AGP Executive Report

Diesel shock hits NH travelers and businesses: Diesel prices surged to record levels, with the national average topping $6 a gallon—an added cost pressure for trucking and for goods that eventually reach stores. Fall foliage timing: The Farmers’ Almanac says peak fall color may arrive later in the East, and its first-snow map suggests early snow chances in higher northern elevations—useful for planning NH road trips. Northern NH tourism boost: A Model T vintage-car tour rolled through Aroostook County, bringing 26 cars and drivers and a tourism lift to Presque Isle. Local business visibility: A White Mountains regional directory launched new membership plans to help Northern New Hampshire businesses and nonprofits get found online. 9/11 remembrance with a NH angle: Mount Washington’s 9/11 tribute lights drew visitors from around the region, including people gathering in York to view the beams. NH travel cost backdrop: AAA reports the national gas average rose to $4.27, keeping fuel costs top-of-mind for anyone heading out.

9/11 Remembrance: Arlington County marked the 25th anniversary with a livestreamed ceremony at Fire Station 5, honoring Pentagon victims and first responders, as communities nationwide held vigils, wreath-layings, and moments of silence. Local 9/11 Stories: A Manchester man, Jeff Benjamin, recalled escaping the North Tower from the 83rd floor—his account is resurfacing as New Hampshire remembers. Tourism Tie-In: In New Hampshire, Mount Washington’s 9/11 remembrance includes twin light beams, adding a major destination stop for visitors seeking meaningful memorial travel. Fall Fun in NH: Sherman Farm in Center Conway unveiled its 2026 corn maze theme—a tribute to Maine’s Fryeburg Fair—opening Sept. 19 and giving families a fresh reason to plan weekend trips. Seacoast Economy: Pease Tradeport continues as a key New Hampshire economic engine, with a new report highlighting its role and “retooling” for life science users. Roadless Rule Fight: A unique stretch of New England forest in the White Mountains region faces new pressure after a proposed rollback of the roadless rule. Gas Prices: AAA reported the national gas average rose 13 cents to $4.27, with volatility tied to crude oil moves.

9/11 Remembrance in the Mountains: Mount Washington will shine two pillars of light from 8 p.m. to midnight through Saturday to mark the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, with the beams visible from far out on clear nights. Local 9/11 Stories: A Manchester man, Jeff Benjamin, recounts escaping the North Tower on 9/11, while another piece looks at how airport security has kept evolving since the attacks. Outdoor & Adventure Tourism: LOWA and the Summit Scholarship Foundation say their Matterhorn Adventure is complete, with NH scholarship recipient Tiffany Diep among those involved in the climb effort. Ski Pass News: Ikon Pass expands further into Asia for winter 26/27, adding Japan and China resorts and boosting access days for holders. NH Events for Visitors: Manchester’s Iron Rose Women’s Shooting Club launches the Rose Garden online community and announces its Oct. 2–4 Rise-Together Weekend in the Granite State. Travel Planning Tip: A new roundup highlights NH fall escapes that deserve more than a day trip. Sports on the Move: UNH women’s volleyball opens the East Coast Challenge at UConn on Friday, with matches also set against FDU.

Elections & Voting: A new Crystal Ball update says GOP secretary of state races face fresh risk as election-denialism resurfaces, with six races now flagged competitive, including two leaning Democratic. Healthcare & Community: Tom Golisano’s Golisano Children’s Alliance is expanding with a $225M investment adding Dartmouth Health Children’s in Lebanon, NH, as part of a broader push to bring pediatric care closer to home. Fall Travel Ideas: A new guide highlights five NH fall weekend escapes that go beyond day trips, including a North Conway plan built around the Conway Scenic Railroad and easy village strolling. Outdoor & Adventure: Waterville Valley Resort announced an Outdoor Adventure Zone coming by spring 2027, adding family-friendly attractions like miniature golf and aerial challenges. Hiking Milestone: At 91, “Grey Beard” Dale Sanders became the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail after 359 days and 71 falls. Road Safety: Preliminary National Safety Council data finds traffic fatalities down slightly in the first half of 2026, with New Hampshire among states seeing declines. 9/11 Commemoration: Mount Washington’s Honor Summit returns with multiday “pillars of light” visible from far away, starting Wednesday night. Local Culture: Salem’s Cue Zero Theatre Company brings the cult musical “Ride the Cyclone” to the Arts Academy of New Hampshire Oct. 2–4.

