AGP Executive Report

Pop Music Spotlight: Jonas Brothers dropped “Listen When Sad,” a reflective single tied to their Burning Up era, with a fall/winter tour that hits Boston’s TD Garden and Newark’s Prudential Center. Local Arts & Community: Sharon’s 1832 Brick Schoolhouse will be celebrated with a Sept. 1 ceremony marking its spot on the Country Schools Association of America’s National Registry. NH Creative Economy: An Olivia Rodrigo Etsy collaboration boosted New Hampshire seller Kaylie Reads, whose festival bookmarks sold out fast after the Daisy Chain Fields launch. Sports (NH Focus): Seacoast girls soccer previews kick off the 2026 season with team-by-team looks, including Dover’s return to the playoff conversation. NASCAR (Regional Interest): Daytona qualifying for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 is set for 5 p.m. ET on Aug. 28 on truTV, with the weekend’s new car rules adding uncertainty. Kids & Reading Policy: NH senators are pushing to make Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available statewide via an “Imagination Library Act.”

NASCAR & Local Sports: Ryan Blaney kept the momentum rolling at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, winning the Dollar Tree 301 for a second straight year and talking track tactics, pit-road chaos, and even Loudon’s famous lobster prize. Weekend Racing Preview: With the regular-season finale looming at Daytona, NASCAR teams face a big “unknown” after rule changes and the lack of practice, while drivers chase the final Chase spots. Arts & Community Events: Get out for “Go, See, Do” picks including the Final Friday Art Walk, plus a Monadnock Motor Speedway spotlight on young racer Maeve Barry of Whately. Kids, Books & Policy: NH senators are pushing to expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library statewide, aiming to fund free books for families. Food & Fun: Cow Palace Creamery in Epping is running “Stuff the Stanley” (Sept. 1–3) with ice cream-filled Stanley cups. Tech & Safety: A major multistate Meta settlement is moving forward with child-safety rules for Instagram and Facebook, with NH expected to receive up to $224M. Public Health: Cheshire Medical says a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to salad-bar lettuce is over.

Youth Sports & Community: Milton’s 12-year-olds capped a big summer with Cooperstown Dreams Park, bouncing back after an early loss and turning it into a run that included a 14-0 win over New Hampshire’s MV Prospects White. Local Arts & Entertainment: Great Waters Summer Concerts closes its 30th season with “One Night of Queen” at Castle in the Clouds, with Gary Mullen & The Works bringing the hits and singalongs. Music Scene: New Hampshire deathgrind band Nugreth dropped a new single and music video, “Lore of the Flesh,” ahead of its self-titled album release Oct. 17. Policy & Culture Clash: A federal appeals court sent Bow High School parents’ free-speech wristband case back for more review, saying the parents’ silent protest may have been viewpoint-discriminated against. Big State News With NH Impact: New Hampshire is set to receive up to $224.3M from a landmark Meta settlement tied to child-safety reforms on Instagram and Facebook. Weather Watch: Strong storms are possible Thursday in New Hampshire, with the main risk window 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: New Hampshire’s own lawsuit against Meta paid off fast: Attorney General John Formella and Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced the state could receive up to $224 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement over alleged teen social media addiction harms, with major new protections for Facebook and Instagram users under 18. Local Courtroom Rights: A federal appeals court sent a Bow parents’ free-speech case back to lower court after a dispute over pink “XX” wristbands at girls’ soccer games. Mental Health Focus: Advocates in Concord are urging that settlement money translate into more early screening, expanded care, and in-home support for young people. Arts & Culture: Lawrence Arts Center is launching the Abstraction Series, bringing experimental, improvised, left-of-center music starting Sept. 12. Community Events: The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival returns Sept. 11–13 with live music, fireworks, and the famous lobster roll competition. Sports & Local Pride: Merrimack’s Mickey Gasper is inspiring hometown players as his Red Sox success keeps making headlines.

