The U.S. Department of Justice is suing New Hampshire and five other states for access to confidential voting records. Months ago the DOJ asked New Hampshire for the data and Secretary of State David Scanlan denied the request.And the Trump administration abruptly ended funding for two programs that are helping over 5,000 New Hampshire students pursue college and careers.We discuss these stories and more on this week’s edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.Guests:Todd Bookman, NHPRKate Dario, NHPRAnnmarie Timmins, NHPRTop stories from around New Hampshire this week:Trump administration sues New Hampshire over access to voter dataThe suit seeks sensitive voter information including partial social security numbers. The Secretary of State has said New Hampshire law prohibits sharing such information.What we know so far about the shooting at Sky Meadow Country ClubThe 23-year-old man accused of opening fire inside a Nashua country club Saturday night, killing one person and injuring others, made his first court appearance Monday.As NH presses, Trump administration hasn’t budged on restoring programs for 5,200 NH studentsThe U.S. Department of Education said the college and career preparation advising is “not in the best interest of the federal government.” It would not say why.More New Hampshire headlines:2025 was NH’s driest summer ever recordedNH doctors say Trump's claims about autism and Tylenol use in pregnancy don't match scienceRegulators will reconsider controversial Eversource decision that raised feesRockingham County Jail could house ICE detainees: 'It's a service to the country'

The murder of right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves across the country. Here in New Hampshire, his assassination is leading to a crack down from conservatives on what they perceive as left-wing ideology in public schools.We follow the local response to Kirk's murder on this edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.Guests:Annmarie Timmins, NHPRSteven Porter, Boston GlobeTop stories from around New Hampshire this week:At campus vigil honoring Kirk, UNH conservatives say they’re eager to speak upThe event, organized by a Republican lawmaker who is also a UNH student, offered a gathering place for students who said they felt out of place on a liberal campus.New Hampshire Republicans target schools, teachers – in Charlie Kirk’s nameNew Hampshire Republicans are backing a bill that would limit how teachers could discuss the Constitution, LGBTQ+ issues, and the legal system. They named it the "Charlie Act" for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.Pease leadership says hands are tied over ICE flights; activists accuse agency of ‘complicity’The Pease Development Authority released a memorandum Tuesday outlining the legal reasons for why it believes it must allow ICE to continue operating deportation-related flights out of Portsmouth International Airport.More New Hampshire headlines:‘Emboldened and aggressive,’ top NH Republicans urge action in wake of Kirk killingNH Supreme Court to hear case of only person on death row in New EnglandRefresher Course: What is the Supreme Court’s ‘shadow docket’?Gould confirmed to seat on NH Supreme Court; Formella approved for another term

After 40 years, the high-profile cold case known as the Bear Brook murders has now been solved. But in solving it, investigators have revealed new mysteries. The case has loomed large in the state for decades, baffling investigators, journalists and sleuths on the internet.

And much of New Hampshire is in a drought right now according to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor. After a wet spring, the summer has been anything but. That’s led to some communities restricting water use, and farmers struggling to keep crops and animals watered and fed.We discuss these stories on this week’s edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.

Guests:

Jason Moon, NHPR

Kate Dario, NHPR

The Claremont School Board has authorized a bank loan that will cover some daily expenses as the district faces a $1 to $5 million deficit. Meanwhile another New Hampshire town, Pittsfield, is also facing a budget shortfall of over a million dollarsAnd a federal judge temporarily blocked a state law that would cut funding for schools that pursue diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The decision pushes off a deadline the Department of Education set for when schools need to report if they’ve had any contracts or policies involving DEI.We discuss these stories and more on this week’s edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.Guests:Jeremy Margolis, Concord MonitorSruthi Gopalakrishnan, Concord MonitorTop stories from around New Hampshire this week:Amid Claremont crisis, Pittsfield school district works to dig out of its own million dollar holePittsfield’s deficit, discovered early this year, is roughly $1.8 million and potentially bigger by percentage than Claremont’s. But as dire questions swirl in Claremont about whether schools will even remain open over the coming weeks, Pittsfield’s schools begin the year on less precarious footing.Federal judge temporarily blocks enforcement of New Hampshire’s DEI law for majority of districtsA federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked the state of New Hampshire from penalizing school districts that fail to comply with the state’s new ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.Berlin murder to be first case reviewed by state’s domestic violence committeeThe committee’s role is to identify gaps in system responses and services, as well as key points for intervention, that—if addressed—could strengthen both the systemic and community response to domestic violence in New Hampshire.New Hampshire homes still expensive even as market begins to coolNew Hampshire’s housing market is slowly showing signs of cooling after years of being dominated by sellers, but even with the slowdown, record-high prices continue to put the dream of homeownership out of reach for many.More New Hampshire headlines:Whooping cough cases up in New Hampshire this yearJohn E. Sununu says he's considering another U.S. Senate runReport finds NH Army Nat'l Guard recruiter coerced young members into sexLawyers for NH Supreme Court justice facing charges wants AG removed from case, or be forced to testifyLabor Day protest in Concord fills downtown streets, State House lawn

