New Hampshire
- NH lawmakers eye “Blockchain Basic Laws” to court crypto business — Some Granite State legislators are pushing to make New Hampshire more welcoming to cryptocurrency companies through new “blockchain basic law” proposals. (New Hampshire Bulletin, July 29) — https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/07/29/with-blockchain-basic-laws-some-nh-lawmakers-say-the-state-is-open-for-crypto-business/
- Towns grapple with new “mixed-use” housing mandate — Communities like Kingston are scrambling to comply with a state law requiring commercial zones to allow multi-family housing by right, effective July 1. (New Hampshire Bulletin, July 28) — https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/07/28/municipalities-housing-advocates-grapple-with-new-mixed-use-housing-law/
- Teachers give passing grade to “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban — A state Department of Education survey found New Hampshire’s classroom cellphone ban is earning strong marks from educators. (NH Journal, July 28) — https://nhjournal.com/nh-teachers-give-passing-grade-to-bell-to-bell-cellphone-ban/
Maine
- State posts $148 million surplus after Rainy Day withdrawal fight — Maine closed fiscal 2026 with a General Fund surplus of more than $148 million, restoring the Rainy Day Fund to its cap just weeks after lawmakers approved a $292 million withdrawal from it. (The Maine Wire) — https://www.themainewire.com/2026/07/maine-posts-148-million-surplus-weeks-after-augusta-democrats-approved-292-million-rainy-day-fund-withdrawal/
- Democrats unite behind Troy Jackson for U.S. Senate — Maine Democrats selected former Senate President Troy Jackson at a convention to replace Graham Platner on the ballot for U.S. Senate. (Portland Press Herald, July 25) — https://www.pressherald.com/2026/07/25/democrats-unite-behind-troy-jackson-as-their-next-u-s-senate-candidate/
- Coalition criticizes Lincoln Hospital board over birthing center closure — A community coalition says the Damariscotta hospital’s board recommended closing its birthing center, while MaineHealth has declined to confirm whether a vote occurred. (Portland Press Herald, July 23) — https://www.pressherald.com/2026/07/23/coalition-criticizes-lincoln-hospital-board-saying-it-recommended-closing-birthing-center/
Vermont
- State economists: economy solid, but AI boom poses a risk — Vermont’s economy remains healthy, but state economists warn that heavy reliance on the AI-driven tech sector could create a “tidal wave of economic distress” if that boom falters. (VTDigger, July 28) — https://vtdigger.org/2026/07/28/vermonts-economy-is-in-good-shape-state-economists-say-but-ai-boom-is-a-threat/
- Brattleboro drops tax hike plan for hospital’s birthing center — Brattleboro selectboard members withdrew a proposed property tax increase meant to shore up the town hospital’s endangered birthing center, citing worries it would divide the community. (VTDigger, July 29) — https://vtdigger.org/2026/07/29/brattleboro-drops-idea-of-tax-hike-meant-to-aid-its-hospitals-endangered-birthing-center/
- Vermont’s top healthcare regulator stepping down — Owen Foster, chair of the Green Mountain Care Board, which sets hospital budgets and insurance rate increases statewide, announced he’s leaving his post. (Vermont Public, July 24) — https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-07-24/owen-foster-stepping-down-top-healthcare-regulator
