“Give it up, Donald. The SAVE Act ain’t going to happen.” —Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

Did you know Aug. 9 is National Book Lovers Day? This seems like the perfect excuse to ask: What’s your favorite book? Hit reply and let me know!

Here’s some news to know this morning:

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

📸 Reader photo: Queen Anne’s Lace blankets a NH field. Send us your photo! 

📰 What we’re reading, including: New Hampshire ranks 48th in the nation for early education. Here’s why.

💦 Cool off this summer at these seven splash pads in New Hampshire.

📢 Question of the week: How would you grade Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s performance so far? And why? Share your take! 

🗓 Top events for your calendar.

(Courtesy of Tatiana Yanovskaya-Sink)

Thank you to Tatiana Yanovskaya-Sink for sharing this photo of Queen Anne’s Lace blanketing a field.

Did you know: Queen Anne’s Lace has been used medicinally for centuries? Native American tribes used it to help treat toothaches, coughs, sore throats, inflammation, and wounds.

Related: About 80% of the flowers sold in the US are imported from Columbia, Kenya, and Ecuador.

🏘️ A new New Hampshire housing law limits local zoning restrictions …

The law requires cities and towns to allow multifamily housing in commercial zones “by right,” eliminating many local density caps and permit requirements in an effort to speed up housing construction. New Hampshire Bulletin

📚 New Hampshire ranks near the bottom for early education …

A new WalletHub study ranks New Hampshire 48th in the nation for early education, citing challenges with access, affordability, and resources. New Hampshire Bulletin

🦠 Public health experts warn disease outbreaks are becoming more common …

Experts say measles, West Nile virus, and other infectious diseases are resurging as vaccine misinformation, staffing cuts, and reduced public health funding strain the nation’s ability to respond. States Newsroom

(Logan Cameron/Unsplash)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

💦 Aqua Land Splash Pad, Newmarket
Colorful water features, plus Rexy’s Rainbow Cafe nearby for hot dogs and ice cream.

💦 White Park Splash Pad, Concord
Fish- and whale-themed splash pad with a playground, trails, and ball fields.

💦 Dover Adventure Playground, Dover
Splash pad alongside a massive playground near the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire.

💦 Derry Splash Pad at Don Ball Park, Derry
Large splash pad with picnic tables, concessions, bathrooms, and one of Derry’s biggest playgrounds.

💦 Bedford Memorial Pool Splash Pad, Bedford
Ocean-themed splash pad next to the town’s public pool.

💦 Storrs Pond Recreation Area, Hanover
Ground-level splash pad with nearby swimming, hiking, fishing, and camping.

💦 Dupont Splash Pad, Manchester
Features colorful spray jets and a giant tipping bucket.

A recent University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll shows the race for governor is close, with Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte holding a narrow lead over Democratic challenger Cinde Warmington. Among likely New Hampshire voters, 44% said they would vote for Ayotte, while 39% backed Warmington. Another 17% said they were undecided or preferred another candidate.

So this week’s question is:

How would you grade Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s performance so far? 

🧺 92nd Annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair
Aug. 1-9, Newbury
Browse hundreds of juried craftspeople, live demonstrations, workshops, and local food at one of New Hampshire’s signature summer events.
More info

🏺 69th Annual New Hampshire Antiques Show
Aug. 6-8, Manchester
Explore antiques from dealers across New England, with furniture, folk art, jewelry, paintings, and more.
More info

🎉 Milford Family Fun Summer Jam
Aug. 8, Milford
A family-friendly day featuring local art, craft, and commercial vendors.
More info

🚜 Farm & Country Festival
Aug. 8-9, Kensington
Enjoy free admission to a weekend of horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, equipment demonstrations, live music, local vendors, and plenty of food.
More info

🎭 Old Home Day Parade
Aug. 8, Alton Bay 
This year’s “Hometown USA: 250 Years Strong” parade is followed by a craft fair, boat show, and live music in Alton Bay.
More info

💃 Covered Bridge Dance
Aug. 8, Jackson
Dance under the stars with live bluegrass from Jon Sarty and the White Mountain Boys at this free community block party. Donations are appreciated.
More info

🌽 2nd Sunday Farmers & Artisans Market
Aug. 9, Canaan
Shop fresh local produce, handmade goods, and artisan products in downtown Canaan.
More info

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with a story from USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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