I need your advice.

I’ve been experimenting with the crossword puzzle every Tuesday in this newsletter for about a year, but I want to know whether it’s actually something you look forward to, or something you scroll right past. Would you play a different kind of game? A crossword? New Hampshire trivia? A weekly quiz? Something completely different?

Or maybe you’re thinking: Please, no more games. Just give me the news.

Either way, reply to this email or click here and share your thoughts. 

Until then, you’ll notice that this week’s crossword looks different because we switched to a different platform. Let me know your thoughts and take our puzzle on New England trees. 

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

📰 What we’re reading, including: A New Hampshire winery had its worst year yet. Here’s why

🍺 What we’re drinking: 8 dive bars in New Hampshire that locals love

📢 Question of the week: Should the government be able to cancel someone’s health insurance over suspected fraud before the case is individually reviewed? Sound off!

🔠 Solve our crossword. The theme? New England trees.

💦 NH spent about $600,000 treating a lake plagued by cyanobacteria. Three summers later, it’s still clear …

Lake Kanasatka has seen a sharp decline in potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms since a chemical treatment was applied in 2024. Researchers say phosphorus levels have fallen and the ecosystem appears to be recovering, though they caution the expensive treatment isn’t a solution for every lake. New Hampshire Bulletin

🎓 Vermont students can now qualify for free tuition at a NH college …

Saint Anselm College expanded its free-tuition program to Vermont students whose families make less than $100,000 a year. Students must meet academic and residency requirements, complete the federal financial aid application and live on campus. NHPR

🍷 A NH winery says it’s having its toughest year yet …

Hermit Woods Winery in Meredith says rising costs, tariffs, and a steep drop in Canadian visitors are squeezing business, with production and staffing already scaled back and layoffs potentially on the table. The winery’s owner said shipping costs have nearly doubled and its wine club membership is shrinking. WCAX

Local news is disappearing. The pressure on the newsrooms that remain is growing.

More than 3,500 newspapers have closed nationwide since 2005. Journalists and newsrooms face increasing attacks from the federal government, while funding for local news continues to dry up. We can’t keep doing this work without our readers’ support.

We have until Sept. 30 to reach our end-of-month fundraising goal. Help us keep delivering factual, free information.

You’ll find biker decor, bar food, and friendly regulars and staff at The Looney Bin Bar & Grill. (The Looney Bin Bar & Grill)

By Britteny Dee

🍺 AJ’s Sports Bar — Hudson
Your classic neighborhood sports bar with cheap drinks, pool, darts, cornhole, and a patio for warmer days.

🔥 Auburn Pitts — Auburn
This tucked-away neighborhood spot feels more like someone’s backyard, complete with a fire pit, horseshoes, cornhole, and comfort food.

🏍️ Chop Shop Pub — Seabrook
Motorcycles, cold beer, and live rock. This biker-friendly dive goes all-in on the theme, right down to menu items like Road Rage and Fried Spokes.

🎤 Daniel Street Tavern — Portsmouth
Known as “D Street,” this downtown Portsmouth dive serves cheap drinks and karaoke six nights a week.

☘️ Kilkenny Pub — Keene
Locals call it “Killers.” This longtime Irish pub has cheap drinks, walls covered in memorabilia, and plenty of pool, darts, foosball, and ping pong.

🎱 McGarvey’s — Manchester
A no-frills neighborhood dive with cheap drinks, karaoke, game nights, pool leagues, and all the late-night comfort food you could want.

🎸 Stumble Inn Bar & Grill — Londonderry
Come for inexpensive drinks and weekend live music; stay for the big patio, bar food, and $2 domestic drafts.

🍗 The Looney Bin Bar & Grill — Laconia
Part biker bar, part neighborhood roadhouse, with $1 wings on Thursdays, a lively crowd, and a shot menu with about 60 choices.

The Trump administration is canceling Affordable Care Act coverage for more than 760,000 people, saying their enrollments were unauthorized or fraudulent. Federal officials say the move will save about $2.2 billion in taxpayer-funded subsidies.

So this week’s question is:

Should the government be able to cancel someone’s health insurance over suspected fraud before the case is individually reviewed?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“The government should NOT be able to cancel anyone’s health insurance over suspected fraud before an individual review. It is incomprehensible to me how this administration seems to be doing everything in its power to create an unwell society, from the damaging steps taken by the EPA to the slashing of subsidies on the Affordable Care Act, and so many other examples. Health care should be available to everyone without going into debt. A good way to save money would be to stop spending it on things like wars, ballrooms, and arches.” — Jane Duggan

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? New England trees.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with a story from Britteny Dee. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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