Noticing fewer Canadian plates around New Hampshire this year? There’s a reason.

Canadians usually make up about 5% of all visitors to our state, coming for small-town getaways and trips to the White Mountains. But that traffic has dropped sharply, and much of it can be traced to recent US–Canada trade tensions.

➡️ Read the full story: Explained: Canadian tourism has plummeted in New Hampshire

Here’s what else is in today’s newsletter:

🐦 What to know about the Audubon Christmas Bird Count kicking off Dec. 14

🗣️ Readers sound off on Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education 

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This week, we asked readers: What do you think of Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education? Here’s what you had to say…

“Just another step in destroying our country and the progress we’ve made in my lifetime.This will be especially hard on students with special needs and their families.” — Tim Kelly

“Nothing Trump does is not motivated by his lust for vengeance or personal gain.” — William Bryk

“The so called Department of Education is nothing but indoctrination of America’s children to believe that communism the way. History has been twisted to keep the truth from being told to the kids which when known the children could easily see for themselves the truth as we were able to!” — Gerald Easson

“Dismantling the Department of Education is horrible and outrageous. It is so obviously a fascist move—the less educated and more ignorant the populace, the easier to control. The Founding Fathers were clear that a healthy functioning democracy requires a well-educated population that can think critically. The United States has shamefully made education a lower priority for much of its history. Teachers are paid so poorly for such a critically important job.” — Mary Langdon 

“I am totally opposed. We need an educated populace and if we lose the guidance of the Department of Education, who knows what will be lost.” — Deborah Lievens 

“Like everything Trump has done, it sucks!” — Sean Kerwin 

“I am for this action.” — Patricia Quirk 

“I think it is the worst thing ever! Our schools were already in trouble, he is making it so so so much worse!” — Jhana Arsenault

Read all the responses.

More to say? Reply to this email and let me know!

Keeping up with local news shouldn’t be complicated—or locked behind a paywall. Granite Post is committed to reporting that’s clear, relevant, and all about New Hampshire.

As we wrap up the year, we’re trying to raise $1,800 by Dec. 16. Your support helps us plan for the stories that matter in 2026. Even a small donation goes a long way in keeping our reporting free and independent for everyone.

The year is coming to an end, and in 2026, several new laws will take effect—including an expansion of New Hampshire’s school voucher program and the end of annual car inspections.

So, this week’s question is…

What should New Hampshire legislators focus on in 2026?

The annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count kicks off Dec. 14 and runs through Jan. 5, offering a chance to contribute to bird population research.

The event, organized by the National Audubon Society, invites participants to observe and record birds within designated 15-mile-wide “count circles” across the country, including around 20 active circles in New Hampshire.

Hundreds of birders join the effort in New Hampshire every year, dedicating a single day within the count period to track bird sightings. Participants explore woods, rivers, and fruit trees. Some observe birds at backyard feeders.

Go here to find a bird count near you. 

Here are some birds you might see:

🐦 Northern cardinal

🐦 Black-capped chickadee

🐦 White-breasted nuthatch

🐦 Tufted titmouse 

🐦 Blue jay

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with reporting by Robert Gundran. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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