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Tariffs could add to New Hampshire’s housing woes

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Tariffs could add to New Hampshire’s housing woes


Add another concern — tariffs — to the factors inhibiting the creation of more residential housing in New Hampshire.

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Tariffs, both threatened and enacted, by the Trump Administration on Canadian lumber, as well as on building materials and supplies from other countries such as China, could have a dampening effect on new housing construction. They could also create supply chain issues for building materials and supplies, leading to delays and adding to higher costs, according to industry experts.

“There are real consequences for landowners, loggers, saw mills and lumber yards in New Hampshire with this trade war, and it also hurts our ability to support the construction of the new housing that our state desperately needs,” said U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, Democrat representing New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District.

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Pappas convened a roundtable recently to discuss tariff consequences with representatives from the state’s timber industry as he cited what he called “real consequences” for landowners, loggers, saw mills, and lumber yards in New Hampshire.

Since he took office in January, President Donald Trump has targeted counties around the world with an array of tariffs, that, depending on the country, ostensibly seek to rein in illegal immigration and drug trafficking, even the trading field, and/or force U.S. companies that have off-shored production to bring that work home.

He ordered a 25% tariff on imports from Canada on March 4 that included softwood lumber, a primary component in home building. He delayed the tariffs, citing negotiations, for 30 days, then another 30 days.

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The home building industry is waiting to see when and if the tariff shoe drops, or not. Meanwhile, the cross border tariff tensions have been further heightened by Trump Administration talk of annexing Canada as a 51st state.

It all adds up to economic unease in a variety of markets, including the state’s timber industry, which, according to Pappas, contributes to the state’s economy with an economic output of over $2 billion and employs over 7,500 workers. New Hampshire exports account for 7% of the state’s gross domestic product in 2023, the highest percentage of exports of any New England state, according to Pappas, who said that means New Hampshire businesses are more vulnerable to retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada.

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“These tariffs and trade wars could not have come at a worse time. As an industry still reeling from the last trade war in 2018 and COVID, which disrupted our operations, the last thing we need is more obstacles and additional costs,” said Jasen Stock, executive director of the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association. He was part of the Pappas roundtable, held April 16 in Kingston.

“The tariffs are impacting the entire forest products supply chain from landowners to sawmills and home builders,” added Stock.

New Hampshire needs residential housing.

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A new report from the N.H. Department of Business and Economic Affairs says the state needs the addition of 32,704 by 2025 to reach a balanced market by 2040. It says the state is on track to reach 75% of this target.

Statewide, according to the department, single-family home permits decreased from 2,450 in 2022 to 2,239 in 2023. However, the percentage of single-family homes permits relative to total permits issued increased slightly, from 43.6% of the total in 2022 to 45.9% of the total in 2023. This follows a two-year decline in percentage of total permits from 59.2% in 2020. 2.7% (12) 21.3% (127) 24.1% (51).

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Joe Carrier, general manager of HHP Inc., a hardwood sawmill in Henniker, another participant in the roundtable said the tariffs have left him scrambling.

“Canada and China are the two biggest countries we export to which these tariffs have effectively shut off those markets for us, so as a business we are scrambling on how to continue to operate,” Carrier said. “The forest products industry is a long, traditional New Hampshire industry, and I worry it will not be able to survive these tariffs. It’s difficult to plan for our future or grow with this uncertainty.”

The U.S. imported just over 11.8 billion board feet of softwood lumber from Canada in 2024, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

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“Tariffs on building materials act as a tax on American builders, home buyers and consumers,” said a statement from the National Association of Home Builders. “Builders estimate an average cost increase of $10,900 per home due to recent tariff actions, according to the April 2025 NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.”

The N.H. Home Builders Association is taking a wait and see approach to the tariff question.

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“We’re being very measured in our response” to tariffs, said Matt Mayberry, the state association’s chief executive officer.

Immediately after Trump took office and started talking about tariffs, his members took some precautionary measures by stockpiling lumber.

“A lot of them stockpiled, and they tell me that they have somewhere between six and eight months of regular supply of lumber ready to go,” Mayberry said. “And no one’s awfully worried about it. It’s in their mind, but they’re not concerned about it because it could change.”

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“It’s, you know, pick a day, pick a scenario, and it might change, right?” he added.

According to Mayberry, his building contractors are more worried about what goes into a new home or remodel — appliances from overseas, particularly China and Japan, that are subject to the tariffs.

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“We can frame the home. It’s outfitting the home that is a challenge, because when you look at 125% tariffs on microwaves, stoves, refrigerators, toasters, all the things that go into a home that’s made in China, that’s going to be affected, that’s going to add up much more quickly,” Mayberry said.

