⚽ In case you missed it, the US Men’s National Team opened its World Cup campaign with a dominant 4–1 win over Paraguay.

The team is back in action on Friday against Australia as the tournament continues.

Here’s what else to know this evening:

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

📸 Cleo the dog takes a boat ride

📰 What we’re reading, news from around the state

📢 Question of the week: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New Hampshire?

P.S. Consider this a good-use-of-your-inbox moment. Know someone who’d appreciate it? Send it their way.

The Seacoast businessman whose data center proposal ignited a firestorm in Nottingham last month is a past campaign donor to Gov. Kelly Ayotte, federal campaign finance records show.

Thomas Moulton gave $1,000 to Friends of Kelly Ayotte, Ayotte’s US Senate campaign committee, on Oct. 20, 2010, according to a Federal Election Commission filing.

Colin Booth has the full story.

(Courtesy of Lois Vlad)

Shoutout to Lois Vlad for sharing this photo of Cleo enjoying a boat ride on the Piscataqua River in New Castle, New Hampshire.

Have a great New Hampshire photo to share? We’d love to see it. Send us your favorite Granite State snapshots for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

Related: The 22 best pet stores. spas, vets, and more in Manchester

🦠 A Concord man is fighting for recovery after contracting one of New Hampshire’s rarest tick-borne illnesses …

John Regan, 66, is in serious condition with Powassan virus, a rare disease spread by deer ticks that can cause brain inflammation and long-term neurological damage. His family says he spent weeks hospitalized before being transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital and now faces months of rehabilitation. State health officials say only three to four Powassan cases are diagnosed in New Hampshire each year. Concord Monitor

🐶 Elsewhere, a Northwood dog rescue says a steep rent increase is threatening its future …

Mary’s Dogs Rescue and Adoption is seeking community support to purchase a building in Barrington after learning its rent will increase by 90%. The nonprofit, which says it has helped save roughly 6,000 dogs since its founding, has until Aug. 31 to leave its current facility and has launched a fundraising campaign to secure a permanent home. Foster’s Daily Democrat

📺 And finally, New Hampshire has a new reality TV star making waves on national television …

Manchester native Kayda Bosse has entered the villa as the first female bombshell on Season 8 of “Love Island USA.” The 22-year-old Manchester Central graduate quickly became one of the show’s most talked-about contestants, drawing both praise for her confidence and criticism over allegations about past behavior. She is only the second contestant from New Hampshire to appear on the series. Portsmouth Herald 

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New Hampshire means something different to everyone. For some, it’s mountain views. For others, it’s lake days, town traditions, and landmarks.

So this week’s question is:

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New Hampshire?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“When I think of New Hampshire, I think of the White Mountains and my memories of the Old Man.” — JoAnn Carlson 

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Colin Booth and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

Granite Post is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.