1. Data Center Proposed in Nottingham Stirs Community Opposition A Seacoast entrepreneur, Thomas Moulton, is proposing to build a data center on a stretch of Route 4 in Nottingham. The Nottingham Planning Board moved its May 27th meeting to the local school to accommodate heightened community interest. Some residents warn that data centers draw huge amounts of power and water. 📰 Source: NHPR | 🔗 https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-05-26/data-center-nottingham-nh-newhampshire-proposal New Hampshire Public Radio

2. Young Workers Moving to NH, But Affordability May Push Them Out In-migration is a primary driver of population growth in New Hampshire, especially among young, working-age adults. However, concerns about the rising costs of child care, healthcare, and housing may be preventing young residents from staying long-term. As of 2024, about two-thirds of the state’s population was born outside of New Hampshire. 📰 Source: NHPR | 🔗 https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-05-28/young-workers-moving-nh-affordability-concerns-hard-stay-migration-retention-nhfpi New Hampshire Public RadioNew Hampshire Public Radio

3. House and Senate Reach Agreement on Agricultural PFAS Contamination Bill House and Senate negotiators reached agreement on a PFAS contamination bill that exempts farmers from civil liability related to PFAS contamination of their land or products due to “standard agricultural practices,” which include the spreading of treated sewage sludge, or biosolids, on farmlands. 📰 Source: New Hampshire Bulletin | 🔗 https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/05/27/house-and-senate-negotiators-reach-agreement-on-agricultural-pfas-contamination-bill/ New Hampshire Bulletin

🌲 MAINE

1. Portland Teachers Union Calls on Voters to Reject School Budget The Portland teachers union is urging voters to reject the $179.3 million school budget, with the union’s executive board arguing it is top-heavy, cutting “essential, student-facing support positions.” The vote on the school budget is scheduled for June 9th, the same day as the statewide primaries. Portland has not rejected a school budget in at least 15 years. 📰 Sources: Portland Press Herald & The Maine Wire | 🔗 https://www.pressherald.com/2026/05/26/portland-teachers-union-asks-voters-to-vote-no-on-school-district-budget-2/ Portland Press HeraldPortland Press Herald

2. Maine Upholds Decision to Suspend MaineCare Payments to Gateway Community Services The Maine Department of Health and Human Services upheld its decision to suspend MaineCare payments to Gateway Community Services due to allegations of fraud. The fraud stories in Maine have drawn national attention from outlets including Fox News, NewsNation, and Newsmax. 📰 Sources: Bangor Daily News & The Maine Wire | 🔗 https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/05/22/politics/state-politics/maine-gateway-community-services-medicaid-payments-decision-upheld/ Bangor Daily NewsThe Maine Wire

3. Maine Bans Cellphones in Schools — Governor Signs Law at Westbrook High Gov. Janet Mills joined state and local lawmakers at Westbrook High School to celebrate a new statewide ban on cellphones in Maine schools. 📰 Source: WABI (Bangor) | 🔗

https://www.wabi.tv/

WABI

🍁 VERMONT

1. Vermont Senate Passes Education Reform Bill with Voluntary District Mergers The Vermont Senate passed an education reform bill that will not force school districts to consolidate, after negotiating a compromise with Republican Gov. Phil Scott that likely averts an impasse that had been brewing for several weeks. Though Democratic lawmakers and Republican Gov. Phil Scott have reached consensus on school governance reforms, they remain at odds over how aggressively to rein in education spending, with lawmakers planning to adjourn by Friday night. 📰 Sources: VTDigger & Vermont Public | 🔗 https://vtdigger.org/2026/05/26/senate-passes-education-reform-bill-with-voluntary-school-district-mergers-after-compromise-deal/ VTDiggerVermont Public

2. Partial Repeal of Vermont’s Controversial Land-Use Law Act 181 Heads to Governor’s Desk In a victory for a rural coalition that had been protesting the state’s controversial land-use law, a bill that would partially roll back Act 181 is now headed to Gov. Phil Scott’s desk. The Vermont House had earlier voted to scrap the road rule and Tier 3 measures, which rural landowners had argued would infringe on private property rights and add costs. 📰 Sources: Vermont Public & VTDigger | 🔗 https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-05-27/partial-repeal-of-vermonts-land-use-law-act-181-heads-to-gov-phil-scotts-desk Vermont PublicVTDigger

