Welcome to June, Granite Staters! I spent the dreary weekend baking sourdough bagels.

Here are some quick hits for you this evening:

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

📸 This NH dog takes a ride on a paddleboard 

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

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

❓Dear Grace: Big news from Grace. This is her last newsletter

P.S. Consider this a good-use-of-your-inbox moment. Know someone who’d appreciate it? Send it their way.

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(Courtesy of Rich Collins)

Shoutout to Rick Collins of Thirst Productions, who shared this photo of his dog surfing on a paddleboard!

As he said, “This is my kelpie, Cassie, a senior at around 15, who goes on adventures.”

Related: 5 dog-friendly NH restaurants

I’m loving all these photos. If you have a picture we should feature in this newsletter, send it my way. It can be literally anything you want!

🦠 In Concord, federal health officials are putting new focus on Lyme disease …

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced new Lyme disease initiatives during a visit to New Hampshire, including up to $2 million in funding for research projects, public awareness campaigns and support for new treatment solutions. Kennedy also called for reauthorizing a federal tick-borne illness law and set a goal of reducing Lyme disease cases by 25% by 2035. New Hampshire Bulletin

💰 Meanwhile, New Hampshire is finally receiving federal disaster relief funding tied to storms, floods, and pandemic costs dating back years …

More than $1.4 million in federal reimbursements is headed to state and local governments for expenses related to flooding, infrastructure repairs, and COVID-19 response efforts stretching back to 2019. Local officials say reimbursement delays have forced communities to cover costs upfront, sometimes for years, while waiting for federal payments. New Hampshire Public Radio

🏫 And a major education proposal is still moving through the Legislature …

Republican lawmakers advanced an open enrollment bill that would make it easier for students to attend public schools outside their home district while taking state education funding with them. The measure survived after Republican leaders replaced Democratic negotiators who opposed the plan. New Hampshire Public Radio

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?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“Being 86 years old with the usual accompanying health issues, I stay at home now. However, the changes in travel conditions due to increased fuel costs, the general atmosphere of paranoia, and the confusion surrounding international travel regulations would prevent me from considering any type of travel at this time, even if I was able and could afford it.” — JoAnn Carlson

Hi there, friend. I have an announcement to share.

Staying anonymous behind my pen name all these years has helped me connect with you and hundreds of thousands of readers so deeply. But I’ve decided to challenge myself and show you who I really am.

This week, I am finally sharing my face, my story, and my life with you on social media, inspired by the bravery and vulnerability that I witness from you all each and every day. I am stepping out of my comfort zone to share my advice with you in new ways on new platforms and I could really use your encouragement and support as I get started!

Though I won’t be showing up in these newsletters anymore, I hope you’ll keep up with me and the rest of this community of readers either on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. Watch me step in front of the camera for the first time here and comment what you think—I could use your support!

I’m so excited to start this new chapter with you.

Your friend and neighborhood advice columnist,

Grace

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from WMUR and Galvanize Together. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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