“Mandatory open enrollment sets our communities against one another. It expands the already existing inequality among school districts and is likely to financially devastate our smaller, more vulnerable districts.” — state Rep. Muriel Hall, a Bow Democrat on open school enrollment via New Hampshire Bulletin. 

Here are a few things worth your attention:

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

📸 Send us a pic of NH!

📰 What we’re reading: News from around the state

🪨 Your guide to exploring NH’s natural caves

📢 Question of the week: Should NH ban data centers?

🗓 Top events for your calendar

(Courtesy of Rich Collins, Thirst Productions)

Shoutout to Rich Collins of Thirst Productions for sharing this gorgeous sunset over Lake Chocorua. You can see Mount Chocorua in the distance to the right. 

Got a photo to share? A sunset? Wildlife? Your pet? Send it my way and I’ll feature it in this newsletter. Send us a few to pick from!

🪙 On the business front, even small change is becoming a big issue …

A growing penny shortage—driven by the halt in production—is forcing New Hampshire businesses to adapt. Many are rounding transactions to the nearest nickel or encouraging card payments, while still navigating tax rules that require exact calculations before rounding. Union Leader

🔥 That’s not the only shift businesses and officials are navigating …

A recent electric vehicle fire in Bedford is highlighting the unique dangers of EV battery fires, which can reignite days later due to “thermal runaway.” Fire officials say these blazes burn hotter, require significantly more water, and are often best handled through containment rather than full extinguishment. Union Leader

📚 And in classrooms, a different kind of pressure is building …

New Hampshire teachers earned an average salary of $69,432 last year, ranking the state 25th nationally, according to new data from the National Education Association. But when adjusted for inflation, pay has effectively dropped about 7% since 2017—widening the gap between educators and other professions. Concord Monitor 

🌯 Finally, a few new names—and some familiar ones—are reshaping the local food scene …

Boston-based Anna’s Taqueria is planning its first New Hampshire location in Concord, while Jersey Mike’s is eyeing a new spot in Hooksett. Meanwhile, Playa Bowls is expanding in Hanover, and a few retail closures in Manchester signal continued turnover in busy commercial corridors. Union Leader

(Courtesy of Joshua Sortino/Unsplash)

By Stacy Milbouer 

🪨 Devil’s Den Cave
The largest and most dramatic of 30+ caves in Pawtuckaway State Park, formed by massive glacial boulders scattered along the North Mountain Loop Trail.

🪨 Raymond Cliff and Cave
An easy 0.9-mile hike leads to this cave made of huge fallen rock slabs. The opening is tall enough to stand in, and it stays notably cool—even in peak summer.

🪨 Boise Rock
A rocky overhang tied to an 1800s survival story, located in Franconia Notch State Park. 

Maine would have become the first state in the nation to ban new data centers, before the bill was vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills on April 24. Concerns have grown over their massive energy demands—especially those tied to AI. New Hampshire is already home to 15 data centers.

So this week’s question is:

Should New Hampshire ban data centers?

Here’s what you’re saying….

“They should be allowed if they provide their own electricity.” — Don Franklin 

(Google My Maps)

🗺 NEW: Click the map for all your event locations! Do you like this new feature? Hit reply and let me know.

1. 🌱 Manchester Vegan Chef Challenge
Manchester, May 1-31 
A month-long celebration of creative vegan dishes at restaurants across the city. Try exclusive dishes, rate your favorites, and explore plant-based cooking from local chefs.
More info

2. 🚜 New Hampshire Farm, Forest & Garden Expo
Deerfield, May 1-2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
A hands-on expo celebrating New Hampshire agriculture with live demos, livestock events, workshops, food vendors, and family activities.
More info

3. 🌼 Spring Programs at Forest Society North at The Rocks 
Bethlehem, May 1-30 (various times)
A series of nature-focused events including wildlife illustration, birding programs, and the popular Wildflower Festival.
More info

4. 🎤 Granite State Story Swap 
Center Sandwich, May 2, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
A day of storytelling featuring keynote speaker Kim Weitkamp, story circles, and community connection. Breakfast and lunch included.
More info

5. 🧚‍♀️ Build a Tiny Woodland House 
Wilmington, VT, May 2, 9–10:30 a.m.
A free, hands-on workshop to create fairy and gnome homes using natural materials for a community art installation.
More info

6. 🐱 Annual Seacoast Cat Club Show
Concord, May 2-3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

A fun, family-friendly event featuring various cat breeds, vendors, and a stuffed animal contest.
More info

7. 👻 Woodman Museum Paranormal Investigation Fundraiser
Dover, May 2, 7–10 p.m.
Explore historic buildings and participate in real paranormal investigations in this immersive evening experience.
More info

8. 🌸 MayFest at Kittery Community Market
Kittery, ME, May 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
A lively spring market with 40+ vendors, live music, scavenger hunts, and local food.
More info

9. 🎶 Bel Canto Spring Concert: Songs of Love, Loss and Longing
Lebanon, May 3, 4-5:30 p.m.
A spring concert featuring classical works celebrating love, performed by voices, piano, and string quartet.
More info

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Stacy Milbouer, Sam Cohen, KSAT, Patch, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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