N.H. News Recap

The legal fight over how the state funds its schools continues as the New Hampshire Supreme Court takes up two separate lawsuits. The plaintiffs claim claim the current funding model is unfair to school districts and taxpayers and that the state is not providing an "adequate education." Republican and Democratic lawmakers are also weighing in.

And with the cost of buying or renting a home in New Hampshire more expensive than ever, affordable housing is a top issue in the state political races this year — especially in the race for governor.

Guests:

• Ethan DeWitt, New Hampshire Bulletin
• Josh Rogers, NHPR

Top stories from around New Hampshire this week:

Democratic lawmakers ask Supreme Court to implement need-based school funding model

In the brief filed to the court this week, the lawmakers are asking for a “needs-based arrangement,” in which the state distributes funding based on what each district needs to succeed.

Housing is big in the NH governor race – and Ayotte and Craig both have skin in the game

As New Hampshire faces a shortfall in affordable housing, candidates for governor promise action but fixes are complicated.

Exeter Hospital cuts are postponed for 6 months, after pressure from AG’s office

State officials said the hospital will keep neurology, pediatric dentistry and other services open for six months while regulators review the planned cuts.

More New Hampshire headlines:

Top NH National Guard general defends response in wake of harassment investigation

Manchester community has mixed reactions to officers involved in ‘manhunt’ incident

NH Food Bank hopes new Berlin warehouse will bring ‘systemic change’ to North Country food access

The role of school meals when nearly half of NH children live with food insecurity

A new voter ID law has already faced its first legal challenge. Gov. Chris Sununu signed the law just a week ago. It would require people to show proof of citizenship and residency when they register to vote at the polls.

Exeter Hospital says it will stop offering certain services in just a couple weeks. The state attorney general says the hospital isn’t being fully transparent about the decision. We hear how this is affecting patients on this week’s edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.

Guests:

• Todd Bookman, NHPR
• Paul Cuno-Booth, NHPR

Top stories from around New Hampshire this week:

Concerns about noncitizen voting drive sweeping new restrictions in New Hampshire

A new law in New Hampshire will require anyone registering to vote for the first time in the Granite State to provide documentation they are U.S. citizens, like a birth certificate or passport, a noteworthy win for conservatives who argue, without evidence, that elections nationwide may be tainted by noncitizen voting and therefore need more restrictions.

NH Youth Movement sues to overturn new voter ID law

The new lawsuit from the New Hampshire Youth Movement, filed in federal court on Tuesday, alleges that the law violates the U.S. Constitution by making it “substantially harder—and in some cases impossible—for many New Hampshire citizens to register and vote.”

NH attorney general demands answers on Exeter Hospital cuts

In a statement Monday, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said his office is “carefully reviewing” whether the planned cuts violate the terms of Exeter Hospital’s merger with Beth Israel Lahey Health last year.

Exeter Hospital delays closure of paramedic intercept program, after AG steps in

The hospital’s Advanced Life Support program sends paramedics in a specially equipped “intercept” vehicle to emergencies that call for more advanced care than EMTs can provide. Local fire chiefs say it’s critical for smaller towns that don’t have their own paramedics on staff 24/7.

More New Hampshire headlines:

In Keene, students who owe more than $20 could miss lunch. Some say that should change.

CNN investigation finds rampant sexual harassment, assault in NH National Guard

In wrongful death lawsuit, Harmony Montgomery's mother alleges negligence by NH officials

NH Libertarian Party's post on 'assassination' of Harris attracts attention of state, federal law enforcement

Vice President Kamala Harris made a campaign stop in North Hampton this week. It's her first visit to New Hampshire since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and she became a presidential candidate.

And the New Hampshire state primary is coming up this Tuesday. There are many competitive contests on both the Democratic and Republican sides of the ballot. We run through the latest in those races.

Guests:

• Todd Bookman, NHPR
• Anna Brown, Citizens Count
• 
  

Top stories from around New Hampshire this week:

In North Hampton campaign stop, Harris touts small biz plan

Vice President Kamala Harris rolled out a plan to support entrepreneurs with expanded tax credits and streamlined tax filings during a campaign stop in North Hampton on Wednesday.

Disclosures show significant financial holdings for Democrats in 2nd Congressional District race

A new financial disclosure filed by Democratic congressional candidate Maggie Goodlander shows investments and holdings that could be worth more than $30 million.

As NH primary day nears, accusations fly in key Democratic races

With New Hampshire’s primary election just a week off, candidates in competitive races are doing all they can to get voters’ attention.