In the general scheme of things, Mayberry says, there are measures being taken that might offset the potential higher cost of construction if tariffs continue long term. He noted in particular Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s order to state agencies to streamline the permitting process for housing developments, requiring a decision within 60 days of application.

“We’re talking about driveway permits going from a year and a half to 60 days,” he said. “We’re talking about alterations to drain permits that normally took eight months to a year getting done in 60 days. Those are all time savings.”

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One of the local companies that stockpiled inventory was Bensonwood, a custom builder in Walpole that depends on a specific glue laminated wood product (called glulam) from a supplier in northern Quebec.

“The quality of the wood is really, really high, and the quality of their finished product is really, really high,” said Tedd Benson, who founded Bensonwood in 1975. “We’re getting everything we need, this consistent framing lumber that is critical to the quality that we’re trying to achieve, plus sustainability because of their forest practices.”

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With the threat of tariffs early in the year, Benson said the company made the strategic decision to pre-buy enough glulam to meet their needs for their fiscal year.

It was stressful to the supplier to get the product made and delivered before the start of the threatened tariff, according to Benson, and it remains stressful even as the tariffs were delayed because they still hang out there as a possibility.

This has roiled the economy as a whole, depressing markets, raising the spectre of a recession, and putting a damper on hiring and new projects, Benson said.

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“As a company, here we are, with everything in place to produce really high quality, more affordable and accessible homes. We should be ramping up production. Our backlog is plenty strong. Due to the chaos, we can’t do anything,” Benson said. “We can’t hire because there’s a recession coming. Theoretically, we can’t boost production because even our backlog of clients are wary. Will there be a recession, inflation? Will the tariffs be instituted? Nobody knows.”

“Our industry and our company are basically paralyzed,” Benson added. “We can’t play out our mission within the context of an administration that’s just tearing down our institutions and tearing down our economy and making enemies of our friends. What in the world is going on? That actually just makes zero sense.”

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These articles are being shared by partners in the Granite State News Collaborative. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org.



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Meet Garret, Your Newest Morning Show Host on 97.5 WOKQ

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Meet Garret, Your Newest Morning Show Host on 97.5 WOKQ


Are you ready for your mornings reimagined?

Hi! I’m Garret Doll (like Ken, but less hair and not as handsome), and I’m teaming up with Katie Killourhy for 97.5 WOKQ’s new morning show, Garret & Katie in the Morning!

You ready to join us?

So, Who Is Garret Doll?

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I’ve learned something about myself… I don’t like clutter. Unless it’s my clutter. Then it’s not clutter, it’s a system.

That’s probably a pretty accurate starting point for who I am. A little self-aware, a little stubborn, and definitely someone who knows what he likes. I like tacos, steak tips and lobster rolls. (Fun fact: I’ve never had a lobster roll until moving here.)

How It All Started

This whole radio thing started for me when I was 15. My mom helped me land a job at a radio station in my hometown (cause she worked there), and I fell in love with radio. I’ve never left this career.

I’ve spent my entire adult life doing this job, and I still feel like I lucked into the best job in the world. No two days are the same. One minute you’re talking about life, the next you’re playing your favorite songs, then suddenly you’re out in the community meeting people who feel like friends you’ve known forever.

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Most of my career took me to places like Denver, Charleston, and Richmond. Now, somehow, it’s brought me here to New Hampshire.

Honestly, I look at it like a “this is exactly where I’m supposed to be” moment. It’s a new start on life, so to speak. You will learn more about that as we get to know each other and you listen to the show on 97.5 WOKQ.

Why WOKQ Matters to Me

WOKQ is one of those stations you hear about in radio. It’s got history. It’s got heart. And it’s built around a community that actually cares about local connection and country music throughout New England.

That matters to me.

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I don’t want to just “be on the radio.” I want to be part of what’s happening here. The towns, the events, the random conversations at a bar, the places you tell your friends they have to check out.

That’s the fun part of all of this.

What I’m All About

I’m a pretty simple dude:

I’m the guy who would give you the shirt off my back

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Glass half full (even when it probably shouldn’t be)

Always smiling

Authentic… sometimes too authentic

And yeah, there are definitely moments where I say something before thinking it all the way through.

So if you ever hear me and think, “Did he really just say that?” There’s a decent chance the answer is yes.

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Some Quick Hits About Me

Coffee order: Americano

Drink Order: Old Fashioned or just a good local beer

Favorite food: Tacos (not even close)

Guilty pleasure show: The Big Bang Theory

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Pet peeve: Close talkers… and people who are late

Random fact: I once got a tattoo of Dopey from the Seven Dwarfs because a girl I was dating wanted one. We got them together. (Don’t worry, it’s been covered up by a microphone and a rose… and I haven’t heard from her in about 20 years)

Let’s Do This Together

I’m new to town, which means I could really use your help.

