AGP Executive Report

Gas Prices & Road Wear: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute report says the jump to about $4.50 a gallon since winter is hitting lower-income commuters hardest—and could mean tougher long-term maintenance for roads and bridges. Public Health Push: NH Executive Councilor John Stephen kicked off a statewide hands-only CPR training push, aiming to get thousands trained statewide. Memorial Day Travel Reality Check: AAA says Memorial Day travelers will face the highest gas prices in four years, with the national average still climbing. Wrong-Way Safety: NH State Police say a 21-year-old woman faces felony charges after a wrong-way crash on Route 101 in Exeter that hit a trooper’s cruiser. Community Lifeline: WMUR and the American Red Cross are holding a statewide blood drive June 5. Music on the Move: Dan + Shay announced “The Young Tour” with stops in Gilford, NH (Sept. 18) and nearby New England dates. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ratings show Courville at Nashua scored 4 in Q1 2026, with no fines or penalties reported.

Memorial Day Weather Watch: The Old Farmer’s Almanac is pointing to a warmer-than-average May across most of the U.S., with the Northeast—including New Hampshire—tracking about 3°F above normal and below-average rainfall, plus “warm with possible isolated storms” for Memorial Day weekend. Wrong-Way Crash Fallout: New Hampshire State Police say a Dover woman, 21-year-old Cassandra Aldecoa, drove the wrong way on Route 101 in Exeter and crashed into a trooper’s cruiser as he tried to stop her; she faces felony reckless conduct, second-degree assault, and criminal mischief, along with DUI-related charges. Summery NH, Already: Crowds hit beaches and trails as unseasonably warm weather rolled in, with the National Weather Service forecasting low 90s in southern NH Tuesday. Waste Capacity Warning: NEWMOA warns the Northeast could lose significant disposal capacity within five years, with about 23% of waste going to landfills that may close soon. Retail Update: Books-A-Million has opened a bigger new North Conway store at Settlers Green.

Wrong-Way Crash Update: A Dover woman, 21-year-old Cassandra Aldecoa, is facing felony charges after allegedly driving the wrong way on Route 101 in Exeter and crashing into a New Hampshire State Police cruiser as Trooper Shane McClure tried to stop her; her 21-year-old passenger, Zachary Lapierre of Lebanon, was also arrested, and officials say no serious injuries were reported. Seacoast Travel Buzz: Hampton Beach made Conde Nast Traveler’s 2025 list of the 17 best East Coast beach towns, praised for its boardwalk, family-friendly vibe, and classic seaside feel. Air Travel Shakeup: JetBlue will end service at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport on July 8, a blow to regional connectivity as the airline reallocates planes to higher-demand markets. Northern Lights Watch: Aurora could be visible farther south than usual this weekend, with New Hampshire among the states that may catch a faint glow. Cost-of-Living Politics: Kelly Ayotte is again drawing attention to opposition to a toll hike on out-of-state vehicles.

Northern Lights Forecast: A geomagnetic storm could push aurora farther south than usual this weekend, with New Hampshire in the “faint glow” zone if skies are clear and you’re away from city lights. Weekend Weather: Expect a warm, sunny Sunday in the Granite State, then a heat ramp-up early next week with summer-like temperatures building. Fatal Crash in Marlborough: A 74-year-old pickup driver died after a head-on collision with a school bus carrying 13 students; officials say the students were taken for checks and no serious injuries were reported. PFAS Bill Watch: A New Hampshire PFAS farmland bill is drawing alarm after a Senate rewrite removed key sludge protections, leaving critics worried about who bears the risk. Research Forest Update: Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest is staying open after a federal reorganization shift, while Bartlett’s future remains under review. Travel Planning: AAA says gas prices are easing nationally after earlier declines, but Memorial Day could still bring higher costs.

Fatal Crash Update: A 74-year-old Swanzey man, David Peloski, died Friday morning after his pickup collided head-on with a school bus on Route 12 in Marlborough; the bus driver, 77-year-old James French of Keene, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and all 13 students aboard were reported safe after being checked at area hospitals. PFAS Policy Watch: A New Hampshire PFAS bill meant to curb contamination on farmland is drawing alarm after a Senate rewrite removed references to sewage sludge protections, leaving critics worried residents could carry more risk. Travel & Weather: JetBlue is ending service out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with flights continuing until July 8, while a northern lights forecast points to possible aurora visibility in parts of Maine and beyond Saturday night. Lakes Region Buzz: The Tamarack Drive-In in Meredith has been sold, with new owners stepping in to keep the classic summer stop running. Gas Prices: AAA says the national average is ticking back up after earlier declines, with Memorial Day fuel likely to sting.

