“Most mothers are instinctive philosophers.” — Harriet Beecher Stowe

Mother’s Day is this weekend. Did you know the holiday dates back to the 1800s? New Hampshire is packed with events this weekend.

👇 Scroll down to see all the listings.

Here are some things to note this morning:

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

📸 Send us a pic of NH!

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

🐾 5 animal sanctuaries in New Hampshire (and the cute critters you’ll see at each one)

📢 Question of the week: New Hampshire lawmakers can only be disciplined by a vote. Is that enough accountability?

🗓 Top events for your calendar (plus a map!)

(Courtesy of Cathy Grassello)

Thanks to Cathy Grassello, who shared this photo from Ossipee.

As she said: “I am a photographer and part-time resident of Freedom, NH for more than 25 years. We love the area. And of course, I especially love the photographic opportunities, subjects , and the endless places to explore. It’s so wonderful to happen upon these old barns. I encountered this one on a Sunday morning last summer. How appropriate that this barn is located at Lord Farm.”

We’re looking for reader photos! Share your pets, favorite local places, wildlife sightings, backyard views, or anything worth showing off!

🔥 Drought conditions are raising wildfire concerns across New Hampshire …

Experts say last summer’s record drought has left forests unusually dry heading into spring, contributing to a growing number of brush fires across the state. New Hampshire Bulletin

🚜 At the same time, New Hampshire farmers say rising costs are putting pressure on local agriculture …

Farmers across the state say diesel fuel, electricity, and fertilizer prices continue to strain operations. WMUR

🛣️ Meanwhile, state lawmakers are reconsidering a proposal to raise tolls for out-of-state drivers …

A New Hampshire House committee voted to study a Senate-backed bill that would increase turnpike tolls only for vehicles registered outside the state. WMUR 

⚠️ And in Tuftonboro, authorities have released new details in a tragic case …

The deaths of David Warren, 79, and Rae Lynn Warren, 78, found outside their home Saturday morning, were ruled suicides by environmental hypothermia following autopsies. WMUR

Animal sanctuaries in New Hampshire provide a safe space for cute critters who are in need of extra love and care. (Ben Mater/Unsplash)

By Sam Cohen

These five animal sanctuaries in New Hampshire provide a safe haven for creatures in need. Here are the cute critters you’ll see at each one.

🐾 Bark & Bray Farm Animal Sanctuary in Wilmot
Provides lifelong care for neglected and abused farm animals in partnership with rescue groups. Animals here include rabbits, donkeys, goats, cows, horses, and pigs. 

🐾 Live and Let Live Farm’s Rescue and Sanctuary in Chichester
A rescue, rehabilitation center, and sanctuary that offers lifelong care for some animals and temporary housing for others. Home to a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, chickens, and goats. Hosts weekly public tours.

🐾 Tomten Farm & Sanctuary in Haverhill
Offers educational walking tours featuring about 50 rescued animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and more. Focuses on teaching visitors about animal rescue and the animals’ past experiences.

Rep. Travis Corcoran faced disciplinary action after posting a “final solution” comment directed at a Jewish colleague on social media in March.

Corcoran has since said it was a joke. And, he recently walked out of a committee hearing—calling it a “kangaroo court”—before 18 witnesses testified against him.

The GOP-controlled committee will now draft a recommendation on Corcoran, which will then go before the entire House for a vote.

But this isn’t the first time Corcoran has made a controversial comment. His social media pages have long been filled with racist remarks.

So this week’s question is:

New Hampshire lawmakers can only be disciplined by a vote. Is that enough accountability?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“Not really. The fox is guarding the hen house. In this day and age, politics is no longer about honor and integrity and making policies that improve the lives of people, but rather about the power of the majority.” — Di Gioseffi

“No, it is not enough accountability for a lawmaker to be disciplined only by a vote. Vose and Corcoran have both made inexcusable and egregious remarks. Corcoran especially should be removed. These GOP representatives think they can get away with anything because they have the majority in the House. Their remarks and actions are cowardly and smack of bullying behavior.” — Jane Duggan

(Google My Maps)

🗺 NEW: Click the map to view all event locations in one place. What do you think of this new feature? Reply and let us know.

1. 📖 America’s Birthday Story Walk
Etna, through June 21
A patriotic story walk through trails behind the Etna Library, open daily and self-guided.

2. 📚 Peterborough Town Library Friends Host Grand Reopening, Kyes-Sage Bookshop
Peterborough, May 7–9 
Grand reopening of the used book shop supporting library programs for children, teens, and adults.

3. 🎪 Circus Springboard: Broken Open
Brattleboro, VT, May 8 
A circus-theater performance exploring trust, loss, and rebuilding through acrobatics and storytelling.

4. 🇺🇸 Wilton Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary
Wilton, May 9 
Revolutionary War reenactments, memorial dedication, music, food, and community celebration.

5. 🐑 New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival
Deerfield, May 9–10 
Annual fiber festival with vendors, sheep shows, demos, and workshops.

6. 🎨 GSCS Spring 2026 Shop ‘Til You Drop Craft Fair
Rochester, May 9 
A community craft fair featuring 50+ vendors, raffles, food, and family activities.

7. 🌲 New Hampshire Day at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Holderness, May 9 
Discounted admission for NH residents with animal encounters and educational programs.

8. 🌸 Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals
Portsmouth, May 9–10 
Baby animals, historic farm demos, gardens, workshops, and special 250th anniversary events.

9. 🧒 Children’s Business Fair
Henniker, May 9 
Young entrepreneurs run their own businesses in a one-day marketplace. Free family event.

10. 🎨 17th Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Craft Festival
Hampton Falls, May 9–10 
Juried artisan fair featuring handmade goods, food, and gifts. Free admission, pet-friendly.

11. 🚣 Mother’s Day Picnic and Paddle
Fitzwilliam, May 10 
Guided kayak trip followed by picnic and live music along scenic Monadnock views.

12. 🎷 Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch — Al Cron Quartet
Portsmouth, May 10 
Live jazz brunch featuring swing, standards, and modern jazz performances.

13. ☕ Springtime Family Tea
Franconia, May 10 
Tea, storytelling, dance, music, and community activities for all ages.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from reporting by Sam Cohen and editing by Paula Solis.

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