Mount Washington 9/11 remembrance: The Honor Summit returns with two multiday “pillars of light” rising from the summit Sept. 9–12 at 8 p.m., with recommended viewing spots across New Hampshire and beyond. Fall travel ideas: A new guide urges visitors to go car-free for foliage season—using foot, bike, boat, train, or even zipline—highlighting a Squam Lake pontoon cruise as a scenic alternative to traffic. Local food & fun: Two NH ice cream shops are getting creative with dessert “bowl” concepts, while a Bartlett running group is pushing trail running with events like the Kismit Cliff Run and the Ragged 75 Stage Race. Community calendar: Weekend plans include the Honor Summit and major Hampton Beach events like the Seafood Festival and fireworks. Safety watch: A York, Maine motorcyclist died after a Route 1 crash involving a turning vehicle near Mountain Road, just north of the NH border. Happiest states data: WalletHub ranks New Hampshire among the happiest states in the U.S., landing at #10.

Portsmouth Housing Watch: After the primary, Portsmouth residents are being urged to weigh in on the city’s draft Housing Action Plan, with public Housing Committee meetings set for Sept. 10 and Sept. 23 before City Council adoption—aimed at tackling soaring rental costs and affordability for teachers, city staff, emergency workers, seniors, and other households. Seacoast Travel Stop Plan: New Hampshire’s plan to rebuild I-95 service plazas with more amenities (food, fuel, EV charging, and visitor info) is stuck in procurement trouble and a court challenge, leaving the Seacoast gateway concept in limbo. Mountain Safety & Rescues: Over Labor Day weekend, three Massachusetts hikers were rescued in New Hampshire, including one serious injury on Mount Monadnock that required a long carry to the base. Road News: A York motorcyclist died after a Route 1 crash involving a turning vehicle onto Mountain Road; the case remains under investigation. 9/11 Tribute on Mount Washington: “The Honor Summit” will project two huge LED light beams from Mount Washington Sept. 9–12, visible from up to 135 miles on clear nights, with guided Auto Road tours available via waitlist. Local Fall Fun: Rutland’s Whoopie Pie Fest returns downtown Sept. 12 with tastings, family activities, and live entertainment.

Politics & Travel Impacts: New Hampshire’s GOP primary results are in, with Trump-endorsed Anthony DiLorenzo winning the 1st District nomination and Lily Tang Williams taking the 2nd District GOP primary, while election officials say polling sites saw election monitors with few issues. Mountain Safety & Outdoor News: Three separate New Hampshire mountain rescues over Labor Day weekend included a serious (not life-threatening) Monadnock injury that required a carry-down, plus additional rescues on Mount Washington and Mount Osceola. 9/11 Commemoration on Mount Washington: “The Honor Summit” will project twin LED light beams from Mount Washington Sept. 9–12 at 8 p.m., visible from up to 135 miles on clear nights, with Mount Washington Auto Road offering guided access (tickets sold out). Seacoast Stopover Plan: New Hampshire’s troubled I-95 service plaza redevelopment—aimed at adding restaurants, fuel, EV charging, and visitor info—faces procurement problems and a court challenge. Weekend Fun: Rutland’s Whoopie Pie Fest returns downtown Sept. 12 with tastings, family activities, and live entertainment. Road Safety: A York motorcyclist died after a Route 1 crash involving a left turn from Mountain Road.