Roadside Safety: A fatal head-on crash in Marlborough shut down Route 12 Friday morning, killing pickup driver David Peloski (74) and injuring the bus driver; 13 Monadnock Regional Middle High students were taken to Cheshire Medical Center as a precaution, with no serious injuries reported. Travel Disruption: JetBlue is ending service out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with the last flight set for July 8—leaving MHT with fewer major carriers. Gas Watch: AAA says the national gas average is creeping back up after a brief dip, with Memorial Day expected to bring the highest prices in four years. Outdoors & Sky: Northern lights could be visible Saturday night into Sunday in parts of the northern U.S., including Maine, if you can get away from city lights. Local Flavor: A new fried-clam buzz is spreading in Derry at Fish & Chix, with locals comparing the taste to classic spots in Massachusetts.

Meredith Governance Shake-Up: A Monday forum will break down the difference between a town manager and an administrator after Meredith voters approved a petitioned change, 81-55, with the issue likely returning in 2027. White Mountains Research: Advocates are pushing back hard for “no substitute” research at the Bartlett Experimental Forest as the U.S. Forest Service reconsiders closures, while Hubbard Brook is staying open for now. Lakes Region Travel Disruption: A vehicle chase that started in Bristol and moved through Meredith, Laconia, and Hooksett ended with a suspect tased and arrested in Manchester. Road Safety: A crash in Marlborough involving a school bus and a pickup killed the pickup driver; all 13 students were reported safe with only minor injuries. Air Travel: JetBlue is ending service out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with the last flight set for July 8. Local Flavor: The Tamarack Drive-In in Meredith has a new chapter after being sold.

JetBlue Pulls Out of Manchester: JetBlue is ending service at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with the last flight set for July 8, citing underperforming routes and broader capacity pressures—leaving MHT with fewer major carriers. Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA says the national gas average is creeping back up after earlier dips, and Memorial Day prices are expected to be the highest in four years. White Mountains Research Update: Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest will stay open after a U.S. Forest Service reorganization, while Bartlett’s future remains uncertain—good news for NH’s science community, but not a full win. Safety on the Move: A pickup driver was killed in a head-on crash with a school bus in Marlborough; students were transported for evaluation. Local Outdoors & Weather: After Friday showers, a warmer-than-normal summer outlook is taking shape, and NH’s experimental forests are drawing attention for the science they’re doing. Crime & Travel Links: Federal prosecutors say guns smuggled from NH into Canada via Akwesasne were tied to violent crime scenes.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says a G1 geomagnetic storm could bring aurora to northern states and Canada Friday night into Saturday, with a new moon helping faint lights show—Maine and New Hampshire are in the “maybe” zone if conditions hold. Federal Crackdown on Smuggling: U.S. prosecutors announced charges against 13 people tied to an international gun-trafficking pipeline that allegedly funneled straw-purchased firearms from New Hampshire through the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation into Canada, with some guns later showing up in violent crimes. NH Health Policy: The NH House sent a children’s mental health insurance coverage bill to interim study, aiming to expand coverage for early-crisis treatment through the Fast Forward program. Travel & Comfort Reality Check: New research highlights how retirement “comfortable” costs swing wildly by state—Hawaii tops the list, while New Hampshire lands among the higher-cost states—another reminder that where you live shapes your travel and retirement plans. Lakes Region Leisure: Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa is rolling out its biggest renovation in generations, with room, dining, spa, and event-space upgrades slated to finish this summer.

Laconia Motorcycle Week: Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week® is back for its 103rd year, June 13–21, with the 20th Annual Peter Makris Memorial Ride kicking things off Saturday and a full lineup of Gypsy Tours and themed rides through the week. Courtroom Update: A man accused of firing at least 70 rounds and wounding two drivers near Boston pleaded not guilty and will stay in custody pending a May 21 hearing. Road Trip Spotlight: USA Today ranked New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway No. 5 among America’s scenic drives—30 miles of White Mountains views and classic fall foliage. Local Infrastructure: The Laconia-Gilford Bypass bridge rehab is set to begin next summer, with about nine months of work planned. Health Watch: NH DHHS says two people with NH addresses were on the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius, but they’re not currently in the state and there’s no current risk to residents. Weather: Beneficial rain moves in, with the heaviest push Thursday evening/night and low flood risk.

