Top New England News of the Week for January 4, 2026
Crashes, economic challenges, and upcoming storms
I will be starting a new weekly edition of the Substack outlining some of the key news stories across New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. Will it be the ultimate way to stay up to date, NO! But it will help you be a little more informed about what’s happening in New England. Let me know feedback at aj@newenglandtake.com.
New Hampshire
Flu cases continue to rise across New Hampshire: Flu cases are increasing in New Hampshire amid rising respiratory virus activity. Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2025-12-31/flu-influenza-raising-cases-nh-new-hampshire-respiratory-virus. Source: NHPR.
New laws in 2026: Notable laws taking effect in New Hampshire: Notable new laws include the elimination of annual vehicle inspections and measures to support survivors of human trafficking by increasing penalties for buying sex. Link: https://www.wmur.com/article/new-laws-2026-new-hampshire/69879257. Source: WMUR.
These New Hampshire laws begin in 2026: New laws bring an end to car inspections, restrictions on local immigration policies, and increases in various government fees to address budget challenges. Link: https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/01/01/new-hampshire-laws-2026/. Source: Concord Monitor.
Maine
Lewiston on Edge: Homeland Security Moves In as Fraud Questions Explode: Federal agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security arrived at Gateway Community Services in Lewiston amid reports of fraud and criminal activity, escalating scrutiny over the nonprofit’s operations. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/01/lewiston-on-edge-homeland-security-moves-in-as-fraud-questions-explode/. Source: The Maine Wire.
Popular food truck grows into a ‘Maine-Mex’ restaurant in Bucksport: A popular food truck has expanded into a full restaurant in Bucksport, offering Maine-Mex cuisine and highlighting community business growth. Link: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/01/04/hancock/hancock-business/salsa-shack-maine-bucksport-restaurant-joam40zk0w/. Source: Bangor Daily News.
Maine’s Minimum Wage Rises to $15.10 Per Hour in 2026, Including for Agricultural Workers: Maine’s minimum wage increased to $15.10 per hour starting January 1, 2026, now applying to agricultural workers following a bill signed by Gov. Janet Mills. Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/01/maines-minimum-wage-rises-to-15-10-per-hour-in-2026-including-for-agricultural-workers/. Source: The Maine Wire.
Vermont
Eyeing cuts to federal support, Vermont lawmakers face tough decisions over food and heating assistance: Vermont lawmakers are grappling with potential reductions in federal aid for food and heating programs, focusing on basic needs as stated by Rep. Theresa Wood. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/04/eyeing-cuts-to-federal-support-vermont-lawmakers-face-tough-decisions-over-food-and-heating-assistance/. Source: VTDigger.
Upper Pass Beer to Move From Tunbridge to Burlington: The brewery will take over for Simple Roots Brewing, which closed in December, and expand into an adjacent storefront, targeting a February taproom opening. Link: https://www.sevendaysvt.com/food-drink/foodnews/upper-pass-beer-to-move-from-tunbridge-to-burlington/. Source: Seven Days.
Two lawmakers appointed to fill Vermont House and Senate vacancies before session begins: John Benson will represent Orange County in the Senate and Val Taylor, of Mendon, will represent the Rutland-11 House district. Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/01/02/two-lawmakers-appointed-to-fill-vermont-house-and-senate-vacancies-before-session-begins/. Source: VTDigger.
