from an impaired client. Link: https://nhjournal.com/disbarred-attorney-nadeau-found-guilty-of-stealing-from-impaired-client/ Source: NH Journal

• NHPR: North Country Growers suspends operations pending new financing. The hydroponic greenhouse operation that supplies lettuce to local and regional grocery stores has suspended operations while it seeks new financing. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-04-02/north-country-growers-suspends-operations-pending-new-financing-hydroponic-greenhouse Source: NHPR

Maine:

• Portland Press Herald: How modular housing can help solve Maine’s affordable home shortage. Modular construction offers controlled costs, faster timelines, and customizable plans as a sustainable way to address the state’s shortage of affordable homes. Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/01/how-modular-housing-can-help-solve-maines-affordable-home-shortage/ Source: Portland Press Herald

• Portland Press Herald: Some Maine governments aren’t spending their opioid funds. Why not? Significant opioid settlement money remains unspent by various local and state governments, raising questions about delays in putting the funds to use. Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/02/still-a-lot-of-money-sitting-there-why-some-maine-governments-arent-spending-opioid-funds/ Source: Portland Press Herald

• The Maine Wire: Three Arrested During Drug Raid in Milford. Local authorities arrested three people during a drug raid in Milford. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/04/three-arrested-during-drug-raid-in-milford/ Source: The Maine Wire

• The Maine Wire: Lewiston Ward 5 Community Mixer Draws Sparse Crowd, Little Public Engagement. A community mixer in Lewiston’s Ward 5 attracted few attendees and generated minimal public participation. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/04/lewiston-ward-5-community-mixer-draws-sparse-crowd-little-public-engagement/ Source: The Maine Wire

Vermont:

• VTDigger: Vermont labor board orders state to end return-to-office requirement for employees. The Vermont labor board ruled that the state must end its return-to-office mandate for state employees. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/04/01/vermont-labor-board-says-state-must-end-return-to-office-requirement-for-employees/Source: VTDigger

• VTDigger: Milton state representative resigns to be ‘fully present’ in town manager role. State Rep. Chris Taylor resigned his seat in the House to focus fully on his duties as Milton town manager. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/04/01/milton-state-representative-resigns-to-be-fully-present-in-town-manager-role/ Source: VTDigger

• VTDigger: Hinesburg bridges beset by FEMA fund shortfall. The town of Hinesburg faces a nearly $1.6 million shortfall in FEMA funding needed to repair two bridges and a culvert. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/03/31/hinesburg-bridges-beset-by-fema-fund-shortfall/ Source: VTDigger

• Vermont Public: Vermont Legislature weighs the power of towns to regulate farming. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would clarify the authority of towns to regulate local farming operations. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-04-01/legislature-weighs-power-towns-regulate-farming Source: Vermont Public

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New Hampshire:

• New Hampshire lawmakers are considering increasing the state’s contribution to special education costs. Source: New Hampshire Bulletin. Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/03/25/new-hampshire-lawmakers-consider-increasing-state-contribution-to-special-education-costs/

• As the legislative session hits its midpoint, the NH House and Senate are voting on remaining child care bills. Source: New Hampshire Bulletin. Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/03/26/as-legislative-session-hits-midpoint-the-nh-house-and-senate-vote-on-remaining-child-care-bills/

• The GO-NORTH health care initiative cleared the Executive Council on a 3-2 vote amid conflict concerns. Source: NH Journal. Link: https://nhjournal.com/go-north-clears-executive-council-on-3-2-vote-amid-conflict-concerns/

• Executive Councilor John Stephen’s sidewalk rescue is inspiring a push for more CPR education at the State House. Source: NH Journal. Link: https://nhjournal.com/councilor-stephens-sidewalk-rescue-inspires-cpr-push-at-state-house/

Maine:

• The union representing designers at Bath Iron Works is preparing to strike after contract talks broke down. Source: The Maine Wire. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/03/biw-designers-union-heads-to-strike-after-contract-talks-break-down/

• Governor Janet Mills signed exemptions to a new law banning stores with pharmacies from selling tobacco products. Source: The Maine Wire. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/03/exemptions-to-new-law-banning-stores-with-pharmacies-from-selling-tobacco-products-signed-by-gov-janet-mills/

