New Hampshire:
- A new bear safety rule in the White Mountains highlights how increased visitation is influencing local wildlife. (Source: New Hampshire Bulletin, Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/04/23/new-bear-safety-rule-highlights-how-increased-visitation-influences-wildlife-in-the-white-mountains/)Â
- Governor Kelly Ayotte has signed legislation closing the DUI “refusal loophole,” increasing penalties for drivers who refuse sobriety tests. (Source: NH Journal, Link: https://nhjournal.com/ayotte-signs-dui-refusal-loophole-fix-into-law/)Â
- Persistent drought conditions across the state could fuel a more intense wildfire season this year. (Source: NHPR, Link: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-04-23/drought-wildfire-risk-newhampshire-spring-nh)Â
- After much debate, the House has passed a bill restricting registered sex offenders from living near schools and child care programs. (Source: New Hampshire Bulletin, Link: https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/04/23/after-much-debate-house-passes-bill-to-restrict-sex-offenders-near-child-care-programs-schools/)
Maine:
- Lewiston families affected by the shooting are demanding the Attorney General force the Maine Community Foundation to account for missing relief funds promised to victims. (Source: The Maine Wire, Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/04/promises-made-victims-shortchanged-lewiston-families-demand-ag-force-maine-community-foundation-to-answer-for-missing-relief-money/)Â
- Electric rates are spiking on Matinicus Island, Maine’s most remote community, due to the high costs of power delivery. (Source: Bangor Daily News, Link: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/04/23/midcoast/midcoast-government/electric-rates-matinicus-maine-joam40zk0w/)Â
- A teenager who just graduated from a rural high school in Aroostook County has been elected to the local school board. (Source: Bangor Daily News, Link: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/04/23/aroostook/aroostook-education/teenager-elected-maine-school-board-joam40zk0w/)Â
- The unpopular ban on “suitcase chicken” purchases with food stamps is likely to be lifted for recipients. (Source: The Maine Wire, Link: https://www.themainewire.com/2026/04/unpopular-suitcase-chicken-ban-likely-to-be-lifted-for-food-stamp-recipients/)
Vermont:
- Officials in Rutland are concerned about renewed threats to subsidies that support regional airline service. (Source: Vermont Public, Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-04-23/rutland-officials-concerned-over-renewed-threats-to-regional-airline-subsidies)Â
- Senate budget writers have approved a state spending plan that would result in an average 3.8 percent increase in property tax bills next year. (Source: VTDigger, Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/04/22/vermont-senate-budget-writers-approve-latest-state-spending-bill/)Â
- Burke Mountain is experimenting with a new “snow farming” strategy to extend the ski racing season. (Source: Vermont Public, Link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-04-22/burke-mountain-will-try-farming-snow-to-extend-ski-racing-season)
- A new study finds racial disparities in traffic stops have resurged after a Covid-era dip, with Black drivers stopped at double their population share in several counties. (Source: VTDigger, Link: https://vtdigger.org/2026/04/22/racial-disparities-in-vermont-traffic-stops-resurge-after-covid-era-dip-study-finds/)
