AGP Executive Report

Backyard Birding Boom: Yelp says birdwatching interest is up 94% year-over-year, and the trend is spilling into NH homes with more feeders, baths, and water accessories. Rowing for Everyone: A New Hampshire rowing clinic is expanding access to the sport for kids and adults, with hands-on coaching on local waters. Summer Weather Alert: Tuesday brings heat and humidity across NH, with storms possible late Tuesday night, including damaging wind and hail risks. Local Fundraiser Cruise: “Christmas in July” on Lake Winnipesaukee raised $30K+ for area kids, turning a scenic cruise into a full holiday-themed night. Arts & Community Spotlight: Keene’s Madame Sherri’s is featured in a Save Local Deals promotion, highlighting its scratch-made food and live entertainment calendar. NH Sports & Pride: Concord National Youth Softball won its third straight state championship, while a Lions Twin State Soccer Cup supports sight and hearing foundations. Construction Reality Check: NH builders are pausing projects as bids come in high, shifting from speculative development toward purpose-built plans. Policy Update: A Supreme Court decision has led some NH families to withdraw lawsuits tied to the state’s girls’ sports law.

Museum Leadership: Melissa Higgins is set to lead the Children’s Museum, with a new waterfront park and near-term climate resiliency upgrades on her agenda. Politics & Power: The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham at 71 spotlights the Senate’s age questions as Congress returns with a packed agenda. Local Deals & Dining: Keene’s Save Local Deals adds Madame Sherri’s—$100 for $50 in food and drink certificates—mixing family dinner service with an adult cabaret vibe. Community Culture: Manchester’s Colombian community marked independence with a City Hall flag raising and performances. Sports Spotlight: Concord National Youth Softball won its third straight state title, while the Lions Twin State Soccer Cup heads to Hanover for a charity doubleheader. Arts/Media Business: Binnie Media names Jodie Gallant Executive VP of Strategy for Integrated Marketing. Public Health: NH reports two confirmed cyclosporiasis cases so far, staying low statewide. Outdoor/Adventure: A Mount Kearsarge hiking injury led to a surprise engagement proposal. Weather Watch: Severe storms are possible Tuesday night, with heat and humidity driving the risk.

Revolutionary Pride in Exeter: Exeter’s America 250 celebration brought colonial and royal reenactors, artisans, and Revolutionary War pageantry to downtown, including a Declaration of Independence reenactment and a new Pursuit of Happiness 5K. Housing Transparency: A Greater Boston buyer agent warns that “private” or “pocket” listings can limit access to key home details, arguing it weakens consumer protections. Healthcare Investment: NH hospitals are pouring millions into facilities and equipment despite rising operating and labor costs, including major upgrades tied to HCA’s Catholic Medical Center. Local Sports Spotlight: With the Lancaster-Lebanon League football season approaching, a look at top returning Section 1 players highlights who to watch in summer drills. Public Safety & Science: A 5-alarm fire in Lawrence displaced 51 people and destroyed three homes; meanwhile, a new study debunks the “baby rattlesnakes are worse” myth. Arts & Culture: Noah Kahan wrapped a Fenway Park residency finale, cementing his hometown hero status in Boston. Music Event: A Harry Chapin tribute concert returns July 19 at Heckscher Park, featuring New Hampshire songwriter Lou Antonucci.

