New Hampshire Economy Stalls Amid Severe Drought, Policy Shifts

New Hampshire's economy is facing headwinds as job growth has stalled, with significant growth limited to sectors like health care and social assistance, while manufacturing shows minimal gains. Environmental challenges persist, with much of northern New Hampshire experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions, impacting agriculture and water supplies. In response to public safety and political concerns, flags are lowered statewide following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and investigations continue into a recent deadly police shooting and a fatal car crash. The 2025 legislative session in New Hampshire saw over 1,000 bills introduced and more than 100 signed into law, notably including budget bills and new voting restrictions that may disproportionately affect absentee voters and communities of color. Governor Kelly Ayotte has also pursued housing initiatives to reduce regulatory barriers, aiming to increase housing availability without compromising environmental standards. Meanwhile, Massachusetts lawmakers debated immigration enforcement and sustainability issues, reflecting regional governance challenges related to federal policies.