🐾 Did you hear about this story? A Pennsylvania family apparently got a surprise travel buddy on their road trip to New Hampshire—their cat, Ray Ray.

Two hours into the drive, they found him clinging to the roof of their car after braving highway winds and bumps. Ray Ray tagged along for the entire Granite State adventure, even crossing a marathon finish line and inspiring a children’s book, “The Cat Who Wouldn’t Stray.”

Read the full story from WMUR.

P.S. In case you missed it, I’m partnering up with Andy DeMeo, founder of Granite Goodness and New England Good News, to highlight uplifting stories and progress across the state every Thursday. Read up about DeMeo here.

Donated food. (Donna Spearman/Unsplash)

More than 75,000 people in New Hampshire are about to be impacted by the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP) benefits.

Because of the federal shutdown, the United States Department of Education says no new benefits will go out starting Nov. 1.

It’s a serious blow. More than 60% of New Hampshire’s SNAP recipients are families with kids, and nearly half include an older adult or someone with a disability.

The state’s scrambling to respond. The Executive Council just approved a plan on Wednesday to roll out extra mobile distributions and use $2 million in state funds to help cover the gap. 

But that’s only a temporary fix and won’t be enough to help everyone who needs it. The Food Bank says demand is already up 11% this year, and losing SNAP will push many families, seniors, and people with disabilities into crisis.

So if you can, now’s the time to help.

❤️ Donate food. Things like peanut butter, canned chicken or tuna, whole grains, and other pantry staples.

❤️ Donate money. Food banks can stretch every dollar further by purchasing at wholesale prices.

❤️ Volunteer. Even a few hours a month makes a big difference.

Reach 30,000+ Granite Staters who care about their communities! Sponsor Granite Post’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.

Click here to get started.

Politics in Washington can feel far away, but the impacts hit home here in New Hampshire—on jobs, health care, schools, and everyday costs. Decisions made in DC ripple through our local communities and shape how people here feel about the country’s direction.

So, this week’s question is…

Has your outlook on the future changed—for better or worse—since President Donald Trump returned to the White House?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“I am not a professional mental health worker, but IMHO Mr. Trump is a narcissist, and since he took over my view of the future is that it will get worse before it gets better.” — JoAnn Carlson

“I fear the worst. It’s tearing everyone apart and they’re acting like 5 year olds fighting over the last lollipop. Seriously! We’re supposed to be able to work together to make a bright future for our children and grandchildren. But everyone is name calling and blaming! If our politicians followed the law and acted with civility and decorum, it would be easier to deal with. Swear in those who need to be sworn in, open the government, and get back to damn work!” — Maggie Dufour 

The following briefs are presented in partnership with Granite Goodness. Subscribe today to Granite Goodness.

Community Power now reaches nearly half of New Hampshire residents
As of 2025, nearly half of New Hampshire’s population has access to Community Power programs, giving towns and cities more control over their electricity sources and pricing. Since the 2019 law enabled local energy aggregation, 46 communities—including Concord—have joined the initiative, helping residents access affordable and renewable energy options while shaping the future of the state’s energy landscape. – Concord Monitor

Successful cap & trade program eyes expansion

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)—of which New Hampshire is a member— is entering a new chapter of opportunity, as East Coast states explore ways to expand and strengthen this successful cap-and-invest program. With billions already reinvested in clean energy and emissions cut in half, RGGI stands as a proven model for state-led climate leadership. – NH Bulletin

Portsmouth moves to protect drinking water with $1.47M easement

Portsmouth will acquire a conservation easement on 44.6 acres near the Bellamy Reservoir, the city’s largest drinking water source, to prevent development and protect water quality from runoff contamination. Backed by state and federal grants totaling $1.48 million, the project could come at no cost to the city and has strong support from local leaders, clean water advocates, and the community. – Portsmouth Herald

Granite Goodness is going live on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Rex Theatre in Manchester with co-host Corinne Benfield from StayWorkPlay NH.

Joining will be Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, Steve Turner, and Shana Brunye from Bring Back the Trades!

Get tickets here.

What happens when no one stops a president—or a governor—from doing whatever they want? Jobs disappear. Programs vanish. People pay the price.

This week’s authoritarianism explainer breaks down the guardrails that protect US democracy: the separation of powers built into our Constitution. Think of them like the metal barriers on a mountain road—barely noticeable until you realize how much they’re protecting you.

Without a system of checks and balances in place, an unchecked leader or administration can strip away rights from their citizens one by one while ending programs that help everyday people access education, health care and any number of other resources they may take for granted.

Experts say those guardrails are under serious strain right now, as Congress keeps giving in to the current administration. Courts may be the last line of defense. And if those checks and balances fail, getting them back won’t be easy.

With this in mind, it’s important to consider, as the Founders once did: Would you rather be a citizen or a subject? 

What do you think?

💙 If you know of someone who deserves a shoutout for something cool they’re doing, email us at info@granitepostnews.com.

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

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