May 2, 2026 New England News Roundup
Roll the dice!
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