• Houlton is set to begin a nearly $1.3 million downtown sidewalk project to improve pedestrian access and safety. Source: Bangor Daily News. Link: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/03/26/aroostook/aroostook-government/houlton-downtown-sidewalk-project-joam40zk0w/

• Clifton election results are in limbo after the town discovered two overlooked absentee ballots for the select board race. Source: Bangor Daily News. Link: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/03/26/penobscot/penobscot-government/clifton-maine-select-board-election-absentee-ballots/

Vermont:

• Lawmakers are taking stock of Vermont’s irregular school transportation system. Source: VTDigger. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/03/25/lawmakers-take-stock-of-vermonts-irregular-school-transportation-system/

• The legislature approved six judges for new terms, including a southern Vermont judge who faced heightened scrutiny. Source: VTDigger. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/03/25/legislature-approves-6-judges-for-new-terms-including-southern-vermont-judge-who-faced-heightened-scrutiny/

• A homeless man in Burlington was found in a city park and died of hypothermia. Source: Vermont Public. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-03-25/burlington-homeless-man-found-in-city-park-died-of-hypothermia

• Hundreds protested Act 181 on the Statehouse steps as new land-use rules come into focus. Source: Vermont Public. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-03-24/hundreds-protest-act-181-on-statehouse-steps-as-new-land-use-rules-come-into-focus

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• New Hampshire Bulletin: How COVID is still affecting early care and education six years later. Lingering effects from the pandemic continue to challenge childcare providers and early education programs across the state. Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/03/19/how-covid-is-still-affecting-early-care-and-education-six-years-later/

• New Hampshire Bulletin: Bill seeks to boost local electricity in New Hampshire through natural gas, nuclear. A proposal to enhance in-state power production using these sources. Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/03/18/bill-seeks-to-boost-local-electricity-in-new-hampshire-through-natural-gas-nuclear/

• NHPR: ‘Like the Mariana Trench’: Potholes are bad this year. Here’s why. Harsh winter has led to exceptionally severe potholes on NH roads. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news(recent story)

• NH Journal: ‘No Sales Tax!’ Ayotte Vetos So-Called Paint Tax Bill. The governor rejected the paint can stewardship proposal. Link: https://nhjournal.com/no-sales-tax-ayotte-vetos-so-called-paint-tax-bill/

Maine

• Portland Press Herald: Plan to boost child care in Maine gains support, but funding remains uncertain. Lawmakers back adding millions for families, though funding details are pending. Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/03/19/plan-to-boost-child-care-in-maine-gains-support-but-funding-remains-uncertain/

• Portland Press Herald: Gov. Janet Mills signs bill for emergency funding for Maine’s public defense services. $21 million allocated to address attorney payment shortfalls. Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/03/19/gov-janet-mills-signs-bill-for-emergency-funding-for-maines-public-defense-services/

• Portland Press Herald: Maine announces $12M to help fund housing first projects in 3 cities. State investment in supportive housing initiatives. Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/03/18/maine-announces-12m-to-help-fund-housing-first-projects-in-3-cities/

• The Maine Wire: Conservative Augusta School Board Member Vows Not to Support Any Budget Until District follows Title IX and Bars Males from Girls’ Spaces. Standoff over school policy and facilities. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/03/conservative-augusta-school-board-member-vows-not-to-support-any-budget-until-district-follows-title-ix-and-bars-males-from-girls-spaces/

Vermont

• VTDigger: Vermont State Police make arrest in Brownington suspicious death. A woman faces murder charges in the case. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/03/19/vermont-state-police-make-arrest-in-brownington-suspicious-death-investigation/

• VTDigger: Legislative panel votes against keeping southern Vermont judge on the bench. Recommendation against retaining Judge Rachel Malone awaits full vote. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/03/18/legislative-panel-votes-against-keeping-southern-vermont-judge-on-the-bench/

• Vermont Public: What happens when your town can’t afford to fix the roads? Rural towns dropping some road maintenance; state lawmakers seeking aid options. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news

• Vermont Public: Brattleboro housing project construction could start this summer after receiving state aid. State support for 28-unit development at former school site. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news (recent coverage)

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• UNH’s $212K DEI Director Out, but Race-Based Policies May Remain: The University of New Hampshire’s $212,000 DEI officer is leaving after surviving budget constraints, legislative actions, and executive orders, though race-based policies might persist. Link: https://nhjournal.com/unhs-212k-dei-director-out-but-race-based-policies-may-remain/Source: NH Journal

