AGP Executive Report

Road & Safety Updates: Route 4 in Lebanon briefly shut down after a log truck rollover struck an SUV; New Hampshire State Police are investigating. In Londonderry, I-93 northbound had right/breakdown lane closures after a crash involving troops. And in Hooksett, a head-on crash on I-293 sent three people to hospitals with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Local Travel Infrastructure: The rail trail extension in Lebanon is moving forward with a $2.9M plan to add 1.3 miles of paved path to connect safely to Route 12A. Outdoor & Nature Tourism: A new $600,000 grant will help Mountain Village Charter School build the Mountain Village Community Commons in Plymouth, adding trails, a footbridge, and river access for canoeing/kayaking. White Mountains Hiking Watch: An AMC Trails expert says climate change is intensifying erosion on NH’s steep, runoff-prone trails—especially with heavy summer use. Quieter Summer Travel Trend: Canoe travel is surging as more people seek low-noise, nature-close trips.

White Mountains Trails & Climate: A new report from the Appalachian Mountain Club highlights how steep, erosion-prone trail design in the White Mountains is getting worse as heavier rain events intensify runoff and damage. Solar Storm Weather Watch: UNH research finds that powerful solar storms can quickly shift North American weather patterns, including drops in precipitation. Roadwork for Summer Travelers: NHDOT begins drainage repairs on Squam Lake Road in Sandwich with a full closure starting Tuesday; the road is expected to reopen Thursday, June 25, with a detour in place. Upper Valley Rail Trail Progress: Lebanon is moving toward a $2.9 million plan to extend the rail trail 1.3 miles to Route 12A, adding a safer paved connection for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Hampton Beach Free Yoga: Free beach yoga returns with Tuesday/Thursday 7 a.m. sessions for all experience levels. Safety Alerts: Two Quebec residents were seriously injured in a Route 3 motorcycle crash in Pittsburg after a deer hit the bike. Health Care & Community: Dartmouth Health reports a $63.5 million deficit over six months, citing weather-related disruptions and staffing pressures. Sports Spotlight: New Hampshire’s Thomas Cantara set a USA Games record while Kodiak’s Reuben Hall posted a personal best in the 1,500-meter run.

Road Safety & Travel Disruptions: Three people were seriously hurt in a head-on crash on I-293 in Hooksett during the Tuesday morning commute, with investigators saying speed may have played a role; lanes were closed for about an hour. Road Safety & Travel Disruptions: A three-vehicle crash on I-93 in Tilton sent one driver into the woods and trapped by a fallen tree; the Toyota driver was taken to Concord Hospital with serious injuries, and police issued summonses to the other driver. Weather Watch: Southern New Hampshire is in for a soggy stretch, with downpours likely and ponding/visibility issues possible overnight into early Tuesday. Health & Community: Dartmouth Health reported a $63.5 million loss for the quarter ending March 31, citing weather-related closures and staffing costs—an issue that can ripple into patient access for travelers and locals. Summer Travel Planning: Campground demand has topped 50% nationally for the first time this season, while nightly rates are holding near a June ceiling. Lakes Region & Events: A new NH Lakes Region specialty coffee launch, “La María” from Clarena’s Coffee, is set for Thursday in Laconia. Arts & Culture: Canal Street Art Gallery in Bellows Falls continues solo shows through Aug. 9, including work by Keene artist Edward Kingsbury III and Vermont-based collage/quilt artist Debbie A. Barton. Tourism & Money: Community Financial Services Group added Steve Aiken as a senior wealth advisor in Littleton, supporting growth that includes an upcoming Moultonborough office.

Severe Weather Watch: Heavy rain is moving through southern New Hampshire tonight into early Tuesday, with downpours that could bring about 1.5 inches (locally near 2) and reduce visibility—plan for slower travel and possible ponding on roads. Mountain Safety: Two separate White Mountains rescues highlight how fast conditions turn dangerous: unprepared hikers on Mount Lafayette were treated for hypothermia after cold, wet, rainy weather and limited gear; Fish and Game also responded to a lower-leg injury case on Mount Moosilauke’s Snapper Trail. Health Care Finance: Dartmouth Health reports a $63.5 million deficit over six months, citing weather-related closures plus higher labor and medication costs, even as patient volumes rose. Travel Deals & Costs: AAA says the national gas average is down to $3.99 as summer travel ramps up, offering a small break for road-trip budgets. Lakes Region Tourism: A new Colombia single-origin coffee launch hits the Lakes Region via Clarena’s Coffee, adding another reason to stop in while you’re out exploring. Local Events: Market Days returns to downtown Concord for its 52nd year, now featuring a vintage market alongside more than 200 vendors. Outdoor Experience: Loon Cruise on Squam Lake pairs guests with a biologist to learn about loon conservation while cruising for sightings.

