The headlines are headlining. Here’s what you need to know this morning:

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

🗳️ Your midterm election cheat sheet: Your must-read voter guide

📸 Reader photo: Check out this historic covered bridge in Warner. Send us your photo! 

📰 What we’re reading, including: New Hampshire raises snowplow contractor pay amid ongoing driver shortage

👶 Baby names gaining popularity: The most popular baby names in every state

💬 Question of the week: Do you feel comfortable sharing your political opinions publicly? Why or why not? Share your take! 

🗓 Top events: See what’s happening around New Hampshire.

Your thoughts about voting could inspire someone else. Tell us what’s motivating you in a short, selfie-style video, and we may feature it in our newsletter or on social.*

(Sending us a quick video also enters you into a giveaway* for a chance to win $25!) Tell us why you’re voting →

(Courtesy of Judi Lover)

Judi Lover spent a few days exploring the Lake Sunapee area, taking a scenic tour of the lake, and visiting eight covered bridges along the way. One of her stops was the historic Dalton Bridge in Warner, built in 1853.

Fun fact: The Dalton Covered Bridge crosses the Warner River and is one of New Hampshire’s surviving 19th-century covered bridges. Built in 1853, the bridge is named for a nearby family and features a traditional timber truss design.

Share your photo: Have a photo of a favorite Granite State landmark? Send it our way for a chance to be featured in the newsletter!

Related: Discover New Hampshire’s covered bridges

🦅 Bald eagle dies after eating poisoned rodent in New Hampshire …

The incident raises concerns about secondary poisoning, which occurs when predators consume animals that have ingested toxic chemicals. WMUR

🏀 Nashua basketball player makes NBA debut with Detroit Pistons …

Nashua’s Ebuka Okorie has reached a major milestone in his basketball career, making his NBA debut with the Detroit Pistons. WMUR

❄️ New Hampshire raises snowplow contractor pay amid ongoing driver shortage …

The ongoing shortage has raised concerns about the state’s ability to maintain roads during the winter months. New Hampshire Bulletin

(Courtesy Christopher Bowen/Unsplash)

Olivia, Amelia, Charlotte, Sophia, and Emma are among the girls’ names topping the charts across the country. But New Hampshire is bucking the trend with a name that doesn’t even crack the national top 20.

👧 Harper is the No. 1 girls’ name in New Hampshire, despite ranking No. 22 nationally.

👦 Oliver takes the top spot for boys in New Hampshire. It’s also among the five most popular boys’ names nationwide.

The rankings come from BabyCenter, which analyzed names submitted by app users for babies born between July 2025 and December 2026.

With Election Day approaching, political conversations are everywhere, from social media to family gatherings. While some people openly share their views, others keep their opinions private to avoid arguments, judgment, or strained relationships.

So this week’s question is:

Do you feel comfortable sharing your political opinions publicly? Why or why not?

Here’s what you’re saying

“I hang around with people who are on the same page as myself politically. I feel comfortable venting with them. If I don’t know where someone stands, I keep my mouth shut.” — Judi E

🤠 603 Line Dance Halloween Party with Freddy & The Freeloaders
Newmarket, Oct. 30 
Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready for a Halloween country dance party at Rockingham Ballroom. Enjoy live music from Freddy & The Freeloaders, line dancing, partner dancing, and country swing. Costumes are encouraged, and the best Dolly Parton-inspired outfit wins $100 cash. 
More info

👻 Wicked Dance Party
Laconia, Oct. 30 
This Halloween bash features live DJ sets, themed cocktails, prizes, and a high-energy dance floor. Dress to impress in your best costume. Guests must be 18 or older to attend and 21 or older to purchase alcohol. 
More info

🏄 Halloween Hang Ten 2026
Rye, Oct. 31  
Head to Jenness Beach for a costume-themed beach cleanup and surf celebration. This family-friendly event features music, coffee, surfing, and plenty of spooky beach vibes. Adults and kids can compete in surf categories, with a stand-up paddleboard category and a best costume contest, too. 
More info

🎤 Shaskeen’s Annual Halloween Party
Manchester, Oct. 31  
Celebrate Halloween with a night of music, dancing, and costumes at Shaskeen Pub. The annual Halloween bash features a dance party with Shawn Caliber and DJ Myth, plus a costume contest with cash prizes.  
More info

🪩 Jimmy’s Monster Halloween Dance Party
Portsmouth, Oct. 31 
Get ready to dance the night away at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club’s Monster Halloween Dance Party. The venue is clearing space for a massive dance floor, with DJ Koko P spinning music and multiple bars serving drinks throughout the night. Costumes are strongly encouraged.
More info

🎃 Portsmouth Halloween Parade 
Portsmouth, Oct. 31
Get ready for one of the Seacoast’s biggest Halloween traditions! The annual Portsmouth Halloween Parade brings costumed characters, spooky floats, music, and plenty of creative costumes to the streets of downtown Portsmouth. 
More info

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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