March 7, 2026 New England News Roundup
Once again, what is Andru trying to do here?
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.