Mountain Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game reports multiple hypothermia rescues on Mount Lafayette after unprepared hikers got hit with cold, wet, rainy conditions and poor visibility—one 19-year-old was unresponsive and needed evacuation with help from AMC and search-and-rescue teams. Severe Weather Watch: Southern New Hampshire is bracing for heavy rain Monday afternoon into the night, with possible thunder and periods of steadier downpours that could affect commutes and outdoor plans. Road & Travel Safety: A fatal head-on crash on Route 3 in Coos County killed a 25-year-old woman and sent five family members to hospitals, including three with life-threatening injuries. Outdoor Tourism Spotlight: Loon Cruise on Squam Lake offers a guided, conservation-focused boat trip with a biologist from the Loon Preservation Committee, with routes shifting weekly for best sightings. Local Events: Market Days returns to downtown Concord with more than 200 vendors, adding a vintage clothing market this year. Motorcycle Economy: Bank of New Hampshire is sponsoring the 103rd Laconia Motorcycle Week, a major draw for visitors to Weirs Beach.

Mountain Rescue Update: A volunteer rescuer was seriously injured during an overnight hypothermia rescue on Mount Lafayette in Franconia, where two 19-year-old hikers from New Jersey were found in dangerous cold and wet conditions; crews from the AMC Greenleaf Hut and local search-and-rescue teams helped warm and evacuate both, with one later taken to Littleton Regional Hospital. Road Safety: A fatal head-on crash on Route 3 in Coös County left one dead and five hospitalized, with the Camaro crossing the centerline into a Silverado carrying a family of five. Tourism & Jobs: New Hampshire’s summer employment growth is lagging, with tourism-linked sectors hit by a sharp drop in Canadian visitors, according to NH Fiscal Policy Institute analysis. Family Travel Fun: Lake Forest Senior Living residents are collecting postcards from all 50 states for the U.S. 250th anniversary, aiming to finish by the Fourth of July. Outdoor Heritage: The last remaining U.S. Forest Service tree nursery in the Eastern Region, J.W. Toumey Nursery in the Upper Peninsula, supplies seedlings shipped across much of the Northeast.

Mountain Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game reports multiple hypothermia rescues on Mount Lafayette, including a 19-year-old from New Jersey who was unresponsive near the summit and later regained consciousness after warming at the AMC Greenleaf Hut; a volunteer rescuer was seriously injured during the operation. Road Safety: A head-on crash on Route 3 in Columbia left one woman dead and five people hospitalized, with the family of five later transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Outdoor Events: Coastal Mountains Land Trust and partners are inviting hikers to a “Happy Wanderers” trek on Sears Island (July 2), with routes from 1 to 4 miles and a picnic-friendly finish. Tourism & Community: Biddeford’s La Kermesse Franco-American Festival returned for its 43rd year, celebrating French heritage with music, rides, vendors, and a Sunday crepe party. Travel Costs: AAA says the national average gas price has dipped below $4 as the July 4 travel rush approaches. Local Economy: A report on Dartmouth Health shows a $63.5 million deficit for the first six months of its fiscal year, citing weather-related closures and rising labor and medication costs. NH Jobs: New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute data points to weaker summer employment growth tied partly to a drop in Canadian tourists.

Road Safety: A head-on crash on Route 3 in Columbia (Coös County) killed Courtney Diamond, 25, of Pelham, and sent a family of five to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center; troopers say the Camaro crossed the centerline into a Silverado around 9 p.m. Friday, and Route 3 was closed about 3½ hours. Mountain Rescue: Two separate hypothermia rescues unfolded on Mount Lafayette in Franconia Notch, with Fish and Game reporting cold, wet hikers with no lights or warm clothing; one 19-year-old was unresponsive but improved after warming at the AMC Greenleaf Hut, while another group was guided back to the trailhead. Summer Travel Costs: Gas prices are easing nationally ahead of the July 4 travel rush, with the U.S. average falling below $4 for the first time in weeks, according to AAA/EIA updates. Local Tourism & Events: Opera North’s Summerfest 2026 brings “The Ballad of Baby Doe” (plus “La Cenerentola” and “Fiddler on the Roof”) to Blow-Me-Down Farm in Cornish, running June 26–July 26 under an air-conditioned circus tent. NH Economy & Families: A new report highlights New Hampshire’s child care squeeze—higher costs and fewer licensed providers—adding pressure to families planning summer and beyond.

