We’re back with another action guide for those of you who want to get out there and make sure your voices get heard.

Here are six ways to get involved this weekend:

💪 Friday, May 29

💪 Saturday, May 30

💪 Sunday, May 31

Have an event to add? Email Lily with details.

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

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

📢 We asked, you answered: If you could ask any New Hampshire elected official one question, who would you speak with, and what would you ask?

🔍 Question of the week: Has this economy changed your summer vacation plans?

🌕 7 celestial events visible from New Hampshire skies this summer

Gov. Kelly Ayotte has tapped a longtime Republican operative with a documented history of defending election interference to help decide New Hampshire’s election disputes—just as former Sen. John E. Sununu, the direct beneficiary of a 2002 scheme that operative defended in court, runs in the Republican primary to reclaim the Senate seat it helped him win.

Colin Booth has the full story.

Join COURIER and 3.14 Action on June 11 for Facts vs. Fiction: The Fight for Science in American Democracy.

Misinformation isn’t just noise. It’s shaping policy decisions that determine who can afford care, which communities are protected, and how our government responds to real-world risks.

This live conversation will examine what’s at stake when facts are ignored and how science-informed leadership has shaped policy on healthcare, climate, agriculture, and public health. At a moment when institutions and public trust are under attack, we’ll explore what happens when decision-making is driven by evidence, what it takes to rebuild trust, and why scientific integrity is essential to democracy.

Stay tuned for more speaker announcements, and don’t miss this conversation.

💻 In Nottingham, a controversial proposed data center has been pulled off the table, at least for now …

Developer Tom Moulton withdrew plans for a proposed data center along Route 4 ahead of a highly anticipated Planning Board meeting Wednesday night. Residents had raised concerns about the project’s potential impact on well water, electricity usage, and the environment. Moulton said the application was withdrawn so developers could gather more information and better address public concerns. WMUR

🎰 And in Concord, a former New Hampshire lawmaker and casino owner is preparing to plead guilty in a federal pandemic fraud case …

Former state Sen. Andy Sanborn agreed to plead guilty to misusing more than $250,000 in federal COVID relief funds intended for his casino business, according to federal prosecutors. Investigators say some of the money was used to buy a Porsche. Sanborn could face prison time, fines, and restitution as part of the plea agreement. New Hampshire Public Radio

🧒 And a new report is raising alarm bells about conditions inside New Hampshire’s youth detention center system …

A legislative investigation found widespread failures at the state’s Sununu Youth Services Center, including concerns over staff shortages, lack of trauma-informed care, alleged illegal restraints, and poor oversight by the Division for Children, Youth, and Families. Lawmakers are now pushing for stronger authority for the state’s Office of the Child Advocate and additional reforms at the facility. New Hampshire Public Radio

⛵ Meanwhile, New England boaters are feeling the squeeze as fuel prices climb heading into summer …

Marina owners and boaters across the region say rising fuel costs are making it more expensive to get out on the water this season, with some marinas reporting sharp increases compared to last year. Industry experts say higher transportation and operating costs are continuing to ripple through the recreational boating industry. WMUR

🎨 On a more uplifting note, Portsmouth unveiled a new mural honoring Ona Judge Staines and her fight for freedom …

The mural, painted on the offices of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, commemorates the 230th anniversary of Ona Judge’s escape from slavery after fleeing George Washington’s household and settling in Portsmouth. Portsmouth Herald

This week, we asked readers: If you could ask any New Hampshire elected official one question, who would you speak with, and what would you ask?

Here’s what you had to say:

“I would ask Sherman Packard what he has against women and children that causes him to consistently vote against their well-being.” — Susan M.

“I would like to ask Americans if they would rather see Trump spending money on fixing our airports, traffic towers, roadways, and air and water quality instead of hate-filled wars, taking down other countries and governments, and grifting his way through his presidency while robbing Americans blind.” — Elaina Valzania

“I would like to ask Kelly Ayotte—exactly what code of ethics do you subscribe to, if any?” — JoAnn Carlson

“Why are you standing by when oligarchs are taking control of government?” — Frank Serafini

Personal story: I’m trying to book a trip to Florida in November, and direct flights are going for nearly $1,000. This time last year, I paid just $175 for the exact same route.

So this week’s question is:

Has this economy changed your summer vacation plans?

By Sam Cohen

There’s something magical about summer nights in New Hampshire—and this year, the skies are putting on a show.

Here are the celestial events worth looking up for in 2026:

✨ Noctilucent clouds
Late May through August (best viewing: late June-mid July)
These rare glowing clouds form from meteor dust and ice crystals high in Earth’s atmosphere, creating shimmering blue-and-silver ripples in the night sky. They’re best seen one to two hours after sunset.

☀️ June Solstice
June 21
The longest day of the year officially kicks off summer, bringing New Hampshire its maximum amount of daylight and a gorgeous late sunset around 8:26 p.m.

🌕 Full Strawberry Moon
June 30
Summer’s first full moon reaches peak brightness around 7:56 p.m. Despite the name, it won’t actually appear pink or red, but it’ll make for a stunning moonrise.

☄️ Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower
July 18-Aug. 21 (peak around July 30)
This annual meteor shower can produce up to 20 meteors per hour under dark skies, making it a great excuse for a late-night stargazing trip.

🌕 Full Buck Moon
July 29
Named for the time of year when deer begin regrowing antlers, July’s full moon arrives alongside the Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower this year.

🌠 Perseid Meteor Shower
Aug. 12-13
One of the most famous meteor showers of the year, the Perseids can produce up to 100 meteors per hour during peak viewing conditions. This year’s dark moon phase should make visibility especially good.

🌕 Full Sturgeon Moon
Aug. 28
August’s full moon peaks just after midnight and gets its name from the giant sturgeon fish historically caught during late summer.

📍 Best places to view them in New Hampshire
Some of the best stargazing spots in the Granite State include:

White Mountain National Forest

Sunapee region

Dixville Notch

🏰 Bonus: Free stargazing events at Castle in the Clouds
The New Hampshire Astronomical Society is hosting free “Constellations at the Castle” events in Moultonborough on: June 18, 23, and Aug. 13

The events run from 8-10 p.m. and include guided views of stars, planets, and constellations.

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

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