“I do not support expanding the cultivation of marijuana in our state. For this reason, I have vetoed SB 468.” — Gov. Kelly Ayotte in a statement after she vetoed a bipartisan effort to make medicinal marijuana more affordable, via New Hampshire Bulletin.

Roe v. Wade was overturned on this day four years ago, ending the constitutional right to abortion. 

Since then, 13 states have banned abortion.

New Hampshire has a 24-week gestational limit. State law here also requires that a parent or guardian be notified at least 48 hours before an abortion is provided to someone under 18.

Take a look at this map to see how abortion laws vary across the country.

Here’s some other news to know this morning:

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

📸 Horses at sunset

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

💼 Surprising companies that got their start in NH

📢 Question of the week:
What piece of history do you think deserves more attention as America turns 250?

🗓 Top events for your calendar

 (Courtesy of Katy Savage)

I’m taking this opportunity to share one of my own photos. I took it a few years ago, and it’s still one of my favorites.

Now, I’d love to see yours. Have a photo that captures life here? Share it with us, and your image could be featured in a future newsletter.

Related: 5 animal sanctuaries in New Hampshire (and the cute critters you’ll see at each one)

☀️ Addressing health concerns affecting Granite Staters …

Hotter summers are changing how people enjoy the outdoors in New Hampshire. New research from the University of New Hampshire found rising temperatures are prompting people to rethink when and where they spend time outside. Experts recommend planning activities during cooler parts of the day, seeking shade, and taking advantage of lakes, rivers, and beaches as summer heat intensifies. New Hampshire Public Radio

🗑️ Meanwhile, a long-running environmental fight in the North Country may have taken a new turn …

Casella has withdrawn a key permit application tied to its controversial Dalton landfill proposal. The waste company pulled its wetlands permit application for the proposed landfill near Forest Lake, a project that has faced years of opposition from residents and state leaders. Casella says the move is procedural and that it still plans to pursue the project. New Hampshire Bulletin

🎓 And in education news …

Lawmakers are questioning how New Hampshire’s school voucher program tracks student progress. The nonprofit that runs the state’s Education Freedom Account program told lawmakers it does not track academic growth for students with disabilities or publicly report overall student performance. Some legislators say that raises accountability concerns for a program that now serves nearly 10,600 students and receives public funding. New Hampshire Bulletin

We’re running our Supporter Drive through June 30, and we need your help to keep reporting the local stories that matter most to New Hampshire.

Donate today to support the Granite Post.

Any amount helps us continue delivering trusted, community-focused journalism.

We have 7 days to go, and we’re halfway to our $2,500 goal.

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(Courtesy Siora Photography, Unsplash)

By Katy Savage

💼 Timberland’s
Stratham
Known for its iconic yellow boots, Timberland traces its roots to the Abington Shoe Company, which moved its operations to New Hampshire in 1969. The company developed an innovative waterproof boot designed for New England’s harsh winters, launching the Timberland brand in 1973. The boots became so popular that the entire company was renamed The Timberland Company in 1978. Today, Timberland’s global headquarters remains in Stratham.

💼 Stonyfield Yogurt
Londondery
Stonyfield began in 1983 as a nonprofit organic farming school on a small New Hampshire farm. Co-founders Samuel Kaymen and Gary Hirshberg started making yogurt from the milk of seven Jersey cows to help support the school and promote sustainable agriculture. What began as a local operation grew into one of the nation’s leading organic yogurt brands.

💼 Pete and Gerry’s Eggs
Walpole
Pete and Gerry’s began as a small family farm in Walpole. The business was founded by Carol and Gerry Conner, who named the company after their sons, Pete and Gerry. Long before organic eggs became mainstream, the family focused on free-range and organic farming practices. The company has since grown into one of the largest organic egg brands in the United States while maintaining its roots in New Hampshire.

💼 Velcro
Manchester
Tip: Velcro should always be capitalized when you spell it because it’s actually a brand! The company behind the famous hook-and-loop fastener established operations in Manchester in the 1950s and has maintained a major presence in New Hampshire ever since. Velcro products are used worldwide in everything from clothing and footwear to aerospace and medical applications. While the fastening technology was originally invented in Switzerland by George de Mestral, Manchester became the home of the company’s North American headquarters and manufacturing operations, helping turn “Velcro” into one of the most recognizable brand names in the world.

America’s 250th anniversary is coming up, and many of the stories we learn about the nation’s founding leave out important perspectives. Indigenous communities were living here long before 1776. Enslaved people, women, immigrants, and everyday residents all played roles in shaping New Hampshire’s history, yet many of their stories receive far less attention than those of famous founders and military leaders.

So this week’s question is:

What piece of history do you think deserves more attention as America turns 250?

(Google My Maps)

🍺 NH Beer Trail Festival
Conway, June 27 
Nearly 40 breweries will pour more than 100 craft beers alongside live music, food trucks, vendors, and artist demonstrations. Tickets range from $50-$65.
More info

🚂 Potter Place Festival
Andover, June 27
This year’s festival celebrates America’s 250th birthday with museum tours, Revolutionary War exhibits, artisans, a farmers market, live music, pony rides, and community activities. Free admission.
More info

🌊 New England Sea Glass & Craft Festival
Durham, June 27-28
Browse sea glass art, coastal décor, jewelry, pottery, specialty foods, and handmade goods from more than 100 exhibitors. Admission is $7; children 14 and under are free.
More info

💎 60th Annual Rock Swap & Mineral Show
Gilsum, June 27-28
More than 65 dealers and collectors will showcase minerals, fossils, gemstones, jewelry, and meteorites. Family activities include mineral panning, educational programs, food, and live demonstrations. Free admission.
More info

🎭 1776 the Musical in Concert
Laconia, June 27 
A concert performance of the Tony Award-winning musical “1776,” presented with the Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. $25 admission.
More info

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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