Ever met a cat named Lily? Turns out, it’s the most popular cat name in New Hampshire! 🐾

Newsweek mapped out the top cat names in every state using data from TrustedHousesitters, a pet- and house-sitting platform. Across the country, Luna takes the crown—but here’s how the rest of New England stacks up:

🐱 New Hampshire — Lily
🐱 Maine — Oscar
🐱 Vermont — Bella
🐱 Connecticut — Charlie
🐱 Rhode Island — Charlie
🐱 Massachusetts — Luna

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

🐾 The sweet reason why New Hampshire has a new state marsupial

📅 Can’t-miss events for your calendar

Free as a winter snowstorm (but way easier to handle). Subscribe and share here.

A Chesterfield School fourth-grade student, Vivien Deal-Sosa, turned a garage encounter with a Virginia opossum into a project that made the animal New Hampshire’s official state marsupial.

Inspired by a class lesson on state symbols, Deal-Sosa researched the opossum, rallied her classmates and teacher, and started a petition that gained 100 signatures. With support from her mom and state Sen. Donovan Fenton, the students presented their case at the Statehouse in January 2025. Lawmakers passed the bill in July, and the Virginia opossum will become the official state marsupial on Sept. 30. 

Sam Cohen has the details.

New Hampshire Fish and Game handles nearly 200 search-and-rescue missions each year, costing around $310,000 annually. Unlike most states, New Hampshire can bill hikers for rescues, though that only happens in cases of negligence or reckless behavior—and only when approved by the attorney general.

Since 2015, the state has offered optional Hike Safe cards ($25) as a kind of insurance, but even cardholders can still be billed.

So, the question is:

Should hikers have to pay a rescue fee?

Here’s what you’re saying…

“This is a tough one. Part of me says they should pay, because it is a significant amount of money indirectly coming out of our pockets; and part of me says accidents do happen. But if they knew they had to pay, maybe they would be more careful and better prepared. And, if they have to be rescued, they are putting other people in potential harm as well. Maybe it should be based on what they are doing. If they are rock climbing, or skiing in a dangerous area, then yes, maybe they should pay. But if they are walking on a regular trail, and they twist an ankle, then maybe they shouldn’t have to pay. There are a lot of gray areas here. You want people to enjoy the outdoors, but they shouldn’t be doing dangerous things either.” — Richard Hutchins 

“The hike safe card is under priced compared to a hunting license which carries the same search and rescue benefits. And I think non-residents should pay more than residents just like non-residents pay more for a hunting or fishing license.” — Alan Rice

🎶 Exeter UFO Festival
Exeter, Aug. 30–31
This annual event celebrates New Hampshire’s famous UFO history with speakers, activities, and family fun along Swasey Parkway.
More info

🎆 Fireworks at Weirs Beach
Laconia, Aug. 31
Fireworks plus mini-golf, arcades, bumper cars, and more.
More info

🎸 Nick’s Other Band Farewell Tour
Henniker, Sept. 2
The Henniker Summer Concert Series adds an extra week and longtime favorite Nick’s Other Band will close the season.
More info

🍷 Vintage & Vine
Portsmouth, Sept. 4
Enjoy an evening of fine wine and food tastings at the historic Strawbery Banke Museum.
More info

🐄 Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair
New Boston, Sept. 5–7
A classic country fair with rides, food, livestock shows, and family entertainment.
More info

🦞 Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
Hampton, Sept. 5–7
New England’s largest seafood festival featuring fresh catches, local vendors, and live entertainment on Ocean Boulevard.
More info

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