AGP Executive Report

Memorial Day kickoff: AAA says Memorial Day gas prices are the highest in four years, with the U.S. regular average at $4.56—but New Hampshire tourism is still rolling. NH summer tourism: State officials expect about 4.8 million visitors this season, spending roughly $2.6 billion, even with higher fuel costs and fewer travelers from Canada. Ice Cream Trail buzz: Gov. Kelly Ayotte unveiled the 2026 New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail—69 shops across the state, plus a passport challenge (finish 55 shops for a t-shirt). Local fun on the road: Gunstock’s 103rd Laconia Motorcycle Week is bringing back the Gunstock Hillclimb on June 17, with thousands of spectators expected. Fuel watch (NH): GasBuddy reports midgrade as low as $4.65 in Belknap County for the week ending May 16.

Memorial Day kickoff: New Hampshire is gearing up for the holiday rush with a big tourism push and a weather break—Friday looks mild and sunny, but Sunday turns cooler with more rain chances, plus pollen stays high. Gas prices: AAA says Memorial Day gas is at a four-year high nationwide, but NH is still the budget winner in New England—lowest gas and grocery costs in the region for the weekend. Local flavor: In Stanley, the Kibler Library hosts a local author showcase, including a new children’s book headed to the library. Roadside reality: Keene residents are split on short-term rentals, with housing affordability and neighborhood impacts topping concerns in a recent city survey. Weekend entertainment: Thunder Road Speedbowl’s 63rd Memorial Day Classic has racers and fans ready to roll. Sports note: NASCAR mourns Kyle Busch, whose last Cup win came in 2023 and whose final pro win was in May 2026.

Gas Watch: Week ending May 16 brought some relief for drivers in New Hampshire’s counties, with the lowest diesel in Rockingham County hitting $4.99 and regular gas lows as low as $4.14 in Hillsborough and $4.32 in Sullivan. Memorial Day Travel Weather: Expect more spring-like conditions for the holiday weekend—warmest Friday (mid-60s to near 70), then cooler Sunday with more rain chances, plus cold water temps and lingering mud in spots. Road Safety: A wrong-way crash on Massachusetts’ Route 3 (dashcam-captured) is the latest reminder of the problem, with Massachusetts moving toward more wrong-way detection and warning tech. Local Life & Fun: Lafayette Day drew reenactors and cannon fire at the State House, while Sterling is gearing up for the Big Boy steam engine stop June 2 near the farmers market. Travel Disruption: JetBlue is cutting summer routes and exiting Manchester-Boston entirely, forcing travelers to rebook.

Beach Safety Crackdown: Hampton Beach saw a major police response after a “Hampton Beach Takeover” day drew thousands—NH officials say 51 people were arrested as fights and disorder broke out. City Growth vs. Housing: Manchester and Nashua are rebounding in population since 2020, but the Census data flags that housing growth is lagging, which could slow the benefits. Travel Hit From the Sky: JetBlue is cutting 11 routes and exiting Manchester-Boston Regional Airport entirely this summer, forcing travelers to rebook. Memorial Day Gas Shock: AAA says drivers face some of the highest Memorial Day gas prices in four years, with Massachusetts prices expected to sting anyone heading to NH or the Cape. Road Work Ahead: I-89 bridge work in West Lebanon will shift northbound traffic to one lane starting May 27, with daily work windows and a reopening planned for June 1. Local Fun, Local Flavor: The Fisher Cats are launching “Hot Dog Happy Hour” before home games—free concert plus concession specials for early arrivals.

Weather Reset: After record spring heat, New England is set for a cooldown Thursday with morning showers and scattered light rain, then clearing and cooler, drier air—highs mostly upper 60s to near 70. Air Travel Shake-Up: JetBlue is pulling out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport entirely this summer (last flight July 8) and cutting routes elsewhere, leaving travelers to rebook. Travel Safety & Disruption: A wrongful-death lawsuit accuses JetBlue of failing to render aid after a passenger suffered a fatal stroke during a flight. NH Health & Care Watch: CMS data show Holy Cross Health Center in Manchester-area Hillsborough County earned a 5-star overall rating in Q1 2026, while Bedford Nursing & Rehabilitation Center landed at 2 stars. Summer Planning: Portsmouth’s summer events calendar is out, with Chowderfest (June 6) and a packed Prescott Park concert lineup. Cost Pressure: Gas prices are rising again, and NH households—especially rural commuters—are feeling it.

