The Laconia Village project, aiming to build 2,000 housing units on contaminated land, faces a September 25, 2026 deadline amid New Hampshire’s housing crisis. Governor Kelly Ayotte’s elimination of $35 million in housing support complicates the development’s viability, highlighting a generational neglect of affordable housing amid rising costs for essential workers.
The article discusses recent developments in New Hampshire’s education funding laws, focusing on two key bills: HB 1815, which narrows the state’s funding obligations and has already been signed into law, and HB 1121, which specifies resources the state must fund but is likely to be shelved. These measures reflect a shift in responsibility from the state to local taxpayers, potentially exacerbating funding disparities across districts.
This editorial by Dexter Dow analyzes a concerning pattern of public insults and attacks by Donald Trump against women journalists over a month. Dow argues this behavior is not isolated but reflects a decade-long strategy of humiliation that influences political interactions at all levels. The piece challenges Granite Staters to recognize this method and consider the implications for local governance.
The “Insult Ledger” compiled by Granite State Report catalogs Donald Trump’s public insults over a decade, highlighting his method of using humiliation as governance. It documents attacks on various targets, emphasizing the cumulative impact of his rhetoric, which has a chilling effect on scrutiny and dehumanizes groups, shaping policy outcomes.
The New Hampshire legislature faced criticism as Republican representatives focused on controversial issues, including anti-Sharia resolutions and targeting Chinese nationals, rather than pressing economic concerns. Numerous proposed bills failed, reflecting a pattern of performative politics that distracted from constituents’ real challenges like rising housing costs and dwindling resources.
The Office That Almost Didn’t Exist | Granite State Report Granite State Report Granite State Report Civic Journalism for New Hampshire Opinion Dexter Dow · granitestatereport.com Accountability • Child Welfare The Office That Almost Didn’t Exist New Hampshire created its Office of the Child Advocate after two toddlers died in…
Same Walls. Same Failures. | Granite State Report Granite State Report Granite State Report Civic Journalism for New Hampshire Opinion Dexter Dow · granitestatereport.com Accountability • Youth Detention Same Walls. Same Failures. A child’s bone was broken in an illegal restraint at the Sununu Youth Services Center. Fifteen kids were…
The article by Dexter Dow highlights systemic failures in New Hampshire’s support systems following the fentanyl-related death of his daughter’s mother. It depicts the bureaucratic indifference towards issues such as mental illness and poverty, emphasizing insufficient state assistance. Dow argues for policy reforms to better support grieving families and to promote dignity for the vulnerable.
Broken Bones, Shackles, and Silence — Granite State Report Granite State Report Independent New Hampshire Journalism Investigation · April 13, 2026 Broken Bones, Shackles, and Silence: New Hampshire Still Can’t Protect Its Children More than 1,100 survivors. Millions in settlements. The largest youth detention abuse scandal in American history. And…
New Hampshire faces a severe housing affordability crisis, highlighted by a median home price of $530,000, significantly outpacing wage growth. Governor Ayotte’s cuts to housing programs have exacerbated the situation, contributing to generational exclusion and workforce shortages. The housing market remains distorted, with many unable to afford homes where they work.
The New Hampshire Senate race centers on child care costs as candidates address its affordability crisis, with rising gas prices largely ignored. While child care remains a critical issue, voters face urgent cost increases due to the Iran conflict and related inflation. The disconnect may impact the election outcome significantly.
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte is advocating for advanced nuclear reactors at Seabrook but rejects the associated nuclear waste management, highlighting a discrepancy in state demand and responsibility. This raises concerns about the implications of nuclear energy expansion without a waste storage solution, echoing historical failures and local opposition to nuclear waste facilities.
In April 2026, journalist Dexter Dow reached out to Northfield legislators Greg Hill, James Thibault, and Howard Pearl for their positions on four significant bills, including a controversial student ID ban and a citizenship verification mandate. None responded. Their votes are now public, with ongoing legal challenges expected for these laws.
Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement has sparked a competitive New Hampshire Senate race, featuring Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas and Republican contenders John E. Sununu and Scott Brown. With control of the Senate potentially hinging on this contest, Pappas holds advantages in fundraising and polling, while Republican dynamics remain complex due to differing Trump allegiances.
New Hampshire’s Medicaid work requirements exceed federal standards by 25% and exclude a crucial caregiver exemption. As a result, between 14,000 and 29,000 residents risk losing coverage. The state faces significant policy decisions that will impact vulnerable residents reliant on Medicaid for health care and support, particularly caregivers.
The “3-3 Tax Savings Plan” was supposed to start a conversation about crushing property taxes and broken school funding. Instead, it triggered a death threat from the state Libertarian Party, a rushed constitutional amendment that collapsed on the House floor, and exposed the political fault lines that could define the…
Senate Bill 626, advancing in New Hampshire, aims to restrict public records access to state residents, citing concerns over AI-driven data requests. Critics argue this narrows transparency and accountability, potentially excluding out-of-state journalists and organizations. Supporters claim it’s necessary for local governance, framing it as protection rather than restriction.
New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection program is in disarray following its legislative repeal, a federal court’s order to continue, and the Executive Council’s refusal to fund it. Consequently, drivers are confused about inspection requirements, navigating a situation where inspections are suspended but safety obligations remain. Legal and practical ramifications continue to unfold.
In Merrimack, New Hampshire, residents are protesting a planned federal ICE detention facility amid Governor Kelly Ayotte’s silence on her stance. While local officials oppose the facility, Ayotte’s refusal to clearly state support or opposition has raised skepticism and frustration among residents, highlighting concerns about fiscal impacts and community safety.
Governor Kelly Ayotte’s recent call for New Hampshire to lead in next-generation nuclear power marks a significant shift from the protests of the 1970s against the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant. With rising electricity costs and a drive for decarbonization, the state faces challenges in building new reactors, including costs, community acceptance, and workforce shortages.
New Hampshire faces a severe housing crisis, with 85% of households unable to afford median-priced homes. Despite ambitious zoning reforms aimed at increasing housing availability, opposition has emerged citing local control concerns. While reforms have led to some liberalization, significant funding shortfalls jeopardize future progress, leaving many residents still struggling.
New Hampshire’s gaming industry has transformed from modest charitable game rooms into a multi-billion dollar sector, generating over $500 million annually. The removal of betting limits and introduction of slot machines have spurred growth, but critics question the charitable model’s integrity and highlight rising problem gambling rates and inadequate support services.
New Hampshire drivers are currently not required to obtain inspection stickers due to a federal court order and a vendor contract dispute. The vehicle inspection program has been suspended, leaving confusion among citizens and mechanics. While the state appeals the decision, safety regulations still require vehicles to be maintained in safe condition.
New Hampshire’s anti-tax identity conflicts with its rising demand for essential services, leading to chronic underfunding of schools, infrastructure, and mental health care. With no income or sales taxes, property taxes disproportionately burden residents, exacerbating housing affordability issues. This fiscal imbalance threatens the state’s social fabric and quality of life.
New Hampshire’s House Bill 1499 expands eviction grounds amidst a housing crisis, prioritizing property owner rights over tenant stability. It fails to provide tenant protections or address root issues like housing scarcity and affordability. This legislation risks increasing displacement and homelessness, highlighting a moral failure in prioritizing efficiency over public good.
New Hampshire’s House Bill 155 seeks to reduce the Business Enterprise Tax (BET), which affects businesses regardless of profitability. Proponents argue it would boost investment and competitiveness, particularly for smaller firms, while opponents raise concerns about fiscal stability and the uneven benefits across business sizes. The bill prompts essential discussions on tax policy and economic strategy.
New Hampshire House Bill 1442 aims to limit access to facilities based on sex and redefines “gender identity,” targeting transgender people without evidence of a problem. The bill distracts from pressing issues like housing and education while fostering discrimination based on discomfort. It should be rejected for being unnecessary and harmful.