• North Country senator proposes freeze on certain hospital CEO salaries amid Lancaster controversy: A North Country senator is proposing a freeze on salaries for certain hospital CEOs following a controversy in Lancaster, aiming to address concerns over executive compensation in the region’s healthcare sector. Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/03/11/north-country-senator-proposes-freeze-on-certain-hospital-ceo-salaries-amid-lancaster-controversy/ Source: New Hampshire Bulletin

• GOP Loses Carroll County Seat in Special Election Upset: Democrat Bobbi Boudman defeated Republican Dale Fincher in a special election for Carroll County District 7, winning 51 percent of the vote. Link: https://nhjournal.com/gop-loses-carroll-county-seat-in-special-election-upset/ Source: NH Journal

• Forty years, and many town meetings later, Mont Vernon has a new library: After the idea for a new library arose in 1986, the Daland Memorial Library finally made its debut in Mont Vernon in February. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-03-12/forty-years-and-many-town-meetings-later-mont-vernon-has-a-new-library Source: NHPR

Maine

• Turner Drug Bust Leads to Three Arrests: The Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department arrested three suspects during a search-warrant execution in Turner following a months-long investigation. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/03/turner-drug-bust-leads-to-three-arrests/ Source: The Maine Wire

• Heating oil prices are climbing in Maine, but assistance is still available: The average price of heating oil in Maine has risen to $4.83 a gallon, a 90-cent increase from the previous week and $1.00 more than last year, with assistance programs remaining available to help residents. Link: https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2026-03-11/heating-oil-prices-are-climbing-in-maine-but-assistance-is-still-available Source: Maine Public

• Greater Bangor taxpayers will likely pay more this year: Taxpayers in the Greater Bangor area are expected to face higher payments in the current year. Link: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/03/12/bangor/bangor-government/greater-bangor-higher-taxes-joam40zk0w/ Source: Bangor Daily News

• School teachers union concerned about staff cuts in early drafts of some school budgets: The Maine teachers union is raising concerns over proposed staff reductions in budget drafts from districts including Lewiston, Portland, and South Portland, where 20 or more positions are slated for cuts. Link: https://www.mainepublic.org/education-news/2026-03-11/school-teachers-union-concerned-about-staff-cuts-in-early-drafts-of-some-school-budgets Source: Maine Public

Vermont

• ICE agents took into custody a person they were not seeking after Vermont standoff: Federal authorities stated that a person detained after a standoff at a South Burlington home was not the individual identified in their arrest warrant. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/03/12/ice-agents-took-into-custody-a-person-they-were-not-seeking-after-vermont-standoff/ Source: VTDigger

• Vermont Senate advances constitutional amendment guaranteeing equal protection: The Vermont Senate has moved forward with a proposed amendment to the state constitution to ensure equal protection under the law. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-03-11/vermont-senate-advances-constitutional-amendment-guaranteeing-equal-protection Source: Vermont Public

• Vermont lawmakers consider banning machine gun parts: Vermont lawmakers are debating a ban on machine gun parts, alongside discussions on an equal rights amendment and other matters. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/03/11/vermont-lawmakers-consider-banning-machine-gun-parts/ Source: VTDigger

• Vermont communities watch ice jams closely: Communities across Vermont are monitoring ice jams amid ongoing weather conditions. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-03-10/vermont-communities-watch-ice-jams-closely Source: Vermont Public

New Hampshire

• Advocates propose statewide income tax to lessen property taxes, sparking firestorm**: Advocates have proposed a “3-3 Tax Savings Plan” that would institute a 3% income tax for all residents and a $3 tax per $1,000 of equalized property value to reduce property taxes, causing significant controversy. Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/03/03/advocates-propose-statewide-income-tax-to-lessen-property-taxes-sparking-firestorm/. Source: New Hampshire Bulletin.

• Need child care in NH? Here’s how to access state funds to pay for it**: The state of New Hampshire has a scholarship fund that allocates money toward a family’s child care costs, but it is drastically underused. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-03-04/child-care-cost-nh-scholarship-program. Source: NHPR.

• Lawmakers agree the state’s aging dams are a problem but are divided over who should pay**: New Hampshire lawmakers acknowledge that the state’s aging dams are an issue but disagree on funding responsibility. Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/03/03/lawmakers-agree-the-states-aging-dams-are-a-problem-but-are-divided-over-who-should-pay/. Source: New Hampshire Bulletin.