New Hampshire is among the states targeted by the U.S. Department of Justice seeking information about its voting system. That includes the state’s voter registration list. New Hampshire election officials have refused to hand over that information to the federal government, and now they are rejecting yet another request from the feds.As the Trump administration is weighing whether to deploy National Guard troops to additional American cities, Republican governors around the country are mobilizing troops at the president's request. What has Gov. Kelly Ayotte said about sending soldiers from New Hampshire?And a federal judge is weighing whether to block a new state law that would cut funding for schools that pursue diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. We talk about these stories and more on this edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.Guests:Todd Bookman, NHPRAmanda Gokee, Boston GlobeTop stories from around New Hampshire this week:Trump administration and NH officials continue fight over access to state’s voter dataIn June, the federal government demanded that New Hampshire turn over sensitive voter files. State officials ignored a deadline, and on Thursday again denied the request.Ayotte says she would ‘evaluate’ NH Nat’l Guard deployment to cities, but no request has comeAs the Trump administration weighs sending National Guard soldiers to cities beyond Washington, D.C., Ayotte said troops from New Hampshire remain focused on preparing for other deployments.Federal judge in NH weighs the state’s new anti-DEI lawThe same judge blocked the Trump administration’s efforts to defund schools over diversity, equity and inclusion.Ayotte taps Bryan Gould, a lawyer with Republican Party ties, for state Supreme CourtAyotte also said she will re-nominate John Formella to serve as New Hampshire attorney general.More New Hampshire headlines:‘How did this happen?’ Uncertainty continues amid Claremont’s school funding crisisTariffs, labor costs and USDA changes are top of mind for New Hampshire farmersMassachusetts is emerging as a haven for trans youth seeking care as restrictions reach deeper in New EnglandAir Force review flags 191 Sig Sauer guns in need of repairs, clears remainder for use

A superior court judge ruled this week that the state is underfunding both general and special education. This follows another ruling by the state Supreme Court earlier this summer that also determined New Hampshire isn’t spending enough. But both that court and the judge in this case left it to the Legislature to take next steps. So what does this actually mean moving forward?We talk about this story and more on this edition of the New Hampshire News Recap.Guests:Annmarie Timmins, NHPREthan DeWitt, New Hampshire BulletinTop stories from around New Hampshire this week:Judge: NH is underfunding special educationThis is the second court in six weeks to conclude New Hampshire is failing to adequately fund public education. The state Supreme Court said the state is underspending on general education.Three years after launch of state police accreditation, departments’ interest growsThree years after the state accreditation process was created by executive order by former Gov. Chris Sununu, about 50 police departments are engaged in the process.Autopsy points to wife in Madbury murder-suicide that claimed four livesAuthorities believe Emily Long killed her husband and their two young children before shooting herself on Monday evening. A third child, a toddler, was unharmed.More New Hampshire headlines:Sununu lands top job at aviation industry lobbying groupNH plans to resume EV charging buildout based on new federal guidanceKarishma Manzur enters NH Senate race, joining Pappas in Democratic primaryTradition, family recipes and faith on the menu at Manchester food festival

A land sale in Nashua earlier this year is now sparking rumors and misinformation online and across the city. A Chinese bottling company purchased an industrial property in January leading to speculation about the deal on social media.

And New Hampshire ranks last in the country in spending on public higher education. At the same time, universities and other education institutions are undergoing funding cuts from both the state and federal governments.

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

• Kate Dario, NHPR
• Annmarie Timmins, NHPR

Report: NH’s ‘underinvestment’ in its colleges could have big impacts for employers

New Hampshire ranks last in the country in spending on public higher education. That could discourage local students from attending one of the state’s colleges and choosing to make their careers here.

‘Educational futures are on hold’: Adult ed providers still waiting on funding

Congress defunded adult education programs in July then reversed course two weeks later. But that money still has not reached New Hampshire providers who have been unable to hire for the fall semester.

New state law could power cryptomining, data centers in New Hampshire

Wildfire risk high in NH this summer due to dry conditions

As Social Security reaches its 90th anniversary, concerns linger about its future

Dartmouth PhD student drops lawsuit against Trump administration

Concord Police are leading the investigation into a neo-Nazi group's actions in the city last weekend. The Attorney General's Civil Rights Unit is also monitoring as the group's appearance has been condemned by municipal and state political leaders.

