“It is not a crime to touch the Reflecting Pool, to touch water in the United States of America.” — Norm Eisen, co-founder and executive chair of Democracy Defenders Fund, on a former US Olympian being charged with damaging a section of the pool, via States Newsroom.

AI seems to be everywhere these days—from healthcare and schools to our jobs and the apps we use every day. I’ll admit it: It makes me a little nervous. As someone who works in media, it feels like my profession is especially vulnerable. But at the same time, AI isn’t going away. It feels like one of those “adapt or get left behind” moments. What do you think? Is AI making life better, or are we moving too fast? Reply to this email to share your thoughts.

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

📸 Meet Winnie, our unofficial newsletter mascot

📰 What we’re reading, including: Summer predictions for New Hampshire tourism 

⛳ These public golf courses are the best you can play in New Hampshire

📢 Question of the week: AI is everywhere. How do you feel about it?

🗓 Top events for your calendar: See the map to find one near you.

(Courtesy of Katy Savage)

For those of you who haven’t met my cat Winnie yet, here she is, just hanging out outside.

If you have a picture of your pet or something else you want to share, send it my way, and we’ll feature it in this newsletter!

Related: This is New Hampshire’s most popular cat name

🏫 New Hampshire eases homeschooling rules after Ayotte signs new law …

Parents who homeschool can now choose whether to notify the state or their local school district, annual evaluations are no longer required, and families no longer have to keep educational records for two years. The law leaves in place homeschool students’ access to public school classes and extracurricular activities. New Hampshire Public Radio

🏖️ An uncertain summer lies ahead for New Hampshire tourism …

Tourism leaders say they’re cautiously optimistic despite concerns over fewer Canadian visitors, higher gas prices, inflation, and rising business costs. While bookings remain strong in some areas, businesses are leaning on special events, promotions, and regional travelers as they prepare for another busy season. New Hampshire Public Radio

🚓 Can legislative privilege protect lawmakers from traffic charges? A New Hampshire case is testing it …

State Rep. Ellen Read is arguing the New Hampshire Constitution shields lawmakers from arrest while traveling to and from legislative sessions after she was stopped driving 107 mph in 2024 and 92 mph in 2025. A judge rejected the argument in one case, and the state Supreme Court declined to hear her appeal. Boston Globe

(Courtney Cook/Unsplash)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect 

Golfweek has ranked the best public golf courses in each state, naming five must-visit courses for New Hampshire golfers to test their skills. 

Omni Mount Washington Resort (Mount Washington Course) — Bretton Woods
Golfweek’s top-ranked public course in New Hampshire, featuring a historic Donald Ross design, sweeping Presidential Range views, and a championship 18-hole layout.

Country Club of New Hampshire — Sutton
An 18-hole course at the base of Mount Kearsarge with rolling fairways, mountain scenery, and affordable weekday and weekend rates.

Owl’s Nest Resort — Thornton
Home to New Hampshire’s only Nicklaus Design course, offering White Mountain views, dramatic elevation changes, and a championship 18-hole layout.

Atkinson Resort & Country Club — Atkinson
An 18-hole public course with a driving range, practice facilities, and a golf academy, open seven days a week.

Breakfast Hill Golf Club — Greenland
A championship par-71 public course known for its towering pines, New England scenery, and flexible tee-time pricing.

What’s your favorite golf course? Reply to this email and let us know!

Related: See the best golf courses in each state

If you haven’t heard, the proposed AI data center in Nottingham is back on the table, despite widespread opposition.

Meanwhile, AI is making its way into healthcare. In Utah, patients can now refill certain prescriptions through an AI chatbot instead of visiting a doctor, a move that’s already sparking debate.

So this week’s question is…

AI is everywhere. How do you feel about it?

Here’s what you’re saying …

“I am opposed! They are so bad for energy and water consumption!” — Deirdre McEachern

(Google My Maps)

🧚 Fairy and Hobbit House Festival
Lee, July 17-19 
Explore whimsical fairy and hobbit houses, crafts, games, and family activities. Costumes encouraged. T 
More info

🦆 Loon Festival
Moultonborough, July 18
Family festival featuring live animals, balloon art, face painting, wildlife exhibits, and loon-themed activities. 
More info

🌼 Merrimack Garden Club Plant Sale
Merrimack, July 18 
Shop perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, and houseplants, plus raffles, demonstrations, and educational talks. 
More info

🐐 Petting Zoo Weekend
Moultonborough, July 18-19 
Meet and interact with farm animals from Foxx Run Farm during this free family event. 
More info

🎻 Sebago Long Lake Music Festival
Conway, July 19
Professional chamber musicians perform works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Glière. 
More info

⚽ World Cup Watch Party: Finals
Dover, Rochester and Epping, July 19 
Watch the FIFA World Cup final on the big screen with food, drinks, and fellow fans. 
More info

🌱 Garden Pest Control Workshop
Auburn, July 21 
Learn how to identify garden pests, protect beneficial insects, and use integrated pest management. 
More info

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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