• Proposed investigation into NH’s chief justice divides House Republicans**: A proposal to investigate New Hampshire’s chief justice, Gordon MacDonald, is causing division among House Republicans. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-03-04/nh-newhampshire-supreme-court-gordon-macdonald-investigation-politics. Source: NHPR.

Maine

• Maine man found guilty of murder in death of 3-year-old girl**: Tyler Witham-Jordan of Edgecomb was convicted of murder in the death of 3-year-old Makinzlee Handrahan on Christmas Day 2022. Link: https://www.wabi.tv/2026/03/04/maine-man-found-guilty-murder-death-3-year-old-girl. Source: WABI.

• Plans show two types of Democrats running for governor in 2026**: Troy Jackson and Shenna Bellows are staking out a populist lane, while Hannah Pingree, Nirav Shah, and Angus King III are showing themselves to be more technocratic in the race for Maine governor. Link: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/03/04/politics/elections/types-of-democrat-running-maine-governor-joam40zk0w/. Source: Bangor Daily News.

• Judges order release of 2 workers detained in Skowhegan immigration bust**: Two workers among a group of about a dozen heading to a farm in Madison were ordered released after being detained in an immigration operation. Link: https://www.centralmaine.com/2026/03/04/judges-order-release-of-2-workers-detained-in-skowhegan-immigration-bust/. Source: Centralmaine.com.

• Auburn Police Investigating after Homeless Man Found Dead**: The Auburn Police Department is investigating the death of a homeless man found at an encampment near railroad tracks. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/03/auburn-police-investigating-after-homeless-man-found-dead/. Source: The Maine Wire.

Vermont

• Voters approve a majority of Town Meeting Day school budgets**: Education leaders characterized Tuesday’s results as a return to normal following a historic rejection of school budgets two years ago, with most budgets passing despite property tax concerns. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/03/04/voters-approve-a-majority-of-town-meeting-day-school-budgets/. Source: VTDigger.

• Grand Isle man accused of driving over deputy sheriff after traffic stop**: A man from Grand Isle faces charges after allegedly striking and dragging a deputy during an escape attempt following a traffic stop, leading to an hourslong manhunt. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/03/05/grand-isle-man-accused-of-driving-over-deputy-sheriff-after-traffic-stop/. Source: VTDigger.

• Waterbury considers building new housing on the edge of 100-year flood zone**: Aerial imagery from 2023 flooding shows water covering part of the proposed site, and neighbors worry adding homes could worsen risks. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-03-05/waterbury-considers-building-new-housing-on-the-edge-of-100-year-flood-zone. Source: Vermont Public.

• Delegation asks FEMA to explain why it denied aid for Vermont’s 2025 flooding damage**: As state officials consider providing funds to Northeast Kingdom towns, local leaders express frustration over the federal denial. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/03/04/delegation-asks-fema-to-explain-why-it-denied-aid-for-vermonts-2025-flooding-damage/. Source: VTDigger.

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New Hampshire

• Ayotte pitched tax credits for businesses with child care: Senator Kelly Ayotte proposed tax credits for businesses offering child care, and the initiative is progressing through the New Hampshire Legislature with discussions on its implementation and potential impact. https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/26/ayotte-pitched-tax-credits-for-businesses-with-child-care-heres-how-its-going-in-the-legislature/ - New Hampshire Bulletin

• State to ask Supreme Court to overturn Claremont school funding rulings: The New Hampshire government is planning to petition the state Supreme Court to reverse the 1990s Claremont rulings on school funding, arguing they misinterpret the constitution. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-02-25/education-funding-taxes-nh-newhampshire-supreme-court-claremont - NHPR

• Merrimack officials relieved DHS is ditching detention facility plan: Local officials and residents in Merrimack are expressing relief after Governor Kelly Ayotte announced the Department of Homeland Security is abandoning plans for an ICE detention center in the town. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-02-24/ayotte-ice-detention-merrimack-newhampshire - NHPR

• School choice programs grow in popularity and cost: Enrollment in New Hampshire’s school choice initiatives is rising, along with associated financial costs, prompting discussions on sustainability and expansion. https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/25/repub/school-choice-programs-grow-in-popularity-and-cost/ - New Hampshire Bulletin