Sports & Pop Culture: Joey Chestnut returned to competition in Seabrook, finishing second in the inaugural Saugus Wings Eating Championship at The Brook Casino, behind James Webb. Music & Local Arts: New Hampshire’s Lou Antonucci is set to help write a never-before-heard Harry Chapin song for the “Just Wild About Harry” tribute concert at Heckscher Park on July 19, with a free show and food donations benefiting Long Island Cares. Community Reading: The Douglas County Public Library’s “community read” spotlights Baker and Taylor, beloved library cats turned into a book by New Hampshire author Lisa Rogak. Arts/Entertainment Listening: Alice Berman’s Audible Original “I Eat Men Like Air” is drawing new listeners, with the story centered on a podcast reporter chasing a mysterious death. Tourism Watch: Uncertain summer conditions for New Hampshire tourism are tied to shifting travel sentiment and economic pressures. Policy & Culture: Two trans-female athletes withdrew their New Hampshire lawsuit over the state’s girls’ sports ban after a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Sunday Film Pick: The Sunday Morning Movie spotlights Hószakadás (1974), a Hungarian WWII drama about a soldier going AWOL, with a bonus section packed with rare music, film footage, and philosophical talk. Independence Day in NH: Exeter kicked off its America 250 festival with a reenactment delivery of a Declaration of Independence scroll and a public reading at the Ladd-Gilman House, plus a new Pursuit of Happiness 5K and kids’ parade. NH Tourism Watch: A new report flags uncertain summer conditions for the state’s tourism industry, citing weaker Canadian travel, higher fuel costs, stricter screening, and steady inflation. Food & Local Flavor: Business Insider named Manchester’s KC’s Rib Shack the “most beloved” barbecue spot in New Hampshire. Arts & Community Spaces: OpenStudios Lawrence is expanding into more vacant downtown storefronts, adding new artists and creative programming. Sports on the Calendar: NASCAR’s Quaker State 400 is set for 7 p.m. ET on TNT/truTV, and the NASCAR Truck Series runs Saturday at Lime Rock Park (FS1).

Local Arts & Community: OpenStudios Lawrence is expanding into more vacant downtown storefronts, adding new artists and spaces for painting, jewelry, photography and community events. Sports & Culture: Joey Chestnut headlines the first-ever Saugus Wing eating competition at The Brook Casino in Seabrook, bringing a major competitive-eating spotlight to New Hampshire. Arts, Media & Entertainment: A new “set jetting” roundup highlights famous TV filming locations and how fans can visit them—plus a look at how TV stays relevant over decades. Public Life & Identity: Two transgender girls withdraw their New Hampshire lawsuit over the state’s transgender sports ban after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, citing personal hardships. Community Housing: A court fight over workforce housing in Warner is revived after a ruling, with residents and developers still at odds. Arts & Journalism: The Concord Monitor’s newsroom racks up major New Hampshire Press Association awards, including Community Service and political reporting honors. Nature & Family Fun: The Loon Preservation Committee announces the Annual Loon Census and Festival in Moultonborough, with family-friendly activities and live music.

Local Arts Expansion: OpenStudios Lawrence is moving fresh artists into vacant downtown storefronts, adding new painting, jewelry, photography and more—next stops include 939 Massachusetts St. and 646 Massachusetts St. Outdoor & Community Events: New Hampshire Audubon’s Massabesic Center hosts a free, family-friendly nature-and-art gathering with local artists and food trucks, plus a guided garden tour. Performing Arts: Prescott Park Arts Festival continues its summer run with an outdoor staging of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Public Art Call: Somersworth is seeking proposals for a climate-change-themed public art installation downtown, with a grant-backed focus on urban heat and awareness. Sports Culture (NH): The Brook Casino in Seabrook welcomes Joey Chestnut for the inaugural Saugus Wing eating competition. Arts & Craft Spotlight: Fitchburg Art Museum’s 90th Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft runs through Sept. 13, featuring 100 local artists and first-time prize winners. Music & Movement for Kids: Minis In Motion promotes early dance and movement classes for ages 2–5 across New Hampshire.

World Cup & Local Sports Buzz: Joey Chestnut is coming to New Hampshire for the first-ever Saugus Wing eating competition at The Brook Casino in Seabrook on July 11, after his Nathan’s win and record-setting hot dog performance. Arts & Community: The Prescott Park Arts Festival brings Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella outdoors this summer, while Somersworth is seeking artists for a climate change-inspired downtown installation. Seacoast Culture: Fitchburg Art Museum’s 90th Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft runs through Sept. 13, featuring 100 local artists and first-time prize winners. Family Fun Outdoors: New Hampshire Audubon’s Massabesic Center hosts a free art-and-nature garden celebration with local artists and food trucks. Local Events & Lifestyle: The Loon Preservation Committee holds its Annual Loon Census Saturday, July 18, followed by the 47th Annual Loon Festival at The Loon Center. Sports Access & Policy: Two transgender girls who challenged New Hampshire’s transgender sports ban withdrew their lawsuit after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, citing personal hardships.