3. UVM Seeks $15 Million in Taxpayer Funds for New 5,000-Seat Athletic Venue Officials at the University of Vermont are asking the Legislature for $15 million in public funding to construct a 5,000-seat athletic and entertainment venue. House and Senate lawmakers are split over whether to provide the money, and the appropriation could become a key bargaining chip as they negotiate a final version of the 2027 state budget. 📰 Source: Vermont Public | 🔗 https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-05-11/university-vermont-seeks-taxpayer-money-5000-seat-athletic-venue Vermont Public

1. Director of Youth Detention Center Resigns Amid Abuse Scandal The director of the Sununu Youth Services Center, Joshua Nye, resigned following multiple investigations into allegations of abuse at the facility. Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced the resignation after an Executive Council meeting. A legislative committee had called for his “immediate” replacement, citing sweeping failures including allegations of improper restraints, an extended lockdown, and injuries to staff and children. New Hampshire Public Radio + 2

• 🔗 NHPR | New Hampshire Bulletin | Concord Monitor

2. Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest Saved; Bartlett Still Under Review After months of uncertainty, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in the White Mountains will officially remain open amid the U.S. Forest Service’s nationwide reorganization, according to Gov. Kelly Ayotte. The Forest Service had previously announced plans to close over 50 of its 77 research facilities, including Bartlett Experimental Forest. The USDA will now reevaluate those plans for Bartlett. New Hampshire Public RadioNew Hampshire Public Radio

• 🔗 NHPR | New Hampshire Bulletin

3. School Choice “Open Enrollment” Pilot Revived at Legislature After a setback earlier in the session — when 21 House Republicans joined Democrats to defeat a Senate-passed bill — school choice advocates are pushing a scaled-back open enrollment pilot program as the legislature nears the end of its 2026 session. Gov. Kelly Ayotte has expressed “some concerns” about universal open enrollment and has not clearly endorsed or opposed any final version. New Hampshire BulletinNew Hampshire Bulletin

• 🔗 New Hampshire Bulletin | NH Journal

🗺️ MAINE

1. Firefighter Killed in Explosion at Robbins Lumber Mill One firefighter was killed and at least 10 people were injured in a fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, a well-known mill in the Maine lumber industry, drawing a massive response from first responders across the Midcoast region. The firefighter was identified as Andrew Cross, 27, a member of the Morrill Fire Department. He was found dead at the scene. Portland Press HeraldNewscenter Maine

• 🔗 Portland Press Herald | The Maine Wire

2. Cities and Towns Form Patchwork of Data Center Moratoriums After Governor’s Veto After Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a statewide temporary ban on data centers, several cities and towns — including Sanford — responded by introducing their own emergency moratoriums. Brunswick is also among several Maine municipalities now considering such measures. At least four towns have proposed moratoriums to give themselves time to refine local regulations. Portland Press HeraldPortland Press Herald

• 🔗 Portland Press Herald | Maine Public

3. Maine Republican Gubernatorial Debate Held with Notable Absences The 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary debate opened with two notable absences, as two candidates did not appear for the CBS 13-moderated event. The Maine Wire

• 🔗 The Maine Wire

🗺️ VERMONT

1. UVM Faces $12 Million Budget Deficit Amid Enrollment Cliff The University of Vermont announced a $12 million structural budget deficit driven by a projected drop in enrollment. UVM expects a 15% decline in freshman undergraduates and a 7% decrease across all undergraduate levels this coming fall. UVM President Marlene Tromp called the drop “tremendously significant, not just for our university, but for our state,” and cited the Trump administration’s policies toward international students as compounding the challenge. VTDiggerVTDigger

• 🔗 VTDigger | Valley News

2. Vermont Routinely Takes Foster Kids’ Money — A Bill Could End That A bill headed to Gov. Phil Scott would stop Vermont’s Department for Children and Families from intercepting federal benefits belonging to foster children and using those funds to reimburse itself for care costs. Scott’s press secretary said the bill made “important changes to support some of Vermont’s most vulnerable youth,” but the governor had not yet made a final decision about whether to sign it. Vermont PublicVermont Public

