The drama over a proposed ICE detention center in Merrimack just went national.

Plans to bring a facility tied to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to Merrimack—and Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s insistence that she knows nothing about it—have landed on The Rachel Maddow Show.

Host Maddow questioned how much the governor really knew—and when.

👉 Watch: Political catastrophe: Republican governor botches ICE decision

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

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

🎳 5 kid-friendly winter activities to try 

📢 Question of the week: Is it really time to move on from the Epstein files?

📅 Top events for your calendar

👉 Healey demands Ayotte block ‘outrageous’ proposed ICE site in NH

“The Trump administration’s proposed immigrant processing facility in Merrimack, New Hampshire, was blasted as ‘absolutely the wrong move’ for New England by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Friday, as she urged her counterpart in New Hampshire to try and stop it from being built.” — NBC Boston

👉 New Hampshire AG: Vehicle inspection program paused until further notice

“Gordon-Darby, the company contracted to run New Hampshire’s vehicle inspection program, sued the state, saying the removal of the program violated the Clean Air Act because it didn’t receive a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency.” — WMUR

👉 Farm use of PFAS-laden sludge raises health concerns. Some ask, where else can it go?

“Grounded in concerns about the health impacts of PFAS, House Bill 1275 seeks to create a financial safety net for farmers who experience losses after discovering the chemicals on their land or in their crops. The bill also proposes a five-year moratorium on agricultural use of the material, an idea that proved controversial among farmers, wastewater professionals, and legislators at a hearing Feb. 10.” — New Hampshire Bulletin

Karla Rivera/Unsplash

By USA Today via Reuters Connect 

⛸️ Ice Arena
Dover
A classic winter break option. The arena offers both recreational skate sessions and instructional skate—perfect for kids practicing hockey or figure skating skills. During February break, instructional skate runs from 10–11:50 a.m. on weekdays, with recreational sessions from noon–1:50 p.m. weekdays and 1–2:50 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for kids ages 4–17 and seniors, with $5 skate rentals available. The rink is located at 110 Portland Ave.

🦖 The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire
Dover
Offers hands-on fun for curious minds. Kids can crawl through caves, explore dinosaur exhibits, create art projects, and experiment in the STEAM Lab. Admission is $14.50 per person, and advance reservations are recommended. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to noon daily except Mondays, with additional 1–4 p.m. hours Wednesday through Saturday at 6 Washington St.

🎳 Bowl-O-Rama Family Fun Center
Portsmouth
Makes for an easy, all-ages outing. The center features 22 lanes, comfy sofa seating, 35 arcade games, and a full restaurant menu — including craft burgers and spiked milkshakes for adults. Open bowling costs $35 per lane per hour on weekdays and $45 on weekends, plus $4 for shoe rentals. Hours run 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Sunday at 599 Lafayette Road.

🔐 Escape Rooms
Monkey Mind Escape Rooms 
Players can choose from five immersive adventures, from Egyptian tomb explorations to pirate treasure hunts. Tickets are $36 per person, with half-price Thursdays and extended hours during February break.

Portsmouth Escape Room 
Offers four original games with a reputation for difficulty—its highest success rate is just 68%. Pricing ranges from $40 per person for small groups to $35 per person for larger teams.

🤸 Off the Wall Kidz 
North Hampton
This indoor play center goes beyond trampolines with slides, climbing structures, inflatable zones, a ball blaster pit, and an arcade. Admission is $19.95, and adults enter free with a paid child. Hours run 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday at 5 Lafayette Road, Unit 8.

On Feb. 11, Attorney General Pam Bondi testified on Capitol Hill about the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files. Rather than answer many of the questions directly, Bondi deflected and fired personalized criticisms at the Democratic senators questioning her, echoing President Donald Trump’s call on Feb. 3 to “move on” from the matter.

Trump is mentioned more than 38,000 times across documents released by the Justice Department on Jan. 30. Many of the files are heavily redacted—victims’ names are visible, while alleged perpetrators’ identities are blacked out.

So this week’s question is… Here’s what you’re saying…

Is it really time to move on from the Epstein files?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“This country must not move on from the Epstein Files until there is a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations, with public trials, and enforced prison sentences for those who are found guilty. No position in the government or corporate board (past or present) should prevent anyone from being tried and properly sentenced. Survivors of sexual violence, particularly children, deserve nothing less than to face their predators in court. The depravity they have endured at the hands of these monsters is something that we have to acknowledge and address. We must know just how deeply this insidious cult of personality goes, and it must be stopped.” — Kate Sprague

“It definitely is NOT time to move on from the Epstein Files—30 years of coverup by prominent men, lawyers, politicians, princes, those who knew the sex trafficking was happening and NEVER bothered to reveal the crimes committed to law enforcement.” — Kay Campbell

“Absolutely not. Were this a Democratic president the Republicans would be up in arms screaming for consequences. When Obama wore a tan suit they lost their collective tiny minds. However, since most of Trump’s cabinet is also named in the files along with senior senators like Lindsay Graham, they are too terrified of their dear leader to do anything at all. Everything being done – interfering with voting rights, murdering citizens, kidnaping children, building concentration camps is all part of the Heritage Foundation’s plan to turn this country into a white dictatorship.” — Joyce Hurd 


“No. Trump made campaign promises (and pledged) to declassify the Epstein files in order to restore public trust. That promise/pledge became LAW and he still hasn’t complied. Enough with the redactions and distractions! Release everything already!” — Joan B.

❄️ Fire and Ice Festival
Lincoln, Feb. 20–21
Step into a winter night where glowing ice meets live music and festival vibes. Jean’s Playhouse transforms into an outdoor celebration with dazzling ice sculptures, colorful lighting, specialty cocktails, food, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
More info

🎉 Winterfest
North Hampton, Feb. 21
At the North Hampton School: 3v3 basketball tournament, dodgeball, indoor snowball fight, winter carnival games, prizes, face painting, balloon man, and henna tattoos. At Dearborn Park: sledding, ice skating, bonfire, music, and food trucks.
More info

🌱 Wildlife Friendly Gardening
Auburn, Feb. 21
Join NH Audubon Senior Biologist Diane DeLuca for a workshop on creating a wildlife-friendly backyard sanctuary. Learn about supporting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife with native plants, water sources, and eco-friendly practices.
More info

🛷 Charmingfare Farm Sleigh Ride Social
Candia, Feb. 21
Step into a storybook winter wonderland! Board a horse-drawn sleigh along lighted trails, enjoy scenic snowy landscapes, view live reindeer, and gather around a bonfire with hot cocoa and s’mores. Visit farm animals after the ride.
More info

🐍 Snow Snake Games
Warner, Feb. 21
Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum hosts this traditional Indigenous winter game. Slide handcrafted sticks (“snakes”) along a snow track, enjoy a campfire with s’mores, and learn about Indigenous culture. Outdoor events are free; regular admission applies for the museum.
More info

🌿 Community Indoor Plant Swap
North Hampton, March 6
Join fellow plant enthusiasts for a free plant swap featuring seedlings, clippings, and more. Drop-off for plants is March 4–5; the swap event is March 6. Only healthy, pest-free plants in pots 8 inches or smaller.
More info

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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