New Hampshire
- PFAS cleanup costs top $223 million — A new Department of Environmental Services report shows the state has funneled over $223 million in state, federal, and settlement funds into PFAS response efforts over the past seven years, with more investment still needed. (NHPR)
- Legislature sends housing bills to Ayotte’s desk — The NH House and Senate passed three bills aimed at spurring more housing construction, overcoming pushback from the NH Municipal Association. (NH Business Review)
- AG: Youth detention center “dysfunctional” but not criminal — An Attorney General’s Office investigation into the Sununu Youth Services Center found pervasive dysfunction but no laws broken by staff. Gov. Ayotte has ordered agencies to address staffing shortages and add body cameras. (NH Journal; also reported by NHPR)
Maine
- Platner drops out of Senate race — Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner announced he’ll withdraw from the race against Sen. Susan Collins following a sexual assault allegation; Maine Democrats have voted to hold a nominating convention to pick his replacement. (Portland Press Herald)
- House Speaker Fecteau faces ethics review — State Rep. Katrina Smith is seeking an ethics review of Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau over an alleged conflict tied to his job with a housing authority. (The Maine Wire)
- Ellsworth breaks ground on new judicial center — A new judicial center is coming to an 18-acre parcel in Ellsworth after an agreement between the Woodwell family and the city; Maine’s Chief Justice called it a much-needed upgrade. (WABI-TV)
Vermont
- Big fundraising hauls in governor’s race — Democratic gubernatorial candidates Aly Richards and Amanda Janoo reported hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions ahead of the August 11 primary, as Gov. Phil Scott seeks a sixth term. (VTDigger)
- $19.7 million for Route 7 reconstruction — VTrans received a federal BUILD grant to help finish reconstructing Route 7 between Pittsford and Brandon, one of the state’s busiest highways. (VTDigger)
- New Vermont laws took effect July 1 — A fresh batch of laws now in force includes easier rules for plug-in solar panels, tougher penalties for voyeurism, and steeper fines for oversize trucks illegally driving through Smugglers’ Notch. (Vermont Public)
