Cruel, Not Unusual — Granite State Report Granite State Report · Opinion & Commentary The Eighth Amendment in New Hampshire Cruel, Not Unusual New Hampshire locks civilly committed mental health patients inside the state prison, warehouses them in 23-hour isolation, and has done it for forty years. That’s not a…
The Granite State Report investigates Governor Kelly Ayotte’s inconsistent responses to agency concealment cases in New Hampshire. One commissioner was swiftly dismissed for failing to disclose information, while another was protected after drafting a concealment scheme. This disparity highlights the governor’s accountability standards being influenced by political needs rather than agency conduct.
Kelly Ayotte’s handling of accountability at the governor’s office reveals a political agenda. She swiftly demanded resignation from a commissioner for a federal oversight but defended another for a seven-month concealment of state participation in a health coalition. This shows accountability contingent on political outcomes rather than consistent governance standards.
Concord faced a $2.8 million reduction in state education funding, leading to significant staff cuts and a 12.2% property tax hike. House and Senate leaders blame local governments for this increase, framing it as a local overspending issue. Their narrative serves as a political strategy ahead of upcoming elections while shifting responsibility from state funding decisions.
Concord, New Hampshire, faced a budget crisis leading to job cuts and a 12.2% property tax hike, exacerbated by decreased state aid due to rising home values. A proposed constitutional amendment (CACR 12) aims to lock in the state’s heavy reliance on property taxes, hindering potential reforms like new income taxes, despite growing fiscal challenges.
On Tax Day, Kelly Ayotte criticized a nonexistent income tax proposal while advocating for a constitutional amendment (CACR 12) to permanently ban any such tax in New Hampshire. Critics argue this move disregards the real financial burdens caused by property taxes, exacerbated by past business tax cuts, locking future generations into a faulty revenue system.
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.
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…
New Hampshire expressed interest in nuclear reactors without committing to waste management or related infrastructure, creating a selective approach to the nuclear lifecycle. While requesting a reactor, the state showed low interest in essential support functions required by the federal government, reflecting its desire for benefits without the associated costs of nuclear waste handling.
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.
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.
New Hampshire faces high drunk driving test refusals, with 75% refusal rates noted. Governor Ayotte supports Senate Bill 620, aiming to increase penalties for DUI test refusals. Critics argue the bill may disrupt lives without solving issues, advocating for more effective enforcement methods instead of punitive measures that don’t ensure public safety or due process.
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 House Bill 1719, passed by a vote of 186–168, proposes removing the hepatitis B vaccine from the mandatory childhood immunization schedule. Public health officials warn this could lead to outbreaks as measles cases rise. The bill now moves to the Senate amid concerns over public health and vaccine skepticism.
New Hampshire faces a severe housing crisis, with median home prices at $540,000 and rents over $2,100 monthly. A family needs an annual income of $182,000 to afford a median home, while only 15 percent of households earn this. Recent zoning reforms aimed to increase housing supply, but proposed repeals threaten progress.
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.