Where’s your go-to spot when you just want to get outside? Best place to hike? Kayak? Local bar? Just disappear for a few hours?

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READ MORE: Hidden Gems in New Hampshire: 5 Secret Places Worth Discovering

Drop me your favorites, because if there’s one thing I know, it’s that the best recommendations don’t come from Google… they come from you! The ones who actually live it.

And I’m ready to start exploring and getting to know you. So make sure to tune in to Garret & Katie in the Morning! See you there.

BankNH Pavilion: Summer Show Lineup, 2026

Gallery Credit: Sarah Sullivan





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2 Hudson, NH, residents arrested after cats found abandoned

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2 Hudson, NH, residents arrested after cats found abandoned


HUDSON, N.H. — An animal cruelty investigation led to the arrest of two former tenants who police say left three cats behind in the apartment they were evicted from.

The Hudson Police Department said officers responded to 19 Oliver Drive on Nov. 25 after the town’s animal control officer received a report that multiple cats had been left behind in an apartment previously occupied by Faith Byers, 48, and Kevin Greene, 57.

The pair had reportedly been evicted a week earlier, on Nov. 18.

Police said that attempts to reach Byers and Greene by phone were unsuccessful, and the property owner later confirmed that the two had moved out without taking the cats or arranging for their care.

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With the owner’s permission, police entered the apartment and found three cats alone inside the unoccupied residence.

Police said they determined the cats had been left unattended for several days in conditions lacking adequate airflow, sunlight, litter and consistent access to food or water. Police added that no care plan had been made for the animals, and neither former tenant indicated any intention to return for them.

The animals were safely removed and transported to the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire in Bedford, where they are now receiving care.

Arrest warrants were issued for Byers and Greene, who are each charged with one count of cruelty to animals, a Class A misdemeanor. They were arrested on Friday and released on personal recognizance bail.

They are scheduled to appear in 9th Circuit Court Nashua District Division at 1 p.m. April 28.

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Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis, or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social.



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Pakistan hosts diplomatic discussions on ending war

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Pakistan hosts diplomatic discussions on ending war


Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt will meet in Islamabad today in an attempt to come up with a plan to de-escalate the Iran war.

The meeting comes as several thousand more U.S. troops arrived in the region and after another group got involved in the expanding conflict: Yemen’s Houthis.

The Iran-backed Houthis launched missiles towards Israel, and there’s concern their involvement could threaten another vital global shipping lane in the Red Sea.

Here are more updates on day 30 of the Iran war.

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Diplomacy Push in Pakistan

The four foreign ministers from regional powers will meet in Islamabad today and Monday for a push towards diplomacy to end the war.

In a statement ahead of the meeting, the Egyptian government said: “Discussions are expected to focus on recent developments related to regional military escalation and ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain tensions and promote de-escalation.”

“The talks come amid heightened concerns about regional stability, with participating countries seeking to coordinate their stances and support political solutions to emerging crises,” it added.

Whether whatever consensus the countries known as “the quad” come up with will be accepted by the US, Israel, and Iran is another question.

Pakistan has emerged as a possible peace-broker in the conflict, passing messages between the U.S. and Tehran. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Saturday that “dialogue, diplomacy, and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward.”

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Dar also welcomed the fact Iran has agreed to allow 20 Pakistan-flagged ships – or two a day – through the Strait of Hormuz.

Houthis enter war

Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen launched the first missile they have fired since the war began toward Israel on Saturday. Israel’s military successfully intercepted it but the Houthis’ attack opens another front in a war that has now moved into its second month.

Up until Saturday’s missile launch the Houthis had stayed out of this war. But a Houthi spokesman said attacks will continue until “the aggression on all resistance fronts stops.”

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs / AP

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AP

In this photo released by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, left, meets with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The Yemen-based rebels were active during Israel’s war in Gaza, firing on cargo ships in the Red Sea and disrupting global commercial traffic.

With Iran essentially blockading the Strait of Hormuz, driving up global oil prices, there are concerns that if the Houthis start attacking ships in the Red Sea again global shipping will be even more disrupted.

Iran also hit multiple sites around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Saturday and Israel’s military says Iran is increasingly using cluster bombs.

Designed to detonate at high altitude the munition disperses dozens of smaller bombs that are more challenging for Israel’s multi-layered air defense system to intercept and can cause damage over a wider area.

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Dozens of countries have signed onto a cluster munitions treaty banning the weapons – except Iran, Israel and the U.S.

Iran threatens U.S. universities in region

Iranian authorities and residents say more airstrikes hit them overnight. Social media videos from across Iran showed strikes hitting all over the country.