Maine

• Lawmakers consider bill to impose stricter hiring standards for teachers: A bipartisan bill in Maine’s Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs aims to tighten teacher hiring rules to better protect children, addressing past educator-related incidents. https://www.themainewire.com/2026/02/lawmakers-consider-bill-to-impose-stricter-hiring-standards-for-teachers/ - The Maine Wire

• Ohio airline launches new twice-weekly route to Maine: Breeze Airways is starting service from Akron-Canton, Ohio, to Portland, Maine, this summer while dropping its Los Angeles route due to costs, boosting local connectivity. https://www.themainewire.com/2026/02/ohio-airline-dumps-california-launches-new-twice-weekly-route-to-maine/ - The Maine Wire

• 3 hospitalized after head-on crash on Route 26 in Poland: Three people, including two teenagers, were injured in a head-on collision when an SUV crossed the center line, leading to hospitalizations and an ongoing investigation. https://wgme.com/news/local/3-hospitalized-after-head-on-crash-on-route-26-in-poland-maine-androscoggin-county-maine-street - WGME

• Online wine sellers no longer shipping to Maine: Some direct-to-consumer wine companies have stopped shipments due to a new state law requiring compliance with local regulations, as explained by the Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations. https://wgme.com/news/i-team/why-are-some-online-wine-sellers-no-longer-shipping-to-maine-convenience-variety-direct-to-consumer-wine-shipping-maine-bureau-of-alcoholic-beverages-and-lottery-operations - WGME

Vermont

• Poll finds statewide housing crisis at a breaking point: A new poll shows Vermont’s housing affordability and availability issues are critically affecting residents across party lines, with strong support for legislative action. https://www.wcax.com/2026/02/25/poll-finds-vermont-housing-crisis-breaking-point - WCAX

• Concern over big data centers is growing: Lawmakers and activists are pushing for pauses on large data centers in Vermont due to energy and environmental concerns, while regulators see potential opportunities. https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-02-26/concern-over-big-data-centers-is-growing-is-vermont-likely-to-get-one - Vermont Public

• Health insurance, inflation driving school budget increases: Vermont school districts are facing about a 7% rise in health insurance costs, alongside inflation and federal funding cuts, contributing to higher budgets this year. https://vtdigger.org/2026/02/26/health-insurance-inflation-and-federal-funding-cuts-heres-whats-driving-school-budget-increases-this-year - VTDigger

• Jon Murad to officially take over Vermont’s Department of Corrections: Former Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad is set to become commissioner of the state’s Department of Corrections, overseeing prison operations and reforms. https://www.wcax.com/2026/02/26/jon-murad-officially-take-over-vermonts-department-corrections - WCAX

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Read A. J.'s op-ed on the CP of NH convention: https://www.newenglandtake.com/p/a-different-direction-for-granite

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I have never hid my idealistic affection for the Libertarian movement, even though so many appear to value national separation and literal anarchy, but I have always pushed for adherence to the US Constitution as the cornerstone to keeping our nation together. Enter a party with it right in the name…

The Constitution Party of New Hampshire is officially four years old and I had the opportunity to attend their state convention at a small community church. It bled New England, down home politics from top to bottom. From the craft fairs that fund their work (instead of the corrupting PAC money that mainstream parties breed) to the focus on educating future generations in God and our nation’s ideals. I felt like I had traveled back in time to before cable news and the internet’s destruction of our discourse.

Why don’t we see more movements like this? Pragmatism can breed cynicism, something I am definitely guilty of. Our political duopoly and their requirements of fundraising dollars to be platformed is detrimental, something CP of NH’s Chairman Edmond Laplante puts as the cornerstone of his current run for US Senate. Although he polled highly with right-wingers in his previous attempt to run on the Republican ticket, he was denied the debate stage from all media outlets. Even the New Hampshire Republican Committee, who should be no friend to the media, gladly accepting this roadblock.

I felt hope seeing a country church filled with motivated community members that are focused on future generations and preparing them to take their place. This is the polar opposite to the current climate in DC, caring solely on the donors that grease the palms of the boomers. Half of this program was focused on homeschooling resources and where to get quality materials for our future leaders. From phonics to presidential history. Even a pilot idea for raising money for the party through educational resources. Not to mention the summer camp that brings families together under the banner of our founding document at Camp Constitution.