NH Supreme Court rules in favor of opinion piece writer in defamation case

The New Hampshire Supreme Court dismissed a defamation case Wednesday against the Union Leader and an op-ed writer who penned a piece about racism and the classroom.

More New Hampshire headlines:

How to stay safe from Triple E and other mosquito-borne illnesses

As NH's Latino population grows, campaign outreach is still catching up

Some Manchester residents demand city change approach to homelessness

Hung jury forces mistrial in first YDC criminal trial

The Democratic primary for New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional District has largely been about the biographies and competing resumes of the two leading candidates, Colin Van Ostern and Maggie Goodlander. What are they choosing to say, emphasize and deemphasize as they campaign?

And New Hampshire has seen increasingly dangerous flooding events in recent years, placing financial strain on towns and cities, especially those that have sustained damage multiple times. Financial assistance is available through the federal government, but some communities are falling through the cracks.

Guests:

• Josh Rogers, NHPR
• Sophia Keshmiri, Keene Sentinel

Top stories from around New Hampshire this week:

Assistance elusive for Keene community devastated by storm

While most of Keene was largely unscathed by the heavy winds and rain on July 16, the city estimated a Tanglewood Cooperative, a manufactured home community, sustained more than $1.5 million in damage.

Attacks over opioid lobbying rise to fore in Democratic race for NH governor

Joyce Craig has criticized Cinde Warmington for her past work for clients tied to the opioid industry. Warmington says the attacks are a distortion of her record.

Republican candidates for NH governor taking different paths in primary

Chuck Morse is courting GOP activists on the trail, while Kelly Ayotte is hoping the "Sununu Path" will seal the nomination.

More New Hampshire headlines:

Jury begins deliberating in first YDC criminal trial

Fish and Game catches criticism from fly fishermen concerned about rule changes

NH’s state fish find refuge in the White Mountains amid threats from climate change

Democratic National Convention delegates celebrated in Chicago last night as Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted the party’s nomination for president. JJ Dega, a rising junior at Dartmouth, tells us about his experience at the DNC as a first-time delegate representing New Hampshire.

The families of two transgender teenage girls are suing the state over a law preventing them from playing on girls sports teams. A judge ruled this week that one of the girls can continue playing on her soccer team for now.

We discuss these stories and more on this week’s edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.

Guests:

• JJ Dega, New Hampshire delegate at the Democratic National Convention
• Paul Cuno-Booth, NHPR

Top stories from around New Hampshire this week:

NH AG urges Supreme Court to uphold transgender sports bans

Attorney General John Formella joined an amicus brief in support of a West Virginia law that excludes trans students from playing girls’ sports.

Judge temporarily blocks NH's trans sports ban, allowing one student to rejoin her team

Judge Landya McCafferty of the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire ruled this week that neither the state nor any school district could stop Parker Tirrell, 15, from participating in practices or games for the Plymouth Regional High School girls’ soccer team, until the court meets again in a few weeks.

More New Hampshire headlines:

New Hampshire's still an expensive rental market. A new law aims to prevent extra fees from adding up.

Report: NH Hospital gunman lied about mental health history on federal firearms application

Telecom company that sent Biden ‘deepfake’ calls to NH voters hit with fine

Nashua nonprofits train childcare providers as industry faces staffing shortages

A school board in Lempster has filed suit against the state of New Hampshire, alleging it has established a pattern of overstepping its authority.

And the housing market continues to be a nightmare for buyers in New Hampshire with the latest median home price at over $500,000. Manufactured housing is supposed to be a more affordable option for those looking to own, but those associated costs are also going up.

We talk about these stories and more on this edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.

Guests:

• Steven Porter, Boston Globe
• Michaela Towfighi, Concord Monitor

Top stories from around New Hampshire this week:

How a school-choice request in NH led to questions about the state board’s authority

The state Board of Education argues it has complete authority over local school boards, but a New Hampshire judge seems skeptical.

Manufactured housing was an affordable homeowner option. Now, investor-owned parks are pricing residents out.

Residents are banding together in some parks to buy and own the land as a cooperative, giving themselves control over decisions like lot rent.

Coos County residents experience the highest rates of food insecurity in NH

Roughly 13% of the people in the area struggle to get enough food consistently. An Errol food pantry is trying to address the need.