Healthcare Costs: ACA Marketplace benchmark premiums jumped 21.7% for 2026, with big state-to-state gaps hitting affordability hard—New Hampshire’s benchmark is reported far lower than the national high-cost states. Travel & Weather: More rain is falling in New Hampshire, but a Dartmouth study says storm patterns are also making groundwater harder to rely on—so “wetter” doesn’t automatically mean “better water.” Road Trip Reality Check: Memorial Day travel is set to be pricier as gas stays elevated, and a NH Fiscal Policy Institute report warns higher fuel costs squeeze lower-income, rural commuters and could even affect road funding. Local Summer Plans: Portsmouth’s 2026 festival season is rolling out, with Chowderfest and a packed summer concert lineup. Public Safety: NH Executive Council kicks off a CPR training push with hands-only lessons statewide. Crime Update: Federal agents say they cracked an international gun smuggling ring tied to Akwesasne, with New Hampshire connections.

Gas Prices & Road Funding: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute report says higher gas costs since late February are hitting lower-income and rural households hardest, with nearly 600,000 workers commuting by car—plus the state could see less revenue if people drive less, threatening long-term road and bridge upkeep. Summer Travel Reality Check: Memorial Day travel is expected to be pricier nationwide, and a separate survey finds many Americans are already cutting back—more staycations, shorter trips, and “quietcations.” UNH Value Despite Cuts: New coverage argues the University System of NH still delivers major returns even as budget cuts push students to pay more. Seacoast Season Picks: Portsmouth and Wells are rolling out summer event calendars, from Chowderfest and concerts to HarborFest and new spots on Route 1. Local Hospitality Tech: Portsmouth’s Treadwell Mansion opened a front-desk-free, fully digital aparthotel experience. Public Safety: NH Executive Council kicks off a statewide hands-only CPR training push.

Gas Prices & Road Wear: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute report says the jump to about $4.50 a gallon since winter is hitting lower-income commuters hardest—and could mean tougher long-term maintenance for roads and bridges. Public Health Push: NH Executive Councilor John Stephen kicked off a statewide hands-only CPR training push, aiming to get thousands trained statewide. Memorial Day Travel Reality Check: AAA says Memorial Day travelers will face the highest gas prices in four years, with the national average still climbing. Wrong-Way Safety: NH State Police say a 21-year-old woman faces felony charges after a wrong-way crash on Route 101 in Exeter that hit a trooper’s cruiser. Community Lifeline: WMUR and the American Red Cross are holding a statewide blood drive June 5. Music on the Move: Dan + Shay announced “The Young Tour” with stops in Gilford, NH (Sept. 18) and nearby New England dates. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ratings show Courville at Nashua scored 4 in Q1 2026, with no fines or penalties reported.

Memorial Day Weather Watch: The Old Farmer’s Almanac is pointing to a warmer-than-average May across most of the U.S., with the Northeast—including New Hampshire—tracking about 3°F above normal and below-average rainfall, plus “warm with possible isolated storms” for Memorial Day weekend. Wrong-Way Crash Fallout: New Hampshire State Police say a Dover woman, 21-year-old Cassandra Aldecoa, drove the wrong way on Route 101 in Exeter and crashed into a trooper’s cruiser as he tried to stop her; she faces felony reckless conduct, second-degree assault, and criminal mischief, along with DUI-related charges. Summery NH, Already: Crowds hit beaches and trails as unseasonably warm weather rolled in, with the National Weather Service forecasting low 90s in southern NH Tuesday. Waste Capacity Warning: NEWMOA warns the Northeast could lose significant disposal capacity within five years, with about 23% of waste going to landfills that may close soon. Retail Update: Books-A-Million has opened a bigger new North Conway store at Settlers Green.

Wrong-Way Crash Update: A Dover woman, 21-year-old Cassandra Aldecoa, is facing felony charges after allegedly driving the wrong way on Route 101 in Exeter and crashing into a New Hampshire State Police cruiser as Trooper Shane McClure tried to stop her; her 21-year-old passenger, Zachary Lapierre of Lebanon, was also arrested, and officials say no serious injuries were reported. Seacoast Travel Buzz: Hampton Beach made Conde Nast Traveler’s 2025 list of the 17 best East Coast beach towns, praised for its boardwalk, family-friendly vibe, and classic seaside feel. Air Travel Shakeup: JetBlue will end service at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport on July 8, a blow to regional connectivity as the airline reallocates planes to higher-demand markets. Northern Lights Watch: Aurora could be visible farther south than usual this weekend, with New Hampshire among the states that may catch a faint glow. Cost-of-Living Politics: Kelly Ayotte is again drawing attention to opposition to a toll hike on out-of-state vehicles.

