March 21, 2026 New England News Roundup

Mar 21, 2026

New Hampshire

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)