Tensions between Gov. Kelly Ayotte and members of the state’s Executive Council boiled over this week, as the council tabled more than 20 state contracts to protest what they say is a withholding of information by the governor.And the Claremont School District continues to grapple with $5 million budget deficit. Republicans in Concord debated this week over how much the state should step in to help out.We talk about these stories and more on this edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.Guests:Rick Green, Keene SentinelEthan DeWitt, New Hampshire BulletinTop stories from around New Hampshire this week:Executive councilors hold up millions of dollars in contracts to protest AyotteCouncilors on Wednesday accused Gov. Ayotte’s departments of withholding documents from the contract packets. In protest, Republicans voted to table a wide range of contracts, seeking to disrupt Ayotte administration priorities until agencies agree to provide the information.Claremont School District budget woes prompt GOP calls for more state oversightAs the Claremont School District reels from a $5 million budget deficit, reducing staff, shutting schools, and fighting to get through the school year, Republicans in Concord are split over how much they should help out.NH bill would prohibit masked police officers during ICE raidsThe legislation is one of several Democratic proposals aimed at bringing greater public accountability to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 287(g) program, under which ICE partners with state and local law enforcement in New Hampshire.More New Hampshire headlines:‘Wholly insufficient’: AG’s report finds Berlin police had 48 hours notice to prevent domestic violence homicideState’s chosen developer for Laconia site, Robynne Alexander, will spend 2.5 years in prison for wire fraudFather of Harmony Montgomery appeals his murder conviction to Supreme Court citing ‘prejudice’ in trialPortsmouth Naval Shipyard workers and others seek food, fuel aid during shutdown

New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi has been found guilty of misusing her position. She pleaded no contest Tuesday to the allegation that she tried to improperly influence former Gov. Chris Sununu, but she’ll also be able to return to her seat on the state Supreme Court.And this year the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that the amount the state currently pays per student to public schools is not enough — not by thousands of dollars per student. The court didn’t say how the state should fix its funding problem or give a timeline for when that should happen. But some state lawmakers say they have ideas on how to solve the issue. One such idea includes increasing property taxes.We discuss these stories and more on this week’s edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.Guests:Todd Bookman, NHPREthan DeWitt, New Hampshire BulletinTop headlines from around New Hampshire this week:Hantz Marconi cleared to return to the bench, capping whirlwind week for convicted justiceThis week began for Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi with the announcement that she intended to enter into a plea deal on allegations she used her stature to try to score political favor on behalf of her husband. By Thursday, she learned that she would regain her law license and have her seat on the state’s highest court reinstated.Attorney General review of Chinese land purchase in Nashua finds no wrongdoingA review by the New Hampshire Department of Justice into the controversial purchase of an industrial property in Nashua by a China-based beverage company with alleged ties to the Communist Party has cleared a state employee who helped facilitate the transaction of any wrongdoing.After Supreme Court school funding decision, Republican floats fix: increasing property taxesIn the months since the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that the state is underfunding its public schools, lawmakers have been divided over how to respond. Now, one Republican says he has a possible answer: increase — and redistribute — statewide property taxes.Amid sagging revenues, New Hampshire Republicans to push for lowering business enterprise taxNew Hampshire’s two business tax rates have dropped steadily over the last decade, descending from 2015 to 2023 under a series of cuts brought by Republicans. Now, House lawmakers are seeking to make one more reduction to one of those two taxes.More New Hampshire headlines:Investigators found evidence of potential crimes by NH prison staff. They decided not to prosecute.Federal court upholds block in birthright citizenship lawsuit; may go to Supreme CourtACLU of NH is challenging the state’s loitering lawNew England’s last coal plant has stopped operating, according to its owners

There are over 9,000 federal employees working here in New Hampshire, and a number of services and programs that could be disrupted under this federal government shutdown.At the heart of the shutdown is a fight over health policy. Democrats are seeking to continue health insurance subsidies established through the Affordable Care Act. Republicans say there’s time to negotiate on those subsidies later. In New Hampshire, marketplace experts are preparing people to expect higher health care premiums whether or not subsidies through the Affordable Care Act are extended.We talk about these stories and more on this edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.Guests:Amanda Gokee, Boston GlobeOlivia Richardson, NHPRTop headlines from around New Hampshire this week:How will the federal shutdown affect New Hampshire? Here’s what we know so far.A lingering shutdown could carry hardship for people who depend on federal assistance programs including the Head Start and food aid programs.Insurance subsidies a key issues in Washington, as NH navigators warn of increased costsFunding cuts have led organizations who help people find health insurance to cut staff and limit services, as premiums are expected to go up.School districts look at savings and hiring freezes to cover a $30 million health billSchoolCare, a nonprofit insurer, sent invoices to 65 school districts and about 25 other public employers or insurers Wednesday to cover a $30 million shortfall. It cited an unanticipated spike in health care claims and pharmacy costs.More New Hampshire headlines:Taylor Caswell, who oversaw billions in COVID relief air for NH, to resignMedicare Advantage coverage in New Hampshire will shrink for 2026Documents show heavy state involvement in Chinese land purchase in NashuaFederal energy funding cancellations hits two projects in New Hampshire