Northern Lights Forecast: A geomagnetic storm could push aurora farther south than usual this weekend, with New Hampshire in the “faint glow” zone if skies are clear and you’re away from city lights. Weekend Weather: Expect a warm, sunny Sunday in the Granite State, then a heat ramp-up early next week with summer-like temperatures building. Fatal Crash in Marlborough: A 74-year-old pickup driver died after a head-on collision with a school bus carrying 13 students; officials say the students were taken for checks and no serious injuries were reported. PFAS Bill Watch: A New Hampshire PFAS farmland bill is drawing alarm after a Senate rewrite removed key sludge protections, leaving critics worried about who bears the risk. Research Forest Update: Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest is staying open after a federal reorganization shift, while Bartlett’s future remains under review. Travel Planning: AAA says gas prices are easing nationally after earlier declines, but Memorial Day could still bring higher costs.

Fatal Crash Update: A 74-year-old Swanzey man, David Peloski, died Friday morning after his pickup collided head-on with a school bus on Route 12 in Marlborough; the bus driver, 77-year-old James French of Keene, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and all 13 students aboard were reported safe after being checked at area hospitals. PFAS Policy Watch: A New Hampshire PFAS bill meant to curb contamination on farmland is drawing alarm after a Senate rewrite removed references to sewage sludge protections, leaving critics worried residents could carry more risk. Travel & Weather: JetBlue is ending service out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with flights continuing until July 8, while a northern lights forecast points to possible aurora visibility in parts of Maine and beyond Saturday night. Lakes Region Buzz: The Tamarack Drive-In in Meredith has been sold, with new owners stepping in to keep the classic summer stop running. Gas Prices: AAA says the national average is ticking back up after earlier declines, with Memorial Day fuel likely to sting.

Roadside Safety: A fatal head-on crash in Marlborough shut down Route 12 Friday morning, killing pickup driver David Peloski (74) and injuring the bus driver; 13 Monadnock Regional Middle High students were taken to Cheshire Medical Center as a precaution, with no serious injuries reported. Travel Disruption: JetBlue is ending service out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with the last flight set for July 8—leaving MHT with fewer major carriers. Gas Watch: AAA says the national gas average is creeping back up after a brief dip, with Memorial Day expected to bring the highest prices in four years. Outdoors & Sky: Northern lights could be visible Saturday night into Sunday in parts of the northern U.S., including Maine, if you can get away from city lights. Local Flavor: A new fried-clam buzz is spreading in Derry at Fish & Chix, with locals comparing the taste to classic spots in Massachusetts.

Meredith Governance Shake-Up: A Monday forum will break down the difference between a town manager and an administrator after Meredith voters approved a petitioned change, 81-55, with the issue likely returning in 2027. White Mountains Research: Advocates are pushing back hard for “no substitute” research at the Bartlett Experimental Forest as the U.S. Forest Service reconsiders closures, while Hubbard Brook is staying open for now. Lakes Region Travel Disruption: A vehicle chase that started in Bristol and moved through Meredith, Laconia, and Hooksett ended with a suspect tased and arrested in Manchester. Road Safety: A crash in Marlborough involving a school bus and a pickup killed the pickup driver; all 13 students were reported safe with only minor injuries. Air Travel: JetBlue is ending service out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with the last flight set for July 8. Local Flavor: The Tamarack Drive-In in Meredith has a new chapter after being sold.

JetBlue Pulls Out of Manchester: JetBlue is ending service at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with the last flight set for July 8, citing underperforming routes and broader capacity pressures—leaving MHT with fewer major carriers. Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA says the national gas average is creeping back up after earlier dips, and Memorial Day prices are expected to be the highest in four years. White Mountains Research Update: Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest will stay open after a U.S. Forest Service reorganization, while Bartlett’s future remains uncertain—good news for NH’s science community, but not a full win. Safety on the Move: A pickup driver was killed in a head-on crash with a school bus in Marlborough; students were transported for evaluation. Local Outdoors & Weather: After Friday showers, a warmer-than-normal summer outlook is taking shape, and NH’s experimental forests are drawing attention for the science they’re doing. Crime & Travel Links: Federal prosecutors say guns smuggled from NH into Canada via Akwesasne were tied to violent crime scenes.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says a G1 geomagnetic storm could bring aurora to northern states and Canada Friday night into Saturday, with a new moon helping faint lights show—Maine and New Hampshire are in the “maybe” zone if conditions hold. Federal Crackdown on Smuggling: U.S. prosecutors announced charges against 13 people tied to an international gun-trafficking pipeline that allegedly funneled straw-purchased firearms from New Hampshire through the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation into Canada, with some guns later showing up in violent crimes. NH Health Policy: The NH House sent a children’s mental health insurance coverage bill to interim study, aiming to expand coverage for early-crisis treatment through the Fast Forward program. Travel & Comfort Reality Check: New research highlights how retirement “comfortable” costs swing wildly by state—Hawaii tops the list, while New Hampshire lands among the higher-cost states—another reminder that where you live shapes your travel and retirement plans. Lakes Region Leisure: Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa is rolling out its biggest renovation in generations, with room, dining, spa, and event-space upgrades slated to finish this summer.