New Hampshire
- Ayotte pitched tax credits for businesses with child care: Senator Kelly Ayotte proposed tax credits for businesses offering child care, and the initiative is progressing through the New Hampshire Legislature with discussions on its implementation and potential impact. https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/26/ayotte-pitched-tax-credits-for-businesses-with-child-care-heres-how-its-going-in-the-legislature/ – New Hampshire Bulletin
- State to ask Supreme Court to overturn Claremont school funding rulings: The New Hampshire government is planning to petition the state Supreme Court to reverse the 1990s Claremont rulings on school funding, arguing they misinterpret the constitution. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-02-25/education-funding-taxes-nh-newhampshire-supreme-court-claremont – NHPR
- Merrimack officials relieved DHS is ditching detention facility plan: Local officials and residents in Merrimack are expressing relief after Governor Kelly Ayotte announced the Department of Homeland Security is abandoning plans for an ICE detention center in the town. https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-02-24/ayotte-ice-detention-merrimack-newhampshire – NHPR
- School choice programs grow in popularity and cost: Enrollment in New Hampshire’s school choice initiatives is rising, along with associated financial costs, prompting discussions on sustainability and expansion. https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/02/25/repub/school-choice-programs-grow-in-popularity-and-cost/ – New Hampshire Bulletin
Maine
- Lawmakers consider bill to impose stricter hiring standards for teachers: A bipartisan bill in Maine’s Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs aims to tighten teacher hiring rules to better protect children, addressing past educator-related incidents. https://www.themainewire.com/2026/02/lawmakers-consider-bill-to-impose-stricter-hiring-standards-for-teachers/ – The Maine Wire
- Ohio airline launches new twice-weekly route to Maine: Breeze Airways is starting service from Akron-Canton, Ohio, to Portland, Maine, this summer while dropping its Los Angeles route due to costs, boosting local connectivity. https://www.themainewire.com/2026/02/ohio-airline-dumps-california-launches-new-twice-weekly-route-to-maine/ – The Maine Wire
- 3 hospitalized after head-on crash on Route 26 in Poland: Three people, including two teenagers, were injured in a head-on collision when an SUV crossed the center line, leading to hospitalizations and an ongoing investigation. https://wgme.com/news/local/3-hospitalized-after-head-on-crash-on-route-26-in-poland-maine-androscoggin-county-maine-street – WGME
- Online wine sellers no longer shipping to Maine: Some direct-to-consumer wine companies have stopped shipments due to a new state law requiring compliance with local regulations, as explained by the Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations. https://wgme.com/news/i-team/why-are-some-online-wine-sellers-no-longer-shipping-to-maine-convenience-variety-direct-to-consumer-wine-shipping-maine-bureau-of-alcoholic-beverages-and-lottery-operations – WGME
Vermont
- Poll finds statewide housing crisis at a breaking point: A new poll shows Vermont’s housing affordability and availability issues are critically affecting residents across party lines, with strong support for legislative action. https://www.wcax.com/2026/02/25/poll-finds-vermont-housing-crisis-breaking-point – WCAX
- Concern over big data centers is growing: Lawmakers and activists are pushing for pauses on large data centers in Vermont due to energy and environmental concerns, while regulators see potential opportunities. https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-02-26/concern-over-big-data-centers-is-growing-is-vermont-likely-to-get-one – Vermont Public
- Health insurance, inflation driving school budget increases: Vermont school districts are facing about a 7% rise in health insurance costs, alongside inflation and federal funding cuts, contributing to higher budgets this year. https://vtdigger.org/2026/02/26/health-insurance-inflation-and-federal-funding-cuts-heres-whats-driving-school-budget-increases-this-year – VTDigger
- Jon Murad to officially take over Vermont’s Department of Corrections: Former Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad is set to become commissioner of the state’s Department of Corrections, overseeing prison operations and reforms. https://www.wcax.com/2026/02/26/jon-murad-officially-take-over-vermonts-department-corrections – WCAX
