Toxins take toll on loons

Good morning, New Hampshire, and welcome to Tuesday. Today, Molly Rains reports on a rising threat for the state’s loon population: the forever chemicals known as PFAS and other toxins. Molly also reports on Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s veto of a meat deregulation bill. And, from Stateline’s Anna Claire Vollers, private equity’s partnerships with healthcare nonprofits draw states’ scrutiny. Thank you for reading, and enjoy the day. — Dana

By Molly Rains

In 2023, researchers found unprecedented levels of dangerous chemicals in eggs laid by New Hampshire loons. Since then, ongoing testing has affirmed the sheer scope of pollution that New Hampshire wildlife and ecosystems must contend with, Loon Preservation Committee biologist Tiffany Grade said this month. As scientists press on with the research, they are striving to uncover more about what the levels mean for loons and their ecosystem at large and to trace some of the pollutants to their source.

By Molly Rains

New Hampshire legislators’ efforts to deregulate meat processing for certain of the state’s small producers has stalled after Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed the measure Friday. “Agriculture is an important part of our state’s economy and heritage, and I appreciate the bill’s intent to provide additional meat processing access for small farmers and producers,” Ayotte wrote in a message announcing the veto. However, she continued, passing the bill would put New Hampshire in violation of federal food safety laws.

By Anna Claire Vollers, Stateline

“Nonprofit health systems are legally obligated to prioritize their community’s healthcare needs. In exchange for being exempt from paying most taxes, they must provide needed services that may not be profitable, and reinvest excess revenue into patient care and community health. Private equity firms generally focus on maximizing returns for investors, often within a few years.”