If our nation can’t stand on founding principles, we are doomed to fail. It is essential that we stand under the stars and stripes as a united people, not looking for a victim or oppressor. There will always be issues in our nation that we will disagree on the solution to, but a level of nationalism under a common set or rules is what keeps this all from unraveling.

I hope we can learn a vital lesson from a small, Sunday meeting. That although we might approach our nations issues from different perspectives and income brackets, we don’t forget why we are in this grand experiment together. Our common set of rules written in the Constitution can allow us to recenter and write off the chaos as just useless feedback of our online discourse. I remain optimistic to the future, as I hope you will, too.

New Hampshire

• PFAS concerns in agricultural sludge: A bill in the New Hampshire House proposes a five-year moratorium on using PFAS-laden sewage sludge on farms and a fund to compensate affected farmers for losses. (Source: NHPR, https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-02-19/sludge-pfas-agriculture-farming-legislature-nh-fund-moratorium)

• Home education requirements overhaul: Proposed legislation would eliminate nearly all notification and record-keeping requirements for home education programs unless families seek public school resources. (Source: NHPR, https://www.nhpr.org/nhpr-news-partner/2026-02-18/nh-home-education-requirements-bill-legislation-changes)

• Education funding declared adequate: A Republican-backed bill asserts that New Hampshire’s current public education funding levels are already sufficient, pushing back against calls for increases. (Source: New Hampshire Bulletin, https://newhampshirebulletin.com/new-hampshire-education-funding-is-already-adequate-republican-bill-asserts)

• Brain drain linked to housing and energy costs: A panel identifies skyrocketing housing prices and high energy costs as key drivers behind New Hampshire’s loss of younger residents, contributing to an aging population. (Source: NH Journal, https://nhjournal.com/panel-blames-housing-prices-energy-costs-for-nhs-brain-drain/)

Maine

• Portland revokes nonprofit tax exemptions: The city has revoked or denied tax-exempt status for nearly 20 nonprofits in the past year, raising closure risks for organizations like Maine Public and the Maine Irish Heritage Center. (Source: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com/2026/02/19/portland-revoked-or-denied-tax-exempt-status-for-nearly-50-nonprofits-in-past-year/)

• Houlton removes surveillance cameras: After resident pressure, the northern Maine town dismantled dozens of security cameras, though critics remain concerned about previously collected data. (Source: The Maine Wire, https://www.themainewire.com/2026/02/northern-maine-town-dismantles-surveillance-cameras-but-critics-are-still-suspicious/)

• Aroostook housing shortage amid industry growth: As new industries expand in The County, uncertainty grows over whether enough housing will be available for incoming workers. (Source: Bangor Daily News, https://bangordailynews.com/2026/02/19/aroostook/aroostook-housing/new-industry-aroostook-housing-shortage-joam40zk0w/)

• Push for medical cannabis testing: Lawmakers are considering a bill to finally require mold and chemical testing for medical cannabis products sold in Maine. (Source: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com/2026/02/18/maine-could-finally-require-mold-chemical-testing-for-medical-cannabis/)

Vermont

• Housing crisis bill balances renter and landlord needs: A new legislative proposal would cap security deposits and rent increases while speeding up evictions to address Vermont’s severe housing shortage. (Source: VTDigger, https://vtdigger.org/2026/02/18/can-vermont-lawmakers-ease-the-housing-crisis-by-helping-renters-and-also-landlords/)

• County fairs threatened by new water rules: Thriving Vermont county fairs are raising alarms over updated wastewater regulations that could jeopardize their operations. (Source: VTDigger, https://vtdigger.org/2026/02/18/vermonts-county-fairs-are-thriving-now-they-worry-updated-water-rules-could-threaten-that/)

• Voluntary school consolidation plan: A senator’s bill offers districts a two-year window for voluntary mergers, contrasting with other forced consolidation proposals. (Source: VTDigger, https://vtdigger.org/2026/02/18/senators-school-consolidation-proposal-would-allow-2-year-period-for-voluntary-mergers/)

• Brattleboro Town Meeting ballot confusion: This year’s Town Meeting Day ballot in Brattleboro includes multiple proposals aimed at local solutions but has left some voters puzzled by overlapping items. (Source: Vermont Public, https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-02-18/brattleboro-town-meeting-day-ballot-solutions-confusion)