Shoutout to Chef Evan Hennessey of Dover, who was named a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Northeast! Interestingly, not a single Massachusetts chef made the cut in that category this year.

I, of course, also have to mention Super Secret Ice Cream in Bethlehem, which is nominated in the Outstanding Bakery category. They’re up against some strong competition, and they’ve been in the running before. Will this finally be their year? We find out the winners in June. 

Moving on, last week’s crossword was all about baseball trivia. This week’s puzzle requires you to think back to the times before streaming and smartphones. The theme? Then and now.

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

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

🍺 10 historic bars in NH

📢 Question of the week: Do you support a Republican bill that would allow students to openly carry firearms on campus?

🔠 Test our crossword. The theme? Then and now

P.S. One email worth keeping. Forward this email to a friend who likes being in the know.

🍁 In the Upper Valley … a Lebanon farm is earning statewide recognition for its maple syrup and honey. WMUR

📺 And speaking of local news… a 1962 letter from Martin Luther King Jr. to a Portsmouth minister was appraised at up to $50,000 on Antiques Roadshow. The letter praised Rev. John Papandrew’s role in the Civil Rights Movement—and left his family stunned by its value and legacy. Portsmouth Herald

🥪 And finally … volunteers in Warner are tackling childhood hunger. The nonprofit Food for Thought packs weekend backpacks with food for nearly 60 local students—no questions asked—helping families keep kids fed when school meals aren’t available. Concord Monitor

By Maura Derr

🍺 The Old Courthouse – 30 Main St., Newport
Originally built as a courthouse in 1826, it’s now a family-owned American restaurant with lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, and live piano music.

🍺 The Library Restaurant – 401 State St., Portsmouth
Built in 1785 as a mansion, it later became a hotel. Now it’s a restaurant and lounge known for craft cocktails, live jazz, and historic significance with famous guests like George Washington and JFK.

🍺 The Inn at Hancock – 33 Main St., Hancock
New Hampshire’s oldest continuously operating inn (since 1789). Features Hunt Bar & Scullery for tavern vibes and Pinks Lounge for a refined setting.

Which ones did we miss? Send me an email and tell me your favorite.

College campuses in New Hampshire might look a lot different starting next year. Lawmakers just passed a bill in the House that would let students and staff carry weapons.

So this week’s question is:

Do you support a Republican bill that would allow students to openly carry firearms on campus?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“Are they seriously trying to help declining enrollment! The NH I knew and loved is no longer. Firearms at colleges and universities will only enhance and augment violence on campus. Perhaps it is a moot question if the whole University of New Hampshire system closes its doors from lack of funding, lack of interest, and lack of job placement after degree completion. Keene seems to be the one to link jobs to educational degree but more so as their enrollment dropped from 5,000 to 2,800. NH needs to replace the Legislature from non libertarians/free staters to Democrats.” — Candace Morrison

“No! There are too many guns out and around as it is, and if we allow students to openly carry, school shootings will greatly increase.” — David Masters

“We absolutely should NOT allow guns at any school ever – have our lawmakers totally lost their minds?!” — Carol Staugaard

Think you’ve got what it takes to crack this crossword? Tell us how long it takes you to finish it by emailing us at info@granitepostnews.com! This week’s topic? Then and now.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with a story from Maura Derr. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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