Big Tech & Kids Online: Georgia AG Chris Carr announced a record $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta over Instagram/Facebook “addictive features” and alleged harms to children, with sweeping safety reforms like nighttime limits and age-assurance requirements. Statehouse Watch (Education): Laconia Republican Paul Rossi is running for Statehouse District 5, pitching education reform, workforce development, and lower energy costs ahead of the Sept. 8 primary. Statehouse Watch (Housing): Belmont Republican Dana Silcock, a zoning-board volunteer and telecom worker, is also on the Sept. 8 ballot, emphasizing local voice and practical priorities. Arts & Community (Dolly Parton): Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues to land in NH mailboxes, with local programs sharing how the free books reach kids from birth to age five. Food & Culture (Green Crabs): New Englanders are turning invasive green crabs into a premium food trend, including a New Hampshire whiskey tie-in. Local Business/Leisure: Stonyfield’s “Organic Cow Spa” turns farm animal care into a playful wellness experience. Sports (NASCAR at NHMS): William Byron’s crew faces two-race suspensions after a wheel failure at the Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Local Politics & Services: Rep. Maggie Goodlander visited Peterborough’s River Center to discuss family resource support and access to federal funding. Arts/Entertainment (Indie learning): Newburyport Adult & Community Education opens fall registration with classes ranging from Dungeons & Dragons to watercolor and canning.

Arts Leadership: The Music Hall in Portsmouth names Markus Gottschlich as new president and CEO, starting Sept. 1, as the venue navigates recent funding strain. Gallery & Community Art: Brattleboro’s BMAC hosts a discussion on Richard Haynes’s “Learning to See” (Aug. 29), while the Latchis Gallery in Brattleboro runs “Riverfront Connections,” pairing art with a historical retrospective of Island Park through Sept. 13. Music & Festivals: RiverJam Romp returns Sept. 11–13 at Marlboro Music on Potash Hill, spotlighting traditional dance, singing, workshops, and locally sourced meals. Local Culture & Food: The Seacoast Food Truck Festival (Aug. 29–30) brings Woody and Buzz to Kittery Premium Outlets, plus a free kids zone. Sports Spotlight (NH ties): NASCAR’s Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway ends with Ryan Blaney’s win after a wet-and-messy race. Small-Town Life: Peterborough’s Conservation Commission recommends a deal to buy a contaminated well site from New Hampshire Ball Bearings, aiming to end decades of cleanup headaches.

Local Arts Spotlight: Exeter’s Art Up Front Street is celebrating its 10-year anniversary as a studio-and-gallery hub that’s hosted shows, events, and community access since buying the former teen center in 2016; it’s planning fall open studios Nov. 7-8. Public Health & Caregiving: A New Hampshire op-ed argues family caregivers need stronger support, noting how many NH adults provide unpaid care while carrying major health and financial burdens. Medical Research: Dartmouth Health researchers report alpha-gal syndrome may add risk for some patients receiving blood plasma or platelet transfusions, expanding what clinicians should watch for in tick-borne allergy cases. Community & Sports: Manchester’s school board voted to update its transgender athlete policy to align with state law and a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. Arts & Entertainment Beyond NH: Hallmark’s “Merriest Christmas Town” contest is down to 25 nominees, with voting open daily through Sept. 4. Fitness/Wellness Business: Hudson coach Kaleigh Eagan highlights her women-focused strength and lifestyle coaching background in a new local profile.

NASCAR at NHMS: Ryan Blaney won the Dollar Tree 301 again, holding off Bubba Wallace and Josh Berry in a race packed with cautions and lead changes, setting up a tense final regular-season push. Local Sports & Community: The Vernon Vipers added forward Van Martin for 2026-27 after a split season in the NAHL, giving the team another offensive piece. Public Health: Dartmouth Health researchers say tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome may add risk for some patients receiving blood plasma or platelet transfusions, expanding what clinicians should watch for. Local Governance & Sports Policy: Manchester’s school board is set to vote on updating its transgender athlete policy to align with a 2024 state law and recent Supreme Court guidance. Arts & Culture (Film): Local indie moviemakers are getting attention at recent film festivals, adding more NH talent to the spotlight. Arts & Culture (Food/Heritage): Canterbury Cafe and Country Store’s reopening highlights the uphill fight general stores face, from delivery bottlenecks to shifting toward prepared foods. Remembering a NH Icon: Laconia Motorcycle Week leader and longtime state rep Charlie St. Clair died after a motorcycle crash, ending a 35-year run at the “World’s Oldest Motorcycle Rally.”

