January 31, 2026 New England News Round Up
Frozen pipes led to a fire?
New Hampshire
Judge Throws Wrench in Inspection Repeal, NHGOP Hits the Gas A federal judge may have thrown up a roadblock, and Democrats have filed legislation to repeal it, but State House Republicans are hitting the gas on their proposal to end vehicle safety inspections in New Hampshire. Link: https://nhjournal.com/judge-throws-wrench-in-inspection-repeal-nhgop-hits-the-gas/ Source: NH Journal
How can a New Hampshire country store survive in today’s economy? Before big box stores, country stores were the main place to get groceries or a cup of coffee for miles, but now the country store model faces a number of economic challenges. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-01-28/how-can-a-new-hampshire-country-store-survive-in-todays-economy Source: NHPR
Ayotte taps Superior Court judge, Daniel Will, to join NH’s highest court Ayotte has nominated Superior Court judge Daniel Will to serve on New Hampshire’s highest court. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-01-27/nh-new-hampshire-supreme-court-justice-ayotte-daniel-will-nomination Source: NHPR
Report Shows NH Building Homes at Fastest Pace in Nearly Two Decades One year after Gov. Kelly Ayotte made housing affordability a top priority of her administration, new state data shows New Hampshire is building homes at the fastest pace it has in nearly two decades. Link: https://nhjournal.com/report-shows-nh-building-homes-at-fastest-pace-in-nearly-two-decades/ Source: NH Journal
Maine
Frozen Pipes, Heaters Spark Accidental Structure Fire in Norway, Fire Marshal Says The Maine Fire Marshal’s Office says a structure fire on Everett Drive in Norway was accidentally sparked during an effort to thaw frozen pipes using a combination of heaters and electrical heat. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/01/frozen-pipes-heaters-spark-accidental-structure-fire-in-norway-fire-marshal-says/ Source: The Maine Wire
Susan Collins says enhanced ICE operations in Maine have ended In an early morning statement, Maine’s senior senator said the decision came after several conversations with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/29/susan-collins-says-advanced-ice-operations-in-maine-have-ended/ Source: Portland Press Herald
Nine Protesters Arrested for Criminal Trespass Outside Susan Collins’ Portland Office The Portland Police Department arrested nine protesters outside of Sen. Susan Collins’ office after they refused to leave a staged “pray-in” event meant to protest the senator’s support for ICE funding. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/01/nine-protesters-arrested-for-criminal-trespass-outside-susan-collins-portland-office/ Source: The Maine Wire
As ICE keeps people home, leaders in Maine brace for evictions As ICE operations keep people home, city leaders in Maine are preparing for potential evictions. Link: https://www.pressherald.com/2026/01/28/as-ice-keeps-people-home-city-leaders-in-maine-brace-for-evictions/ Source: Portland Press Herald
Vermont
Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer denies sexual misconduct charges, says he won’t resign Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer denies charges of sexual misconduct, including allegations of stalking two women after they cut off contact, and states he will not resign. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/28/windsor-county-sheriff-ryan-palmer-denies-sexual-misconduct-charges-says-he-wont-resign/ Source: VTDigger
Winter weather compounds Vermont’s shortage of blood donations Winter weather has worsened Vermont’s blood donation shortage, with Rutland Regional Medical Center already experiencing reduced blood delivery while other hospitals anticipate impacts. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/28/winter-weather-compounds-vermonts-shortage-of-blood-donations/ Source: VTDigger
‘Disaster response’: The extraordinary efforts to prevent homeless Vermonters from freezing to death Efforts are underway to prevent homeless Vermonters from freezing to death amid cold weather. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-01-27/disaster-response-the-extraordinary-efforts-to-prevent-homeless-vermonters-from-freezing-to-death Source: Vermont Public
Facing ‘precarious’ future, Vermont State Ethics Commission seeks financial lifeline from lawmakers The Vermont State Ethics Commission is seeking financial support from lawmakers due to its precarious future. Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-01-28/facing-precarious-future-ethics-commission-seeks-financial-lifeline-lawmakers Source: Vermont Public