Mountain Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game reports multiple hypothermia rescues on Mt. Lafayette Friday night, including two 19-year-old hikers from New Jersey found cold, wet, and without lights or warm clothing; one was unresponsive and later improved after warming at Greenleaf Hut. Road Tragedy: A head-on crash on Route 3 in Columbia left one woman dead and five people hospitalized, with the Camaro crossing the centerline and striking a Silverado carrying a family of five; Route 3 was closed for about three and a half hours. Travel Planning Watch: AAA says gas prices are easing nationally as summer travel ramps up, while a separate report ranks New Hampshire #1 for beer bought per person—an easy “local flavor” hook for visitors. Family Costs: A new Child Care Aware of America report highlights NH’s child care squeeze: rising prices and fewer licensed providers since 2017. Weather Alerts: Storm impacts and tornado-watch activity were reported across the region, with officials urging caution during volatile conditions.

Severe Weather & Recovery: A tornado watch brought damage across New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, with Tuftonboro (including Cow Island) reporting wind and rain impacts; officials say they can’t confirm a tornado yet, but National Weather Service reports align with winds over 60 mph. Summer Travel Safety: Tick bites are spiking nationwide, and New Hampshire is among the states seeing high Lyme rates—experts urge simple prevention steps for hikers and families heading outdoors. NH Tourism & Culture: Opera North’s Summerfest 2026 brings Douglas Moore’s “The Ballad of Baby Doe” to Blow-Me-Down Farm in Cornish, running June 26–July 26 under an air-conditioned circus tent. Local Events & Community: The United Way of Greater Nashua’s “Over the Edge” fundraiser returns with rappelling at Brady Sullivan Plaza in Manchester, pairing big thrills with local giving. Regional Economy: Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst awards are sending more than $8.1 million to five northern NH organizations for arts, education, emergency services, and recreation projects. Travel Costs: AAA reports gas prices easing nationally as summer travel ramps up, with the New Hampshire audience watching pump trends.

USMCA Review: A new look at the USMCA trade deal is set to begin next month, putting New Hampshire’s Canada ties in focus—NH–Canada trade is valued at $2.75B, with Canadian firms employing thousands and energy imports (especially fuel oil) a major piece of the picture. Tourism & Hospitality: Northern NH hospitality groups are voicing worries as summer ramps up, citing economic pressure and fewer Canadian visitors. Family Travel Watch: AAA says the national gas average has dipped to $3.99, offering some relief for Independence Day road trips. Outdoor Safety: Tick bites are spiking nationwide, and New Hampshire is among the states seeing high Lyme rates—experts urge simple prevention steps before peak outdoor season. Weather Notes: After damaging storms earlier, the region gets a breezy, calmer Juneteenth day, with another soaking rain possible Monday. Local Culture: The Currier Museum of Art debuts a summer 2026 exhibit pairing Chicago motorcycle-club photography with custom bikes. Charity Adventure: Manchester’s United Way “Over the Edge” returns with first-time rappelling at Brady Sullivan Plaza.

Tourism & Travel Economy: Northern NH hospitality groups are watching summer bookings closely as economic worries and fewer Canadian visitors add pressure heading into peak travel season. Outdoor & Recreation Funding: The Northern Border Regional Commission awarded more than $8.1M in Catalyst grants to five northern NH organizations, including arts, education, ambulance services, and community recreation—aimed at boosting rural opportunity and infrastructure. NH Events & Community: Derry Lions Club’s free summer chess and checkers program runs Thursdays through Aug. 13, and Portsmouth’s Pride after-party is set for June 20. Weather Watch: A tornado watch covers all of New Hampshire through 7 p.m. Thursday, with damaging wind gusts and heavy rain possible—plan outdoor time with caution. Local Attractions: Hampton Beach’s annual sand-sculpting competition returns this weekend with a $25,000 prize pool, featuring a father-son team behind the event. Health for Travelers Outdoors: A Powassan virus case has been reported in hospitalized NH, a reminder to protect against tick bites during hikes and other nature time.