Many families are taking interest in New Hampshire’s expanded school choice program as we near the upcoming school year. Fall enrollment has reached the 10,000 cap and nearly 300 students are on a waitlist.

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

• Steven Porter, Boston Globe
• Will Skipworth, New Hampshire Bulletin

Videos offer new details on neo-Nazi group’s activities, interaction with protesters in Concord

At times, the video shows New Hampshire State Police and the Concord Police Department officers engaging with Blood Tribe members and counter protestors. But mostly, they show the police acting as a buffer between the two groups

Enrollment in NH ‘education freedom account’ program nearly doubles in one year, with universal eligibility

New Hampshire lawmakers expanded the Education Freedom Account program to all families, regardless of income, in June. Fall enrollment has reached the 10,000 student limit.

Dartmouth scientists reeling from Trump’s biomedical research cuts

Since January, the Trump administration has targeted biomedical research in a number of ways.

NH complies with Trump admin request for SNAP recipients’ personal data

Most of this year’s air quality alerts in NH were because of wildfires. That’s likely the new normal.

Witness in trial of NH Supreme Court Justice could include big names in state politics and law

Years before Air Force base fatality, investigators found ‘failure’ in a Sig Sauer gun

A dozen local law enforcement agencies, including state police, have signed agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the last six months to add some of those federal duties on their beat. Federally, these agreements are part of a push to increase immigration enforcement.

And Gov. Kelly Ayotte's pick for New Hampshire's next education commissioner received broad political support during her confirmation this week. Caitlin Davis said she'd support public education and evaluate the programs established by outgoing Commissioner Frank Edelblut.

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

• Lau Guzmán, NHPR
• Steven Porter, Boston Globe

Ayotte’s pick for NH commissioner says she’d steer clear of politics

Caitlin Davis said she’d support public education, evaluate the programs that outgoing Commissioner Frank Edelblut established, and, unlike Edelblut, keep the agency out of divisive political debates.

Sig Sauer continues to defend safety of P320 following death of airman on U.S. military base

The New Hampshire-based gun manufacturer issued a lengthy statement late Tuesday defending the design and construction of its marquee pistol. The recent death of an airman on a base in Wyoming led the U.S. Air Force to suspend its use for some personnel.

NH Democrat jumps into Manchester mayoral race to challenge Republican incumbent

The race for Manchester mayor is beginning to shape up. Republican Jay Ruais was the only one with his hat in the ring until Democrat Jessica Spillers stepped forward to challenge the incumbent mayor.

NH regulators allow Eversource to raise rates and change ratemaking processes

Consumer advocates say the plan will hurt residential customers and limit transparency.

He bought the local paper to help his hometown. Now, he’s being blamed for its demise.

NH educators, parents work to build trust between schools and families

NH has taken a ‘housing first’ approach to homelessness. A new executive order could change that.

Some Granite Staters are raising concerns about how ICE agents are operating in their communities. The concerns follow apparent detentions of people in Manchester and Portsmouth this month. A video circulating this week shows a man being arrested outside a Manchester courthouse this week, and in Portsmouth, four restaurant workers were detained by ICE agents earlier this month.

A new person will soon be deciding the settlement awards given to alleged victims of abuse at the state’s youth detention facility. Current state settlement administrator John Broderick recently announced he’ll be leaving the job.

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

Guests:

• Lau Guzmán, NHPR
• Amanda Gokee, Boston Globe

Top stories from around New Hampshire this week:

Apparent ICE officers detain man near Manchester courthouse, community concerned

ICE arrests have tripled in New Hampshire since January, amid an enhanced immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. Monday’s arrest in Manchester is not the first time that someone has been detained near a New Hampshire courthouse.

Portsmouth residents concerned about community trust, worker safety after ICE actions

Several residents attended public meetings this week to voice their concerns about what they described as unidentified law enforcement officers in their community.

YDC fund administrator warns new N.H. law will remove him, amid concerns of fairness

The new legislation prompted the victims of abuse at the Youth Development Center to file a class action lawsuit last week, arguing the state was going back on its word.

Electricity costs in N.H. rising during hot summer months of peak usage

New Hampshire’s largest electricity company is warning residents that energy costs are about to go up during the hot summer months when consumers typically use the most energy to stay cool.

More New Hampshire headlines:

Air Force unit suspends use of Sig Sauer pistol after shooting death of airman

NH is the first state to require doctors to follow patients' wishes on sterilization

How to tell if your favorite NH swimming spot is safe from cyanobacteria

Ayotte picks fights with fellow Republicans carefully, both in Concord and Washington

New report shows Medicaid coverage decreased slightly in New Hampshire in 2024