• 🔗 Vermont Public

3. Vermont Legislature Rolls Back Controversial Land Use Law Act 181 In a rare show of unanimity, the Vermont House voted to scrap the most controversial provisions of Act 181 after a surge of opposition from rural communities who felt the state’s housing and land use overhaul had gone too far. VTDigger

• 🔗 VTDigger | Vermont Public

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

• NH House Stalls Wraparound Mental Health Coverage Bill: Governor Kelly Ayotte has been a vocal champion of Senate Bill 498, which would require insurers to cover a state-run wraparound mental health program called FAST Forward — connecting mental health, child protective services, and special education for children in crisis. The House voted to send the bill to interim study, a blow to the Governor, who blasted insurance companies for their opposition. Source: New Hampshire Bulletin* | https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/05/14/new-hampshire-house-again-puts-off-wraparound-mental-health-bill/

• AG Investigates Vail Resorts Over “Blended Sales Tax” on Epic Ski Pass: Governor Ayotte directed the Attorney General to investigate Vail Resorts after the Colorado ski company began charging a 3.2% “blended” sales tax on its Epic Pass — including passes bought and used entirely in New Hampshire, which has no sales tax. Vail has since offered tax-free pass options limited to its four Granite State resorts: Attitash, Crotched Mountain, Mount Sunapee, and Wildcat. The state’s investigation continues. Source: NHPR* | https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-04-28/nh-investigation-into-vail-resorts-epic-ski-pass-blended-sales-tax

• Bill to Double Turnpike Tolls for Out-of-State Drivers Advances: A bill that would double NH turnpike tolls for non-residents — from $1 to $2 at Bedford and Hooksett, and $2 to $4 at Hampton — continues to advance through the Legislature despite Governor Ayotte’s opposition. Both chambers passed it on voice votes. Supporters say the state has the lowest toll rates in the nation and the measure would generate an estimated $50 million annually for highway improvements. NH E-ZPass holders would see no increase. Source: NHPR* | https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-04-27/toll-increase-bill-non-residents-nh-turnpikes

• Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest Spared from Federal Closure: Staff at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in the White Mountains breathed a sigh of relief after the U.S. Forest Service announced the research station would not close as part of broader agency restructuring. The forest has been a cornerstone of long-term ecological research for decades, studying water quality, acid rain, and forest health. Source: New Hampshire Bulletin* | https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/05/12/hubbard-brook-executive-director-says-forest-team-is-celebrating-victory/

MAINE

• Maine Game Warden Joshua Tibbetts Killed in Plane Crash: An 18-year veteran of the Maine Warden Service, Joshua Tibbetts, 50, was killed Tuesday when his Cessna 185 Skywagon went down in the remote woods of Avon in Franklin County. Tibbetts was on a routine fish-stocking mission over western Maine lakes and ponds when the plane crashed near Schoolhouse Pond around 11 a.m. He is the 16th game warden to die in the line of duty in the agency’s 146-year history. The NTSB and FAA are investigating. Source: Bangor Daily News* | https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/05/12/central-maine/central-maine-police-courts/game-warden-crashed-plane-while-helping-stock-fish-in-western-maine/

• Lewiston Voters Reject $130 Million School Budget: Lewiston residents voted down the city’s proposed $129.7 million school budget on Tuesday, sending it back to the school board. The budget was a 10% increase over last year, driven by rising special education and health insurance costs — and it already included the elimination of 26 positions. The vote was 1,463 against and 1,092 in favor. School officials must now go back to the drawing board before another referendum. Source: The Maine Wire* | https://www.themainewire.com/2026/05/lewiston-voters-reject-130-million-school-budget-amid-tax-concerns-and-citywide-frustration/

• Portland Eyes Metered Parking on Sundays and Extended Weekday Hours: Portland’s city manager has proposed extending metered parking hours by one hour — to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday — and introducing Sunday enforcement from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the first time. The change would generate an estimated $700,000 in net new revenue for the city. Business groups have raised concerns about making downtown less accessible to customers and employees. Source: Portland Press Herald* | https://www.pressherald.com/2026/05/11/portland-plans-to-expand-metered-parking-add-sundays/

• Maine’s First Safe Haven Baby Box Opens at Rumford Fire Department: Maine’s first Safe Haven Baby Box is now operational at the Rumford Fire Department, offering a temperature-controlled, anonymous drop location where parents in crisis can safely surrender a newborn under 31 days old. The moment a baby is placed inside, an alarm alerts firefighters. Maine joins dozens of other states that have enacted Safe Haven laws and installed such boxes. Source: The Maine Wire* | https://www.themainewire.com/2026/05/lewiston-voters-reject-130-million-school-budget-amid-tax-concerns-and-citywide-frustration/