Transportation & Commuting: NH’s rail options are still thin, but one Dover rider says Amtrak’s Downeaster is the stress-free alternative to driving into Boston—while advocates keep pushing for bigger passenger rail links. Infrastructure Watch: Laconia-Gilford Bypass bridge rehab is set to start next summer, with a nine-month project on a US 3/NH 11 bridge over Mile Hill Road. Waste & Local Control: The NH Senate stalled five landfill-related House proposals, sending them to interim study as the fight over whether towns get the final say continues. Weather: Beneficial rain is moving in, with the heaviest NH totals expected Thursday evening/night (about 1–3 inches possible) and lower flood risk despite the drought. Travel Economy: A new study suggests Canadians are cutting U.S. trips sharply—down about 42% in metro areas—after tariff-related backlash. On the Calendar: A free Society for American Music concert in Sanbornton (June 1) spotlights New England gospel roots.

Courtroom Shock to Politics: Two major rulings are reshaping the House redistricting fight, leaving Democrats facing a steeper climb as Republicans gain breathing room. Weather Watch: After a cloudy start, New Hampshire is set for steady rain Wednesday and heavier rain Thursday that could slow commutes, with drought still in the background. Cruise Health Alert: A hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has now tied to two New Hampshire residents—officials say there’s no current health risk, but monitoring is being coordinated. Northern Lights Buzz: Aurora may be visible overnight Thursday into Friday from northern states including Maine, with conditions boosted by a solar event. Local Housing Momentum: Greenville’s planning board has approved a 28-unit development, a sign that housing projects are pushing forward even as communities wrestle with affordability. Travel Reality Check: New reporting points to a 42% drop in Canadian visits to U.S. cities amid tariff fallout—another reminder that travel demand can swing fast.

Hantavirus on the MV Hondius: New Hampshire health officials say two residents were aboard the cruise ship at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak and are now back in the U.S., but not yet in New Hampshire; the state is coordinating with federal partners on when they can return and what monitoring is needed, with officials stressing there’s “no current health risk” to residents. Travel Safety at Sea: Cruise experts point to outbreak protocols and urge travelers to consider travel insurance, especially as recent ship outbreaks raise questions for summer plans. Accessibility & Transit Funding: A special report highlights how getting around in New Hampshire can be tough without a car, with low state matching funds limiting access to federal transit dollars. Local Housing Momentum: Greenville’s planning board approved a 28-unit development, a sign that more homes may be on the way. Weather Watch: Beneficial rain is expected Wednesday as drought lingers, with road conditions likely to change.

Iran War Fallout: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress the Iran ceasefire is still holding, even as lawmakers pressed him on costs and what comes next—while Trump heads to Beijing amid pressure tied to Iran’s impact on the Strait of Hormuz. New Hampshire Housing: Greenville cleared a key step for a 28-unit development, approving the subdivision plan and kicking off infrastructure work with grant support. White Mountains Conservation: Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest will stay open after a USDA reorganization fight, with Bartlett’s closure plans now under review. Public Safety: A man with an assault rifle sprayed cars near Boston, wounding two before being shot by police. Health Watch: Two New Hampshire residents were on the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius cruise ship; they’re back in the U.S. but not in NH, and officials say there’s no current risk. Outdoors: Three unprepared hikers were rescued on Mount Lafayette after getting stuck in freezing conditions. Travel Buzz: Pocono Raceway topped USA TODAY’s 10Best NASCAR list for 2026.

Public Health Update: New Hampshire health officials say two people with NH addresses were aboard the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius during a hantavirus outbreak. They’ve returned to the U.S., but aren’t in New Hampshire right now; DHHS is coordinating with federal partners to decide whether they’ll come back and what monitoring is needed. Officials stress there’s currently no health risk to NH residents, and the risk to the general public remains very low. Road-Trip Reality Check: After President Trump floated suspending the federal gas tax, NH drivers are watching for relief as prices stay high. Local Travel & Culture: Aroma Joe’s opened a new shop in Goffstown, and Hubbard Brook will remain open despite a U.S. Forest Service reorganization. Arts & Outdoors: Opus 40 in Saugerties earned new national historic recognition, while NH’s summer festival season is gearing up.

Forest Research Update: Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest will stay open after the U.S. Forest Service’s sweeping research-station shutdown plan—while USDA is now set to “reexamine” the proposed closure of Bartlett Experimental Forest in the White Mountains, following talks involving Gov. Kelly Ayotte and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. Bridge & Road Disruptions: Drivers on the Piscataqua River Bridge (I-95) should expect shoulder closures and reduced speeds during Maine DOT’s routine safety inspection, with work running weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. over the next two weeks. Travel Mood Check: A new study finds Canadian visits to major U.S. metro areas are down about 42% during Trump’s second term—hitting places including New Hampshire—while another survey says many Americans are skipping summer trips due to rising costs. On the Ground for Summer: NH’s tourism season is also getting a boost from fresh airport growth and a steady stream of summer plans, from festivals to stargazing.