NASCAR at NHMS: Ryan Blaney made it two straight at Loudon, holding off Bubba Wallace and Josh Berry to win the Dollar Tree 301 and keep Team Penske rolling into the Chase. Trackside drama: Kyle Larson praised the wet-to-dry conditions after weather shuffled the start, while Christopher Bell’s pit-road scare with a tire changer didn’t stop him from finishing fourth. Local motorsports community: Gov. Kelly Ayotte and NASCAR legend Mark Martin raced in New Hampshire Lottery simulators for a good-cause event at the speedway. MakerSpace music: Claremont’s MakerSpace is backing a new electric-guitar business, with Donald Franks II building instruments as an Entrepreneur in Residence. Holiday pop-culture: WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley visited Annalee Dolls in Meredith, tying his Christmas tradition to the New Hampshire stop. Arts & learning: A Wadsworth-inspired children’s book, “Looking at Art with Yoko Oh No,” brings museum visits to life for kids. Food safety: Everything Sprouts recalled certain alfalfa sprouts after a multi-state illness outbreak.

NASCAR at New Hampshire (Dollar Tree 301): Tyler Reddick won pole for Sunday’s Cup race at Loudon, with Josh Berry alongside and a wet-to-dry track storyline shaping strategy. Race result: Ryan Blaney held off Bubba Wallace to win the Dollar Tree 301, leading 115 laps and scoring his second straight Loudon victory for Team Penske. Chase picture: Denny Hamlin’s points lead is big enough to clinch the No. 1 seed, while the final Chase spots remain a tight fight heading into the regular-season finale. Local arts & makers: Claremont MakerSpace is backing a new entrepreneur—disabled Army veteran Donald Franks II—who’s building electric guitars through the 22 Frets LLC program. Community + entertainment tie-in: Gov. Kelly Ayotte and NASCAR legend Mark Martin raced in NASCAR simulators for a good-cause event tied to the New Hampshire Lottery, with education funding as the prize focus. Sports on TV: NASCAR coverage is set for USA Network, with streaming options also highlighted for fans planning their Sunday viewing.

NASCAR Spotlight (NH): Tyler Reddick won Cup pole for Sunday’s Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway after a rough practice, setting up a key Chase push as the regular season nears its end. Playoff Stakes (NH): In the Truck Series finale, Layne Riggs took the Team EJP 175 in double overtime and clinched the No. 1 seed, while Tyler Ankrum held onto the final Chase berth by seven points. Local Community: Hudson’s National Night Out drew families to Rodgers Memorial Library, with police-fire games and outreach aimed at building trust. Arts & Culture (NH): Concord Regional Technical Center added welding to its curriculum after student demand and industry need, expanding career options for teens across the region. Sports on TV (NH): Listings for Aug. 22–23 include NASCAR coverage plus other major events. Wildland Watch: A New England-focused look at how drought and climate shifts are changing wildfire risk across the region.

NASCAR at Loudon: Tyler Reddick rebounded from a rough practice to win the Dollar Tree 301 pole at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, edging Josh Berry by 0.015 seconds after a 29.054-second lap. Truck Series Chase drama: Layne Riggs won the Team EJP 175 in double overtime, while Tyler Ankrum survived a chaotic late fight to grab the final Truck Chase spot by just seven points. Local racing pressure: Ryan Preece talked up his “home run” push for the Cup Chase, leaning on New England roots as he chases the cutline. Golf getaway spotlight: A new feature highlights Omni Mount Washington’s Donald Ross-designed course and its Gilded Age pedigree—an NH summer-to-fall destination for golfers. Community care: Hospice at Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services in Keene starts volunteer training Sept. 25, preparing neighbors to support families facing end-of-life care. Outdoors calendar: NH Fish and Game sets fall hunting season dates, with black bear, gray squirrel, and resident Canada goose opening Sept. 1.