VERMONT

• Perrigo Infant Formula Plant Closure Accelerates, 162 Workers Laid Off: The Perrigo infant formula plant in Georgia, Vermont — one of the state’s larger manufacturing employers — has begun its first major round of layoffs, notifying the state of 162 job cuts. The facility is on track to end production by June 30, with all 420 positions eventually eliminated. The company cited the plant’s age and shifting federal regulations for the decision. Vermont Public and local officials are examining the economic ripple effects on Franklin County. Source: Vermont Public* | https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-05-06/perrigo-lays-off-162-in-vermont-as-infant-formula-plant-shutdown-nears

• Grand Isle County Prosecutor Pleads Not Guilty to DUI: Grand Isle County State’s Attorney Douglas DiSabito, the county’s top prosecutor, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a DUI charge in Vermont Superior Court. DiSabito, 57, was arrested in mid-April after court employees noticed signs of impairment when he arrived at the Franklin County Superior Court in St. Albans. He appeared remotely at Tuesday’s arraignment and did not speak. He remains in office. His next court date is July 15. Source: VTDigger* | https://vtdigger.org/2026/05/12/grand-isle-prosecutor-pleads-not-guilty-to-dui-charge/

• Vermont House Partially Repeals Act 181 After Rural Landowner Backlash: The Vermont House voted to roll back key provisions of Act 181, the sweeping 2024 land-use law that modernized Act 250. The partial repeal eliminates the controversial “road rule” and conservation-focused “Tier 3” provisions, which had drawn fierce opposition from rural landowners concerned about property rights and local control. The reversal was a dramatic about-face for many of the law’s original architects. Source: VTDigger / Vermont Public* | https://vtdigger.org/2026/05/07/vermont-house-votes-to-partially-repeal-act-181/

• University of Vermont Faces $12 Million Budget Deficit as Enrollment Drops: The University of Vermont is confronting a $12 million structural budget deficit for next fiscal year, driven by a projected 15% decline in incoming freshman enrollment and a 7% drop in overall undergraduate numbers. Tuition makes up two-thirds of UVM’s general fund. University officials are cutting expenses across departments by 3.25% and have attributed part of the enrollment shortfall to federal policies affecting international students. Source: VTDigger* | https://vtdigger.org/2026/05/13/declining-enrollment-is-driving-a-12-million-budget-deficit-at-the-university-of-vermont/

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New Hampshire:

• A bipartisan compromise has emerged amid potential changes to New Hampshire’s state civil rights law. Source: New Hampshire Bulletin, Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/05/05/amid-potential-changes-to-state-civil-rights-law-a-bipartisan-compromise-emerges/

• Drought conditions are raising the stakes of New Hampshire’s relationship to fire. Source: New Hampshire Bulletin, Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/05/04/drought-raises-the-stakes-of-new-hampshires-relationship-to-fire/

• An appeals court has halted a lower-court ruling that would have required the state to continue vehicle inspections. Source: NHPR, Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-05-01/vehicle-inspections-appeals-court-stays-lower-court-ruling-that-nh-continue-car-inspections

• New Hampshire’s medical marijuana program added 2,100 new patients last year. Source: Concord Monitor, Link: https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/05/05/new-hampshire-cannabis-program-growth/

Maine:

• Areas near Sebago Lake and Turner are seen as browntail moth hot spots in an otherwise quiet year. Source: Portland Press Herald, Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/05/07/areas-near-sebago-lake-turner-seen-as-browntail-moth-hot-spots-in-otherwise-quiet-year/

• ADU construction in Maine hasn’t matched interest despite best efforts. Source: Portland Press Herald, Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/05/07/adu-construction-in-maine-hasnt-matched-interest-despite-best-efforts/

• The Caribou school board advances a revised budget up $1.5M from the previous year. Source: Bangor Daily News, Link: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/05/06/aroostook/aroostook-education/caribou-school-board-advances-budget/

• Madison town manager resigns after improper dismissal by the Select Board. Source: Bangor Daily News, Link: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/05/06/central-maine/madison-town-manager-resigns-after-improper-dismissal/

