“If we want to reclaim our power, we need to reject these corrupt organizations.” — US Senate candidate Karishma Manzur via New Hampshire Public Radio.

I don’t know about you, but I’m trying hard not to complain about the heat, because the sun feels so nice. ☀️

Here are some things to know this morning:

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

📸 Check out this adorable pic of Frankie the dog 

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

🇺🇸 8 affordable ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend in NH

📢 Question of the week: Is Ayotte doing enough to stand up to the Trump administration and advocate for NH?

🗓 Top events for your calendar

(Courtesy of Sharon Curole)

Shoutout to Sharon Curole for sharing this adorable photo of Frankie. He looks so innocent yet mischievous at the same time!

If you have a pic to share, send it my way! The more, the merrier. 

🧯With drought conditions lingering across New Hampshire, firefighters from 10 departments gathered in Stoddard this weekend for large-scale brush fire training exercises…

Crews practiced wildfire response tactics, drone operations, and emergency medical scenarios as officials warned that dry conditions are still increasing wildfire risks statewide. WMUR

🏥 Medicaid is becoming a major issue in New Hampshire’s governor race…

Democratic candidate Cinde Warmington and independent Jon Kiper are both taking aim at Gov. Kelly Ayotte over Medicaid changes passed in 2025, including new monthly premiums for some low-income residents and higher prescription copays. Warmington called the changes “devastating cuts.” New Hampshire Bulletin

🚻 Meanwhile, New Hampshire lawmakers have once again passed a so-called “bathroom bill” involving transgender rights…

The legislation would allow schools, gyms, prisons, and businesses to restrict access to bathrooms, locker rooms, sports teams, and other spaces based on sex assigned at birth instead of gender identity. The twist? Ayotte has already vetoed nearly identical versions of the bill twice—and former Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed it before her. Now lawmakers are sending it back to Ayotte yet again for another decision. New Hampshire Bulletin

Locals enjoying an outdoor festival. (David Dvořáček/Unsplash)

By Stacy Milbouer

🇺🇸 34th Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival
Jackson
May 24, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Free

In addition to the yellow duck race down the Wildcat River, there will be live music, food vendors, children’s games, and a live auction.

🇺🇸 Live Music on the Seashell Stage
Hampton
May 23 and 24, 7-9:30 p.m.
Admission: Free

Hampton Beach’s free concert series on the Seashell Stage kicks off on May 23 with a performance by the Kingston-based polka band, Eastern Sound. The following night, The Continentals, a classic rock band, will perform at the same time on the same stage.

🇺🇸 36th Annual Chowderfest
Waterville Valley
May 24, 12-2 p.m.
Admission: $7.50; $5 for 12 and under

Watch and taste as local restaurants battle it out to see who makes the best local chowder at the 36th Annual Chowderfest in Waterville Valley. While you’re sipping, you can hear live music at play and enjoy lawn games at the Town Square Gazebo, all without paying admission.

Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte withdrew her endorsement of President Donald Trump in 2016 before later backing him again in 2024, saying he was the right choice.

Ayotte has since mostly stayed silent when it comes to Trump’s tariffs, rising gas prices, the Iran war, and a number of other issues.

So this week’s question is:

Is Ayotte doing enough to stand up to the Trump administration and advocate for NH?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“Gov. Ayotte would stand up for Trump before she would stand up for NH and its citizens. She has already proven that in her signing off on legislation that hurts our institutions. I hope she doesn’t get reelected when her term is up for governor. We need people who put politics aside after they are elected and do what is right for the citizens of NH.” — Deborah Manning

(Google My Maps)

🗺 NEW: Click the map for all your event locations! Do you like this new feature? Hit reply and let me know.

1. 🎨 North Conway Memorial Day Weekend Craft Fair
North Conway, May 23-24
A holiday weekend fair featuring handmade crafts, artisan vendors, food, and family-friendly shopping.

2. 🖌️ Meredith Memorial Day Weekend Craft Festival
Meredith, May 23-25
More than 70 juried artisans showcase handmade goods, art, jewelry, and specialty products.

3. 🛍️ 34th Annual Church Charity Yard Sale
New London, May 23 
One of New Hampshire’s largest church yard sales featuring furniture, collectibles, clothing, tools, electronics, baked goods, and more, with proceeds supporting regional charities.

4. 🌱 Plant Sale
Canterbury, May 23 
Shop organic seedlings, veggie starters, flowers, and organic soil while exploring the farm, visiting barnyard animals, and browsing the farm store.

5. 🎨 VT Open Studio and Summer Exhibit
Windham, VT, May 23-24 
Tour local artist studios and browse a summer exhibit featuring work from regional artists and artisans during Vermont’s Open Studio Weekend.

6. 🎨 34th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Craft Festival
Meredith, May 23-25 
Browse handmade art, crafts, jewelry, specialty foods, and more from over 100 juried artisans at this popular Lakes Region holiday weekend festival.

7. 🐟 World Fish Migration Day
Hinsdale, May 23 
Celebrate migratory fish and healthy rivers with educational demos, art activities, films, local food, and family-friendly conservation programming along the Ashuelot River.

8. 🍪 Sweet Springtime Stroll
Concord, May 23 
Stroll downtown Concord collecting cookies, macarons, peanut butter cups, and other sweet treats from local baker pop-ups and participating shops.

9. 🥧 Apple Pie Festival
Etna, May 23 
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with homemade apple pie samples, community baking, and a festive afternoon at the Etna Library gazebo.

10. 🎶 Sandy River Music Festival
Farmington, ME, May 23 
A scenic outdoor music festival featuring 11 artists, camping, food vendors, and live performances throughout the day.

11. 🌱 Manchester Vegan Chef Challenge
Manchester, daily through May 31
Restaurants across Manchester are serving special vegan menu items all month long as part of this community-wide plant-based food challenge.

12. 🍺 Hampton Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival
Hampton, May 30
Food trucks, local craft beer, live entertainment, and outdoor festival vibes to kick off summer.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from WMUR, the ACLU, and a feature from Stacy Milbouer. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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