NASCAR at NHMS: The Dollar Tree 301 Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway gets an earlier 2 PM ET start due to weather risk, with updated gate/parking times and continued TV/radio coverage. Truck Series drama: At Loudon, Layne Riggs won the pole for the Team EJP 175, while driver swaps and DNQs reshuffled the field—plus Tristan McKee says he feels “more comfortable” after his Richmond debut. Local music night: CeCe Teneal brings “Divas of Soul” to the Lakeport Opera House on Sunday. Community culture: Granite Union Auction Company opens in a Franklin church, aiming to bring back the excitement of live, in-room bidding. Family-friendly weekend: A Labor Day roundup spotlights free/affordable NH events like the Exeter UFO Festival. Arts & entertainment picks: “Vintage Views” looks back at Concord’s Sunset League, and a “Trompe-l’œil” pastry trend is making the rounds beyond NH.

NASCAR in NH: New Hampshire Motor Speedway is set for a weather-shift weekend, with Saturday looking mostly dry and Sunday bringing a higher rain risk—so NASCAR moved the Dollar Tree 301 Cup start up to 2 p.m. Race weekend logistics: The Team EJP 175 Truck Series opener has Layne Riggs on pole, and the weekend’s TV/schedule details are out for fans planning their viewing. Local entertainment & culture: Nashua’s new Mesozoic Tiki Bar & Lounge soft-opens on Main Street, while Atkinson’s Kimball Library hosts a WWII memoir talk on Sept. 10. Arts scene: Putney’s NXT Gallery is set to open Jane Kolias’ “METALSUM,” turning salvaged objects into metal quilts and sculptures. Music news: Octo Octa and Eris Drew announce their first joint album, “Alchemical Sisters,” arriving Oct. 18. Community: Keene and Swanzey residents can join upcoming Community Conversations aimed at rebuilding connections and tackling isolation.

NASCAR at New Hampshire Motor Speedway: The “Magic Mile” is the focus this weekend, with the Cup race (Dollar Tree 301) set for Sunday and full TV/schedule details circulating for fans in the Granite State. Truck Series spotlight: Teslong is backing Patrick Emerling in the Aug. 22 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series regular-season finale, tying its heavy-duty tire inflator pitch to playoff pressure. High school sports outdoors: NH Fish and Game and NHIAA will host a High School Bass Fishing Seminar Sept. 9 in Concord, with anglers covering fall tactics and tournament know-how. Seacoast film buzz: A24’s “Tony” opens today, with Seacoast ties including Portsmouth filmmakers and local actors in the Anthony Bourdain biopic. Local music: MOMDAD, a New Hampshire-rooted multi-instrument band, released the album “MotherFather,” including the track “24,” about balancing youth and adult responsibilities. Community spotlight: North Conway is a finalist in Hallmark’s “Merriest Christmas Town” contest, and voting info is out. Roadside culture: Manchester’s Red Arrow Diner keeps the 24/7 tradition alive as all-night diners become rarer nationwide. News note: An Amtrak train hit and killed a man in Plaistow, NH, with officials investigating what led up to the crash.

NASCAR in NH: Ryan Blaney heads into the Dollar Tree 301 weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway aiming to defend his 2025 Magic Mile win, with qualifying Saturday and the race Sunday. Music & community: The Pemigewasset Choral Society is recruiting singers for its December holiday concert series, with rehearsals starting Aug. 31 at Plymouth State. Local history in public art: Portsmouth unveiled a new Ona Judge Staines mural tied to the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, spotlighting the enslaved woman’s escape and journey north. Arts on stage: Writers on a New England Stage brought Harvard historian Jill Lepore to Portsmouth to discuss “These Truths,” blending civics and storytelling for a live audience. Outdoors & fall plans: A New England foliage expert says this year’s fall color looks promising overall, though drought pockets may still mean scattered dead trees and faster leaf drop. PFAS cleanup: New Hampshire received nearly $7.3 million from a 3M settlement to keep funding water remediation for “forever chemicals.”