NHPR's coverage of the 2024 election:

Conversations with the candidates running for NH’s 2nd Congressional District

Candidates in NH’s 1st District Republican primary look to break through with voters

As Goodlander touts D.C. work, Van Ostern stresses local connection in 2nd District primary

A new law will ban products for sale in New Hampshire that intentionally include PFAS chemicals, starting in 2027. The man-made chemicals have been linked to adverse health effects, including certain kinds of cancer.

And new data requested by the ACLU of New Hampshire shows almost no illegal migrant crossings at the New Hampshire-Canada border in recent months. The group says the data show ramped up law enforcement at the border is unnecessary. Attorney General John Formella called the data a “tunnel vision approach.”

We discuss these stories and more on this week's edition of the New Hampshire Recap.

Guests:

• Claire Sullivan, New Hampshire Bulletin
• Amanda Gokee, Boston Globe

Stories from around New Hampshire this week:

Sununu signs one bill targeting ‘forever chemicals’ but vetoes another

Certain products with PFAS intentionally added will be banned in 2027. The new law also aims to hold PFAS polluters accountable.

New data shows no apprehensions at NH’s northern border, as illegal immigration remains a hot-button issue

The ACLU of New Hampshire says the data show ramped up law enforcement at the border is unnecessary. Attorney General John Formella called the data a “tunnel vision approach.”

Thousands of NH children to benefit from summer food assistance program

The program aims to give families more money towards food during the summer when kids aren’t getting their meals from school.

More New Hampshire headlines:

Sununu backs Ayotte in race for next NH governor

Why nurses from North Carolina are trying to stop a New Hampshire hospital merger

Some changes evident as Manchester enforces new camping ban

New Hampshire law requires more transparency in AI-generated political ads

‘A huge relief’: a treatment on Lake Kanasatka successfully eliminates cyanobacteria blooms

New Hampshire voters will elect a new governor this fall, and the campaigns are heating up as we near the state primary in September. Chuck Morse and Kelly Ayotte are seeking the Republican Party nomination. They both have endorsed — and have said they'd welcome being endorsed — by Donald Trump. But their support of the former president hasn't always been so strong.

The state has long dealt with a shortage of mental health care providers, but that shortage is really taking a toll on children who need help. And Planned Parenthood of Northern New England announced this week that it's facing financial challenges. What could this mean for access to the services they provide in the future?

Guests:

• Josh Rogers, NHPR
• Paul Cuno-Booth, NHPR

Top stories from around New Hampshire this week:

For many New Hampshire families, finding a therapist for their kid is ‘like a part-time job’

New Hampshire needs more mental health professionals overall. But providers say the need is especially acute for children and youth.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England faces multimillion-dollar deficit, warns of potential cuts

The organization says cuts to family planning grants in New Hampshire have contributed to the deficit.

More NH families than ever are opting into school choice, prompting questions about how to measure success

For lawmakers, the debate over these programs is mostly a partisan fight over parental freedom versus accountability. But many families say the issue is far more personal.

More New Hampshire headlines:

League of NH Craftsmen board sees wave of resignations, says annual fair will still go on

Grand jury looking into questions around NH Ports head Marconi

Record heat, lifeguard shortages: NH pools try to stay afloat this summer

UNH drops charges against 7 out of 12 people arrested during pro-Palestine protests

How are voters and Democratic leaders responding to Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris?

And civil rights groups are responding to bills recently signed by Gov. Chris Sununu that restrict the rights of transgender youth in New Hampshire. We talk about these stories and more on this edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.

Guests:

• Paul Cuno-Booth, NHPR
• Ethan DeWitt, New Hampshire Bulletin

Top stories from around New Hampshire:

LGBTQ rights groups: NH’s trans sports ban, other restrictions could be challenged in court

Civil rights groups in New Hampshire say they’re prepared to go to court to challenge laws that place new restrictions on trans students’ participation in sports, access to gender-affirming surgeries and classroom discussions of gender and sexual orientation.

‘It’s like they took away a part of me:’ A student athlete on NH laws targeting trans youth

Parker Tirrell is a sophomore at Plymouth Regional High School, and a starter on the girls’ varsity soccer team. She and her mother, Sara Tirrell, spoke with NHPR about how these new laws are affecting their family.

New Hampshire Democratic officials unite around Harris, seeking smooth convention vote

In a closed-to-press meeting Sunday evening, the entire slate of 25 New Hampshire pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention agreed to endorse Harris.

More New Hampshire headlines:

Settlement fund payouts for YDC abuse now top $95 million

Facing enrollment drops and new law, New Hampshire colleges rush to team up

With the moose population on the declines, it’s getting harder to spot them in NH