Author: Paul Cuno-Booth- Granite State News Collaborative

Panel looks for solutions to direct care worker shortage

New Hampshire already faces a shortage of nursing assistants, home health aides and other direct care workers. But a state commission says thousands more will be needed as the population ages.

New Hampshire county attorneys hold a lot of power, but most run unopposed

Despite a surge of interest in criminal justice reform, contested elections aren’t the norm

‘Not a close case’

NH Personnel Appeals Board upholds trooper firing

Lawyers work to free man they say falsely confessed to 1988 murder

Post-conviction exoneration in a murder case would be a first for New Hampshire

NH Justice Department to appeal state trooper personnel records release

DOJ asks Supreme Court to back exemption of police personnel files

Officials across the U.S. are rethinking how police handle traffic stops

But in New Hampshire, it’s unclear if safety officials are following suit

‘Why did I get stopped?’ State Police use minor traffic violations to search for drugs

Pretextual stops are legal, but give police broad discretion to pursue their suspicions

Judge says State Police records on fired officer should be made public

Ex-trooper lost his job for illegally searching phones, being untruthful in internal probe

New Hampshire tried to study bail reform’s impact. It never happened.

Project’s failure highlights New Hampshire’s data problem

Weekly Covid Roundup: NH cases, hospitalizations continue steep drop

‘The numbers continue to head in the right direction’

More news from NHBR:

NH economist lowers forecast for 2026

A key New Hampshire economist has trimmed down to 2.2% his forecast for the growth in the state's economy this for 2026, citing lackluster consumer confidence and the uncertainty of the U.S. war against Iran.

Federal data: Outdoor recreation generates $4.2B for NH economy

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) earlier this month released its latest Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account data, reaffirming outdoor recreation as a major driver of New Hampshire’s economy and a significant contributor nationwide.

Digital Healthcare And Network Connection On Hologram Modern Vi

Executive Council pauses $773M federal rural health spending

The NH Executive Council paused the approval of $773 million in federal spending contracts for the “GO NORTH” rural health program Wednesday, March 4, putting the brakes on a major initiative of Gov. Kelly Ayotte after councilors said the contracts were rushed and needed more scrutiny.

Medical Icons And A Hand Highlighting The Plus Sign, Symbolizing

Health issues are starting earlier in the workforce

Employer health benefits costs are rising faster than inflation and wage growth, putting continued pressure on employer-sponsored plans. According to KFF’s 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, per-employee benefit costs increased 6% in 2025, with another 6.5% increase projected for 2026.

Christopher Ellms Jr. confirmed to chair PUC

Christopher Ellms Jr. received a 4-1 vote from the executive council on Wednesday, March 4, to become the next chair of the state’s Public Utilities Commission.

MilliporeSigma’s Prescott Road project gets green light for grading in wetland buffer

The Jaffrey Zoning Board approved a request on March 3 allowing grading and earthwork within wetland setbacks on Prescott Road as part of MilliporeSigma’s plan to improve wastewater treatment capacity at its facility.

NH Media Teachers and Media Power Youth partner to expand state film festival

New Hampshire Media Teachers and Media Power Youth (MPY) have announced a strategic partnership for the 2026 NH High School Short Film Festival (NHHSSFF). This collaboration introduces a new category designed to celebrate the students, educators and community members who help New Hampshire’s schools and neighborhoods thrive.

Uneven trends in income and poverty across New Hampshire

New U.S. Census Bureau data offer a detailed look at how New Hampshire residents have fared during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. This data, covering the five years of 2020-24, provides insight into long-term trends in income and poverty across different regions and demographic groups.