Local Arts & Craft Beer: New Hampshire Craftsmen and the New Hampshire Brewers Association teamed up for “Spirit of the Maker,” pairing local craftspeople with breweries to create limited-edition beers running from the Beer Trail Festival through the Craftsmen’s Fair. Wildlife & Community: A new loon chick has been spotted on Contoocook Lake with its parents, a hopeful sign amid ongoing loon threats from fishing tackle. Politics & NH Voters: Sen. Jon Kennedy is leaning into a high-profile fundraising swing, including appearances with former Sen. John Sununu, while federal election monitors are set to deploy to Mass. and N.H. for September primaries. Student Life & Parking: Dartmouth’s student parking policy is under fire as critics say it harms underclassmen and doesn’t match its stated goals. Sports & Entertainment: The “Love Island USA” finale is set, and Ariana Madix scored her first Emmy nomination—while Kalshi is pushing targeted “Love Island” ads on TikTok. NH Sports Law Update: Trans student athletes have dropped their lawsuit over New Hampshire’s girls’ sports ban after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Gaming & Money: New Hampshire’s charitable gaming revenue jumped in May, driven largely by video lottery terminals. Music in the Region: The Waltham American Legion Band continues a long-running tradition, including its historic trip to play in Moscow’s Red Square. Photo Contest: The J.N. “Ding” Darling Amateur Photo Contest opens July 15, with cash prizes for wildlife and nature shots.

Election Oversight: Federal election monitors are heading to Massachusetts and New Hampshire for September primaries, with officials saying they’ll watch for access problems and vote-count accuracy amid broader concerns about federal pressure on state election management. AI & Media Law: A Vermont creator known as “Planet Hank” sued the state AG over a new law regulating AI-made political media, while a coalition including New England’s local-paper owners (including the Concord Monitor) filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft over alleged copyrighted-content misuse for training. Sports & Policy: Two New Hampshire trans students withdrew their lawsuit over the state’s girls’ sports ban after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld similar rules elsewhere. Arts & Culture Leadership: The Music Hall in Portsmouth named Markus Gottschlich as its next President & CEO, starting Sept. 1. Local Arts for Families: Seacoast ArtSpot announced summer “Bigs & Littles” paint parties in Portsmouth, including teddy bear, sea turtle, and otter themes. NH Gaming: New Hampshire’s charitable gaming revenue hit new highs in May, driven largely by video lottery terminals.

World Cup Buzz: Nearly 22 million tuned into Fox for England-Mexico, with Telemundo topping 23 million—another reminder that sports nights can turn New England into a real TV destination. Local Design Spotlight: Peterborough’s NIDU Gallery is celebrating furniture designer Alan Melad’s 50-year career through Sept. 15. Community Sports & Fun: The NH Newts Sandlot Club brings the free “Condiment Classic” to Robbie Mills Field Saturday, with vendors and proceeds benefiting the Humane Society for Greater Nashua. Outdoor Recreation: Up North Orienteers hosts “The Burnt Mountain Summer Spectacular” in Lebanon, mixing navigation challenges with family-friendly courses. Music & Culture: Gerry Grimo and the East Bay Jazz Ensemble play a free Upper Valley concert July 15 in Cavendish/Proctorsville area. Arts Calendar: Peterborough Library hosts Meg Mott on how the Constitution helps people disagree (July 18). Sports Law Update: Two transgender student athletes voluntarily withdrew their NH girls’ sports lawsuit after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Cash App Fallout: NH is among states in a multistate settlement with Block over Cash App fraud and misleading safety claims.

New Hampshire Fitness & Community: BODYBAR Pilates is bringing its reformer-based workouts to Exeter, opening its first Granite State studio at 71 Portsmouth Ave with a grand opening set for Aug. 10 and a run of community events in July. Music & Local Arts: Gerry Grimo and the East Bay Jazz Ensemble are set for a CCCA Concert Series stop in Proctorsville on July 15, bringing swing, blues, R&B, and jazz classics. Family-Friendly Film: Red River Theatres launches “Popcorn & Pacifiers,” a weekly Tuesday 10 a.m. screening series designed for caregivers of kids under 2, with softer sound and dimmed lights. Youth Programs: Circle Program’s free summer camp returns at Spectacle Pond, continuing its mentorship model for socially and economically disadvantaged girls across NH. Sports & Culture Calendar: This weekend’s NH picks include an On the Green arts festival in Wolfeboro, a Tamworth Author Fest, and World Cup watch parties around the state. Arts & Entertainment Spotlight: “Rebel Town,” a local playwright’s Revolutionary-era dinner-theater style production, is back for July 9–15.

