Did you hear kidney cancer rates are about 38% higher in Merrimack than in the rest of New Hampshire, according to new research from Dartmouth and state health officials. The findings are part of an ongoing investigation that began after residents raised concerns about rising cancer cases—some suspect a link to PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in local water. Researchers say more time is needed to pinpoint what’s driving the increase.

➡️Read the full story by Sam Cohen. 

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

🍎New Hampshire’s oldest farm is older than America itself

🗣️Readers sound off on the time change

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This week, we asked readers what they think of the time change.. Here’s what they told us…

“It takes my body some time to adjust to the changes. My view is; ” Pick one and stick with it!”. I personally would choose the original standard time and forget daylight saving altogether.”— JoAnn Carlson

“Adjusting to the hour change…year in and year out! “— Norma Valley

“No issue for me, but I believe that more daylight hours in the mornings makes it just that much safer for kids who are riding buses.” — John Anew

“Regulating new sleep pattern.” — Sandy Keans

“I live in a household with two dogs, and believe me dogs do not understand the twice-a-year time changes. For the first week or so they wonder what happened to their feeding, walking, sleeping schedules. I’m with them, it’s such a stupid thing for so little benefit. I would like to see the practice stop.” — Rebecca Larson

“There is no value to changing our clocks twice a year. Though none of my specific reasons are crisis inducing, they remain an irritant, to wit: 1). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real.  When it is dark before the end of the work day, it is depressing to know that nothing meaningful can be done outside after 4:30 p.m. 2)  Animals/pets don’t care about human clocks.  Their routines are tied to daylight, so when it becomes light at 6 a.m. and/or dark at 4:30 p.m., they expect to be fed or walked, regardless of the clock. 3). I am especially annoyed by driving home from work in the dark. It feels like the work day has been longer than 8-9 hours.” — Joe Vogelsang

“Worst is waking up at 6 when my alarm is set to 7. My body clock hasn’t reset yet.” — John Salonich

Read all the responses.

More to say? Reply to this email and let me know!

Health insurance prices are going up—a lot. 

If you buy coverage through Healthcare.gov here in New Hampshire, premiums are expected to rise about 30% next year.

To make it worse, the enhanced premium tax credits, which help people with incomes below 400% of the federal poverty line, are set to expire at the end of 2025. If Congress doesn’t extend them, some insurance costs could more than double.

So, this week’s question is..

How are health insurance price hikes affecting your budget, coverage, or peace of mind?

Grab your hat, basket, and pals, and get ready to go apple picking in New Hampshire this fall. (Hermes Rivera/Unsplash)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

Did you know New Hampshire is home to one of the oldest farms in the entire country?

Tendercrop Farm in Dover dates back to the 1630s, making it more than a century older than the United States, and the second-oldest continuously operated farm in the country.

According to the previous reports from Foster’s Daily Democrat, it was originally known as Tuttle Farm, founded by Englishman John Tuttle, who received land from King Charles II and began farming between 1632 and 1638. The farm flourished for generations, even rumored to have sold maple syrup to Abraham Lincoln, and stayed in the Tuttle family for 11 generations before being sold to Tendercrop Farm owner Matt Kozazcki in 2013.

Today, the farm still thrives with pick-your-own crops, fresh meats and produce, baked goods, flowers, and local gifts.

📍 Visit: 123 Dover Point Road, Dover
 Open daily, 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Tendercrop also operates locations in Wenham and Newbury, Massachusetts.

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

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