I-95 Service Plaza Update: New Hampshire’s plan to replace the aging Hampton I-95 service plazas is stuck in limbo—one bid was canceled over a procurement issue, and the latest developer selection is now being challenged in court. Mountain Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game reported multiple rescues this weekend, including a hiker assisted on Mount Washington after symptoms worsened in fog and high winds, and injured hikers recovered on Mount Monadnock and Mount Cardigan (with responses funded through the NH Hike Safe Card and Search and Rescue Fund). 9/11 Commemoration on Mount Washington: The summit will project two beams of light Sept. 9–12 at 8 p.m. as part of The Honor Summit, with viewing possible from areas east and west of the mountain. Fall Foliage Forecast: Maps from Explore Fall point to peak color arriving first in higher elevations, with timing for northern New York and Vermont shifting later in October near Lake Champlain. Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA says Labor Day traffic was heavy as the holiday ended, and gas prices hit record levels—NH averaged about $4.16 a gallon. Local Events: Exeter’s UFO Festival drew visitors with lectures and festivities tied to the Betty and Barney Hill story.

Labor Day Travel: AAA reports Labor Day traffic snarls in parts of New Hampshire as the holiday weekend ends, with gas prices hitting record highs—about $4.16 in NH. Family Fun & Fundraisers: Exeter’s UFO Festival draws visitors with talks, costumes, and local lore, while Merrimack’s Cruisin’ for Breast Cancer Survivors Car Show fundraiser (Sept. 27) supports the New England Mobile Fit Clinic. Stargazing in the Whites: Mount Washington Resort is teaming up with astronomer Doug Arion for “stargaze” programs using handcrafted telescopes. Wildlife Watch: Lebanon police are investigating multiple attacks in Centerra Park since Aug. 30 and are asking residents to keep distance and contact authorities due to possible rabies risk. Weekend Plans: If you’re heading out, check road conditions and expect delays—especially later in the day.

Labor Day travel costs: AAA says the national gas average is $4.14—on track to set a Labor Day record—driven by crude prices tied to the Strait of Hormuz. White Mountains hiking story: A New Hampshire hiker recounts how a cat saved their “mortal soul” on the Falling Waters trail. Local outdoor events: The Adirondack Canoe Classic (90-Miler) returns Sept. 11-13, with paddlers traveling Old Forge to Saranac Lake. Family-friendly NH weekend ideas: Lanterns are set to transform Lake Winnipesaukee this weekend, and SUP YO is offering last-chance summer paddle sessions in New England. Community & culture: Weirs Beach marks the 70th birthday of its iconic sign, and Nashua hosts its Annual Multicultural Festival 2026. Health & travel tie-in: A New Hampshire man, Tim Andrews, became the longest-surviving recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney before a human transplant—an update that could matter to patients planning care trips.

Labor Day travel costs: AAA says Labor Day is shaping up for record-high gas prices, with the national average at $4.14 as crude stays elevated. White Mountains hiking story: A New Hampshire hiker’s account of tackling Franconia Ridge (including the Falling Waters trail) includes a close call when a cat on the hike “saved my mortal soul.” Mount Washington 9/11 remembrance: The Honor Summit returns Sept. 9-12 at 8 p.m., with two light beams visible from far away; Maine viewing spots include Hacker’s Hill Preserve (Casco), Height of Land (Roxbury), and Quill Hill (Rangeley). Northern Forest paddling: The Adirondack Canoe Classic “90-Miler” runs Sept. 11-13 from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, supporting stewardship and youth canoe camping scholarships. Local boating update: No injuries after a boat accident at The Witches on Lake Winnipesaukee Aug. 30; Marine Patrol and Fish and Game responded and the vessel was safely towed. Health/innovation with NH tie: A New Hampshire man, Tim Andrews of Barrington, became the longest-surviving pig-kidney recipient, living 271 days off dialysis before a human transplant.

White Mountains Outdoors: A column spotlights a tough Franconia Ridge hike on Little Haystack’s Falling Waters trail—plus a surprise rescue moment when a cat named Perseus poked its head from a backpack and “saved my mortal soul.” Tourism & Community: Weirs Beach in Laconia marked the 70th birthday of its iconic blinking sign, a longtime landmark that points visitors to lakeside fun. Travel Safety: No injuries were reported after a boat struck a submerged rock at The Witches on Lake Winnipesaukee; Marine Patrol and Fish and Game helped prevent sinking and the vessel was towed safely. Regional Travel Economics: Canadian visitors to Vermont are up this summer versus last year, but still far below typical levels—an ongoing concern for Upper Valley tourism as foliage season approaches. Big Picture NH Interest: A New Hampshire man, Tim Andrews of Barrington, became the longest-surviving pig-kidney recipient—living 271 days without dialysis before a human transplant—an advance that could reshape future transplant options.

