Here’s some good news headlines: 

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

📸 Petunias in bloom

🏖️ These 4 New Hampshire beaches are among New England’s best, according to Yankee Magazine

📢 Question of the week: What does patriotism mean to you today?

🌞 The bright side: Your local good news roundup

💪 Nominate a local hero, and we’ll feature them in this newsletter

(Courtesy Lisa Marie )

Shoutout to Lisa Marie for sharing this beautiful photo of petunias blooming in Alton Bay.

“I’m particularly fond of these beauties that my dear mom and I are tending to this year!” Marie said. “We picked them up at a local nursery right here in Alton. Thanks to plenty of rain and sunshine, they’re turning out magnificent. I hope you enjoy them! Wishing everyone a wonderful summer!” 

Have a favorite New Hampshire photo you’d like to share? I’d love to feature it in a future newsletter. Just reply to this email with your photo and a few words about where it was taken or why it’s special. You might see it here next week!

Related: Why foraging edible plants is wildly popular in New Hampshire

(Patrick Foreman/Unsplash)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect 

Out of 34 beaches recognized by Yankee Magazine, these four Granite State spots made the list:

🌊 Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton — Known for its pristine white sand, lively boardwalk, weekly fireworks, outdoor movies, live music, and one of the nation’s cleanest beaches.

🏖️ Carry Beach, Wolfeboro — A quieter Lake Winnipesaukee beach with shallow water, lifeguards, and a peaceful, park-like setting that’s perfect for families.

🦀 Odiorne Point State Park, Rye — Skip the sand for rocky shoreline, scenic coastal trails, World War II bunkers, and the Seacoast Science Center.

☀️ Wallis Sands State Park, Rye — A classic sandy beach with views of the Isles of Shoals, plus picnic areas, a bathhouse, and easy swimming.

Since America celebrated its 250th birthday last weekend, many people have been reflecting on what it means to be an American. That got us wondering…

So this week’s question is…

What does patriotism mean to you today?

The following briefs are presented in partnership with Granite Goodness. Subscribe today.

☀️ Maine residents can now power their homes with plug-in solar …

Maine is the second state to legalize plug-in solar, the small panels that hang on a balcony or fence and feed power straight into a standard outlet. The panels require no rooftop, no permit, no utility sign-off, and are saving locals up to 20% off their average electric bill. Maine Public

🚜 Vermont just became the first state in the country to ban paraquat …

The pesticide has been linked to Parkinson’s disease for years and is already banned in more than 70 countries. Other states are lining up to follow Vermont’s lead. Stateline

🥕 Rhode Island is reducing food waste in schools …

A new law requires schools to audit what they throw away and divert all of it by 2029, expanding what gets recovered and shared so less edible food ends up buried in landfills. Waste Dive

💙 Know someone in New Hampshire who’s doing something worth celebrating? Whether it’s a neighbor, volunteer, small business owner, artist, or community leader, we want to hear about it!

Send us their name, what they’re doing, and why it matters to you at info@granitepostnews.com.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Stacy Milbouer, USA Today via Reuters Connect, and Granite Goodness. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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