Severe Weather Alert: A tornado watch is posted across all of New Hampshire until 7 p.m. Thursday, with damaging wind gusts and heavy rain the main threats; an isolated tornado is possible as storms move east. Outdoor & Health: The Granite Outdoor Alliance held a sold-out “Barn Raiser” in Plymouth to push the next phase of NH’s outdoor economy, while experts also warn tick-bite risk is rising—Powassan virus has been reported in a hospitalized New Hampshire patient. Tourism Spotlight: Hampton Beach’s father-son sand-sculpting duo is gearing up for a weekend competition with $25,000 in prizes. Local Recreation Access: The NH Department of Justice says it will seek a court order to reopen the Northern Rail Trail in Andover after a resident blocked access with concrete barriers. Travel-Friendly Food News: Milford’s Papa Joe’s Humble Kitchen was named NH’s top burger spot on a national list. Community Events: Derry’s Lions Club is running free summer chess and checkers nights, and Littleton’s downtown block party drew 18,500 attendees.

James Beard win for NH dining: Dover chef Evan Hennessey was named Best Chef: Northeast by the James Beard Foundation, a major spotlight on Stages and New England’s food scene. Road-trail access fight: The state says it will seek a court order “very soon” to force reopening of the Northern Rail Trail in Andover after a resident blocked access with concrete barriers. Summer travel safety—weather: Rain and storms are expected to bring localized flooding risk, with officials and forecasters warning travelers to watch conditions. Outdoor planning—air quality: New research from Mount Washington shows rainfall history matters for predicting pollution impacts in mountain areas. Family-friendly food stop: Milford’s Papa Joe’s Humble Kitchen was highlighted as a top NH burger pick, including its “Matt’s Steakhouse Burger” and double-fried sweet potato fries. Wildlife conflict reminder: NH Fish and Game urges residents to secure backyard poultry and avoid feeding wild birds to reduce human–bear conflicts. Local event buzz: Jatoba is back at Northlands Music & Arts Festival with a marquee main-stage slot. Road conditions after flooding: Communities recovering from last week’s heavy rain say washed-out routes are still adding major detours and delays.

Seacoast Summer Spotlight: Dover chef Evan Hennessey just won the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast, putting another spotlight on New Hampshire’s growing food scene. Historic Hotels & Golf Travel: Historic Hotels of America released its 2026 Top 25 list of historic hotels and historic golf courses, a fresh guide for travelers chasing classic stays and tee times. Family-Friendly Festival Plans: Country singer-songwriter April Cushman returns to Swanzey for Winkfest at Frogg Brewing Company, a local country-music day with food vendors and activities. Juneteenth in NH: Organizers are planning Juneteenth events across New Hampshire, including the state’s notable lack of a holiday recognition. Outdoor & Farm Updates: With drought still lingering in parts of southern NH, strawberry season is underway with farmers reporting mixed impacts and hoping for steady harvests. Health & Safety Outdoors: Experts are warning about Powassan virus, a tick-borne illness that can cause serious brain damage, after a New Hampshire man was hospitalized. Weather Check: Expect a warm Father’s Day weekend, but keep an eye on Thursday’s possible storms and gusty conditions.

Culinary Spotlight: Dover chef Evan Hennessey just won the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast, putting another spotlight on New Hampshire dining. Heritage & Family Fun: Castle in the Clouds (Moultonborough) is marking its 20th anniversary with a new exhibition on Lucknow’s history, daily tours, a repaved historic driveway, and 200+ public programs for the 2026 season, including story walks and stargazing sessions. Local Food & Summer Traditions: Hampton Beach’s Blink’s Fry Doe is celebrating more than 50 years as a boardwalk ritual—fried dough that’s basically part of the shoreline’s identity. Travel Planning Weather: Thursday brings an “impact weather” setup with scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds possible, while the weekend trends dry and warm—good news for road trips and outdoor plans. Drought Watch (Farm Tourism): Southern New Hampshire drought is still a concern, but strawberry season is underway, with pick-your-own expected to open soon in the Upper Valley. Seacoast Business & Innovation: Kittery’s Coastal Measures received a $260,000 investment to help coastal and maritime groups sync and use ocean and storm data.