Northern Forest paddling event: The Adirondack Canoe Classic, the “90-Miler,” runs Sept. 11-13 with about 275 boats and 600 paddlers on a three-day route from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, hosted by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and backed by conservation partners and volunteers; proceeds support trail stewardship and youth canoe camping scholarships. NH travel safety: A boat crash at The Witches on Lake Winnipesaukee (Aug. 30) left no injuries after a Sea Ray struck a submerged rock; Marine Patrol and Fish and Game stopped the vessel from sinking and it was towed for safe removal. Lakes Region tourism nostalgia: Weirs Beach’s iconic sign in Laconia turned 70 this year, a landmark that points visitors to the area’s classic lakeside attractions. Road trip planning: NH DOT says the I-89 Exit 20 southbound off-ramp will close for one day between Sept. 9-10 for paving, with detours via Exit 19. Big-picture travel context: AAA reports Vermont gas averaging $4.29, with Labor Day shaping up for record-high prices—an issue for NH visitors driving north.

Medical Milestone for NH Travelers: A retired Barrington, N.H., man (Tim Andrews) became the longest-surviving recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney, staying off dialysis for 271 days before a successful human transplant—an advance researchers say could help patients facing long organ waits. Lakes Region Visitor Notes: The Weirs Beach sign in Laconia turned 70, a longtime “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” landmark that points visitors to arcades, cruises, and summer fun. Road & Transit Planning: NH DOT says the I-89 Exit 20 southbound off-ramp closure will be pushed to next week, with a one-day paving closure expected Wednesday, Sept. 9 or Thursday, Sept. 10. Foliage Season Watch: Businesses are bracing for potential tariff impacts on the foliage season, while AAA reports Labor Day gas prices are on track to set records. Weekend Safety: No injuries were reported after a boat struck a submerged rock at The Witches on Lake Winnipesaukee; the vessel was towed and removed safely.

Weirs Beach landmark: Laconia’s iconic Weirs Beach sign turns 70, still pointing visitors to the Lakes Region’s arcades, cruises and summer fun after locals rallied to save it from near-demolition in 2002. Mount Washington remembrance: The Honor Summit’s two pillars of light return Sept. 9–12 (8 p.m. nightly), with Maine viewing spots including Hacker’s Hill Preserve (Casco), Height of Land (Roxbury) and Quill Hill (Rangeley). Road trip costs: AAA says Labor Day weekend is on track for record-high gas prices, with the national average around $4.14 as crude oil volatility tied to the Strait of Hormuz keeps fuel expensive. Local travel logistics: NH DOT will close the I-89 Exit 20 southbound off-ramp for one day between Sept. 9–10 for paving, with detours via Exit 19. Health tourism angle: A New Hampshire man’s record 271-day life with a gene-edited pig kidney—then a human transplant—highlights how advanced medical breakthroughs may reshape future care options.

Labor Day travel costs: AAA says Labor Day 2026 is on track for record-high gas prices, with the national average around $4.14 and crude oil volatility tied to the Strait of Hormuz keeping prices elevated. Corrections-to-college: UNH and White Mountains Community College are letting inmates earn bachelor’s degrees in business administration through a prison education partnership, with expansion planned for additional facilities. Medical milestone with NH ties: A New Hampshire man, Tim Andrews, lived about nine months dialysis-free after receiving a gene-edited pig kidney, then successfully transitioned to a human transplant—an advance that could matter for organ waiting lists. Outdoor & local culture: A New Hampshire camping letter highlights why White Mountains trips still feel restorative, while a children’s book spotlights the Mason-Dixon Line through a New Hampshire-area history adventure. Wildfire context: A Yale Climate Connections piece urges readers to look beyond headlines and understand what different wildfire stories do (and don’t) reveal about climate links.