“Recent state budgets have reduced or eliminated key revenue sources, forcing towns and counties to raise property taxes to maintain education, health care, county nursing homes, public safety and infrastructure.” — Mary Beth Raven via Union Leader

If your bird feeder is still out, you’re probably running a free buffet.

Wildlife officials say to bring feeders in by April 1—but the bears didn’t get that memo.

I learned this the hard way when one showed up at mine a couple of weeks ago and stole some suet. There wasn’t any damage, thankfully, but it’s safe to say they’re back, and they’re hungry.

There are about 6,000 black bears in New Hampshire, and they’re waking up earlier every year as spring warms up. And when they do, they’re not looking for a scenic hike; they’re looking for snacks.

There are two big reasons for their hibernation pattern change: Climate change and us accidentally catering their meals.

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

📸 Send us a pic of New Hampshire

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

🏀 Rising stars: New Hampshire’s top 2026 basketball recruits

📢 Question of the week: Are you concerned about the economy?

🗓 Top events for your calendar

(Courtesy of Lise Lemieux)

Shoutout to Lise Lemieux for sharing this adorable shot of Haggis rocking a full-on snow beard!

Have a pet to share? A stunning view of the Granite State? A recent event you attended? We want to see it!

💸 New protections could be coming for crypto scam victims. New Hampshire lawmakers are advancing a bill that would require cryptocurrency ATM operators to refund victims if fraud is reported within 14 days. The move comes after Granite Staters lost an estimated $22 million to these scams in 2024, many targeting older residents. New Hampshire Public Radio

🚌 Meanwhile, a bus carrying about 60 middle school students from Lexington, Massachusetts, caught fire on I-93 in Woodstock, New Hampshire, Friday night. The driver pulled over as smoke filled the bus, and everyone evacuated before flames took over the rear of the vehicle. One adult was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, but no students were injured. CBS Boston

🎓 Back on campus … Keene State College is planning a major reorganization to address declining enrollment and a growing budget deficit. The school may restructure into three divisions and expand partnerships with businesses to give students more hands-on, career-ready experience. Enrollment has dropped sharply over the past decade, and officials say cuts alone won’t solve the problem. Keene Sentinel

🎮 And in downtown Keene … a new spot called “Artcade” is being called a potential game-changer. The space blends classic arcade games with local art, creating a community hub aimed at drawing more foot traffic and energy into the area. Early buzz suggests it could help revitalize downtown by giving people a new reason to stick around and explore. Keene Sentinel

(TJ Dragotta/Unsplash)

By Stacker

Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated Class of 2026 basketball recruits from New Hampshire using data from 247Sports. Athletes are ranked by their 247Sports Composite ranking.

Highest-rated New Hampshire recruits:

🏀 #2 James Sanderson (point guard)
National rank: No. 350 (2 stars)
Position rank: No. 61
College: Louisiana Tech
High school: New Hampton School (New Hampton, NH)

🏀 # 1 Darien Moore (combo guard)
National rank: No. 166 (3 stars)
Position rank: No. 21
College: Seton Hall
High school: Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, NH)

Democrats are gaining ground in New Hampshire ahead of the 2026 midterms, with a new Saint Anselm poll showing a widening lead. Concerns over the economy and foreign policy appear to be driving the shift.

So this week’s question is:

Are you concerned about the economy?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“Yes, I am concerned. This winter I was whalloped by propane and electric costs. It’s an awful feeling to not be able to heat your own home sufficiently. Food costs are noticeably higher at my local market and now I have to recalculate if it is more efficient to drive the extra 30 miles to a larger, less expensive market due to rising cost of gas. On a fixed income, the challenges are real.” — Jill Houser

“The economy is driving more people to food banks, seniors eating less meals per day. Brings to mind the phrase ‘everything Trump touches is destroyed.’” — Kay Campbell

🐸 Amphibian Adventures
Laconia, April 3
Explore frogs, salamanders, and other amphibians in their natural habitats. Students search logs, leaf litter, and small water sources while learning about amphibian life. $15 per child. No charge for accompanying adults.
More info

🎡 Lowell Spring Carnival
Lowell, Massachusetts, March 26–April 5
Carnival with rides, games, and food. Discounted unlimited ride promotions are available. Partial proceeds benefit the Holy Ghost Society.
More info

🤸 The Peking Acrobats
Keene, April 3
Experience gravity-defying feats, gymnastics, juggling, contortion, and precision trick-cycling. The show blends tradition and modern entertainment. Tickets $30–50.
More info

🐣 Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt
Meredith, April 4
Open to all Meredith residents and surrounding communities. Activities include photos with the Easter Bunny, climbing wall, arts and crafts, spin art, jumpy house, golden ticket prizes, and refreshments. Egg hunt by age group: Ages 1–2: 10:10–10:20 AM, Ages 3–4: 10:20–10:30 AM, Ages 5–6: 10:40–10:50 AM, Ages 7–9: 10:50–11:00 AM. Registration opens at 9:30 AM. Bring an Easter basket.
More info

🎸 A Farewell to Kings (AF2K) – Rush Tribute
Portsmouth, April 4
Tribute to the iconic Canadian band Rush featuring Zack James (vocals), Aaron Leone (guitar), Adam Cyran (bass/keys), and Johnny Vines (drums/percussion). AF2K faithfully recreates hits and deep cuts for Rush fans of all ages.
More info

🏛️ Echoes of Revolution Guided Tour
Portsmouth, April 4, 11, 12, 18, 19
Visit three historic homes to explore the American Revolution’s impact on daily life: Pitt Tavern (1777), Rider-Wood House (1826), and Goodwin Mansion (1870). Members $15; non-members $20.
More info

🌼 Project Pollinator Workshop
North Hampton, April 4
Learn about local pollinators and how to plant a backyard garden with native plants. Each attendee receives a packet of native wildflower seeds.
More info

🎨 Spring Craft Fair
Nashua, April 4
Over 30 local crafters and vendors featuring handmade goods. The Easter Bunny will make appearances.
More info

📚 Exeter Literary Festival
Exeter, April 4
Authors, poets, panels on writing history and environmental topics, and teen poetry readings. Keynote authors: Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein and Catherine Newman.
More info

🥚 Egg-Citing Egg Hunt
Candia, April 4–5
Ages 2–12 search for eggs in Grandpa’s Barn. Activities include meeting the Easter Bunny, horse-drawn or tractor rides, a coloring contest, spring baby animals, photo opportunities, and a gift barn.
More info

🍁 Maple Candy Making
Laconia, April 4
Learn to turn fresh maple syrup into two styles of maple candy. Taste test maple sap and different syrup grades. $30 Non-Members; $15 Members.
More info

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Stacker, Boston Globe, and VTDigger. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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