Sports Betting Research: Arnold Ventures is funding $2.6 million in new university grants to study how sports gambling affects consumer behavior, household finances, and public health, with researchers including UNH. Local Sports & Community: The Valley Breeze & Observer’s Spring All-Scholastics spotlights top NH student-athletes for both athletics and academics. Arts & Culture (NH): Portsmouth’s New Hampshire Soccer Project keeps building soccer culture with World Cup watch parties that turn games into community events. Arts & Community (Region): A Brattleboro hospital birthing-center closure plan sparked a rapid community push to save maternal services, while Higher Ground Conservation Burial marks Vermont’s first conservation cemetery with concerts and a string-quartet event. Local Business & Craft: A mother-daughter team opened Forever Flowers & Boutique in Wilton, blending floral arrangements with handmade crafts and local vendors. Public Life & Governance: DOJ says it will send election monitors to New Hampshire and other states during 2026 primaries. Screen-Time Concern: A new NH-focused report highlights worries about harmful effects of screen time on kids.

Pandemic-Proof Guilty Plea: Former NH state senator and Concord Casino owner Andy Sanborn pleaded guilty in federal court to misusing more than $255,000 in COVID-19 relief funds for personal use, including buying a 2006 Porsche Cayman; prosecutors are recommending one year and one day, with sentencing set for October. Soccer Community Building: Portsmouth’s Press Room hosted World Cup watch parties organized by the New Hampshire Soccer Project, aiming to grow a shoulder-to-shoulder soccer culture across the state and lay groundwork for pro teams. AI Pop Culture Prank: Local businesses in Gilford and Concord posted AI-generated “Lil Wayne” sightings to hype his Granite State shows—turning a tour hiccup into a community laugh. Sports Illustrated State Spotlight: Sports Illustrated’s “Best Athletes from Every State” roundup includes swimmer Lydia Jacoby among top picks tied to state roots and early development. Local Arts & Nightlife Fundraiser: Keene’s Red Ribbon Royalty drag show fundraiser (July 10) benefits the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont with performances and proceeds supporting HIV prevention and harm reduction.

Seacoast Community Calendar: Stratham’s 5th annual Summerfest is expanding for America 250, adding a Thursday, July 16 kickoff with food trucks, live music, a first responders softball game, and fireworks before the main Saturday, July 18 event. Local Sports Spotlight: Connor Wietgrefe, who pitched for the Altoona Curve and has ties to New Hampshire (including a June 7 start), was named Eastern League Pitcher of the Month after a dominant June run. Arts & Entertainment Buzz: Lil Wayne addressed his Maine no-show and his late New Hampshire performance, citing epilepsy and “bad-a** migraines” as seizure triggers. Weather & Safety: A slow-moving storm is bringing heavy rain and a flood threat across southern New England, with southern New Hampshire expected to see less rain than areas farther south. NH Culture & Food: Dover chef Evan Hennessey’s James Beard win is putting New Hampshire dining in the national spotlight. Public Life: C-SPAN is sending young multimedia journalists to battleground states, including New Hampshire, to boost on-the-ground election video coverage.

Independence Day Arts & Community: Exeter’s America 250 celebration ramps up July 9-11 with a parade, 5K, live music, fireworks, and Revolutionary-era reenactments tied to the Declaration’s arrival by horseback. Local Music & Outdoors: Monadnock Trails Week returns for its 20th year (Sept. 10-14) with volunteer trail stewardship across the Monadnock region. Food & Culture Spotlight: Dover chef Evan Hennessey’s James Beard Best Chef: Northeast win puts New Hampshire’s dining scene in the national spotlight. Pop Culture in NH: Adam Sandler, raised in Manchester, was spotted at Sawyer’s on the Pier in Laconia for Fourth of July ice cream. Arts & Entertainment Programming: Cavendish’s free summer concert series continues July 15 with the East Bay Jazz Ensemble at Svec Memorial Green. Sports: Franklin’s Mady Savary dominates the NH girls’ junior amateur championship at Mount Washington Resort. Public Safety Note: Wilton’s July 4 fireworks were canceled after severe storms; power restoration and flood warnings continue.