Israel’s military said it had completed what it called a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting weapons production and storage sites.

Iran claims U.S.-Israeli strikes hit a Tehran university over the weekend and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened American university campuses in the Middle East in retaliation.

“We advise all employees, professors, and students of American universities in the region and residents of their surrounding areas” to stay a kilometer away from campuses, the statement, carried by Iranian media, said.

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Several US universities have campuses in the Gulf, including New York University in the United Arab Emirates and Texas A&M University, among others, in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to fire drones and missiles at Gulf countries, with Kuwait saying it was intercepting missile and drone attacks early Sunday. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed ten drones.

Iran also claimed it had attacked two major aluminium sites in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Emirates Global Aluminium confirmed an Iranian attack wounded several and caused significant damage to its plant.

U.S. Troops injured, more arrive

At least 15 U.S. service members were wounded Friday in an Iranian strike on a Saudi air base that hosts American troops, according to the Associated Press, including at least five in serious condition. The missile and drone strikes targeted Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan air base, located outside the capital Riyadh.

A first responder assists an injured boy following a strike that hit a residential building amid the U.S.-Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, March 28, 2026.
A first responder assists an injured boy following a strike that hit a residential building amid the U.S.-Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Iran has targeted U.S. service members at bases throughout the region since the war began a month ago, in retaliation for the U.S. attacks and seeking to drive troops out of the region. Overall, the Pentagon has put the U.S. casualty toll at 13 killed and more than 300 injured.

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On Saturday, troops from the Japan-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, made up of around 3,500 sailors and Marines, arrived in the Middle East, according to U.S. Central Command.

The U.S. military will not say where and how they might be deployed. Thousands more soldiers from the U.S. military’s 82nd Airborne Division are also expected to be deployed.

Journalists killed in Lebanon

Three Lebanese journalists covering the Israeli invasion of the country’s south were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jezzine.

Women hold posters showing Al-Mayadeen TV reporter Fatima Ftouni, left, and, in another poster, Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV correspondent Ali Shoeib, center, and cameraman Ali Ftouni during their funeral at a temporary cemetery in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Women hold posters showing Al-Mayadeen TV reporter Fatima Ftouni, left, and, in another poster, Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV correspondent Ali Shoeib, center, and cameraman Ali Ftouni during their funeral at a temporary cemetery in Dahiyeh, Beirut’s southern suburbs, Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, March 29, 2026.

One of them worked for a TV channel affiliated with Hezbollah and Israel accuses him of being a militant rather than a journalist – but has not provided evidence. The journalist Israel says it targeted was Ali Shaeb, a veteran TV correspondent and household name in Lebanon. After killing him, Israel’s military issued a statement accusing him of exposing the locations of Israeli troops.

The other two journalists killed were siblings, TV correspondent Fatima Ftouni and her cameraman brother, Mohammed Ftouni. Afterward their father appeared on TV, saying he was proud of his children.

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All three had been covering Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon.

Lebanese officials called the attack a flagrant violation of international law, and said they’re complaining to the UN Security Council. Hundreds of fellow journalists marched at a protest vigil in Lebanon’s capital.

The three journalists were among at least 47 people killed Saturday in Israeli attacks, according to Lebanese health officials.

Nine of those killed were paramedics, which the head of the World Health Organization called “a tragedy,” noting health workers are protected under international law.

Residents inspect their home after it was struck by an Iranian missile in Eshtaol, central Israel, Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Residents inspect their home after it was struck by an Iranian missile in Eshtaol, central Israel, Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Israel has intensified its attacks across Lebanon, mostly in the South, where Israeli ground troops are moving northward to try to oust Hezbollah militants.

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Another Israeli soldier was also killed in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing his condolences on X over the weekend.

Developments in Syria, Iraq

The war is spreading to more parts of the Middle East. On Sunday, Syria said it had intercepted a drone strike from Iraq targeting a U.S. military base. Pro-Iran Iraqi groups have claimed responsibility for some attacks on US interests.

Separately, the Syrian and UAE governments condemned an attack targeting the residence of the Kurdish region’s president Nechirvan Barzani.

French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the attack saying: “The sovereignty of Iraq, and of Kurdistan within it, is essential to regional stability. Everything must be done to prevent Iraq from being drawn into the ongoing escalation.”

On Sunday, the Israeli army said it had launched its “first” attack into Lebanon from Syria.

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Jane Arraf in Amman, Emily Feng in Van, Turkey, Lauren Frayer in Jezzine, Lebanon, Carrie Khan in Tel Aviv, and Kate Bartlett in Johannesburg contributed to this report.

Copyright 2026 NPR





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