Vermont:

• Perrigo will lay off 161 workers as the company heads toward closure of its Vermont site. Source: VTDigger, Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/05/06/perrigo-to-lay-off-161-as-company-heads-toward-vermont-site-closure/

• Vermont lawmakers grapple with giving farmers exemptions to local zoning. Source: VTDigger, Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/05/06/vermont-lawmakers-grapple-with-giving-farmers-exemptions-to-local-zoning/

• Governor Scott vetoes the Legislature’s attempt to reduce road salt pollution. Source: Vermont Public, Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-05-06/scott-vetoes-legislatures-attempt-to-reduce-road-salt-pollution

• Vermont State Police identify remains of a man missing 25 years ago. Source: Vermont Public, Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-05-06/vermont-state-police-identify-remains-man-missing-25-years

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New Hampshire:

• Granite State Hospitality & Gaming has purchased land in Littleton to build a new charitable gaming site, sparking local debate over a proposed casino in the mountain town. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-04-30/littleton-new-casino-proposed-nh-gambling-charitable-gaming Source: NHPR

• A federal judge in Concord denied a contempt request against two state commissioners, handing New Hampshire a win in the ongoing lawsuit over its discontinued vehicle inspection program. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-04-30/nh-car-inspections-judge-denies-contempt-of-court-request Source: NHPR

• A legislative bill aimed at eliminating housing restrictions on dead-end roads has advanced through the state process, potentially easing development barriers in New Hampshire communities. Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/04/28/bill-to-stop-housing-restrictions-on-dead-end-roads-moves-forward/Source: New Hampshire Bulletin

• The director of New Hampshire’s new rural health program has outlined goals for using $1 billion in federal funds over five years to bolster healthcare access in rural areas. Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/04/27/1-billion-over-5-years-director-of-nhs-new-rural-health-program-rolls-out-goals-for-federal-funds/ Source: New Hampshire Bulletin

Maine:

• The new supplemental budget raises Maine’s minimum salary for teachers to $50,000 annually by fall 2029 to help address education workforce needs. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/04/maines-minimum-salary-for-teachers-raised-to-50000-annually-by-fall-2029-under-new-supplemental-budget/ Source: The Maine Wire

• Advocates are making a final push in Augusta for a child welfare measure as the legislative session nears its end. Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/29/advocates-make-final-push-in-augusta-for-child-welfare-measure/ Source: Portland Press Herald

• Deqa Dhalac has resigned from her Augusta position amid a Gateway scandal and an ongoing federal oversight probe into local government practices. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/04/dhalac-exits-augusta-as-gateway-scandal-and-federal-oversight-probe-follow-her-out-the-door/ Source: The Maine Wire

• The Portland Water District is taking legal action over repeated water main breaks in South Portland. Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/28/portland-water-district-taking-legal-action-over-south-portland-water-main-breaks/ Source: Portland Press Herald

Vermont:

• The Vermont Senate advanced a property tax bill that includes an average 3.8% increase for homeowners. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/04/29/vermont-senate-advances-property-tax-bill-with-a-3-8-average-increase/ Source: VTDigger

• The Vermont Senate passed a budget bill after heated debate over possibly redirecting student aid funds toward a University of Vermont sports complex. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/04/29/vermont-senate-passes-budget-bill-after-debate-over-using-student-aid-fund-for-uvm-sports-complex/ Source: VTDigger

• Governor signed a bill expanding the time limits for prosecuting voyeurism crimes to strengthen legal accountability. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-04-29/governor-signs-bill-expand-time-limits-prosecuting-voyeurism Source: Vermont Public

• The town of Hardwick is debating what to do with one of its aging dams amid ongoing infrastructure and safety concerns. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-04-29/hardwick-wrestles-with-the-future-of-one-of-its-ailing-dams Source: Vermont Public

Fox News, “DOJ says Southern Poverty Law Center funneled $3M+ to white supremacist and extremist groups like the KKK”: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doj-says-southern-poverty-law-center-funneled-3m-white-supremacist-extremist-groups-like-kkk

NY Post, “Georgia Teacher of the Year finalist sues district after being removed from classroom over Charlie Kirk post”: https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/us-news/michelle-mickens-sues-georgia-school-district-over-charlie-kirk-fallout/

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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)